Author's Note: A yaoi warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (lime) And this chapter is gonna be a bit longer than the others... but I hope it will be worth it *sweatdrops*
Mending the Shatters Part 4
IV. Summer Lovin'
"Vice Foreign Minister Darian responded by saying thar the project will NOT be handed off, and should be transferred to the proper organizations . . . And to the weather report- temperatures will continue rising, and there will not be a decrease in temperatures up until..."
Heero looked up as he heard the restaurant's door open and narrowed his eyes to shield them from the bright high-noon sun that poured into the small café. As he saw whom it was entering, he sighed, shook his head, and returned his attention to the shiny counter he was cleaning.
It was their summer vacation, marking the end of six months since the war ended, and five since he had began to live. Now having two months off before he'll enter his senior year, Heero had A LOT of free time on his hands. And so, so he won't loose his mind from boredom, Annie helped him get a job in the café she was working in, by the beach. Of course, he was qualified to do MUCH more than just this simple job, but he didn't mind serving. It was rather easy, didn't take a lot of thinking and it allowed him to feel... ordinary. Just like any other teen working during the summer. And, on the bright side of things, by the end of the summer he'll have enough money to buy that shiny new laptop he saw a few months ago, but never dared to ask for it from Odin. And he owed it all the great FAT tips he got from the local girls... go figure.
"Hey Heero." A voice greeted him as the person who had just entered came to sit by the bar. "Get me a beer, will ya?"
Heero rolled his eyes, throwing his cloth aside. "Tiff, you are still TOO young to drink..." He snarled, serving her a cool coke.
"Oh, fuck you, dickhead!"
"You wish."
Tiff sent him a grin, taking a sip of her drink. Over the last two months, since they have first met, they became friends. Good friends. Not as much as he and Annie were close, but still, they found each other's company rather... fun. They were a lot alike, in some ways, and shared a lot of views. And also, a lot of secrets. He didn't know why, but he shared a lot about himself with Tiff. She wasn't so vulnerable like Annie, and he felt that she could handle it. Being a so-called bad girl herself, made it, from some odd reason, easier for him to speak with her. He sometimes thought it weird that his two best friends were female, but shrugged it off as unimportant. He had made a few other loose connections with guys his age, but they were just that- loose. His people skills were still not so great, but he didn't mind it. He was learning, one step at a time, and at least for now, he had Tiff and Annie. Heero smirked, still wiping the counter. Tiff was more of a guy than most of the boys in his class anyway. AND she was, heehee... family.
"So, how's everything?" Tiff finally asked.
Heero shrugged. "Fine." He answered, still cleaning. "How's life after high-school?"
"Shit."
Heero chuckled. "Figures."
"And it's so damn hot!" Tiff complained, taking her black leather jacket off. "It's like a sauna out there! I thought about hitting the beach, but there was not enough meat to look at..."
Heero shook his head. "Ecchi..."
"I heard that."
Oh yeah, one more annoying fact about Tiff- she actually knew what he was saying when he muttered words in Japanese. Courtesy of Ai, of course.
Again the door to the café opened and Tifa turned around to look at the new comer. The place was rather empty, and so she watched the lonesome figure as he walked past the main section, and onto a nice and far away window seat, overlooking the beach. Tiff smiled, taking another sip of her bottle of coke. "Hm hmmm... check out the talent..." She said slyly, turning back to the 'pretending-to-be-busy' Heero. She licked her bottom lip seductively, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Fresh meat..."
"Quit it!" Heero hissed, gesturing her to shut up. She was still so caught up on the idea that he was gay. He never said that he was! But then again, he never said that he wasn't...
"Too bad he wasn't on the beach." She continued teasing. "Man, I would love to see THAT body frying out in the sun ANY day..."
"Tiff..." Heero warned, not amused at all.
Tifa just grinned and went on. "I mean- look at him! He's gorgeous! And look at that hair! Yum yum give ME some..."
"Yamette!" Heero growled. "He might hear you!"
"HEY THERE HANDSOME!" Tifa called towards the young man, waving her bottle at him. "Mind if I buy you a drink?"
Heero rolled his eyes. "You sure that's not a beer I gave you?"
Again she grinned. "Oh, I'm sorry! Did you want him for yourself?" She asked innocently.
"Hm! Baka ne. Back off."
Tifa shrugged, pushing off the chair. "Fine, just trying to do you a favor..." She muttered, walking towards the table the young man had went to.
"Hey!" Heero called after her. "Where do you think YOU'RE going?!"
* * *
"Ne, Heero, you owe cousin Tiffy a favor..."
Heero looked up from the counter, where he was now cleaning glasses (pretending not to try and eavesdrop on a certain conversation- with little luck, mind you). "Oh? What for?" He asked casually.
"He said that he's not in for girls... Plus, he's a traveler from out of town... needs to be showin' around..." She smirked.
"You didn't!"
The smirk grew wider.
"Tiff! For the thousand time- I! Am! Not! Gay!"
"Fine." She let out, sitting down. "If you say so, your loss."
"And besides," Heero went on before he could stop himself. "I didn't even get one good look at him." Realizing what he had just said, he jerked his head up, gaping into the face of a grinning Tifa. He growled, looking away. "Not a word!"
"Hey- Yuy! Service at five!" Someone called from the back and Heero sighed, putting the glasses down.
"Be good." He growled at Tifa as he went to take the order.
"You too!" She called back, saluting.
Heero rolled his eyes, muttering a few curses as he walked towards table five; the same table the young man had went to sit at. "Hn! Tifa no baka... thinks she's so great... knows everything... why if I had a gun I woul--"
Heero stopped dead in his tracks and gasped.
The notepad he was holding fell to the floor, the pen in tow.
Heero blinked, then forced himself to breathe.
His eyes looked at the figure, sitting with her back facing him. He looked at the man, up and down, beginning with the two legs that were swinging from side to side, to the tight jeans shorts... up to the bright red tank top... and then to a long, LONG cascade of hair...
Oh God... oh God... Oh God!!!!!
With shaking feet, he took the last few steps towards the table. "Uh... D-D-Duo?!"
* * *
Large violet eyes widened at the sound of Heero's voice and the young man quickly turned around, mouth dropping open. "Hee--- Heero?!!!"
The Japanese boy merely managed to nod.
The amethyst eyes widened again, and the young man jumped up from his seat, arms quickly wrapping themselves around the stunned boy. "HEERO!" Duo called in pure joy, nearly smothering the boy with his hug. "Man- what are you doing here?!!"
It was a moment or two before Heero was able to speak again. He pulled away from the tight embrace. "Me?! What are YOU doing here, Duo?!" He called, still completely shocked.
"I'm looking for you, you moron!" Duo announced with pride, throwing his arm up and giving Heero a large pat on the back. "You like totally DISAPPEARED! I wanted ta know what yer up to!"
Heero couldn't think of a time when he was more speechless than right now.
"You... you came looking for... me?" He stammered, wanting to make sure he had heard right.
"Yep!" The braided teen confirmed with a wide grin. "And boy, was I surprised that you weren't so hard to find! Man, you're IN THE BOOK!"
Heero allowed himself a little smile. "Yeah, I suppose I am."
The two friends hurried to sit down at the table, across from each other, forgetting all about table orders and such.
"Why were you looking for me?" Heero asked after a while of awkward silence.
