Blah blah blah, I don't own the characters, I didn't create them.
*Pouts* Though I sure as hell wish I did!!!!
Eeeep! Don't hurt me! This is the FIRST fanfic I've ever shown to the
outside world! I can't believe I'm posting it, I suck at these kind of
things, so you don't have to flame me! If you do, I swear I'll bring
out the bottomless wet suits and call on the rampaging wildebeests! O.O
Don't ask.... ^.^ *Whistles* Anyways, read on, and please
R&R...comments and criticism are welcome. Just no flaming, because I
know it sucks already.
~*~
Chapter One
The Reunion
Icy blue eyes gazed up through platinum blond hair at the sound of the bar door
opening. Zechs Marquise was intent upon the newcomer as he made his way through the throng
of tables and people talking, dressed in elegant attire, the high chandeliers and the dim lighting
adding the stuffy air of the upper class bar. Obviously, this was not one of the newcomer's
regular hangouts. Unlike the other occupants who wore suits directly from work or women who
wore dress suits, the man had come in just wearing a pair of blue jeans and a button up shirt, as
well as an old, obviously worn jacket.
The man kept his hands thrust into the pockets, violet eyes gazing out through dark
brown, slightly shaggy bangs, clearly in desperate need of a trim. Long, chestnut hair, was in a
braid and tossed over one slender shoulder, pressing his baggy clothing a little closer to his chest
where it fell across his clothing. Zechs felt a smirk come to his lips. Duo Maxwell. It had been
years since he had last seen him, and the boy had truly grown up.
No longer was there that child like build of his face, but now it was strongly shaped, he
was a bit taller, and of a much more muscular build than before. His eyes had become decidedly
more adult, instead of a child with no innocence, but they looked tired, dark circles heavy
beneath them, and a drawn, hopeless look upon his face and within those lilac orbs that used to
seem as if they were constantly glowing with cheer. All in all, the boy looked as if he had gone
downhill since the war.
Zechs sighed a little sadly, remembering him as he was; the radiant look he had once had
and the happiness that had once been so noticeable now so…dead. His eyes trailed down to his
drink and he felt more than watched as Duo made his way to the bar, glancing at the linings of
bottles held up on elegant mahogany racks placed in front of a crystalline looking mirror. It was
clear from the way he shifted that he was nervous about being in here, and the looks he was
getting from other people didn't help too much either.
Leaning against the wall at the end of the bar, he glanced to his right and watched as Duo
carefully took a seat, the tender, taking care of someone just next to Zechs, casting the boy a dark
glance. Zechs, feeling pity for the child, leaned forward and looked up to the tender.
"Get the new guy a glass of your finest whisky," he said simply, sliding the money
needed for it across the bar. "My treat." The tender blinked a moment before nodding with a
quick, "Yes, Mr. Milliardo," and going off to pour the glass. Zechs cast his eyes towards Duo
again, his old enemy, and noticed the woman next to him was looking at him with surprise and
disgust. Cold blue eyes turned to her, the look in them immediately saying that there was no
room for questions, and, with a blush, she quickly looked away.
The tender placed down the glass in front of the boy, and, at Duo's baffled look,
explained calmly to him that "It's a treat from Mr. Peacecraft," and motioned over to Zechs.
Duo's eyes peeled themselves away from the glass, which he watched as if it might come alive
and kill him, only to rest those enchanting orbs upon Zechs, his lips parting and mouth dropping
some in surprise. Zechs knew Duo would have trouble seeing him do to the fact that the woman,
rather large, was blocking his view. So Zechs had leaned forward some, resting his weight on
one elbow and watched as Duo lifted the glass in thanks before slowly bringing it to his lips to
sip it.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?" the tender asked in feigned kindness. The
violet-eyed boy shook his head, shifting some on the stool.
"No, but thank you. If you could just tell me where I can find a phone?" Zechs was
pleasantly surprised when he heard Duo's voice, now much more deeper, much more grown up.
The blond man blinked as he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes again. No, these
thoughts shouldn't be running through his head. Despite the loneliness that tore at him each
day, despite the constant drive to find somebody in this enclosed life he had formed for himself,
he didn't need anybody else.
