16-Feb-2005

Title: Splendor Restored
Author: BadMomma
Warnings: AU (my first), limey
Pairings: 1x2x1, some mention of 3x4, OCs
Rating: R for language and some sexual situations
Disclaimer: Own them, I do not.
Feedback: Craved, greatly appreciated and always answered.
Warnings: Bad poetry ahead.
Notes: The fic is told alternately in Heero and Duo's POV; both refused to completely give up the mike, so I made them share. One voice per chapter, though. I write like I think they would think; so it will not be grammatically correct, it's more stream of thought than anything.
Dedicated to Leslie 'cause If it ain't 1x2, she won't read it.
Summary: A Renovations Consultant finds more than just old buildings of interest on his new job site when he gets tangled up with the resort's Program Director.

Splendor Restored by BadMomma

Part Two

02_Acquaintances

At the sound of a quiet chime from the reception desk, Heero looked up from studying his notes to watch the only activity that had taken place in the lobby since he'd sat down twenty minutes earlier. A handsome young man, dressed in khaki slacks, a resort uniform shirt and hiking boots entered the revolving door that led into the lobby. Heero watched in amusement as the young man took several turns in the doorway all the while pantomiming his inability to escape, assured - by her peels of laughter - that he had the undivided attention of the desk attendant. After dramatically exiting the portal he continued through the lobby; smiling, winking and waving at her, all without breaking stride.

"Morning hon. Still having trouble with the door, I see."

"Morning Maxine. Guess it loves me too much to let me go."

"Your Girls are waiting for you on the patio."

"I'm on it. See ya'!"

The young man looked to be - at most - a few years younger than Heero but carried himself in a youthful, almost carefree manner. From where he was sitting, Heero tried without success to make out the letters on his name tag; giving up the effort almost immediately after exchanging a brief nod of acknowledgement. But as the young man passed not ten feet from where he was sitting, Heero's eyes were unable to keep from locking onto the hair that trailed behind him. Braided, it reached to the small of his back. He quickly tore his eyes away when the object of his scrutiny stopped at the other end of the room and began to turn.
It was common courtesy not to stare, after all.

"Hey Maxi?"

"Yes dear?"

"D'you know if the mechanic finished the maintenance on the big van yet?"

"Not sure honey, but I can check with George if you'd like."

"Would you, please? Meant to call him earlier but I got tied up. I'd hate to have to take The Girls out in the old clunker again. They have a hard time getting in and out of it."

"Understood. I'll give him a call right now. Anything else?"

"Yeah would you call Gib for me, too? Tell him I need the chariot out front in about 10 minutes or so."

"No problem, Duo."

"Thanks Maxi, you're the best."

"Hm, I bet you say that to all the girls."

"Only the special ones, love. Only the special ones."

With a wave, the young man was gone and Heero was again left to his own devices. Bored and with nothing much to do, he looked over his notes one more time before closing his portfolio - they didn't need any further review. He glanced at his watch and hoped again that he wouldn't be kept waiting much longer.

Upon arriving at the front desk at exactly 10:58, he'd been politely asked to take a seat as Mr. Marquise's earlier appointment was running a little long. He'd spent the first few minutes of his wait looking over the interior of the lobby. With any luck - and if the rest of the resort was in the same shape - they'd be able to restore, rather than replace, a great deal of what was already there. He'd made himself a note to come back and take close up pictures of everything so that he could send them off to Quatre and Wufei for review. After that he'd made some notes about what he'd seen on his short trip between his rooms and the main building. Many of the buildings along the way appeared only to need minimal aesthetic improvements, just as KLM had claimed, but he'd be remiss if he didn't look into it more closely. He'd pulled his portfolio open and confirmed that building maintenance records were already on the list of things he needed copies of.

By the time the other man had walked up to the door, Heero had been ready for a distraction. And what a pleasant one it had been. With work considerations satisfied, Heero took a moment to mentally review what he'd seen.

The man looked to be about his height, slim but fit, all legs and arms but not awkward looking. He was also very handsome; a light tan on his face and arms, high cheekbones, pert nose, and mischievous, blue eyes. He'd also had a confident air about him despite his slightly foolish behavior. Something about him spoke to Heero of a strong character; someone willing to act the fool for the delight of others, yet not a fool by any stretch of the imagination. He found himself very intrigued.

Before he could give it much more thought he heard the call of his name. Standing immediately, he moved to intercept his awaited contact. The men exchanged handshakes and greetings, then casually walked back to where Heero's briefcase and papers sat.