"Well..." Duo began, fidgeting. Heero found it odd that he refused to look him in the eye. "Well, um... lets just say I wanted to make sure that... um... that you'll keep up on your word to me."
"My word?" Heero narrowed his eyes, studying Duo carefully.
"Hm hmm." Duo nodded his head, finally turning to look up at Heero. "Remember? You promised you'd come with me."
Oh. That. That... that was a LONG time ago. It seemed like an eternity.
"So, um," Heero began nervously, hands fidgeting under the table. "How are things on L2?"
Duo pouted, unhappy with the change of subject. He shrugged. "They're okay. Business's doing fine... a little boring sometimes, you know me..." He sent him half a smile. "I was waiting for you to contact me or something."
"You were, huh?" Heero let out, looking away. "Well, um, I said I-"
"I know." Duo cut in. "You need time, and I understand that, really, I do, but, um..." He looked around the café, frowning a little as that weird red headed girl who had approached him earlier, waved and grinned at him. He turned back to Heero. "I missed you."
Heero sighed heavily, dropping his gaze down.
Duo did the same, eyes suddenly sad.
They sat there in silence for a long LONG while, until Duo finally took a deep breath, and jerked his grinning head up. "So! What have you been doing in this town?" He asked cheerfully.
"Huh?" Heero looked up, confused.
"I mean, it looks like you're really settled in here, buddy! What have you been up to?"
Heero knew better than to believe that this conversation is over. Duo was just trying to beat around the bush, avoiding the subject. And for now, Heero let him.
"Well, um, nothing much. I'm, I'm graduating in a year, and..."
"Man! You went back to school? That is SO like you, Heero. I could NEVER do such a thing..."
Heero gave him a weak smile. "Yeah, I know. You were always complaining about school..." He remembered with a smile. "And you wouldn't shut up about it!"
Duo chuckled, blushing a little. They fell silent again for another few awkward moments, until Duo's hand went flying behind his head and he chuckled nervously. "So, school, eh? I thought you already know all this shit..."
Heero pouted. "I don't know EVERYTHING." He defended himself. "And besides, kids our age are supposed to be in school, ne?" He shrugged. "And you're right, it wasn't my idea, Odin wanted me to do it."
Duo's eyes widened painfully. "Oh that guy. Is he still around?"
Heero nodded, wondering why Duo looked so hurt all of a sudden.
And yet again, silence fell between them.
Heero cursed silently. Why was it so hard to speak with Duo? They used to be so close! During the war, they were partners! No, more than that. They were best friends... and sometimes, even more. But now... now they couldn't handle one simple conversation! They both just sat there for minutes on end, refusing to meet each other's eyes.
"Hey, Yuy! Service at eleven!" A voice called from somewhere back.
Duo looked up from his fidgeting hands as Heero got up. "Heero," He called, reaching for his hand.
Heero tensed, surprised, as Duo caught his wrist. He looked down into the boy's eyes.
Duo smiled weakly. "Meet me later?"
Heero took his time in just looking down at Duo's face... that beautiful face... and then nodded. "My shift ends at four. Meet me here?"
Duo nodded, feeling Heero trying to pull out of his grip. Sadly, he let go.
"Bye..." He mumbled, watching Heero disappear into the kitchen.
* * *
"Heero! Heeeeeerooooooo!!!!" Tiff called over and over, trying to get the boy's attention.
"No use." Annie sighed. "Brain-dead."
Both girls giggled and went to sit by the bar, in front of their sulking friend. For the last three hours, the boy had been acting really strange. Well, stranger than usual. He was so quiet and unmoving! Well, more than usual. All he did was to stand there behind the bar, wiping the same damn spot with a ragged cloth, one elbow resting on the counter, his head leaning on it, his gaze and mind set far FAR away.
"Heeeeeeero-chan!" Tifa tried one more time, waving her hand in front of his eyes. "Rise n' shine!"
"Hm?" Heero suddenly jerked his head up and looked at her, puzzled. "Oh, hi." He finally let out, after recognizing the two.
"Yeah. Hi." Tifa snarled, rolling her eyes. She put an arm around Annabel's shoulder, pulling her closer to the bar. "Look. Who. I. Brought!" She spoke to his as if he was a five-year old. "It. Is. Your. Friend. Anna. Bel. Do. You. Remember. Annabel? She. Is. Here. To. Take. Over. Your. Shift."
Heero and Annie rolled their eyes. "Fine, baka. I get it." He threw the cloth aside and rounded the bar, coming to stand by them. He didn't even realize his shift was over nearly fifteen minutes ago. He was so distracted, thinking what he'll have to do afterwards...
"I think something is up with Hee-chan. Don't you?" Tifa let out thoughtfully.
Annie nodded. "Definitely." She turned to Heero. "C'mon, buster- spill!"
"Nothing is wrong!"
The two girl folded their arms across their chests, looking at him with an 'Oh-Please!' glare.
Heero sighed, shaking his head. "Just forget it."
"Fine!" Tiff called, grabbing Heero's hand. "C'mon, then- we'll hit the beach!" She continued cheerfully, pulling him along with her as she walked to the door.
"Um, well, actually... I sort of have, um... something planned." Heero stammered, trying to resist her dragging.
"Oh?" Both girls called, arching an eyebrow. Then they smirked. "Is there something mister lover-boy Yuy would like to share?"
"Um... no. Not really."
"Bad choice of words around us mister!" Annie joked.
Tifa grinned. "I knew it! I'm a matchmaker from heaven!"
Heero pouted. "Not exactly, Tiff... I didn't say that--"
"Heero?"
All three turned around to face the young man who was now standing by the door, wearing black jeans, a dark blue tee shirt and a long, luxurious braid.
The teen shifted uncomfortably in his spot. "You ready?"
Heero just wanted to bury himself somewhere and die. He nodded, then turned his blushing face back to the two smirking girls.
"Wow." Was all Annie could say, her eyes still looking up at the handsome young man at the door.
Tifa elbowed her, still grinning. "Almost as gorgeous as our Heero, ne?"
"Quit it you two!" He growled, blushing furiously. He hurried to take off the small black apron, which was part of the uniforms, and threw it in Tiff's face. He then whirled around and stalked towards Duo. "Lets go!" He barked, marching on.
"Don't worry Hee-chan! We won't wait up for you!" Tifa called after the two, still grinning. She turned back to Annie, and sighed dreamily. "Oh... our Heero is all grown up now..." She let out like a proud parent.
Both girls burst out laughing.
* * *
"Interesting friends, you have." Duo commented as they exited the café and made their way down the promenade by the beach.
"Don't mind them." Heero muttered, shoving two hands into his pockets. "I'll take care of them later..."
Duo chuckled. "That's my Heero!" He called happily, throwing his arm over his friend's shoulder.
Heero flinched under his touch.
Duo pulled away, pouting.
"Sorry." Heero hurried to apologize. "It's just so..."
"I know. Don't worry about it." Duo cut in. "I'm the one who should be sorry." He sighed, looking up at the shoreline. The sea was now sparkling with the afternoon sun, the sand was golden and bright, and people all around were making the most of the what was left of daylight.
"Duo-"
"Heero-"
They both called in the same time, halting and facing each other.
Both boys blushed a little, looking away.
A cloud of silence settled over them again.
