Title: Shades of Seduction (The Arts Series - Fic 2) - 1/3
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi
Pairings: 1+2
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not mine... I just simply adore Heero and Duo too much not to write them together... I mean, LOOK at them! Do you blame me? Nothing like two hot bishonen wrapped around each other in complete and utter bliss *sighs*.
Warnings: Angst, Language, and Sap
Notes: This takes place a month after 'Learning The Art Of Love'. Now that Heero has admitted his feelings for Duo, can he convince the violet-eyed God of Death to surrender to him for good?
"Son of a bitch!"
Duo struggled out from underneath the bathroom sink, grabbing a towel to wrap around his bleeding hand. Things had not been going well that morning. He had awakened to the sound of running water. Thinking he might have left the faucet on, he'd made his way into the bathroom to find water all over the place. Apparently a pipe had burst during the night. There was only one good thing about the situation; at least the water was clean. He had been attempting to remove the offending metal piece when his wrench had slipped. Duo raised the cloth to see the damage; a gash about three inches long ran from the knuckle of his forefinger to his thumb on his left hand.
"Shit," he muttered to himself as he applied more pressure to stop the blood flow. He would have ran it under the faucet if it weren't for the fact that he'd had to turn off the water to keep from flooding the bathroom. He closed his eyes, feeling a headache coming on.
The sound of the doorbell was not a welcomed one. "Damn it all to hell! Whoever that is better be ready to meet their maker!" he growled angrily. Stalking through his bedroom to the living room, Duo felt the overwhelming need to hit something... or someone. Reaching the door, he flung it open while yelling, "What the hell do you..."
He stopped before he could finish the sentence. Standing on his doorstep was none other than Heero Yuy. Duo blinked, thinking to himself that such a small loss of blood shouldn't cause such hallucinations. When the vision didn't fade, the braided boy just stood there staring, dumbfounded.
"The least you could do is say 'hello' before you curse at me," Heero commented dryly, letting his eyes travel over the boy. Duo hadn't changed much except for growing an inch or so taller. His hair was still in a braid, hanging down almost to his thighs. He was wearing a pair of coveralls... and they were wet. Heero quirked an eyebrow at him, sensing all was not well in the Land of Maxwell.
Duo grinned, feeling the aggravation of the past few hours ease away. Heero looked good. He had on a light blue tee shirt, dark blue jeans, and a pair of brown boots. If anything, Duo would have to say that Heero looked comfortable. "Hey, Heero!" He pulled the other boy into an exuberant hug. "What are you doing here, man? Not that I don't want you here... I mean... it's just that I haven't seen you in so long..."
Heero smirked. That voice was just as annoyingly - and adorably - cheerful, as it had always been. He let himself return the embrace, feeling like he had finally found the place where he belonged. He had seen the tension and anger in Duo before the boy had seen who was at his door; it made him feel better to know he could lighten Duo's mood by just showing up.
"I'm on a forced vacation and thought I'd come to see you," he explained, thanking Zechs for actually 'telling' him that he had to leave so Heero wouldn't be lying when he said that to Duo. "I guess I should have called first to let you know I was going to be in town. I didn't pick a bad time, did I?" Heero's voice held a touch of the trepidation he suddenly felt. What if Duo was too busy for him?
"No! " Duo replied quickly, pulling away to look into Heero's eyes. They had always been the most intense blue he had ever seen. "No... um... just had a pipe burst... nothing serious... cut my hand... still bleeding... water everywhere..." Duo was babbling, and he knew it. He was just so overwhelmed. He had wanted to see the other boy ever since they had parted ways months ago. He suddenly realized that Heero was actually letting him hold onto him; Duo didn't realize he had stopped talking and was just staring again.
"Mind if I come in then?" Heero asked, amused and pleased by the other boy's reaction. He'd never noticed how Duo used his chatter to cover nervousness before; it was a good thing to know for future reference. Besides, the feeling of Duo's arms around him was becoming... distracting. Although Heero knew he wanted Duo, he wanted to take his time, making sure he revealed his feelings at the perfect moment; now was definitely not the right time.
