28-Jun-2004
Title: Start Me Up – 20/20+Epi
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Het
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6x5, Wx11, HxR, DxC
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: AU, Angst, Language, 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!
Notes: Well, it's the home stretch! Just the Epi to go after this :) I really hope you guys have enjoyed this at least as much as I did writing it. This fic is still dedicated to Nebula_Omega *hugglesNeechan* for giving me the plot bunny. So... on with the race!
Howard sighed as the Press converged on them. It was the morning of the race, and although they'd managed to avoid the media during qualifying yesterday, it seemed Duo's time to face them had come. Howard looked over at his nephew, remembering what the boy had said about being able to handle them, but the older man couldn't help but worry a little. Duo looked jovial on the surface, but the past week had been hard for him. Why the hell didn't they just leave them alone?
"Mr. Maxwell! Mr. Maxwell!"
Duo stopped walking and gave them his attention. "All right, guys. You got five minutes," he said with a grin.
"Is it true that you're going to race for Heero Yuy?" A tall dark-haired man asked.
Violet eyes lit up. "Yep. Shinigami is stepping in for the Perfect Driver. Should be entertaining for you all, to see Death destroy the competition and take over the track." Stunned silence met Duo's words, and Howard hid a smile. His nephew was on the attack, not letting them intimidate him. It made Howard feel better about it all.
A redheaded woman recovered first. "Did the team owner come to you or did you ask to do this?"
"I offered and he accepted," Duo told her simply. "I wanted to do what I could for the championship because Heero deserves it." Howard watched the braided boy's face carefully, looking for signs of upset at mentioning his lover, but Duo just continued, grinning slightly. "Besides, I've always wanted to race officially, and this will probably be my only chance. Might be the only time for everyone to see Shinigami in action... and live to tell about it anyway."
Another lull in the questions occurred, attesting to the shock Duo was eliciting. Then a balding man cleared his throat. "There are rumors that Treize Khushrenada is responsible for your driver's accident. Can you comment?"
Duo's face darkened for a moment before he caught himself. He then smiled rather acerbically. "Sorry, but what I have to say about that can't be spoken in polite company, let alone be printed in the paper." The reporters murmured for a moment and then a familiar voice cut through the crowd. Duo had been dreading it, yet expecting it ever since he'd agreed to race at Daytona.
"You were said to be even better than your brother when you practiced yesterday," the man began. "Was it because of your brother's death and the negative publicity that you decided to not become professional? If so, now that you seem to have gotten over your loss and appear to be taking advantage of the situation, will you add Mr. Yuy's accident to your brother's to build your reputation as the 'God of Death' and race next season?"
Duo tensed. Howard started to step in, but Duo's hand halted him. When the braided mechanic-turned-driver spoke, his voice held an edge that befitted his nickname. "Nice to see you're still with us, Mueller." Violet eyes flashed challengingly in the other man's direction, and many of the reporters stepped back. "I guess we can quit dancing around this then." He took a deep breath and gave them all a level look. "For the record, the team referred to me as 'Shinigami' because of my racing style, not because of the tragedies that have happened to those I love. A reporter heard about it after my brother's accident and decided to point out the coincidence of my parents being killed in a car wreck before my brother died." Duo took a breath. "When it comes to Solo, I've grieved for him every day since the accident, and although I'm getting behind the wheel of that car today, I will never 'get over' losing him." He then gave them an angry look. "As for Heero, I'm not trying to capitalize on something that has left my lover in a fucking coma. I'm trying to take a painful situation and deal with it the only way I know how – by focusing on the race and giving my nickname the proper meaning. The only publicity I want is to be Shinigami on the racetrack because I was a fearless driver who challenged fate by sliding inside Winged Scythe. The only death I intend on inflicting at Daytona is that of the other driver's aspirations to win. Today, I want Shinigami to be used in honor of my skill, not because some reporter blamed me with an accident that I tried to stop." He gazed pointedly at Mueller before he went on. "I'm no more responsible for Solo's death than the rest of the crew. He was the one who ignored his spotter's warnings. I loved him, but he was a stubborn bastard sometimes, and I'm not going to live with his mistake any longer." The braided mechanic closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and continuing, "Concerning my future plans, I will not be driving again after this race, but it will be in support of my lover, not from some misplaced sense of guilt. I won't play that game with you anymore. I will be Shinigami because I'm proud of what I've accomplished. My past failures and regrets can go to hell."