Duo sighed, picking his gaze up from the floor, and up to Heero. He frowned sadly as he saw that the other boy was still staring down at his shoes. He took the moment to check Heero out, so to speak. His appearance changed little in the last few months. He had gained a little more height, had trimmed his messy hair a little, but other than that he seemed pretty the same. Pretty the same. Duo chuckled to himself. Heero was still the dead gorgeous guy he ever was. But when once he had called his beauty 'Cold-Beauty', now he had a different name for it. It was Angelic-Beauty. Heero's once stone-made features, were not so cold and expressionless. His eyes, usually dark, stern and mysterious depths, now radiated warmth, and he had even caught a hint of laughter. Heero had changed. There was no doubt about it. He had found what he had left to seek- he had found his humanity.
And Duo was afraid to take it away.
After all, that's what he had come here to do; ask Heero to come back with him.
But he couldn't possibly ask that of him now, not that he saw that Heero had found life. That he was happy.
And that means, Duo was sad. No. No! He was happy for Heero! But... but he was sad for them. Because, because there would be no more 'Them'.
It appears he had come all this way, just to say goodbye.
"Heero," He began softly, reaching up to take Heero's hand in his.
Heero slowly turned his head up, looking into Duo's soft violet eyes, his own eyes also reflecting the emotional turmoil that went inside of him.
Duo smiled weakly, squeezing Heero's hand slightly. "I think... I think I was rushing things, as usual. Man, I just came here to see if you're okay. That's all."
"Honto?" Heero whispered, unsure. "Honto ni?" He didn't think so. The sadness in Duo's eyes told him otherwise.
Duo didn't respond, for if he will, he will turn that half-truth into a lie. Unacceptable.
Heero sighed, pulling away from Duo. The two began to walk down the walkway one again.
They walked down the shoreline, silent for a long while, when suddenly a few voices called:
"Yo! Heero-man! Over here!"
Both boys looked up to see another boy run their way, wearing only his bathing suit. He waved towards them, then came to a stop in front of the two, panting a little.
"Hello Kevin." Heero let out, a little annoyed by being interrupted right now.
The boy grinned, eyeing Duo. "Hi man, who's yer friend?"
Duo looked up at Heero, waiting to be introduced, also eyeing that Kevin guy suspiciously.
Heero groaned inwardly. This isn't a good time for this! Duo and he needed to talk!
"Kev, this is Duo. Duo, Kevin. We're classmates."
"Hello Kevin. Nice to meet ya!" Duo called cheerfully, shaking the guy's hand. But Heero saw past that cheerful act. Duo didn't like the guy. He saw it in his eyes. Why do you always get like that, Duo? Why? He thought sadly, looking away.
"Hey man," Kevin continued, looking up at Heero, still smiling. "Me and the guys are catching some waves, wanna join?"
"I don't know how to surf." Heero hurried to say, trying to get out of what he saw coming- an awfully embarrassing situation. If these guys would even suspect why Duo was here...
"Eh, c'mon man! Don't be so stiff! I know you went surfing with Annie last week!"
Duo tried to ignore that comment, and just grinned at the dude. "Man, he is ALWAYS like this!" He complained with a laugh. "Can't get him to do ANYTHING fun!"
Kevin turned to look down at Duo, who was a little shorter than the tall and muscular surfer. He raised an eyebrow. "I've never seen you before." He said suspiciously.
"Well, I'm from out of-"
"He was also a Gundam pilot." Heero suddenly burst. "That's how we met. He was a pilot."
"Oh!" Kevin called, as if relieved or something. "Cool. You came to visit?"
Duo smiled politely. "Yep, just coming down here to recap some old war stories..." He looked sadly at Heero. "Bring back some sweet memories..."
Heero looked away, refusing to meet Duo's eyes.
But Kevin missed all that. "Awesome man! Why won't you guys come and sit with us? We'll love to hear about it! Heero never tells us ANYTHING!"
I'm surprised that he even told you he was a Gundam pilot, Kevy-boy...
"No, Kev, there's really no need to... We have to, um..." Heero began, looking around for a way out of this.
"Oh forget it! It will be fun!"
And before Heero could do any further protest, Kevin called the rest of the guys, and suddenly both he and Duo were dragged away into some bar.
* * *
They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with Kevin's bunch. After a few drinks, Heero began to forget about his worries and loosened up. Duo seemed to be kind of enjoying himself too. He laughed with the other guys, didn't mind their questions and jokes, and as daylight vanished, they all seemed like old time friends. It made Heero feel a little more secured about having Duo around. At first, he was afraid of what people might think of him, if they knew... But now, he realized, they don't have to know. And that's not all that he had realized. He also realized that he had missed Duo. Tremendously. Now that he was around again, laughing, joking and acting darn right silly, he wondered how he had managed nearly six months without him.
During his time here, he had thought about Duo. A lot at first, and then it lessened. He missed him, maybe even more than he had missed the other pilots, but he was still confused about the whole thing. His relationship with Duo was never defined. They were merely partners at first, and the partnership soon grew to a friendship, based on trust and respect. That friendship soon turned deep and very meaningful to Heero. Duo had taught him about the values of friendship. He was the only friend he had EVER had. His only REAL friend. Well, before he came here. He didn't know if he would have pulled through that war if it weren't for Duo showing him that it was worth it.
And then, after the Eve Wars, things began to change between them. During that time, between the destruction of Libra and the rise of Marimeia, Heero and Duo lived together. And Heero began to feel that things were changing between them. At first, he had dismissed it as his confused mind interoperating human feelings and reactions in a wrong way, but then, as time moved on, he noticed that Duo was looking at him differently. He was acting a little different next to him. He began to invade his personal space. He began to touch him more, at any chance he got, even if it was passing each other down the hallway.
And then, one day, Duo came and told him that he was gay.
Just like that, totally out of the blue.
And it frightened Heero. It frightened him so much that he had closed off, again. He realized why Duo was acting so strange. And it scared the living hell out of him. So he began to distance himself from Duo. During the battle with Mariemeia's soldiers, they barely spoke or touched or anything. Duo had gotten the message and stayed away. And for some odd reason, that hurt Heero. He wanted Duo close, but he wasn't sure in what way, or why, really.
That's when he had told Duo that he needed time, to figure things out. To try and find himself again, and find the answers for his feelings. Duo and he said their goodbyes, but not before Duo had made Heero promise to come back to him.
Now, it appeared, Duo had run out of patience. He wanted him, and he wanted him NOW. And again, Heero was afraid. Afraid to leave what he had here, on Earth. Afraid to jeopardize all that he had accomplished with himself. He was afraid of stepping out of the routine again, to explore something new and foreign to his still confused and fragile mind.
Heero was afraid of Duo.
"Hey Heero, don't look so troubled!" Kevin called, shoving another beer into his hand. "He isn't THAT bad!"
Heero's head jerked up, and he gaped at Kevin. "Wha-what do you mean?"
"I think he got a great voice, don't you?"
"A... voice?" Heero blinked, confused.
Kevin chuckled, putting an arm around Heero's shoulder, turning him around. "Boy is HE drunk..." He smirked, looking up at the front of the bar.
Heero looked up as well, following Kevin's gaze to where a small stage was, and where a karaoke machine was... and where Duo was- singing along!
