Title: Coming Of Age - 7/?
Author: tkmaxwell777 -
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Shoujo Ai/Het
Pairings: R+D, 1+2/1x2, 3+4, OCxS
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Angst, Language, Lemon-Lime
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :), TK's Violet Haven
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or its characters. I just play with them... lots and lots and lots...
Relena made her good-byes to the last of the guests while Dorothy thanked the club owner once again for renting the space to them. All in all, it had been a wonderful party - former Gundam pilots brawling aside. Relena sighed as she thought about Dorothy going to all that trouble to make her birthday a nice one; she didn't take such acts of affection lightly. When Zechs and Noin had sent word that they wouldn't be able to make it back for her birthday, Relena had been disappointed. Even though she'd hidden those feelings from everyone else around her, Dorothy must have sensed them, and instead of just ignoring it, had done all she could to make up for it. The vice-foreign minister smiled as her best friend stopped in front of her; Relena knew the evening would be something she would always remember.
"Thanks Dory. I had a great time," Relena said warmly. Her mind suddenly replayed the kiss Dorothy had given her in the car, making her pulse quicken slightly. They had been teasing each other all evening, but now that they were alone, the safety of not being able to make good on those advances had disappeared; Relena wasn't sure what she wanted to happen.
Dorothy smiled. "I'm so glad, Rel. I wanted to make this special for you."
Relena laughed, thinking about Duo and Quatre singing. "Oh, you certainly did that! I don't think I'll ever see Quatre Winner the same! And getting to see Duo orgasm on stage has got to be one of the best birthday presents a girl could get!"
Dorothy snickered. "Isn't that the truth? Duo certainly gave everyone a great show, and Quatre pretty much destroyed that 'nice boy' image for good."
"Maybe I should too," Relena wondered, her blue eyes locking with Dorothy's gray.
Dorothy had been hoping against hope that the teasing had been more than just Relena letting go of her inhibitions. She felt her heart leap in anticipation. Could Relena really consider a relationship with her? "Maybe I could help you. If anyone knows how to destroy a good reputation, it's me."
Relena blushed. She looked towards the door, seeing through the glass window that the car was waiting for them outside. "Why don't we go back to the hotel and discuss how you can do that?" Was she really considering doing this? Was she really attracted to her best friend? Relena wasn't sure, but she knew she had to find out. That kiss had been nice...
Dorothy nodded, reaching out to take the other girl's hand. "Yes, let's get back to the room."
Both girls headed for the door, not knowing what would happen next, but knowing something was going to change between them forever before the night was over.
Heero eyed the bathroom nervously as the sounds of the shower emanated from within. As soon as he and Duo had arrived at the room, Duo had made a comment about wishing he had at least changed clothes. Heero had then remembered what had occurred on stage, noting how uncomfortable leather had to be in that situation, and offered to let Duo shower and borrow some clean clothes so he would be more relaxed. Now Heero sat on the bed, having changed into a tee shirt and cotton shorts himself, waiting for the other boy to reappear. He didn't know exactly where to begin. Duo was still so hurt over what Trowa had said, and Heero didn't know how that would affect how Duo took what he had to say. Before Heero could come to some decision, the door opened to reveal a refreshed Duo Maxwell.
"Thanks, Heero," Duo said as he toweled his hair. "I really appreciate you loaning me the clothes and letting me clean up." His face held a slight tinge to it, embarrassment evident.
Heero smiled. "It's okay. Um... do you do that often on stage?" he asked before he could stop himself.
Duo turned even redder. "Not very often," he muttered, his eyes shifting to stare at the floor.
"I'm sorry, Duo," Heero apologized, scooting over some on the bed to make room for the other boy. "I didn't mean anything by that. I was shocked at first, but it was more of a pleased kind of shock..." He sighed, wishing he knew what to say. "Please come over here and sit down."
Violet met blue for a moment, Duo considering the other boy's words. "It just happens sometimes, especially when Quatre gets so..." he trailed off, mentally kicking himself for bringing the blond up.
