Title: Coming Of Age -- 4/?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi
Pairings: 2x4x2, 2+4, 1+2
Rating: R
Warnings: Angst, Language
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or its characters. Alas, I simply borrow them to write stories to fulfill my hentai yearning for boy-love. 'Bad Reputation' and 'High Enough' belong to Damn Yankees... yes, this is a 'Damn Yankees' centered fic... deal with it ;)
Notes: 'High Enough' began as the song Duo would sing for Heero... it turned into the song that inspired Duo's and Quatre's relationship as lovers. It has been a major influence in this story, and I suggest you listen to the song while you read it... believe me, you'll be able to feel the emotions so much stronger!
Quatre watched with a mixture of joy and heartache as Duo and Heero continued to chat through dinner. He forced himself to push away his own feelings and concentrate on the happiness he felt coming from Duo and the nervous excitement from Heero. Duo made it a point to include him, and Quatre found himself unable to keep from enjoying the banter. Before long, he was flirting with them both without even thinking about it. Relena and Dorothy kept teasing him, something he didn't mind at all, and Wufei and Sally made idle chitchat. Hilde and Catherine kept trying to pull him into their conversations with Trowa, but Quatre only commented once in a while, because it hurt too much to feel disapproval and almost outright disgust leveled at him whenever he tried to talk to Trowa. Quatre didn't know why Trowa disliked him being in a band so much, but it really wasn't any of the green-eyed boy's business. If it weren't for ruining Relena's party, he would put the other boy in his place. As it was, he just tried to ignore him.
Heero couldn't believe what a good time he was having. Duo kept engaging him in conversation, and the light teasing was something Heero had missed without ever realizing it until now. The longhaired boy kept bumping his leg under the table as they continued to throw friendly little jibes at each other. Wufei would comment every so often, making Duo exclaim in feigned contempt, and Relena, Dorothy, and Sally added their own bit of humor. Hilde and Catherine seemed to be trying to get Quatre and Trowa to talk, but Heero could tell there was just too much tension between the two former friends. He didn't understand that, but he was glad that Duo kept pulling Quatre into their conversation. The blonde was as skilled as Duo in making his own flirting remarks. It was surprising, and Heero realized that Quatre was definitely not the innocent young boy he'd once known; for some reason, that made him feel warm all over. Heero would find himself smiling as everyone talked, something he hadn't done much of in his young life; it seemed he couldn't stop now. They all kept talking quite a while after they'd finished their meal.
Duo was flying. Heero was actually talking with him, smiling... it was just so much more than he'd expected. Heero seemed to be amused at Wufei's comments, and shocked by Quatre's, but all in all, the Japanese boy looked like he was having a good time for once; it gave Duo hope. He looked over at Quatre and saw the blonde giving Trowa a considering look. Duo couldn't tell what was going on between the two of them, but the look on Trowa's face was enough to let him know that the former pilot wasn't pleased with the situation. Duo decided that it was time to do the next set that included the two songs he and Quatre had chosen for the evening to convey their feelings for their love interests. Maybe that would make Trowa get the stick out of his ass. He reached over and tapped Quatre's shoulder, nodding towards the stage. Looking back at Heero, he smiled brightly.
"Time to make some noise," he said with a wink.
Heero could see something in those violet eyes that belied the other boy's easy manner. He wondered if Duo knew how much he was enjoying Duo's singing. He reached out and grasped Duo's fingers. "Your voice could never be thought of as noise... no matter what I used to say. You sing beautifully."
Duo gave him a startled look. That had been unexpected. He smiled softly. "Thanks, Heero."
Heero nodded then watched as both boys headed to the stage.
"He's something, isn't he?" Relena asked, leaning over so only Heero could hear her.
Heero looked over at her. "Yes, he is."
Relena smiled. "Don't be afraid to take a chance, Heero. For once, live by those emotions of yours."
Heero was shocked at first that it was so obvious to the blonde what was happening between him and Duo. He felt a little uncomfortable until he took in Relena's expression and saw that she was truly happy for him; his gaze softened as he smiled back slightly. "I'll try, Rel." Looking back at the chestnut-haired vision on stage, he repeated, "I'll try."
