Title: To Fly On Broken Wings - 11/?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Het
Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 5+OC, TxKxT, Jesse + Cara
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't have any money, and I'm not making any off of writing this... just borrowing some characters and having some fun... no harm done... really... :) The song 'The Woman In Me (Needs The Man In You)' is owned by Shania Twain.
Warnings: Angst, Sap
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :)
The resounding applause brought Heero and Duo back down to Earth. They broke the kiss, their eyes meeting in understanding as they smiled lovingly at the other. Moving from the dance floor, they encountered many of the regulars, who nodded at them happily, having enjoyed the visual display of love that the two boys had for each other. Heero and Duo smiled almost shyly in return, holding hands as they made their way to the table where their friends were waiting.
Before they reached them, Heero leaned over and whispered into Duo's ear huskily, "I want you to make love to me when we get home, Duo. I want you to claim me, to make me yours, to know that I belong to you the same way you belong to me... completely."
Duo shivered, his body responding to Heero's voice immediately. He turned sideways, brushing his jean-clad hardness against Heero's thigh, appearing to just be getting close enough for Heero to hear him speaking. "You are really going to pay for telling me that now, knowing I have to wait all evening, and that I will be thinking about it every damn second."
Heero smirked at him. "Why do you think I did it? I'm looking forward to it." Duo just grinned at him.
They finally walked up to the table. Kyle had already made it down from the DJ booth, having procured drinks for everyone while Heero and Duo had been dancing. He was now sitting on the end with Toby, Jesse, Cara, and Todd on one side of the table. There were two chairs on the opposite side, facing Kyle and Toby, apparently for Duo and Heero. Heero sat down next to Quatre, who was beside Trowa, with Wufei on the end, facing Todd. It was actually a good formation for conversation, Heero noted wryly as he watched everyone taking sips of their drinks while looking over each other a little curiously.
"Good evening, all," he greeted casually, raising his glass of what turned out to be a mix of Triple Sec, Seven-Up, and Bacardi Lemone. He noticed Duo's usual Sloe Comfortable Screw was sitting on the table for him. Heero's eyes met Wufei's. He could see the appreciation, and even amusement, shining in those dark depths; he nodded a welcome.
Duo gave Kyle a mock frown as he sat down. "You knew about this all along, didn't you, K?"
Kyle grinned. "Heero called me back this afternoon while you were at the store," he explained.
Duo shook his head. "You two are not allowed to spend time together alone anymore." Everyone at the table laughed, except for Todd, who was looking at Heero intently. Duo noticed and decided to remedy that. "Todd, this is my lover and best friend, Heero. Heero, this is Cara's brother, Todd."
Heero nodded. "Nice to meet you, Todd. Cara is a good girl. You should be proud of her."
Todd was surprised by the comment, not expecting such a flamboyant person to think anything about that. "Thank you. It's nice to know she behaves better while she's out than she does at home."
"Todd," Cara grated out, feeling her face blush.
"You acting up at home, Captain Cara?" Duo asked teasingly. "Shame on you. I thought you would have learned by now that you can only enjoy having a good time if you behave yourself the rest of the time."
Heero snorted. "So what's your excuse then?"
Duo laughed. "The only person I have to answer to is you, and you are usually involved in any mischief I'm up to, koi."
Heero sighed in exaggeration. "I suppose that's true. I never would have put on such a public display of affection before you corrupted me."
"That's for sure," Wufei agreed wholeheartedly. "I'm so dumbfounded, I can scarcely form a coherent sentence."
Heero looked at the black-haired boy and smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment, Chang. Love does have a way of changing a person sometimes."
"And for the better, in this case, Yuy," Wufei added, happy to see those changes so clearly.
Todd took in the conversation. "Were you so different before you and Duo got together?"
Quatre snickered. "Different? Oh, you could say that," the blonde said as his eyes met Heero's. "We used to call him 'The Perfect Soldier'. He was cold, calculating, and closed off. It's amazing to see him like this. He never would have danced at a club before."