Lost in his thoughts and reverie's of his own…well…pity was the best way he knew to
explain it, he barely heard the terse remark that the only pay phone was located a few blocks
away, nor did he notice the larger woman get up and leave. Though when he opened his eyes, he
was surprised to see Duo rubbing his temple in pain, his eyes shut in annoyed anger. Idly Zechs
wondered what could be wrong, his eyes raking over the ex-Gundam pilot with the close
scrutiny a hawk might give to its prey. The chestnut hair boy didn't seem to notice, too lost
within his own thoughts to notice anything around him. It barely occurred to Zechs that only a
few years ago, had he even glanced the boys way, he would have had those sharp violet eyes on
him in a flash. Now it seemed that Duo had given up on that.
Pushing himself up from his seat, he slowly made his way over towards the hunched
over man, his eyes watching those fingers with interest as they stroked over those delicate
temples, and Zechs couldn't help but think of all the ways he would love to take away that pain.
Quickly he shoved that away. No. These thoughts should be occurring in his mind. They
were…blasphemous practically. He and this pilot had been enemies forever. Could he change
that now just because he wished it? Just because he yearned for the company of one who might
understand his angst?
Zechs leaned back against the bar, his hands held in front of himself firmly cupped his
own glass of strong vodka, swirling the liquid slightly. What would Treize do, the blond man
thought for a few moments. But suddenly those thoughts were diminished as Duo peeled open
his eyes and lifted them to gaze up at Zechs. It was at that instant that man who had once piloted
Epyon so easily forgot to breath. Those deep violet orbs seemed to pierce deep into Zechs' own
bright blue ones, going deeper than any other ever had, seeming to gaze directly into his soul. It
was hard to stay standing under the deathlike glare of those harsh eyes, and he found himself
squeezing his glass so tight he feared it would break. When had Duo inherited such a
threatening death glare?
"Thanks for the drink." Duo's words were bitter, his tone clearly giving voice to the
unspoken threat. If Zech's dared to mess with him, he would meet his maker. Somewhere in
that worn down man the God of Death still loomed, and he wasn't in the mood to deal with old
grudges this night. It took long moments, but finally the ex-oz soldier regained his voice,
brushing platinum bangs from his face.
"I'm not here to torment you, Maxwell. Nor demand thanks for the drink I bought you,"
he explained calmly, simply. Duo's gaze let go of some of that deadly look, giving way to a cool
tone of suspicion laced with the pain that the boy so valiantly tried to hide, yet ended up failing
miserably anyways. All Zechs could think about for those long moments of silence was what
Duo might do if he reached out and pulled that small form to him, massaged away all the
tensions, and kissed him till all that deep, soul deep sadness was gone. What Duo might do if
Zechs tried to take away all his pain and make him happy? Trying to distract himself and ease
the aching loneliness, Zechs brought his glass to his lips, sipping at it lightly. Duo seemed to
follow his cue.
"Then what do you want?" the American boy finally demanded, his voice slightly
muffled with his lips pressed to the glass as they were. Duo tried to straighten himself, to make
himself look comfortable in this place, giving off a feigned air of familiarity with the rich scene. It
was so easy to see through the façade though, to the fear that rested within the boy's heart at
being here.
"I was wondering if you needed a ride," Zechs stated simply.
Duo's eyes gazed across the bar, focusing on the reflection of the calm man standing next
to him within the mirror. That platinum hair reflected the light beautifully, a wonderful contrast
to the black, silk, button up shirt and black slacks. A tremor took Duo's stomach and heart, but
he easily hid it. As he had done when around WuFei during the time had loved him, and then
the way he done so with Heero, especially after Heero had left him for Relina.
No, he couldn't stand to go through such pain again for a third time in his life. It would
kill him. Therefore, he would never ever show his affection for this man. No matter how lonely
he was. Even if he just wanted it to be a one nightstand, Duo knew himself well enough to knew
that his heart would never settle for that much, nor would his mind. But…wait…Zechs. Noin.
Oh yah… Duo closed his eyes and sighed. There went even the slight flicker of hope he had to
ever be with the man. Zechs was madly in love with Noin.
"Duo?" Duo's head shot up to look Zechs directly within those beautiful, crystal blue
orbs. Oh yes…that was right. Zechs had asked him a question…
"No, I don't need a ride," Duo lied, though rather pitifully. Sighing, his eyes trailed back
down to his glass as he thought of the rut he was in. It was below zero outside, with a wind-chill
enough to freeze your eyes shut if you blinked too long. The snow that fell and was pulled off
the ground pummeled everything in its path, and in just his long sleeved, thermal shirt, the
button up over it, and the raggedy jacket, it had been too hard to suppress his shivers. Even now,
he wanted to shake from just remembering the blistering cold.