There was silence again until another man finally spoke. "Fair enough, Mr. Maxwell. Can you tell us how you feel about Zechs Merquise still racing? Since he's the main threat to Yuy's victory, do you see him as your nemesis?"
Duo grinned, and this time it reached his eyes, making Howard relax again. Shinigami's wrath had faded. "Zechsy and I go way back. It will be fun to race against him. Most of the drivers are good friends. I'm going to go out there today and run a good race because that's what Heero needs for me to do. If I win, then he wins. If not then at least I tried. All I care about is getting to drive that car at least one time, to know that I can do it. That may sound a little selfish, but it's the truth, and I never tell a lie."
"And that ends your five minutes," Howard interjected at that point. "Thank you, all, but we really have to be getting inside." Duo gave him a grateful look as they walked away. As they neared the pits, Howard placed a hand on Duo's shoulder. "You did good, kid. You handled that better than I could have under the circumstances."
Duo sighed heavily. "I just hope I can live up to it, Oji." Violet eyes were filled with pain for a moment before they cleared and turned mischievous. "I think I'm going to need a few rounds of 'Prettier Than' to get into character."
Howard laughed, slapping his nephew on the back. "That can be arranged!"
They walked into their area. Trowa and Wufei were checking the exhaust system again since there had been a minor problem with it the day before, and Duo joined them, his eyes looking around for familiar faces as he worked. He wasn't disappointed. Noin and Sally came by first, teasing him about his tight racing suit and how they loved to see his braid swinging behind him when he walked. Relena and Hilde were next, Hilde giving Duo a tight hug before pinching him on the butt and telling him to watch his ass because she was going to be kicking it. Even Zechs came over to shake hands. Duo surprised everyone when he pulled the man into a friendly embrace, thanking him for what he'd done about Treize. By that time, it was announced that the cars needed to get into place.
Howard watched the new driver walk towards the car and yelled out to him, "Hey! Duo! Forgetting something?"
Duo looked back, a puzzled look on his face as he tried to figure out what Howard was talking about. The older man grinned and turned the CD player on. "Start Me Up" blared through the pits, and the braided boy laughed in delight as he began to sing along. With the song playing, they started pushing the car towards the allotted position. Duo had placed decent during qualifying; he was located a few cars behind Zechs on the inside. As Howard watched his boys take to the track one last time this season, he tried to get rid of the worry that was nagging at him.
"Heero... I think he needs you to do this," he whispered, as he watched Duo kiss his cross before tucking it back inside his suit and sliding into the car. He didn't even realize he'd voiced his heart's fear aloud.
Heero looked around at the tall trees beyond the field that rustled with the wind, a cooling breeze flowing over the flowers and grass to where they sat. The sun was shining brightly, and although he was worried about his lover, part of him was content to be where he was... wherever that was.
"I need for you to tell Duo something for me," Solo said from beside him, his face suddenly serious.
Heero nodded in agreement, unsure of what could cause the young man who had been laughing so freely just moments before to become so somber. "Of course."
Solo sighed, picking at the grass idly. "I didn't ignore his warning that day." Brown eyes met blue, and then he went on. "I'd made an adjustment to my steering that morning without Duo knowing, and I'd put too much pressure on one of the bolts. When he told me to go high, I... I couldn't. The bolt stripped and caused me to lose control. I didn't want him to know what I'd done, because I knew he'd be pissed, so I told him I wasn't going to do it." Solo shook his head. "I didn't think that he'd blame himself like he did or I would have told him before I died."
