19-Feb-2003
Title: Dear/Dearest
Author: MisaKi
Disclaimers: Gundam W and its characters belong to Bandai, Sunrise, TV Asahi, etc.
Feedback to: Kaz Misaki (misaki_kaz@yahoo.com)
Warnings/pairings/ratings: shounen-ai, 1+2/2+1, sap, drama, PG-13
and yes, I'm a proud member of the SDDI
Notes: I'd like to post this one as a nomination for Feb's fic contest, hope everybody enjoy it ^^
Big thanks to Kameko-chan for beta effort, and KatiKat who suggested me to send this fic to SDDI contest, arigatou minna ^___^ *hugs hugs*
"DUO! DUO! DUO! DUO!"
The crowd cheered for him as he started to grab his next glass of beer. Violets glinted with persistency, peering at his rival, old Rich, who was finally getting married to the girl he had dated for the last five years. The guy was totally drunk, but still challenged Duo for another round.
With one swift movement, the braided boy raised his glass to his lips and smirked evilly at his rival. "Still not giving up, I see."
The blond man laughed drunkenly, shoulders shaking. "Not yet, Maxwell..."
"Okay... you just never learn..." Duo smiled and poured the beer into his waiting mouth. He shook his head afterwards, getting rid of the dizziness that had begun to creep in to his brain. "One more glass..." He said to the crowd, who gave him another cheer.
"Aren't you going to stop him?" Chang Wufei glared at the Japanese youth who was leaning on one of the bar sofas in a completely relaxed pose. It was obvious that he was watching the whole scene, but was not making any efforts to stop the braided boy from getting drunk.
In the mean time, Duo had finished his next glass and had started to look drowsy. His opponent grinned maniacally, only half-conscious. The crowd was still cheering for them, but most of them had bet on Duo, so it was him who got more support that night.
Heero shrugged and sipped his soda. "Just give him a little more time..."
"He's not supposed to drink, Yuy! We both know that he's underage. Even coming to this place is illegal..." The Chinese boy snorted.
"They all know that too..." Heero gestured to the crowd around Duo, "but they didn't do anything either. They're all Preventers."
Wufei looked around. It's true that the bar filled with Preventer agents who were holding Rich's bachelor party two days before the wedding, it had been an idea from Duo himself. But the so-called Preventer agents were now busily cheering for Duo to take another glass of beer, not caring that he was underage.
They should all get arrested, Wufei thought. Injustice.
And then he said, "you're right... we're all pathetic..."
Heero sighed heavily, seeing that desperate glint in Wufei's eyes. "Okay... I'll take him home after he's drunk..." He promised.
"How could you stand living under the same roof with that... that..." Wufei couldn't find the next word to say.
Heero frowned, "...baka?" he suggested.
"Not quite what I was looking for, but close enough."
The blue-eyed boy thought for a second. He asked the same question to himself so many times. How he could possibly end up living in that small apartment with Duo?
Of all his friends, Duo was the one he'd be least likely to stand for a whole day. Duo liked to talk all the time, which was so different from him. Trowa would be a perfect roommate for Heero, even Quatre or Wufei would be better. But all he knew was that day Duo had the idea to pay the rent together in an apartment that was located quite near the Preventer station, he said yes almost directly. Duo was very enthusiastic, telling him about the place; about how perfect the location was and how cheap the rent was.
As time went by, Heero adapted to living with one Duo Maxwell. He never got to know him during the war, he only recognized him as the loudest among the five of them. He spent more time with Trowa at the circus after his self-destruction attempt, or with Quatre at Sank Kingdom. Yet, somehow, he felt like he knew Duo best. Maybe because, just like what Duo said; they're both alike. Two people without real pasts, and without real names, too.
But now he know for real that Duo was his best friend ever.
"Rich's down! WE HAVE OUR WINNER...!!!"
"DUO! DUO! DUO! DUO!"
"Good job, Maxwell!"
The crowd kept on rumbling and surrounded the drunken braided boy, who was still grinning at his already half empty last glass. Rich was down on the floor and some agents helped him to stand and carried him to the sofa.
"Shinigami did it again!" Duo exclaimed cheerfully, not really paying attention to his surroundings. He lifted his big glass up in the air and drank it all in. The crowd cheered again.
"Somebody please take the groom to his house..." Duo laughed uncontrollably, "I don't want the bride to sue me because he couldn't make it to their wedding..."
The crowd laughed again. The young American just continued babbling and walked back and forth dizzily.
"You better go home too, kid." One of the agents patted his shoulder and laughed, "you looked terrible yourself..."
Duo pouted, "Watch who you're talking to, Alfred." He grinned and threw his hand up in the air, "I'm the best-man of the groom! So please let me drink in peace..."
He collapsed to the floor, still fully awake. People helped him stand and continued laughing. Duo swatted their hands and tried to stand with his own two feet again. He failed and fell, right into a pair of strong hands belonging to The Perfect Soldier himself.
Duo tilted his head to see his rescuer, and grinned at him.
"Heero...! My hero!" He giggled, followed with laughter from the crowd.
"It's time to go home, Duo." The dark-haired boy growled and helped him to stand.
"You better take him home fast, Yuy." Alfred said, "he looks like he went to hell and back..." He ended with a laugh.
Violet eyes glared, not really focusing on whom he was glaring at. "Hey! Are you talking about The God of Death?!"
"Maxwell! Just go home and get some sleep!" Wufei barked.
"Come on, Duo." Heero slid one arm under Duo's to help him stand.
"Oh, Heero! My best bud ever!" Duo chimed and giggled again, "Hey fellows! Don't you think I'm lucky to have the best agent of the Preventers as my best friend ever?! Heero 'The Great' Yuy is my friend!"
"You better take him home fast, before he says something more stupid..." The Chinese boy stared at Heero.
Heero was in one hundred percent agreement with Wufei's statement, so he half-dragged the drunk boy to the door. But he was too late.
Duo detangled himself from his Japanese friend and walk back to the bar; Heero followed him as fast as he could.
"Hey, everybody! I want to say something in front all of you here!!" The American chirped suddenly. The room was quiet for a second and Duo smiled happily.
The crowd waited for his next words expectantly, they could see the violet eyes light up solemnly. Duo was going to say something important. And they all gasped in shock-- including Wufei and Heero-- as they saw him get on his knee in front of Heero.
"Nani?!" Blue eyes widened in complete surprise.
"Heero Yuy..." Duo looked up to those beautiful deep blue and smiled brilliantly, violet eyes look unfocused to him, but it glinted with sincerity as he spoke, "...will you marry me?"
"OHMYGOD!!!!!"
Duo stormed into the kitchen, husky braid swinging behind him as he did so. He saw that his roommate was pouring him the coffee and get ready to cook breakfast.
"Good morning." Heero said flatly and went back to his chore of making the scrambled eggs.
"How could you be so calm?!" Duo shrieked, and suddenly he rubbed his head. "Ow! It still hurts..." He grimaced and took a seat on the nearest chair.
The other boy gestured towards the coffee, "Drink it, you'll feel better..."
Duo did what his friend told him, taking a sip of his coffee, and spurted it out. "Shit! What did you put in this thing?! Poison?! You wanted to kill me?!"
"It's good for you..." The Japanese boy put the eggs on the plates and shoved one towards Duo. "It could get rid of the alcohol inside you..."
The statement reminded him of something and he was suddenly panicked again.
