02-Jun-2004
Title: Start Me Up – 18/20?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Shoujo Ai/Yuri/Het
Pairings: 1x2, 6x5, 11+Walker, CxD
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: AU, Angst, Language, Lemon-Lime, and Sap
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev and TK Maxwell Original Christian and Yaoi Fiction
Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing or its characters. Bandai, Sotsu, Sunrise, and the original Japanese creators do. This story is a parody of their defined universe and is in no way an official continuation of the original story. I consider all underage characters engaging in sexual activity to be Emancipated Minors or the social equivalent under military service. This story is for entertainment purposes only. It is a fantasy and should not be read as a realistic representation of actual romantic relationships. Content is not intended to condone or condemn any of the lifestyles or viewpoints portrayed through the characters. I make no money at this. I write only for the pleasure of feedback!
It was almost two hours later when Howard and Duo made their way into the Intensive Care Unit. Hilde, Relena, Noin, and Sally had finally made it to the hospital, and they had all been waiting rather anxiously until the nurse came out to tell Duo that Heero was in ICU and could have two visitors. Howard was relieved that they were both being allowed in despite them not truly being family. He suspected that Dr. Walker had maintained their false claims, and the older man was grateful. As they neared the assigned bed, Howard braced himself, knowing that the sight of Heero in his current condition wasn't going to be pretty. From what Duo had already told him, the car had done quite a bit of external damage in addition to the internal injuries that had threatened Heero's life.
Howard felt a surge of anger go through him again as he thought about who was responsible for Heero being hurt. Anne had finally broken down and told Howard about Treize, and it was all the crew chief could do to keep from storming off to give the bastard what he deserved. His only consolation was that Zechs and Wufei had both apparently done just that, and knowing those two hotheads, Treize would be dealt with properly. With that small comfort, Howard was able to focus on what was important – being there for Duo. He watched his nephew square his shoulders before pulling back the curtain to step inside. The older man took a deep breath and then followed.
Heero looked incredibly small in the large white bed. He was still on oxygen, but the heart monitor beeped a steady rhythm reassuringly. His head was wrapped where the gash had been stitched, but Howard could see the bruising where the gauze didn't cover it. There was a cast on his right leg and wrist where they had been broken, and his left wrist was wrapped, apparently from being sprained, but it was the utter stillness of the boy that struck Howard. He felt tears fill his eyes, but pushed them away as Duo sat down on the bed gently, taking Heero's hand in his. Howard just stood there, allowing the braided boy a moment to settle. After silence filled the room for a few seconds, Duo began speaking softly, his voice barely loud enough for Howard to hear.
"You did it, 'Ro. You made it through the worst part, buddy. You're going to be okay now, you hear me?" Duo leaned down and kissed Heero's fingers where they poked out of the elastic bandage. "I'm right here, baby. I'm right here, and everything is going to be okay."
Howard couldn't help but be impressed with how Duo had reacted, showing an incredible strength and courage that even the older man hadn't expected. In spite of how fearful Duo was of losing Heero, the mechanic was ignoring his own needs, concentrating on what would be best for his lover. It showed Howard just how much Duo cared for Heero... and how much Duo had changed since the recalcitrant driver had come along.
Howard took a few more steps, coming to stand beside Duo. Laying a hand on the boy's shoulder, he spoke. "I've never been prouder of you than I am right now, Duo. I know how hard it's been for you these past couple of years, but I'd go through it all again just to see the man that you've become."
Duo looked up at him, the shock evident on his face. "Howie?"
The older man smiled, tears threatening again. "You've proven all those people at the home wrong about you. You survived, you made a good name for yourself, and you did it while never losing the person you are." He paused for a moment and then added, "You're a good kid, and I know I don't say it very often, but I love you very much."
Duo turned towards him, his hand still holding Heero's as he reached out for his uncle. Howard wrapped his arms around him, remembering those days after Duo had first come to be with his brother. It had been so hard to deal with the willful distrustful child, but Howard hadn't given up on him. He knew that Duo was remembering it too when he felt the boy begin to shake. For the next few minutes, he held his nephew as best he could while standing up, as silent tears were shed and silent comfort was given. When Duo finally pulled back, Howard looked away to allow his nephew time to compose himself. Duo's voice was still thick when he spoke again.