Heero rolled his eyes and groaned. "Duo no baka..." He better get him out of there before he'll embarrass himself even more! Then, on the other hand, he did have a nice voice...
"We who just bumped shoulders
and brushed past each other,
Each in our own way ---
We'll search for tomorrow
We'll meet again sometime in the dreams you're searching for
As you face into the wind and I see your back becoming small in the distance... Good luck and Goodbye...
Everybody, nice! Everybody, nice!
Only meeting and parting --- again and again...
Everybody, chance! Everybody, chance!
Until you find the answers... carry on...
Although not that hard enough to hurt,
He's biting his lips hard...
He's staring off into the distance
And won't show his heart...
I know it's up to me to fulfill my own dreams...
So, to that smile of yours that lives again in my heart... Good luck and Goodbye...
Everybody, nice! Everybody, nice!
Believe in the shining of tomorrow
Everybody, chance! Everybody, chance!
Grab on to my hand and carry on..."
Heero swallowed, feeling as if he knew whom the words were directed to. Wanting nothing but to get his mind off of it, he turned back to face the bar, and emptied another drink.
* * *
"Ohhh... I think I drank too much..." Heero slurred as he stumbled step after step into an unknown place, only vaguely familiar with the fact that he was helped and supported by someone.
"Ch, Hee-chan, I NEVER saw you drink like that..." Duo giggled, only partly drunk himself. He was just a little tipsy, which was NOTHING compared to Heero. "C'mon, buddy, one more step..."
"The floor is moving..." Heero giggled, then closed his eyes, concentrating on walking. "Mummm... feels like flying..."
Duo rolled his eye, groaning. "Okay, it's finale- I'm NEVER letting you near a drink again!"
"Hn. Tifa no baka... I can handle it..."
Again Duo rolled his eyes. "Right."
He helped Heero up the stairs and into his small hotel room, by the beach. He didn't know where Heero lived (well, not exactly, but...) and so he had decided it was best to bring him here. Heero was so drunk, he had to part drag, part carry him from the bar and into the room. Finally inside, Duo dragged Heero over to the bed, pried his arm from over his shoulders and helped him sit down.
Heero giggled again, for some unknown reason.
"So you find this funny, do you?" Duo snarled as he slumped down on the other side of the bed, turning on the small light by the bed and kicking his shoes off.
Again the Japanese boy chuckled. "You're funny..." He slurred again, rubbing his eyes tiredly, mumbling something incoherent as he yawned.
Duo shook his head and sighed. Heero had sure changed. But it was a good change. He looked up at him, seeing him making faces as he couldn't take off his shoes properly. He smirked. Definitely a good change...
He sat up, looking over at Heero. He was still wearing his waiter uniform- black trousers and a buttoned white shirt, and was currently busy trying to get his wristwatch off, after giving up on the shoes.
Sighing again, Duo inched closer to the boy, and took his hand in his. "C'mon, buddy, let me help ya..." He muttered, concentrating on getting the watch off.
Heero looked down at him, a silly grin on his face. "I think it's glues on!" He chuckled.
Duo rolled his eyes. "Right." He placed the watch on the nightstand and then turned back to Heero. He looked into his eyes, and smiled warmly. Heero was so beautiful when he smiled. He had never seen him smile much. Not like this anyway. And today, he got to see it more than once, and not to mention hearing him laugh. He had such a beautiful laughter. It was hard to imagine that a person like the Heero he used to know was capable of making such a beautiful sound.
Duo just continued sitting there, close to Heero, holding his hand in his, his eyes never leaving his face. He looked so gorgeous, his cheeks flushed from the effect of the alcohol, his skin golden under the warm and dim light... his lips, soft pink, slightly parted as he breathed...
Duo's hand slowly reached up and caressed Heero's blushed and tender cheek.
Heero giggled silently, looking at Duo's hand with amusement.
He gasped a little as that hand slowly began to pet his cheek.
And then, a second hand, carefully and gently touching his lips. His eyes widened and he looked at Duo, confused.
"I missed you, Heero." Duo rasped silently, still caressing his face. "I missed you so much..."
"Me too." Heero breathed, still highly aware of Duo's fingers on his lips. As he talked, one finger slipped and fell into his mouth. Heero quickly pulled away, tensing.
The finger retreated.
Silence fell.
After a while, Heero dared a glance up at Duo. He was sitting a bit further now, hands on his lap, eyes on the floor. Heero moved a little closer, reaching one hand towards the braided boy and he took his hand in his.
Duo turned to look at him, shocked.
Heero smiled kindly at him, bringing up another hand and brushing a few messy chestnut hairs aside from Duo's face.
Duo smiled at him, eyes sparkling with joy. "Heero..." He breathed as he pushed himself closer to the other boy, hands clutching Heero's own hands. "I missed you so much..." He let out again, face coming closer to Heero's.
Both boys drew closer as Heero also leaned towards Duo.
And their lips touched, ever so slightly.
Heero's eyes widened, but then he felt Duo press his lips against his, tighter and closer this time. He closed his eyes, and welcomed the kiss. His first REAL kiss. He smiled to himself, both arms coming up and embracing Duo as he deepened their kiss. He closed his eyes as Duo took it as a sign to go further, leaning against Heero, his hot and wet tongue asking for permission to enter.
Grinning inwardly, Heero let him in, opening his mouth. He groaned as he felt Duo's tongue explore his mouth, licking, sucking and tasting everything. On instinct, his own tongue joined the dance.
Duo moaned in pure ecstasy, leaning closer to Heero, over him, both arms at each side of his body. Now he had Heero lying underneath him, moaning from the depth of his throat, as their kiss got more passionate and demanding.
Both boys were now breathing hard, and Duo's hands worked their way up Heero's shirt, unbuttoning the first few buttons as they broke the kiss for air.
Heero panted, face completely flushed as he looked up at Duo, unbuttoning his shirt. He drew in a sharp breath when he felt Duo's mouth licking his bare chest, and his cool fingers tracing all over his hot skin. His breaths grew shorter as Duo continued his ministrations, moving fast and with clear passion in his eyes.
Heero looked up into those lust filled violet orbs, and smiled up at Duo. Duo smiled back, then leaned back down for another kiss.
"You taste so good, Heero..." He breathed between kissing, his hands roaming all over Heero's torso. "I've waited for so long..."
All Heero could do was moan, twitch and squirm under Duo's body, feeling so hot under Duo's touch. He groaned as Duo's body brushed against his growing arousal, and gasped, eyes wide, as he realized Duo was hard himself.
"Duo..." He rasped, moving his head aside, avoiding another kiss.
Duo used the opportunity to explore Heero's slender neck with his tongue.
"Duo..." Heero tried again, thrusting his head into the pillow as he felt Duo's mouth nibble at the juncture of his neck and shoulder. It felt so good...
Duo smirked, moving his hands down Heero's torso as he continued sucking and licking Heero's neck.
"Duo!" Heero called all of a sudden, feeling Duo's hands move down... and down... and down...
Duo groaned in need, rubbing his groin against Heero's body, his fingers trying so desperately hard to sneak under Heero's pants, into his shorts.
"Duo!" Heero cried again as he felt his hand unzip his pants and sneak into his boxers. He quickly reached a hand down and pulled Duo's hand out of there.
Duo tried again, more forcefully this time.
"No!" Heero shouted, jerking Duo's hand out of his pants.
