Genre: AU, Romance

Pairings: 1x2

Warnings: Serious fluff, sap, silliness, animals talking, adult situations, some language

A/N: I can't believe how much fun it is to write fluff. Usually I have such dark themes! Ah well, I thought I'd spoil the boys since usually I'm torturing them or causing terrible pain! Thanks so much for the reviews and encouragement so far, it really helps. I love you all!

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Chapter 2 / I want to know all your secrets

Heero was startled out of a strange dream by a wet, familiar sensation. "Mmph, Duo," he grumbled. "Ah'm dreamin'. D'ya mind?"

A sound halfway between a growl and a whine pierced the dream-like haze still controlling him. Vaguely he felt movement, then a solid weight settled on his back, pressing him deeper into the bed. It actually heightened his relaxation. Until that weight moved. He could feel Duo walking up and down his body, tromping on his legs and back, snuffling at his hair, whining, and doing it all over.

It struck Heero funny, and he started chuckling into his pillows. Quickly he couldn't take it anymore and rolled. "All right, already!" he exclaimed, grabbing the dog in a wrestler's hold. "I give, you slave-driver!"

Duo gave him a great big sloppy kiss that had him recoiling, positive Duo had drooled on him on purpose. The dog had that panting grin on his face, something Heero was by now sure was laughter. He threw his pillow, which Duo easily dodged by hopping down off the bed. Grumbling and muttering, Heero got up, pulling on his thick crushed-velvet robe.

Duo ran circles around his ankles, making little huffing noises. Yet another thing Heero loved about him. He couldn't stand barky dogs, and Duo seldom to never barked. He practically didn't have time to open the door before Duo was bolting out.

"Geez," he muttered, not closing it as he wandered into the kitchen. "Won't even let me sleep in on my days off."

Truthfully, he didn't care. Duo ran his life, knew it, and Heero had no regrets. Shuffling about, still feeling half-asleep, Heero threw together an easy breakfast, setting a bowl of milk down by the door for when Duo came back in.

His companion didn't take long. Thirty seconds later he dashed inside, nudging the door shut behind him and going straight for the milk. Heero watched him for a bit, amused and content. As soon as Duo finished he looked up, saw Heero watching him, and walked to his side, licking the hand dangling at Heero's side.

Smiling softly, Heero stroked Duo's face, tracing the lines of black amongst the chestnut-rusty-auburn. "It doesn't even make sense," he said after a moment, "how much I love you. If my coworkers knew, they'd call me crazy." He cupped Duo's muzzle in one hand, lightly rubbing the velvety fur. "You're a better friend than they are. You don't pester me to get a girlfriend or worse, get laid."

At those words Duo made the most adorable huffing noise, whole face crinkling up in disgust. It was the cutest thing Heero had ever seen. Unable to help himself, he started laughing.

"You are so cute. God, is there anything as cute as you?" Kneeling to the dog's level, he wrapped his arms around Duo's neck and hugged him tight.

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Duo waved his tail affectionately, licking Heero's ear. He heard his master's laughter, felt it reverberating in his chest. Soon Heero pushed him back, standing up to return to making breakfast. Duo sat at his feet, careful not to get in the way but always keeping them in contact. Every so often Heero would reach down and stroke the top of his head or tease his ears.

After breakfast Heero flopped out on the couch in the den, flipping on the TV and dropping the remote. Duo jumped up onto his chest, nestling comfortably down on top of him. Heero chuckled.

"What am I, your favorite pillow?" he demanded, ruffling Duo's ears.

Duo sighed contentedly. You're my favorite everything, he thought. The pair of them drifted in and out for the remainder of the morning, warm and peaceful. Duo loved doing things with Heero, but sometimes this was nice, too.

How much time passed? Duo didn't know, and he had a pretty keen internal clock. The phone ringing noisily in the kitchen startled them both to full wakefulness, and Heero groaned.

"Bloody . . ." he muttered. "Duo, be a love and go get it for me, would you?"

Duo instantly hopped to the floor, loping into the kitchen to grab the cordless off its cradle and bring it to his master. When he dropped it onto Heero's chest, he looked startled. Then he grinned.

"Smarty. Okay, one second." He put the thing to his ear. "Hello?"

Duo thought phones had to be one of the weirdest inventions. He would love to know how you could put a device to your ear and hear someone talking through it who was nowhere in sight. He watched in interest, head canting to the side. Heero noticed and grinned at him.

"Oh, Wufei. Why are you calling me on my day off? It's Saturday."

