Title: Start Me Up -- 9/?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Shoujo Ai
Pairings: 1+2/1x2, 3+4, H+R
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Angst, Lemon, Sap
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or its characters. Angry Candy is an actual short story compilation by Harlan Elison - and it is VERY good...
Heero groaned as he opened his eyes. Looking at the clock, he realized it was almost six in the morning. He needed to get down to the track to help them pack up. They were leaving today for Talladega. His mind wandered, remembering the last couple of races since Darlington, and he smiled. Duo had been so different since that night at Frogg's. The braided boy had laughed and made jokes, even teased him, and Heero had to admit he was glad that there wasn't any hostility between them now. In fact, they had talked a lot in the past couple of weeks, discussing everything from music to mythology. Neither one had mentioned the kiss. Heero couldn't help but feel like Duo was trying to take a step back. Heero couldn't decide whether that was good or bad. On the one hand, he didn't just want to hop in bed with Duo, so taking it slow was preferable; on the other, he wouldn't mind another one of those kisses...
Heero sat up, sighing heavily. He couldn't deny any longer that he was attracted to Duo. All he had to do was look into those violet eyes sometimes, and he would feel a yearning unlike anything he'd ever known before. Whenever his mind dwelled on that kiss Duo had given him, he'd close his eyes and almost be able to feel those lips on his own. And sometimes, when he saw the other boy out of coveralls, wearing those tight blue jeans and tee shirts, he'd feel himself getting aroused. Oh yes, he couldn't deny he was attracted to Duo...
But what to was he going to do about it?
Duo hadn't made any further move, and Heero wasn't sure if he should do anything or not. He'd ceased to admonish himself against giving into the other boy's charms, after finding out that his reasons for having done so in the past didn't even exist. Duo did not sleep around, he was not flippant with other people's emotions, and he certainly hadn't seen Heero as a conquest. How could Heero resist the violet-eyed boy when Duo had proven there was no need to? Heero had to admit that Duo would be a wonderful companion - good looking, humorous, and interesting. He just didn't know how to tell the other boy that he was willing to become lovers. What if Duo had decided he wasn't interesting in him that way?
Heero shook his head, deciding a nice long shower would clear his mind and refresh his body for the day. They still had a job to do, in spite of their non-existent love life. With his thoughts still centered on his lead mechanic, the Japanese driver made his way to the bathroom.
Anne sat in the hotel room, wondering what she should do. It had been a couple of weeks since Zechs had come to her, confessing his involvement with her husband, begging for her forgiveness, and asking for her advice. It had been a very intensely emotional evening for both of them, but by the time the blonde had left, they had reached an understanding of the situation. Anne had agreed to find out what legal recourse Zechs had against the racing team owner, and Zechs had promised to support her if she decided to leave her husband.
Leave Treize... the idea had never entered her mind before. She had loved the man from the moment she'd seen him, but now, she just didn't know what to do. She could understand Zechs' need to get away; he was hoping to make amends with Wufei. She ached for the Chinese mechanic, knowing how much betrayal hurt, but she hoped that the boy would come to understand the reality of Zechs' situation and find it in his heart to forgive the misled blonde. Anne had told Zechs to follow his heart; unfortunately, she couldn't follow her own advice because her heart didn't have a home anymore. When Treize had betrayed her, it had left her heart abandoned. Did she have hope of ever finding a safe haven?
She looked down at the computer screen in front of her; there were reasons for her to believe Zechs might not be as trapped as the driver thought he was. She still had to do some more research into his contracts, but if her preliminary findings were correct, Treize's claim on the blonde wasn't as ironclad as he pretended it to be, and Zechs was closer to freedom than he'd ever dreamed. She smiled sadly.
"At least one of us will be, my friend." Brown eyes closed to keep the tears from escaping.
Quatre let his aqua eyes roam over the figure a few feet away from where he sat. The lean body, the wide shoulders, the long legs... the odd sense of humor, the sharp intellect, the gentle spirit... Quatre sighed. He was really in trouble here. Trowa Barton was just a dream come true, and the blonde businessman couldn't help but wonder if he should indulge that dream or not. He wanted to -- oh, how he wanted to -- but he didn't know if Trowa was truly interested in him that way. Sometimes he would feel those green eyes on him, and he'd catch Trowa giving him a considering look, but neither one of them had ever approached the other on that subject. Their friendship had grown over the past few months into something Quatre treasured; he didn't want to ruin it due to overactive hormones.