Duo pulled his hair back into a ponytail before putting on his headset-mic. He thanked the other band before they left the stage, and as his band-mates made their way to their instruments, smiled at them. He didn't have his guitar for this song, and wouldn't for the next one either; he wanted to concentrate on singing. With one more look at Quatre, he signaled for them to start the set with 'Bad Reputation'. The driving guitar was so arousing, Duo felt himself getting hard just thinking about singing with it.
//When you wake up in the morning, and you're lying in my bed, do you think of me, how I made you scream, was an all-night love affair//
Heero felt the sensuality roll off of the pony-tailed boy in waves. The song was so completely Duo that Heero couldn't help but smile. He felt himself responding to the lyrics, his jeans becoming a little too tight in a certain place. Duo singing, "Are you ready? I'm ready" made him want to yell out, "Hell yes!" He wondered if the other boy knew what he was doing to him.
// ...Got a hunger for affection, I just can't get enough. Well I read you, baby, like an open book, now the doctor's in, let me take a look, say yeah, yeah, it's all right//
Duo loved singing this song. It was hot, suggestive, and totally up his alley. He felt his arousal pulse inside his leather as the words slid out of his mouth, his voice breathy and seductive. Quatre always told him that the song made the blonde want to just grab him and fuck him; Duo hoped it had the same effect on Heero. Even though the next song was the one Duo had chosen to express to Heero his feelings, this one was a nice lead-in. Duo wanted Heero to have no doubt about what the longhaired boy wanted: love and sex, all in one complete package.
//I've got a bad, bad reputation, yeah. I've got a bad, bad reputation//
Quatre smirked, noticing Heero's expression. He had to admit that he was a little excited for Duo; at least his love interest was responding to his advances. When he looked over at Trowa, he noticed green eyes focused on Duo, as he scowled intently. Quatre had always thought that Trowa was a good friend, even after what had happened between them, or rather what 'hadn't', but the brunet was just behaving like an idiot tonight. Quatre didn't understand what the deal was, but it forced him to realize that in his heart, he didn't really have the same feelings for Trowa that he'd once had; he was shocked to realize that he felt that way about Duo now instead. His aqua eyes took in Duo's body as it moved, and he felt himself harden. This song always turned him on, and Duo knew it. The longhaired boy had asked if it was okay to sing it in front of Heero tonight, and Quatre had told him to go for it. Looking back at Heero, he knew it had been a good decision on Duo's part; Heero was definitely interested in what Duo was singing.
//... Wanna touch you, wanna taste you, wanna kiss you in-between. Your legs say action, your body built for speed. I know what I do for you, well, ya do the same for me//
Duo thrust his hips, the leather showing off his body perfectly, outlining his erection for anyone brave enough to look. He smirked when he saw that Heero was, the dark-haired boy's eyes watching his every move. The next verse was his favorite, and it brought out all of his sexuality. He could see Heero shifting in his seat and wanted to laugh. So he was getting to him, huh? He grinned for a moment before singing the words that had made him love the song so much, he knew he *had* to sing it; they made him feel so hot, he could feel himself burning.
//Did I mention my intentions? I just can't get enough. You can huff and puff, try to blow me down, but the big bad wolf is back in town. Say, yeah, yeah, I bite//
All Heero could think was, 'I hope you do'. It was a primal emotion, and something he'd never felt before, but it made him want to drag the other boy off stage, take him back to the hotel, and have his way with the sexy singer. When Duo sang the following lyrics about having any woman in the palm of his hand, Heero smirked. Yes, Duo could definitely say he had that talent, but... it looked like he preferred to have men in that situation instead. As the chorus was repeated several times, Heero found himself hoping that Duo did indeed have a 'bad reputation', and that he would get to see exactly how bad it was after the party. The song ended, bringing Heero out of his naughty thoughts, as Duo began speaking.