Duo's keen ears could hear what was said on the other end. "I know, but there's something . . . I had to warn you. The pink princess is coming over to surprise you."

Heero sat bolt-upright. "Shit. Aw, I really owe you one for warning me. When did she leave?"

"She just walked out the door. You probably only have about fifteen minutes to get your ass out of there."

"Double shit. Thanks, man. Gotta go!"

There was a beep, then Heero was bolting toward the bedroom. "C'mon, precious. We gotta get the hell out of here before she shows up!"

Duo had no idea who this 'pink princess' was, but he didn't want anyone interfering with his time with Heero so leaving sounded fine. He easily kept pace with Heero into the bedroom, sitting by the door. After watching Heero start dressing, he decided to help speed things up a little. Hurrying down the stairs again, he grabbed Heero's wallet and keys to his black Ford F350 truck. He loved Heero's truck. What dog wouldn't?

When he got back to the room, Heero was pulling on his shoes. He looked extremely nice, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a black tee-shirt that hugged his beautifully built torso.

When Heero saw what Duo had brought him, he smiled. "You are so smart. Okay, I'm ready. I see you want to ride in the truck today. Any place you want to go?"

Duo barked once, trotting to the door. Once he was sure Heero was following him, he dashed down to the garage. Heero was right behind him. He let Duo into the garage, opening the truck door. There was always a set of home-made steps up into it for Duo, which Duo found impossibly endearing. He could easily make the jump, but how many times had Heero fussed he didn't want his precious friend to miss and hurt himself? He climbed up and settled on the seat.

Moments later Heero backed out, and they were off. Duo couldn't contain himself. He had no idea where they were going, but he was so excited! He loved taking drives in the truck.

Heero glanced at him, wearing a perpetual smile. "Are you hot, love? Would you rather have air-conditioning or open window?"

Duo didn't care, and he got up to bounce to Heero's side, licking his face. Laughing, Heero pushed him gently aside.

"Don't walk when we're moving, precious. What if I had to stop suddenly and you got hurt? Sit still, now, there's a good boy."

Duo sat by Heero's side and laid his head on his master's lap. Heero rested a hand on his head, fingers stroking now and then.

To Duo's slight surprise, they entered the city. Heero parked his truck on the street and turned to Duo.

"Stay by my side, okay?" he said, scratching Duo's chin. "I don't want you to get hit by a car or something. I only need to grab a few things, then we can go."

Duo licked Heero's hand to show him he understood and would obey. He didn't fancy getting hit by a car, either. Heero got out and came around to let Duo out. Lightly jumping down to the sidewalk, he shook a bit. Heero locked his truck and set off.

As they walked, Duo was very aware of the attention they garnered. Feeling like showing Heero off, Duo purposefully lengthened his stride, letting his tail flow easily behind him, ears alert and eyes keen. Every so often a hand would reach down to touch him as it passed, but he always swerved out of reach with a little growl. Every time this happened Heero stroked his head.

Duo recognized where they were. Heero walked into the vet's office, holding the door for Duo. He glided in, pausing to look at his master. He wondered why they were here. Heero did bring him in for a periodic checkup, but he'd already had one less than two months ago.

Heero gave him a brief, reassuring smile before heading up to the desk. The girl behind it, smiled. "Hello, Mister Yuy," she greeted him, "and Duo. You're both looking very handsome today. What brings you here?"

"I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd come by and buy a new package of heartworm meds," Heero said. "I have one left, but I need to kill a little time."

She nodded. "You got it. How's he doing?"

"Great," Heero said, looking down at Duo.

Duo could hear the mixture of pride, satisfaction, and love in his master's voice. He nuzzled Heero's hand, receiving a tickling caress in reply.

Hilde smiled. "Here you go. Anything else?"

"Yes. Would you mind looking at his paws for me? Just check the pads over?"

Duo blinked, surprised. What was Heero worried about now? He was pretty sure his paws were fine.

The girl's smile widened into a grin. "Of course. You take him down to the beach again?"

"Yes. He had fun. We both did."

She came around the desk, approaching Duo slowly. She always did. Everyone in this office did, because it was well known Duo didn't like people. He wasn't a mean dog, but he was quite aggressive with anyone but Heero.

Heero laid his hand on Duo's head. "Sit, love," he murmured. "Just let her, hn?"

Huffing a bit, letting Heero know he thought this was silly, Duo obeyed and sat, letting Hilde take his paw in her hand and gently inspect the pad. It felt strange, borderline unpleasant to have the sensitive pads touched.