He had only been walking in the first place because his motorcycle had broken down
about a mile away from here, and he been looking for a payphone ever since, going into every
place he could to warm up a little before starting out again. His fingers were already numb with
frostbite, having not been able to afford gloves yet, and he had to keep them almost constantly
within his jacket. Though he knew that would do no good.
Now he had two more blocks to walk before he could use the payphone, after having
scrounged up enough change from seeing it on the street and begging a few people in a higher
class hotel. Only enough for one phone call though. No mistakes could be made, or else he'd be
left to walk home the three-hour walk. Which was most likely the case anyways…his neighbor,
friend, and owner of the small, rundown apartment complex he lived in would most likely give
him a ride. If his car hadn't broken down again, which usually happened every night it got cold
like this. Which would leave Duo most likely huddled in alleyway by a burning trashcan with a
few other hoboes', just trying to get warm instead of pushing himself against the gale and
onslaught of snow, most likely freezing to death along the way.
Hell…it wouldn't be the first time that had happened this month.
"You're lying." Duo jumped at the sound of Zechs voice. Why did he keep getting so
lost into his own thoughts? And why was Zechs taking so damn long to respond to him? Duo
almost growled before he felt warm, gentle fingers close over his frigid shoulder, and those blue
eyes rake him up and down. At that close scrutiny, he looked down at himself and saw huge
splotches on his clothing where the snow had melted and left him somewhat damp. Duo
blinked.
"So I like the cold," he said weakly, almost bitterly, but this time it was a weak plea, as if
beginning him to go away and to stop this humiliation. This torture of being able to look, but not
touch. Gods, Duo thought to himself, he wanted Zechs so badly, but he knew he would never
have the man.
"Where do you live, young one?" Zechs asked softly, his fingers beginning to massage
the muscles in that tense shoulder. Duo's eyes slide shut, his head dropping forward some and
the comforting touch that seemed to drive him quietly insane. He wanted to scream at him to
stop, but beg him not to all at the same time. All of this, just from a simple touch? But this
touch…that tone of voice…it was so much more different than any Duo had ever heard. So much
caring within such a small touch and such a small sentence was one that sent the ex-pilots head
reeling and forcing a sudden longing into his gut. No one had ever truly cared about the boy
before, and even with WuFei then Heero, it had all been because they wanted sex, and Duo was
lonely and willing.
And what made him think Zechs was either?
"I'm about a thirty mile drive from here…maybe a three hour walk," he said in a barely
audible voice. Trying to clear up the nervousness hidden in it, he cleared his throat and brought
the glass to his lips, chugging back the rest of the liquid, feeling it warm him to the core and take
away the last of his chill. The platinum blond man only blinked for a few moments.
"Three hours," he repeated dumbly, before almost exploding, his voice bordering on the
edge of deep concern, bitter anger, and disbelief. "It's at least ten below outside, with the chill it
must be twenty, and you expect to walk three hours?!" Duo bit his lip, bitterness overwhelming
him so quickly, so suddenly, that he couldn't control it.
"And what would you care?" he suddenly snapped, standing up and pulling his jacket
on a little tighter. "Now if you don't mind, Mr. Peacecraft, I have a long walk ahead of me before
nights end and I had better get started." Just the way he had addressed him had been dripping
with sarcasm and bitter honey, making Zechs only able to watch in surprise as the violet eyed
boy brushed past him and headed towards the door once more.
The boy purposefully kept his eyes averted from Zechs, unable to look him in those
beautiful, bright blue eyes that affected him so deeply, stirred something in his soul. But he
couldn't avoid the feeling he got as Zechs continued to study him with that eagle-eyed intensity
till he had pushed himself from the building and out into the howling blizzard once more. Duo
forced himself not to shiver, turning into the direction of the wind, the direction his home was
located, and forcing himself against the gale that threatened to blow him back with three steps for
every one he took.
Making his way up the quiet, lonely street, the boy was forced to tilt his head down
against the oncoming wind, the chill wind piercing the thin fabric of his clothing and pelting his
face mercilessly, clinging to his lashes and threatening to tangle his eyes closed. After only five
minutes, he stopped attempting to futilely suppress his shivers, and let them begin to course
through his body, his teeth clattering noisily together, his body cringing in on itself in a pointless
attempt at achieving some sort of warmth.
Braid battering his chest with each gust of wind, his half closed violet eyes watched as it
lifted and slammed down against him again and again with each gust, feeling the cold fingers of
the God of Wind as he trailed them up and down his skin, seeming to leek his ethereal fingers
through his clothing. Duo shook even worse. He would have to find a place to get warm and
soon, even if it did mean him having to reside of a while with some hobo's.