Duo flinched, then quickly jumped off Heero, looking down at him in puzzlement. "What's wrong?" He asked, eyes fearful. "I thought you were enjoying this..." He mumbled. His hand suddenly went up, covering his mouth. "I'm sorry Heero! I was rushing things again, wasn't I?"
"Aa." Heero nodded, pushing himself up so he was sitting next to Duo. He zipped his pants up.
"I'm sorry." Duo mumbled again, sounding as if he was about to cry.
"Don't worry about it." Heero muttered, buttoning up his shirt.
Duo shook his head forcefully. "No! I was pushing you too hard, I knew I shouldn't... I'm sorry."
Silence fell upon them once more. Both boys kept sitting on the bed, away from each other, hands on their lap, eyes on the floor.
They sat like that for a few minutes, until Heero got up.
"I better go now." He muttered, heading to the door.
Duo only sighed and looked away. There was nothing more he could say.
* * *
He walked down the boulevard by the beach, hands shoved deep into his pockets, a frown on his tired features. All the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants were now closed, for it was nearly three A.M. He didn't feel like walking all the way up the mountain and to his house, on the other side of town. Since most of the town was set up the mountain, it would mean a long climb and he didn't have the strength left in him to walk. He felt physically and emotionally drained. What had just happened between them? He had kissed Duo! Duo and he made up in his hotel room! Why?!
Maybe he was a little TOO drunk... No. That wasn't it. He was attracted to Duo. He knew it. But he wasn't ready to accept it. After all the effort of trying to be normal, the last thing he needed was to find out that he was gay. To have everybody see him as the town's faggot. No siree! He could live very well without it! If Odin knew... he would freak! It was probably hard enough to face the fact that his Kid had become a killer, but to find out that he was queer, that's just as worse! He wanted Odin to be proud of him, to be able to say- 'he's my Kid' without shame. Besides, he remembered how the blond had reacted when the possibility of him being gay came up. He remembered all too well the shock and even fear on his face. And he didn't want that past statement to be true. At least not to anyone but himself.
He cannot have Duo! He just can't! It was a choice between his life here and Duo's love. And he wasn't about to let go of what he had here.
But...
But...
Duo...
Heero sighed, turning his gaze up from the floor as he stopped walking. He frowned as he saw where he was. Unconsciously, his legs carried him to the edge of town, still close to the beach, two streets away from Tifa's house.
He looked back over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes, trying to spot the small motel. He sighed again, turning back to face the sea. He closed his eyes, inhaling the salty smell of the ocean.
"Oh Duo..."
Slowly, he continued walking.
* * *
In a few minutes, he was outside Tiff's house. The lights were all out, including the one in the attic. They were all asleep. Not wanting to intrude, Heero silently crept into the back yard and soon found a long ladder, leading up to the large window in the attic. Shaking his head in disapproval, he climbed up, using what Tifa naughtily called 'The Brave Boyfriend Route'. He didn't have to guess what it was used for. All he knew was that her parents will freak if they knew about it.
He jumped into a small wooden balcony, which he had helped Tiff build not long ago (on a hot summer day, mind you!), and peeked into the room. It was too dark, he could barely see with the light provided by the moon. Maybe it was a bad idea... But he had no other place to go.
Hoping not to piss her off or anything, Heero softly knocked on the window.
It took her a while, but eventually she stumbled over to the window, rubbing her eyes tiredly. She was about to open her mouth and curse whoever was disturbing her sleep, but when she saw Heero's downcast face peering through the window, she just stood there, gaping at him. She hurried to open the window.
"Hee-chan, what are you doing here?!" She whispered harshly. She scowled a little as he staggered in, tripping over his own feet, losing balance and nearly falling on the floor. "Are you drunk?!" She asked sternly, hands on hips.
"A little..." He admitted, trying to stabilize himself.
"Gee... just what I wanted for Christmas, a drunken Heero..." She muttered, helping him over to her large bed. "Santa's really getting lazy. He sent you instead?"
Heero sent her half a glare, but then sadly let his gaze down to the floor and let Tiff walk him over to her double bed.
"What happened?" She asked once they were sitting on the bed.
Heero sighed, but didn't answer. He just kept staring down at his hands, lying on his lap.
"Heero?" Tifa asked, worried.
"I don't know." He finally sighed, voice barely above a whisper.
She was very surprised as he suddenly leaned towards her, resting his head on her shoulder. Very carefully, she put one arm around his shoulders, rocking him softly from side to side.
"Was it that guy I saw at the café?"
Still resting on her, Heero nodded.
"Did he do something to you?"
Heero shook his head slightly. He took a deep breath when he felt that all of his misery was threatening to turn into tears. "I thought that... that I missed him." He finally mumbled into her neck.
"Do you know him?" Tifa asked, surprised.
Again Heero nodded. "He was also a pilot."
"Oh." She reached up another hand, softly stroking his hair. She felt him Tremble a little, and realized his skin was so cold. He had probably walked all the way, and even in summer, it got chilly by seashore. "C'mon Heero, you must be exhausted." She whispered softly, helping him lie down on his back.
Heero sighed deeply, closing his eyes as he felt her cover him with her thick and soft blanket, which was still warm from her own body heat. He looked up into her eyes as she too lay down beside him, lying on her side, looking at him with concerned eyes.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" She asked silently.
Heero just closed his eyes, turning over to lie on his side, his back facing her. He remained silent.
"Heero," She tried again after a while.
"He kissed me."
Tifa's mouth dropped open. He's really...
"I kissed him back." Heero continued, still not facing her, face half buried into the pillow.
Masaka...
"Did you like it?" She asked carefully. She saw him nod his head, ever so slightly. She paused to think for a minute. "Are you attracted to him?"
This time, it took him a bit longer to answer. "I'm... I'm not sure... I think I am..."
Tifa sighed sadly, putting her hand on his shoulder. He tensed a little, but then relaxed. "Were you always attracted to him?"
Again it took him a while to think. "No."
"Why now?"
Heero sighed, shifting a little. "I dunno. I'm... I'm confused. I... I really don't know."
"Do you care for him?"
"He was my best friend."
"Is he still?"
Again he sighed. "I hope so. I think I hurt him too much." He took a deep breath, slowly releasing it as he closed his eyes. "He was rushing things too fast. Just when I was about to figure out one thing about us, he would move on to the next. It was always so hard for me to keep up with him."
"Did he rush things tonight?"
"Yes."
Tifa fell silent. She looked sadly up at Heero, who was now lying still and silent. She could swear she heard him whimper, and then sniff. She pushed herself closer to him, and slowly, carefully, wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his back. He flinched at first, startled, but soon sank into her embrace, welcoming the comforting human contact.
Heero took in another deep breath. "It was so weird, at first. We started on pretty roughly." He chuckled bitterly. "Actually, he shot me. Twice."
Tifa remained silent and uncondemnable as Heero quietly recapped his time with Duo during the war. She always kept silent when he talked about his life during the war. She had little to say that wouldn't sound judgmental, indifferent or just plane lame. All Heero really needed was someone to listen, just as she did.
By what he told her, she could gather that by the end of the war, they were practically soul mates. They shared everything in life. She admired Duo for being able to draw Heero more or less out of his shell. God knows that this process was not yet complete, but Duo was the one who had handled the first and most difficult steps. She could tell by the way Heero spoke of him that the braided boy meant a lot to him. She could also sense his confusion and distress about how to go on from this point on.