"I love you too, Oji. You showed me what a family could be, even though no blood was between us. You always knew what I needed before I did… " Howard smiled as Duo looked down at his lover, his fingers caressing Heero's wrapped hand. "I can't thank you enough for loving me, but even more so, for loving him. It helped him to open up, to take a chance. I don't think he would have loved me if you hadn't..."
Howard snorted. "I'd like to take the credit for that, but Heero loved you from the moment he laid eyes on you, Duo. It just took him a while to admit it."
Duo thought about that for a moment and then grinned. "We Maxwells just don't know when to give up, huhn?"
"Nope. We're stubborn and proud of it," Howard replied warmly, as he reached out and ruffled Duo's bangs.
Duo smiled but then his expression turned wary. "Are you going to be okay with me driving?"
Howard sighed, knowing that Duo needed reassurances that he wasn't sure he could give him. "I have no doubts that you can do it, but I'm worried that you will be so focused on Heero that you won't be able to concentrate like you need to. I don't want anything to happen to you, Duo. No race is worth that."
Duo grimaced. "I thought you'd say something like that." He gave Howard a level look. "Listen, I can't promise that I won't think of Heero. You know that," he began, "but I can tell you that when I get into that racer, my mind is going to be on winning Daytona. I'm going to be professional out there, Howie. I have to be in order to do this."
Howard knew that his nephew never lied. He also knew that he couldn't stop Duo from doing what he thought was right, no matter how afraid he was for the boy. He squeezed Duo's shoulder again as he decided to just accept what was going to happen whether he liked it or not. "I'll be there to back you up all the way," he told him and saw Duo relax considerably. His mind then went to the other issue that had been bothering him. "One of the things that's been worrying me is how you're going to handle the press." He expected Duo to get upset about being reminded of their past encounters with the media but was surprised when the boy just smirked.
"Oh, I have plans for them," the braided mechanic told him, a gleam in his eyes. "I'm going to give them a show they'll never forget."
"I don't think I want to know," Howard said, but he was relieved at that response. Duo was thinking things through already, and that was good. The braided boy could be quite thorough when it came to doing something he felt strongly about, and Howard realized then that this was about more than just winning the championship for Heero. Somehow, it had become an opportunity for Duo to face his fears, and although Howard was a little worried, he was hopeful too. The older man suddenly recognized his own weariness; he needed to sit down before he collapsed. He patted Duo again before going around to the other side of the bed. Looking down at his other 'nephew', he gently brushed the hair away from Heero's bandaged forehead. "I'm here too, 'Ro. Don't leave us. We both need you." He then settled into a nearby chair, Duo giving him a soft smile before he began whispering his own words of love to try and bring Heero to consciousness.
It was going to be a long night.
Zechs pulled away from Wufei when he heard Detective Brandenburg come back into the room. It had been several minutes, and although the blond appreciated the time Otto had given them to be alone, he knew the detective had a job to do. Wufei seemed to understand that as well, getting to his feet quickly as they both adjusted their clothes. Once they were presentable, the detective had them follow him to another room where he began getting each of their statements. It didn't take long. Since the police already had the whole incident on tape from Zech's hidden mic, the formal written accounts would just be supporting evidence.
"You do realize that you'll both have to testify," Brandenburg told them. "This isn't just about the assault charges on Heero Yuy any longer. Mr. Khushrenada will be up on attempted murder charges."
Zechs nodded and then looked at Wufei to see the Chinese boy's eyes glimmer. "I will do all I can to make sure that bastard is put away. It was bad enough that he hurt Heero, but to try and kill Zechs..."
"We knew it might come to that," Otto interrupted. "That's why Zechs was wearing a vest. It's also why we were ready to intervene when it became necessary. Problem was, Zechs told me to ignore any sexual activities unless he pressed the transmitter. I was not to move in unless things got seriously violent."
Zechs' determined blue eyes met Wufei's irate black ones. "I had no idea that you would be involved," he told the mechanic. "When Otto heard what was going on, he didn't know to do anything until Treize fired at me."