"Dance," Trowa snorted, as his green eyes met with the former Wing pilot's blue ones, "He wouldn't have even gone to a club, let alone got up and danced in public like that."
"You were really that different?" Kyle asked, still unable to reconcile that image with the boy he knew.
Heero nodded. "Yes. You have to understand, Kyle, I was trained to be a soldier. Emotions were an obstacle I couldn't afford." Heero looked at his former comrades and smiled fondly. "Of course, these guys just couldn't leave well enough alone. They all taught me what friendship meant, especially Duo." He looked at his longhaired lover, taking his hand. "He wouldn't stop trying to provoke me, even if it was just anger he received for his efforts. He forced me to face my feelings, and when the war ended, I couldn't ignore what he had awakened inside me."
"Hey, you can't ignore me for long, that's a law or something," Duo replied, his eyes shining at Heero's words. It wasn't everyday Heero Yuy opened up so much, but Duo knew that Heero felt like everyone at the table was family. Perhaps it would be everyday, now that Heero knew the security of that.
"So what do you all do now that you're not soldiers?" Todd asked, changing the subject. It wasn't that he didn't approve of Heero and Duo's relationship. He just wanted to learn some other things about them.
"Well, I'm a freelance Commercial Artist," Duo said with obvious pride. "I do advertising work and have my own adult doujinshi series."
"His doujinshi is quite popular," Heero added, just as proud as his lover. "There's a waiting list to get new issues at most manga dealers, and not just in Japan, but all over, because I've checked." He smiled at Duo's astonishment at that news.
"And what do you do?" Todd inquired, wondering what a former soldier like Heero could do for a living.
"I'm a fiction writer. I just published my third book."
"His other novel and book of poetry are both on the best-sellers' list," Toby explained, "and you should read some of that poetry. It is amazing. Duo has done some beautiful drawings that were inspired by them."
"I'll have to have you all over so you can see them," Duo offered, smiling at the praise.
Quatre nodded. "I definitely want to see them." He looked at Todd and smiled. He had a feeling that this was more of an interrogation than simple conversation. He didn't blame Todd for wanting to protect Cara, but memories of his own sisters trying to do so for him made Quatre sympathize with the pretty blonde girl who was obviously wanting to slap her brother senseless. "I'm the CEO for Winner Enterprises."
"Is that an honorary title until you turn eighteen?" Todd tried to imagine a CEO being so young.
"No. I'm already an emancipated minor, and I had to take over the company after the war. My father died before it ended. I have wonderful people on the Board of Directors, but I'm still the one in charge of corporate decisions, business ventures, and the overseeing of operations. My word is final."
There was an edge of command in the blonde's voice that Todd didn't miss. He had a feeling there was much more to the other boy than seen at first glance. Those teal eyes seemed to possess strength that belied the boy's years. In fact, as Todd looked at each of the former pilots, there was a sense of worldliness to them; they were definitely adults in mind if not in age.
"What do you do, Trowa?" Jesse asked, wanting to keep the conversation going. He felt like the former soldiers were on trial, and it angered him. He knew that Cara was safer with Duo and his friends than she would be with anyone else in Japan... maybe in the Earth and Colonies too.
Trowa smiled at the other boy, understanding that he was trying to keep it friendly. "I'm the Director of the Performing Arts Colony Guild. We support and fund the various theatre, orchestral, and performing troops in the Colonies. From ballet, to plays, to the circus, we provide help to those who want to pursue vocations in the arts."
"Many young men fought in both wars," Quatre added, "and when they arrived back home, some of them wanted to do things that were as far removed from battle as possible. Trowa's organization has helped to cultivate the talents of these young men, and women, so that they can fulfill their dreams."
"That's really great, Tro," Duo said in awe. "I didn't know you were even doing something like that."