Heero reached out and placed his hand on Solo's arm. "I think I can understand that. He can be rather... harsh at times when it comes to the car." The Japanese boy smiled as memories filled him before looking back at Solo. "I'll tell him. I... I still don't know if this is real or just in my mind, but I'll tell him anyway... just in case it's the truth."
Solo grinned, a weight seeming to lift from him. "Thanks." He then looked around like he was memorizing the landscape. "Well, I think it's time for me to leave you, Heero."
"Where are you going?" Heero asked him in alarm. Solo had been his companion for... well he wasn't sure for how long, but it had seemed like a lifetime.
Solo smirked. "It's time for me to let you get back to where you belong." Brown eyes softened. "Duo needs you. Although he had to make this decision on his own, that doesn't mean he has to do this alone."
Heero frowned as Solo stood. "I don't understand."
The brown-haired boy looked down at him. "It's time for you to wake up and help your lover fulfill both of your dreams." He then turned and began walking away. "I'd like to say that I hope to see you soon, but..." Laughing brown eyes threw Heero a look over his shoulder as Solo paused. "Take care of my baby brother, 'Ro. You're the only one who can love Shinigami and live to enjoy it."
"Solo?" Heero called, but the only answer he received was the sound of the wind in the trees as the boy disappeared from his sight. The place Heero had been in suddenly began to fade around him. "What's... what's going on?" He asked no one as he felt the ground shift beneath him. The sun seemed to brighten, the glare making him close his eyes as it intensified to an unbearable light.
The sound of an anguished cry, pleading words filled with tears, quiet murmurs of several people talking in medical terms, a voice singing promises of forever... and then the whir of tires on a track... filled Heero's ears. One minute he was floating, and then the next, he was lying down, his body feeling extremely heavy. Pain made him gasp out loud, and he almost tried to retreat to that other place once again. His reactions seemed to alert someone by him because the woman began speaking to him in a quiet yet comforting tone.
"Heero? Heero, can you hear me?"
The voice was unfamiliar, yet it soothed him and made him fight his way to consciousness. Blue eyes that hadn't opened in a week fluttered to reveal the sight of a redhead leaning over him. "Who...?"
A bright smile greeted him. "I'm Charlie, Howard's gal. Duo asked me to stay with you until you woke up."
"Duo?" Heero felt scattered, but he clung to his lover's name like a talisman. "Where...?"
"He's racing at Daytona. They're on lap four now."
Heero turned his head towards the television in the room. Duo was racing! His lover was out on that track... for him. He smiled, despite the fear that filled his heart. "There any way I can call them?"
Charlie grinned. "Well, we're not supposed to use cell phones in here, but..."
Trowa watched as Duo sped by them. The car was running beautifully, and Duo had gained position on the track. He was still behind Zechs, but he was closing in. The tall mechanic smiled; he knew Duo was enjoying every minute of this. He looked over to see Howard gazing at the track, worry etching his face. Trowa reached over and patted his boss reassuringly, ignoring the slight flinch his unexpected touch caused.
"He's doing fine, Howie," Trowa soothed.
Howard sighed and threw a tired grin his way. "I know."
Trowa was just getting ready to say more when his cell phone rang. He fished it out of his pocket, pressing the talk button. "Trowa here."
"Nice paint job," came a voice that made Trowa's heart leap.
"Heero?" Trowa asked in shock. He saw Howard turn towards him, a hopeful expression on his face.
"I think so," Heero replied with a groan.
Trowa laughed. "Man, it is good to hear your voice... " He blinked as the phone was pulled out of his hands by a frantic adopted uncle. Trowa couldn't even get upset about it because Howard looked so relieved.
"Heero? Kid, is that you? Thank God! You don't know how worried I've... yeah... I think so... of course, let me see if I can patch you in." Howard turned to Trowa. "Can we connect the cell to the radios? Heero wants to talk to Duo, and I think it would be good... "
Trowa was already going to grab the cable they needed. He bumped into Wufei and told him that their driver had just 'phoned home', earning him a confused look until the Chinese mechanic caught on and rushed over to Howard. Trowa grabbed his com and clicked the private channel that he and Quatre had set up to use for this race.
