Title: Start Me Up - 17/20?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Shoujo Ai/Yuri
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6x5
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: AU, Angst, Borderline NCS, Language, Lemon, Sap, Voyeurism
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!
Duo woke to the sound of his own anguished cry. It startled him so much that he almost fell out of the chair, but gentle arms wrapped around him to keep him in his seat as much as to calm him.
"Duo! It's all right. It's all right. You were dreaming."
The familiar voice was unexpected, but Duo was so disoriented he didn't even wonder about it. He breathed in the scent of Wind Song, and it was like being in some kind of time warp, taking him back to another time and place. He buried his face against the woman's neck and sighed. The comfort was immeasurable, and he indulged in it for a few moments without any shame.
"Are you okay, kid?"
Duo felt a hand descend upon his shoulder. He was beginning to calm down and regain his addled wits. Pulling away slightly, he gave the redhead holding him a sheepish smile even as he answered the old man standing beside him. "Yeah, Howie. I'm okay. Just a... a bad dream."
"It sounded like it," Charlie said softly, her voice holding a questioning tone.
Duo sighed. "I don't... want to talk about it. Okay?"
Charlie smirked. "Still difficult, I see. You Maxwells are such pains in the ass."
Duo seemed to really wake up then. He threw his arms back around the woman, ignoring the teasing words. "What the hell are you doing here, Charlie? I mean I'm glad, but Howie didn't tell me..."
"I wanted it to be a surprise," Howard explained sadly. "Too bad the timing was off."
Duo let Charlie go and looked over at his uncle, his heart aching. "Any word yet?"
Howard shook his head. "No. We just arrived a few minutes ago, but Quatre said that Heero was still in surgery."
Duo looked around but didn't see anyone else that he knew. "Where...?"
"They went down to the cafeteria to get some sandwiches for us," Charlie replied. "After all, it may be a long night."
Duo nodded, smiling at the woman who had been a part of his family even before Howard. "Thank you for being here. You don't know how much it..."
Charlie put her arms back around him and hugged him tight. "Yes, I do know. You just concentrate on keeping your spirits up, Duo. Your young man will be all right. He has too much to live for... he has you."
Duo closed his eyes and let that thought soothe him. He was relieved beyond belief that Howard had told Charlie about him and Heero so he didn't have to try to explain everything to her. Under the circumstances, he didn't know if he could talk about how they had met, argued, and fallen in love. Just thinking about it made him want to cry, and he knew he couldn't give into that. He had to be strong. Heero was fighting for his life, and Duo couldn't afford to collapse just because his emotions were on overload. Still, he couldn't seem to shake the dream he'd had or forget what the doctor in it had said about Solo. What had that meant? Duo didn't understand what Solo had to do with saving Heero. Was his own mind trying to tell him something? Or maybe it was his heart?
He'd been listening to Quatre, Trowa, and Anne talk about needing someone to race Wing in order for Heero to claim the title right before he'd faded off to sleep again. His subconscious could have taken the opportunity to make him deal with what he'd been hiding from for quite some time now. Although Duo could recall with clarity what his brother had told him right before he'd died, Duo had been questioning whether or not he might have misunderstood what Solo had been trying to say. Maybe this was his heart's way of telling him that he didn't need to hold onto Solo's memory this way any longer. Maybe it was time for him to live his life the way he wanted. Maybe that's what his brother had meant all along, for Duo to not just follow in his footsteps, but to find his own path. Even if that wasn't the case, he didn't think he could sit by while Heero's dream died when it was within his power to make it come true. The braided mechanic sighed heavily; at some point he had to face his fears and overcome them.
Duo was still thinking about everything when the others returned. He didn't really have an appetite, but he nibbled on the ham sandwich and sipped on the milk that Anne gave him. Watching his friends as they waited, he silently prayed for guidance. As if in answer, Quatre came over to him a few moments later.
"Duo? Are you doing okay? You need anything else?"
