Title: Start Me Up - 14/20?
Author: tkmaxwell777
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi/Shoujo Ai/Yuri
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6x5
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: AU, Angst, Language, and Sap
Archived: Yep! Thanks Lev :)
TK Maxwell Original Christian and Yaoi Fiction at: http://writing.com/authors/tkmaxwell
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 watched as Heero pulled out of the pit with fresh tires and a full tank of fuel. The rear quarter-panel had been banged up from a little bump-n-grind action with Hilde, but it wasn't impeding the vehicle's performance in any way, so they'd left it alone. There were quite a few laps to go, and they needed to keep their advantage with a good pit stop. Duo knew it was looking good for them since Wing pulled away just seconds after Zechs. If Heero won the race today, that meant they were almost assured of the title. All they would have to do is finish Daytona next week to maintain their points standing, and their team would win the championship. The braided mechanic smiled; it would be good for Quatre and the team, but he knew it would mean even more to Heero personally. The Japanese driver had wanted to prove himself so badly, and Duo couldn't help but be proud of him. Damn proud.
It hadn't been easy to watch Heero race those first few times after the accident, but Duo had reminded himself over and over that he had to believe in Heero's abilities and let his lover fly free. His faith had been justified, and the rewards had been very satisfying, both on and off the track. He was happier than he'd been in a long time, and being in love with Heero Yuy had proven to be a strength that Duo had never though he'd have; the violet-eyed boy didn't know how he'd survived so long without it. Heero had filled parts of him that he'd never realized were empty, and his love had helped to begin healing scars Duo had feared would remain in his heart forever. He still missed Solo - missed him terribly - but Heero had managed to soothe that ache of loss, and Duo would never take that for granted.
"Lovely day for a race, isn't it?"
Duo recognized the voice and turned around to see Treize Khushrenada walking up to him. He felt his gut tighten. What could the rival team owner want? He'd never come over to chitchat before. Narrowing his violet eyes, Duo removed his headset as he replied nonchalantly, "Yeah, it is. Track's in great condition."
Treize smiled, the effect reminding Duo of some kind of predator. "Your driver has been most impressive. His skills are far above what I anticipated. Winner was certainly fortunate to acquire him."
Duo gave him a level look. "Heero has been able to do something he loves for someone he respects. That's worth more than anything to him." He let that statement hang in the air, hoping his meaning came across. Although Zechs still wasn't his favorite person, Duo had come to realize that the blond had been used by the man in front of him, and that made him despise Treize even more than he already had.
The ginger-haired man chuckled. "Come now, Mr. Maxwell. You don't expect me to believe Mr. Yuy is doing this for purely philosophical reasons. I'm sure he was quite happy with the nice sum he received for his talents."
"Oh, I'm sure Quatre was fair," Duo retorted. "He takes good care of his crew."
"I bet I'd do better," Treize offered succinctly, his eyes gleaming. "I could use someone like you, as well as Heero. We could form a team that would be unbeatable."
Duo stared at him, sickened by the proposition. "Not interested, pal. We're loyal to Quatre and Howard."
"I'll double whatever they're paying you," the other man countered. "I'll make sure that you both lack for nothing. As rich as Winner is, he still doesn't have my... connections. We could take next season easily."
Duo felt his anger rising. "Listen, Treize. You obviously didn't hear me the first time. We're not interested. Heero and I both want to stay exactly where we are. No amount of money will change our minds."
Treize's demeanor shifted, a calculating look coming into his eyes. "Maybe you're not hearing me," he said smoothly. "I can make or break both of you, young man. Don't be a fool."
Violet eyes flashed as Duo assumed an aggressive stance. "Is that a threat?" He asked tightly. "Because where I come from, that's a serious thing, man, and I don't respond very well to it."
"Not a threat, per se," Treize reasoned. "More like... an incentive."
Duo clutched the wrench still in his hand, suppressing the urge to throw it at the man. "The answer is still no."