When Heero was done, sounding half asleep and depressed, Tifa drew closer to him, took a deep breath and asked: "Do you love him?"
Heero took a moment to think about it. It was a while before he answered.
"I thik that... I mean... as a friend..." He paused, shaking his head. "I would give my life for him."
"Do you find him attractive?"
Heero hid a small smile. "Physically and spiritually."
"Did you find yourself attracted to other boys in the past?"
Heero frowned, thinking. "No."
Tifa sighed mentally. "And you kissed Relena Peacecraft. Did you like that, more than Duo?"
Heero sighed and then took a deep breath. "That was different. I think I did it for her, more than for myself. She seemed like she needed it at the time, so she could move on with her life." He paused for a moment, thinking it over. "No. That's not true. I did it for myself as well."
"Why?"
He shrugged. "I wanted to know how it felt like, how it will make me feel, if at all." He shook his head slightly, sighing. "But we're just friends."
"And Duo?" She pressed on, gently. "How did he make you feel?"
Heero blushed, ducking his head under the covers. "Hot."
Tifa smiled, reaching a hand to pat him gently on the shoulder. "There's no shame in it, Heero."
"I don't want anyone to know." He turned his head to face her, eyes desperately pleading her. "Please, don't tell Odin or anyone!"
She nodded. "I promise."
Heero nodded thankfully, turning back to face the wall.
"What about Annie?"
Heero sighed, shaking his head. "She still thinks it's a joke... She doesn't need to know... no one does." Again he sighed miserably, burying his face in both his hands. He let out another choked whimper. "Why is this happening to me? Why now? I tried so hard to be normal! I don't want to be gay!"
"There's no shame in it." She repeated softly, pressing closer to his body. "Heero, you are not the only one who feels this way."
"Yeah, but I'm already a freak! I don't want this! I want Duo to go away! To stop making me feel this way!" He cried, tears filling his eyes, but he refused to let them pour out.
Tifa sighed in compassion and leaned her head in the crook between his neck and shoulder, one arm going up to stroke his untamed dark hair. Heero sighed pleasantly, relaxing even more into her enfold, closing his eyes tiredly. Tifa smiled slightly as she saw his positive response, and continued to gently pet his hair, soothing him to sleep. Soon all that was heard in the room were Heero's calm and even breaths as he slept, still embraced by his friend.
* * *
"No, I'm sorry, I haven't heard a thing." Ai spoke into the phone, just as Tifa stumbled her way into the kitchen, wearing her sleeping boxers and a nearly see-through tank top. She waved her daughter hello, still listening to what was being said. "Hm hmm. Maybe Tiff knows." She interrupted, looking up at her teenage daughter, now making coffee. "Yes, I'll let you know. Don't worry, Din. I'm sure he's fine." She paused, listening. "Yes. Hm hmm." A smile crept to her lips. "Now now Din, take it easy." The smile grew bigger. "I just bet you will, Din. Right." She rolled her eyes, shaking her head with a sigh as Tifa turned to look at her questionably. "Yeah, I'll tell Bob. No problem. Take it easy, okay?" She laughed lightly. "You too, Din. Bye!"
"What's that all about?" Tifa asked dryly, walking to the fridge and sticking her head in it.
"Ha! You look like uncle Din!" A little annoying voice called through the kitchen.
"Humph! Shut up, Kenny!" Tiff growled, addressing the eight-year-old sitting by the kitchen table, eating his breakfast.
"Mom!"
"Tifa, be nice to your brother." The mother hurried to recite.
"Whatever..." The girl muttered, rolling her eyes. She slammed the fridge, whirling to face her mother. "Don't we have any chocolate cake left?"
Kenny smirked, his face covered with mushy cake leftovers.
"Figures!" She grunted and turned back to make the coffee.
"Hey, Tiffy, did you hear from Heero lately?" Ai suddenly asked, from where she was making breakfast. "Din says he didn't come home last night."
Tifa was about to answer that question, when Heero walked sleepily into the kitchen.
"Oh." Was all that Ai managed to say, gaping at Heero, shirt unbuttoned, hair messy from sleep, face haggard from the lack of it. "Hello Heero."
Heero sent her half an embarrassed smile, gesturing his hello, blushing a bit.
"Hey Hee-chan!" Kenny called happily, waving with his spoon.
"Hi, um, Kenji." Heero let out quickly, and hesitantly took a seat by the table.
Ai just kept gaping at him, then up at her daughter... then back at him. Masaka... Tifa...
"Hey, Hee-chan, the game is on this Tuesday. You still gonna come, right?" Little Kenji continued chatting casually, digging into his cake.
"I promised, didn't I?" Heero replied with a small smile. Boy was his head pounding!
"Here, have this." Tifa smirked at him, sliding a large coffee mug towards him. One that REEKED of caffeine. "Careful though, He-man, it's strong enough to kill an elephant."
Heero made a face, but took the coffee anyway.
"Um, Heero..." Ai began, still sounding and looking shocked. "Odin was looking for you." She placed a plate of breakfast in front of the two teens. "He was worried when you didn't come home last night..." She added, eyeing the smirking Tifa.
"When isn't he worried?" Tiff asked, rolling her eyes.
Heero glared at her. "It's all right if he worries. And," He then turned to face Ai. "He has nothing to worry about. I just..."
"Went out with his cousin!" Tifa gladly took over. "He had to walk me home, right? And since it was late, I wasn't about to let him walk all the way up there at night... Nothing wrong about that, ne?"
"Oh." Ai let out thoughtfully. "Didn't hear you come in, that's all..." She mumbled, walking back to the stove.
"That's because Hee-chan is a Gundam pilot!" Kenji gladly explained, grinning. "Right He-man?"
Heero smiled kindly at him, nodding his head. Yeah, right... a queer one...
* * *
Heero slowly walked into the house, rubbing his pulsing temples. He felt as if his brain was going to explode. There was only one thing he wanted to do right now- and it was to crawl into his bed and sleep for at least twenty-four hours!
It was strange, how his sleeping habits had changed. Once he could operate just fine after only three or four hours of sleep. Now, now it was six, at least. He preferred eight much better. And since he had come here, he never slept better. He finally allowed himself to relax completely, not worrying about getting up for a mission, getting caught or running for his life. He felt safe here, and therefore his sleep was calmer and prolonged. It was heaven!
Stalking up the stairs and down the hall towards his bedroom, Heero stopped by the study, Odin's home office.
"Hey." He greeted quietly, after spotting the man out on the balcony, drinking coffee.
Odin turned and flashed him a smile. "Hi Heero, long time no see!"
"Missed me, eh?" He teased, walking towards him.
The man shrugged. "Eh, a little, I guess..." He smiled. "Where have you been?"
"Out." Heero let out, with no intention to elaborate his answer. He leaned against the banister, watching the far away ocean, sparkling under the late Saturday morning sun.
Odin leaned against the railing too, folding his arms across his chest. "Had a good time?"
Again he shrugged.
"Cuz ya look like shit."
Heero turned to glare at him.
Odin chuckled, shaking his head. He waited a while before speaking again.
"Someone was looking for you."
Heero's eyes widened. "Who?"