Duo snapped out of his daze, turning to let Heero inside. "Yeah! Of course... man, don't pay any attention to me right now. I've been fighting with the bathroom plumbing all morning." Duo looked down at his towel-wrapped hand. "I think I'm losing the battle too. There has already been a casualty." He noticed Heero carrying his duffel bag and wondered why it gave him such a thrill to know Heero had come there before checking into a hotel.
Heero walked past Duo into the living room, taking note of the bloody cloth his friend was gripping. "What happened?" he asked, concern evident. He tossed his bag behind the chair without another thought before turning to look at the braided boy curiously.
"Aw, just sliced it a bit. It'll be all right," Duo said nonchalantly, feeling warmed by the other boy's interest in his injury. It had been a long time since the Perfect Soldier had tended any of Shinigami's wounds. Duo felt a flutter inside at the thoughts of Heero's hands on him once more, but he stifled those feelings as soon as they tried to surface; Heero would always just be a friend... if even that.
Heero reached out and pulled Duo's hand to where he could look at it, causing Duo's thought to come back full force. "Duo, this might need stitches," the former Wing pilot stated gruffly, his eyes flashing a reprimand at his former partner. "Was the pipe rusted? When was the last time you had a Tetanus shot? Where's your first aid kit?"
Duo just gaped at the boy in front of him. This could not be the same person who had jumped out of the Alliance Medical building without opening his chute until it was too late... or the same person who had set his own broken leg without even considering the possibility of it mending incorrectly... or the same person who had endured walking on that broken leg without having a proper splint. "Um... in the bathroom..."
Heero grabbed hold of Duo's arm, dragging him to the bedroom. "Sit," he commanded as he pointed to the bed before going to search for the alleged supplies. He returned, kit in hand, and began using an alcohol wipe to clean the gash. Duo just watched, completely stunned at Heero's attentiveness.
"Heero, man, I've survived worse. Hell, you've seen me with broken ribs, broken bones, and other injuries that put this to shame. You're acting like my hand's been amputated."
Heero glared at him. "If this gets infected, it may just come to that," he replied evenly. "Why didn't you just call a plumber to fix the leak?"
Duo bristled. If something needed to be done, he could do it himself. "It was four o'clock in the fucking morning, Heero! Besides, I'm a damn Gundam pilot. If I can't fix a simple pipe..."
"Former Gundam pilot," Heero interrupted, gently applying antibiotic cream to Duo's hand, "and just because you can rewire a mobile suit in your sleep doesn't mean you know shit about bathroom hardware."
Duo stared at him, in shock more from the soft touch the other boy was using than from his words. He started to open his mouth then realized he didn't know what to say; he had already proven Heero right. The braided boy shook his head. "I know, but sometimes... I just need to feel like I'm not completely..."
"Useless?" Heero asked softly, securing a couple of bandages over it to form a protective barrier. It wasn't too deep, so it would heal if tended properly. Heero would make sure of that. He realized what he had said and looked up into surprised violet eyes.
"Yeah," Duo replied, not knowing how it was possible that Heero could know how he felt. When he looked into those fathomless blue eyes, he could see that Heero seemed to understand all too well. Was that why Heero had gone to Mars, so he wouldn't feel useless?
Heero was still holding Duo's hand, wanting to maintain that small contact as he spoke. "Duo, if you never do another thing, your life is already something to be proud of. Your salvage business is one of the most reputable ones around. Ask anyone where to go for parts, and your name instantly comes up. You're known for your honesty and integrity, not just in your work, but in your personal life as well. You have been a faithful friend to all of us when we needed you." Heero smiled slightly. "You've been more of a friend to me than I deserved. Piloting a mobile suit did not make you who you are... you were already that incredible person before you ever climb inside Deathscythe."
Duo felt his face flush. Whenever he felt some kind of threat to his 'abilities', he always seemed to feel the need to dredge up his past to prove he knew what the hell he was doing. His pride was such a fragile thing to be using as a defense around his heart; and yet, the main reason why he'd felt the need to put up a defense at all was sitting there, trying to break through that carefully constructed deterrent. Why was Heero saying these things anyway? Since when did he give a damn about how Duo felt about himself? "I... I don't know what to say."
