14-Jun-2004
Title: Start Me Up – 19/20+Epi
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Shoujo Ai/Yuri/Het
Pairings: 1x2, Wx11
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: AU, Angst, Het Lemon, and Lots of 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! The song "You've Got A Way" is owned by Shania Twain/Mutt Lange and lyrics are used without permission.
Notes: Okay, I'll make this short. Great-niece skating party was on Saturday. I skated. Was doing good. Was having a good time. Then evil chibi imp in form of blond preschooler skated wrong way... right into me. I fell. I bruised. I hurt. I late. I sorry. Hope you enjoy
Duo looked down at the still form of his lover and felt his heart clench. It had been five days since the accident and still no sign of Heero waking up. Duo had to leave today if he was going to go through with driving in the race. He still had to get familiar with the car to be comfortable driving it, and he wasn't sure what kind of adjustments would need to be made since he would be driving instead of Heero. The thought of walking out of the room while Heero was still in a coma was almost more than he could bear, but as he brushed those rich chocolate bangs out of the other boy's face, he knew that he really didn't have a choice. Heero needed him to do this.
He had spent an inordinate amount of time at the hospital, talking to Heero, reading him stories, and even singing during the wee hours of the morning when melancholy had threatened to overwhelm him. He knew he had to keep up his own spirits for Heero's sake, and that was probably the only reason the braided boy had managed to not sit and weep uncontrollably. The hope of those intense blue eyes opening at any moment was what Duo clung to when his fears tried to convince him that Heero would never wake up. This morning, Duo was clinging painfully tight.
"Baby, I'm going to have to go," he said softly as he kissed Heero's cheek, his voice choking on the words. "I have to take your place at Daytona, Heero. I know how important the championship is to you, and if there's any way I can make sure you win it, then I'm going to try. You'll probably be mad at me when you do wake up and find out what I've done, but I guess we'll just deal with that when it happens, okay?" He couldn't help the small smile that flitted across his lips as he thought of seeing those blue eyes flash with anger. Heero was so sexy when he got pissed...
"Duo?" Charlie's voice called to him from the doorway. When he looked up, she smiled at him gently, "You have to go, sweetie. Howard is waiting for you in the lobby."
The braided mechanic sighed. "I know. I'm just... " He couldn't bring himself to finish that sentence with 'saying goodbye' so he settled for, "I'm just letting Heero know that I'll be back."
Charlie came on into the room. "I know how hard this is for you, Duo, but I think you're doing the right thing. I think Heero will think so too."
Duo grinned at her, though it was a little strained. "Thanks, Charlie. That really... means a lot."
The woman came to stand beside him, placing her hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Can I do anything else?"
Duo thought for a moment but then shook his head. "Just stay with him for me. It will help to know that someone is here that I trust. He's going to be disoriented, and maybe even a little frightened when he wakes up. I know you can handle that, because you did it with me when Solo... "
"I know," Charlie interrupted him, somehow sensing that Duo was getting ready to break down if he kept talking.
Duo nodded, but didn't speak for a few moments. When he finally regained his composure, he turned back to his lover in the hospital bed. There were so many things that he wanted to say, but he didn't know where to begin. A song suddenly filled his memory, and he found himself singing what he couldn't find the words on his own to tell Heero. Charlie moved away to stand by the door again, trying to give them a little privacy, but Duo's quiet voice carried in the small room as he tried to tell the boy he loved how he'd given him another chance to live life.
"You've got a way with me. Somehow you got me to believe in everything that I could be."
Duo knew he wasn't just doing this for Heero. He was driving because Heero had helped him to see that he could do it – that he wanted to do it. Solo's death had taken that part of him away, but Heero had restored it with his quiet words and reassurances, with his love and support. The only way the braided boy could ever repay his lover for that was to show him that his faith was not misplaced, and the race was how he was going to do it.
"I've gotta say – you really got a way."
