09-Apr-2003
All disclaimers apply to everything Gundam Wing related. I must make it
very clear that the main theme and story line of this fanfic came from
Samantha Day's Harlequin Romance novel called "A Love to Last". I own
nothing involving those similarities and parallels. Hey, we all need to
read trashy romance novels now and then, ne?
The warnings for this fic contain a very, very strong AU. This story does
not follow the GW timeline what so ever and it is more plausible to say it's
set in our current century, perhaps even this year. There is a slight bit
of angst, but more so of sap. I also have to put in an OOC warning for
Heero. As the story progresses, I think he will become a little less
himself and more the man I need him to be to move the reader and story. Oh,
and of course, we couldn't have a trashy romance novel spin-off without a
lemon (actually Day's version of this story has nothing more than a slight
lime hint).
This installment is dedicated to Ayeka, Duo no Tsuin, and TK Maxwell.
Please alert me of any spelling mistakes or typos.
Heero followed Duo up the porch, his eyes glued to Duo's retreating back. Following his example, Heero slipped off his shoes and left them sitting inside the portal of the back door. Hastening his steps, he caught up to Duo just as he entered the study.
"Time for what, Duo?" He inquired as Duo started rummaging through a large closet in the study.
"Hmm?" Duo's crouched form stilled in its movements for a moment as he contemplated Heero's question.
"Oh," he breathed out quietly as he resumed his diligent search on the closet floor, "that's simple."
Heero watched as Duo stood and turned towards him, a large, flat tablet in one hand and a small, black box in the other. Duo shut the closet door behind him with a kick of his foot.
"It's time to capture you."
Heero blinked.
Duo waved his sketchbook in the air, "Through art, of course."
A long forgotten book of poetry rested atop Heero's thighs as he gazed out a large window. It still surprised him- how utterly comfortable he'd become around Duo during the past few days. It was much easier for him to get along with Duo than he initially assumed. Although at times Duo did tend to be moody and high-strung, Heero regarded it as nothing more than a mixture of artistic fatigue and Duo's natural temperament.
At first the constant scrutiny and long looks Duo graced him with while sketching his form unnerved Heero to no end. However, now it ceased to cause him any discomfort at all. Heero had grown accustom to having those meticulous amethyst eyes tracing his every curve. The stares along his body and face that had at first made him shiver in dislike were now pushed aside as nothing more than an artistic technique. He'd begun to understand that there was nothing personal in the way Duo roamed his eyes up and down along his figure. He had even started to like those knowing eyes on him.
Even more surprising to Heero was the relationship growing between himself and Duo. Slowly they were becoming friends. The small feeling of "want" had been bubbling up deep inside of Heero, and at first, the knowledge that he was gaining a companion had frightened him. He had been alone all his life- no family, nor many close friends to speak of. Only recently in his life had he befriended Duo's sister Reyn. Even with her, it had taken months to truly accept her as society's definition of a "friend." The fact that Duo was slipping into his life so quickly and so easily was intriguing to Heero. Because Heero had had only as many true friends as you can count on one hand during his life, he knew the true value of a friendship. And he was sure that a friendship with someone like Duo- creative, intelligent, mysterious, handsome, and very emotional- would be nothing less than an adventure.
"Don't think too hard, might knock something loose up there."
"What?" Heero turned away from the window and towards Duo, whose eyes were downcast and focused intently on the charcoal and paper. To anyone else, it would appear that Duo hadn't even spoken- that the voice had been a cruel trick of the mind. But Heero knew better.
"The crease in your forehead is cutting deep. Must be something important," he mused as his hand worked quickly and efficiently over the tablet.
"Not really," Heero watched the play of concentration fade away from Duo's face as his eyes slipped up to directly meet Heero's.
"Oh?" Duo said, raising an eyebrow.
"I've gotten so used to this- the constantly being watched. I just never thought I would become comfortable under another's stare, that's all," Heero casually said, gauging the effect of his words by Duo's facial expressions.
"Become part of the furniture have I?" Duo said smiling.
Heero nodded.
Duo laid his utensils down on the floor beside him and stretched out his arms and legs like a lazy jungle panther. "I'm ready to start painting," he remarked, scratching the back of his neck, "but I want to do at least three," he added, piquing Heero's attention.
"I want you to stay longer."
Heero's eyes heavily dragged across his surroundings, not wanting to look in Duo's vicinity.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Heero said slowly. He had had every intention of leaving the island the day after the next. "I've already been here a little over a week."
"But you like it here, right?" Duo interjected.
Heero hesitantly nodded.
"And you really don't have any reason to rush back home, do you?"
