Title: Coming Of Age - 3/?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Yuri
Pairings: 2x4x2, 1+2, 3+4, D+R
Rating: R
Warnings: Angst, Language
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :)
Disclaimer: I don't own them, merely borrow them for fun... no money-making, no harm done.
The guitar riff of the next song got everyone's attention as Quatre began singing. He loved this song, and although he was discouraged by Trowa's reactions thus far, he had made up his mind to enjoy himself despite the outcome of his attempts. He was going to have some fun, so he turned to face Duo.
//You don't have to love me, baby, I don't give a damn. You've got the time, I've got the touch, and you know who I am//
Duo smiled back at the blonde; he loved it when Quatre got in 'bad boy' mode, as he called it. The other boy could be damn sexy when he wanted to be, and Duo still didn't understand why Trowa hadn't pounced on the Arabian the moment Quatre had shown interest. Duo couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy at the thought that Quatre still harbored feelings for the 'clown', but then again, he still had a thing for Heero, so he couldn't throw any stones. He could see the mischief in those aqua eyes and vowed to enjoy the teasing from the other boy while he still could.
//It's simplified, I'm mystified, a case of hit and run. Ain't no use, no more abuse, you are my number one. And I'm in love//
Quatre refused to look at Trowa when he said that. His eyes locked on Duo's as he sung those words, and he could have sworn he saw a slight reaction in those fathomless violet depths as Duo sang background vocals with him. Was he in love with Duo? The possibility stunned him. They had told each other before they'd left L2 that although they loved each other, their hearts still belonged to the others, but could they be reaching out to grasp for something they already had together?
//I'm mystified, baby. Yeah, I'm in love. I'm mystified, baby, yeah, yeah, yeah. You're my kind of lover. You always keep me mystified//
Duo began the guitar solo, a rather bluesy electric rendition. Heero sat there completely enthralled. Duo's playing was just wonderful, and with Quatre's sexy tenor voice drawling out those lyrics, it was powerful. He had never thought of Quatre as being sexy before, but there was no denying that the boy had matured into a gorgeous young man, full of raw sensuality that was almost as entrancing as Duo's. Heero just watched them, enjoying the show, wondering how he could have ever missed their talents.
//I'm in love. I'm mystified, baby. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now, you're my kind of lover, you always keep me mystified//
Duo could tell that Heero was really getting into their performance. It was nice to see the formerly stoic boy openly indulging in his emotions. Duo could tell from where he was that there was more life to those Prussian blues than Heero had allowed anyone to see before; it gave the longhaired boy hope. If Heero had found a way to express his emotions, it might mean that he would be willing to begin a relationship, especially if Duo made him understand that he was talking about more than just a sexual one. He looked back at Quatre, feeling that uncertainty again. It was odd; he hadn't planned on becoming Quatre's lover at all, but after that first time with him, he couldn't stop wanting to be with him. Could he stop now? He reminded himself that Quatre was still in love with Trowa, and knew he would have to let go, whether he wanted to or not. Watching the blonde tease him so familiarly, Duo admitted it was not going to be easy.
//Well, I get out of the kitchen when I can't take the heat. What you've got cookin' hon, looks good enough to eat. Well, in walked the boss man with a 'Boom, boom, boom'. He said, "Break time's over boy, get back to pushin' that broom"//
Trowa didn't know what to think about the spectacle before him. It was bad enough when Quatre was just singing background, but now that he was singing lead, adding all those 'suggestive' vocalizations... Trowa just didn't understand how Quatre could have allowed himself to do this. It wasn't that Trowa didn't like the music; on the contrary, it was something he would normally have enjoyed. He just couldn't reconcile the image of the blonde on stage grunting sexily with the one of the blonde he had fought two wars with. It was not Quatre up there, and it made him so angry at Duo for changing the boy so completely. He vowed to see if there was something remaining of the boy he once knew and hoped he would be able to bring him back. He didn't want Quatre like the blonde wanted him, but that didn't mean he wasn't his friend, and friends just didn't use each other the way Duo was using Quatre. It had to stop.