"Oh my God!" He screamed, "This can't be happening! Please tell me that I'm dreaming... tell me that I did not propose to you at Richie's bachelor party last night..."
Heero could only sigh, "Oh, that..."
The Japanese boy remembered at bit of what had happened after the braided baka blurted out the marriage proposal. The agents were gawking, jaws-dropping, completely surprised. But nobody could say anything. Heero decided to haul the other boy home and dragged him out from the bar. After that, he didn't want to know...
"So it's true?!" Violet eyes widened in shock. "Oh, I'm so dead..." He bumped his braided head to the kitchen table.
Whining, he lifted up his head. "Why didn't you stop me?"
"It's not my fault that you were suddenly on your knee and asking me to marry you..." Heero said without any expression, flat and cold.
"I got down on my knee too... ?! All those bullshit rituals too?!" Duo's eyes couldn't get wider than that. "I think I should reconsider Sally's suggestion to quit drinking..."
"Hn."
Duo narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "Aren't you supposed to be worrying about this, Heero? It's going to be one helluva gossip topic at the station, ya know?!"
The other boy just shrugged, "It would last for only a week, after that... They'll forgot about it..."
"Yeah... Sure..." Duo nodded, somehow that wasn't the answer he was hoping for.
Heero finished his breakfast and drank his coffee to the last drop, not paying attention to a certain braided boy who sat in front of him, head on his hands.
"Why do you think I did that?" Duo asked suddenly, "Why of all people, did I ask *you* to marry me?"
"You wanted to humiliate yourself?" The Japanese boy retorted casually. Duo kicked his foot under the table almost directly.
"No, idiot... I don't think so." Duo whined, eyes to the ceiling. One thing was for sure, he wasn't going to touch his coffee again. "Hey, you know what, Heero?"
"What?"
"Every time I get drunk I always say something stupid that ends up real!" He exclaimed. "Do you remember when I got drunk at the Eve war celebration?"
Heero's eyes turned to slits. How could he ever forget that? He was the one who got the job to drag Duo to Quatre's mansion, all the way listening to Duo babbling and flirting to every girl they passed.
"I told Trowa that time to make a move on his crush for Quatre! Look at them now! They're a perfect couple!" Duo giggled at the memory.
His roommate nearly choked, "Duo, Trowa and Quatre are not a couple," he glared.
The braided boy seemed a little annoyed, "Well, I know that they haven't told us that, but didn't you see them at the reunion at Wufei's place two months ago? They're a couple, I tell you!" He insisted.
"Baka."
"It was so obvious! You couldn't see that because you never pay attention for the people around you!" He assessed.
Standing on his feet, Heero continued to wash his plate and mug, shaking his head at Duo's comments.
"And when I told Hilde to just cooperate with that poor salvage company in L1? Look at her now, she's rich! And if I didn't keep this stupid job as a Preventer, I'd surely become rich too..." He pouted and finished his breakfast.
"And don't forget when I told Wu-man to ask Sally out!" He added and rushed to the sink to help Heero with washing the plates, "now they're dating! Don't tell me that I'm wrong now... I wonder what I'm going to say when I'm drunk at Quatre's New Year's Party..." his violet eyes wandered.
Heero snorted softly, still not paying attention.
"Don't you think I've got a point here?" Duo tilted his head and raised his hand covered with bubbles from the sink.
Pushing that hand back in to the sink, Heero glared, "And *what* is your point?"
"That we will married one day! Just like my drunk-premonition told us!" The violet eyes widened animatedly. They were so large; Heero thought he was going to be swallowed by the endless odd color there.
"Okay..." Heero breathed, "finish that coffee now, Maxwell! And go take a shower, you need one!"
The braided boy pouted and cleaned his hands with a napkin. Wailing at Heero, he stepped out of the kitchen, mumbling something that suspiciously sounded like 'Just you wait, Yuy' and then stuck his tongue out before finally disappeared through the door.
Heero could only stare at the end of the braid in amazement.
People were whispering, smiling, and blushing as the pair entered the building. Some of them even have the guts to whistle at them -- only when they thought that Heero Yuy wasn't looking. The Perfect Soldier used to need just one death glare to shut them up at once-- but somehow this time it isn't working.
As soon as Heero closed the door of his private office, the whistling could be heard roaring all over the main room. Duo's desk was already crowded with Preventer agents-- men and women.
The American could only sweatdrop and rub his braided head idly in embarrassment as his co-workers started to shoot questions at him. He could only curse inside that Heero didn't even try to help him clear things up with the others. But soon he remembered that *he* was the one who got them in this trouble.
"So, what happened after you went home last night, eh, Maxwell?" Alfred winked at him and gave him a meaningful smile. "Did you...?"
"Wha-- ?!" Duo's face turned red, "NOO! There's no such thing happening, get your mind out of the gutter already!"
Alfred laughed, followed by the other agents. "You're blushing!" He accused, "that means something *did* happened last night!"
"Okay, look guys... there's nothing happening between me and stone-faced boy over there..." he pointed towards Heero's office with his chin, "we're only roommates, that was all..."
One of the female agents, Marie, chuckled, "Exactly, Duo. You were both living under the same roof for almost a year... Hmmm... Two attractive young men... living together... and *no* girlfriends either..." She winked.
"I had girlfriends!" Duo debated. Yeah, but never got into serious relationship and never went further than kissing, his inner self added.
The crowd laughed for his using of the word 'had'. Duo just pouted and crossed his arms on his chest. "Okay, so I don't have a girlfriend now, but me and Heero are not a couple..."
"Maxwell, you and Yuy are like heaven and earth. How do you think you put up to each other if it's not because of... uhm--true love?"
"For heaven's sake!" Duo jumped from his seat, blushing furiously.
"Admit it, Duo..." Alfred winked, "you two are made for each other..."
"ARRRGH....!!" Duo shook his head until his braid whipped the crowds around him, "please stop all this or he might kill me because of it..."
"Ow, c'mon, Duo..."
"Just don't forget to invite us to the reception!"
"Just you wait till Yuy kills you all one by one!!"
"Yuy, what the hell is going on?" Wufei burst in to Heero's office and reluctantly slammed the door shut.
The Japanese boy lifted up his head from the computer he's been staring at for the last fifty minutes and frowned, "What about?"
"Maxwell turned a Preventer station in to a playground!"
Heero boy tilted his head so he could see outside. There, he saw Duo was surrounded by agents who were curiously asking about their 'sex life'. He saw the braided boy answered in confusion and face definitely crimson with embarrassment.
He shrugged and continued typing, "It will subsided in a week..." he said casually. "Don't worry about it too much..."
"Don't worry... Yeah right..." Wufei snorted and looked away. He saw that Duo had started to chase some agents that were teasing him mercilessly and actually having some fun out there. The Chinese boy turned to face the other boy again.
"Have you asked him what had happened last night? What caused all that to just burst out from his mouth?" He started.
"No, I haven't."
"He's not just come up with the idea... something must've happened. Maxwell is careless... but he won't say something without thinking about it first, even when he was drunk." Wufei stopped and peered at the other boy from the corner of his eyes.
"Don't tell me that you two are really a couple?"
Heero miss-keyed the words he's been typing and glared at the other boy. "No," a sigh and then, "I don't know what's got in to his mind this time, I really don't know..."
"Well, something must've happened..." Wufei repeated and couldn't help the smirk that crossed his face afterwards, "but if you two are really--"
He got no response from the other and decided to get out of the room before Heero realized what he's been talking about.