He thought about when they had met, the unmitigated attraction that had sparked between them, and the months of arguing that had ensued because of it. He could still remember that fight in the bay that had seemed to be the end of any hope he'd had of becoming friends with the sullen driver, but even then his heart had felt something that hadn't let him give up. Heero just had a way about him that made Duo keep on trying, and Duo was so grateful for that.
"You've got a way it seems. You gave me faith to find my dreams. You'll never know just what that means."
Duo had never thought of a real future with someone in his life before Heero. He remembered how they'd planned on getting a little rustic cabin in Kentucky, a place where they could shut the entire world out. They had laughingly conspired to go there after the season and make love to each other until neither one of them could move. Duo felt the tears fill his eyes as he envisioned them lying in bed together – content and happy. It was a dream that would come true no matter what he had to do.
"Can't you see... you got a way with me."
Heero had once told Duo that he was the bright light in Heero's life – his angel. As the braided mechanic looked down at the Japanese boy, he couldn't help but feel that although Heero believed that, it was Heero who was really Duo's angel. Heero had taught him how to find the strength inside himself to go on in spite of what had happened. Heero had taught him how to love without reservation or fear. Heero had taught him how to live again.
"It's in the way you want me. It's in the way you hold me. The way you show me just what love's made of. It's in the way we make love."
Duo closed his eyes, and as the tears flowed down his face unhindered, his mind took him back to the last time they were together intimately. They'd arrived at the hotel, and Duo had tackled Heero to the king-sized bed in their room, laughing as the Japanese driver had complained about his 'insatiable lover'. It hadn't taken long for Duo to convince Heero that they needed to touch each other, right then and there. He could still feel Heero's strong hands on him as the other boy had responded to him, groaning his name as they had moved against each other, Duo stroking them to a mind-blowing completion. The look in Heero's eyes, the absolute love and passion, had overwhelmed Duo, and the braided boy sighed as he thought about how Heero always managed to take his breath away.
"You've got a way with words. You get me smiling even when it hurts."
Duo opened his eyes, still brimming with tears, and brushed the hair away from Heero's forehead again. No matter what they'd been through, Heero had always found a way to make Duo smile when his own good-humor faltered. Even when Duo got angry, Heero seemed to know how to diffuse it with a look, a few words, or even a touch. Duo couldn't help but smile as his fingers caressed Heero's cheek. Heero knew him, and it warmed Duo's heart to know that he knew the other boy just as well. They knew how to reach each other when no one else could.
"There's no way to measure what your love is worth. I can't believe the way you get through to me," he sang softly, his voice wavering slightly, but continuing, "It's in the way you want me. It's in the way you hold me. The way you show me just what love's made of. It's in the way we make love." He had to swallow before going on. "Oh, how I adore you, like no one before you. I love you just the way you are."
Heero was the only one for him, and the little quirks that drove Duo crazy were also the things that he loved about Heero the most. The way Heero would squeeze the tube of toothpaste from the bottom after Duo had done it in the middle, giving him that tiny sigh of annoyance. The way Heero would laugh at him when Duo would forget to take out his hair tie before getting in the shower sometimes. The way Heero would get upset when Duo left his shoes in the middle of the floor instead of by the door. There were so many things that were perfectly imperfect.
"It's in the way you want me. It's in the way you hold me. The way you show me just what love's made of. It's in the way we make love."
Duo reached out and took Heero's hand, squeezing it, somehow feeling like it was Heero's last chance to let him know he didn't want him to go. The fingers remained still, and Duo took a deep breath, finishing the last line of the song, even as he prayed for those eyes to open and beg him not to go. "It's just the way you are." With a gentle kiss to Heero's forehead, he let go slowly, and then whispered into his lover's ear, "Come back to me, 'Ro. I miss you, baby. I have to go, but I'll be back after the race. Don't you dare go anywhere without me. You promised."
Getting out of the chair, Duo smiled at Charlie through his tears. "Okay. I'm ready."