//Well that's the way it goes sometimes, yeah, it's the story of my life. Whoa, oh yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now, you're my kind of lover. You always keep me mystified. You just keep it comin', babe. You only wanna keep me satisfied. You're my kind of lover. You always keep me mystified. Whoa, oh oh, oh//
Quatre walked over to Duo, facing him; Duo smirked. They often played off of each other, letting the audience feel the sexual vibe between them to heightens the effect of the songs they sung. Quatre placed his hand on Duo's chest and sang the next lyrics, a suggestive expression on his face as he moved his hips in time with Duo's playing. They fell into an easy rhythm, Quatre gyrating in time with his words, Duo moving tandem with his guitar, using it as an extension of his body, touching Quatre with it playfully.
//I don't mind pushin' this broom, baby. As long as I keep pushin' back to you. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, oh, say, ow//
Heero felt himself getting... uncomfortable. Was it because of the two boys interacting like that on stage? Heero was a little confused. Why would that turn him on? His partial erection argued with him that it didn't matter why, but the former Wing pilot didn't know how to reconcile that with his feelings for Duo. He'd never even felt attraction until Duo, and now watching the object of his attraction getting flirty with another boy was arousing him? Did this mean that he could be attracted to someone else other than Duo? To Quatre? He refocused on them again, noting how they seemed to move so well together. Images of them moving like that, naked in bed, came unbidden to his mind; he didn't know what to think about that.
//Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now, you're my kind of lover. You always keep me mystified. Yeah, you're my kind of lover, babe. You only wanna keep me satisfied. You're my kind of lover. Whoa! Oh!//
Duo loved the way Quatre sung this song. It always aroused him, knowing that he was the blonde's lover, and that he did satisfy the other boy whenever they were together. He was reminded once again how much he would miss that if things changed. He glanced out at Heero, noting how the other boy was looking at... them. Well, if he and Heero did get together, he would tell Heero about him and Quatre, so it really didn't matter. Either Heero would accept it or not. Quatre would remain his friend regardless. Duo couldn't help but think about their joke concerning 'closet sex' from earlier and smiled broadly as Quatre sung the last line.
//You know you keep me mystified//
As the guitar riff faded, applause filled the room. Quatre bowed, a huge smile on his face. His eyes caught and held Duo's, who winked at him in appreciation. Oh how he loved singing and playing with them! He hoped that even if Duo and Heero got together they could still keep the band. Quatre looked at Heero and decided that from the way Heero was looking at them, that shouldn't be a problem.
Duo and Quatre put their instruments on their stands and headed down to the main table. The rest of the band continued to play. They had brought a couple more guitar players with them to help with the acoustical arrangements and added rhythm guitar riffs, and to relieve them during the party when they weren't singing. Dorothy had another band there to play as well, so all of them would get to enjoy themselves throughout the evening. Duo reached the table first, Quatre following behind him. They found drinks waiting for them, and they were definitely of the alcoholic variety. The others had already been enjoying their refreshments.
"Guys, that was just wonderful," Relena told them as they sat down.
"Thanks," Duo replied with a wink. "Just call me Ronnie James Duo." He laughed at his own joke.
"I didn't even know you could sing, Quatre," Catherine said softly, taking in the changes in the blonde.
Quatre looked at her, forcing himself to avoid making eye contact with Trowa. He'd already felt enough from the other boy to know that he wasn't happy to see him. "Well, it's a talent I recently discovered. As for the guitar, well, learning how to play wasn't so hard since I knew the violin."
"Yeah, he took to it in a couple of months. Damn near shocked me to death when he showed up at a rehearsal one day to ask if he could play with us," Duo explained, pride evident in his voice. "He blew everyone away. The guys BEGGED me to get him to join. It has been really nice having a second voice to do lead. Gives me a break once in a while."
"Actually, I think I'm singing more this round of songs than the last," Quatre said thoughtfully.