"Quatre?"
The blond answered immediately. "Yes? Everything all right?"
Trowa smiled. "Heero's on my cell." The exuberant shout on the other end almost deafened him, but Trowa just smiled more. "I'm hooking him into the com system so he can talk to Duo. Just wanted to let you know."
"Thank God, Trowa. I was so worried. Now I can breathe a little easier."
"I think this will help Duo a lot," Trowa replied, walking over to where Wufei was chatting on his phone. "I'm going to patch Heero into this line first just to test it." Trowa took the phone from Wufei, who barely had time to say goodbye, and then plugged the cable in. "Testing. Heero can you hear me?"
"I can hear you," came the even reply.
"Heero!" Quatre greeted, answering Trowa's next question of whether or not the com link was working. "I'm so glad that you're okay!"
"Thanks, Quatre... for everything."
Trowa was getting ready to interrupt their reunion and patch them to Duo when the loudspeakers came to life around them. "Ladies and gentlemen, please stand in remembrance of one of our fallen drivers, Solo Maxwell, who lost his life at Daytona two years ago. His driving is legend even though he was taken from us early in his career. This lap is for him. Farewell and good racing to him on that speedway in the sky."
Duo's mind was going about as fast as his racecar. Although he was well aware of where each car around him was, the feel of the track under his wheels, and what he needed to do to advance, he couldn't help the thoughts that were bombarding him from all sides. He'd expected the absolute high he was on, but he hadn't realized that it would be as frightening as it was enthralling. He didn't know whether to give out a war whoop or throw up. Laughing at himself, the braided driver decided the sanest thing was to just drive.
He'd been tempted to take his plushie with him to the track, but he'd been afraid that it would only distract him. He couldn't afford that right now, so chibi-Heero was safe at the hotel room. The moment he'd slid into Winged Scythe, he'd felt a calm overtake him, despite his roaming thoughts now. He was driving well, and he knew he could do this for Heero. All he needed was the right opportunity to exploit. He smirked; actually, all Shinigami needed was half an opportunity. His skills weren't as rusty as he'd feared, and it was like he'd never quit racing the other drivers on the track for fun. His moment of grandeur was broken by the seventh lap being announced.
Duo gripped his steering wheel tighter. The com was unusually quiet, and although he felt alone, he appreciated the others giving him a little privacy to deal with this. He refused to let the tears come; his crying for his brother was over. He took a deep breath and focused on the track. He still needed to pass Zechs. It didn't matter who else won the race, so long as he finished before the blond driver. Of course, he wouldn't mind winning if he could. The car had been performing wonderfully, and if Duo could just make some good pits, they had a chance. He remembered how Solo used to say that some races were won during the stops more than flying around the track.
"I always was such a flippant son-of-a-bitch, wasn't I?"
Duo blinked, the familiar voice choking him up in spite of his resolve. "Yeah, bro," he found himself whispering, "You were, but I loved you anyway, asshole." Was that voice coming over the com or was it just in his head?
A deep laugh made him shiver. "Take care of Heero. He's good for you. Don't let him have all the fun either. Take to the track sometimes too. You've earned it, little brother. More than earned it."
Duo gasped, wondering if he was losing his mind. "Solo? Solo? Are you really there?"
Only static met his soft inquiry for a moment before he heard, "Duo? Duo can you hear me?"
The braided driver shook his head. Maybe the stress was catching up with him. First his brother was on the com, and now Heero? Who would be next, Earnhardt?
"Duo? It's Heero. Please, answer me."
"Heero?" Duo asked, his confusion melting away as he suddenly realized that he wasn't imagining the blessed voice on the line. "Heero? Is it really you, baby?"
"It's me," came the relieved reply. "I had Charlie call Trowa, and they patched me through."
Duo felt something around his heart uncoil, and he let out a breath for what seemed like the first time in days. "Oh, baby. You don't know... "
"Yes, I do," Heero interrupted him. "I'm just grateful to be here for you. Just stay focused. I'm all right now."