Heero heard the door clicked and sighed. Leaning to his chair he stared blankly at his computer screen. Duo was acting strangely these last few days; it's wasn't just about the proposal. He's been acting quite strangely before that. When did it actually start?
He sighed and continued typing; his hands worked perfectly fine although his mind filled with thoughts about Duo.
"Duo, I'll need you to take care of these folders for me."
Duo looked up from the form he'd been doing and made eye contact with his supervisor, Heero Yuy. He didn't hear the whistle and murmur around him as he saw those blue eyes looking straight at him.
"Huh?!" He finally said.
"These folders." Heero explained, and put the said object on the table, "I'll need them before five p.m."
"O... Okay..." Duo took the folders and studied them for awhile. He looked up and chimed "Sure thing, just leave them to me. Anything for you, Heero..."
He cursed himself when he realized that he had said the wrong thing-- again. Now he could hear the other agents snickering from behind his back.
"I mean, sure! By five, right?! Don't worry, pal!" He eeped and saw Heero blinked in confusion. He went back to his form and peeked at Heero's retreating figure.
A whistle made him turn around, and he saw Marie wink at him and give him a thumbs up. Duo's face couldn't get any redder and he hastily took the folders, sorting them and typing on his computer.
"Anything for you, Heero..." He could heard one of them quote, "way to go, Duo..."
Duo groaned and sighed. "What did I get myself into this time..."
"Hello Duo, may I sit here?" A female voice startled him and he looked up, finding a brown-haired woman looking down at him with a juice can in her hand, smiling.
"Sally?!" Duo beamed and shifted a little so Sally could sit with him on the park bench. "When did you arrived from the colonies? Wufei said that you'd be back in a week, but he didn't exactly tell us when..."
The brown-haired woman drank her juice and gave him a small smile.
"I just got here two hours ago, directly from the spaceport..." She grinned, "I'm still in jetlag, but Wufei said that I needed to come here to get the dress I'm going to wear for tomorrow's reception..."
Duo giggled knowingly, "I bet that's not the real reason why you came here, I bet you just missed Wu-man so bad, eh? I mean, it's been three days..."
Sally punched his arm playfully and blushed. "You little brat..." She mumbled half-heartedly, "Hmm, I forgot, you're not so little anymore." She stopped and winked;
"I heard that you'd proposed Heero last night?"
"Whoaa--" Duo gawked, "don't tell me that you're gonna tease me mercilessly about that too? I was drunk that time, for your information..."
The woman laughed out loud, almost choking on her juice by doing so. "That never stopped you before."
The braided boy blushed. "You're right... you remember when I got drunk at the reunion and told Wufei to ask you out?" he guffawed, "he nearly killed me that time. But look at you two now! I could be an oracle or something when I'm drunk..."
"So, why don't you prove yourself, Mr. Oracle?"
Duo blinked sheepishly. "You mean marrying Heero Yuy?"
"You think that's impossible?"
"Well yes, of course... I mean, we're not gay or something... He was my best friend..." Duo mumbled. "It doesn't mean that we can't... but... I don't know..."
Duo leaned to the bench and looked up to the sky, "It's weird... I thought that this thing would go away, you know... it was just something stupid that I said when I was drunk... and like Heero said... this thing would subside soon..."
He turned to face the woman, "...but, is it crazy if I don't want it to end just like that?" He blushed and looked away, "Heero's reaction to this matter disappointed me a bit, he... he just walk away, not caring for just a little..."
Sally nodded and smiled, "Maybe you really want to marry Heero?"
"Wha--?!" His face flushed, "Noooo!! I mean, come on..."
Sally grinned and continued, "If you were a girl, why do you think that you wouldn't want to marry a guy like Heero Yuy?"
Duo frowned. "Because he's antisocial?" he suggested and snickered, "or because he never really listens when I talk! He has difficulties expressing his feelings-- if he had any, and because he is just so... so... Heero."
The braided boy panted and looked down to the ground under his feet, "but he's not that bad you know... I know it seems like he doesn't care for anything around him, but actually he really does... and he wasn't cold like what everybody says. He understands me, and I think that makes us the best friends ever..."
"And he's smart too..." Sally added, "Did you ever realize that he's handsome?"
"Eh?" Duo blinked, "I don't know... I never really pay attention to that... I mean, of course he's handsome, but he's still Heero..." His eyes wandered.
"Ah..." Sally nodded, "You're not being honest to yourself, Duo."
Duo opened his mouth and closed it before uttering anything; Sally gave his shoulders a squeeze and walked back to the station. "See you later, Duo."
"Aa..." He nodded, looking up to the sky he sighed to himself. Something lit up inside his heart, it was there all along, but he just felt it. There-- something warm born inside.
Heero lifted up his face as he heard someone entering his office. He saw his braided roommate there, smiling sincerely with folders on his hands.
"Hey!" Duo called and flopped himself to the chair almost directly without waiting for a reply. "These are the files you wanted me to work on..." he dropped the folders on the table and leaned forward.
Heero arched one eyebrow. "That was fast... thank you, Duo."
The American smiled sweetly, "Sure, no prob. I bet there's lots of work as a supervisor, huh?"
Duo propped his chin, "are you busy, Hee-chan?"
"Yes, and don't call me that." The Japanese growled.
The comment made him even more amused, he grinned naughtily. "Say, Heero. Why don't you ever go out with a girl?"
Heero blinked and stared at him incredulously. "Nani?"
"Dating, you know?" Duo shrugged, "you've never dated anyone before, not as far as I know... I guess that's because you're busy huh?"
"Hn." He continued looking at his computer.
Duo shifted in his chair uncomfortably. "As a matter of fact, the only person who gets around you most of the time is me, isn't it?"
"Your point?" Heero snapped.
Duo played with his fingers, "Heero, do you love me?"
"What did you say?" He couldn't hide the surprise tone that haunted his voice.
"Oh c'mon, don't act like you didn't hear that one..." Duo chuckled nervously. "It's a simple question really... I do love you, Heero. Not romantically, but... I love you more than I love the other guys..."
Heero frowned, still not following. Duo keep on babbling, "I love the others too, Quatre, Trowa, even Wu-man over there..." He giggled.
"I love Hilde, Sally, everybody... but... but you're special for me. You're the best friend I ever had in my life..." He continued.
The braided boy looked up and saw understanding in those deep blue eyes. "So, the question is now... do you love me?"
The Japanese boy thought for a second, "I guess so..."
Duo beamed, "Really? So, how much do you love me, Heero? And why do you think you love me?"
"Because you're my friend?"
"Well of course I am!" Duo pouted, "but Wufei is your friend too! Do you love me the way you loved Wufei? And Sally?"
The other was quiet for some times, "I think so..."
"Oh," Duo's face fell, "I thought..." He looked away and moved to the door. "See you later then, friend." He gave Heero a rueful smile and walked out the door.
Heero didn't understand what had happened. What did he say that made Duo so sad? But he knows one thing, seeing Duo like that hurt him.
Why did Duo had to ask such ridiculous thing? And why was he so disappointed hearing his answer? Of course they were friends... Duo was the best friend he ever had. He never had felt so close to another person like he did with Duo.
//I thought...//
Damn, he cursed to himself. He had answered the question wrong.