Duo considered that for a moment then laughed. "Actually, you are. Damn, Cat, you're taking over!"
Everyone laughed at that... well, everyone except for Trowa, who just sat there giving them a curious look.
"How long have you been with the band, Duo?"
Duo looked at Heero across the table. "Um... ever since the last war ended," he replied, trying not to let his voice waver. Heero looked really good tonight, and Duo was trying not to openly drool. For once, the dark-haired boy had on a pair of tight dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved blue Henley shirt that brought out his eyes even more. Duo couldn't help but think Heero looked more comfortable with others than he used to. It was definitely a nice change.
"It certainly sounds like you've been playing for longer," Heero commented, trying to compliment him without sounding like an idiot. "I mean, you played like a professional. You're really good."
"We play a lot of clubs," Quatre explained, just glad to be able to focus his attention on someone other than the boy sitting a couple chairs down from him.
"Well, I'm certainly glad you're playing here tonight," Relena said with a smile. "It's nice to actually have music that... what was it you said, Dory? Kicks ass?"
Dorothy smiled at Relena. "Yes, Rel. That's what I said."
"So what does your family think about you playing in a band?" Trowa asked suddenly.
Quatre turned towards him. "Iria thinks we're good." He let his aqua eyes rest on Trowa, raising his chin a little in defiance. "Rashid and Abdul try to make it to as many gigs as they can. As for the rest, they've heard tapes we've made and think it's good that I'm not immersing myself in work all the time."
"Hilde said something about you advertising for them 'while you're away'. Are you staying on L2?" Trowa didn't see the stunned expression on Hilde's face from hearing her light comment used like an interrogating question.
Quatre had the sudden urge to smack the brown-haired boy. What was his problem anyway? "Yes. I spend my time at Duo's whenever I'm in town, which has been a lot lately because we're doing a renovation in the city close by. Why pay for a hotel when I can sleep with him?" He couldn't help but feel a sense of pleasure at the look on Trowa's face from the way he had intentionally phrased the last part.
Trowa narrowed his eyes but didn't say any more. Heero could sense the underlying tension and wondered what had happened to make such good friends suddenly seem at odds. He had caught the implied relationship in Quatre's words, but he couldn't tell if the blonde was being literal or just allowing for assumptions to get a rise out of Trowa. Maybe he could ask Duo later. He noticed the longhaired boy giving him surreptitious looks and wondered if it was a good sign. He hadn't known exactly what to wear tonight, but from the way Duo had looked at him earlier, Heero thought he'd made the right choice.
"Hey, Lena, do you wanna dance?" Duo suddenly asked, wanting to get away from the table. Although Quatre's words had given him a sense of satisfaction, he didn't want to deal with any questions right then. Heero was looking at him with a considering look, and Duo didn't know what to make of it yet.
Relena smiled. "Are you kidding? To get to dance with the prettiest guy here, you bet!"
Duo flashed her a cheeky grin before leading her onto the dance floor where many other couples had already begun dancing. Heero watched them, wondering how and when they had become such good friends. He was glad to see it, knowing that Relena needed people she could count on, and Duo was certainly someone that would be there for you when you needed him. He smiled at that thought.
"I'm really glad that he got to know Relena better," Quatre interrupted his thoughts, moving over to sit across from Heero so he could talk with him. Quatre didn't want to deal with Trowa right then, and this was the perfect opportunity to 'test the waters' for Duo, sort of speak. "Relena contacted Duo a few months after the war ended to set up an orphans fund on L2. Duo was eager to help with it."
Heero noted that Trowa was talking with Catherine and Hilde at the moment, but his eyes kept flitting to the other boy, watching him. Heero still didn't understand what was going on, but he offered Quatre a small smile. "I'm glad Duo could do something like that. I know how much that must have meant to him, since he was an orphan at one time. Relena couldn't have picked someone better to help her with it."
"I totally agree with that," Dorothy joined in, moving to sit next to Heero. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Winner. Do I hear you trying to explain to Heero that Relena has not moved on to another Gundam boy?"