Treize raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you should ask your... driver... first before deciding. He seems to be quite taken with Zechs. I'm sure he would like to become better... acquainted... with him." Treize stepped closer to Duo, and his voice dropped so only the mechanic could hear him. "I'm quite taken with you as well. I don't believe your lover is that proficient, and I'm sure there are things I can show you that would..."
"Get the hell out of my pit!" Duo grated out, trying to keep his voice down. It was all he could do not to take a swing at the insufferable owner, but he didn't want to draw attention. "Nothing... absolutely nothing could make either one of us want to join you," he hissed. "Stay away from us, or so help me, I'll put you in traction, and that is a threat."
"Be careful, pretty one," Treize sneered. "You're out of your league when it comes to me."
Duo didn't even flinch. "I wouldn't want to be in your league, you son-of-a-bitch. Not for love nor money."
The other man gave him a piercing look, smiling smugly. "Just remember this, Maxwell. Accidents happen." With that Treize turned on his heel and walked off.
Duo felt a wave of fear hit him at those words. His eyes sought and found Wing as it raced around the track, and he couldn't help but wonder if Treize was just bluffing. Could the team owner really do something to Heero?
"Duo? Are you all right?" Trowa asked softly as he came up to him. "What did Treize want?"
"He just tried to buy off me and Heero," Duo growled. When Trowa gave him a startled look, he went on. "I told him we weren't interested, and he wasn't too happy about it. He... he threatened us, Trowa. Threatened Heero. I don't know if he can make good on it, but..." Duo raked a hand through his bangs and then gave Trowa a pleading look. "We have to guard Wing from the time the race is over today until the time Heero drives it back into the garage at Daytona. I don't want that car left alone for a second."
Trowa furrowed his eyebrows. "No problem. Are you going to tell Heero?"
Duo looked at the track as the cars sped by. "No. It might make him lose confidence in Wing."
Trowa sighed. "You're right." He then gave Duo a reassuring smile. "I guess we'll just have to play 'keep away'. I'll make out a schedule for the crew and tell them not to mention it to Heero."
Duo gave his shoulder a squeeze. "Thanks, man. I don't mean to be paranoid, but I'll do whatever I have to do to keep him safe. Heero needs to concentrate on the race, not worry about Treize and his plans."
Trowa nodded in agreement before heading back to the garage. The braided mechanic took a deep breath then picked up his headset and put it back on, catching the tail end of Howard and Heero's conversation.
"... Be able to take him on the next turn," Heero was saying.
"Be careful of Noin. She's making good time, coming up behind you."
"Roger that," the Japanese driver said.
"Steve that too. Roger will get lonely without him," Duo quipped, gaining a longsuffering sigh from his lover.
"Duo, quit distracting him," Howard replied automatically. "You've been quiet for the past ten minutes."
"Actually, Oji, I wasn't on the mic for the past ten minutes," the braided mechanic said without thinking.
"Why not?" Heero's voice cut across the channel. "Is everything all right?"
Duo didn't even hesitate with his answer. "Is blond Zechs' natural hair color?" He responded, trying to keep the tone light. "Wait, don't answer that. Just get moving, 'Ro, and kick some ass out there!"
"One bout of ass-kicking coming up," Heero shot back, amusement evident in his voice.
Duo grinned in spite of his newfound fear.
Anne made her way through the hotel lobby. The race had been a good one, and she had been very pleased that Howard's team had once again won. Even if it meant that Zechs was pretty much out of the running this year, she knew the driver was looking forward to next season - looking forward to racing for a team that didn't involve Treize. Her brown eyes shone with great satisfaction as she remembered his reaction to her news. Her research had found Zechs a way out, and the blond had been absolutely ecstatic when she'd told him after the race just hours ago. Once Daytona was over, Zechs could annul the last contract he'd signed due to a legal technicality that she'd uncovered.