Trowa nodded. "I'm really proud of what we've managed to accomplish. We have active guilds on almost every colony now. Funding donations have been unbelievably generous. Plays, concerts, and performances have almost all be restored to pre-war levels. Peace has allowed for the arts to flourish."
"Without those who provide such performances, life becomes nothing but mundane and boring activities," Wufei observed. "It's good you're giving them a chance to do something so vital to cultural development."
"The arts are very important," Todd agreed, expressing a positive opinion for the first time that evening. "It's been proven that children and young adults who participate in them have better chances of doing well in school and college, and it makes them more-rounded individuals, which helps them in everyday life."
Todd and Wufei looked at each other, seeing that they shared the same belief as far as that was concerned. Cara didn't miss the exchange, and smiled to herself. So, her brother was interesting in the 'Dragon', was he? Looking at Wufei, she had a feeling that the black-haired boy would be just what her blonde 'Ice Prince' brother needed; a little fire to melt his cold heart would be nice indeed.
"What about you, Fei?" she asked sweetly, wanting to draw the black-haired boy more into conversation.
Wufei sighed. Duo had apparently trained them already to use the nicknames the infuriating imp had graced the Chinese boy with. He glanced over to see Duo grinning at him unrepentantly, and shook his head before answering. "I'm a Preventer."
"An agent?" Jesse asked. His interest was piqued immediately. He had sensed something dangerous about the other boy, feeling as if Wufei was more than what he appeared to be.
Wufei smiled, seeing the interest his profession always managed to receive. "Yes. I'm a field agent."
"Now, I could understand how you all could be emancipated minors, to even hold offices in a corporation or civil organization, but to be part of a military organization at your age is just too much," Todd said, shaking his head at the possibility. Wufei looked way too young to be doing something like that. Todd felt a protectiveness surface for the younger boy. It would be a shame for something to happen to him.
"We've been fighting since we were fifteen, Todd," Duo countered, trying to stay calm, yet feeling like he and the others had been insulted. "Our abilities made us more skilled than men twice our ages. Sometimes you have to judge a person for what they are instead of what you think is possible for them to be. Don't underestimate someone you don't know. It can be a fatal mistake. Wufei could kill you in more ways than I can pronounce."
Wufei saw Todd's eyes narrow and knew he had to intervene before Todd said something and Maxwell started another war. Inside, he couldn't help but be pleased that Duo wanted to defend him. He would have to thank him later. "What Maxwell is trying to say is that under normal circumstances, you would be right." He shot Duo a look that said 'Back off' then continued. "I've been trained to fight all of my life. It was the way of my clan. By the time I was fourteen, I knew more of the martial arts and fighting techniques than most soldiers do after going through rigorous training." Wufei hoped he wasn't about to overstep his boundaries, but he continued, wanting to prove a point, "Heero was trained since he was six by a professional assassin, learning how to kill before he could even read. Trowa was raised by mercenaries and was a soldier all of his life. Duo grew up on the streets of L2, which was pretty much a war zone within itself, and he had to learn to trust his instincts in order to just stay alive. Quatre is the only one who didn't have that kind of training, but what he lacked in those skills, he made up for in tactical strategies and pure determined courage." Wufei looked cautiously at the other pilots, relieved when he saw pride in their eyes at his words. "We are all a rag-tag bunch of broken young men who were never allowed to be children. Somehow, we found a way to accept each other for what we are, what we're not, and what we wish we never had to be. We may not be what you would consider acceptable for Cara to be friends with, Todd, but there is one thing that we are; we are family. We would give our lives for each other without a moment's hesitation."
Todd was stunned. He never would have suspected that they all would have been through so much; no wonder they all seemed so much older. He looked at the young man in front of him and saw the fiery spirit inside burning in his kohl eyes.
"Sometimes family is all you have," Todd said as he looked at them all. "I didn't realize."