Duo relaxed, feeling the adrenaline rush through him as he took a corner, this time without the fear that had haunted him. The familiar feeling of riding the lightning overwhelmed him for a few seconds before he managed to growl out, "Just sit back and let me show you why they call me 'Shinigami', 'Ro."
Heero snorted. "I've heard that you're good. Let's see what you got, Shi-koi."
Duo laughed, completely free from the worry that had consumed him the past few days. His violet eyes calculated the distance of the two cars ahead of him, and plotting his course, he sped up, timing it perfectly as he passed the one on his right before tucking behind the one on the left ahead of them. In another two seconds, he was past them both.
"Not too bad," Heero commented, his voice sending sparks of pleasure down Duo's spine.
"Oh yeah? Well, you ain't seen nothin' yet, buddy," Duo shot back, setting his sights on his next victim.
It continued this way through almost the entire race. Duo pitted once for tires, and then during a caution to have a few minor adjustments made. Even with that delay, he was soon only a car behind Zechs, who was in the lead with less than twenty laps left to go. He watched as the blond went to pit and decided to make his move. As Duo steered his car towards his own area, he felt the thrill of the challenge. The crew changed his tires, and he was on his way, managing to cut in front of Zechs by a hair to get back onto the track ahead of him.
"Duo... "
"Oh, like you haven't cut it that close before, 'Ro," the braided driver scoffed, not letting the reprimand spoil his good mood at executing his plan to perfection.
Heero sighed in obvious exasperation. "Just be careful. I'd like to have my lover in one piece at the end of the race." The voice on the com then took on a different timbre. "Besides, we do have some rather pressing matters to attend to when this is over... like getting to that cabin."
Duo shifted as he felt himself respond to that tone immediately. "Yuy, now is not the time... "
"What? Can't drive and get off at the same time?"
Duo moaned. "You wait until I get back to the hospital. You are going to be in serious trouble, buddy."
"Promises, promises," Heero practically purred.
Duo swallowed, his eyes intent on the track in spite of his growing arousal. "Damn, but your voice should be outlawed when it sounds like that."
Heero laughed. "Your fault. You made me this way. I didn't even think about sex much before you came along."
"Much?" Duo queried, his eyebrow raised even though Heero couldn't see it. "Should I be pleased or offended?"
"Pleased. You're so hot I can barely think about anything else when I'm around you."
Duo grinned. "I've missed you so much. I can't wait to get you alone. These last few days have been torture."
Heero continued to talk to Duo until they were only a few laps left. Duo was holding his position, but Zechs was right behind him, and the braided driver knew the blond would be looking for an opening. Even though Zechs hadn't wanted to race because of Treize, he'd done it for the welfare of his team. Duo respected him for that, but he wasn't going to give the other driver the chance he was looking for. He was going to win this for Heero.
"Zechs is going to try to go inside on the next corner," Heero told him as Duo approached traffic on the next to last lap of the race.
Duo chuckled. "Relax, baby. I'm doing... "
"Duo!" came Quatre's excited voice over the com. "Accident ahead."
Duo tensed and began scanning the field. "High or low?"
"Low" the blond spotter replied. "Looks like McKinney clipped Evans. They both ended up hitting and sliding out of control. Debris seems to be minimal on the track, but be careful."
"Fluid?" Duo asked, shivering slightly at the thought.
"I'm not sure," Quatre responded. "They hit pretty hard."
Duo felt his blood turn to ice. "Shit," he muttered. "Are the drivers okay?"
"They seem to be," Heero replied before Quatre could. "They're trying to get them out of the cars."
"Shit," Duo said again, his mind whirling. "Quatre, I need to know about that fluid."
"I don't see... " the blond began, "Wait... there might be... "
"Quatre! Make up your fucking mind, and do it quick," Duo grated out, the fear turning into determination. "I'm almost there, and I need to know if it's safe to get through on the inside."
"Calm down, Duo," Howard's voice broke through. "Just go high to be safe."
Duo bristled, his pride warring with his common sense. "If I go high, Zechs will go around me and take the lead. We have less than a lap left. I'm not giving up just because you guys can't see what the hell's going on."