Zechs was going to be a free agent again
Getting onto the elevator, she looked down at the ring on her finger and sighed. She could only imagine what it would feel like to be given her life back. She'd been bound to her vows and her feelings for Treize for so long, she didn't know if she could survive without them. For the past few months, she'd thought about little else but her and Zechs' situations. While she'd found his solution, she was still searching for her own. If she left now, Treize could keep everything due to a pre-nuptial agreement they'd signed. She would have nothing... but her freedom. It was a daunting thought, but one she entertained far more often lately. She felt like she was just waiting for the right moment to come to the decision she knew she had to make.
She reached her floor and walked to her room for the night. It was a suite that she'd reserved for herself, and she was looking forward to using the Jacuzzi tub. Treize always shared someone else's bed now, so she didn't expect him. It had been quite a long time since he'd spent the night with her, but she didn't long for his touch the way she had even a year ago. Why long for something that wasn't real? It was quite a shock when she opened the door and heard his voice coming from the other room. Closing the door softly, she quietly made her way to the door separating the sitting room and the bedroom. It was slightly ajar, and she listened curiously.
"I need it done as soon as he leaves tonight. No. The money will be transferred when the job is completed."
Anne furrowed her brows. What the hell was he doing there?
"Outside the track. Wait for him and make sure to do enough damage so he can't race next week."
Anne's hand flew to her mouth to keep her gasp silent. What was Treize doing?
"Why?" Treize chuckled but it held no mirth. "Because his whore of a mechanic had the nerve to reject me, that's why. I want the little slut to know that no one fucks Treize Khushrenada. I'm the one who does the fucking around here, and he's about to find out what it feels like. Good. I'll be in touch."
Anne knew she had to get out of there. He couldn't know that she'd overheard him. She didn't know what he'd do to her if he found her there, but after witnessing his obvious ease at arranging something so nefarious, she didn't want to find out. She quickly retraced her steps, opening the door and closing it loudly this time as if she'd just arrived. She heard a noise from the other room and jumped at the opportunity it afforded her. Taking a deep breath, she called out, "Hello? Is someone there?"
Her husband walked out of the bedroom a second later, a smirk on his face. "Hello, dear."
"What the hell are you doing in my room?" She asked, trying to summon the disdain she usually showed towards him. She had to make this quick so she could get out of there and contact someone. She had no doubts that the 'mechanic' Treize had referred to was Duo, which meant Heero was in danger.
"I thought I'd stop by and see if you wanted to join me for dinner," he replied evenly.
Anne blinked in disbelief. He was trying to use her as an alibi! She used the anger that evoke to her advantage. "What? None of your little diversions available?" She asked, her voice deceptively calm.
Treize gave that mirthless chuckled again. "No. All of my diversions had other plans tonight, so I thought I'd spend some time with you."
It hurt. Oh, how it hurt, but she'd learned to mask the pain with bitterness over the years. "Well, I think you need to reconsider. It's been a long day, and I'm not even remotely interested."
"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow. "Why do I not believe you?" He let his gaze linger on her. "Come on, Anne. You know you want me. Remember how it used to be? When I used to touch you?" He walked towards her, a seductive glint in his eyes. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"No," Anne replied, stepping away from him. She forced herself to remember all of the lonely nights, the hateful words, and the images she'd had of him screwing his lovers. When that wasn't enough, she made herself recall what she'd overheard just moments ago, the proof of his black heart becoming her talisman. "No. I won't let you. You gave up that right when you started whoring around." She saw his face twitch as that pronouncement and felt her resolve strengthen. He was handsome, but his touch would never be what she needed. He didn't love her - had never loved her - and it was time she gave her life back to herself. "I want out of this."
"Then you know where the door is," Treize replied coldly, turning away to walk over to the mini-bar to make a drink. "You never were enough for me anyway."
Anne stood there for a moment, stunned by his words. This was it. This was what she'd been waiting for. Without another thought, she reached down and pulled off her wedding ring. It had always been a symbol of her undying love, but now it seemed to only be a sign of her slavery to a dream he would never be a part of with her. Squaring her shoulders, she marched over to where he stood, his glass still sitting on the bar as he poured.