Duo managed a tired smile. "Just need to know how 'Ro is doing. Once he's out of the woods, I'll be fine." He set his carton and wrapper aside; his heart beating rapidly as he finally decided what he had to do. "I want to talk to you about something though."
Quatre pulled up a chair and sat in front of him. "Okay. I'm listening."
Before Duo knew what was happening, the others were moving closer to him. Trowa pulled a chair next to Quatre's, Anne sat down by Charlie, and Howard took his seat next to Duo again. The braided mechanic sighed to himself but couldn't help grinning; his friends - his family - were something he loved more than anything. Heero was part of that now, and Duo just couldn't let his soul mate down. "I... I heard you talking earlier... about needing someone to drive Wing," he began, and then paused, taking a deep breath. "I want to do it." There was silence from all of them at that statement, and when Duo took in the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, he rolled his eyes. "Seriously, guys. I want to race Wing... for Heero. It's the only way for him to win and for us to beat Treize."
"Are you sure, Duo?" The blond team owner asked hesitantly. "I mean it's not that I don't think you can do it. Trowa told me you were as good as Heero, but..." Quatre looked hopeful and terrified at the same time.
Duo suddenly felt something inside him release. He closed his eyes for a moment, and it was like he could see Solo standing there, grinning at him affectionately before waving goodbye. Duo's breath caught as the other young man turned and began walking away, but the braided boy forced back the tears that threatened as he opened his violet eyes to regard Quatre once again. "I'm sure. It's something that I have to do for Heero. For myself."
Quatre smiled, seeming to sense something about what this was costing Duo... and what it was gaining him. "Then consider yourself our temporary driver, Mr. Maxwell."
Trowa reached out and ruffled Duo's bangs. It took the new driver by surprise, but Trowa only smiled. "I look forward to making your life as difficult as you did Heero's."
Duo couldn't help but laugh at that. "You can try, Barton. You can try. Just don't throw my tools around when I tell you to adjust my torque." He suddenly realized that someone was missing from the group and frowned. "Hey! Where the hell is Wufei?"
Quatre and Trowa shared a look, and Anne sighed heavily. Duo knew he wasn't going to be happy with their reply.
Heero reached out and took his mother's hand, but as much as he longed to go with her, there was something holding him back. When she tried to lead him away from the field, he stopped, unsure of why, but knowing he needed to do it. She looked at him almost sadly before her gaze fastened on something behind him.
"Ohayo, Oniichan," a gruff voice greeted.
Heero turned to see a young man with shoulder length dark blond hair pulled back into a ponytail standing behind him. He recognized him, but didn't know from where. "Do I know you?"
The grin he received was so familiar that Heero felt his heart leap. Brown eyes regarded him intently as the young man spoke. "Don't you remember what happened?"
Heero frowned when he searched his memory and couldn't come up with anything. "I... I can't..." He looked at the other young man, confusion evident. The image of violet eyes and long chestnut hair, the sound of bright laughter and whispered words of love, and the feel of callused fingers and mingled breath called to him like a fervent prayer, but he was hesitant to answer, although he didn't understand why. "Do you know what I'm forgetting?" Heero asked in an almost pleading voice. "I don't want to leave until I know..."
The young man smiled. "That's right, Heero. Don't go until you're sure. You have to try to remember. I know your body hurts, and your mind is trying to block it out, but you have to think with your heart."
Heero closed his eyes, letting his emotions reach out. Flashes of memory hit him like an endless assault; gifting him with scenes from the moment he'd met Duo until he'd walked out of the track. The Japanese boy came to himself, having collapsed onto his knees from the intensity of it. His blue eyes looked onto brown, and he knew why he couldn't give up. He knew why he had to go on living, even if it did hurt. He looked over his shoulder to see his mother standing there patiently.
"I understand," she told him softly. "I couldn't tell you. There were... reasons why it had to be this young man." Heero nodded and stood as she walked over to him, placing a hand on his face. "When your time comes to an end, I will be waiting for you, my sweet Heero. Until then, go and love him. Love him with everything you have. It will always be enough."