"I just wish I knew if there could be more," he muttered wistfully.
"Why don't you just ask him?" came a voice from beside him.
Quatre jerked around to see Wufei standing there. "Wh-what?"
Wufei smiled. "If neither one of you will make the first move, you'll never know."
Quatre blushed. "I didn't know you were listening."
Wufei sighed. "Quatre, you both talk about Heero and Duo dancing around each other, but you two are worse than they ever thought about being."
"That's not true. Trowa and I are friends," the blonde argued, his face turning even redder.
"Friends that should be more," Wufei corrected. "Go to him. Tell him. If it doesn't work out, I think you have a strong enough relationship that you can remain friends."
Quatre gave him a pained look. "I'm just so afraid, Wufei..."
"About what?" Trowa asked as he walked over to them, just barely hearing Quatre's admission.
Quatre gave Wufei an annoyed look, but the Chinese boy merely smirked. "I think I'm going to go make sure the tools are packed." With that, Wufei walked off.
Trowa looked at Quatre. "What's wrong?"
Quatre felt his face flame, wondering if he could spontaneously combust from embarrassment. "I... I was wondering... That is..."
Trowa felt his heart clench. Could this be what he thought it was about? He laid his hand on the other boy's shoulder, wanting to reassure him. "Just tell me, Quatre. I promise not to get upset."
Quatre looked up into sincere green eyes and blurted out, "I want you." Both of Trowa's eyebrows rose at that admission, and Quatre hurried to add, "I mean, I want to see if we can be more than friends. I'm... attracted to you... and I... really like you... and well... " The blonde shook his head, wanting to just disappear. "Oh, Trowa, no wonder Heero and Duo haven't done this yet... it's damn awkward!"
Trowa chuckled lightly until he saw the aggravated look on Quatre's face. He reached out and let his finger caress the blonde's cheek, smiling tenderly. "I'm attracted to you too, and I really like you, and I would love to see if we could be more than friends... if you're sure that's what you want."
Quatre felt his heart lighten at the other boy's words. He smiled brightly. "It is... more than anything, Trowa. We'll... need to be discreet at first... not that I'm ashamed of us... I just... need to be sure..."
Trowa ruffled the bangs of Quatre's golden hair. "I understand."
Quatre sighed in relief. "I'm really glad that you seem to know what the hell I'm talking about because I'm so confused I don't know what I just said!"
Trowa reached down and took Quatre's hand, leading him into the garage. When they were out of sight, he pulled the blonde against him, pressing their bodies together as he looked down into Quatre's expressive aqua eyes. "I think this is what you mean," he replied softly as his mouth descended. It was something he had fantasized about so many times, but the reality of kissing the blonde was better than any dream Trowa had dared to have. He knew they would have to discuss what this relationship was going to mean for both of them, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.
Quatre made a little sound of appreciation as warm lips met his own. He relaxed into Trowa's embrace, relishing the feel of the other boy's body against him, memorizing the way it felt to be held and kissed by the boy he'd been agonizing over for months now. It was a fairly chaste kiss, and it was over far too quickly in his opinion, but he smiled happily as Trowa pulled away.
"I think that's exactly what I meant," Quatre said breathlessly, only to have Trowa kiss his cheek softly.
"Good. Wouldn't want to be mistaken in my translation," Trowa laughed.
Quatre laid his head against the other boy's chest and smiled. "No mistake."
They stood there for a while, just savoring the closeness, until they heard the familiar sound of Duo Maxwell coming towards the garage.
Quatre pulled away hesitantly. "He'll never leave us alone if he finds out."
Trowa nodded. "Let's make it our secret for right now," he said with a wink.
By the time Duo walked in, both boys were talking to each other like nothing had ever happened.