But then another thought came to his mind. What if he continued this trek for about
another mile till he reached the bridge? There he could just simply through himself over the edge
and drown quickly instead of slowly freezing to death. Despite how cold the water might be, it
seemed to hold much more appeal than what his current fate seemed to be now if he didn't find a
place to at least gain some minimal amount of comfort. But then he remembered…the river
would be frozen over, and instead of drowning, he would most likely fall, crack the ice some,
break a leg or another limb, maybe even multiple ones, and then he would be left helpless to
freeze to death. That held even less appeal than just freezing.
Duo squinted when he lifted his head at a cross walk about ten minutes away from the
building. He reached up with a shaking hand and brushed away a strand of his hair, looking
around for any cars. Of course there was none though. Almost nobody was stupid enough to
brave this midnight storm. Only a poor, run down, ex-Gundam pilot, and the previous God of
Death were stupid enough to actually go out this night. Especially with a jacket of such a poor
quality as his that would do nothing to protect him from this cold night that felt as if hell itself
had come up to blow an icy, evil breath across the land.
Starting across the poorly salted, icy roads, Duo carefully watched his step as he slid his
hands from his pockets to blow warm air on them. He then put his fingers over his nose to stop
the frostbite forming on it before his hands become too numb to keep out any longer, and he was
forced to shove them back into his jacket to try to regain feeling again. Closing his eyes against a
sudden gust that blew up a swirl of snow and hit him dead in the face, Duo didn't notice the
black, sleek land cruiser pull up next to him, nor Zechs as he rolled down the window. The only
thing he did notice was when a lightening flashed its jagged length across the sky, the thunder
making Duo jump and sprint stupidly for the edge, sending him sprawling on his face.
"Duo!" Duo looked up at the familiar worry of Zechs voice, only to see the man climbing
out of his car. The shivering Duo pushed himself up some with painfully numbed hands,
looking dumbly at the man as he ran over, kneeling down next to him. Zechs wore a huge, down
jacket, his gloves with the inside lining of fur. As the boy stared at him, slightly in a daze, he
jumped as another thunderbolt went off and ducked his head down, closing his eyes. Be strong,
he snapped to himself. I can't let Zechs see how the storm affects me… But he didn't have time to be
strong, for Zechs was putting the down jacket onto the boy, tucking his arms into it and zipping
it up in the front. Next the gloves came, sliding them over the frozen hands, and Duo looked at
him, a blank look on his face.
Zechs sighed as he picked up the poor boy, carrying him over to his car, ignoring Duo's
half-hearted, feeble protests that he didn't need a ride. No, the blond haired man wouldn't
argue, but he wouldn't oblige either. Struggling some to get the door open without dropping the
one in his arms, he finally succeeded and set him lightly down onto the plush leather seat of the
land cruiser, closing the door and making his way around to the drivers' side.
Hefting himself up into the drivers' side, he quickly closed the door, locking both and
making sure the windows were up. Even just having been outside for those few moments
without his jacket had brought a chill to his bones, and he could barely imagine what the poor
Duo felt. Glancing over at him, he saw up curled up, huddled against the door and seat,
shivering meekly as he tried to get warmth. Zechs smiled slightly. So proud was the young man,
but so stubborn too. He turned the heat to full blast and pointed all of the vents at the boy, only
to receive a reluctant, grateful look from those violet eyes.
Smiling, the ex-Epyon pilot placed his bare hands in front of the vent and let them get
warmed up till they were almost too hot, and he leaned across the arm rests of both seats,
cupping that proud, sculptured face in his hands. Duo's eyes closed at the rush of warmth, a
small moan come from his throat as he leaned more towards Zechs. A smile tugged at Zech's
lips, and he was able to calm down his own chills some.
"Don't you want some of the heat?" Duo asked as the chills subsides. Zechs just smiled
again.
"Ne. You need it more than I," he stated simply and pulled his hands away, taking hold
of the wheel once again. He cast a glance over to Duo, who seemed a little down without the
touch, and Zechs, deciding to take a chance, reached over and snaked an arm around the
American's shoulder, pulling him as close as the seats would allow. Duo, exhausted from his
days work and from the cold, couldn't find it in him to protest, and didn't want too. Couldn't he
just allow himself this small bit of comfort in a world so cold and cruel? Even if just for a little?
That was his last thought as he drifted off into the sweet oblivion of sleep.