Heero didn't even know he had tears falling down his cheeks until she leaned in and kissed them away. He smiled at her, glad to have had this chance to see her again. "Aishiteru, Okaasan."
"Zutto, dake, my little storm dancer."
One moment she was standing there in front of him, the next she was gone. Heero felt his heart cry out but then another voice reminded him of why he was staying.
"We have a while to wait, little brother."
Heero gave him a pointed look. "Is this... real? Or are you both just my imagination?"
That ever-present grin grew wider. "Depends on what you want to believe. I might be a spirit sent to remind you of what you have to lose if you don't go back. Then again, I could just be your own conscience struggling to keep you in the mortal plane. Either way, I'm here until it is time for you to return to consciousness."
"Why can't I go back now?" The Japanese driver asked.
The young man sighed. "You're fighting for your life, Heero. I guess you know what that means to Duo."
"Duo," the Japanese boy whispered, anguish filling his voice. "No, he can't go through this again..."
"He's stronger than you think. This will be the moment that changes his life, Heero. You need to stay here with me until it's too late for you to interfere with what is his destiny."
Heero felt panic grip him. "Why? What's going on? Damn you, Solo, if you let him..."
"He has the right to dance in the thunderstorm as well," Solo said in an even voice.
Heero flinched. The championship! "No! He can't do that! He thinks that you don't want him to race, and if he tries, he's going to get hurt..." Heero reached out and grabbed the other young man. "Send me back! Now! He can't do this!" He felt like his heart was being ripped out just thinking about it.
"This is why you're here, Heero. It's Duo turn to reclaim his life, just like he helped you do with yours. You have to trust him... like he always trusts you."
Heero let go and sat down on the ground hard. Duo was going to race, and there wasn't anything he could do about it. Suddenly, he realized how Duo had felt for all these weeks since the accident - worrying about him, having to sit on the sidelines with his heart in his throat, without any control in keeping something bad from happening - it had to have been a nightmare for his lover. Heero knew then that he owed Duo this for enduring that for him. He looked over as Solo sat down beside him.
"He's afraid. You know that, don't you? All of his life, he's denied himself because he thought you'd be angry with him. Why now? Why is he going against what he's always believed?" Heero had to know.
Solo smirked at him. "He needed to find someone that he loved more than me."
Heero blinked at him. "That has to be the lamest explanation I've ever heard."
The other young man laughed, and Heero couldn't help but feel he would have liked Solo if he'd still been alive. "It's the only one I have for you," Solo said, still chuckling. "Duo's love for you is stronger than his fear of disappointing me." The young man sighed. "It's about time too. I couldn't really rest until he stopped blaming himself for what happened. It was my fault, and he always said it was my fault, but deep inside he believed that he could have done something more." Solo gave Heero an exasperated look. "Like I would have listened! There just wasn't anything he could have done to change my mind. I was hell bent on leather, and no one was going to stop me. I paid for my pride with my life."
Heero frowned. "What if he does the same?"
Solo shook his head. "No. He's different than me in a lot of ways. We're not really blood, you know. He just picked up some of my bad traits from hanging around me." He smiled. "No, he's got a good head on his shoulders. Just try to reach him through his heart and not his head. Sometimes that pride thing does a number on him too."
They sat there for some indefinite amount of time and then Heero sighed. "So what do we do while my body is healing?" He asked in resignation.
Solo grinned that Maxwell grin and said in a voice full of love and humor, "Did he ever tell you about the time I dared him to skinny dip with the Avery twins?"
Dr. Ethan Walker made his way down the hall. He felt like he'd wrestled with Death himself for the past hour... but he'd pulled another soul back from the abyss. He was tired, sweaty, and needed a cold soda, but at least his patient was in recovery. He walked into the waiting area and spoke. "Family for Heero Yuy?"
Quite a few people looked at him, among them four young women who had apparently just arrived from the way they'd been asking questions. He took a few more steps towards them as an older man helped a younger one with a long braid up, meeting the doctor halfway. "I'm his adopted uncle," the older man said, causing several of the others behind them to smile for some reason. Ethan knew something was up but refrained from commenting.