Duo looked out the window, watching the yellow lines on the pavement fly by as the coachman rolled down the highway. His thoughts were, as they had been for days now, centered on that kiss he'd given Heero. He couldn't get the memory of Heero's mouth, the feel of his body, or the look in his eyes, out of his head for longer than a few minutes at the time. It was driving him crazy, and he knew Howard was going to take him to task if Duo answered one more question with 'Huh'. Howard was up front with their bus driver at the moment, Quatre and Trowa had disappeared into the back, and Wufei was taking a nap. That left him and Heero alone in the main area. He looked over at the object of his distraction; Heero was reading. The way the dark-haired boy's brow furrowed in concentration, his eyes changing with emotion as he read, his body relaxed as his mind was engaged, just made Duo all the more aware of his attraction. Why was he fighting this? Was he waiting for Heero to make a move? Heero had more than shown that he was willing to be friends now, and Duo thought he might even be interested in more than that from the way Heero had been looking at him lately. Why should he keep his distance when all he was doing was making himself miserable? Seeing Heero turn another page, he decided that it might be a good time to put an end to this waiting game.
"Hey, 'Ro?"
"Hmm?"
"What are you reading?"
"A compilation of short stories called Angry Candy by Harlan Elison."
"Is it good?"
"Yes. You can borrow it when I'm done, if you like."
"Okay... thanks."
Silence.
"Hey, 'Ro?"
A heavy sigh. "Yes, Duo?"
"I want to kiss you again."
Heero's eyes flew to Duo's face. The braided boy's cheeks were flaming red, but he met Heero's startled gaze unflinchingly, violet eyes filled with determination. Before Heero could say anything, Duo got up and closed the small distance of the aisle, straddling Heero's lap as he settled onto the cushioned bench with his knees. Heero felt his heart trying to beat its way out of his chest. He'd almost convinced himself that Duo didn't want to be anything more than friends. As the braided boy leaned down to claim his lips, Heero happily realized he'd been very, very wrong. The book fell unnoticed from his fingers.
Duo slid his hands into Heero's hair, noting the silkiness of it. His lips met the dark-haired boy's, and all hesitation fled at that contact. He pressed himself closer to Heero, his chest settling against the other boy's, and he could feel the thunder of Heero's heart mirroring his own. As his mouth swept over the willing one beneath it, Duo felt part of himself awakening inside, like from a deep sleep. He moaned as Heero's tongue darted out, a questioning caress that was answered by Duo parting his lips.
Tentatively, Heero licked Duo's bottom lip, and then their tongues met, flicking playfully at each other. Suddenly, a hunger seemed to take both boys over, leading to an almost devouring of each other's mouths. Heero had never felt anything like this before. This need, this desire, this... wanting... was just so intense, and his arms wound around the other boy's body, pulling him completely into his embrace, their bodies beginning to move against each other's as Duo slid forward. Heero could feel Duo's erection through the boy's jeans, his own throbbing with acknowledgment. He grabbed Duo's hips, completely losing control, as he thrust up against that tantalizing hardness.
Duo moaned, feeling the proof of Heero's desire. He scooted forward even more, grinding himself into Heero, settling into a rhythm with the help of the other boy's hands on his hips. Their kissing became frantic, open-mouthed expressions of need. Duo knew he was close to coming, but he didn't care; all that mattered was this feeling and the fact that Heero was the one giving it to him. He felt Heero slide his hands downwards to cup his ass, those long fingers tracing between his cheeks through the denim, and it was just too much. He felt that all-too familiar building of pleasure in his groin, but it was so much more intense than he'd ever felt before. He could hear Heero panting out words in Japanese, and the sound of the other boy's voice so lost in passion sent him over the edge.
"Heero... I'm gonna... Heero!" Duo cried out as he came, a feeling of bliss overwhelming him as his seed sprayed the inside of his jeans. He felt like something was being set free from within as his orgasm ripped through him, giving him a measure of release he'd never felt before.
Heero had never wanted something so badly. He let himself forget about everything else but the boy straddling him, and gave himself over to the incredible feeling of Duo's body. His hands had a mind of their own, and he gasped when he realized he was holding onto Duo's buttocks, caressing them and running his fingers against the seam of Duo's pants. He felt wanton... and it felt wonderful. He began to mutter in Japanese... words of encouragement... words of desire... he couldn't even tell at this point. When Duo yelled out, his body going tense, Heero could actually feel the other's boy's erection shuddering against him... and that was all it took to bring him off.
"Duo... Duo!" Heero moaned as wave after wave of pleasure rolled through him, the warmth of his release coating his pants, as he held onto the boy in his arms, never wanting to let go.