Quatre shifted nervously, giving Wing a wary glance as they waited for Duo to arrive. The plane had landed an hour ago, so Howard and their 'replacement driver' would be there soon. Tomorrow was qualifying, and then the next day would be the race. Today would be used to adjust the car to Duo's specs. Trowa and Wufei were confident that there wouldn't be many changes needed, and Quatre trusted them. Really, he did. Completely. The blond shot another nervous look at the car before strong hands settled on his shoulder.
"Quatre, it's going to be all right. Duo is going to love it," Trowa assured him softly.
Quatre sighed. "I know. I just... I don't want him to think that I'm doing it for publicity or anything." His aqua eyes glared at his lover accusingly. "I think the fire was a little... much."
Trowa grinned unrepentantly. "Are you kidding? He's going to love it! He used to call himself the 'God of Death' before Solo died." The tall mechanic frowned slightly. "He was proud of that title until the press tried to say that it was his fault his brother had the accident."
The blond felt his heart ache. "Oh, no, Trowa. I hope this doesn't... "
"No," Trowa said softly, his expression turning hopeful. "I have a feeling 'Shinigami' will be racing tomorrow. Everything will be all right."
"Well, it's too late now anyway," Wufei said as he walked up to them, "They're here."
"Shit!" Quatre blurted, his eyes darting towards the car again. "What if this is too much? What if it makes things worse? What if Duo doesn't like it?"
"Like what?" the braided mechanic asked as he walked around the corner, Howard following behind him.
Owner and both mechanics turned to see their friend as he came towards them. Quatre took in how tired and restless Duo looked, and felt his heart constrict. He'd only wanted to help his driver, but now he was scared to death that his 'confidence booster' would prove to be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Duo gave him a questioning look, then the braided boy saw Wing sitting there beyond them.
"We can probably change it before the race, if we work all night... " Quatre began, but was silenced when Duo held up a hand. The blond watched as Duo took in their handiwork.
The left side of Wing had been completely repainted to look like a billowing white robe that stretched from the door to the rear quarter panel. At the 'shoulders' of the divine being that seemed to guard that side were silver outlined wings... angel wings. A bright silver and gold sword seemed to hover at the 'hands' of the robe, giving a sense of invisibility to the one wearing the shimmering garment. Quatre watched as Duo took in the way they had painting in the sponsors at the 'hem' of the robe without disrupting the flow of the design. The finishing touch was a silver "01" resting on a floating golden cloud in the middle of the door.
Duo turned to give Quatre a tearful but bright smile. "It's beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!"
"There's more," Wufei said with a grin.
Duo raised an eyebrow at them before moving to the other side. Once there, his breath hitched, and violet eyes flew to one person... Trowa. "Tro?"
"It was Quatre's idea to do it. He wanted you to feel at home in the car. He got special permission. Wufei and I did the design from what we could remember, though we added a couple of things I didn't think you'd object to."
Quatre moved to see Duo taking in the second half of the paint job. The background was a smoky gray cloak, billowing like its white counterpart, but dark and ominous in its presence as it presided over that part of the car. Dark black wings jutted from the figure, outlined with silver like the angel wings, but decidedly not as innocent in nature. A silver and red scythe blazed to life in the same position as the sword on the opposite side of the car. A "02" in silver hung above red dancing flames on the door, balancing the design perfectly.
"Oh, guys." Duo breathed out with a shaky voice, "This is... " He turned and stalked over to Trowa and Wufei, hugging them both tightly. "Thank you. Thank you. This is so... I can't even... "
"Like I said, it was Quatre's idea," Trowa muttered, squeezing his friend encouragingly.
Duo pulled away from the other mechanics and looked at the team owner for a moment before he pulled him into an even fiercer embrace. "You have always been Heero's friend," he began, "and I kind of resented that at first before he and I got together." He let Quatre go to give him a tearful grin. "It's good to know that you've become my friend too, Quatre, but I don't think that's good enough." Quatre was sure his own expression was hesitant, not knowing exactly what Duo was trying to say. His fears were soon put to rest. "Consider yourself adopted," Duo explained, his grin widening as he threw an arm around him. "You're going to be my little brother from now on!"