"Is he...?" The younger man's voice rasped out.
Ethan looked at him, noting the haunted look in his unusual violet eyes. No doubt, he was close to the patient. "In critical condition. We almost lost him more than once, but he made it through surgery."
He watched as the younger man slumped in relief, the older man the only thing holding him up. "Thank the Giver of the Storm," he whispered, as he touched a cross hanging around his neck.
Ethan didn't know how to take that particular divine title, so he looked back at the older man to see tears shining in his warm gray eyes and continued his report. "He's in a coma, but we expect him to come out of it as soon as the swelling around his brain goes down. He's not out of danger yet, but there's a good chance that he'll make it."
"Thank you, Doc. We appreciate all you've done. We can't tell you how..." the older man couldn't go on.
"It's all right. I'm just glad that I could keep him here with you for a while longer," the doctor replied gently. "I'm Dr. Ethan Walker. If you need anything else, let me know. I'll be on shift for a few more hours."
"Howard Maxwell," the older man said, gripping Ethan's hand tightly. "And this is Duo, my other nephew."
"So you're Mr. Yuy's cousin?" Ethan asked the younger man, hoping to divert his attention from his worry.
"I told the paramedic that so I could ride with him, but it's not really true," Duo told the doctor, his voice weary but not as choked up as before. "Howard is my legally-adopted uncle, but he unofficially adopted Heero, so we're not really kin." His violet eyes flashed in challenge. "But I'm his best friend... and lover. I know that doesn't mean much to most people in your profession, but I'm not leaving until I see him."
Ethan smiled. There were ties that bound people stronger than blood, and he had never denied those who truly cared about his patients from being close to them. "As soon as the nurses get all of his vitals and make sure he's stable, I'll have them come and get you."
Duo relaxed, but it was obvious that the young man would fight back the Grim Reaper himself for his lover. Ethan thought that those feelings might have been what saved his patient in the long run. He'd seen it happen many times where there didn't seem to be any hope, but then someone would fight their way back because they had someone to live for. He didn't doubt that the love in this young man's eyes was strong enough to inspire someone to do that.
"Thank you, Dr. Walker," Duo said and gave him something close to his regular Maxwell grin.
Ethan felt compelled to place his hand on the young man's shoulder. "He's got a ways to go, but I think his chances will be better if you stay with him through the night."
Duo nodded in agreement, pleased by the thought. Ethan gave him an encouraging smile, told the group at large that he would be around again to keep them updated, and then walked away. There was a cold Mountain Dew with his name on it, and he felt like he could really enjoy it. As he headed towards the vending machines, he heard a certain braided young man demand, "All right, now that the girls are here, someone tell me where the hell Fei is!"
Ethan laughed in spite of himself even though he didn't have a clue who 'Fei' was.
Wufei watched as Treize picked himself up off of the floor. The older man had been surprised, but Wufei knew that would not happen again. He saw Zechs sitting in a chair out of his peripheral vision and hoped the blond didn't interfere. It was time that Treize was put in his place.
"I've come to exact revenge on you, Treize Khushrenada," he almost spat. "You've hurt the ones I love for the last time." He saw the ginger-haired man's gaze narrow, but matched him scowl for scowl.
"You seem to be mistaken, my young Chinaman. Go back to your little racing cars before you bite off more than you can chew. I don't want to have to teach you a lesson."
Wufei felt his anger boil. "You will never be too much for me to handle, you dishonorable bastard."
"Wufei," Zechs interjected quickly, "please, you don't know what's going on."
The Chinese mechanic gave Zechs a pointed look. "Choosing sides again, Merquise? I hope you enjoy the bed you've made to lie in." He turned his gaze back to the other man. "You're going to go to the police and confess, or I swear I'll beat you half to death before this night is over."