The blond shrugged. "I dunno, some boy. Looked kind of familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it." He turned to look at Heero. "He had this really long hair." He shrugged. "Anyway, he came to return something to you. He also left you a message." He dug a hand into his pocket, pulling something out. He handed it to Heero.
It was his wristwatch.
"Thanks..." Heero whispered, putting the watch on.
Odin just kept looking at him suspiciously. "He said that he's leaving soon, if you want to see him."
Heero remained silent, refusing to meet Odin's eyes.
"He didn't say where, though."
"It's okay." Heero mumbled, looking up towards the shoreline.
"He also seemed pretty gloomy." Odin continued carefully, studying Heero's gloomy face. "Is there something you want to tell me, Heero?"
"No." The teen let out, turned, and walked away.
Odin frowned, looking up at his retreating form. Something was up, he could tell.
* * *
Although exhausted, Heero's sleep was troubled. All the while images of large, pained and tearful amethyst eyes haunted his dreams. He tossed and turned in his bed, trying to escape the hurtful look, the eyes that bore holes into his soul asking: 'why?'.
Because I can't... Heero answered over and over, trying to explain.
But the eyes kept on looking accusingly, reminding him of his promise.
This is my home. This is where I need to be...But the eyes wouldn't let go, still recapping his promise.
I'm sorry... I love you! I love you! But I can't! Can't!!"I'm sorry..." He breathed into his pillow, trashing about in his bed. "I'm sorry, Duo... sorry..."
All the while, pair of thoughtful and concerned crystal eyes were watching him sadly.
"I'm sorry Duo... suki da... suki da, Duo... gomen..."
* * *
It was dinnertime by the time Heero woke up. He took a long warm shower and then headed downstairs, hungry as hell. There was no exchange of words between he and Odin as they sat around to eat, and Heero found it a bit odd. Usually, they would talk during dinner. Well, Odin did most of the talking, but sometimes they would have a nice and long dialogue. He wondered what was wrong.
Half way through his supper, he found out.
"Are you going to meet up with him again?"
Heero looked up from his meal, a little startled. He hurried to look back down, and decided to play it dumb. "With who?"
"He'll be leaving soon. Don't you want to see him before he leaves?"
Heero sighed, beginning to pick on his food with his fork.
"I remembered why he looked so familiar. I remembered reading his file too. He was pilot zero two, right?"
Heero pushed a side a few peas, not looking up at the blond.
"You did a lot of missions together."
"We're friends." Heero hurried to explain, before Odin got any other ideas into his head.
"Then why won't you go see him?"
Heero sighed, throwing his fork aside. "I'm not hungry." He let out, lifting his plate. He went over to the sink, emptying it.
Odin followed him with his gaze, frowning a little. "Were you close?"
Heero began doing the dishes, not looking back at Odin. He scrubbed his plate really hard, then moved on to the next.
Odin sighed, turning back to face his plate. "He seems like an all right fella." He continued casually.
Heero began to scrub harder, nearly breaking the plate.
"He looks like a fun guy. Did you have a good time last night?"
Heero nearly threw the plate into the sink and then snatched up another one, rubbing it furiously.
Odin sighed, throwing his fork aside, whirling around to face Heero. "Why won't you talk?"
"There's nothing to say." Heero droned, picking up a glass.
"You were talking in your sleep."
The glass fell to the floor, shattering.
Odin eyed Heero carefully, seeing his back tense, fist clenched.
"Heero," He began softly, getting up. He walked towards the teen, placing a hand on his shoulder. The teen didn't flinch as usual, but ground his teeth instead. "Why can't you talk to me about it? What happened?"
"Nothing." Heero spoke harshly, jerking away from his touch. "I have to go."
Odin watched the teen as he quickly walked to the door and out of the house. He sighed heavily, looking down at the shattered glass.
"Dammit, Kid, you always do this to yourself." He sighed, looking up in the door's direction. But can I really blame you? I've been such a jerk about it, wasn't I?
* * *
He ran all the way down to the beach, trying to shake all of his ill feelings away. It did little good. By the time he arrived to the walkway by the beach, it was crowded and full of tourists and such, walking between the stores and cafes. Heero cut his way through the sea of bodies, aiming for the hotel he remembered from last night. When he had finally located Duo's room, he found it empty. There was no answer when he knocked. Maybe Duo had already left? No! He mustn't! They had to talk...
Checking at the registration desk, Heero found out that it was indeed true. Duo was gone.
With no other choice, Heero began to slowly walk down the boardwalk, hands in his pockets, eyes on the floor, gloomy thoughts in his head. He had screwed up, again. Kuso... can't do anything right! Just when things seemed to finally get along, this happens! What did he do to deserve it?
He didn't feel like walking home right now, all he really wanted was to sit down and sulk somewhere, away from it all. He took a turn and got off the boardwalk, and down to in the beach. He stopped to take off his shoes, wiggling his toes against the cool and silky sand. He smiled a little, it was a small comfort.
He made his way through the shallow water, uncaring about his now soaked trousers. He kept his gaze down on the dark water kissing the shore, then retreating again. That little ritual, two lovers, meeting and parting over and over again, amused him. And they never gave up. And so will he. He didn't care if he had to fly all the way up to L2, he and Duo will have their talk!
After a while of walking, Heero was far off the center of town, away from the chaos that went around the shops. He continued walking down the dark shore; his only company was a full moon and the silent chanting of the waves. He thought about finding a nice little corner to sit at and brood. Looking up, he saw a large pile of giant rocks, meant for fishermen or something. He headed there.
Climbing up the giant and cool stones, Heero was surprised to find out that he was not alone. Sitting on the edge of the miniature cliff, facing the ocean, surrounded by the magical light of the moon, was the object of his affection.
Duo.
Using skills he hasn't used in a long while, Heero stealthed up the cliff and towards the brooding figure. He slowly approached him, sitting next to him, hugging his knees. He smiled a little as he saw Duo was digging into a large container of ice-cream.
"Hi." He let out after it was obvious that Duo was ignoring him.
"Hey." Duo replied solemnly, taking another spoonful of chocolate ice-cream, eyes not leaving the ocean.
The waves crashed silently against the rocks, the only sound that was heard for a long time.
"Duo," Heero began, still unsure as to what to say.
"Spare me, Heero. You don't have to explain. I understand."
"You do?" Heero turned to look at him.
Duo smiled bitterly. "Yeah, I do. I'm sorry I did what I did. I should have known that you were still with that guy."
With that guy???
Duo sighed deeply. "Don't worry, I'm leaving soon."
"Duo," Heero tried again, unable to hold back a smile.
"No, Heero, it's cool. I was dumb to even come down here. After I saw how you reacted to him when he first appeared..." He shrugged. "And you didn't even come to say goodbye when I left. I should have figured it out by now."
The smile on Heero's lips grew bigger. He just couldn't help it. Duo no baka...
The braided boy sighed deeply and turned to face Heero, eyes sad. "I'll be out of your hair by tomorrow. But I just wanna point out one little thing," He made a face, then eyed Heero seriously. "I think he's a little old for you."
That did it. Heero burst out laughing.
Duo looked at him, completely shocked. "What?!" He demanded, feeling a little offended.
Heero just kept laughing, hugging his abdomen, nearly rolling on the floor in his fit of laughter. "Baka..." He choked through his mirth. "Duo... no... baka!"
