Title: Start Me Up - 6/?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Het
Pairings: 1+2, 2xSylvia
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Angst, Language, and Lemon/Lime
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :) and TK's Violet Haven - http://tkmaxwell777.fallenweb.net
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or its characters. I just wanted to put them in racecars ;)
Heero felt the adrenaline pump through him as he punched the accelerator. They got a clean start, and he felt relieved to not have an accident to deal with at the beginning. He passed a couple of drivers, getting a feel for the racecar under actual racing conditions. As they made the first couple of laps, he could feel that Wing hadn't loosened up like he'd thought it would; he'd have to have them adjust that during his first pit stop.
"You're doing good Heero," came Quatre's voice over the comm, "track is running smooth."
Heero was about to respond when he felt a nudge from behind him. "What the hell!"
Duo's voice came over his headset, "Rubbing is racing, 'Ro. That's just Hilde giving you a little friendly bump-n-grind. Be nice, and she might let you return the favor."
Heero frowned. "I haven't got time to be nice. I've got a race to win."
"Don't piss her off, man. She can be a real bitch when she wants to be. She once belted Solo for calling her 'little girl'. Believe me, you need to get along."
Quatre's voice interrupted, "She's our pit partner, Heero. We need her."
Heero sighed heavily. "Fine, but I don't plan to bang her, even if she gives me the chance."
Duo snickered. "Bump-n-grind, 'Ro. Banging her would be an entirely different thing... although, she is pretty cute, so I wouldn't blame you..."
Heero growled. "Wouldn't want to take over your action," he replied bitterly.
"Hey! Hilde's like a sister to me!" Duo exclaimed, seemingly shocked at Heero's insinuation. "I wouldn't dream of doing something like that with her..." There was a pause, then Heero heard something the braided boy mumble something that sounded like, "Besides, I know someone even prettier than she is that I would be more than happy to bang if he wasn't such a jerk sometimes..."
Heero snorted, but he couldn't help the little twinge of regret he felt. What was wrong with him? Didn't he want Duo to think he was a jerk? Wasn't that the point of him being so distant, to keep the other boy away? He thought about the other part of that statement and knew Duo had been listening when he'd played that game before the race. He wondered why he wasn't embarrassed about Duo hearing him. He had to admit that the game had calmed his nerves... maybe the braided boy did have some good ideas. He shook his head, trying to focus on the problem at hand.
"I need an adjustment when I pit."
He heard a strangled laugh as the other boy muttered, "Yes, and I could help you with that, but you tell me you don't swing that way."
"What was that?" Heero asked, an edge to his voice. Duo hadn't tried any suggestive banter since the garage incident. Although Heero had felt bad about the fight later, he hadn't missed the continual flirting and innuendoes. At least that's what he kept telling himself.
Duo cleared his throat. "Yes, and I can help you with that... if you tell me what's wrong anyway."
Heero knew that wasn't what the violet-eyed mechanic had said, but he let it slide. They had kept it professional since the altercation, and he wanted it to remain that way. "Too tight."
"I bet," Duo replied, another choked sound coming over the comm. "Okay, we'll take care of that when you come in." Some more chuckling could be heard before he managed to say, "Maxwell out."
Heero shook his head. Well, so much for his reprieve from Maxwell's humor. It appeared the other boy wasn't angry with him anymore, which was good for the team, but meant that Heero would have to endure those looks and comments again unless he wanted to pick another fight - which he didn't. They needed to be able to work together without arguing over things like that. He would just have to learn to ignore it. It was unacceptable to return the teasing, but if it was just harmless flirting, he could handle it so long as Duo didn't try to take it any farther. With a heavy sigh, Heero forced himself to refocus his attention on the speedway and the race, waiting for the right time to go in.