"No," Heero shrugged, "not especially."
"Then just stay a little longer for me. After all the wildlife I'm finding a human subject a real challenge. I'd like to explore it as in-depth as possible," Duo said with an edge of something in his voice that almost made Heero believe he was referring to more than the painting.
"I owed you one. You have your one."
"I've changed my mind. You owe me more than one," Duo retorted.
"Duo." Heero tried to sound final.
"Look, Heero, I would really like you to stay- no ploys, no scams. I'm serious."
Heero could see that he was. But staying longer... Heero just didn't like the idea of becoming even closer to this person that he would completely lose contact with once the paintings were through and the island just a dot on the horizon. Yet, he did feel like he owed a lot to Duo.
"How long?"
Duo shrugged, "Until your sick leave is over," he smiled, "I'm enjoying the company if nothing else."
Heero blinked. Duo had struck him as a solitary person. However, so was Heero, and he, too, found himself wanting the company.
"Alright," Heero gave in, "but only until the paintings are done."
"Deal." Duo stood and stretched once more. "Want to go for a walk?"
Heero shook his head. He did feel like a walk, but he felt like he needed time alone to think even more. "You go ahead."
"Suit yourself," Duo said as he snatched his jacket off a peg on the wall. "How about you girl? Wanna go for a walk, Saka?"
The dog's ears pricked up and her tail swept against the floor where she lay. "Get up then, let's go." Saka trotted after her master to the back porch. "Be back in a little while," Duo called back to Heero as he shut the door.
"What am I doing?" Heero said to an empty room.
The next morning, Heero awoke early for a hot shower. Creeping quietly into the kitchen, he turned on the coffee maker. Duo tended to stay up and sleep in later than Heero.
After pouring a cup of coffee, Heero retreated back into the study to watch the sunrise in the huge panoramic window. As he entered the room, he noticed that Saka had fallen asleep on a cushion adjacent the window. Her ears perked to the sound of the entering footsteps, but she made no movement towards Heero. Instead, she remained cuddled up on the cushion watching him with sharp eyes.
Turning away from the window to get another cup of coffee, Heero's hip bumped a wooden stool with a small stack of books that he had been reading during the sittings. The book on top of the stack fell to the hardwood floor with a resounding smack.
Saka jumped to her feet, her tail tucked between her legs. Her eyes became wary and cautious. Before, it had never really registered with Heero that the dog was truly more afraid of him then he could be of her, like Duo had mentioned.
Heero sat his cup of coffee on the floor and walked slowly towards the dog, his hands outstretched towards her head, "It's ok, girl. It's just a little noise. I'm not going to hurt you."
The dog shied away from Heero's initial touch, but when the other hand began gently patting her head, the tension in Saka's body faded. Hesitantly, she licked at Heero's hand.
"You're really not that bad." Heero said aloud.
"I thought that's what I've been trying to tell you."
Heero turned his head to see Duo leaning against the doorframe, his hair loose and wet from the shower. Heero found it hard not to stare. Somehow, Duo seemed even more appealing than usual. Heero averted his eyes back to the dog and resumed petting.
"She's just a big teddy bear."
"Aa. I guess she really is afraid of me."
Duo shoved his hands in his pockets, "Does this mean you'll be friends?"
Heero glanced over his shoulder, "I wouldn't go that far. But for now we can get along."
"Good," Duo straightened up and walked towards his art closet, "because I'm done with the charcoal studies and I'd like to start the first painting. And I want to put Saka in it, too."
There was no talking this time, and no freedom for Heero to read a book. Soft piano music floated throughout the room. Heero kept his body motionless, acutely aware of the sleeping dog at his feet. The hard look of concentration was even more intense on Duo than usual as he painted with palette in hand. He studied the sketches and Heero's face through squinted eyes, hoping to pick up the tiniest details.
"Look at me, Heero." Duo ordered through tight eyes. "That's it."
It was in the early afternoon when a knock at the front door interrupted them.
Heero smiled at the startled look on Duo's face. He blinked a few times, coming completely out of his artistic trance, and sat down his brush. Duo went to get the door, Saka jumping up and tailing him.
Heero stood, glad for the interruption. He flexed his leg muscles a little to relieve the tightness. Muffled voices floated from the living room into the study, then a definite feminine laugh caught Heero's attention.
"Heero," Duo said as he reentered the study, "I'd like you to meet Trinity Peterson. She's sort of my manager. She arranges all my art exhibits and keeps every showing in order, not to mention myself," Duo said with a glimmer in his eyes. Trinity playfully smacked him on the shoulder. Heero watched the scene unfold with a face he hoped resembled amusement and not the sickening feeling he was suddenly trapped by.