"I didn't want him to get the wrong idea," Quatre explained, smiling at Dorothy's phrasing. "Duo has been good for her, helping her to see that people will like her for just being herself." He looked at Heero, and quickly added, "but Lena is just a good friend, Heero."
Heero smiled. "I do believe that should be my line, Quatre."
Dorothy laughed. "Touché, Mr. Yuy."
"I didn't realize I should be en guard, Miss Catalonia," Heero replied dryly.
"Ooh, he has developed a humorous wit," Dorothy replied smoothly. "Duo had better watch out, or you'll have him beaten at his own game."
Heero nodded, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Well, they say if you can't beat them, join them, but in this case, I believe joining them to beat them would be a better option, wouldn't you say?"
Dorothy laughed. "Oh, but how delightfully wicked you have become! Duo is going to have so much fun with you."
"I do hope so," Heero said softly, but Dorothy heard him, and smiled brightly.
"Oh my gosh... look at them!" Quatre choked out in laughter, causing the other blonde and brunette to turn towards the dance floor. Duo and Relena were currently enacting their version of what had come to be known as 'Dirty Dancing'. Heero's jaw dropped as Relena leaned all the way back, her baby doll shirt riding up until her stomach was bare. Duo was laughing, clearly enjoying himself, as he rolled his hips against Relena's body.
"Oh my, and she hasn't even had anything to drink yet," Dorothy muttered. "Egads, how will she be when I do get her drunk?"
Quatre burst out laughing again at that. He looked over to see Trowa giving the couple on the floor a rather dark look. 'Great', he thought, 'now he's pissed at Duo, but why?' Heero and Dorothy just continued to gaze out at the two longhaired teens currently making a lovely spectacle of themselves.
"Do you think we've shocked enough people yet?" Relena asked with a giggle as Duo whirled her around before rotating their hips together again in a truly sensual way. She loved how Duo danced. The boy had a sense of freedom about himself that she admired, and being with him only seemed to make her freer too.
"Naw. No one's passed out yet," he replied with a wink. Her bright laughter carried over the floor as they danced. Everyone could tell that the birthday girl was indeed enjoying herself, and who could blame her? The guy she was dancing with was incredible! Girls were swooning, guys were glaring, and friends were smirking as the two heated up the dance floor.
"So, I think Heero has finally realized how hot you are," Relena observed happily. "He couldn't take his eyes off of you while you were on stage. I was watching him."
Relena had found out during one of her visits to L2 that Duo was in love with the former Perfect Soldier. They had gone out for drinks one night, and Duo had drunk more than he should have. He'd revealed his feelings for Heero to her, only to be completely embarrassed in the morning because he'd thought that she was interested in Heero still. Relena had informed him that she'd given up on the stoic boy after the last war, realizing that it was just infatuation. After more discussion, she had told Duo that just because Heero hadn't been interested in her didn't mean that Duo didn't have a chance. It had really begun their new friendship, and Relena had never been so happy to NOT be in love with Heero as she was at that moment. Besides, she couldn't think of anyone who would look better with Heero than Duo, including herself. And she could always ask for pictures... or maybe even video, if the boys got REALLY adventurous. She smiled even more at that thought, wondering what Dory would think of it. Hell, Dory would probably want to start an archive!
"I don't know," Duo said slowly. His eyes sought and found Heero staring directly at them. "Then again, who knows? The night is young yet."
"Yes, and like it was said before, so are we!"
They continued to dance until the song ended and then made their way back to the table. Duo had regained some of his composure, as well as his confidence, from seeing Heero looking at him. There had been such longing on that handsome face; it had made his heart melt. Could it be true? Could Heero really want him?
"Duo, you're going to ruin her reputation," Hilde pronounced with a smirk as they sat back down.
"Or more like, give her one," Catherine amended, and both girls began to laugh at the smile that lit up the Vice-Foreign Minister's face at their comments.