Heero placed a warm hand on the other boy's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything, Duo. I just want you to know... you could never be useless. You've accomplished too much." He paused, not wanting to say too much, but wanting to let Duo know at least one of the emotions he had for him. "I'm proud to call you my friend, even if I've never told you that I consider you one."
Duo felt a piece of his pride break away at those words - words he had wanted to hear for a long time. He let a genuine smile grace his lips, his eyes shining with unbelievable joy. "That's good to know, Heero. That's really good to know."
"Duo!" came a familiar feminine voice from the living room.
Heero dropped his hand, the moment broken. He began shoving the supplies back into the med kit. Duo silently cursed as he stood and headed for the other room. He was sure the other boy was going to say more, and his heart wanted to hear Heero's words more than anything right now.
"Hey, Duo. I was wondering if... hey, why are you so pissed? Look, I knocked, but you didn't hear me..."
"What do you want, Hilde?" Duo tried to keep the edge out of his voice.
"Well, I wanted to know if Rick could..."
Heero took that moment to walk into the living room. Hilde stopped and stared for a moment before looking at Duo with the most mischievous grin he'd ever seen. Duo wanted to hide... this was not good.
"I didn't know you had company," she drawled, looking at Heero appreciatively. "Hello, Heero, you look better than you did the last time I saw you. How the hell are you?"
Heero caught the aggravated look on Duo's face and wondered if it was from the interruption or just Hilde in general. He had a feeling it was a mixture of both. "I'm doing well, Hilde. I hear you're getting married," Heero replied in a friendly tone, making it a point to be nice. She was important to Duo, even if the braided boy was glaring at her at the moment, and so Heero wanted to become her friend as well.
Hilde smiled, a look of contentment on her face. "Yep. Finally got Rick to set a date. I sent you an invite to the Mars colony addy."
"Thanks. I appreciate your thinking of me." Heero was pleasantly surprised that she had included him.
"Of course!" she exclaimed happily. "I couldn't forget you, Heero. Besides, Duo would have killed me. You know, he needs to have someone to dance with at the reception, and who better than you?"
"Hilde," Duo grated out, his face flaming with embarrassment.
"So how long will you be in town?" she asked Heero, ignoring Duo as she walked over to the couch and flopped down on it casually.
Heero hid his smile as he settled into the easy chair, watching Duo reluctantly take the rocker recliner opposite him. "I don't know, at least a week or two. I just got here a little bit ago. Good thing too. Duo injured himself trying to fix some busted pipes just before I arrived. I was making sure it wasn't serious enough to go to the hospital."
Hilde turned to scowl at the braided boy. "I'm sure glad there's someone looking out for you since you can't seem to do it yourself." She turned back to Heero. "God knows I've tried, but he is so damned stubborn it makes me wanna scream sometimes! Maybe you can do a better job while you're here, Heero. Anything would be an improvement."
"Hey!" Duo countered, "I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much. Besides, I wasn't the one who almost got blown up the other day at the yard, was I?"
Hilde's eyes narrowed. "If someone hadn't change the mixture on that welding torch, there wouldn't have been any problem. Seems to me someone was living a little dangerously using the torch as a night light while working late."
Heero looked over at Duo, who was positively glowering at the dark-haired girl, and shook his head. "Night light?" When Duo turned his gaze to him, Heero smirked. "Duo, that's crazy, even for you"
Duo snorted derisively. "I had to sort that last shipment, and I'd left my flood light here. You go with what you got when you need it. I was a Gundam pilot, remember?" Duo winced at his tone. Heero had already told him that his past wasn't what made him worth something; Duo guessed old habits were just hard to break sometimes.
Heero saw the other boy realize what he had said and vowed to do whatever was necessary to make the braided boy see that his life mattered even if he wasn't fighting mobile suits. "Yes, I know... and a damn fine one at that," Heero replied pointedly, seeing the pleasure light up Duo's violet eyes at the compliment.
Duo was floored. Another compliment? In front of Hilde, even! He wondered if he had just passed out under the sink and was imagining all of this. "Maybe not as good as you, but close, Yuy." Duo winked.