Both boys just sat there, panting heavily for a few minutes. This changed everything, and both of them knew it. Duo finally pulled away, looking sheepishly at Heero. "Well... um... that was... unexpected."
Heero nodded, his eyes filling with apprehension as he took in the other boy. "Do you... regret it?"
Duo shook his head, his braid swinging behind him. He could see the relief on Heero's face and marveled at the open emotion the other boy was showing to him. "Do you?"
Heero answered him by pulling Duo forward for another kiss. This one wasn't as forceful, but a soft caressing of lips. Duo sighed appreciatively, giving into the other boy's attentions. Heero's hands slid up and down Duo's back, massaging slowly. Duo hadn't thought Heero could be so... gentle. The kisses had just started to become more passionate again when a familiar voice spoke.
"About damn time you two quit acting like idiots," Howard drawled, smirking as the two boys jumped apart. Duo almost fell off Heero's lap, but the Japanese driver had quick enough reflexes to keep the braided boy from ending up on the floor.
"Howard!" Duo protested, his face turning an interesting shade of red. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!"
Howard cocked an eyebrow at him. "You shouldn't be making out in here either. I would think you boys would be a little more... careful. At least Quatre and Trowa have enough sense to be."
"Quatre?" Duo's eyes widened in realization. "Why those sneaky little bastards!"
Heero gave Howard a small smile. "Quatre is going to kill you for telling."
Howard frowned. "You didn't know?" When Duo shook his head, Howard sighed heavily. "Well, shit."
Duo turned to look at Heero. "You knew?"
Heero shrugged. "Not 'officially', but I saw them kissing in the garage before we left this morning. I'm sure they were trying to keep it quiet for a while... until they got used to being together."
Duo chewed on that for a moment then nodded. "Yeah, probably." He gave Heero a pointed look. "I know I wouldn't be too comfortable declaring my involvement with another guy to the world right away."
Heero nodded, understanding what Duo was trying to say. "Me neither. Some things should be private... at least at the beginning."
Howard saw the agreement pass between the two boys and smiled. "I hear you, boys. I'll keep my mouth shut... for the time being anyway. Can't keep Quatre and Trowa in the dark for too long... wouldn't be fair since I told you guys about them."
Duo looked back at Howard and smiled. "Thanks, old man."
"Yes... arigato, Ojisan."
Howard gave them both a wicked grin. "Now, I believe you both need to go get cleaned up. Seems to me, that can't be comfortable... wet pants and all..."
He laughed openly as both boys turned red again from embarrassment before jumping up to all but run to the bathroom. Shaking his head, Howard made his way to the front of the coach again. Looked like things were going to work out after all.
Hilde shook her head in amusement as she watched Duo and Heero unpacking their tools into their pit area. They'd only arrived about an hour ago, but she had noticed right away the difference in the way they were acting; Heero wasn't being so gruff, and Duo wasn't being so annoying. From where she stood a few feet away, she could see the looks they were giving each other too. Apparently, the two young men had finally come to terms with their feelings for each other. She smiled; it was about damn time! Even she could see that they belonged together.
"They certainly are something to look at, aren't they?" Relena asked as she walked up to her driver.
Hilde looked at the blonde, taking in the casual attire the other girl was wearing, and mentally noted that Relena should wear blue jeans more often. "Lot of good it will do either of us."
Relena frowned. "What do you mean?"
Hilde laughed. "Can't you tell? Duo and Heero have finally given into fate."
"What?" Relena asked, shock evident in her voice.
"Those two were destined to be together from the start," Hilde explained happily. "I'm just surprised it's taken this long. Apparently, Heero can be an insufferably stubborn bastard."
"Well, Duo isn't exactly the cooperative submissive sort either," the blonde sniffed derisively.
Both girls looked at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. Once it died down, Hilde looked over at her race team owner, and seeing the considering look on the other girl's face, dared to ask, "It doesn't bother you?"
Relena looked back at the dark-haired girl. "Bother me? Why should it bother me?"
Hilde shrugged and looked away. "I know you find Heero attractive. I didn't know if it would bother you that they were... together... because you wanted him for yourself... of just in general because Duo's another guy... you were looking at them intently." She chanced a glance at the blonde to see Relena blush.
"Actually, I was just wondering who's on bottom," Relena replied, her face flaming at admitting her curiosity.