Quatre gaped at him, thinking it a joke at first before realizing that Duo was being serious in spite of his joviality. There was a hopeful longing in those violet eyes, and the blond knew he couldn't deny it. Besides, it was something special to be included in this family. He smiled at the braided mechanic-soon-to-be-driver. "Well, I've always wanted a brother," he said happily then frowned. "Do I have to change my last name?"
Duo laughed, a rich sound that filled the pit. "Nope. We'll let you keep on being a Winner for corporate interests." He then gazed at his uncle who was checking out the car. "Hey, Oji. You hear that? You got another nephew!"
Howard straightened from inspecting the paint and smiled at Quatre. "Does this mean I get stock options now?"
Everyone snickered at the stunned look on Quatre's face, but then Duo patted the blond on the back. "He's kidding," the braided mechanic told his new 'sibling' before looking at the car again. Quatre saw a light fill Duo's violet eyes that probably hadn't been there in a couple of years. "Now let's see what Winged Scythe can do!"
As Quatre watched his crew – his family – hop to fulfill their new driver's wish, he counted himself blessed to know Duo Maxwell. Yes, blessed and very, very proud.
Anne rested comfortably in the warm embrace surrounding her. The coarse cotton of borrowed pajama bottoms was surprisingly soothing, and she found herself making a mental note to buy some as soon as possible. Of course, if she remained where she was, she wouldn't have to worry about that, would she? She sighed, feeling strong arms tighten in response before a quiet voice asked, "You okay?"
Anne smiled. It had been a little less than a week since she'd accepted Ethan's invitation to accompany him home for hot chocolate and dry pajamas. Now, it seemed like she'd always been there. She felt like she should be concerned at this seemingly contented feeling that had taken her over ever since she'd entered his place, but she just couldn't be worried at the moment. She felt too safe and happy. "Just fine," she replied evenly.
They hadn't done anything more than hold each other over the past few days, except for an occasional kiss bestowed to her forehead. The doctor had somehow sensed how very little security and intimacy of a comforting nature that Anne had enjoyed in her previous marriage that was in the process of being annulled. Soon she would be her own person again. She felt a tender kiss to her hair and felt so sappy she couldn't keep from chuckling.
"And what is so funny?" Came that incredibly sexy yet calming timbre.
"Just thinking that this is so sickeningly sweet, we'd give most people cavities if they saw us," she told him.
Ethan snickered. "Well, I'm not a dentist, so I guess that's okay."
Anne twisted to look at him, seeing that gentle mirth lighting his brown eyes. She mock glared at him. "That's being a little remiss in upholding your Hippocratic oath, Doctor Walker." He gazed at her lips, and she felt her heart jump as he leaned down slowly. 'Oh my gosh!' Her mind observed rapidly, even as his face neared her own. 'He's going to kiss me... finally... '
"I wouldn't want to be remiss in any of my healing practices... "
Warm lips met hers, languid sweeping motions taking her breath away. Ethan slid his hand into her hair, turning her head to meet the kiss more effectively. She moaned, not wanting to seem so needy, but needing this more than her next heartbeat at the moment. His tongue tentatively caressed her bottom lip, and she eagerly opened her mouth to him, reaching her hand out to bury her fingers in his thick hair. The kiss seemed to last forever, and was over too soon. As Ethan pulled away, Anne felt completely bereft.
"I'm sorry," Ethan said as he tried to regain his breath. "I've been wanting to do that for days."
Anne shifted, allowing her body to come into more contact with his. "Me too." Before Ethan could do more than look at her in relief, she leaned forward and took his lips in another kiss. This time, she was in control, her tongue gaining entrance as she plundered his mouth. It felt so good to be so free. She felt his hands slide down her back as he pulled her closer, the heat of his body making hers ignite. The kiss deepened even more, hands exploring and stroking with increased urgency.
"Anne..." Ethan groaned. "Anne... please... I don't want to... to take advantage of you."
Anne pulled away to smirk at him. "Maybe I want to take advantage of you."
Their eyes caught and held for a moment, as he assessed her intently. "Are you sure?"