"Why didn't you press the transmitter?" The Chinese boy grated out.
Zechs could tell that Wufei was getting angry all over again and frowned at him. "I did as soon as I could. Besides, I knew if he tried to shoot me, I would be all right."
"What if he'd aimed for your head?" Wufei asked hotly. "You could have been killed! Why didn't you wait...?"
"I had to do something tonight, Fei," Zechs countered, trying to appease his former lover. "Treize was planning on filing divorce papers tomorrow. I had to do this while I had the chance, or it wouldn't have worked. That was my bargaining chip."
Wufei sighed in exasperation. "I understand, but this was just..."
"Crazy?" Otto offered succinctly, apparently enjoying their argument just a little too much for Zechs' comfort.
"Yes, thank you," the Chinese mechanic muttered before turning back to Zechs. "Crazy. There are so many ways this could have gone terribly wrong. For an intelligent man, you can be incredibly blond at times."
Zechs felt his own anger slip and closed his eyes, trying to regain control. "That may be, but it worked," he bit out, then looked right at Wufei, his voice steady. "I had to do it for Heero, for Anne... for myself, Wufei. I couldn't let Treize get away with this."
"Well, he certainly will be doing some hard time for it," the detective told them before closing his binder. "With the evidence we have against him, I don't see any way he can get out of it."
Both young men looked at him and said almost in unison, "Good."
Otto smiled, obviously amused. "On that note, I think I'll be going."
Wufei looked at Zechs. "We need to get to the hospital and see how Heero is doing."
"All right," Zechs told him before looking back at Otto. He reached out to shake the other man's hand. "Thank you. I really appreciate you doing this for me."
Otto smirked. "Just don't call me next time you have a scheme like this in the works, okay? I'm glad you used some common sense and wore the vest, but your friend is right. This was a little crazy. You owe me one, Mil."
Zechs grinned as he opened the door for him. "How does luxury box seats to Daytona sound?"
The detective laughed. "Sounds good." He then nodded at them both. "I'll be in touch," he said as he walked out.
Zechs shut the door behind the other man, glad to have at least this part of his plan behind him. Facing Treize in court would be another matter, but he felt confident that they would finally see him get what he deserved. Satisfied with that thought, he turned to ask Wufei if he was ready to go and was startled when a fist landed right across his jaw. He stumbled back into the door, a little dazed as he took in Wufei's murderous expression.
"If you ever do something that stupid again, I swear I'll kill you myself, you bastard! It was bad enough that you almost fucking raped me in front of Treize, but now that tape is going to be played in front of a whole damn jury! What the hell were you thinking?"
Zechs remained slumped against the door. He knew Wufei had a right to be upset, but he felt he had done the right thing too. "I had to do it. I'm sorry about what happened between us, but I didn't know what else to do at the time. He might have shot you instead, and I couldn't take that chance, Fei. I couldn't lose you like that! Can't you at least understand that? I did it to protect you, and I won't be sorry about that, no matter how angry you are with me."
Wufei's eyes flashed dangerously. "Angry doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now. I can't believe how careless you were with your own safety, and how little you valued my feelings. Just thinking about what you obviously had been planning to do in order to get Treize to confess makes me want to kick your ass all over this hotel room!" He paused for a moment, and Zechs could hear the pain in his voice. "I want to just walk away, but I can't get the image of you lying there on the floor out of my mind. I thought you were dead. I thought you were dead, Zechs! Do you know how that made me feel? That my last time with you was like that... being forced in front of him. I can't even..." He broke off and stood there, hands clenching as he fought his emotions.
Zechs moved away from the door and approached Wufei cautiously. When the mechanic didn't move away, the blond placed his hands on Wufei's shoulders. "I didn't want to do that to you in front of him," he said softly. "I never wanted to hurt you, Fei. I love you. That hasn't changed, and it never will. You have every right to be upset, but please know that I have never touched you out of anything but love, not even during what just happened. Even if you can't find a way to forgive me for it, I will still love you. You were the first person who ever cared about me for what was inside my heart, not just for my body. I will never forget that. Ever."