No one spoke for a while, the loud music the only sound at the table, as Todd's words of apology hung in the air. Toby looked around at all of the empty glasses and decided to break the tension.
"Anyone else want some more to drink?" He smiled as one by one, everyone around the table gave him their order. He then sauntered off to the bar to get some more liquid comfort.
Quatre, the ever-diplomatic one looked around and smiled tentatively. "So, are any of you in college, or do you all have to work?"
"I'm still in high school," Cara said, rolling her eyes in distaste. Everyone laughed, and she giggled prettily. "I'm planning on going to college though. I've managed to maintain an 'A' average, so I should be eligible for some scholarships."
"She may even make valedictorian," Todd added, the note of pride evident in his voice. Cara couldn't help but give him a smile. He returned it, reaching out to tug on a piece of her blonde hair affectionately.
"What do you do, Todd?" Wufei asked suddenly.
Todd could see the genuine interest in those dark eyes. "I'm studying to become a teacher."
Toby returned with the drinks before Todd could elaborate, and it took everyone a couple of minutes to get the right drink in front of the right person. After they were all settled, Kyle picked up the conversation where it had left off. He wanted to make Todd feel more welcomed, despite the other boy's resistance.
"I never knew that's what you were majoring in, Todd."
Todd nodded. "Yes. I just finished the first semester of my second year. I'm in the co-op program."
"What subject and age group?" Wufei asked; his eyes were filled with that same intense interest.
Todd didn't miss the look. He also couldn't help but smile a little. "History. As for the age group, middle school. I think that's where I can do the most good. It's usually where most kids begin having problems, and I want to try to help those kids before it's too late."
"You couldn't be more right about that," Duo observed, his experience carrying weight to his words. "That age group needs good role models for sure. If it hadn't been for Father Maxwell, many of the kids that age would have ended up in the street gangs on L2. He helped them get homes and showed them what was right. I can't think of a better profession, other than running an orphanage, in order to do that, Todd."
Todd sensed the tension ease between him and the longhaired boy. "You're right. This Father Maxwell sounds like a good man." He saw the pain flash in Duo's eyes before the other boy answered.
"He was."
Heero could tell it was time to get off of the subject. "So, Jess, are you in college too?"
Jesse smiled. "Yep. I'm taking Communications," he replied happily. "I don't know what field I'll end up in, but it's broad enough to give me enough flexibility. Kyle and I both work at the radio station on campus. That's where we got all of our DJ experience, hey, K?"
Kyle nodded. "I've learned more working there than I have at school all year." They all laughed at that.
Trowa looked at Jesse, taking in the other boy's demeanor. "If you ever decide to go into public relations, let me know. I could use someone with your background and skills."
Jesse's face lit up. "Thanks, Tro. I'll remember that."
"So what are you studying again, K?" Duo asked.
Kyle smiled. "Computer Science."
Duo snorted. "No wonder you and Heero get along so well. Heero was in love with his laptop during the war."
"I was not!" Heero argued, his face turning an interesting shade of red. "It was a valuable tool that I had to use in order to complete my missions."
Duo rolled his eyes. "Heero, you touched that thing more than you did yourself. That's just wrong, man."
Toby damn near choked on his drink, Jesse burst out laughing, Cara shook from giggling, and Kyle just sat there with a stunned look on his face. The former Gundam pilots all just smiled knowingly. Wufei couldn't help but notice the grin on Todd's face. He decided he'd definitely like to see more of it. He waited until everyone quieted down before speaking to Kyle.
"If you ever want a job hacking into our security systems for us, just let me know. Yuy refuses to indulge me, but I'm sure you could give him a run for his money."
Kyle gave Heero an appraising look. "Maybe we'll have to see just how good you are, huh, Heero?"
Heero smirked. "Bring it on, K. I could break code before you even find the encrypted file."
"Man, see what I mean? He's still obsessed with that damn machine!" Duo exclaimed indignantly.