"Okay, I guess we should introduce all of the band members of 'Scavenger'," Duo said with a grin, trying to catch his breath. Motioning back to the drums, he continued, "Our timekeeper and all-around-bammer is Tom 'I feel the need for speed' Caldwell." The blue-jean-crop-top-clad redhead shook his head at his boss' antics but waved enthusiastically. "On keyboards, we have Scott 'Don't Bring Me Down' Phillips." Duo nodded at the brunet, who was dressed in a pair of black dress pants and a black long-sleeved metallic shirt. Duo pointed to the bassist next. "The man with the killer rhythm is Chris 'Another One Bites The Dust' Walker." The long black-haired man was dressed much like Duo, only in red leather; it made a striking contrast on stage. The longhaired singer then turned to the additional guitar players. "Guitar players extraordinaire, borrowed from the group 'Atlantis' for occasions like this," he announced with a wink at the two men, "Bob 'I wanna be like Nugent' Miller and Dave 'Eddie Van Who?' Ross." Both men were wearing tight blue jeans, but Bob had on a leather vest over a tee shirt, and Dave wore a black Henley. They inclined their heads to the crowd, smiling. Duo finally turned to his blonde partner in crime. "Of course, most of you know Quatre Winner... voice of an angel, body of a Greek god, and the intensity of fire." He saw Quatre smile at his description before bowing to his audience. Duo felt his heart lighten at the joy on the blonde's face; Quatre really enjoyed performing. "And me, well... my friends know me as Duo 'I run, I hide, but I never lie' Maxwell."
"And his enemies know him as the God of Death, Shinigami," Quatre interjected, a teasing glint in his eyes as he continued, "but his lovers... his lovers know him as the Siren of Sex, because just the sound of his voice is enough to take them over the edge into ecstasy." Quatre gave Duo a mischievous grin as the crowd went wild. The blonde couldn't help but laugh. Who said diplomats didn't know how to party?
Duo couldn't help the breathless laughter at the blonde's words and actions. He bowed at the response from their audience, noticing the questioning look on Heero's face, which only served to remind him that he'd have to explain about Quatre at some point. Part of him felt like he shouldn't, but another part, the part that was still trying to hold onto the blonde, wanted Heero to understand that what was between him and Quatre wasn't just sex; it meant a hell of a lot more than that. He wanted Heero to know that he wasn't the kind of guy to just use someone like that. Duo really cared for Quatre, which was why this was so difficult to go through with, but he knew Quatre wouldn't let him keep from trying. Taking a deep breath, he motioned for them to begin the intro. The sound of strings from the keyboard filled the hall. Duo locked eyes with Heero, a serious expression on his face as he began singing.
//I don't wanna hear about it anymore. It's a shame I've got to live without ya anymore. There's a fire in my heart, a pounding in my brain, it's driving me crazy//
The sound of Quatre's voice in harmony made Duo shiver as the blonde joined in for the next two lines.
//We don't need to talk about it anymore. Yesterday's just a memory, can we close the door?//
Heero felt the intensity of Duo's words as the longhaired boy leveled his violet gaze at him. The other songs had just been teasing in nature, but Heero could tell that this time Duo was singing to him... the song was TO him. It stunned him to realize that. Had Duo planned on singing it to him all along? The thought made Heero consider the pleasant possibility that Duo felt more than just attraction for him. Duo's voice sang the next lines alone, making Heero tremble with emotion.
//I just made one mistake, I didn't know what to say//
Quatre joined in again, and Duo didn't want to think about how both their voices melded together perfectly. He didn't want to think about losing that just to gain Heero. He just didn't want to think at all. He forced himself to keep focused on Heero, to let the words speak to the Japanese boy. That's what this song was all about; it was a declaration and a plea all in one. In spite of his determination, Duo's heart still couldn't help but ache for the blonde standing beside him.
//When you called me 'Baby'. Don't say 'goodnight'. Say you're gonna stay forever. Oh, whoa, all the way//
Quatre could feel Duo's turmoil, and even though he hated that the other boy was hurting, it did make him feel better to know that Duo couldn't let go of him so easily. He looked out into the audience at Heero to see the dark-haired boy completely mesmerized by the song. It was a hauntingly beautiful melody, as well as emotionally intense lyrics. He could see Heero responding to them, could feel Heero's initial shock followed by something that made the blonde want to weep with understanding -- hope.
//Can you take me high enough?//
Could Heero take him high enough? Duo wondered, as he let the music envelope him. That was really the most important question, wasn't it? He needed to know, to be sure, before he let go of what he had already. If Heero couldn't, why would Duo leave Quatre? 'I have to know for sure,' he thought to himself. 'I have to know once and for all that I gave it my best shot.' He tried to keep from feeling guilty as Quatre's voice resonated alone.
//To fly me over//
Duo followed behind him, echoing the last three words, wishing what he was doing wasn't hurting the boy he cared more about than anyone else in his life.