Wufei glared at him for a few more seconds, and then Zechs found himself in an embrace so fierce it threatened to cut off his breath. He didn't care though as he relished the feeling of his former lover against him, alive and safe. When Treize had leveled the gun at Wufei, Zechs had felt fear like he'd never known before. Holding Wufei tightly, he realized that he didn't want to ever let go. Even though they'd been physically intimate less than a half-hour ago, it seemed like it had been a lifetime since he'd felt this close to him. He let his hands run up and down Wufei's back soothingly as he heard him muttering words in what sounded like Chinese, his body shaking in Zechs' arms. When the mechanic calmed a little, he reverted to English, and Zechs could finally understand what he was saying.
"I don't know why I can't hate you," Wufei choked out. "I should. By all rights, I should despise the sight of you... but I just can't. Ancestors help me, but I can't."
Zechs nuzzled his face against Wufei's hair, a smile curving his lips even as tears filled his eyes. "I thank your ancestors that you can't, because I love you too much to spend the rest of my life without you, my beautiful, stubborn, proud warrior. I'll burn incense until it lights up all of China so long as you love me."
They stood there for quite a while, letting the familiar feeling of each other wash away the fear, anger, and pain. When Wufei pulled away, his eyes glinted from his unshed tears, but he was smirking at the blond in a way Zechs remembered well. "You'll convert? I thought you were Catholic."
Zechs laughed, delighted to see the sharp humor coming back into those expressive kohl eyes. "Well, I could always try to convert you to candles instead. There have more scents than that damn incense, and they last longer. Less trips to the temple, which will leave more time for… other things." He let his eyes roam over Wufei meaningfully.
Wufei began to sputter indignantly, but before he could get riled up again, Zechs leaned in and kissed him thoroughly. It would be another hour before they managed to make it to the hospital.
Anne stood outside the entrance and looked out at the deserted street. It was close to four in the morning, and she was tired. Howard had come out of the ICU a couple hours ago to report that Heero was still in a coma, but had stabilized. Zechs and Wufei had arrived an hour later to let them know that Treize had been arrested. They had all remained there, talking about what had happened for the next hour or so before deciding to go to their respective hotels and get some sleep. Duo and Howard were going to camp out in Heero's room for as long as they could get away with, and although Anne had been tempted to see if Charlie would let her stay with her, she didn't know the woman well enough to ask. That brought her to her current predicament – she couldn't seem to decide where to go for the night. She was feeling a little lost.
"Excuse me, but you shouldn't be out here alone at this hour," a male voice interrupted her musings.
Anne turned to see the doctor that had saved Heero's life standing there. He was in casual dress, obviously coming off shift. His kind brown eyes were looking at her with concern, and it was all she could do to keep from breaking down then and there. She tended to get emotional when she needed sleep. "I don't know where to go," she replied sadly then added as an after-thought, "I mean, I can't go back to my room tonight because the police are still there..."
The doctor raised an eyebrow. "Run that by me again?"
Anne flushed. "The police... they arrested my husband tonight."
The doctor gave her a confused look. "But weren't you with the Maxwells?"
"Yes, but my husband tried to kill his former lover, who happens to be our driver, and his lover, who is one of the mechanics on Maxwell's team, in my hotel room..."
"Wait a minute," the doctor interrupted, holding up his hand to forestall any more information. "Your husband's lover and his lover? What kind of man are you married to?"
"Someone I hope to be divorcing come tomorrow," she replied with conviction.
"I should hope so," the man said in response, an incredulous expression on his handsome face.
Anne blinked at him. The complete absurdity of the situation suddenly made her begin laughing. It was all beyond crazy. How had her life become such a soap opera? She couldn't believe that she was standing there outside the hospital in the wee hours of the morning, babbling to a stranger. She realized too late that her mirth had turned into tears when strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her against a warm body. She hadn't noticed how cold she'd been until then. It felt so nice to have such comfort offered so freely, and she couldn't help but accept it. The doctor had to think she was a total lunatic, but at the moment, she didn't care.
"Its' okay," he said soothingly. "I don't know what's going on, but it's going to be all right."