Quatre chuckled lightly then looked over at the redhead across the way. "What about you, Toby? You studying for a profession?"
Toby shook his head. "I work for building supply company right now, but since Kyle asked me to move in with him, I'm hoping I can save enough money to begin next semester. I'd like to become an architect."
"Really?" Quatre asked, interested. Trowa could tell his blonde lover was sensing an opportunity.
Toby smiled. "Yeah. I've met some of the construction foremen in the store, and they've seen me drawing. More than one has told me to go for it."
Quatre gave Trowa a look. The former Heavyarms pilot could already tell what his blonde lover was planning. He sighed, knowing already that he would agree to it. They would talk about it later, but for the moment, he gave a slight nod to let the other boy know that he approved.
"What are you planning on taking when you graduate, Cara?" Heero asked, not wanting to leave her out.
Cara smiled at him, wanting to hug him for being so considerate. "Mechanical Engineering."
"She kicks ass at Geom and Trig," Kyle stated proudly, giving her a bright smile.
"I could probably get you a job with Howard, then," Duo commented, trying to keep from laughing as he added, "If you could withstand the sweepers. Those guys are great, but you'd have to smack them around to let them know you mean business."
"Oh, I don't think I'd have any problem with them," Cara replied with a wink. "I handle you guys, don't I?"
"Quite well," Jesse said softly, the thoughts of Cara with all of those guys making his stomach ache in spite of his attempt at support her.
The comment didn't go unnoticed; Cara gave him a searching look before she replied, "Of course, none of them could ever be you guys." Ice blue met deep blue, as she tried to make Jesse understand she meant him especially. He smiled slightly at her.
"Well, I think we've all gotten to know each other well enough now. I'm ready to do some dancing," Toby announced, trying to move the evening along. He reached to take Kyle's hand as he stood.
"Sounds like a plan, man," Kyle replied, glad to get the chance to slide with his lover.
"Can we, Trowa?" Quatre asked excitedly.
Trowa smiled at his blonde. "Of course. Let's go."
Cara looked over at Jesse. "Wanna dance, handsome?"
Jesse looked startled for a moment then smiled. "Sure, Cap'n. Lead the way."
Heero and Duo decided to remain with the final two at the table. They had both noticed the way the two boys had been looking at each other so far, and wanted to see what they could do about that. They moved down to sit closer to Wufei and Todd.
Todd felt a twinge of anger as he watched Jesse and Cara head for the dance floor. It wasn't that he disliked the other boy so much; it was just that... well... he didn't want Cara to grow up so quickly. She was his little sister, and Todd wanted to keep her that way, if only for a little while longer.
"He's good for her, you know," Heero said, watching Todd look after them.
"I just don't want her to get hurt," Todd replied smoothly, meaning every word, yet knowing it wasn't the complete truth as to why he was so protective of her.
Duo snorted. "Jess would rather cut off his own hand than hurt Cara."
"He does seem to be a rather attentive young man," Wufei added, looking at Todd. "I don't think you need to worry about that."
Todd sighed. "It's not easy letting go." He realized what he had just said and wanted to smack himself.
Wufei smiled. "If she were my sister, I would lock her up in her bedroom and not let her come out until she was thirty."
"Wufei!" Duo yelled. "That is SO not fair."
Todd laughed. "The day I can lock her up anywhere is the day I sprout wings and fly."
Heero smirked. "We've known wings to emerge unexpectedly before." He gave Duo a look.
Duo grinned, knowing where his koi was heading. "Yeah, but I think they would be just for your benefit, Todd. Cara doesn't have to be locked up for you to be able to fly."
Todd gave them a puzzled look. "What are you two talking about?"
Wufei looked at his former comrades and shook his head. "Subtlety is NOT your strength, Maxwell. You either, Yuy."
Todd blinked at them, still not understanding. He caught Wufei looking at him again, and felt his pulse quicken. Then he heard the DJ dedicate the next song, and all other thoughts left his mind.