//Fly me over//
Together they ended the line with one word, signifying what they were leaving behind...
//Yesterday?//
Duo closed his eyes. When he'd chosen this song, he'd thought the lyrics were perfect for how he felt about Heero. Now that he and Quatre were facing the possibility of the end of their relationship as lovers, he felt the words having more than one meaning. Bittersweet feelings filled him as he realized that double-edge sword. He had to try to let go, had to try with Heero. Quatre was strong enough to let him; he had to be strong enough to try.
//Can you take me high enough?//
Quatre didn't know it was going to be this bad. The reality of what he and Duo were doing threatened to tear him apart. How could he give Duo up if it came down to it? He had nothing to hold onto if he didn't have Duo. Trowa sure as hell wasn't interested. The blonde refused to even look at the other boy, not wanting Trowa to think he was singing to him. It was strange to feel that way when only a few hours ago he had been longing to tell Trowa that he still wanted him. Now, the words seemed like the exact opposite of what he wanted to be saying to the brunet. He felt as though the feelings he'd had for Trowa were gone for good. Quatre wanted to cry as he sang the next lines by himself.
//It's never over. Yesterday's just a memory//
Duo once again echoed Quatre, his voice strong yet soft in tone... wistful, perhaps.
//Yesterday's just a memory and...//
Duo knew at that moment that he was going to go through with this, even if it didn't work out. He couldn't keep wondering 'what if'. That was the reason why he and Quatre had decided to do this in the first place; they'd both wanted to face their feelings once and for all for Heero and Trowa, and if it turned out that those feelings weren't returned, be there to help each other mend the pieces of their shattered hearts back together. Duo didn't know what was going on with Trowa, but he vowed that he would be there for Quatre if it didn't work out for him... no matter what happened between him and Heero. His violet eyes sought Heero's blue ones once more as he began the next verse, his heart being bared irrevocably. Duo heard his and Quatre's voices together again, that same sweet harmonizing that had enthralled him the first time Quatre had sung with him, and the longhaired boy knew that although his eyes were on Heero, he meant the words he was singing to both of them.
//I don't wanna live without ya anymore. Can't you see I'm in misery, and you know for sure. I would live and die for you, and I know just what to do when you call me 'Baby'//
Quatre felt the truth in those words; he would live and die for Duo, and even though Duo was singing to Heero, the blonde somehow knew those words were for him too. They had made a promise to each other, and he knew Duo wouldn't abandon him if he needed him. At that moment, Quatre looked out at Trowa. Seeing that same expression from earlier, he accepted the truth that Trowa would never be his... and he felt free for the first time in a long time.
//Don't say 'goodbye'. Say you're gonna stay forever. Oh, whoa, all the way//
Heero could see the longing in Duo's eyes. It made his heart flutter to know that Duo wanted him this much. He'd hoped, oh how he had hoped, but he'd never dared believe that it would be this simple to begin a relationship with the longhaired boy. He'd heard the question in the song, and his very soul answered it silently with "Yes!" Heero knew he could take Duo as high as he needed to go... for the rest of their lives.
//Can you take me high enough?//
Duo watched as Heero smiled at him and nodded his head slightly. The longhaired boy almost didn't make it through to the end of the chorus, his breath catching at the sight of the dark-haired boy answering his question. Heero had understood! It was a good thing that Quatre was singing the interlude by himself, because Duo needed a moment. He looked over at the blonde to see him with his eyes closed, gripping the acoustic guitar hanging around his neck. Duo didn't think he'd ever looked more beautiful. He felt himself torn. He glanced back at Heero, willing him to understand what was happening.
//... Yesterday's just a memory away. I was running for the door. The next thing I remember. I was running back for more. Yeah... yeah, yeah, yeah//
Bob stepped up and began the guitar solo. As it played, Duo turned to face Quatre, his violet eyes locking onto aqua as he walked towards the blonde. He had to hold onto this feeling between them one last time. It could be end of everything they'd shared. Even though he wanted Heero, he couldn't let go just yet. The intensity of the words, originally intended for Heero, was turned towards the boy who had been Duo's lover for so long as Duo poured out all of his emotion into what he was singing. If Heero didn't understand, Duo would just have to explain. There had to be a way to make the Japanese boy see how much Quatre meant to Duo... how much he was going to miss him.