Duo was so quiet on their way home. He used to babble about every little thing he found in the office or at the mission. Heero used to grumble all the way, told him to shut up, but was always ignored. Or Duo might just turn the radio on and hum every song he knew. All those rituals are gone now. Heero was only accompanied by a quiet stone statue that was looking outside the window without even looking at him.
He wondered if this is how it feels for Duo most of the time.
Heero was so relieved when he finally managed to park the car outside the apartment, set on the alarm and follow Duo upstairs to their rented room. To their little home. He stopped in his tracks as he saw Duo standing outside a door, five doors from theirs. He recognized those eyes. It filled with remorse and guilt.
"Duo..." Heero touched his shoulder lightly and felt the other shiver.
"This is Mrs. Lake's room, Heero. You knew her, right?" He heard Duo asked.
"Aa..." Heero didn't know her, he barely remembered there was someone named Mrs. Lake living in the apartment. But Duo took him to Mrs. Lake's funeral a week ago. To his astonishment, nobody really came there. It was just the two of them and the priest. And then Duo told him all about her life history, that she never married and she had no family left after the war. That's why nobody ever really cared about her existence.
And suddenly it hit him. The reason for Duo's proposal, and all those questions about love and friendship. Heero gasped, Duo was afraid to be left alone. He didn't want to be alone. And as he said-- they were close, and Duo loved him. That's the reason why he blurted out that proposal last night. So they could be together forever.
"I don't want to be like her, Heero..." Duo said, almost whispering.
"You won't..." Heero whispered, "Because you have lots of friends..."
"Would you hold me for just awhile?" Duo turned to face him and gave him a rueful glance.
Heero was hesitated; he didn't answer but opened his arms instead. Duo was soon inside his embrace, breathing deeply. He circled his arms to the small of his back and felt Duo's warm body against his. He never held Duo before, not even after they lived together for almost a year-- not even a friendly hug. And now he knew, Duo felt so warm.
Duo buried his face deeper in Heero's shoulder. It was the first time he ever felt so safe and cherished. He knew that Heero would be there to protect him -- and he would protect Heero too. They were friends-- an equal partner. Their friendship would last forever.
He looked up and met Heero's intense gaze. "Thank you, Heero..." Duo smiled, startling the other, "you're the best friend I ever had..."
Heero let him go and together they walked to their door. Duo kicked his shoes to the corner of the room and grinned to his roommate. "I'll fix that in the morning..."
The Japanese boy glared playfully. "You want to have dinner now?" It was his turn to cook.
"No..." Duo shrugged and leaned forward to kiss his cheek, "I'm sleepy... I think I need to go to sleep early tonight..."
Heero was startled, blue eyes fully widened. But before he had the chance to answer, Duo had stormed inside his room, and the door closed before his eyes.
Standing in the room alone, Heero rubbed his cheek idly, feeling the warmth that left there. He pulled his hand away reluctantly when he realized what he was doing. A fragrance was left in the air. He blinked and found that the smell came from him. But it wasn't his. It was the smell of Duo's hair.
Heero didn't have a good night sleep that night and forgot to tell Duo to turn his alarm on. The two agents woke up late for Rich's wedding day, where Duo supposed to be the best man.
"Get the suit! Get the suit!" Heero yelled from the door, wearing his own suit hastily.
"Oh shit!" The braided boy cursed and gushed back to his room, he was back with the outfit he was supposed to be wearing and followed Heero out.
"Do I look okay? How's my hair? Is the braid perfect enough for you?"
"Everything's okay..." Heero looked around the room, looking something they probably missed. He had checked for everything, but he still wasn't sure.
They both climbed the downstairs to the parking lot. "Everything's here? Did you remember what you're supposed to be doing at the church? You never follow the rehearsal..."
"Oh puhleeezee..." Duo made a face, "I used to live in a church, remember?"
The other boy scowled and started the car engine, "Fasten your seatbelt and hang on..."
Duo whined, but his eyes glinted with delight "Here we go again..."
The wedding went smooth, just the way it supposed to be. Duo had accomplished his job as the best man of the groom perfectly, despite the growling of his stomach that was killing him along the ceremony. He glanced at his roommate who was sitting at the Preventer agents' lines and observed that Heero had the same problem as he did. They didn't get any breakfast, and because the previous night they had skipped dinner now they're left as two starving agents. He didn't know about Heero, but he was surely going to eat until his stomach explodes at the wedding reception.
Later at the party, the braided boy flopped himself on his chair with his dessert in his hand, a plate full of chocolate ice cream. He grinned at Heero who was looking at his plate in amazement.
"The caterings were great..." He said meekly, trying to find a reason, "so sue me because I'm drop dead hungry..."
Heero just shrugged and shoved for his own dessert.
"What're you eating?" Duo asked suddenly, peering at the other's plate.
"Strawberry cakes..."
"They got strawberry cakes?!" Duo blinked and started to look around, "I don't see it anywhere..."
Heero pointed at a long table near the door, "Over there..."
The American pouted, "But it's too far..." He grabbed his spoon and shoved for Heero's cake into his mouth. The other boy could only blink.
"Maxwell, that's my cake..."
"I know." Duo said innocently, "It's delicious if I may add..." He licked his lips for added effect.
"Go get your own..." Heero glared.
"Oh please please please... can I have just more bite?" He gave him the best puppy dog eyes.
The Japanese boy growled. Duo pouted, but suddenly his violet eyes lit up, "Oh, I know! Let's switch!" he took a spoon of ice cream from his plate and shoved it into Heero's mouth.
Heero hesitated, eyeing the ice cream in front of his eyes with curiosity, as if the ice cream would kill him. Duo rolled his eyes. "C'mon, it's going to melt soon!"
Heero didn't have any more time to think so he took it all into his mouth.
Suddenly, a bright light covered the two boys. The pair turned to face their nemesis-- they were caught on camera.
The first comment that burst out from Duo's mouth was just, "Wow! Is that digital?!" Heero elbowed him and gave him the glare. Duo eeped and scowled at Rich, who was now grinning wildly in front of them.
"Sorry boys, couldn't help taking a romantic moment of you two," he winked, "This is my payback for that night, Maxwell. I'll send you the picture later..."
Duo was on his feet, hauling wildly to the camera, only to have his hand touch the air.
"Damn you, old man..." The American laughed, "Aren't you suppose to be with the bride and the mother in-law?"
Rich pouted and shrugged, "Too bad you didn't get the bouquet from Julia, Duo. You'd soon be married if you did..."
"Well, can't have everything in life..." Duo rubbed his head idly and blushed.
They were silent after Rich was gone; Duo peered at his Japanese friend who was now eating his strawberry cakes in private. Duo's ice cream was already melted so he changed his mind to finish his dessert. Heero lifted his head and their eyes met. They look away almost at the same time; the situation was completely awkward. Duo knew that his roommate was always quiet, but this was too quiet. Damn it!
"Sally got the bouquet, you know..." Duo started, playing with his spoon, "I bet Wufei is fainted somewhere now..."
Heero's mouth twitched and they laughed together. People were watching, but Duo just didn't care anymore. He saw how beautiful the blue eyes shone when Heero was laughing, one sincere laugh. And he felt so much relieved after that.
"Hmm, Duo..."
"Yeah?" The braided boy lifted up his face, trying not to blush. "What is it, Heero?"
"I was wrong yesterday..."
"Mm?" He heard something in that tone, something that made him shivered, excited, and expectant.
Heero couldn't help but looking into the deepest violet inside Duo's eyes, "About my feelings for you and the others..." He gulped.