Treize sneered. "My dear little dragon. I think you underestimate me." In one swift motion, a pearl-handled pistol appeared in his hand. "I think it will be you who will be beaten into submission... by your former lover." He looked at Zechs and smiled evilly. "Tie him to the bed, Zechsy. I've wanted to see you two together for a long time. Looks like I'll finally get my fantasy."
Zechs stood and turned towards Wufei. The black-haired boy took a defensive posture. "I wouldn't if I were you."
"I'm sorry, Wufei. I have to do what he says," the blond replied with regret in his voice.
Wufei snarled as the larger man advanced on him. "Do not get in the way, Merquise! You know what I can do."
Zechs smiled sadly. "Yes, I do. Unfortunately, I have no choice at the moment."
There was something in Zech's tone that made Wufei hesitate. It was a mistake that would cost him dearly. Before he could regain his edge, Zechs reached out and grabbed his wrist in a quick motion that had Wufei off balance in a mere second. The momentum helped the blond step in to get a hold before Wufei could retaliate. Without another word, Zechs lifted the Chinese boy and began carrying him to the bed. Wufei threw his body back, unbalancing Zechs long enough to break free and attempt a roundhouse kick. Unfortunately, Zechs saw it coming and blocked easily. He grabbed the dark-haired boy's ankle and twisted. Wufei yelled out, and Zechs once again picked him up.
"Put me down, you miserable cur!" Wufei growled, kicking his legs to try and make Zechs drop him. He regretted training with his former lover now. Teaching the blond his style of fighting had given Zechs an advantage Wufei couldn't afford at the moment.
Zechs tightened his grip. "Stop fighting me, Fei. This will get you no where."
Wufei was tossed onto the bed, the wind knocked out of him. Before he could recover, Zechs was on him, pinning his wrists above his head. Wufei felt fear settle in the pit of his stomach... and that made him even angrier. "Let me go! If you do this, Zechs, there is no forgiveness. Do you hear me? No forgiveness for as long as I live!"
Zechs leaned forward, his lips kissing Wufei's cheek before whispering in his ear, "I'm not going to hurt you. Trust me, Fei. If you do, I promise you that justice will be served."
Wufei didn't know what to think. What was Zechs planning? It seemed like the other man was just up to his old tricks, but what if he was wrong? He felt Zechs run his hand up his thigh and couldn't help the moan that escaped him. "No... please... don't do this!" He tried to kick, but Zechs rested his weight on his legs, trapping them.
The blond held his hands with one of his own as the other pulled down Wufei's pants to his knees. "You're still so beautiful, Fei. So beautiful..."
The Chinese boy closed his eyes, fighting back tears. He could remember when those hands had almost seemed to worship his body, but now they were defiling him and those precious memories by doing this. "No..." He was pinned underneath Zechs and couldn't get enough leverage to get away.
"Yes," came Treize's voice as the older man watched them struggle. "Touch him, Zechs. Make him get hard for you. I want to see him beg you to come."
Zechs reached down and began stroking Wufei languidly. Wufei cried out, his body arching into the other man's touch, betraying him in the worst possible way. "Zechs..." That hand continued its caressing, making Wufei groan in need and anguish.
Treize undid his own trousers, his hand sliding inside to fondle himself. "Let me see you stroke yourself too, Zechs."
Zechs unzipped his jeans and pulled out his own hardness. Taking the tip, he rubbed it against Wufei's, both of them moaning in pleasure. "Fei... so good..."
Wufei couldn't help but respond to that voice. How many times had the sound of it pushed him over the edge? He thrust his hips up, giving into the desire coursing through his blood. "Faster... Zechs, please..."
Treize groaned and Zechs complied eagerly. Wufei thought about Heero possibly dying within those moments that he was experiencing bliss and felt his heart break inside, but he couldn't help himself. He couldn't deny that his body wanted Zechs' touch - even if his mind called him every kind of fool. He was so close...
Zechs leaned down and whispered into his ear again, "After we come, I'm going to try to get the gun. Be ready."
Wufei's eyes shot open and he saw soft blue eyes looking back at him. "No..."