"I think she's entitled to one night of unrestrained fun, don't you ladies?" Dorothy called out, noticing how pretty Relena looked with her face flushed from dancing. "And who better than Mr. Maxwell to tarnish that pure image?"
Relena sat down next to the other blonde. Her dance with Duo had made her a little giddy. She leaned over and whispered, "Maybe you?" she teased, wondering at her own boldness.
Dorothy's eyes widened for a moment before a sultry smile graced her lips. "Maybe."
Relena felt her heart rate increase. Something inside, something she had been denying ever since meeting the other blonde, told her that what she was seeing in Dorothy's eyes was what she had been searching for. Maybe Dorothy had been right; maybe she should be looking for a she, not a he.
"Oh, hey! Looks like the food is being put out," Duo announced, his stomach rejoicing at the sight.
"Duo, all you ever do is eat. Well that and..." Hilde left off the rest, her face instantly coloring. Quatre choked on his drink, and Duo gave her a sharp look as he patted the blonde's back. Quatre was trying to get his breath, caught between laughter and distress.
Heero had noticed the exchange, wondering what else the longhaired boy did so much of and why Quatre would be so amused at the mentioning of it. His mind was whirling with possibilities, all of which only added to his arousal and confusion. He looked over at Trowa to see him looking from Quatre to Duo, a calculating expression on his face.
"Oh! Sally and Wufei finally made it!" Dorothy cried out just as the two Preventers walked through the door. They were both in their uniforms, which suggested they had come straight there from the spaceport.
"Wuman!" Duo yelled out before practically tackling the black-haired boy.
"Duo! How many times... ugh!"
"Duo, don't kill him before he has a chance to see the birthday girl," Sally said wryly.
Duo released the other boy, grinning from ear to ear. "All right, Sal. Anything for you, babe."
Sally leaned over to embrace the longhaired boy affectionately. "Watch it, or I'll take you up on that."
Duo laughed, kissing her cheek before letting her go to walk back over to the table.
"Happy birthday, Miss Relena," Wufei said with a slight bow.
"Why, Mr. Chang, you flatter me with your presence,' Relena returned blithely, a smile on her lips. "I do hope that you intend to show me a good time tonight. Duo promised me that you would." She fluttered her eyes for emphasis, causing Duo to choke on his laughter. She truly was gaining his sense of humor.
Wufei raised his eyebrow. "Have you been drinking? Formal dancing is out of the question around Maxwell. He wouldn't know proper form if it bit him on the..."
"Oh, Wufei, give it a rest," Sally elbowed him before sitting down. "Congrats, Rel. It's good to see you."
Relena smiled at the other woman. "Sally, it's always a pleasure. I am so glad that you both made it."
"Just in time for the food too," Duo added happily.
"Maxwell, is that all you think about?"
"No," Heero replied, nodding in welcome to the newcomers as he spoke, "apparently there's something else he does all the time too, but Hilde wouldn't elaborate on it." Heero noticed Duo's stunned expression and smiled. "Perhaps you can get her to, Wufei. I'm really curious." Heero looked directly at Duo.
Wufei noticed the looks between the two other boys and smirked. "Hmm... well, it sure as hell isn't working," he replied mockingly.
"Hey! I'll have you know I run one of the best damn salvage yards in the colonies," Duo defended.
"Before there's bloodshed, I do believe we should just go get something to eat," Quatre offered, the smile on his face showing he really wasn't all that concerned.
"I'm starving," Catherine admitted. She motioned towards Trowa. "He's had the flu for days, so I haven't been cooking as much. I could go for some real food."
"Sorry to hear that, Barton," Wufei offered as he nodded a greeting.
"I'll live," Trowa replied, giving Wufei a small smile for his words.
"Then by all means, let's go fill our plates before Duo passes out from hunger," Relena said, winking at the longhaired boy.
Duo grinned. "Oh, you are too kind, Miss Lena, ma'am," he cooed as they got up from the table. "May I have more than one plate, Miss Lena, ma'am? I am filled with a great hunger that only fine cuisine shall satiate, Miss Lena, ma'am."