"Duo, sit. Please."
Duo made his way to the bed and collapsed onto it. He was so tired, physically and emotionally. He didn't know if he had enough energy to do this tonight. He wondered how Quatre was. The blonde had been terribly upset, and Duo hoped he was all right.
"We can go check on Quatre after we talk," Heero offered, somehow knowing what was going through Duo's mind now that the longhaired boy had settled down a little.
Duo was surprised at Heero's concern, but warmed by it too. "Thanks. He tries to be so strong, but sometimes... sometimes I don't think he even realizes what he needs."
Heero nodded. "He puts everyone else first, ignoring himself. He needs to learn to stop doing that."
Duo smiled. "Yeah, but if he did, he wouldn't be Quatre."
Heero returned the smile. "True, and I would miss him if that ever happened."
Duo felt some of the pain in his heart lessen. Heero had changed. He'd obviously learned how to express his feelings and understand the feelings of others much better than during the wars. It pleased Duo to see the other boy more at ease with conversation. He'd missed Heero so much, and now he was here with him... sitting on the bed with him... talking with him.
"It's good to finally see you again," Duo almost whispered.
Heero felt his heart flutter. "Good to see you too. I've... missed you. Didn't realize that's what it was until recently, but I have. That's why..." he paused, wanting to say this right, "that's why I wanted to see you after the party... to tell you... that I missed you." He felt his face redden, but kept his eyes locked on Duo's. He wanted Duo to know he meant it. He would not hide his emotions; Duo needed to see them.
Duo was stunned. That Heero had wanted more than just a sexual encounter meant a lot to him. He wanted to tell Heero that he'd missed him too, wanted to tell him that what Quatre had said at the party was how he really felt; instead, the words that came out of his mouth were the last ones he'd expected to utter at that moment. "I'm in love with Quatre."
Heero nodded, already suspecting as much. Who wouldn't love the blonde? He was giving and kind, sexy and passionate, smart and hard working. A person would have to be out of his mind not to want to be with him. Heero frowned at that thought. When HAD he begun thinking like that about the blonde?
Duo mistook the frown as the response to his impromptu revelation. "I'm sorry, Heero. I really am. I've been in love with you from the moment I met you, but Quatre gave me his gentleness and passion, and I didn't even realize how I felt until I had to face losing him." Duo dropped his gaze, feeling the tears threaten again. Why couldn't he have kept his mouth shut? Now Heero would never want him.
Heero reached out to place a hand over the one Duo had gripping his towel. "I'm not upset, Duo. I understand how you feel about Quatre, and I can't blame you for caring for him or wanting him. Even I can see how he would be as a lover. I know he was singing to me for Trowa's sake tonight, but the way he was looking at me made me so aroused, I thought I'd climax sitting at the damn table!"
Duo looked up, hoping he'd heard right. "Really? You... you were attracted to him?"
Heero didn't miss the tone in Duo's voice. So, he hadn't been wrong; Duo HAD been pleased by his response to his blonde lover. "Yes, I was." Heero took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to say what was on his mind. "Duo, I get the feeling that you have a solution that won't hurt any of us. I think I know what that solution is..."
Duo couldn't even breathe, let alone speak. His heart was pounding furiously, fearful of what Heero was going to say; yet excited about of one of the possibilities. He nodded, indicating that he was listening.
Heero sighed. It was now or never. "I would not be... adverse... to you and Quatre remaining lovers... even if you and I become lovers. If Quatre is willing..." he paused, taking another deep breath, "if he is willing, I might even consider participating with both of you."
Duo let out a sigh of relief. Joy filled him, and he couldn't keep from tackling Heero to the bed, his lips meeting the other boy's in their first kiss. He let his mouth move over Heero's, relishing the moan that escaped the Japanese boy at the contact. When he felt Heero's arms go around him, pulling him completely against the other boy's body, Duo knew that he was going to give himself to Heero, body, heart, and soul before they left that room.