Heero smirked. "You had skills I envied, Maxwell, and Deathscythe was a better mecha than Wing in many ways. I was always jealous of its cloaking ability."
Hilde smiled at that. "Who wasn't? I would have paid money to pilot that suit just once."
Duo grinned at them both. "It was the coolest piece of gundanium ever constructed," he agreed, affection in his voice for his former metallic partner in battle.
A moment of companionable silence fell, letting each soldier tuck away some memory that had been remembered, if only briefly. Hilde sensed the need to let the two former Gundam pilots be alone again and turned to Duo. "Well, I just wanted to stop by and tell you that Rick wanted to take your shift this week. Seems like that should work out well since Heero's here, huh?" She looked over at the other boy and smiled before looking back at Duo. "In fact, you could just take off the week completely, Duo, since we already have that last shipment disassembled."
Duo looked at Hilde, wondering what she was up to. She'd known about his attraction to the former Wing pilot, and no matter how many times Duo had told her that it was in vain, she had insisted that he still somehow had a chance; he wanted to throttle her. "Um, yeah, I guess I could." He paused, looking at Heero searchingly. "Of course, I'm sure Heero has other things to do while he's here..."
Heero shook his head. "No. I'm officially on vacation. I'm not allowed to so much as try to send anything to Zechs, or he said he'd make me take a month." Heero couldn't help the little smile that crept over his lips at that thought, remembering how Zechs had winked at him when he'd said it. Heero saw the questioning look on Duo's face and added, "It would be great it you could show me around. In fact, I was hoping I could crash here, if you don't mind."
Duo felt his body respond to that idea wholeheartedly and had to remind his hormones that Heero would be sleeping on the couch. Once the traitorous images of Heero's body thrusting into his own were under control, Duo found his voice. "No problem, buddy. Mi casa et su casa. Make yourself at home."
"Great!" Hilde said as stood to leave. "I'll let Rick know. Nice seeing you again, Heero. Talk to you later, Duo. Bye." Before either one could respond, she was out the door, closing it behind her.
They just stared after her for a few moments until Heero stood, a purposeful look on his face. "Well, we need to get the right parts to fix that pipe so we can get your water turned back on."
Duo sighed, hating to be reminded of that task. "I know. There's a hardware store down the street."
"Good. You'll probably want to change before we go."
Duo rolled his eyes. "Why? I'll just be getting wet all over again when we get back."
"No, you won't. I will. Believe it or not, I learned a thing or two about plumbing while on Mars."
Duo stood, Heero's assertion of skills in that area rubbing him the wrong way. "Listen, Heero. I appreciate you wanting to help, man, but really, it's my problem, and I can handle it," he said, using his 'my mission, my way' voice from the war.
Heero flinched. He'd recognized that tone. Why was Duo pushing him away? He just wanted to help the baka. Maybe Duo didn't really want him there. He had seemed to be glad to see him, but maybe he didn't want him to stay. Yet Duo had seemed happy when Heero had asked... Heero didn't know what to think.
Duo heard his own words and wanted to smack himself. Where the hell had that come from? Heero was his friend, had been what he'd considered his best friend. All Heero wanted to do was help him. Why did he have to act so defensive? Especially since Heero seemed so... different. "Heero... I didn't..."
"It's all right, Duo," Heero replied, the voice of the Perfect Soldier coming through loud and clear for the first time in months. "I'm sorry that I just showed up like this. I'll go." Heero didn't want to leave, but if Duo didn't want him there, he would. He headed for the door, his heart growing heavier with each step.
Duo was out of the chair, grabbing Heero's arm in a second's time. "No! I want you to stay! I'm sorry... I... Heero, I didn't mean it..."
Heero turned, trying to keep his voice steady. "Let's get through the bullshit, Duo. Are we friends or not?"
Duo saw the flash of hurt in the other boy's blue eyes and moved closer. "You know we are," he said, his voice wavering slightly. He'd never seen this kind of vulnerability in Heero before; it frightened him.
"Then let's quit trying to act like we're so self-sufficient. You of all people taught me that no man is an island... it took me a long time to understand that, but I do now. I NEED your friendship, Duo." He paused to let that sink in before adding, "Don't be afraid to need mine."