Hilde laughed, delighted that her friend wasn't offended by the boys' relationship, or upset at not having Heero for herself. She gave the two boys a considering look. "They haven't actually slept together yet."
"How can you tell?" Relena asked, sounding scandalized and excited at the same time.
Hilde smiled. "The way they're not touching each other. My guess is that they've only fooled around a little... a hand job or blow job maybe."
Relena gasped. "Hilde..."
"What? Oh, come on, Relena, quit acting so innocent," Hilde groused good-naturedly, winking.
Relena blushed again. "Well, actually... I've never done any of those things."
Hilde looked at the other girl, disbelief in her eyes. "You've never slept with anyone?"
"No. I... I just..." Relena sighed. "I just never found a guy... I wanted to do that with."
"Maybe you like girls," came out of Hilde's mouth before she could stop herself.
Relena whipped her head around to stare at the other girl, startled. "Wh-what?"
Hilde thought about back-peddling, but Relena seemed comfortable with Heero and Duo's orientation, so she decided to forge ahead. "Maybe you prefer women, Relena. Have you ever thought about it?"
Relena felt her heart skip a beat. "I... well... I..."
"It's okay, Relena," Hilde soothed, "I certainly wouldn't think anything about it. I... like both," she admitted, feeling her own face flush. Was this really happening? Had she just told Relena that?
"You do?" Relena asked softly, surprised... and pleased. When Hilde nodded, she couldn't help but smile. "I... think I do... like girls," she confessed, something releasing inside her at finally saying it out loud.
Hilde smiled back. "Don't worry, Rel. I won't say anything. I know how hard it is to admit that to yourself, let alone anyone else."
Relena turned light blue eyes to the other girl. "It feels good to say it though... to you, at least."
"Hey, Hil!" came a shout from the other pit area, Duo waving his hands frantically.
Hilde shook her head at the boy's antics, secretly vowing to smack him for interrupting what could be the most important conversation of her life. She raised a hand to acknowledge the boy before he pulled an arm out of socket.
"You'd better go talk to him before he bursts something," Relena said with a grin, those eyes shining with humor... and a touch of envy.
Hilde sighed in long-suffering. "Yeah, he obviously needs me to smack him around a little," she replied with an answering grin before giving Relena a wink and walking away.
Relena watched her driver and said softly, "He doesn't know how lucky he is."
She wasn't talking about the braided boy having Heero now either.
Wufei watched as Treize's team arrived; they were later than usual. He saw Treize get out of the bus, angry motions signaling obvious upset. Close behind him, Zechs appeared, his face hard and determined. Wufei moved back into the shadows from where he was observing the other two men. He felt a little guilty for spying, but then dismissed it. Wasn't as if he had positioned himself there in that spot on purpose, and he was an opportunist after all. He listened carefully to the conversation taking place only a couple feet away.
"Why are you being so difficult?" Treize asked in a huff.
"I told you. I'm not being difficult. This is the way things are now, Treize. I will not sleep with you any longer. You can release my contract if you find that unsatisfactory."
Treize glared at the blonde. "I will never release you."
Zechs snorted. "Then I guess you'll just have to live with things the way they are. It's not going to change." Wufei could hear the resolve in his former lover's voice and felt a moment of regret for his actions towards him the past few weeks.
Treize suddenly smiled. It was not a pleasant smile either. "Well, since you don't have your little friend to play with, I'm sure you'll be crawling back to my bed soon enough. You can't do without for very long. You and I both know that."
"I'll do without for the rest of my life before I bed you again Treize," Zechs spat angrily. "You've cost me the most important person in my life, and I'll be damned if I let you have the victory of taking what rightfully belongs to him as well."
Wufei felt his heart leap. To hear Zechs say that almost made up for the blonde's unfaithfulness... almost.
"We'll see, Merquise. There are other ways to break you." With those words spoken, Treize walked away, leaving Zechs standing there clenching his fists.
"Yes, we will see, Kushrenada," the blonde hissed. "I will be free of you. Someday..."
Wufei watched in confusion as Zechs walked back to the bus. He didn't understand. He'd thought they were lovers by choice, but the way Zechs had spoken to Treize, it seemed as if the team owner had some kind of hold over his driver. Careful to remain in the shadows, Wufei made his way back to his own pit area, silently promising to figure out what exactly was going on.
End Part 9
(:./tk/start9)