Their kiss intensified, both boys deepening it. Tongues met and mated, signifying the joining that was to come. Heero ran his hands up Duo's back, his fingers twining in the still-damp tresses that covered both of them. Duo slid his hands under Heero's head, his fingers caressing the other boy's shorter hair. When air became a necessity, Duo pulled away, loving the passion he could see in the other boy's deep blue eyes.
"Duo?" Heero asked, wanting to believe the invitation he saw shining in those violet eyes.
Duo smiled down at him... a soft intimate smile. "Yes, Heero. I want to."
They stared at each other for a moment before Heero whispered. "So do I."
Duo felt something inside him break. All of the tension of the evening, the turmoil that had plagued him ever since he and Quatre had made their decision, the fear of being rejected, the hurt of being ridiculed - all of it just simply vanished in that moment. Duo knew he'd found what he'd been looking for... and he didn't have to give up what he already had to claim it.
"I love you, Heero Yuy. Make love to me."
Sally snuggled into the warm embrace surrounding her; content to remain there for the rest of the night. The strong heartbeat under her ear was soothing, and she reached out to play with the long black hair that covered both of them. This had been unexpected, but completely welcomed. She'd never felt such quiet togetherness before, and she never would have thought Chris Walker was the type of man who would be able to give her something like that.
After Duo and Quatre had left, Scavenger had played a few more songs before turning over the stage to the other band. The band members had made their way over to the main table to find out what had happened to their fearless leaders. When they'd found out about the other boys leaving, they'd dispersed, going to mingle with the crowd and try to enjoy the rest of the evening. Chris had looked kind of lost, and Dorothy had invited him to join them; Sally would have to remember to send the blonde a thank you card.
Sally had begun a conversation with the handsome longhaired guy and had been immediately drawn in by his wicked humor and comfortable charm. Before the party had ended, she'd gotten around to asking if Duo made it a habit of getting off while on stage. She had been shocked when the sexy bassist had winked at her and said they all got off as much as possible, on or off-stage. After a few more suggestive comments, which she obligingly answered with similar wit, he'd asked her to come back to his room so they could get to know each other better. Sally smiled -- like she would have refused that offer! The guy was completely gorgeous, had a steady job at Duo's yard (which meant he was trustworthy because Duo didn't hire disreputable people), and he played in one of the best cover bands Sally had ever heard. From just talking to him, she could tell he was intelligent as well. What was not to like about the guy?
"It's nice to be with someone who doesn't expect me to entertain them constantly," Chris observed softly, bringing Sally out of her thoughts.
Sally turned her face to look at him. Deep blue eyes regarded her with longing and trepidation, and she couldn't help but smile. Oh, he was sweet too; she quickly added that to his good points as she leaned forward and kissed him softly.
"I don't need to be entertained all the time," she replied as she pulled away to lean on her elbow, a gleam of mischief lighting her eyes. "I like to show off too, you know."
Chris smirked at her, running his hand through the back of her hair that was down out of its customary twists. He'd been surprised when Sally Po had taken him up on his offer to join him for the night. Although he could have chosen just about anyone in the club, he'd enjoyed their banter... and the way Sally had looked at him. He'd been curious if the passion he'd seen in those lovely gray eyes was for real.
"You can show off with me anytime," he remarked smoothly, his voice low and sultry.
"Hmm... Be careful, I might just take you up on that offer. Don't say it unless you mean it," she teased, but the man could hear the underlying warning to those words. She didn't want to be hurt anymore than he did. It was that lovely vulnerability in her that took his breath away.
"I mean it. I've never met anyone like you, Sally. Most of the girls only see me on the outside, but you..." He took a deep breath, trying not to be too sappy, but wanting her to understand how he felt. "You actually saw ME tonight. I can tell by the way you talked to me... and the way you're looking at me now."