"You are important to me, too... more than the others..." He ended with one small smile that was enough to make Duo's heart and stubbornness melt like the ice cream in his plate.
"Thank you..." Duo reached for Heero's hands, entwining their fingers together, "Thank you, Heero. That means so much to me..."
Heero nodded and squeezed his hand. Duo's hand was warm against his skin. He saw the violet eyes glint happily; more beautiful than he ever noticed before, he felt there was nothing more important than the light that gave him all the feelings he had right now. Yes, he had said the right thing this time. And he wasn't lying about it, too.
Duo twitched his nose and took the napkin, "There's cream on your lips..." He frowned and lifted up the napkin to Heero's face.
The other boy just sat still, letting Duo clean the strawberry cream from the corner of his lips. But he was so startled when he could feel Duo's breath in his neck, he could smell that fragrance lingering in the air again. Duo's eyes looked so round before him. He had long eyelashes, Heero realized.
And he almost blushed as Duo pulled away, giving him the most brilliant smile he ever saw. Not Duo, his heart screamed. This is not the Duo he knows... Because he never felt this way toward his best friend.
"Now you're clean, Hee-chan." Duo chirped and took another spoon of Heero's cakes, "you don't mind?"
He couldn't answer that without stammering. "S-Sure..."
The braided boy smiled and took the cake to his mouth, again giving Heero that alien smile that left his heart pounding twice faster.
Duo threw himself on to the big bed in his hotel room. The mission on colony Z-23 was a mind numbing one, but it took hard work-- not to mention the hours he spent in the field. The supervisor here was a total loser and Duo ended up reorganizing the whole structure of the mission to build a new security system. No problem there, but it was just so annoying to come home to an empty hotel room where no one waiting for him.
He peered at the phone next to his bed, standing proud on the small wooden table. He should really called Heero. It had been three days, and he hadn't contacted his roommate. Heero himself must've hesitated to call because he was on a mission, but just one call wouldn't hurt, right?
Rolling to one side of the bed, he dialed the number of their apartment. After a few seconds, he heard someone pick it up. His heart beat so fast, he was nervous.
//Oh come on, Maxwell. This is Heero you're calling, not some girl you have a crush on!//
"Yuy."
"Hey, Heero. How have you been?" He chirped, trying to get rid of his nervousness.
"Duo..." He heard Heero's answer, "fine, how are you?"
"I'm fine, this mission sucks! Please send me to a more interesting one next time 'kay, Mr. Supervisor?" He chuckled and leaned back against his bed.
"Sorry about that, you're the only one I trust for this one..."
Duo blinked, did Heero just compliment him? "Thanks, pal... You're real nice. Just like always..." He finally spoke.
"So, when will you come home? The schedule says it should be in another two days... but Randall said that it might get delayed..."
"That bastard didn't know shit!" The American snapped, "I'm taking over his responsibility here, and I say it's about four to five days tops to finish the security system to perfect condition..."
Heero chuckled in the other side of the line, "I knew I could count on you..."
"Yup! Don't worry, buddy, I'll take care of everything for you here..." Duo yawned, "Why do you ask? You miss me or something?" He giggled and propped his chin on the pillow.
"Well..." Heero hesitated, "don't you?"
The long-haired boy sat abruptly on his bed, "Hell yeah... but never expected that you'd say that, Hee-chan... I miss you so much." He said meekly and then yawned again.
"You should get some sleep, it's not good for you to work on the mission when you don't feel well..."
Duo made a wounded whimper, "Always the mission with you. Okay now I'm going to bed, bye bye Heero..."
"I'll see you in five days."
"Good night."
"Good night, Duo."
Duo hung up the phone and kicked his shoes off before he went to shut off the lights. Pulling the cover over his head he peered at the phone again. At least Heero said that he missed him, he smiled.
The room was so lonely without anyone's presence but him. Unlike his roommate, he didn't really like quiet places, he couldn't forget what it feels like to have Heero with him all around the clock at home-- or at the office. Funny, he thought, he went on solitary missions before without Heero, but he never felt this way before. Duo never felt so far away from home, from Heero...
He stared blankly at the ceiling of his room and breathed hard. If only he was here... he thought.
//If only you were here to hold me tight... It's so cold without you, Heero...//
"For god's sake!" Duo cursed and rolled over, pulling his blanket up. He was soon fast asleep, dreaming about a certain boy with deep blue eyes.
Heero held the phone for some time before finally hung it up. He could see as if Duo was there with him by only hearing his voice. Walking to his desk, he opened the drawer silently, pulling out a big brown envelope. The package had arrived yesterday and was addressed for Duo and him. It was the pictures Rich had taken at the wedding reception. To his amazement, it wasn't just that one picture where Duo fed him the ice cream that was caught on camera, but also pictures about what happened next. He saw the pictures of the two of them laughing and holding hands. All of it was caught in the pictures.
He sighed and read the notes Rich wrote for them on the cover. 'Got you know now, kiddo!' and a big peace sign. Rich must've taken the pictures without their acknowledgment. He wondered how that could happen; he never let his guard down. Never-- except, whenever Duo was with him, he was drowning into deep violet pools that mesmerized him.
One picture took a very clear view of Duo's smile, and he couldn't help gasp in disbelief. Since when did he actually think that Duo was beautiful? He never felt this way about him before. That stupid proposal had made him think about Duo more than he used to. He can't be...
He shook his head and put the pictures back in his drawer. No, he couldn't handle this thing now; he needed to think first. After that, he took a shower and had dinner alone. He went to bed not long after because there was nothing left to do.
He remembered something when he woke up the next morning. He had dreamt about Duo, but couldn't remember what exactly the dream was about.
"I'm home..." Duo whispered as he opened the apartment door silently. It was nearly midnight and he didn't want to wake up Heero. He could be in his sleeping right now; and knowing that he was a light sleeper, he'd probably awakened by his coming.
He saw that the lights in the living room were on, so he concluded that Heero was still awake. Giving up on surprising the other boy, he flopped down onto the couch and tossed his bag away, relaxing into the cushioning.
Heero's head popped out from the kitchen door and gave him a gentle smile, "Okaeri..." He soon disappeared to the kitchen again.
Duo blinked and rushed to the kitchen. "Heero! Are you cooking?"
Heero's cooking never stopped amazing the braided boy. That's why he enjoyed his turn to wash the dishes just so he could taste Heero's other talent besides blowing OZ shelters.
"Aa... Why don't you take a bath and have dinner afterwards?" The Japanese boy said; or in Duo's opinion, ordered.
"But I'm so sleepy, and you know how much I love your cooking... but I want to go to sleep instead tonight..." Duo said ruefully, still standing hesitantly in the threshold.
"Even for a very spicy spaghetti?"
"What?!" Violet eyes blinked, "d-did you say spaghetti...?!"
He gushed to Heero's side and saw with his own eyes what the other was cooking. He would have his drool all over his mouth if he didn't tear his eyes away from the sight.
"Uhm--Can I change my mind?" He blinked animatedly to the other boy.
Heero's mouth curved, "Now get a shower, you smell like cattle..."
"Mission accepted!"
Duo finished his dinner in less than ten minutes. He had two plates of Heero's spaghetti and a glass of orange juice. He was very full, and soon reminded how tired and sleepy he was as he leaned back to the couch. Heero sat beside him, eyes to the TV.