1
*Pouts* Though I sure as hell wish I did!!!!
Eeeep! Don't hurt me! This is the FIRST fanfic I've ever shown to the
outside world! I can't believe I'm posting it, I suck at these kind of
things, so you don't have to flame me! If you do, I swear I'll bring
out the bottomless wet suits and call on the rampaging wildebeests! O.O
Don't ask.... ^.^ *Whistles* Anyways, read on, and please
R&R...comments and criticism are welcome. Just no flaming, because I
know it sucks already.
~*~
Chapter One
The Reunion
Icy blue eyes gazed up through platinum blond hair at the sound of the bar door
opening. Zechs Marquise was intent upon the newcomer as he made his way through the throng
of tables and people talking, dressed in elegant attire, the high chandeliers and the dim lighting
adding the stuffy air of the upper class bar. Obviously, this was not one of the newcomer's
regular hangouts. Unlike the other occupants who wore suits directly from work or women who
wore dress suits, the man had come in just wearing a pair of blue jeans and a button up shirt, as
well as an old, obviously worn jacket.
The man kept his hands thrust into the pockets, violet eyes gazing out through dark
brown, slightly shaggy bangs, clearly in desperate need of a trim. Long, chestnut hair, was in a
braid and tossed over one slender shoulder, pressing his baggy clothing a little closer to his chest
where it fell across his clothing. Zechs felt a smirk come to his lips. Duo Maxwell. It had been
years since he had last seen him, and the boy had truly grown up.
No longer was there that child like build of his face, but now it was strongly shaped, he
was a bit taller, and of a much more muscular build than before. His eyes had become decidedly
more adult, instead of a child with no innocence, but they looked tired, dark circles heavy
beneath them, and a drawn, hopeless look upon his face and within those lilac orbs that used to
seem as if they were constantly glowing with cheer. All in all, the boy looked as if he had gone
downhill since the war.
Zechs sighed a little sadly, remembering him as he was; the radiant look he had once had
and the happiness that had once been so noticeable now so…dead. His eyes trailed down to his
drink and he felt more than watched as Duo made his way to the bar, glancing at the linings of
bottles held up on elegant mahogany racks placed in front of a crystalline looking mirror. It was
clear from the way he shifted that he was nervous about being in here, and the looks he was
getting from other people didn't help too much either.
Leaning against the wall at the end of the bar, he glanced to his right and watched as Duo
carefully took a seat, the tender, taking care of someone just next to Zechs, casting the boy a dark
glance. Zechs, feeling pity for the child, leaned forward and looked up to the tender.
"Get the new guy a glass of your finest whisky," he said simply, sliding the money
needed for it across the bar. "My treat." The tender blinked a moment before nodding with a
quick, "Yes, Mr. Milliardo," and going off to pour the glass. Zechs cast his eyes towards Duo
again, his old enemy, and noticed the woman next to him was looking at him with surprise and
disgust. Cold blue eyes turned to her, the look in them immediately saying that there was no
room for questions, and, with a blush, she quickly looked away.
The tender placed down the glass in front of the boy, and, at Duo's baffled look,
explained calmly to him that "It's a treat from Mr. Peacecraft," and motioned over to Zechs.
Duo's eyes peeled themselves away from the glass, which he watched as if it might come alive
and kill him, only to rest those enchanting orbs upon Zechs, his lips parting and mouth dropping
some in surprise. Zechs knew Duo would have trouble seeing him do to the fact that the woman,
rather large, was blocking his view. So Zechs had leaned forward some, resting his weight on
one elbow and watched as Duo lifted the glass in thanks before slowly bringing it to his lips to
sip it.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?" the tender asked in feigned kindness. The
violet-eyed boy shook his head, shifting some on the stool.
"No, but thank you. If you could just tell me where I can find a phone?" Zechs was
pleasantly surprised when he heard Duo's voice, now much more deeper, much more grown up.
The blond man blinked as he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes again. No, these
thoughts shouldn't be running through his head. Despite the loneliness that tore at him each
day, despite the constant drive to find somebody in this enclosed life he had formed for himself,
he didn't need anybody else.