"Duo... "
"No, Heero," Duo spat. "Don't even go there. You told me to never let my fear make you lose another race, and I'll be damned if I let mine make me lose this one!"
"Listen to me," Heero ground out, "Your life is more important to me than some fucking race, Duo Maxwell. That's what you tried to tell me back then, so I'm telling you that now. Go high. Just because you're Solo's brother doesn't mean you have to do what he did. He would have listened to you if he could have, but he lost control of his steering and didn't want to tell you. I know it doesn't make sense, but I'll explain later. Just trust me and do what I say."
Duo felt like he'd been slapped. The anger and stubbornness faded at Heero's words. Had Solo wanted to do what he'd said, but hadn't been able to? That eased his pride a little, if nothing else. He thought about how he'd felt when Heero had almost ignored his warnings months ago; that made his decision for him. "Going high," he whispered in defeat. He couldn't help but feel sick inside as a car sped past him on his left. His only consolation was the sound of his lover's voice telling him that his life was more important. Duo could only hope Heero was right.
"Where the hell did Hilde come from?" came Howard's startled voice.
Duo looked ahead of him, but instead of Zech's car, he saw Hilde's as the checkered flag waved. "What?"
"She passed both of you!" Quatre told them excitedly. "Zechs went high too. His spotter couldn't see either."
Duo's first thought as he finished second was that he was going to skewer Hilde for being so reckless. He then realized what her winning meant and yelled to his family, "Woohoo! You hear that, Yuy? You just won the championship!"
"No, I believe you and Hilde won it for me," Heero said, the humor evident in his voice. "I'll have to thank her... "
"Very funny," Duo replied as he made his way around and into the pit area. Trowa already had the window guard down, but Duo realized that he needed another minute with Heero before facing everyone. "Hey 'Ro?"
"Yes?" Heero responded quietly, obviously picking up on the change in Duo's voice.
Duo bit his lip. "Thank you... for keeping me from doing something stupid... for just... being here."
"I'm sorry you didn't win Daytona," Heero almost whispered, "I know it would have meant the world to you."
Duo closed his eyes, his heart clenching for a moment before a feeling of joy overtook the one of regret those words brought. "S'okay, baby. I have the rest of my life with you, and that means more to me than winning some race ever could." He grinned as he remembered the feeling of being inside Winged Scythe. "Besides, I got to dance in the storm for you, 'Ro. I touched the lightning and had the ride of my life... " There were so many things he wanted to say, but his throat seemed to close up. "Thank you for believing in me... for loving me... "
Heero cut in, seeming to know that his braided lover was coming down hard from the rush. "I will always believe in you, and love you, no matter what. You taught me that there's more to life than a speedway." There was silence for a moment, and when Heero spoke again, Duo knew the teasing was to lighten the mood more than anything. "You are wrong about one thing though."
"What's that?" The braided mechanic asked, playing the straight man for once. That thought made him smirk.
"The ride of your life is yet to come," Heero replied in that velvety voice. "I am the Perfect Driver, after all, and I intend to take you around the track faster than you've ever been... "
Those standing outside the 01-02 car heard the delighted laughter of the driver, Duo Maxwell, as he seemed to take his time getting out. A few knew the reason for the mechanic-turned-driver's good spirits; others speculated as to the cause of such joy. Although the Winner team had claimed the championship for Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell had not won Daytona. Shinigami had given them a good race as he'd promised, but he hadn't decimated his enemies the way some had expected. It seemed to be the end of a career before it had even begun; yet no one seemed upset about it. Reporters milled around the track, hoping to get a statement from Maxwell, but after the braided mechanic climbed out of the car, surrounded by his uncle and crewmates, he seemed to just disappear. Some thought that he was too embarrassed to face the Press. Others wondered if he was ill. The rumor that would become legend was that he gave up what spotlight would have been afforded him to catch a plane that would take him back to the bedside of his lover so they could celebrate their win/loss together.
Sometimes legend was closer to the truth than one could imagine.
End Part 20
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