"Trinity, you remember my little sister?" Trinity nodded in agreement. "Well this is her friend Heero Yuy. They met through piloting and he's staying here at her request."
"That put me in my place," Heero thought. "Let's not mention the fact that the only reason I'm still here is because you asked me," Heero huffed inside his head, suddenly very miffed and feeling out of place.
"Oh, really? Nice to meet you, Heero," Trinity said, extending and shaking Heero's offered hand. Heero murmured a similar greeting, too preoccupied on how he now felt like he was intruding upon Duo and Trinity's conversation.
Trinity was tall and shapely, with long raven hair flowing down her back in soft spirals. Her green-gray eyes were large and attentive, framed inside of an attractive face and a dark, healthy complexion. Just the aura surrounding Trinity gave Heero the impression that she was very self-assured, very secure, and very much aware of her dominating beauty. Heero mused that it could possibly be borderline vanity.
"So this is the reason I haven't been seeing you lately at the studio," Trinity said. Her voice was light and teasing, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Heero's been sitting for me. I decided it was about time for a human subject. The new work has been keeping me pretty busy," Duo said sheepishly.
"Duo Maxwell doing a portrait? This is a must see," she said as she slipped out of her long, black overcoat. The body that had been hiding underneath was even more perfect than Heero had first guessed.
Trinity stared hard at the portrait, squinting her eyes and tilting her head in way that only managed to make her look even more desirable. "It's coming together very nicely," she commented. "I can see where you're going with it. I think it will work just fine." She looked over the painting a little longer.
"Are you an artist as well?" Heero asked her.
Her head darted up, her smile returning. Heero thought the smile looked as if she had practiced it in the mirror before, making sure it was pleasant enough to make her seem amiable but not friendly enough to make a person comfortable.
"I do a little painting when I'm not managing Duo," she said strolling back towards the two men. "So you're a pilot?"
"Heero is Reyn's partner," Duo began, "He's on sick-leave right now because of a piloting accident. Reyn thought a vacation on the island would do him well, but she neglected to mention the condition of our cabin," Duo absently frowned, "So I thought Heero could stay here instead for a little while."
Trinity nodded, "Yes, I'm sure that cabin is simply unbearable during this time of the year."
Heero stood quietly beside them, noticing how quick Duo had been to point out that he was Reyn's friend, and not Duo's.
"Can I get you something to drink, Trinity?"
"Some coffee would be nice, thanks," she said, proceeding Duo into the kitchen.
"You want anything, Heero?"
Heero avoided Duo's eyes, "Actually I think I need to stretch my legs. I'm going to go for a walk along the shore."
Duo frowned again, resting his hand against the doorframe and looking over his shoulder towards Heero, "It's pretty dismal out there, Heero. And I believe it's raining. Maybe you should wait until later."
Heero's frown surpassed that of Duo's. "It's only a little mist and fog, Duo," he said. He was annoyed by Duo's maternal attitude. The feeling of comfort and ease that Heero had grown to like in the past days was now completely gone in the presence of Trinity. He wasn't going to stick around while Duo entertained his friend... his lover?
Heero grabbed his jacket off the peg and pushed past Duo, making sure to smile politely at Trinity.
"It was nice meeting you."
"You, too," she said, taking a sip of steaming coffee.
"Don't be long, Heero," Duo called after him.
"Honestly, Duo," Heero heard Trinity say as he put on his shoes and led Saka out the door, "you're sounding like a bossy brother. Let him do what he pleases."
"You mean let you two be alone," Heero thought as he and Saka headed down to the shoreline.
The real world had interrupted Heero's quiet little Utopia. It shattered the peaceful solitude between the two men and made Heero all too aware that Duo Maxwell did indeed have a life away from the easel and the shore... one he perhaps shared with beautiful women like Trinity Peterson.
It was late when Heero and Saka finally came back to the house. Saka ran excitedly in front of Heero, anxious for a dry home and warm food. Coming up the path, Heero noticed that the flashy red sports car that was in the drive when he left was now gone.
He came in through the back door, slipping out of his shoes and watching as Saka shook loose the water beads from her fur before trotting into the kitchen. Heero took off his jacket, draping it over one arm, and walked into the portal. The distinct aroma of Japanese cooking teased his senses.
Heero blinked as his eyes adjusted to the harsh lighting of the kitchen. He faintly smiled at Duo as he turned away from the stove. The smile crumbled at the edges when he saw the look on Duo's face.
"Where have you been?" Duo snapped.