Duo wiped the tears from his eyes, his laughter finally dying down. He didn't know why, but Heero's words just seemed so... provocative... and he couldn't help but respond. He knew the driver hadn't meant it that way, but still... it had been fun taking it that way. He'd hated how they'd been acting around each other since the argument. He didn't like for anyone not to like him, and even though he knew there was no way Heero would ever have feelings for him sexually, teasing the other boy was just too entertaining to resist. He'd never felt this way about a guy before, but he just couldn't seem to help it. The fact that it wasn't just a physical reaction only made things worse. He wanted to get to know Heero, wanted to become friends, if nothing else. Maybe teasing wasn't the way to do it, but he just couldn't keep from doing it unless he was pissed off at the other boy. Duo shook his head. He'd have to be careful not to push too hard, but maybe with time, Heero would learn to lighten up, and at least not get so angry with him. If Heero hadn't kept his distance since the fight, Duo probably would have been aggravating him a lot sooner. As it was, he was glad he'd forgotten about the note he'd left in the race car... the game had definitely helped his driver, and that was what was important.
"I take it there has been a truce?" Trowa asked as he walked up to the braided boy.
Duo smiled. "I guess. Who would've thought he just needed to think he was prettier than Hilde to make him feel better?"
Trowa raised an eyebrow. "Do I want to know?"
"No," Duo laughed then added with a more serious tone. "I told him about Solo's game."
"Ahh," Trowa replied. It had been a game they had all enjoyed. Duo would be in tears before every race listening to Solo come up with names of people they knew from back home, on the circuit, even celebrities, that he was 'prettier than'. The tall mechanic smiled in remembrance. "It's a good game."
Duo pushed away the ache in his heart, turning his attention back to the race. "Yeah, it is."
It was the third lap, and everyone in the stands stood, remembering one of the great legends of the sport, number 3, Dale Earnhardt. Duo thought about the man he'd never known... and then about the man he'd called his brother. When the seventh lap was made, Duo bowed his head, remembering Solo... remembering what he had lost.
Two accidents, two cautions, and two pits later, Heero was in third position, gaining ground on Zechs. Noin had taken the lead due to excellent pit strategy and daring driving. The Japanese driver had to admit that the woman was good. Merquise was too, and Heero felt his competitiveness force him to drive more aggressively than usual. With a smile that would have frightened Duo, he eased up on the blonde's racer in front of him, looking for a way to get around the other car.
"Heero, you're getting too close," came Quatre's voice over the headset.
"Roger that," Heero replied coolly, backing off a little.
It was then all hell broke loose on the track farther up in front of him. Some of the lap traffic collided, causing a major accident. Problem was, Heero would have to drive through the wreck area before he could pit. He waited for his spotter to be his eyes for him.
"It looks like the accident was contained to the lower part of the track Heero. You should be able to keep to the middle, possibly passing Zechs if you play your cards right."
"Ryoukai," Heero answered, already thinking through what he needed to do to accomplish that when another voice broke through on the headset.
"No. Do not stay in the middle. Go high."
It was Duo's voice, and Heero thought it sounded... odd. "Nani?"
Duo had watched the track become a wrecking zone as the cars crashed. His heart was still hammering inside his chest as mental images from a different race overlapped with ones from the present. He listened as Quatre gave Heero directions on how to proceed and felt his breath catch.
"No. Do not stay in the middle," he ordered, "Go high."
"Duo, it's clear," Quatre argued. "I can see it from here. It's contained on the lower part of the track."
"No!" Duo almost yelled. "Heero, go high."
"But, Duo..."
"Heero, listen to me," Duo grated out, ignoring Quatre completely, "just do what I tell you."
There was silence for a moment before a calm voice answered. "Going high, Yuy out."
Duo held his breath as Heero neared the accident scene. He closed his eyes, suddenly unable to watch. Memories flooded him. He could hear Solo telling him that he could make it through, that he had to take the chance in order to win. He could hear himself yelling from his spotter position for his brother to watch out for the oil on the track... the oil that Solo hadn't known was there. He could see the car sliding sideways, hitting two other cars, before it went head-on into the wall...
"Duo?"
Duo opened his eyes, realizing that he was almost hyperventilating. Trowa was standing beside him, his hand rubbing the braided boy's back in calming circles. Duo looked at him, seeing understanding in those green eyes. "Did he...?"
Trowa nodded. "He made it through."
Duo began to calm, taking deep breaths slowly. "Sorry... sorry..."
"It's okay, Duo. It's over," Trowa soothed before walking away to prepare for the pit stop.