Lost in his thoughts and reverie's of his own…well…pity was the best way he knew to
explain it, he barely heard the terse remark that the only pay phone was located a few blocks
away, nor did he notice the larger woman get up and leave. Though when he opened his eyes, he
was surprised to see Duo rubbing his temple in pain, his eyes shut in annoyed anger. Idly Zechs
wondered what could be wrong, his eyes raking over the ex-Gundam pilot with the close
scrutiny a hawk might give to its prey. The chestnut hair boy didn't seem to notice, too lost
within his own thoughts to notice anything around him. It barely occurred to Zechs that only a
few years ago, had he even glanced the boys way, he would have had those sharp violet eyes on
him in a flash. Now it seemed that Duo had given up on that.
Pushing himself up from his seat, he slowly made his way over towards the hunched
over man, his eyes watching those fingers with interest as they stroked over those delicate
temples, and Zechs couldn't help but think of all the ways he would love to take away that pain.
Quickly he shoved that away. No. These thoughts should be occurring in his mind. They
were…blasphemous practically. He and this pilot had been enemies forever. Could he change
that now just because he wished it? Just because he yearned for the company of one who might
understand his angst?
Zechs leaned back against the bar, his hands held in front of himself firmly cupped his
own glass of strong vodka, swirling the liquid slightly. What would Treize do, the blond man
thought for a few moments. But suddenly those thoughts were diminished as Duo peeled open
his eyes and lifted them to gaze up at Zechs. It was at that instant that man who had once piloted
Epyon so easily forgot to breath. Those deep violet orbs seemed to pierce deep into Zechs' own
bright blue ones, going deeper than any other ever had, seeming to gaze directly into his soul. It
was hard to stay standing under the deathlike glare of those harsh eyes, and he found himself
squeezing his glass so tight he feared it would break. When had Duo inherited such a
threatening death glare?
"Thanks for the drink." Duo's words were bitter, his tone clearly giving voice to the
unspoken threat. If Zech's dared to mess with him, he would meet his maker. Somewhere in
that worn down man the God of Death still loomed, and he wasn't in the mood to deal with old
grudges this night. It took long moments, but finally the ex-oz soldier regained his voice,
brushing platinum bangs from his face.
"I'm not here to torment you, Maxwell. Nor demand thanks for the drink I bought you,"
he explained calmly, simply. Duo's gaze let go of some of that deadly look, giving way to a cool
tone of suspicion laced with the pain that the boy so valiantly tried to hide, yet ended up failing
miserably anyways. All Zechs could think about for those long moments of silence was what
Duo might do if he reached out and pulled that small form to him, massaged away all the
tensions, and kissed him till all that deep, soul deep sadness was gone. What Duo might do if
Zechs tried to take away all his pain and make him happy? Trying to distract himself and ease
the aching loneliness, Zechs brought his glass to his lips, sipping at it lightly. Duo seemed to
follow his cue.
"Then what do you want?" the American boy finally demanded, his voice slightly
muffled with his lips pressed to the glass as they were. Duo tried to straighten himself, to make
himself look comfortable in this place, giving off a feigned air of familiarity with the rich scene. It
was so easy to see through the façade though, to the fear that rested within the boy's heart at
being here.
"I was wondering if you needed a ride," Zechs stated simply.
Duo's eyes gazed across the bar, focusing on the reflection of the calm man standing next
to him within the mirror. That platinum hair reflected the light beautifully, a wonderful contrast
to the black, silk, button up shirt and black slacks. A tremor took Duo's stomach and heart, but
he easily hid it. As he had done when around WuFei during the time had loved him, and then
the way he done so with Heero, especially after Heero had left him for Relina.
No, he couldn't stand to go through such pain again for a third time in his life. It would
kill him. Therefore, he would never ever show his affection for this man. No matter how lonely
he was. Even if he just wanted it to be a one nightstand, Duo knew himself well enough to knew
that his heart would never settle for that much, nor would his mind. But…wait…Zechs. Noin.
Oh yah… Duo closed his eyes and sighed. There went even the slight flicker of hope he had to
ever be with the man. Zechs was madly in love with Noin.
"Duo?" Duo's head shot up to look Zechs directly within those beautiful, crystal blue
orbs. Oh yes…that was right. Zechs had asked him a question…
"No, I don't need a ride," Duo lied, though rather pitifully. Sighing, his eyes trailed back
down to his glass as he thought of the rut he was in. It was below zero outside, with a wind-chill
enough to freeze your eyes shut if you blinked too long. The snow that fell and was pulled off
the ground pummeled everything in its path, and in just his long sleeved, thermal shirt, the
button up over it, and the raggedy jacket, it had been too hard to suppress his shivers. Even now,
he wanted to shake from just remembering the blistering cold.