Hilde frowned after the first one. "Hmm, they feel a little dry—there is some cracking. Do you want me to go get Doctor Winner?"

"Please."

She stood up, nodding, and disappeared into the back. Heero stroked Duo's ears, gazing down into his eyes. Duo didn't break contact, wondering what his master was thinking.

"You think I'm being a little ridiculous?" Heero said softly. "Maybe so. But you're the most important thing to me, and I don't want anything to happen to you."

Well, how could he be annoyed after hearing such a sweet confession? Duo licked Heero's hand, willing to do anything at all to make Heero happy. I love you so much. Tonight. I'm going to tell you my secret tonight, Heero. I promise.

Doctor Quatre Winner came out a minute later. He wore his traditional smile. Duo didn't like people, but this man was one of those he could tolerate.

"Welcome back, Heero," he said. "How's Duo today? Hilde said you were worried about his paw pads?"

"Yeah," Heero said.

"Let's get him to the back and I'll check them over," Quatre said. "You went to the beach yesterday?"

"Yeah. He was playing down on the rocks and sand, and . . ."

"I know the rest," Quatre said with a little chuckle. "I really wish everyone fussed over their pets like you do. There wouldn't be so many mistreated animals in the world."

"Companion," Heero corrected.

Another thing Duo loved him for. Heero did not consider Duo his property. He waited patiently while Heero lifted him up onto the table. He would sit still for the vet, but he would not let the man lift him. That was way too vulnerable a position, and only Heero was allowed to put him in it.

Quatre gently lifted on paw and carefully inspected the pad. "Hmm, Hilde was right. They do look a little dry. This cracking would be commonplace on any other dog, but you fuss and spoil him so much it's not the case with him. I'll give you something to rub into his paws at night. It'll help. Other than that, how is he?"

"Excellent," Heero said, picking Duo up again and giving him a little squeeze before setting him on the ground. "Thanks again for recommending the diet he's on now. He has even more energy—which he didn't need—and his coat practically glows."

Quatre smiled. "I've never seen a dog with such a beautifully healthy sheen. Oh, sure, I've seen dogs that are treated well. But you, Heero, you take the cake in the spoiling department. I love it, so don't ever change."

Heero snorted. "Not likely."

Duo pushed his nose into Heero's hand, almost feeling overwhelmed with happiness. He was so, so lucky. And did he ever know it.

Heero paid for the things while Quatre gave him a little instruction. "Put that oil on his paws only at night, when you're ready for bed. Do you still let him sleep on your bed?"

"Of course," Heero said with a little shrug. "Otherwise he doesn't sleep."

"Why did I even ask. Do you need anything else?"

"Not for now. The pink horror herself was coming over to my place. Wufei called me to warn me, that's why I'm here."

"Ah," Quatre said, nodding. He looked sympathetic. "I understand. That woman can't seem to take a hint."

Heero snorted. "Short of pushing her off a cliff, you're right. I'd been meaning to come down here soon anyway, so I figured why not today. How are your sisters?"

"Fine," Quatre said with a docile smile. "They come by here all the time harassing me about you. They seem to be madly in love with your dog, so they always want to know when you're gonna be here."

Duo saw his master roll his eyes. "When will they learn Duo doesn't like them fussing? No, he doesn't like them." He sighed. "Women."

"They're a troublesome species," Quatre agreed. "I understand why you spend so much time with Duo."

Heero made a peculiar face Duo had never seen before. He gazed curiously up at his master, ears perked. He gave a soft huff and Heero reached down to stroke his ears.

"All right, we're going. Thanks again, Quatre."

"You're welcome. Don't be a stranger. Just come in and visit sometime. Hilde's crazy about Duo."

"All the females are," Heero said with a tiny frown. Glancing down at Duo, he smiled. "Such a chick-magnet, my little love. Let's go. I'm taking you somewhere special today."

"Heero," Quatre said, grabbing his arm, "I have something for you. It's some information on the city's dog show this summer. I think you should enter Duo. He's a brilliant dog, and so damn beautiful you should show him off. I think he could make it far."

Heero accepted the pamphlet with a thoughtful expression. Duo looked up at him, cocking his head. A dog show, huh? He didn't know much about those things, but if it was a chance to make Heero look good . . .

Heero gazed down at Duo for a moment, nibbling his lower lip. "Thanks," he said presently, stuffing the pamphlet in his pocket. "I'll think about it."

"Sure," the veterinarian said. "Have fun today. Keep Heero out of trouble, Duo."

The dog cast the man a baleful look. Of course he would.