"Hey, Heero..." Duo tilted his head so he could see Heero's face when he was talking.
"Why are you whispering?" The Japanese boy frowned and reached for the remote, turned the volume to mute mode.
"I don't know..." Duo said sleepily, "I need to tell you something, it's really important."
Heero's brow puckered, "What is it?"
"I think I'm really falling in love to you..." He was still whispering.
Blue eyes widened slightly, "What do you mean?" He couldn't pretend as if his heart didn't beat faster than it had before, but his soldier mask was in place.
Duo looked down to his lap and played with the end of his braid, "It isn't just friendship anymore... I think I really *really* love you..."
Heero really didn't have a clue what to say in this kind of situation, he turned his face to the TV screen again and made a playful comment, "Are you sure you're okay?"
The American huffed and shifted closer, not having a clue that the boy next to him almost had a heart attack caused by his action. For a bonus, he leaned his head on the other's shoulder and took Heero's hand in his.
"I found something really interesting when I was on Z-23..." He muffled on Heero's neck and made the Japanese shiver, for a good reason.
Duo continued, "the marriage between two men is perfectly legit there, the papers really accepted in courts all over the earth sphere you know..."
"I think you really need some sleep..." Heero managed to keep his voice controlled and low, but Duo wasn't fooled. He shifted closer and chuckled mischievously.
"We don't have to get married right away, I know that we're still eighteen and all.. But we could always get engaged first..." He looked up and gave Heero that very beatific smile of his.
"Duo, you're not really in love with me... You're just afraid of being lonely... like that Mrs. Lake of yours... You're afraid that you'll end up all alone, that's why your brain came up with the idea of marrying me..."
Duo smiled sweetly, "I thought so too at first, but it's not just that, Heero..." He pulled away and took Heero's hand again, entwining their fingers. "Why do you think of all people, I picked you? Because you're special to me, Heero... but not just as a friend like I thought you were, but more..."
"When I was on Z-23... I was so lonely.. I wished that *you* were there... I needed *you* there, Heero..."
Heero shook his head, "Duo, I..." One finger stopped his lips from uttering the next word.
"Don't say anything yet... I know that you care for me too, Heero... I'm so scared that I disgusted you with this confession of mine, but... it wasn't just physical, it's not about gay or not... It's about me having those feelings for you... it's wonderful... and scary,"
Duo paused to take a deep breath, "but I will prove to you that I'm not lying..."
"No, Duo, no... I'm not disgusted or... " He wanted to continue his words, wanted to tell the braided boy that he had missed him too when his gone, but his throat dried all of the sudden. He found himself speechless. Why was it so hard to tell him how he felt?
//Duo, I don't know how I feel about you... Not yet.. I can't decide it yet...//
"Baka," was the only word that came out from Heero's mouth, "you better get some sleep now, you're tired... and when you wake up you'll realized how stupid this conversation is..."
"Baka baka baka..." Duo giggled, he stood up abruptly and pointed at Heero's chest. "At least you already gave me a pet name... I mean, nobody would ever reject a very handsome and smart man like me who obviously threw himself at you!"
The Japanese could only hide in embarrassment at Duo's words, but still had that flat expression in place.
"Heh, I'm gonna make you fall in love to me too, Heero." He winked, his words filled with promise that made Heero shiver even more, "...if you're not already..."
Duo kissed his forehead lightly before went to his room, saying good night as he did so. Heero was left gaping on the couch, watching the other boy enter his room. That fragrance left in the air.
He soon realized something. It wasn't Duo's shampoo; it wasn't his hair either. The smell was Duo himself.
The days they spent after that night were rather interesting, especially for Heero. Duo would make him his favorite Japanese food for dinner when it was his turn to cook. Duo didn't change in nature; he was still the same vibrant, loudmouthed boy he used to know. One thing that changed was the way Duo would look at him. He didn't recognize that glint in Duo's purple eyes. It was warm, caring, loving? He looked into the mirror sometimes and saw the same light hinted inside his eyes. His eyes for Duo.
The gossip still spread at the station, but Duo handled it differently this time. He just smiled and gave the other agents the answer 'maybe' if they asked about his relationship with the Japanese boy. Heero was also confused by himself. He didn't know why, but actually, he was rather enjoying all this talk about them. He even started to feel his face heat when he heard the whistling every time he and Duo walked together. He didn't tell Duo that he took one picture from the package Rich had sent them; he gave the rest for Duo, but he kept one of them. The one that captured Duo's best smile.
Duo was startled as the door flung open and a very frantic Heero rushed in, right in to his room. He still wore his Preventer jacket; the car-keys never left his fingers. He didn't even seem to notice that Duo was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper.
"What's going on?" He followed Heero to his room, "Oi, Heero! What is it? You're scaring me!"
He saw Heero pack his stuff into a backpack he used to bring when he went for a mission out of town, he didn't even change his clothes.
"I have to go to Sanc on a six p.m. plane," Heero informed him hastily, still pushing his clothes into the small backpack.
Duo frowned, "Sanc?" One name crossed his mind, but he didn't want to think about her right now, "Why do you want to go there?"
"Relena is going to hold a big party for the New Year celebration. She asked my help to check the security systems and the preparation for the party..."
The braided boy twitched his nose when he heard the name, "What? So suddenly? Why didn't she order for a party organizer instead?"
Heero turned and made a face, "Duo, get serious..."
"For how long?"
"Three... maybe four days..."
"But what about Quat's party?"
The blue-eyed boy gasped, he had completely forgot about Quatre's New Year's party. He invited them long before Christmas to spend some time at his mansion on earth where he was going to celebrate a party for some of the Winner family's friends.
He understood how much Duo was waiting for the party, especially because they didn't have the chance to celebrate Christmas this year because of an unexpected mission that come up. The New Year's party was going to be some sort of a reunion for the five of them, that's why Lady Une gave them four days off for the holiday so they could attend the party, but now...
He saw Duo's eyes weaken, filled with disappointment. "Duo, I'm so sorry... I forgot..." He gave him his best expression, the expression that told the other boy that he was sorry, more than he knew. "But I still can go there for the holiday..."
"But you'll miss the big event... The countdown, and..." Duo made a wounded face.
He thought about it for a few minutes, eyes never leaving Duo's. "I'll try then... I'll try to finish everything before noon and go to Quatre's place..."
"Promise?" That light started to creep into that beautiful face.
Heero's heart beat faster, "I... You know I can't promise you that, Duo... but I'll try..."
"Oh." His face fell and that twang of guilt started to stab Heero's heart again.
"Well, there's nothing I could do about it, is there?" Duo made a forceful grin, "I guess I can't say anything anymore in this matter... I mean, this is Relena we're talking about..." There, he finally mentioned the name.
Heero could read his mind, and he grasped for those shoulders gently. "Duo, she was my friend, of course I'll help her if she needs me... I'll do the same for all of you..."
"But Relena is not just a friend for you, is she?" The braided boy snarled, "she... she was your girlfriend or something..."
The other boy's eyes widened just slightly, and then he laughed. "No. She wasn't my girlfriend, Duo... and you know that..."
"Maybe, but she is special to you. That's why you could never kill her during the war, and don't give me the reason that it was me who shot you to prevent killing her... that's why you gave her the teddy bear..." Duo saw the changing expression in Heero's eyes, "you think I don't know about all that?"
Heero pulled back. "It was just a gift... it was my gratitude for her help achieving peace..."
Duo huffed, "On her birthday?!"