"I told you, out for a walk." Heero blinked.
"You were out there far too long. It's practically dark outside. And you're soaking wet. Are you trying to get yourself sick again?"
"Of course not. But-"
"Go take a hot bath before you get sick," Duo ordered.
Heero raised his chin challengingly, narrowing his eyes at Duo, "I'm not your child to be scolded and ordered around, Duo, so don't treat me like one. I've had enough of it. It would do you well to remember that." He was angry. He only hoped Duo could see the anger as well.
Duo raised his hands, "Calm down, Heero, I'm just worried about your health."
"Don't be so damned patronizing about it, Duo." Heero said, leaving the kitchen and pleased at the look of surprise he caught on Duo's face out of the corner of his eye.
Heero took a long, hot shower to warm up, knowing that Duo had been right to suggest it. However, he was wrong to have ordered it.
After dressing in some grey, cotton pajama pants and a clingy, white tank top, he walked slowly into the kitchen. He debated turning around and marching straight back to his room, climbing into bed, and going without supper. But he couldn't deny the growl in his stomach or the aroma of his native food. Leaning against the door frame of the kitchen, he waited for Duo to speak.
Duo turned away from setting the table, his eyes dark and smoky. Suddenly a grin spread across his face and he raised his hands, palms up, in a shrug. "I'm sorry, Heero, but you had me worried."
Heero scowled and crossed his arms across his chest. "I'm twenty-two years old, Duo. I've been on my own since I was seventeen. I've been through rigorous military training, and furthermore I pilot dangerous machinery. I think I'm mature enough to wage against a little drizzle and know when I do or do not want a shower."
Duo blinked, "So I was worried. Aren't you overreacting just a little bit?"
Heero hated the look of amused tolerance growing on Duo's face. "No, I don't. You've been acting this way towards me since the day we met, and frankly I'm tired of it."
Duo was about to open his mouth but Heero quickly jumped ahead of him, "Look at me, Duo- Look!" Heero held up his hands and turned a small circle. "I'm not a little boy, Duo. I'm a grown man. Physically," he gestured towards his body frame, "and mentally," he said as he pointed to his forehead. "Understand?"
Duo stared at him for what seemed like an eternity, his eyes becoming intense and something Heero would have placed as feral.
"Understand?" Heero repeated in a much quieter voice, suddenly feeling unsure and on fire at the same time due to Duo's scrutiny.
"Understood," he said, crossing the room briskly. He held out his hand towards Heero. "Friends again?"
Heero laid his hand in Duo's, feeling all his annoyance and anger melt away. Heero's eyelashes swept down, then up again, as he met Duo's eyes. For a moment, he thought he saw a hint of something other than friendship swimming in their depths. Duo's fingers tightened on his as Heero smiled slightly and nodded.
"Good," Duo said, pulling his hand away slowly, his thumb rubbing against Heero's palm- a fleeting touch so light it almost seemed as if he had imagined it.
"Let's eat."
Dinner seemed a little more hushed that usual. Finally, Duo casually remarked as he pushed some crunchy rolls onto Heero's plate, "You know, you didn't have to leave this afternoon because of Trinity."
Trinity, the real world pushed in on Heero's fantasy again. "I thought you two might have liked some privacy. Did you have a nice visit?" Heero said, taking a sip of his tea.
Duo smiled, "I enjoy her company."
"I could have gone without knowing that," Heero remarked inside of his head. He didn't want to think about Trinity, but since the subject was abroad, he decided to dive right in.
"Is she your girlfriend?" Heero tried to keep the strain out of his voice. Lover was probably a more appropriate word, but Heero didn't think he could actually give voice to something that personal.
Duo laughed, "She was a long time ago. We're strictly friends now."
Heero vaguely wondered how many of these "friends" Duo had.
"More udon?" Duo held up the bowl.
"No thanks, I'm full," Heero took the last drink from his cup of tea. "How does an American like yourself know how to cook Japanese, Duo?"
Duo winked.
"Come to think of it, when you first drove me from the cabin to your house, you said 'aa.' In fact, your dog is even named Saka. How much more of my culture are you familiar with?"
Duo smiled, and for some reason Heero could only describe it as one word: sad.
"A lot," Duo said, rising from the table to take his dishes to the sink. Heero watched Duo's back muscles tense uncomfortably as he dumped the plates into the basin.
"A lot," he repeated just above a whisper.
End Part 3
TBC...
Hmm, I wonder what Duo meant by that? And why did he suddenly seem so sad?
*shrugs* Please C&C.
Kirei
Please send comments to: kirei_tenshi@hotmail.com