"Pride cometh before the fall," she intoned, feeling something break free as she spoke. "Remember that when you're brought to the ground." With that, she dropped her ring into his glass of amber liquid. "Goodbye, Treize."
Without another look, she turned and walked out the door. Pulling out her cell phone, she tried to dial Zechs, but her signal was too weak. Making her way out of the hotel, she could only hope she was able to reach him in time.
Heero gave his braided lover a questioning look as Duo ran his hand over his arm gently before moving around to the rear of the car. He was quite puzzled at the mechanic's behavior. Ever since Heero had pulled into the pit after winning the race, Duo had been touching him in ways that were tender and soothing, but it made Heero wonder whom the touches were meant to comfort. He'd thought that Duo had gotten over his scare of the accident already, but maybe with Daytona looming ahead of them, Duo was getting nervous about Heero driving on that track. He could understand it; after all, Solo had died there. Still, it upset the Japanese driver that his lover wasn't being open with him about his fears. They had promised to be honest about their feelings ever since the 'press conference', and he hoped this was just a case of Duo needing time to sort through his emotions before he could talk about them.
Heero watched as Duo removed the quarter-panel that had been damaged when Hilde had rubbed him. The way the braided mechanic's hands slid over the metal made Heero shiver. He knew what those hands felt like on his own skin. Even though they had been lovers for weeks now, Heero was still surprised that touching each other could feel so good. They hadn't gone beyond manual and oral stimulation, but it had been enough for them to discover how good it was just being together. As Heero noticed the evening wind ruffling the hair that had escaped from Duo's braid, he knew feeling this way was more than he'd ever hoped for.
The unbidden memory of Sylvia Noventa came to him then. He began to push it away, but then realized why he'd thought about her. He recalled Howard telling him that she and Solo had never consummated their love before he'd died, and Heero's brows furrowed. Maybe Duo was thinking about that - thinking about something happening to him at Daytona before he and Duo could take their relationship to the next intimate level. Heero didn't like the idea of Duo never knowing what it was like to make love with him. Seeing Duo like this, Heero knew he couldn't allow that to happen, even if he couldn't control what happened on the track next week. Walking around the car, he made his decision. He reached out for Duo just as the braided boy straightened.
"Are we about done here?" Heero asked huskily as he wrapped his arms around the other boy's waist, bringing Duo's back against his chest and Duo's ass against his groin.
Duo groaned, as he was pulled closer. "I... I really should fix... this..."
"I need you to work on something else," the Japanese boy replied as he nipped at Duo's neck.
"Oh, yeah, Yuy... I'd like that too, but..."
Heero nuzzled his mechanic's ear. "Leave the car. I want you to give me some attention."
Duo tensed. "I can't. Leave the car, I mean. Wufei should be back any minute, and then we can go."
Heero sighed. "Duo... I'm trying to... what I mean is, I..." He closed his eyes, feeling his face heat up as he fought to express himself with the right words. "I want you to do more than just touch me tonight."
"You want some oral love, koibito?" Duo inquired with a laugh, using the Japanese endearment that Heero loved.
"No," the driver responded, frustrated at his own embarrassment. "I want... you to take me."
Duo turned quickly in his embrace, giving Heero a shocked but elated look. "You do? Are you sure?"
Heero looked down, feeling shy and hating it. "I do." He felt Duo's hand cup his chin as it forced his gaze up again. Brilliant violet met his blue, and he could see the desire clearly there.
"I... I love you, Heero. I have since the day I met you," Duo confessed, his face taking on a pink tinge as well.
Heero snorted. "You mean the day you threw a tantrum at the garage?" He teased, trying to ease the other boy's discomfort as well as his own. He knew how hard it was for Duo to talk about his feelings sometimes too.
Duo grinned. "Yep! That would be the day. I was so angry, but even then, I wanted you." He grew serious again. "I needed you. And that's... well... that's what scared me the most."
Heero leaned over and kissed Duo tenderly. "Me too, but I love you more than I thought was possible." He kissed Duo's nose and added playfully, "Even when you drive me crazy and make want to smack some sense into you."