"Y-You're being unreasonable!"
"Oh *I'm* being unreasonable?!" The American glared, "Of course I am! I'm jealous! There, I said that, you happy now?"
The Japanese boy sighed and took a step forward toward his braided roommate, "Yes, she is special to me... but you are, too... Duo, please understand, okay? I'm going to be late..." He took his bag and walked to the front door.
Duo wasn't giving up yet; he raced the other boy to the front door and blocked his way. "If me and Relena got kidnapped, and you could only rescue one of us while the other will die... who are you going to save?"
Heero startled, "This is ridiculous..."
"Why? It's an easy question..." The other boy shrugged.
He looked down for one long minute, thinking. "I have to choose for Relena..." He bit his lip apologetically and saw the violet eyes glinted with fear and anger.
"See...?" Duo moved away from his spot and walked to the couch, "it was just an easy question... you had the answer all along, and..."
Strong hand grasped for Duo's wrist and spun him to face the other boy. Duo gasped in surprise seeing those beautiful blue eyes looking down at him with their most intense gaze, dragging him inside an endless labyrinth.
"I'll save her because she is needed for the world to maintain this peace we've achieved, Duo... nothing else, you know that... you'd do the same if you were me..."
"I..." Duo stuttered, "probably..." he admitted meekly. Looking down to the floor he mumbled, "I know that... Relena means so much for the world, and no one would miss one Duo Maxwell if he's gone, huh?"
"You're wrong." Heero stated firmly, "Relena means for the *world*, but you, Duo Maxwell, you mean the world to *me*."
Duo's eyes went round, he couldn't help blush and smile sheepishly, his hands still in Heero's.
"I'll try to be at Quatre's party, but I can't promise you that I won't come late..." He kissed the tip of Duo's nose and saw the violet eyes widened in surprise. "Just wait for me there and don't go anywhere..."
The American nodded vigorously, "I will..." He lost words already, "I'll be waiting..."
"You better be, Maxwell." Heero yanked the braid lovingly.
Duo walked him to the car and waved goodbye. He watched the car disappeared when it turned the corner of the street. He smiled a relieved smile and rushed back into the building. The weather was getting cold.
This New Year was going to be special.
"Sparklers?!"
Duo literally jumped from his chair and gushed to Quatre's side after the blonde told him everything about the party details. "Do you mean those big sparklers that blow up in the sky?"
The young Arabian chuckled, "Yes, Duo. I thought about saving this for a surprise, but I know that you'd be mad at me if I didn't tell you sooner..."
"Wow..." The braided boy beamed in pleasure, "that's cool, man... I mean, sparklers..."
"It's going to launch after the countdown ends, because the party takes place at the garden, I think everybody should wear their jacket. It's still cold out there..." Quatre explained.
"There's going to be 1980 sparklers in the sky, Duo, different colors and shapes..." Trowa smiled at his braided friend.
Duo jumped in excitement and looked outside through the big window in the study room, "I can't wait to see it..."
"That's only if you have the chance to see it, Maxwell..." Wufei snorted, "who knows? You might get drunk before the countdown even starts, or maybe you'll propose to someone."
Sally elbowed him but snickered as she saw Duo twitch his nose. "I am not *always* drunk at celebrations!" He snapped.
"Well you better not be! 'cause Yuy isn't here to stop you from doing crazy things!" Wufei smirked, "but at least you won't propose him again when you're drunk..."
"I..." Duo's face turned crimson, and he decided to change the subject, "Yes, he will come!"
Trowa curved the corner of his lips, "I'm sure he will, Duo..."
Duo shot him a thankful smile, but Quatre's face seemed wary. "The party at Sanc is going to be attend by more than five hundreds politicians from all over the world. It's going to be big... I'm afraid that Heero will be a little late..."
"But he'll be here before the countdown," The American argued, "he promised he'll try..."
The others traded glances, not uttering a word.
Quatre finished his speech and soon the guests were led out to enjoy the garden party. The long tables were filled with food and drinks. Quatre's family didn't drink alcohol, but he served it in one corner to honor the guests that did, including Duo. But for tonight, the braided boy didn't even touch it. He wasn't going to let Wufei prove his words about him, and what was more important was that he would be awake when Heero arrived.
Duo had called him through his cellphone every hour and was certain that he would be able to catch the party. The Japanese boy himself said that he was probably going to arrive before twelve, although he wasn't one hundred percent sure about it.
"Duo, where's Heero? Has he contacted you again yet?" Quatre asked as he saw his American friend sitting in the corner of the garden.
The other boy sighed and look at his cellphone, "I can't contact him, low battery I guess... or he just didn't get any signal..."
"Maybe he got caught in traffic..." Trowa showed up behind the blond, "it gets really busy on New Year's Eve... people are celebrating it on the street, too..."
Duo could only nod.
Suddenly Sally and Wufei gushed to their side. She dressed in a beautiful green gown, while Wufei wore a dark suit just like the rest of them. They informed them that the countdown would start in another ten minutes and Quatre was asked to lead the countdown for the guests.
"I have to go..." Quatre said, patting Duo's shoulder gently before walking to the other corner of the garden to speak with the event organizer. Trowa followed him there, while Wufei and Sally were busily forcing Duo to join the crowd.
"You guys go on, I'll wait for Heero five more minutes..." Duo smiled and gave them a small wave.
The couple finally left him and walked to the stage where the countdown will be start in a few minutes. Duo glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost midnight. The guests were already gathered near the stage, getting ready for the countdown and the sparklers show. The braided boy tried his cellphone again, only to find a busy tone there. Two more minutes, and Heero was nowhere to be seen.
"Duo, come on!" He heard Sally called for him and he could only nod. He took a step closer, leaving his spot, but something made him turn around to look in the direction of the house.
A very handsome Japanese boy jogged towards the garden, his unruly bangs covered his eyes as he ran. He couldn't be wrong this time; that Preventer jacket was Heero's.
"Heero!" Duo waved from faraway, "Heero! Over here!"
The Japanese boy raised his head and he smiled as he saw Duo's wide smile plastered on that beautiful face. He waved back and jogged steadily towards him.
"Am I late?" He panted, still breathing hard.
"Almost..." Duo took his hand. "C'mon, let's go to where the guys are..."
They walked halfway there when Quatre announced that the countdown would soon be started. Duo tugged Heero's arm impatiently.
"C'mon, we'll be late..." He realized that Wufei and Sally had already realized that Heero had arrived.
A squeeze in his hand startled Duo; he turned around and saw that Heero had stopped walking. He tilted his head in confusion and felt Heero grasp for his hand more tightly.
"Heero?"
"Can we see the sparklers from here?" The Japanese boy asked.
Duo blinked, "Sure... Why?"
"Let's just watch it from here, just you and me..." Heero whispered.
The longhaired boy blushed even more and looked away, he didn't have the courage to look into Heero's eyes. Heero himself was amused by Duo's reaction and stepped closer.
"Ten... Nine... Eight..."
"Hey, they started the countdown!" Duo chirped happily. He looked up to the sky, impatiently waiting for the sparklers.
"Seven... Six... Five..."
Duo elbowed the Japanese boy and pointed to the stage where Trowa and Quatre stood. "I told you that they're a couple..." he snickered. Heero elbowed him back and glared playfully.
"Four... Three..."
"Duo, I have something to tell you..."
"Hmm? What is it?" Duo still looking up to the sky.
