18-Sep-2000
The sun was disappearing slowly over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of blood and fire. Duo stared at it, transfixed, trying to lose himself in the moment, to forget the strange mess his life had suddenly become.
Oh sure, some of it was the same old mess, trying to deal with Shinigami, the war, and his feelings for Heero, which he was only now finally beginning to understand. But now, with the introduction of Odin, who still hadn't been explained to him, things were downright weird.
<I'm just tired,> he sighed inwardly. <Still haven't gotten to rest up after that mission... shit, I haven't even cleaned the bloodstains off yet.> He shuddered, remembering the looks on the faces of the men as their blood gushed over his skin and clothing....
<Iie! Don't think about it. Just... think about showers. And water. And... weirdness with Heeros. That's safe to think about. Confusing as hell, but safe.> He dragged himself to his feet, heading toward the bedroom where Heero and Odin were, determined to just get his damn clothes, take a shower, and sleep for about a week.
Heero stared vacantly into space, mind whirling with thoughts of Duo, of Odin, and of the half-understood glimpses he'd had of his past. He still hadn't finished all of the information on the diskettes, and he still hadn't explained anything to Duo.
His body was finally informing him that he was tired, mentally exhausted from the stress of everything that had happened that day. Odin still sat across the room, silent now, offering no information or guidance.
Heero sighed, toeing off his sneakers and curling up on the bed. Only after taking a deep breath did he remember the bed he was lying on was Duo's. The boy's scent hit him like a sucker punch, desire and longing coursing through his entire body. His throat closed around a whimper, letting no sound escape.
Memories flooded him, of staring down at Duo's face, relaxed in sleep, his headphones hanging crookedly from his face. Of sliding beneath the covers and curling around his warm body, hearing the comforting heartbeat, and feeling so safe, so protected, so complete...
Odin smiled softly, a mere twist of the lips, and Heero suddenly regained himself, realizing what he was doing, what he was feeling, and swiftly sitting up. At that moment, the door opened.
Both their heads swiveled instantly, to see Duo coming in. He looked momentarily startled at the sight of both of them orienting on him, then he simply came inside. He looked tired, Heero noted, with faint circles under his eyes. The odor of blood hung around him, masking the soft scent that Heero found so appealing. "Oi, Heero, I'm gonna take a shower and hit the sack," he murmured. "You can explain the whole mess tomorrow, kay?" He was already in motion toward the bed, not pausing for an answer. Heero sprung from the mattress, moving to sit on his own bed as Duo rooted through his drawers for a clean pair of boxers, then headed out the door again.
Odin glanced at Heero. "You're tired too," he observed. "You should get some sleep." Heero nodded, already shucking his tanktop. Odin was giving off almost motherly vibes, which was not surprising to him. His shorts and socks joined the tank on the floor, and he pulled on a pair of boxers to sleep in.
Curling up under the covers, he was only mildly surprised to feel Odin lay next to him, spooning himself against Heero's back. Then his eyes closed, and he accepted the comforting warmth, already hearing the gentle heartbeat throbbing in his ears, so familiar. It had been years since he'd heard it, but he remembered. He was safe here. And he slept.
Duo finished toweling dry his hair and pulled on a pair of boxers before heading back to his room, feeling warm, clean, and drowsy. The post-shower feeling was so pleasant; he hadn't gotten to have it often, growing up on L-2. He opened the door and stopped, staring bemusedly at the sight of Heero and Odin, curled together on their bed.
Limbs tangled, breathing softly, they looked so content, secure in each other's presence. Duo felt a soft ache in his chest, and his eyes stung. He wanted to be there, he realized. Wanted to be surrounded by warmth, in the presence of someone he loved. He sighed, slowly rubbing his chest, and closed the door.
At the soft click of the knob, Odin's eyes slitted open, and he stirred, causing Duo to glance in his direction. He smiled, a slow spreading of his lips that sent warmth shooting through Duo's limbs. Speechless, he stared as Odin slipped from the bed, leaving Heero to curl in upon himself under the blankets.
Odin approached Duo slowly, staring into his deep violet eyes, muzzy with exhaustion and darkened by desire. <Look at you, with your hair loose around you like a waterfall, all that pale skin exposed and flushed, and god, those boxers...> A soft purring growl escaped Odin's lips, and Duo started slightly, eyes widening as the boy advanced on him, looking almost predatory.
He was so close now, Duo could feel the heat of his breath against the skin of his neck. Soft lips gently brushed his ear, then Odin growled softly into it, "Duo... gods, you're so beautiful... want you so much..." His hands, which had been gently caressing Duo's arms, suddenly moved to draw him closer, pulling him flush against Odin's body.
He could feel the heat of the other boy's arousal, throbbing softly against his own. Odin had changed to boxers, but the image of those damn leather pants still filled Duo's mind and he shuddered, pressing closer. Odin was practically purring as their hips slowly ground together.
Duo's eyes slid shut with pleasure, and he blindly sought the other boy's lips, grasping the back of his neck as they devoured each other, soft hungry noises escaping their throats, hands roaming freely over each other's skin. <He's so warm... soft skin, but with hard muscle underneath... I don't understand who you are, but god, you're so much like Heero, so perfect...>
"Heero..." the name escaped his lips, the barest whisper of breath, and he hadn't realized he'd said it until Odin pulled back, his eyes darkening. "Duo... I..."
Duo's eyes suddenly snapped into focus, and he looked up at Odin, watching the conflicting emotions play over the boy's face, making it so very different from Heero's, where emotions barely ever showed at all. <You're so much like him, but yet so different... I don't understand who you are, or why I want you. God, why can't Heero act more like you?>
Odin watched him, looking almost as though he'd heard Duo's unspoken questions. His face softened with understanding, as his eyes filled with sorrow and longing. "I'm sorry, Duo... I shouldn't have..." He pulled back slowly, his arms falling from Duo's sides, leaving him feeling cold and exposed, and wanting the touch back again.
<It isn't me you want, Duo... and I'm not sure if I want you for myself, or only because Heero does... you two belong together; I shouldn't be getting in the way, but it's so hard...>
Odin slowly turned away, leaving Duo confused, wanting something but having no idea what exactly it was. "Odin, I..."
The other boy forestalled his words with a shake of his head. "Go to sleep, Duo. We'll talk in the morning. All of us."
End Part 9
(:./madcat/separate9)