Relena was trying to stifle laughter. "Why, of course, Mr. Max, sir. Please feel free to partake of our buffet for as long as necessary. You know, Mr. Max, sir, that only the finest is served to our party guests. Would you like a freshly baked roll? How about some broccoli casserole? Veal parmesan perhaps? Please, help yourself until your digestive tract is content."
"Don't tell him that, or none of the rest of us will get to eat!" Wufei complained from behind them.
Duo leaned over and whispered to Relena conspiratorially as they walked across the room, "He's just sexually frustrated. Makes a person disagreeable."
Relena snickered then called back behind them. "Wufei, Duo says you need to... mfph..." Duo put his hand over her mouth before she could finish her sentence, reducing her to giggles.
"What was that? Maxwell! What are you saying?"
Heero had followed the two and heard the exchange. Smiling wickedly at Duo, he replied, "He said you were sexually frustrated."
"What?" Wufei exclaimed, his outraged voice gaining a laugh from both boys.
Duo grinned at Heero; he was surprised that Heero would even repeat something like that. The former Wing pilot never would have before, so Duo was encouraged. He decided to see how far this 'new' Heero would go. "Since you seem to be in a rather playful mood, I take it you're NOT sexually frustrated?" He smirked at the color that rose to Heero's face at the question.
Heero refused to be embarrassed despite his physical reaction. "Well, sexual frustration can be manifested in an overly developed sense of humor as well, so maybe both of us need a little... what would you call it? Relief? Satisfaction? A nice roll in the hay?"
"A good hard fuck," Duo replied glibly, watching Heero's face get even redder at the blunt statement. This conversation was becoming interesting... and arousing. Duo could feel the sexual tension between them and marveled at it. Had it been there before, but he had just missed it? He wondered.
Heero looked into considering violet eyes and wanted to put any doubts to rest. If Duo was just teasing then it wouldn't amount to anything, but if the other boy was serious...
"Well, let me know if you need any help with that. I would be glad to do whatever was needed to alleviate your... our problem," he said in a low voice, pleased when Duo's face took on a surprised expression.
Duo didn't know what to say to that for a moment. Heero was flirting with him! Flirting? Hell, he was downright propositioning him! He suddenly smiled broadly. "See me after the party. We could maybe... um... engage in something mutually gratifying?"
Heero's heart skipped a beat, and he jumped at the opportunity. "Okay. I'll see you then."
Before Duo could say anything more, Heero walked off toward one of the buffet tables. Duo felt a little light-headed. Heero had... they were going to... Duo couldn't even fathom what had just taken place. He walked over to the meat-carving table. As he waited for his slices of ham, he felt a tug on his arm and turned to see Quatre standing behind him, a small smile on his face.
"Well, from what I sensed from you and Heero a moment ago, looks like you two might have a chance," the blonde observed lightly.
Duo grinned, but then sensed a problem. Living with the blonde had heightened his awareness of the feelings of those around him, and something wasn't right with his lover; he gave Quatre a level look. "What about you, Cat? What's going on with Trowa?"
Quatre shook his head. "I don't know, but he does not approve of me like this. I can sense anger and... well... he just doesn't understand." When Quatre saw Duo frowning, he added, "But I don't want you to ignore your chance with Heero, no matter what does or doesn't happen for me with Trowa." When Duo started to protest, Quatre cut him off. "We promised each other, Duo, and although I will miss you terribly, I want you to be happy. Staying with me just because you don't want to hurt me is not the same as being in love with me, and I deserve better than that, right? And you do too."
Duo nodded sadly. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."
Quatre smiled, his heart swelling with emotion for the longhaired boy. "I will always love you, Duo."
Duo smiled, wanting to take his blonde lover in his arms and comfort him. This just wasn't fair. Why did he even have to choose? "Love you too, Cat." Violet eyes shimmered with sudden unshed tears as they watched the other boy walk away. "More than you will ever know."
End Part 3
(:./tk/coa3)