Anne held onto him and just let it all go. No more nights wanting to be held by Treize, no more days berating herself for being an idiot. It was over. It was all finally going to be over. She pulled away slowly and looked at the man still holding her, completely caught off guard when his hand rose to wipe her tear-streaked face.
"I don't normally do this, and I'm not sure exactly what I'm getting ready to get involved in, but you seem to need someone to listen," he said gently. "Why don't I take you home where there is some hot chocolate and dry pajamas with your name on them? I have a pullout bed that is rather comfy, and I don't mind if you take advantage of it."
'I'd rather take advantage of you,' Anne thought and flushed again, shocked at how she was responding to this man, but she was nodding before she could reconsider. "I'm… Anne…" she offered, then took a deep breath, knowing this was the first step towards her new life. "Anna Louise Une."
The doctor grinned. "Ethan James Walker, local hot chocolate and pajama purveyor, at your service."
Anne laughed, and this time it didn't have the hysterical edge to it. She allowed him to take her arm and lead her across the parking garage to his SUV. Once inside, Ethan turned the heat on, directing the vents towards her. She flushed again at his regard, and then gasped when he leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her. As the metal clicked into place, she gazed into the warm brown eyes regarding her thoughtfully and noticed that his other hand was lingering on top of her seat, strong life-saving fingers unconsciously caressing her hair.
"What time do you want to go to the courthouse to file those papers tomorrow? I have a late shift, so I could easily take you there myself in the morning."
Anne felt her heart flutter. "I'd... like that."
Later, she would think about how the scent of his aftershave had seemed to surround her and how charming his tousled hair had been, hanging into those dark eyes as he looked at her. At that moment though, it was that simple touch that reminded her of Duo's words, spoken in the waiting room as he'd faced life and death. The feeling of that one touch was like lightning, and as she watched Ethan smile shyly at her, she somehow knew that she wouldn't be dancing in the storm alone this time.
"I'm glad to hear that he's all right," Dorothy said sincerely. She'd been on edge ever since Wufei had called her, but had decided to stay at her hotel instead of just being another person in the waiting room.
"Treize has been taken into custody. I don't foresee any of us having to deal with him again," Noin replied on the other end of the cell phone.
Dorothy sighed. "I never would have thought he'd let his dick be his undoing, but apparently that's what he's been thinking with for quite some time." A snicker from the bed made Dorothy smirk.
"Goodness, Dottie, why not be blunt about it?" Noin exclaimed even though she was laughing.
"Well, how else would you explain his idiocy? He obviously has too much testosterone for his own good."
Noin laughed again. "I think that's my cue to say 'goodnight' and get off of here."
"Or at least 'get off', hmm? Sally is there, right?" Dorothy purred, the laughter from her own bed making her grin.
"Goodnight, Dottie. See you at the track," was the amused response before dial tone sounded in her ear.
Dorothy chuckled and pressed the end key. Tossing her phone onto the nightstand, she looked at her bedmate. "Heero is still in a coma, but they think he'll pull through."
"Good," the other woman replied, her laughter subsiding. "Trowa would be really upset if something happened to him, and not just for Duo's sake either."
Dorothy made a noise of agreement as she pulled back the covers and slid into bed. Her silky black pajama bottoms made a soft whooshing sound that she liked immensely. Of course, she was only wearing a black cotton tank top with them, but her newfound lover seemed to like her sleeping in them, so who was she to argue? The other woman was in panties and a tee shirt, which Dorothy thought was incredibly sexy, so she couldn't complain.
"Do you think Trowa is going to be upset when he finds out about us?" Dorothy asked suddenly. It had been on her mind a lot lately for some reason. "I mean it's not like I've really been part of the group like Noin and Sally."
The other woman rose up on one elbow. "Trowa will be fine with it. It's not like I hang out with them after the races either, though I'd like to start doing it since Noin is okay with Zechs being there now. I didn't want to watch them trade barbs all night before, if you know what I mean. Besides, you didn't see me making a fuss when he got involved with pretty-boy, did you?"
Dorothy smirked at the description of the Winner heir. "No, but he's kind of protective of you, Miss Catherine."