Anne nodded, her heart pounding as she spoke, "I know this is crazy, but it just feels right. I want you to touch me, Ethan. It's been so long since someone who cared touched me."
Ethan took action then, lifting her up momentarily until he could reverse their positions so she was underneath him. His mouth descended once more, and Anne responded to him with abandon. His hands – his wonderful, life saving hands – caressed her, loved her. She moaned as they smoothed over her breasts under the old borrowed tee shirt, whimpered when they trailed down her stomach, and cried out as they slipped into those beloved pajama bottoms. Her own hands weren't idle. She let them roam over a strong chest, teasing nipples, before making her own journey downwards towards Ethan's waistband. Tentatively, her hands rubbed over the throbbing erection that tented his bottoms, even as his fingers stroked her center of desire.
"Oh, Anne!" He called out, thrusting his hips to find more of the friction she was providing.
She slipped her hand inside, closing over the heated hardness that signified his need. As he began moving with her, his own hand steadied to a complimenting rhythm. Both yelled out in pleasure as they explored each other's bodies with fingers and lips, the intensity making them shudder as they climbed higher and higher towards their release. Passionate kisses and words of desire flowed from their mouths. Anne was completely drowning in the sensations that the man loving her was invoking.
"Let go, baby," Ethan panted out as he nuzzled her nipple. "Let it all go."
Anne felt her whole world narrow to the way his fingers moved inside her as his mouth caressed her skin. Warmth stole through her body, tightening inside where he stroked her and at the point where his fingers rubbed over her external nub. It reached a shattering crescendo, blossoming into the sweetest and most fulfilling orgasm she'd ever had. Her back arched as she cried out, pleasure overwhelming her as she felt a release beyond the physical bounds.
"Ethan! Oh my... Ethan! Yes, yes, oh, yes!"
"That's it," her new lover coaxed, his eyes watching her find her completion. "That's it, sweetheart. Oh, yeah! That's it! That's it!"
She kept her hand on him, and even though she was unable to continue her stroking as she came, she felt warm seed erupt just seconds later over her fingers as Ethan yelled out his own release. His face... she would never forget his face at that moment. It was etched with ecstasy, his dark eyes closed as an erotic expression took over his features, giving him a vulnerability that spoke to her of a kind heart that needed someone. She knew then that if she remained with him, she would never face another lonely night – or bed – again.
Ethan collapsed, partially on top of her, partially resting on the couch. They lay there for a few moments, catching their breaths. Ethan finally looked up at her through his bangs, and endearing expression that she loved. "I think that would qualify as a vacation, because I don't think I've ever been where you just took me."
Anne laughed, the sound unfettered and joyful. Mischief entered her brown eyes as she leaned down and kissed him on the lips saucily. "A vacation from our problems?"
The doctor grinned, getting the reference to the old movie instantly. "I think I can write us a prescription for that. We can get it refilled as often as necessary, although I have to warn you, it is habit-forming."
Anne gave him an intense look, but her eyes were shining. "Then I guess I'll just have to become an addict."
Neither one complained when they decided to 'get away' again. It would be hours later that a softly whispered, "Stay with me?" would be answered with, "I'd love to."
Hilde took a deep breath and then knocked on the hotel room door. She knew Duo was in there, but he was known to be avoidant in an intense situation. She just hoped the braided boy wouldn't try to hide from those wanting to give him some support; he needed it now more than ever. She was relieved when she heard the lock being undone right before the door opened, revealing tired violet eyes.
"Hey, Hil," Duo greeted. "Come on in."
Hilde followed him inside, noting that the room was way too neat for the usually messy mechanic. She watched as he sat down on the single bed, giving her a warm but guarded look. She could tell he was exhausted and prayed the rather large object she had hidden carefully behind her back would help. She sat down craftily in a nearby chair.
"Any word?" She asked hesitantly, not wanting to remind him of his comatose lover, but wanting to show that she was concerned about Heero.
Duo shook his head. "No. Charlie said there's no change." He sighed wearily. "I don't know if that's good or bad."