He had only been walking in the first place because his motorcycle had broken down
about a mile away from here, and he been looking for a payphone ever since, going into every
place he could to warm up a little before starting out again. His fingers were already numb with
frostbite, having not been able to afford gloves yet, and he had to keep them almost constantly
within his jacket. Though he knew that would do no good.
Now he had two more blocks to walk before he could use the payphone, after having
scrounged up enough change from seeing it on the street and begging a few people in a higher
class hotel. Only enough for one phone call though. No mistakes could be made, or else he'd be
left to walk home the three-hour walk. Which was most likely the case anyways…his neighbor,
friend, and owner of the small, rundown apartment complex he lived in would most likely give
him a ride. If his car hadn't broken down again, which usually happened every night it got cold
like this. Which would leave Duo most likely huddled in alleyway by a burning trashcan with a
few other hoboes', just trying to get warm instead of pushing himself against the gale and
onslaught of snow, most likely freezing to death along the way.
Hell…it wouldn't be the first time that had happened this month.
"You're lying." Duo jumped at the sound of Zechs voice. Why did he keep getting so
lost into his own thoughts? And why was Zechs taking so damn long to respond to him? Duo
almost growled before he felt warm, gentle fingers close over his frigid shoulder, and those blue
eyes rake him up and down. At that close scrutiny, he looked down at himself and saw huge
splotches on his clothing where the snow had melted and left him somewhat damp. Duo
blinked.
"So I like the cold," he said weakly, almost bitterly, but this time it was a weak plea, as if
beginning him to go away and to stop this humiliation. This torture of being able to look, but not
touch. Gods, Duo thought to himself, he wanted Zechs so badly, but he knew he would never
have the man.
"Where do you live, young one?" Zechs asked softly, his fingers beginning to massage
the muscles in that tense shoulder. Duo's eyes slide shut, his head dropping forward some and
the comforting touch that seemed to drive him quietly insane. He wanted to scream at him to
stop, but beg him not to all at the same time. All of this, just from a simple touch? But this
touch…that tone of voice…it was so much more different than any Duo had ever heard. So much
caring within such a small touch and such a small sentence was one that sent the ex-pilots head
reeling and forcing a sudden longing into his gut. No one had ever truly cared about the boy
before, and even with WuFei then Heero, it had all been because they wanted sex, and Duo was
lonely and willing.
And what made him think Zechs was either?
"I'm about a thirty mile drive from here…maybe a three hour walk," he said in a barely
audible voice. Trying to clear up the nervousness hidden in it, he cleared his throat and brought
the glass to his lips, chugging back the rest of the liquid, feeling it warm him to the core and take
away the last of his chill. The platinum blond man only blinked for a few moments.
"Three hours," he repeated dumbly, before almost exploding, his voice bordering on the
edge of deep concern, bitter anger, and disbelief. "It's at least ten below outside, with the chill it
must be twenty, and you expect to walk three hours?!" Duo bit his lip, bitterness overwhelming
him so quickly, so suddenly, that he couldn't control it.
"And what would you care?" he suddenly snapped, standing up and pulling his jacket
on a little tighter. "Now if you don't mind, Mr. Peacecraft, I have a long walk ahead of me before
nights end and I had better get started." Just the way he had addressed him had been dripping
with sarcasm and bitter honey, making Zechs only able to watch in surprise as the violet eyed
boy brushed past him and headed towards the door once more.
The boy purposefully kept his eyes averted from Zechs, unable to look him in those
beautiful, bright blue eyes that affected him so deeply, stirred something in his soul. But he
couldn't avoid the feeling he got as Zechs continued to study him with that eagle-eyed intensity
till he had pushed himself from the building and out into the howling blizzard once more. Duo
forced himself not to shiver, turning into the direction of the wind, the direction his home was
located, and forcing himself against the gale that threatened to blow him back with three steps for
every one he took.
Making his way up the quiet, lonely street, the boy was forced to tilt his head down
against the oncoming wind, the chill wind piercing the thin fabric of his clothing and pelting his
face mercilessly, clinging to his lashes and threatening to tangle his eyes closed. After only five
minutes, he stopped attempting to futilely suppress his shivers, and let them begin to course
through his body, his teeth clattering noisily together, his body cringing in on itself in a pointless
attempt at achieving some sort of warmth.
Braid battering his chest with each gust of wind, his half closed violet eyes watched as it
lifted and slammed down against him again and again with each gust, feeling the cold fingers of
the God of Wind as he trailed them up and down his skin, seeming to leek his ethereal fingers
through his clothing. Duo shook even worse. He would have to find a place to get warm and
soon, even if it did mean him having to reside of a while with some hobo's.