Cathy rolled her eyes. "Well, he's just gonna have to get a grip." She rolled over on top of Dorothy, leaning down to kiss her lightly before continuing. "It took you fucking forever to take my flirting seriously, and I'm going to enjoy the results of my efforts, the peanut gallery be damned."
"My, my, does he know about your foul language, Miss Catherine?" the blonde asked seductively. They hadn't been together long, Dorothy wanting to be cautious about becoming involved with someone on her team, but what time they'd spent with each other had been wonderful so far. The feisty curly-haired woman had certainly turned Dorothy's world upside-down.
"Where do you think I learned it from?" Cathy said with a wink. "Though I'm sure I could teach him a thing or two about the female body."
Dorothy moaned as a work-roughened hand made it's way under her shirt. Those knowing fingers stroked across her nipple teasingly, and the blonde arched into the caress. Her own hands moved under the other woman's tee shirt, sliding over smooth skin.
"Besides, I'm older than he is. I'll do what I want to, damn it."
Dorothy could only groan in response as Cathy pulled up the cotton tank and began licking her breast while her hand continued rubbing the other nipple. It was times like this that Dorothy was glad Quatre Winner was gay. Although she had once envied Trowa, she couldn't help but be grateful to have his sister instead of his lover in her bed. Her thoughts on that matter were only reaffirmed when the hand on her nipple suddenly delved under her waistband. She hissed in pleasure as her curls were stroked before slim digits slid into her warm wetness.
"Oh yes…" she managed to moan as her pleasure nub was rubbed over and over again. She let her own hands slip inside silky bikinis to caress Cathy's thighs encouragingly. When the other woman spread her legs slightly, Dorothy obliged her and began rubbing the other woman's sweet spot in time with her lover's movements.
"It's not like... he has any right... to say anything... since he's doing... the same thing I am…" Cathy panted out.
"I don't give a damn about your brother right now!" Dorothy cried, her hips moving frantically. "Shut up and make me come!"
Cathy laughed, her tongue flicking out over Dorothy's sensitive skin. "Oh well, why didn't you just say so?"
The blonde didn't have a chance to respond as Cathy moved down her body and began doing exactly what had been demanded. As Dorothy climaxed, the team owner couldn't help but think her mechanic's 'signature service' was better than anything else in the world… including winning the championship.
No, she didn't begrudge Winner at all.
Quatre lay in Trowa's arms, sated and content. Their lovemaking had been intense and tender by turns, and he was completely exhausted both physically and emotionally. His mind kept going back to Duo's offer to drive. They only had a week before Daytona, and there was so much to do, but Quatre knew that Heero's well being took precedence. He was sure that Duo would stay at the hospital as long as he could before the race if Heero didn't wake up in time. That thought led Quatre to begin making plans to help his friend in any way he could to lessen Duo's tension level. He knew it wouldn't be easy for the braided mechanic to race if Heero were still unconscious.
"What are you thinking about?" Trowa asked sleepily. "I can hear those wheels turning all the way up here."
Quatre laughed, pulling away to give his lover a kiss. "Trying to get some kind of idea of how we're going to get things ready with as little help from Duo as possible."
Trowa sighed. "I was thinking about that earlier too. You know, Wufei and I can pretty much get Wing ready. We know the specs for Duo's preferences, so all we really need him for is some practice runs the day before. That should help by giving him more time with Heero."
Quatre nodded. "Okay. That sounds good." He went silent again for a moment, toying with an idea he'd had at the hospital when Duo had talked with him. "Do you think you could do a paint job in that time too?"
Trowa looked at the blond in confusion. "Why? New sponsor?"
"No. I just wanted to do something for Duo… something that might give him a little confidence boost for the race." Quatre wasn't sure about it, but he wanted to try. It might not even be legal for them to do it, considering the overall implications, but he would handle that with the race commission himself. He just needed to know if his crew could do it in what little time they had between now and the race.
"Oh," Trowa replied absently. "Well, we might be able to if there's not a lot involved. You know Wufei and I will do anything we can to give Duo an edge. What do you have in mind?"
Quatre grinned impishly. "Something you're really going to like…"
End Part 18
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