Duo nodded, swallowing as he looked back at the track to watch for Heero as he headed in for a fueling.
Heero saw Zechs moving to the top of the track too, so he figured Duo had to be right; at least Zechs wouldn't gain a position. He knew he should be overtaking the other car, but for some reason, Duo was worried about him staying in the center. He wasn't completely confident in Quatre's opinion in this situation, so he thought it best to listen to the braided mechanic this time. After the race, they would have to discuss exactly whom he was supposed to listen to when faced with these circumstances. As he made his way through the problem section of the track, he caught sight of another car moving up on his left. It startled him because he didn't think anyone would be attempting a position change if the track were that dangerous. The reality of just how dangerous the track wasn't made itself clear as he realized which car was getting ready to overtake him.
Hilde.
"Kuso!" he cursed as the girl sped past both him and Zechs to claim second place on the track. Continuing to mutter in Japanese, Heero followed Zechs and Hilde around the track toward the pits. By the time they made it in, it was clear that Hilde had a good lead on both of them.
"You need anything other than fuel?" Howard asked him over the comm as the car stopped.
"No." Heero replied, seething inside. Oh yes, he would be talking with Duo Maxwell after the race.
"Okay, the pace car is coming around, Heero. Time to get back out there," Quatre's voice informed him.
Heero began moving out of pit row... only to see Hilde already on the track. Zechs barely managed to get in front of him as they left pit row. Heero was still in fourth place. For the next few laps, Heero concentrated on one thing - overtaking Zechs. Since he probably couldn't win the race, beating the blonde was the next best thing. They only had one more lap to go when Heero saw the opportunity to change position present itself.
"Quatre, I'm passing Merquise."
"No problem, Heero. You're looking good."
"You're going to pass him on the last turn?" Duo's voice piped in over the mic.
Heero gritted his teeth. "Yes, damn it, and nothing you say will stop me, Maxwell. Yuy out."
Heero edged over a little more, and as the turn came into view, accelerated. It was a tight fit, but he slid by the other car smoothly. He couldn't help the small smile that lit his face when he thought about the colorful language he was sure Zechs was using at the moment. As they neared the checkered flag on the final lap, Heero let himself accept this lesser victory. He could have finished second if not for a certain violet-eyed mechanic, but he would deal with that shortly. Third wasn't too bad for his first race.
After all, the season was just beginning.
Duo, Trowa, and Wufei came towards Wing as Heero made his way in. The braided boy was smiling. They had placed third; it was a very promising start. The earlier fear he'd felt had been replaced with the satisfaction of a race completed. As Heero climbed out of the car, Duo sighed in relief. His driver was alive and the car was undamaged. He stepped forward to congratulate the Japanese boy but stopped short when he saw the look in Heero's deep blue eyes.
"Don't you ever let your personal feelings interfere with my race again," Heero said coldly.
Duo flinched. "What the hell do you mean by that, Yuy?"
Heero stepped closer, glaring. "Your fear cost me second place. From now on, I'm only listening to Quatre when I'm on the track. He's my spotter... not you."
"Quatre is still new at this," Duo pointed out angrily, "and until he has a few more races under his belt, I'm going to help him. It's my job to know this and every track you race on. I made my decision based upon that knowledge."
"The hell you did!" Heero shouted, his calm shattering. He was tired, he was sweaty, and he was angry. "You didn't trust me. You didn't think I could pass Zechs under those conditions. You were afraid that I would end up wrecking your precious racecar!"
Duo went pale. "You son-of-a-bitch! I wasn't worried about the fucking car! I was worried about you!"
They stared at each other for a moment, both of them unaware of the hustle and bustle around them, Duo's words hanging in the air between them. Finally, Heero stepped back. "You don't need to worry about me," he grated out. "I can take care of myself." With that, he turned and stalked away, ignoring the reporters and fans as he went to get something to drink.
Duo just stood there, stunned. Trowa and Wufei both began looking over the car, trying to act like they hadn't overheard. Howard was speaking with Quatre, who had returned from his spotter's point. The braided mechanic suddenly had the overwhelming urge to break something. What the hell was Heero's problem? A soft touch to his shoulder made him whirl around. His anger faded away as he looked into smiling gray eyes.