But then another thought came to his mind. What if he continued this trek for about
another mile till he reached the bridge? There he could just simply through himself over the edge
and drown quickly instead of slowly freezing to death. Despite how cold the water might be, it
seemed to hold much more appeal than what his current fate seemed to be now if he didn't find a
place to at least gain some minimal amount of comfort. But then he remembered…the river
would be frozen over, and instead of drowning, he would most likely fall, crack the ice some,
break a leg or another limb, maybe even multiple ones, and then he would be left helpless to
freeze to death. That held even less appeal than just freezing.
Duo squinted when he lifted his head at a cross walk about ten minutes away from the
building. He reached up with a shaking hand and brushed away a strand of his hair, looking
around for any cars. Of course there was none though. Almost nobody was stupid enough to
brave this midnight storm. Only a poor, run down, ex-Gundam pilot, and the previous God of
Death were stupid enough to actually go out this night. Especially with a jacket of such a poor
quality as his that would do nothing to protect him from this cold night that felt as if hell itself
had come up to blow an icy, evil breath across the land.
Starting across the poorly salted, icy roads, Duo carefully watched his step as he slid his
hands from his pockets to blow warm air on them. He then put his fingers over his nose to stop
the frostbite forming on it before his hands become too numb to keep out any longer, and he was
forced to shove them back into his jacket to try to regain feeling again. Closing his eyes against a
sudden gust that blew up a swirl of snow and hit him dead in the face, Duo didn't notice the
black, sleek land cruiser pull up next to him, nor Zechs as he rolled down the window. The only
thing he did notice was when a lightening flashed its jagged length across the sky, the thunder
making Duo jump and sprint stupidly for the edge, sending him sprawling on his face.
"Duo!" Duo looked up at the familiar worry of Zechs voice, only to see the man climbing
out of his car. The shivering Duo pushed himself up some with painfully numbed hands,
looking dumbly at the man as he ran over, kneeling down next to him. Zechs wore a huge, down
jacket, his gloves with the inside lining of fur. As the boy stared at him, slightly in a daze, he
jumped as another thunderbolt went off and ducked his head down, closing his eyes. Be strong,
he snapped to himself. I can't let Zechs see how the storm affects me… But he didn't have time to be
strong, for Zechs was putting the down jacket onto the boy, tucking his arms into it and zipping
it up in the front. Next the gloves came, sliding them over the frozen hands, and Duo looked at
him, a blank look on his face.
Zechs sighed as he picked up the poor boy, carrying him over to his car, ignoring Duo's
half-hearted, feeble protests that he didn't need a ride. No, the blond haired man wouldn't
argue, but he wouldn't oblige either. Struggling some to get the door open without dropping the
one in his arms, he finally succeeded and set him lightly down onto the plush leather seat of the
land cruiser, closing the door and making his way around to the drivers' side.
Hefting himself up into the drivers' side, he quickly closed the door, locking both and
making sure the windows were up. Even just having been outside for those few moments
without his jacket had brought a chill to his bones, and he could barely imagine what the poor
Duo felt. Glancing over at him, he saw up curled up, huddled against the door and seat,
shivering meekly as he tried to get warmth. Zechs smiled slightly. So proud was the young man,
but so stubborn too. He turned the heat to full blast and pointed all of the vents at the boy, only
to receive a reluctant, grateful look from those violet eyes.
Smiling, the ex-Epyon pilot placed his bare hands in front of the vent and let them get
warmed up till they were almost too hot, and he leaned across the arm rests of both seats,
cupping that proud, sculptured face in his hands. Duo's eyes closed at the rush of warmth, a
small moan come from his throat as he leaned more towards Zechs. A smile tugged at Zech's
lips, and he was able to calm down his own chills some.
"Don't you want some of the heat?" Duo asked as the chills subsides. Zechs just smiled
again.
"Ne. You need it more than I," he stated simply and pulled his hands away, taking hold
of the wheel once again. He cast a glance over to Duo, who seemed a little down without the
touch, and Zechs, deciding to take a chance, reached over and snaked an arm around the
American's shoulder, pulling him as close as the seats would allow. Duo, exhausted from his
days work and from the cold, couldn't find it in him to protest, and didn't want too. Couldn't he
just allow himself this small bit of comfort in a world so cold and cruel? Even if just for a little?
That was his last thought as he drifted off into the sweet oblivion of sleep.
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