They exchanged pleasantries, as was common, talking briefly about what they'd done since last they'd been in touch. Marquise asked about Heero's travel and his satisfaction with the accommodations provided and Heero thanked the man for the courtesies KLM had extended him. They briefly discussed the good weather they were enjoying. All the while Heero diligently worked toward readying himself to move to the more private setting of Zech Marquise's office. Just as they were ready to retire from the lobby they heard the sounds of movement and laughter coming from a nearby hallway.

"Now you be sure to try those on tonight, son. And if they don't fit right, you let me know. I'll fix them for you, straight away."

"Oh Sadie, I'm sure they'll be fine. And I absolutely love them! They'll go so well with the rest of my costume."

"That may be, boy, but try them on just the same. Sadie here hasn't made britches for anyone - let alone a man - in over twenty years."

"Now Mildred, don't you start in on me; we haven't even reached the front door yet."

A husky, masculine sounding laugh interrupted the oncoming feud. "Come now ladies, let's not be catty!"

The comment, rather than elicit offense, set off another round of laughter. As the group began to round the corner Heero was treated to the sight of six elderly ladies, dressed in their Sunday best, followed by none other than the young man with the braid.

Zechs Marquise, ever the gentleman, excused himself from Heero and waited until he'd caught their attention before offering them a slight bow.

"Good morning ladies." He moved to join them as they all replied in kind. "And where are we off to on this beautiful morning?" He shook and kissed every one of their hands and received a few kisses in return for his attention as they giggled and laughed through a description of their plans for the afternoon. When they were done sharing pleasantries, the group began to move toward the door again.

Before he'd had a chance to slip away with his gaggle, Marquise stopped the braided man with a hand on his arm. "Duo, a word please."

Duo stopped and nodded with a quick "Sure boss", but he turned back to the ladies just as they reached the entrance. "If Gib is out there, why don't you girls go ahead and get situated, I'll be right out." They nodded and waved their acceptance, continuing outside.

Marquise led Duo over to where Heero had remained standing, watching.

"Duo, this is Heero Yuy, the gentleman I told you would be joining us for the duration of the renovation project. Heero Yuy meet Duo Maxwell, Programs Director and our resident history buff."

"Mr. Yuy!" Duo said excitedly, nodding and extending his hand out to Heero, who took it and nodded in return.

"Please, call me Heero, pleasure to meet you."

Heero could not believe his luck. The handsome young man he'd been thinking about since setting eyes on him was the resident historian. He found himself pleased and yet nervous at the prospect.

"Same here." Duo continued to shake the other man's hand. "And don't believe everything you hear; unless it's good of course, and in that case believe it all." He smiled charmingly and then seemed to realize he was still holding Heero's hand. With a nervous chuckle he released it and turned briefly to check on his charges. "I'd love to stay and talk but my public awaits me. Maybe I'll see you around later today, or tomorrow. Just leave a message with Maxine," he pointed at the desk attendant, "about when you want to meet and how I can get in touch with you. I work weird hours so whatever's convenient for you is fine with me."

Heero nodded and managed a wan smile. "I'll be in touch." Then he watched in utter fascination as the man strolled away.

Beside him Marquise chuckled and clapped him on the back. "I've been working with him for nine months now and he still leaves me speechless sometimes, too. Don't worry, I figure sooner or later you learn to get more than a few words in edgewise. Come Heero, there is much to discuss." And with that, it was back to business. Marquise led the way into his office and Heero followed at a suitable pace.

The whirlwind of energy was gone but his affect lingered on. It would be a long while before the strange tingling in Heero's right hand went away for good.

There were a few hours left before the sun set and Heero was determined to make the most of it. After only one day on this island resort, he realized that despite the good amount of work this project would entail, it would likely be most enjoyable. After having met with Zechs Marquise for the better part of the afternoon, he had returned to the Glades with the intent to do a little scouting. It wasn't often that he had the chance to be on-site at so early a stage in a project and he looked forward to being able to plan out ideas from such an immediate perspective.

After checking his emails and making a few calls, he'd changed into shorts and a tank top, donned a hat, grabbed a small sketch pad and headed out for the shore. Several times, he'd stopped to study the architecture of the buildings or the way the structures coexisted with the habitat. He'd sketched different aspects of their designs, the things that distinguished them from the houses on the mainland and from each other.

In the time he'd been walking, he'd managed to round the top of the island, having just passed the main resort building. He'd briefly considered going back into the lobby to sketch some of the things he'd seen earlier - a supplement to the photos he would take later - but decided against it. A subtle calmness had settled over him and he didn't want to risk having it disturbed.