"Syl," he breathed as he hugged her tightly, her presence both a comfort and a regret.
"Duo, you haven't changed a bit," she whispered before pulling away slightly. "Except maybe got better looking... although, I don't know how that's even possible."
Duo grinned, trying to accept the teasing. "Why, Miss Noventa, I do believe you're flirting with me."
Sylvia smiled, falling into the routine easily, batting her eyes. "Why yes, Mr. Maxwell, I believe I am."
"Well, then... I guess that's okay, so long as you know it," he replied with a wink, feeling his heart ache.
They looked at each other, taking in how the other had changed. Duo could tell that Sylvia was dealing better with their loss than either one of them had been last year. The pain that had filled her eyes had dissipated, leaving only a slight flash of hurt that surfaced every now and then at the memories that the place they were standing in alone was responsible for. It gave him hope.
"So where are we going for dinner?" Sylvia asked, the familiar exchange making Duo chuckle.
"I haven't asked Howard yet, but I'm sure we'll be going to Ben's."
"You're damn right we're going to Ben's!" Howard's amused voice called out as he and Quatre approached them.
"Hello, Howard," Sylvia greeted, accepting a hug happily from the older man.
"What's 'Ben's'?" Quatre asked.
"Well... Ben's is... um... well, just Ben's. " Duo finally said, shrugging.
"You'll just have to see for yourself," Trowa told the blonde, as he and Wufei walked from around the car. "It's our normal 'after race' hangout when we're in town."
"I'm afraid I must decline," Wufei informed them with a grimace. "I have a prior commitment."
"Too bad, Fei," Duo quipped. "We'll miss having you there. Hilde won't get to tease you."
"Alas, Maxwell, she will just have to have her fun with you instead," the Chinese mechanic snorted.
"Well then, I think we should get everything put up, get back to the hotel, get cleaned up, and then head out," Howard suggested.
Duo grinned. "Sure thing, boss man." He turned to Sylvia. "Meet you there?"
"You got it, handsome," she replied before leaning forward to give him a soft kiss. "See you."
Heero leaned against the garage, sipping on a root beer, wishing Quatre could have gotten a cola sponsor instead. He heard the others make their plans for the evening and decided not to join them. He could tell that the girl was another 'familiar' person to the crew, especially Duo. Did the boy have a girl at every track? That thought made him - envious? Jealous? He shook his head - no, certainly not jealous, he told himself firmly. Yet, he couldn't help the anger he felt at how Duo was being with her. He'd seen the way the girl had touched Duo too; it was obvious that they were more than just friends.
"You coming along tonight, or are you going to go sulk alone?" Howard asked as he walked over to him.
Heero frowned. "I'm tired. I'm going to grab a bite at the hotel and then go to bed."
Howard shook his head. "Heero, you shouldn't try so hard to be alone. The guys really want to get to know you. Hell, I want to get to know you. Can't you at least give us a chance?"
"Howard, I appreciate you trying to do the 'fatherly' bit with me, but I'm afraid it's a little too late for that. I don't socialize. If that's what you all want, then maybe you should get another driver."
Heero turned and walked away, leaving Howard to sigh after him in exasperation.
"I'm leaving for New York, Duo," Sylvia said softly. "I won't be here when you come back."
Duo looked at the girl standing before him, seeing the woman she was becoming. They had gone to Ben's, enjoyed a steak dinner with the crew, and now stood in the garage area of the track. Duo had suggested they come back there to talk; both of them felt closer to the person they were trying to remember... and forget.
"College?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"Yes. I was accepted at Julliard. It's a dream come true."
Duo nodded. "I'm happy for you, Syl. He... he would have been too."
Sylvia moved closer to the braided boy, her hand touching his face. "One last time?"
Duo closed his eyes. One last time? He didn't know whether to be elated or devastated. "Yeah."
He placed his hands on her waist, lifting her to sit on the low worktable. Sliding his hands up her thighs, he pushed her skirt higher, revealing her body to him. He reached down unsnapping his own jeans, pulling the zipper down as she leaned in and kissed him. His hands then removed her lace underwear, moving her to sit on the edge of the table as their mouths moved against each other's. Sylvia wrapped her legs around him, and Duo had to fight the tears that threatened. One last time, he reminded himself. He reached into his boxers and pulled his erection out. It always bothered him that he could get hard like this for her. He eased himself inside, relishing the warmth of her body in spite of himself.