"What did I do?!" The boy called, voice hurt. "Chk! Heero, I was merely trying to show my concern with-" He frowned as he saw Heero was still laughing like mad. "Cut it out man! Oof!"
"I'm sorry..." Heero stifled, trying to catch his breath. He wiped a tear of laughter from the corner of his eye. "But you're just so..." Again he giggled. "...you're so stupid, Duo!"
Duo sulked, crossing two arms over his chest. "Am not!"
"Ha! You thought he was... that he was my... That we're..." Again he was out of breath, for he was laughing so hard. "...Baka!"
Duo pouted again, then sighed deeply, and then began to giggle himself, putting one hand behind his head. "I am a baka, aren't I?" He chuckled bitterly, a chuckle, which soon turned into a hysterical laughter. Duo joined his friend, putting all of his frustrations and misery pour out with each mirthful chuckle. "I can't... believe... I actually... ha!" He laughed, getting out of breath.
After a long while, both boys calmed down and just sat quietly, panting hard while catching their breath.
The ocean also twinkled with laughter, the waves dancing merrily against the shore.
"So you're not..." Duo began quietly, after a prolonged silence.
Heero shook his head. "No. We're not." He smiled gently at Duo, coming to sit closer to the boy. "He's more like my... father."
"Your father?!"
Heero shrugged. "Well, not my REAL father, but he raised me, more or less."
"I thought that J..." Duo mumbled, looking away uncomfortably.
Heero sighed. "It was before that."
"Oh."
"Duo," Heero let out with a smile, reaching for his hand. "I'm sorry about what I did last night." Duo whirled around to face him, eyes wide. "I'm sorry if I hurt you." Heero finished, voice soft.
"I guess we were both at wrong there, Hee-chan. I was also acting stupid." He reached another hand, cupping both their hands in it. He tapped Heero's hand lightly, and looked up at him, smiling warmly. "I guess we can take it slow, eh?"
Heero nodded, but then suddenly went sad. "But what about your home? Your business?"
Duo shrugged. "That boring shit? I think Hilde can handle it for a while."
Heero smiled. "Are you going to stay, here? With me?"
Duo nodded. "As long as you'll let me. I think we should give it a try, ya know, during the summer or something, and then we'll see how we'll go on from there. Does that sound good to you?"
Heero smiled, nodding his head. "Aa."
Duo returned his smile. "And I won't push you anymore, we'll go by your rules, by your pace. I promise."
"Arigatou, Duo." Heero whispered, inching closer to Duo. He slowly leaned against him, resting his head on his shoulder.
Duo smiled, putting an arm around Heero's body, pulling him closer. Their hands never let go of each other as they sat there silently, enjoying each other's warmth, watching the waves as they sparkled, kissing the shore, two lovers in an endless cycle of passion and love.
Duo smiled to himself, and placed a soft, butterfly, kiss on Heero's forehead. Heero turned to smile at him, returning the gesture. They both went back to stare at the ocean, their hearts beating together.
* * *
It was late at night when Heero came back home. He entered the house, finding it dark and empty. Only one light was on, coming from the kitchen. But when he went there, he found that it was empty. Everything was left untouched, just like when he had left. Sighing and shaking his head, Heero began to clean up the kitchen. He cleared the table, finished the dishes and cleaned the broken glass from the floor, throwing the shattered pieces into the trashcan.
Done with that, Heero stood up, looked around and listened well. He heard a few bangs from upstairs, and smiled to himself. He quickly walked upstairs, entered his room and made a quick exit through the window.
He found Odin up on the roof, lying down, hands behind his head, watching the stars. Slowly and silently, he came to sit by him, hugging his knees, resting his chin on them.
"Ever noticed how the colonies don't sparkle?" Odin suddenly asked.
Heero smiled weakly. "That is a common misconception. If you look well enough, you can spot them. At least the close ones."
Odin chuckled. "Eh, well, I'm half blind without my glasses..."
"Hn, baka ne, you wear contacts."
Odin turned to look at him, surprised.
Heero smirked. "Yeah, I know about it. Don't worry, I can keep a secret."
The blond sighed, turning back to face the stars. "So can I."
Heero looked away in shame.
"So, where's L1?"
Heero sighed, and looked up at the sky, his deep blue eyes examining the stars. He pointed up once he located it. "It's pretty close to the Northern star, see? About two digits to the right."
Odin narrowed his eyes until he could vaguely see the cluster. "Oh, right."
"L2 is right over there." Heero continued, pointing in a different direction. "If you spread your fingers wide, one end on L1, the other end will point at L2."
The blond did as told, and his eyes widened at the discovery. "Hey, cool! I never saw anyone do that before. Did you come up with this?"
Heero shrugged. "I got bored sometimes. Duo and I, we used to watch the stars a lot." He smiled at a memory, looking up at the stars. "He thought it was so cool that L1 and L2 are connected like that..."
"Heero," Odin began softly, sitting up, looking at the boy. "I've been acting like a jerk again, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have forced you to talk to me."
Heero chuckled bitterly. "Nah, it's okay, otherwise, I would NEVER talk..."
The blond smiled softly. "That's beside the point right now. I'm sorry if I let you believe that I don't accept people who are..." His voice trailed off. "You know..."
"Gay?"
He nodded, looking away in shame. "I did it again, didn't I?"
Heero shrugged. "It's all right." He turned to look at him. "So... you are... okay with it?"
Odin sighed, turning to face the dark ocean, glistering with moonlight. "I made up my mind, a long time ago, that I will accept you in any way and at any cost. I never had anything against homosexuals, it just never occurred to me that..."
"That I will be one."
The man nodded slightly. "I was ready to accept the facts that you are now a soldier, that you have experienced things I wished you wouldn't, but have. And I was so happy to see you change during the last months. To see you open up, to see you happy. Sure, it was hard, and sometimes very frustrating," Heero made a face, Odin ignored it. "But it was worth it." He concluded, turning to face Heero. "I'm very glad to have you, and I am very proud to be able to say that I have you with me, as a son."
Heero gasped. "A... a... a son?!" Boy, he didn't see THAT one coming!
Odin nodded. "Yes. I always thought about you that way." He frowned. "Well, okay, not ALWAYS, but I came to think of you as an irreplaceable part of my life. And I still do."
Heero turned to look away, still a little shaken. "This conversation is not going the way I planned it..."
"Well, you can't plan EVERYTHING in life..." Odin joked. "All I'm trying to say is, that I will not think any differently of you if you will choose to take one way or another. You'll always be my Kid, Heero. No matter what."
"Honto?" Heero whispered, not daring to believe. "Do you really mean it?" He asked, voice shaking. He looked up at Odin, eyes shimmering with emotions.
"With all my being." The blond answered with a slight smile.
Heero refused the urge to roll his eyes at the cliché. He sent the man a wide grin. "Good, cuz Duo and I plan to elope."
Odin's mouth dropped down and hit the tiled roof.
Heero chuckled at the sight, smirking victoriously. He lay down, putting two hands under his head. "Hn, baka ne..."
Odin soon realized he'd been had and hurried to scowl at boy. "Humph! Brat! Can't take anything seriously..." He lay down again, eyeing Heero from time to time, then back at the stars. "So, where's L6, huh?"
TBC…