"Hey!" Duo pulled away, giving him an indignant glare. "I think it's the other way around, 'Ro."
Heero grabbed him, his hands sliding down to the small of his back. "Maybe, but we make a good team."
Duo's expression melted into a soft smile. "Yeah, we do. On and off the track."
"In the garage and in the bedroom," Heero said with a smirk and got his ass slapped for his efforts.
"Knock it off, Yuy, or I'll think you've developed a sense of humor," Duo growled, but his eyes were shining.
"No, just a sense of Maxwell. It's something I hope to cultivate for the rest of my life," he quipped, earning a startled look from his lover. Heero rarely said such things, but for some reason, he felt the need to tonight. He knew Duo needed these reassurances, and he wasn't going to let his own embarrassment or emotional detachment stop him.
"Damn, Heero. When you say shit like that, it makes me really believe it will happen," Duo whispered, his voice holding an odd edge to it that Heero couldn't identify.
Heero tightened his arms around him. "It will. Don't doubt it, koibito. I'm not going anywhere without you."
Duo brushed his lips against Heero's, his tongue flicking over them lightly as their breath mingled. "Better not."
The kiss deepened as they shared the moment. Heero let one hand slip into Duo's braid as the other remained on Duo's back. Duo's arms came around his neck as he buried his fingers in Heero's hair. They let the emotional tide sweep them away as their bodies moved against each other, not towards climax, but just relishing the closeness. Tongues that usually battled for dominance became partners in a beautiful dance of passion. Mouths that often were adversaries became perfect mates. Heero didn't know how long they stood there, exploring that wonderful feeling as their mouths made love. Duo finally pulled away, his eyes a darker shade from their exertions.
"Wufei needs to get the hell back here," he mumbled, his hands still caressing Heero's nape.
Heero snickered, pleased at Duo's reaction. "We don't have to wait for him. Come on. Let's go to the hotel." He saw a flash of fear go through Duo's eyes, but couldn't fathom why. "Duo?"
"I need to stay with the car until he gets back, Heero," Duo replied with conviction. "I just... need to."
Heero didn't understand, but he trusted the other boy and figured he would get some answers back at the hotel. "All right. I tell you what. I'll go to our room and get things ready." His face flushed a little again. "We can shower and just relax a bit before we... you know."
Duo looked sheepish but nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."
"Okay," Heero said, giving him another kiss that was sweet yet intense. "Don't be too long."
"Like I would miss this!" Duo laughed then sighed happily, the teasing fading. "Thank you for offering this to me, Heero. It means... everything, and I... well, I fully intend to give myself to you too."
Heero hadn't even thought about that. He suddenly realized that although Duo had been with Sylvia, he'd never let another man take him before. Heero would be his first. It made the Japanese driver feel honored that Duo would trust him and love him enough to share that with him. His emotions overwhelmed him at the thought of them being together like that, and Heero quickly hugged his lover to him. When he spoke, his voice was quivering. "I promise you that I'll cherish it more than anything, Duo," he vowed. "I will never think of anyone else when you touch me, you can count on that. There is no one but you, and there never will be."
Before Duo could say anything, Heero pulled away and walked out of the garage area, planning to put his lover's fears to rest and give them something to remember for the rest of their life together.
Wufei looked at the phone as it rang and frowned. He was late getting back, having had problems hailing a cab at the restaurant where he'd had dinner with Sally and Noin. Duo and Heero were probably anxious to get to their hotel room for some 'intimate celebrating', and Duo was bound to be pissed at the delay. Trowa had told Wufei that Heero knew nothing of Treize's threat, and although the Chinese mechanic didn't like keeping secrets among the crew, he'd decided to go along with it for Heero's sake. Although he'd enjoy watching Heero beat Treize into the pavement, it wouldn't serve any purpose at the moment. Besides, kicking Treize's ass on the track was justice enough... for now.
Wufei answered the call when it rang again. "Chang."
"Wufei? It's Zechs."