Hilde moved to sit beside her friend, careful to still keep her gift out of sight. It was a task, but Duo wasn't paying attention, so she managed. "Duo, it's going to be all right. You have to believe that."
Duo shook his head. "I'm trying, Hil, but it's just so hard." His violet eyes shimmered with tears he was desperately trying to hold back. "I miss him. I'm so lonely for him I could die."
The dark-haired girl nodded in understanding. "Then I'm glad that I made this for you," she said as she pulled the soft doll out where Duo could see it. Duo looked at it in awe for a moment before he laughed and squeezed her so tightly she thought she would never breathe again.
"Hil! How in the world...? Where did you...?"
Hilde smiled. "I made it for you," she explained, feeling her cheeks redden slightly.
Duo gazed down at the doll – a twenty plus inch plushie replica of his Heero. It was wearing a little blue and white driving suit, emblazoned with '01' and the Barq's Root Beer insignia. Wild brown yarn hair fell into perfectly blue colored eyes that glared back at him sullenly, yet the doll was pouting adorably at the same time. "This is just the coolest," he whispered.
Hilde felt her heart soar at his obvious approval. "I knew you'd be missing Heero, so I thought this was the next best thing to sleep with."
"It is," he replied, a sappy smile still lighting his worn features when he looked back at her. "Thank you, sweetheart. You don't know how much this will help."
The female driver snorted, trying to keep the mood light. "Just don't tell anyone where you got it. I want my seamstress skills kept a secret, okay?"
Duo grinned and then did the classic 'locking lips' gesture. "No one will hear about it from me. They'll have to torture me for hours with Benny Hill reruns, threaten to eat all of my Honeycomb cereal, and play the various renditions of jingle bells for weeks before I'll break."
Hilde laughed, punching him in the arm. "Asshole."
"Yeah, I know, but you love me anyway," he said, a warm look in his eyes.
Hilde leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Always, Duo. No matter what happens."
Duo pulled her in for another hug then. "I'm going to kick your ass tomorrow. You know that, don't you?"
"Just because you got a new paint job doesn't mean you're going to be faster than me," she responded evenly as he pulled away again. The competitiveness between them had always been so much fun.
"Expect some heavy bumping and grinding," Duo said with a wink. "I have to make it last for a while."
Hilde smirked. "Don't let Heero know about it, or he may revoke your private driving privileges for quite a while."
"Hilde!" Duo cried, knowing she wasn't talking about him driving a car either.
"Relena and I have always wondered... who is in charge when you guys are in the sack?" Hilde asked mischievously.
Duo sputtered, turning red. "You wondered? What the hell is wrong with you guys? Is our sex life that much of a interest to everybody?"
Hilde bounced. "Yes! Now tell me or I'll take your plushie away." She made to snatch the doll out of his arms.
Duo pulled his plushie Heero to his chest. "I don't think so. I'll fight to the death for my chibi-lover."
"Death, hmm?" Hilde observed then sighed theatrically. "Well, I guess us girls will just have to keep on with the pool then." She saw Duo's shocked look and grinned. "My bets are on Heero being bottom first. I know you, and you're too much of a control freak to take the passenger seat the first time."
Duo stood, giving her a mock glare. "Out, foul shrew! I will not have you besmirch either my fair lover or myself in such a manner. Our love life is not a topic of discussion, so take your yaoi fan girls and get thee hence!" His eyes then softened. "Besides, I need some sleep, and now that I have this little guy, I think I might be able to get some."
Hilde choked on her laughter at his choice of words. Duo blinked at her and then realized how what he had just said sounded in the proper context. He began another round of red-faced sputtering as he led her forcibly to the door. She turned and gave him a bright smile. "See you on the track... Maxwell."
"Goodnight to you too, you hentai. Don't let Relena bite... at least, not hard enough to leave bruises that could interfere with your driving tomorrow."
Before Hilde could do her own sputtering, Duo grinned wickedly and shut the door, his chibi-Heero safe in his arms.
End Part 19
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