Cara made her way back to Jesse. Cal, the DJ, had been more than happy to play what she wanted to hear. He was already playing a soft set, so this song would fit in well. It was more than just a song this time, though. As she began to move in time with Jesse to the slow beat still playing, she couldn't help but feel her heart pounding; she was taking the plunge. She refused to let her brother keep her from letting Jesse know how she felt any longer. There would be no going back after she did this. Looking at Jesse's smiling face, she knew she didn't want to.
"This next song is by special request by Captain Cara and is dedicated to Jivin' Jess."
Jesse looked at Cara in surprise as she moved closer to him, putting her arms around his neck.
//I'm not always strong, and sometimes I'm even wrong, but I win when I choose, and I can't stand to lose. But I can't always be, the rock that you see, when the nights get too long, and I just can't go on//
Jesse could barely breathe as he looked into Cara's eyes. Throughout the evening, he had caught Cara looking at him, but he had been trying to not take it as more than it was. Cara had missed him, he was sure of that, but that didn't mean anything within itself. He knew she could never love him the way he loved her, but now... the way she was looking at him...
Cara knew she had to make sure Jesse understood. She began to sing the lyrics as they danced. "The woman in me, needs you to be, the man in my arms, to hold tenderly. 'Cause I'm a woman in love, and it's you I run to. Yeah, the woman in me needs the man in you."
Jesse felt his heart leap. Woman in love? He searched those blue eyes and saw the longing there that was certainly mirrored in his own. He pulled her closer to him, bringing one hand up to tangle in her blonde hair as they continued to move together, the dance becoming so much more than just steps in time to music.
"When the world wants too much, and it feels cold and out of touch. It's a beautiful place when you kiss my face." Cara could feel it happening. She could tell by the way Jesse was responding that he knew she meant what she was singing. She felt his hand in her hair, his other arm holding her closer than he ever had before. She felt her breath catch as he brought his hand from her hair to stroke her cheek gently.
Jesse looked at the young woman who had stolen his heart so completely. He loved everything about her, from her laugh to the way she said his name, even the way she looked when she was angry. He felt his body respond to the feel of hers against him, the familiar ache in his heart, centering elsewhere. He knew it would be a long time before they consummated their relationship sexually, because she was still underage, and he respected her, but it didn't keep him from wanting to be with her body, heart, and soul.
Cara could feel the heat of Jesse's body, could feel the passion blooming between them. It was so intense and powerful, she felt overwhelmed by it. She melted against him, letting him see that she felt the same attraction, wanted the same contact as he did. She ran her hands down his back, reveling in the strength of his shoulders. His body was lithe, yet muscular, and it fit perfectly against hers; but it was the beautiful deep blue eyes looking down at her with love that took her breath away.
"The woman in me, needs you to be, the man in my arms, to hold tenderly. 'Cause I'm a woman in love, and it's you I run to. Yeah, the woman in me needs the man in you. Yeah, the woman in me needs the man in you." Cara couldn't hold back any longer. She needed to feel the intimacy of the moment before it faded. She wanted to surrender a part of herself, to give him something so he wouldn't forget.
Jesse could feel her breath ghost over his lips as she neared. He closed his eyes as her mouth finally met his in a sweet yet promising kiss. Slowly, their lips moved against each other's, losing themselves in their first kiss. Jesse couldn't help but lick her lips, tasting her sweetness; he was rewarded with her opening to him, offering him entrance. He accepted, his tongue twining with hers in a symbolic union of their hearts.
Jesse finally pulled away, reluctantly. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Cara let the tears spill from her eyes. "I was afraid... afraid of what would happen."
Jesse smiled, brushing her tears away. "I've been waiting for so long... to tell you..."
A hand on Jesse's shoulder kept him from completing his sentence.
End Part 11
(:./tk/fly11)