Sally sighed, her fingers playing with his hair absently. "I can only imagine how lonely it must be to get up on a stage, have a room full of people willing to give you all the physical pleasure you could ever want, and yet not have one of them understand the person you really are. It must get very frustrating."
Chris pulled her closer to him, burying his face in her hair. "It does." They were silent for a moment before Chris spoke again. "This is so crazy. I mean... I've seen you when you've come to visit Duo at the yard, but I never thought that you could ever be interested in me. I'm a salvager. You're a Preventer. I didn't think we'd have anything in common." He then laughed wickedly. "But damn, if we don't like the same ice cream... and the same ways to eat it!"
Sally snickered, delighted by his honesty. "Christopher Lewis Walker, you are positively incorrigible."
They laughed together for a moment, enjoying the intimacy that had surrounded them as soon as they'd entered his room. At the club, they had shared full names, favorite ice cream flavor, what they liked to do on rainy days, and other fun yet insightful bits of themselves. It hadn't taken long for them to realize that something was happening between them. One thing led to another... and ended with them naked, sweaty, and thoroughly content in each other's arms. Sally was glad she had taken the chance... very glad.
Chris couldn't believe that he had found someone who actually thought he was interesting because he liked to listen to Beethoven during a rainstorm. He thought about how much he wanted to keep Sally with him, to share those moments with her. He knew he was getting too serious too soon, but it just felt right. He was almost twenty-five years old. It was time he thought about his future, and as he rolled over on top of Sally, a fierce look in his eyes, he realized he wanted her to be part of that future. Odds be damned!
Sally could feel Chris' returning passion. Her breath became labored, her heart accelerating, her body responding to his need. How someone could cause such an intense reaction in her so soon was just beyond her. She could see the tenderness and desire filling those blue eyes, could feel his body trembling on top of hers, could still taste him on her lips. She never wanted this to end. It was a silly, unrealistic notion, but she couldn't help it.
"Will you let me share myself with you again, my beautiful China doll?"
Sally's gaze softened, the endearment going straight to her heart. She'd told Chris about her heritage, and he'd bestowed the title to her immediately. She knew he saw it as a way to disarm her, to make her drop the 'tough gal' act... and apparently, it worked, much to her amusement and annoyance. She found herself nodding, only to feel warm lips meet hers. Chris' tongue entered her mouth, plundering it completely, and all she could do was moan. She'd had sex many times before, but this was the first time she'd ever felt like her lover understood her. She reached over beside the bed, grabbing another foil square. With practiced ease that almost made her blush, she positioned it on the man above her. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she thrust her hips up, taking Chris inside her with one exquisite motion. He broke their kiss, groaning as he began moving his hips in time with hers. It was languid lovemaking, both of them slowly taking the other higher and higher, until neither could keep their climaxes from taking over. Sally arched and screamed as her orgasm hit her like lightning. She kept moving, coaxing Chris until he too tensed, and with a strangled cry, released his passion.
They lay there, breathing heavily, Chris draped across her. Sally buried her hands in his hair, holding him close, loving the scent of him. His hair still held the fragrance of peaches, obviously the kind of shampoo he used. She found herself admitting that she could really get used to it. As he shifted again, she snuggled back into his embrace, deciding to entertain her inner child for once. Unrealistic or not, she had every intention of making this last.
Chris Walker was hers... even if he didn't know it yet.
"Trowa? Are you decent?"
Trowa looked up to see his sister enter the room. "Yes," he replied hesitantly. If she started talking to him about what had happened again, he was going to leave the hotel... and maybe not even go back to L3.
"Good," his sister replied as she stepped aside to allow another familiar figure to enter behind her.
Trowa felt his anger surge. "What the hell is this?"
Catherine moved towards the bathroom, blocking the doorway. "Quatre wants to talk with you."
Trowa's eyes went from her to the blonde. "I think we've already said enough."
Quatre relaxed his stance a little, not wanting to exhibit hostile body language. Trowa was really good at picking up on something like that due to him working with animals. "I think we said a lot that never should've been," he replied calmly, "and need to say a lot that hasn't."