Thoughts of time spent in the lobby that morning inevitably turned to thoughts of the Programs Director, as they had at the oddest moments throughout the day. He did not yet understand what his fascination with the other man was. While Heero had no doubts about his sexuality - he quite clearly liked men - it was not so much a physical attraction to the man that had dogged him since the late morning; but an interest, a tug, like he'd not felt for anyone in years. That first tug all those years ago had resulted in one of his most valued friendships. But this... this was different.

He continued walking along the shore, trying to discern precisely where the man's appeal lie. Was it his open and happy countenance? His apparent ease of character? Or perhaps the intelligence and wit that shined in those mischievous eyes? As his thoughts consumed him, his steps slowed until he'd finally come to a complete stop. A murmur on the wind brought him from his thoughts and he looked about for the source. There, sitting at the edge of the boardwalk that ran along the length of the resort's main property, sat the object of his thoughts. Duo Maxwell.

Duo appeared to be hunched over a notebook, occasionally straightening to look at it or speak aloud before returning to scribbling furiously for a moment, only to repeat his actions again. Twice, while Heero watched from a short distance, he'd chewed on the end of his pencil, only to realize what he was doing and snort in apparent disgust.

Heero approached the bottom of the stairs without being noticed. The closer he got, the easier it was to hear that Duo seemed to be composing a limerick.

He scratched at his head and continued writing.

Heero had reached the foot of the stairs but was still standing slightly out of view. He thought about the limerick and tried to come up with something helpful; but all he could think of was a criticism. Taking a chance, he spoke up.

"You're using too many syllables."

He was rewarded with a surprised gasp and then a warm smile.

"Hi there Mr. Yu- um, Heero. What are you doing down there?"

"Just walking. I saw you and thought to say hello."

"Well come on up and cop a squat. Or better yet, stay and I'll come down."

Duo took off his boots and socks, then stood and turned to put them at the edge of the stairs. Heero noticed, belatedly, that Duo had changed into a pair of shorts, though he still had on the uniform shirt. The shorts revealed nicely muscular calves and thighs, something that the slacks had effectively hidden from view earlier. He found himself once again captivated by the body in movement, staring appreciatively at the man's legs, and had to force his eyes away. It wouldn't do to scare the guy off before they'd even had a chance to talk. He turned away from the sight and took a seat on the third to last step, tucking his hat into a pocket and placing the sketch pad between his feet. Best stare at the ocean, he thought, can't get in trouble doing that.

Duo made his way down the stairs, with notebook in hand, and plopped himself down next to the renovations expert. He smiled broadly once seated and then raised an eyebrow in concern.

"You weren't listening to me ramble for too long were you? I suck at poetry."

"It's not that bad but I think... Well I'm no expert either, but I think you were trying to use too many syllables." He shrugged in hopes that the criticism wouldn't be taken badly.

"You think, huh?" The Duo flipped open the notebook and looked at what he'd written. "I'm not entirely sure how to shorten it though. Got any suggestions?"

He held the notebook out to Heero, who took it and studied what had been written.

"Is this all the same poem?"

"Pieces parts. I just wrote them down as the ideas popped up. Some are better than others but... I kind'a need to put them together." He leaned over and pointed to a stanza about midway down the page. "I think this one should be my starting piece, and this one - maybe - at the end." He shrugged and leaned back. "So?"

Heero read them all. "These two go well together." He pointed at two that looked and sounded complete. "And... maybe this one too, but"

"It sucks?" Duo offered helpfully and grinned for all he was worth.

"N-No. I... I wouldn't say it sucks, just maybe needs a little work."

"Right, it sucks. Like I said, I'm no poet."

Heero reached for the pencil behind Duo's ear, but stopped. "May I?" When Duo nodded and handed him the pencil, he began writing on the page. Once he was done, he handed the notebook back with a small smile and explained.

"Here. If you swap these, and change that, it... might sound a little better. And then, maybe, start this line with 'for' instead of 'and'. It's just a suggestion." He tried a smile on again in hopes of smoothing over the criticism; but Duo wasn't looking at him. He was staring intently at the page.

"Woah, that's perfect. OK, you're hired. The pay's not much, but I'm a very accommodating boss."

Heero was nearly speechless. "Wha- Hired? Boss?"

"Yeah, you can be my editor! I'll pay you, like, ten cents a word or something. The only condition is that I'll need my edits done quickly as the day approaches. Pirates Day is only a few weeks off and I may need some last minute work done. Are we agreed?"

The braided man's proximity and disarming smile were beginning to interfere with Heero's ability to think. All he could do was utter 'uh, sure' before having his hand snatched up in an energetic shake.