"Two... One..."
"I think I love you too..."
"Zero!"
"Happy New Year 198 everybody! Happy New Year!"
The night sky was filled with beautiful colors that spread by the sparklers. It was the moment he had waiting for the whole day, but now he could only stare blankly into the eyes of Heero Yuy. He saw the reflection of the sparklers there, glinting more beautifully than the ones that decorated the sky. The Japanese boy gazed back at him intensely, solemn and loving.
"Heero..." He whispered to the thick air of the night.
Heero's hand moved to cup his cheek, caressed it lovingly. One arm moved to Duo's waist, holding him to stay on his feet. Duo's eyes were violet and clear under the light of the sparklers as he leaned to trap those rosy lips in his own. So sweet and pliant, the kiss was long and deep.
Duo closed his eyes and tugged at Heero's jacket strongly, afraid that he might collapse to the ground if he didn't. But the strong arm on his waist did the job for him, and he was only left with the feelings of being loved and cherished.
"Happy New Year, Duo..." This time Heero whispered in his ear, kissing the smooth skin under it softly.
Duo sighed and leaned in to his arms. Smiling, he looked up at the bright sky. "Happy New Year, Heero..."
"I can't believe this!" Duo glanced around the living room just to find darkness surrounding him and Heero. "I thought the guys wanted to see the first sunrise together..."
Heero lead him inside and took a seat in front of the fireplace.
"You better keep your voice low or you'll wake the others..." he said calmly and gestured the other boy to sit by his side. "It is almost 4 a.m."
The violet-eyed boy whimpered but did what he was told.
"But I really want to watch the sunrise together... Quatre said that too, yesterday..."
"Quatre must be really tired..." Heero explained, "He had lots of things to prepare for the party..."
Duo snorted and twitched his nose, "Yeah... I hope Trowa took good care of him..."
"Duo! There's nothing between Trowa and Quatre!" The other boy insisted.
"Open your eyes already, Heero! Why do you think they shared a room together, eh?" He winked naughtily and shifted closer to lean his head on Heero's shoulder. "Besides... you don't have to be so envious now that you have me..."
His Japanese lover scooped him closer and wrapped his arms around him, giving him warmth more than any fireplace could do.
"I just can't believe that they're all asleep on New Year's Eve... After the party was over the guests just went home and I'm sure that they're asleep in their own homes right this moment..." Duo whined.
"Quatre had set us rooms that face the East so we could see it from our room..." Heero explained, "Trowa told me that..."
"What good is it to see the sunrise alone?!" Duo pouted.
"You're not alone..."
Duo startled, he looked up to see Heero's face, golden by the fire from the fireplace. His eyes were indescribable. The braided boy moved closer and wrapped his arms around the other's waist. "I'm sorry... I forgot..." He smiled in Heero's chest.
They were silent for a long moment. The room was dark and quiet, only the sound of the fire crackling could be heard. But Duo heard the melody near to his ears -- Heero's heart beating steadily, their breaths mingled in one rhythm. Heero's hand was strong and loving against his waist.
"Duo?"
"Hm?" He tore his eyes from the fire and gazed at the deep blue of Heero's eyes.
"When I was still at Sanc, I thought a lot... about us..." He started, "I felt what you said to me that night. Alone... I was so lonely... I wished that you were there with me..."
Heero saw the violet eyes slightly widened and he leaned to kiss each closed eyelids. "It's not just anyone for me too, Duo... It's just you, only you...
"I thought about what you said about me and Relena, but when I saw her there, I didn't feel the feelings I have for you... I don't look at her like I look into your eyes, when she's not around me, I don't feel like I'm lost... but I feel that way towards you, Duo..."
The braided boy pulled away just slightly and caressed Heero's cheek lovingly, "I'm so sorry, Heero... You thought about it, didn't you? About the stupid question I gave you? Who you are going to choose between me and Relena?"
The other boy nodded and turned to face the fire again, "I do not regret my answer to you that time... I will save Relena first because she is needed for the world... but if... if I can't save you after that... then my life doesn't mean anything anymore... I'll die with you if that really happens..."
Duo gasped and bit his lip hard. He rubbed Heero's arm lovingly and whispered. "Thank you, Heero... for loving me like this... I really do..."
Heero faced him again and smiled, watching his violet-eyed angel smile back at him with equal feeling and emotion. They just looked into each other's eyes for a moment until Heero decided to close the gap between them with a kiss.
Duo twinned his hands behind his neck, pulling Heero closer to deepen the kiss, his fingers massaging the other's scalp deliciously. He felt Heero lower the two of them to the sheepskin rug they sat on a few minutes ago; lips never left his. The world ceased to be.
"Someone might come in any second and spot us!" Duo grinned in his arms, not really caring about what he just said. From the looks of it, he even might enjoy seeing one of Quatre's servants find them laying on the rug before the fireplace, in each other arms with nothing on.
The Japanese boy just snorted idly and held him tighter, while busily playing with Duo's hair that had been unbound by his impatient fingers.
"You don't think that it's time to go upstairs?" Duo looked up and gave him the smile.
"Can't we wait for another hour?" Heero answered with a question; he still wanted to play with Duo's hair.
Almost immediately Duo sat up, violet eyes blinked rapidly, "I forgot! We're supposed to see the sunrise!"
He turned to face Heero who had started to feign sleep. "Heero! Let's go upstairs, we could see it from my room!"
"Fifteen more minutes?" Heero sat up and yawned.
"No! The fire's started to fade anyway... we could be freezing if we stay a little longer... Let's go!" Duo was already on his feet, busily collecting their pieces of clothing from the floor. "Besides... the beds are much more warmer..." he suggested with a wink.
Heero smirked and stood up with him, sweeping Duo's feet from the floor and gathered the longhaired boy inside his arms, heading upstairs.
They curled together inside Duo's bed, facing the big window that faced the East to see the sky start to turn bright. Colors started to creep up the horizon, and Heero's hands around Duo's waist tightened, holding him from the back.
"I want to answer your question now..." Heero kissed him behind his neck and nipped the naked shoulder gently.
Duo gasped and melted inside the other's arms, he lay on his back and let Heero kissed him deeply. "What question? I thought you had answered that question..."
"Not that one," The Japanese boy chuckled and nuzzled his throat, definitely enjoying the small gasps that Duo created, "the previous question..."
The longhaired boy frowned as Heero stopped pleasuring him and just looked down into his eyes solemnly. "Which one?"
"The answer is yes."
"Wha-- ?"
"Yes, I will marry you, Duo Maxwell." Heero smiled and kissed his lips gently, "If you haven't changed your mind..."
Duo felt his eyes getting hot and watery, so he hugged his lover tightly and quickly hid his face in the crook of Heero's neck.
"Of course not... I mean... yes, I want to marry you too..." He muffled.
A rush of relief sped its way up Heero's heart, filled with only joy, rapture. He looked up and saw the most beautiful color light up the sky. "Hey, I thought you wanted to see the sunrise," he whispered lovingly and pointed his finger to the big window.
They both watched the first sun rise together, fingers entwining. It was beautiful, the color that spread its serenity and warmth to the whole world, that woke up the cold soul inside and finally filled it with love.
Heero knew that. But he also knew, nothing could ever compare with the light Duo brought to his life. Duo was the sunrise that brightened his heart. Now and forever. He'd make sure of that.
The End
Kaz Misaki
Please send comments to: misaki_kaz@yahoo.com