"Yes. What do you want?" Wufei replied, wincing at his clipped tone. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like that. I'm running late, and Duo is waiting for me at the garage. I'm anticipating one of his tongue-lashings."
Zechs laughed. "That's all right. I know how Maxwell can get. Why are you going back to the track anyway?"
Wufei hesitated to answer. He wasn't sure if he should explain what had happened or not. Even though Zechs wasn't with Treize any longer personally, they were still teammates. "I was going to do a little work on the car tonight." It wasn't a lie, but Wufei still didn't like it.
There was silence for a moment and then Zechs spoke. "What's going on, Wufei? I can tell something's wrong."
The Chinese mechanic sighed heavily. "I... I don't know that I can tell you," he replied honestly.
Zechs voice became pained. "Please. I know I betrayed you in the past, but I need for you to trust me again, Wufei. Please tell me what's going on. I promise to do whatever I can to help."
Wufei bit his lip. Zechs had proven his intentions over the past few weeks, spending time with the others in their group, and even focusing on just being friends instead of pressing him into becoming lovers again. Could he really trust the blond? He wanted to be able to - wanted things to be like they were before - but Zechs had broken his heart, and it was hard to trust again. Wufei sighed at his confusion. Maybe it was his wounded pride that was making him keep his distance. He'd promised to give Zechs a chance, and this was the opportunity to do so.
"Treize approached Duo today and offered him and Heero a position on your team. When Duo refused, Treize offered him a position in his bed. When Duo told him what he thought of that, Treize threatened Heero."
Zechs' breath caught on the other end of the line. "That son-of-a-bitch!"
"My sentiments exactly," Wufei snorted. "Duo is worried though, so we're taking turns watching Wing. Yuy doesn't know about it, and we'd all appreciate it if he didn't find out until Daytona is over."
"You have my word, Wufei, that I will not speak of it to Heero. I'll stay away from your pit area as well, just to be on the safe side. If Treize does try something, I don't want to give him a way to use me against you."
Wufei gasped. "That's true. I didn't even think about that, but you're right. Thank you."
There was a pause before Zechs said, "No, thank you for giving me a chance to prove myself again. That means everything to me..." Zechs broke off. "Hold on. I have another call. Be right back."
Wufei looked outside the cab and realized they had arrived at the track. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the fare, paid the driver, and started to get out when Zechs came back on the line.
"Wufei?" Zechs' voice called, sounding rather upset.
"I'm still here," Wufei replied as he closed the cab door.
"You need to keep Heero at the track. Do not let him leave. Anne just told me..."
"Wait a minute, Zechs," Wufei interrupted as he saw the familiar figure of Heero walking down the street away from him. "I see him leaving now." He pulled the phone away from his ear and yelled out. "Yuy!"
It was like things went into slow motion. Wufei watched as Heero turned around to look at him just as a car came zooming past the cab - heading right for the Japanese boy. Wufei didn't even have time call out a warning as the sedan screeched onto the sidewalk, striking Heero at high speed. It knocked him violently into the nearby chain-link fence. Wufei was running towards him before he even realized it. The car had fled by the time he'd made it to where Heero lay. Blood flowed from a large gash in Heero's forehead, and Wufei could tell at least one leg was broken.
"Heero? Heero!" Wufei cried out but didn't receive a response. He looked down at the phone in his hand and raised it back up. "Zechs?"
"What the hell is going on?" The blond demanded in a voice strained with worry.
"A car just hit Heero," Wufei said quickly. "I have to get help." Before Zechs could reply, Wufei cut the call and dialed 911. Giving them their location, the Chinese mechanic got to his knees, trying not to move Heero at all in case there were serious internal injuries. He dabbed at Heero's forehead with the edge of his over-shirt, not knowing what else to do. One person suddenly came to mind, and Wufei could almost see the other boy still waiting inside the garage, watching over Wing because he thought it would keep his lover safe.
Feeling his heart clench painfully, Wufei took a deep breath and dialed Duo's cell phone.
End Part 14
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