"I love you, Fei," Zechs said. He sped his hand up, bringing Wufei off just moments before he joined him. "Fei! Fei! Love you!"
Wufei felt that familiar fire burn through his body as his seed pulsed out of him. More warmth covered him as Zechs came, his own essence flowing over Wufei's tip, adding to the sensation. "Zechs! Ahhhh! Zechs!" Distantly, Wufei heard Treize cry out as well while Zechs began buttoning up his jeans.
Wufei didn't get a chance to do anything to stop the other man. Zechs leapt into action before Treize had a chance to realize what was happening. There was a scuffle, and Wufei quickly pulled up his clothes so he could be ready to help if he could. Treize was only in his boxers, trousers around his ankles as he and Zechs both grabbed for the gun.
"Merquise!" Treize called out even as his hand made contact with the cold metal. "You betraying son of a bitch! I'll see you rot in hell for this!"
The shot rang out through the hotel room. Wufei stood by the bed, stunned as he watched Treize roll Zechs away from him, a bullet point blank to his chest. Treize then leveled the gun at Wufei, and the Chinese boy froze. "Have you no shame, Khushrenada?"
Treize smirked as he aimed. "None at all, little dragon. None at all."
Wufei felt the tears fill his eyes as he took in the unmoving form of the only man he'd ever loved. He'd been wrong about him in so many ways, but this one would haunt him for the rest of his life. He didn't know what Zechs had been trying to do, but he had no doubts now that it had been something the blond had felt would be Treize's undoing. His gaze swung to the team owner, and he spoke in a low but angry voice. "You'd better kill me, or your life is as good as over. I will find you, and when I'm through, there will be nothing left."
Treize's finger began exerting pressure on the trigger. Wufei took in the room, plotting trajectories and possible barriers. He was already poised to dodge for cover when the door to the room burst open. The Chinese boy didn't even hesitate. He lunged behind the bed, pulling the pillow with the comforter to provide some kind of protection. The sound of gunfire echoed in the room, but it hadn't been at him.
"Police! Come out with your hands up!"
Wufei scrambled to throw off the covers, putting his hands in the air. "I'm unarmed."
The man standing there with his gun trained on him assessed him carefully. "Are you with Zechs?"
Wufei choked back his grief. "I... I came here because Treize was responsible for hurting one of my friends. I wanted to get him to confess."
The man grinned. "Then you're with Zechs." He lowered his gun and motioned for Wufei to come closer.
Wufei saw another policeman bending over Zechs. He walked over to them and knelt on the other side. Zechs face was pale, and Wufei reached out to brush the bangs off of his forehead. "Zechs, how could you leave me? How could you leave me when I still love you?"
There was a flutter of breath and then blue eyes opened to meet Wufei's shocked kohl ones.
"Could this be another lifetime? I don't want to face the other one without your forgiveness."
Wufei grabbed Zechs' shirt and ripped it open... to reveal a bulletproof vest. "Son of a..."
Zechs sat up, groaning as his bruised ribs protested. "Still hurts, even if it wasn't fatal."
"Fatal?" Wufei ground out. "I'll show you fatal, you cold-hearted bastard!"
With that Wufei launched himself at the blond. It appeared at first to be a fight, but when the officer beside them began to intervene, Zechs waved him off. The blond quickly grabbed Wufei's wrists, pinning them to his sides, even as his mouth made contact with the Chinese boy's ranting one. Wufei's curses were cut short as Zechs' tongue slid inside, stroking his soothingly. It was like all of the fight went out of him, and Wufei collapsed onto Zechs, hands grasping at the other man as their mouths made love. Wufei finally felt peace settle into his soul as he let his lover, his rival - his mate - reclaim his heart.
Neither one noticed when Treize's unconscious body was taken out by paramedics on their way to the hospital under heavy guard, or the way Detective Otto shook his head at them and told everyone to give them a few minutes alone.
There would be plenty of time for justice later. For now, love took precedence.
End Part 17
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