//Don't say 'goodbye'. Say you're gonna stay forever. Oh, whoa, all the way//
Quatre watched in confusion as Duo began singing to him. He could feel it; the conflict, the joy, the anguish, and the love -- yes, the love -- that Duo had for him. It touched him, to see Duo offering him one more moment. He looked out and saw Heero watching them. He could feel emotions coming from Heero too - surprise, confusion, shock. The dark-haired boy seemed to be beginning to understand Duo's dilemma; Quatre could only turn his eyes back to Duo and allow the longhaired boy to finish what he had started. He all but cried out the line of the song he was singing, his heart in the words.
//All the way, all the way, yeah//
Heero could actually feel the connection between the two boys on stage. He had wondered if Quatre's comments earlier had been true or just to bait Trowa; he now had his answer. Duo had given him such an imploring look before he had turned to begin singing to the blonde. He wanted to feel jealous, to be angry with Quatre, but when aqua sought him out, and he saw the turmoil there as well, Heero knew there was more going on here than met the eye. He didn't understand, but he knew they needed to do this. It was obvious that the two boys had been, maybe still were, involved. Heero didn't know why, but Quatre seemed to be stepping aside. He also didn't know why that thought upset him so much. Shouldn't he be glad that Quatre was willing to let Duo go? Did Duo really want Quatre to? Heero would find out before he truly began something with Duo. He didn't want to break them up if they really loved each other.
//Can you take me high enough?//
Duo let his eyes express all of his pain, all of his longing, to the blonde. He knew that they had taken each other 'high enough' to overcome many things. He knew that Quatre had been the best thing to happen to him after the war. He felt the conviction of it all the way deep down into his soul. He watched as the other boy looked out at Heero then back to him, understanding and conflicting emotions shining in those aqua depths. Duo knew at that moment that Quatre didn't want to let go anymore than he did, but that he was giving Duo this chance with Heero... a precious gift.
//Can you fly me over (Fly me over), Yesterday?//
Quatre walked towards Duo, meeting him in the middle of the stage. Facing each other, they let their voices make love like their bodies had so many times. No one else mattered as they let the words trace themselves into their hearts. The blonde felt the tears threatening, but managed to forestall them. This was too important to let his emotions get the better of him. He had to be strong, if not for himself, then for Duo.
//Can you take me high enough? It's never over. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa//
Heero watched the scene play out, feeling his own heart ache. He looked around the table, noticing the shocked and amazed looks on several faces. The look on Trowa's was a mixture of anger and disbelief. Heero was so confused. Why was Trowa acting like he didn't want to talk to Quatre one minute, and then like an avenging protector next? Heero just didn't understand. He focused his attention back onto the two on stage. Duo was leaning closer to Quatre, and for a moment, Heero thought they were going to kiss. His stomach tightened, but not in fear or disgust; he found himself actually wanting to see it happen.
//Can you take me high enough?//
Duo leaned forward, wanting to comfort Quatre. He felt the other boy's breath on his face as the blonde sang with him, felt the guitar pressing against him as he moved closer. The same look that Quatre always gave him when Duo would ease inside of him was on the blonde's face as they sang the final part of the song; it was incredible, it was breathtaking -- it was Quatre. Duo was going to miss seeing him like this.
//Won't you fly me over (Won't you fly me over) Yesterday?//
Quatre let himself be pulled towards Duo. He wanted to kiss him one more time, but his professional side reminded him that they were performing. He could smell the sweat and cologne Duo was wearing, mixing to create a masculine scent that filled his senses. He let his face express everything he couldn't say with words at the moment. When Duo's violet eyes glimmered with desire, he knew he had said all he needed to. He let a couple of tears escape as Duo reached up and caressed his long blonde hair... a parting touch.
//Can you take me high enough?//
Their foreheads touched, eyes closing, breathing out the final words of the song, knowing that it was the truth they would never escape, no matter how far apart they might find themselves. It was a promise, made to each other, that no matter what happened, they would always remember what they had shared. It was a vow to always be there for each other, even if only as friends. It was an understanding that nothing could ever make them forget how it felt being together, and they would hold onto it inside their hearts... forever.
//It's never over. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa//
End Part 4
(:./tk/coa4)