Duo was stunned. Heero needed him? Was admitting that he needed him? He felt another piece of that pride stripped away. If Heero could be so honest with him, then maybe...
"I need yours too," he confessed softly then added almost angrily, "I've always needed it, but you never seemed to want to give it. I guess I just learned to not expect anything from you. I mean, shit, Heero, how do you expect me to feel? You pushed me away every damn time I tried to just..." He looked away, not wanting to see the condemnation in those intense blue depths. A moment later, he felt Heero's hand on his chin, forcing him to meet the other boy's gaze. Heero's voice was like a caress, making Duo wonder when his friend had become so caring.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, Duo. I didn't understand back then, but I know what it means to be a friend now. I just need for you to let me be one to you. I've learned that there is no shame in needing something that is offered freely." Zechs and Noin had taught Heero that. In fact, he had been delayed for a month learning to just talk to them and accept their friendship. He was glad he had waited to leave because those days had proven to help him more with being able to express himself than anything ever had. Heero was more at ease with the person he had become. "I think you need to learn that too."
Duo nodded, still trying to accept the differences he was seeing in the boy he thought he knew so well. "I just... I'm not used to letting anyone help me with personal stuff like that, Heero. But... I can try... to let you, I mean. Just don't go. You just got here, and I don't want you to go because I was being stupid..."
"Okay."
It was said simply, but Duo knew Heero meant it. He tightened his hold briefly then let go. "Thanks."
"That's what friends are for, right?" Heero asked, wanting to make sure Duo understood.
Duo grinned. "Yeah. It is." The relief he saw on Heero's face made him feel like he had done the right thing. It was comforting to have Heero there with him, even if it was unsettling at the same time.
Heero let his thumb rub Duo's chin before releasing it, his eyes lingering on the other boy's face. "I'd forgotten what a pain in the ass you are sometimes, but I guess that's what I get for being such a bastard to you for the past couple of years." He smiled slightly. "I intend to make it up to you, Duo, if you'll let me." Before Duo could say anything, though, Heero turned away. "Now let's go get those parts. I am dying for a shower." He opened the door and walked out.
Duo's hand went briefly to where Heero had been touching him. Was that affection he had seen in Heero's eyes and heard in his voice? Duo didn't want to let his imagination get the better of him. Heero probably meant that as an explanation as to why he was helping him, that's all; but why did it seem like there was more to it? Duo didn't know. The one thing his mind was able to grasp was that Heero had changed... and it would take some getting used to. Taking a deep breath, Duo followed his friend out of the house.
'Hal's Hardware' was boldly written on the glass window. Heero smiled to himself; it was so... homey. He followed Duo into the store. He had noticed how quiet the other boy had been since they'd left Duo's place. Heero knew Duo was still trying to accept what he had said to him; it would take some time.
"Hey there, Max. How's business?" came the cheerful voice of the man who could only be 'Hal'. He was in his late sixties, rather tall but portly, with gray hair and a pair of old-fashioned spectacles. He was wearing a pair of tan khakis and a dark blue cardigan sweater. The word 'grandpa' seemed to fit him well.
"Hey, Hal. Couldn't be better, man," Duo replied casually, a bright smile on his face. He motioned to Heero. "This is my buddy, Heero. Yanno, my friend from the war I told ya about."
Hal gave Heero an appraising look as he held out his hand for Heero to shake. "Hello there, son. Glad to meet you. Max talks about you all the time. Says you're working on that Mars Project."
Heero shook the offered hand and nodded. "Yes, I have been."
"How's that coming along?" Hal asked, seeming to genuinely be interested.
Heero noticed that Duo was listening intently too, probably wanting to know about it as well. He couldn't help but smile. He'd wanted an opportunity to tell Duo how the braided boy had actually contributed to the project; now was his chance.
"Progress has been slow, but we're actually a month ahead of schedule. A lot of it thanks to Duo."
Duo gave him a startled look. "Me?"
Heero nodded. "I took one of your algorithm programs from your mobile suit programming and modified it for one of the atmospheric machines. If it hadn't been for your program, it would have taken longer for me to create one. I'm surprised Zechs didn't tell you when he saw you. It was a huge help."