Trowa's eyes narrowed. "You said you didn't want to ever see me again. Why are you here?"
"Because I didn't understand. I didn't know that I had hurt you so much, Trowa. I want to do something about it before it's too late."
"It already is," the green-eyed boy spat harshly. He saw the pain flash in Quatre's eyes, and his own heart ached, but it was better this way. Always better to shut people out. You don't get hurt that way. He should have known better the last time. He should have remembered. He should have never cared.
"Trowa, I don't believe that," Quatre countered, his voice full of hurt, yet somehow firm with conviction. "If it were too late, you wouldn't have tried to protect me."
Trowa flinched. Why did the blonde have to be so damn insightful! He looked over at Catherine, wishing she would just mind her own business. This was only going to make things worse! "Old habits die hard, but they do eventually die."
"I don't want them to die, Trowa. I want to salvage what we have left. I understand now, and I want to make things right between us."
"There's nothing of our friendship to salvage," he replied coldly. "It ended over a year ago."
Quatre felt his heart shatter, but he could tell it wasn't alone; he could feel Trowa's breaking as well, those words causing more pain for both of them. This had to stop. "No, it didn't. You thought it did, but it didn't, Trowa. I thought that you didn't want to see me again after I told you how I felt. I didn't stay away because I didn't care, and I didn't mean to hurt you like that either. I didn't mean to abandon you."
"You did!" Trowa shouted, his body shaking with renewed anger and hurt. "You did mean to! You couldn't accept it that I wouldn't bed you, and you left me! You left me alone! You didn't even care! I had no one... NO ONE... who understood me... No one like you... and you just left me!"
Trowa tried to push past Quatre, to make it out the door, but the blonde was a little stronger than he used to be. In one motion, Quatre grabbed hold of Trowa, using his momentum to propel them around to land on the bed. Quatre positioned himself over the other boy.
"Get off of me!" Trowa screamed, fighting against Quatre with all he had in him. "Let me go! You can't make me forget! You can't make me! I won't forget how much it hurts! Let me go!"
Quatre blessed the gods of construction that he had developed his physique over the past year. He held Trowa, refusing to loosen his grip. "I won't let you go, Trowa. I won't ask for anything more from you than friendship, because I understand that you're not in love with me, and I can let you go like that; but, I won't let you go as a friend. Not when you mean so much to me. I'm not leaving you, Trowa, no matter how much it hurts to stay and hear your words of anger and pain. I'm your friend, and I promise to be here for you, no matter what I have to do. I will not abandon you again. By Allah, I will not."
Trowa wanted to believe what Quatre was saying... wanted to with all of his heart. Could he trust the blonde? Would his fragile soul be strong enough to survive if he was wrong? He tried to continue to fight against his friend, but in the end, the soothing words and strong arms that enveloped him proved too great for him to resist. Trowa surrendered to the grief he'd tried to deal with all by himself for so long.
"I don't want to hurt anymore, Quatre. Please... please don't hurt me anymore. I can't... I can't..."
Sobs unlike any that Quatre had ever heard before tore through the other boy, and the blonde shifted to a sitting position, holding Trowa against him as the boy cried his heart out. He knew that they had a long way to go before this would be resolved, but they had taken the first step of many, and it felt good to finally let go of his own hurt as he soothed the boy in his arms of his. Quatre let his own tears fall as he rocked Trowa back and forth on the bed.
"I won't. Shhh... I promise. It'll be all right. I'm sorry, Trowa. I'm so sorry, my friend. So sorry."
Catherine stood there, her own face wet, as she watched her brother and his best friend face their past and begin the healing. She knew they would have to forgive each other in order to mend their battered friendship, and although it seemed like such a rough road to travel, she also knew that they would find a way to make that journey.
Love, whether that of a friend or a soul mate, always did.
End Part 7
(:./tk/coa7)