"This is goodbye," Sylvia moaned as he began moving inside her.
"Yes... goodbye," Duo repeated, his breathing ragged as he thrust into her over and over again. He reached between them, his fingers sliding into her wetness to rub her pleasure nub as he increased his pace. He refused to let the tears escape his eyes. This was for her... only for her. One last time...
"Oh yes... yes... yes... SOLO!" she cried out as she climaxed, her body tensing, the muscles inside her gripping Duo, coaxing his own completion against his will.
"Ahh! Ahh!" the braided mechanic yelled as released his seed into the body wrapped around him.
They held each other as their breathing regulated again. It only took a moment for their clothes to be pulled back on once they both stopped shaking. Duo then stood facing her... his greatest penance.
"Thank you, Duo. If it hadn't been for you these past couple of years, I... I never would have even known... at least I got to imagine..." Her tears began to fall as she fumbled for words.
Duo wiped her cheeks. "I know. It's okay, Syl. It's time you let him go... time for you to move on... for both of us to move on." He didn't know how he would, but he had to try.
She nodded, taking a deep breath. "I will always love your brother, Duo. He will always be in my heart... as will you."
Duo smiled sadly. Was it enough to justify this? "As will you."
Sylvia leaned forward, kissing him deeply, before she turned to leave "Goodbye, Duo. Take care."
Duo watched her walked out of the garage before he whispered, "Goodbye."
Heero stood in the shadows, watching. He'd eaten dinner at the hotel and tried to sleep, but he just couldn't seem to shut down the emotions coursing through him. Those emotions had led him to the track. He hadn't meant to walk in on such a private moment... hadn't meant to stay... hadn't meant to watch.
But he had.
He'd shook his head in disgust at first, but then he'd realized that something was going on that didn't quite make sense. When the girl cried out, it was Duo's brother's name, and Heero had felt sorry for the braided boy. He was shocked when Duo acted like it wasn't out of the ordinary. What the hell was going on?
He'd watched them get dressed, heard them say goodbye, and was confused beyond belief. His blue eyes remained on the boy standing alone now by Wing... and he waited for the storm he somehow knew was getting ready to break; he didn't have to wait long.
"Why?" Duo's anguished voice asked, and for a moment, Heero thought Duo knew he was there. That fear was put to rest when the braided mechanic continued speaking, "Why, Solo? Why did you have to die? It should have been you with her! It never should have been me!"
Heero flinched when the other boy grabbed the nearest tool and flung it across the room. He could feel the anger and pain just by looking at Duo, and he didn't understand why it was affecting him so much.
"Why?" Duo yelled out, almost screaming. "Why did you have to die? You fucking bastard! I can't race because of you, but I can't walk away either! Why? Why can't you just leave me the fuck alone? I loved you, you son-of-a-bitch! Why didn't you listen to me?" Duo grabbed more implements off of the worktable and threw them at the metal walls. "We were a team, damn it! A team! But you got cocky... didn't think you needed your baby brother telling you how to race... didn't think I knew what the hell I was talking about... but I did. I did!" Duo collapsed onto the ground, his tears finally overtaking him as choking sobs filled the garage. "You should have lived... we should have raced together... you should have married Sylvia." He took a ragged breath. "Instead, you made me promise... you died before I could even... you made me become your fiancée's fucking whore!" Duo threw another ratchet across the floor before slumping back against the table. "Even in death you won't let me live my own life. Why?"
Heero listened to the angry words fade into helpless sobs. Seeing the other boy like this, seeing behind that mask of humor, seeing the wounded soul buried underneath all of the cheerfulness, made Heero realize that he had misjudged Duo, had probably hurt him without meaning to by his actions after the race. He needed to understand what had happened to Solo so he wouldn't do it again. He may not want to be friends, but he didn't want to be enemies either. With a grim determination, he left the garage.
He had to go see Howard.
End Part 6
(:./tk/start6)