Hal gave Duo an appreciative look. "Not only the best salvager in all of the Earth and Colonies, but a programmer as well. Is there anything you can't do, Max?"
Duo gave him a sheepish look. "Apparently, I can't do plumbing."
Hal laughed. "I suspect that's what you're doing here then?"
"One of my pipes decided to give out last night," Duo explained, "I need a replacement so I won't be stuck using my bedroom for a pool."
Hal grinned. "That wouldn't be a good idea, no. What size you need?"
Heero stepped forward. "If you can show me what you have, I think I can match it up."
Duo gave him a questioning look that was answered with a mumbled 'I looked while I was in there'. Duo shook his head; the other boy was just determined to do this for him. Sighing heavily, Duo followed Heero as they followed Hal back to the section of bathroom piping.
After perusing the stock, Heero frowned. "It's not here. The one we're looking for has a special seal on it. Looks like you'll have to order it."
Hal frowned. "Must be awfully old then. It could take up to a week before it comes in."
"Man, what am I gonna do until then?" Duo asked, frustrated to no end. They couldn't stay at the house without water for a week! That only left one option...
Heero turned to him. "We'll just have to stay at a hotel. Since you're off from work this week, it shouldn't be a problem." He turned back to Hal. "Go ahead and order it in, Hal. I'll give you a call later to let you know where we're staying."
Duo felt blindsided. It was one thing to have Heero staying at his place; that was his home and he could be comfortable there, but to have to stay at a hotel with Heero was a different story. It would be like it was when they used to be on missions, and although Duo had given up on Heero ever being interested in him, that didn't mean his body wouldn't react to the blue-eyed former pilot. The fact that Heero was acting so friendly, touching him, and offering to do things for him, didn't help matters either. He had a feeling this was going to be even worse than before.
"Will do, Heero. Max, you let this young man get you to somewhere where it's dry, okay?"
Duo managed to smile back at him. "Sure. It'll be fun. Just like old times."
Heero gave Duo a puzzled look before nudging him towards the door, saying goodbye to Hal before leaving. Once outside, Heero placed his hand on Duo's elbow to lead him around the corner. He stopped and gave Duo a level look.
"I know you're not happy about this, Duo, but I don't think we have a choice... unless you want to try to build something with pieces from the salvage yard." Duo opened his mouth to reply but Heero cut him off. "No. I meant that sarcastically. We are NOT spending my vacation trying to reconstruct a pipe when we can just order a new one."
Duo looked at him, knowing Heero was right. For once, he was not going to play MacGyver. So many things were going through his mind at the moment, but one question seemed to come to the surface. "Did you really modify my program and use it?" he asked hesitantly.
Heero furrowed his brows. "Do you think I'd lie about it?"
Duo shook his head. "No. I know you wouldn't do that. I guess I just want to hear you say it again, that's all..." It had given Duo a sense of accomplishment like he hadn't felt in a long time.
Heero smirked. "Duo, I borrowed one of your programs and modified it for the Mars Project. It saved us a lot of time, and me a lot of headaches, and I have some other programs I'd like for you to look at while I'm here to see if you can help me make them more efficient."
Duo grinned widely, pleasantly surprised at Heero's indirect request. "Really? Thought you said Zechs wouldn't let you work while on vacation?"
Heero smiled back. "I can't 'send' him anything. Doesn't mean I can't work on it. We can discuss that later though. Right now, we need to get back to your place, pack you a week's worth of clothes and necessities, and then find the most luxurious hotel in town. I'm on vacation, remember?"
Duo laughed. "I guess I am too then. Hmm. Room service. In-room Jacuzzi. Cable television. I think I'm warming up to this."
Heero snorted, and they began walking back to Duo's house. He felt anticipation coursing through him. He hadn't meant for this to happen, but he sure as hell was going to use it to his benefit. A week in an expensive hotel was just what his plan of seduction called for... and Heero was determined to use every shade of the art he had learned to blend his and Duo's passion into something that would last them for a lifetime. Friendship would be the beginning, but before the week was out, Duo would be his... for good.
End Part 1
(:./tk/arts4)