His head felt like it was swimming and he couldn't seem to get centered. All he could focus on was that open face, that enigmatic smile and those blue eyes that had taken on a strange hue in the setting sun.

"You know, your eyes are really cool."

Heero started when he realized that he was staring directly into Duo's eyes and they were only a few inches away. Instinctively he pulled back but regretted it immediately. His action had caused a look of regret and embarrassment on the other man's face.

Realizing he'd invaded Heero's space, Duo shifted back slightly and turned to the notebook in his lap.

"Oh, um sorry. I get a little excited sometimes and well, you uh, you have very nice eyes. They're very" he stalled, seeming unable to find just the right words. "Very blue!" he finished then quirked a half grin at Heero, bulling ahead. "I've never seen such a deep blue, either - it's almost grey in places, and it's cool how they get so much darker right around the edges." He grinned again halfheartedly and began playing with the pencil in his hand.

Duo thought the man sitting next to him was incredibly gorgeous and he was having a hard time keeping his wayward eyes and thoughts in check. He hoped Heero wouldn't write him off as a total nutcase because he was very much looking forward to their working together. He was also holding out the smallest bit of hope that the other man's apparent nervousness was indicative of an equal amount of interest.

"Thank you." Heero replied quietly after a moment of silence. "N-no one's ever really noticed before, or at least they've never mentioned it."

"Can't imagine why, your eyes are just" hesitated, seeming again to have trouble finding the right word "cool."

"Th-thanks. Again." Heero was stammering like an idiot again and mentally cursing his lack of social skills; this nervousness was not comfortable.

He stood briskly, picking up the sketch pad and wiping nervously at his backside. "Well it's starting to get dark, I think I should probably head back to my room. It was nice talking to you, Duo." He extended a hand out to the man still sitting on the step.

Duo stood and took the offered hand. "Yeah, thanks. Same here. Oh and thanks for your help with the poem. Do you... could I give you a ride home? Where did they put you?"

"Oh no, I'm fine. I'm staying at the Glades, it's not too far from here and I- I like walking. But thank you anyway."

"OK. Well, goodnight then, Heero."

"Goodnight Duo." Heero nodded and began to walk away.

Duo nodded in return and began making his way up the steps before suddenly remembering - "Oh hey!"

Heero stopped and turned again. "Yes?"

"When did you want to get together? You know, to start talking about the resort?"

Heero took a minute to remember what was on his calendar for the next few days, he wanted to have nice chunk of time open to meet with the Programs Director. "Whenever it's convenient for you. I don't have any other solid appointments until Kushrenada arrives on Friday. Tomorrow, the day after?"

"Hmm." Duo scratched at his head and thought it over. "Tomorrow's a little busy for me, how about Wednesday? It's my day off so we can take as long as we need."

A shock of thrill ran through Heero at the thought that Duo was looking forward to spending time with him - lots of it, but he quickly tramped it down. Business, he reminded himself, but couldn't shake the excitement easily. He took a few steps back toward the boardwalk so they wouldn't have to yell over the sound of the waves. "I don't want you to have to come all the way out here on your day off just for that. Thursday would be fine."

"Oh it's no problem, really, I live here." Duo shrugged it off. "Right over there as a matter of fact." He pointed in a vaguely easterly direction. "So what time should I come over?"

"Anytime," the older man shrugged, "when do you usually get up?"

"Heero, we could be here all night if we keep trying to be all polite and accommodating." He grinned to take any sting out of the words. "How about I show up around nine and bring some coffee and bagels, sound good?"

Heero smiled and ducked his head. He hadn't meant to be that obvious and it was entirely possible that he was completely out of his league; but somehow Duo seemed able to read him as easily as a children's book. "That's fine, but you don't need to bring anything, I have coffee and plenty of breakfast foods."

Duo rolled his eyes and let loose an overly dramatic sigh. "Fine, you can make coffee, but I'm bringing food and you can't talk me out of it, alright?"

When Heero hesitated, Duo lifted an exasperated eyebrow at him, "Alright?"

"OK." Heero finally acquiesced with a hesitant smile.

Duo rewarded him with a wide grin and nodded. "Alright then! Goodnight again, Mr. Yuy. I'm looking forward to our meeting." He inclined his head in a shallow bow and turned to race up the stairs.

Heero stood and watched him climb, waving back when Duo made shooing motions at him from the boardwalk. He realized he was still smiling widely even as the braid disappeared around the corner of hedgerow. When it was fully gone from view he whispered after it. "Goodnight Duo Maxwell, sleep well. I am very much looking forward to Wednesday."

End Part 2

(:./bm/splendor2)