Genre: AU, Romance
Pairings: 1x2
Warnings: Serious fluff, sap, silliness, animals talking, adult situations, some language
Disclaimer: Forgot it in the first chapter, so here it is. Don't own nothin' but these words!
A/N: Okay, some of you may be wondering why chapter 2 was entitled the way it was. I really planned to get to the plot, but I was having so much fun writing random, pointless fluff that I never got around to it! So I'll try to focus in this chapter. Heh, it is soooo fun to make Heero a total fussy worrywart. It cracks me up! Hope you guys are having as much fun reading this as I am writing it!
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Chapter 3 / Everything about youThe mountain trail this time of year was lush and so, so green. Heero watched it trek up into the mountains with a slight smile. It had been at least three months since he'd taken Duo hiking. I might be getting too caught up in work. Maybe I've been neglecting him.
This particular trail ended at a sub-alpine lake. It was a three-mile trail one way, and because of the sheer amount of trails in these mountains it was easy to walk the entire way up without seeing another soul.
Shouldering his new pack, he glanced down at Duo who was sitting quietly at his feet. "You ready to go?" he asked.
The German Shepherd stood up immediately, panting and looking excited. Heero smiled, running his fingers along Duo's velvet-soft ears.
"Of course you are. Don't stray too far from me, and when you get thirsty just let me know."
It was a very minor source of annoyance that he'd had to buy a few things he already had, like a new water bowl for Duo. He hadn't taken the time to grab anything from the house before fleeing earlier. Not like he was even slightly hurting for money, and not like he minded spending it on Duo, but he was still annoyed at the woman who'd disrupted their day.
Then again, maybe I should be thanking her. I hadn't planned on taking Duo here this weekend, and I can tell he's happy. He smiled a bit.
Relena Darlian Peacecraft. All by itself, the name was annoying. Who needed such a long, pretentious name? The woman who wore the name outdid it by far. Obsequious, rich, condescending, self-centered, and conceited, she seemed to believe she was the best thing that ever had or ever could happen to Heero Yuy.
He couldn't stand her. But as the daughter of the man who owned the impressive company Heero worked part-time for, he couldn't always avoid her. She loved to ambush him. This was, however, the first time she'd ever gone to his house.
I didn't even know she knew where I lived. Stupid witch. Maybe I should 'accidentally' back over her in the parking lot sometime.
Heero absently watched Duo chase a squirrel across the trail. With a little sigh he decided it was time to do something about her. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what her reaction to Duo would be. She would freak out, exclaiming over his 'pretty dog,' Duo would be startled, aggressive, angry, and probably bite her damn arm off. Personally, Heero thought she deserved it. But the consequences of her actions would most likely wind up in Duo's certain end.
I should just flat-out tell her I loathe and despise her and think she's lower than toilet scum. She might whine to Daddy and he might fire me, but so what. I don't need the job.
Duo ran across the trail in front of him again, pausing to sniff a bright yellow slug. Heero found himself wondering idly what slugs smelled like. Does slime have a smell? If it did, slugs embody that smell. I'm sure of it.
He absently realized he hadn't brought his cell-phone with him. Not like it mattered. He wouldn't get hurt, and even if he did Duo could lick his wounds for him. That actually might be kinda nice . . .
I should focus. My thoughts are getting pretty strange. Actually, I'm not really thinking at all. Maybe that's the problem.
"Duo," he called. "Go find a log and some vines so I can hook a sled up to you and you can pull me up to the lake, huh?"
Duo stopped in his romping, pausing to look at Heero. Heero had to laugh at the look on the dog's face. It was a contemplative look, as if he couldn't decide whether his guardian was serious or not.
"I'm just kidding, love," he said. "Though you certainly have enough energy. Come on, run beside me for awhile."
Duo bounded to his side, tail waving in graceful sweeps as he loped alongside Heero who began to jog. He knew he could easily run all the way up to the lake, turn around and run right back down. He was in excellent shape, and he'd never really had a reason to appreciate it before Duo. The dog had so much energy Heero needed all the help he could get to keep up.
They made it past the mile-and-a-half marker when Heero slowed to a stop. "Duo, stop precious. Come here. You need to have a drink. It's pretty warm out here."
Duo stopped by his feet and waited while Heero filled his water bowl. Heero watched him drink, pleased to note Duo didn't drink fast and eagerly. Good. He hadn't let him get too dehydrated.
"Good boy," he praised softly, stroking the silky fur down Duo's back. He took a drink himself, then packed the Evian bottles and bowl back up. Once more they set off down the trail.
He jogged the rest of the way up to the lake. Heero could see people dotting the shores here and there, but for the most part they were alone. He jogged to the water and took off his shoes and socks, plunging his feet in the cool liquid. His feet weren't particularly sore, but it felt good. He dropped his pack and splashed around.
It didn't take Duo long to find him and imitate him. Looking up at him with adoring eyes, Duo danced around Heero's ankles, tail waving, barking just a little. Their antics attracted the eyes of the others close enough to hear, but Heero ignored them.
Dragging himself away from the lake, Heero settled down on the grass. He quickly sat up, noticing Duo lowering his head toward the water.
"Duo," he called, "come here. Come on, precious, get out of there. Don't drink that."
Looking for all the world like he was pouting, Duo obediently raised his head and trotted toward him. Heero kissed the top of his muzzle and quickly gave him some water. Duo lapped it up a little faster, so Heero gave him some more.
Satisfied his companion had gotten enough, Heero laid down to soak up a little sun. Barely thirty seconds later Duo jumped on him, mauling him. Laughing, Heero pushed him off.
"Lemme be lazy, mutt!"
Panting in that way Heero knew was laughter, Duo loped off.
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When they got home that night, the sun was lingering on the horizon, splashing the last of its rays across the sky in orange, blue, purple, and pink. Duo was so tired he felt like his legs were made of lead. He'd probably run the equivalent of fifty miles today. It had been so long since Heero had taken him to the mountains he'd run all over, excited and curious and almost insanely happy.
For once he was glad of the steps out of the truck. He climbed down and followed Heero into the house, feeling in a daze. He was glad they'd already eaten dinner, because he was too tired to do anything right now.
As soon as they were in the bedroom, Duo jumped onto the bed and crashed. He didn't even lay down so much as fall down. He was mostly asleep when Heero emerged from the bathroom, showered and ready for bed.
The sounds of Heero rummaging around didn't make him stir. Then he felt something cool and oily being rubbed into his paws. Grunting softly, he lifted his head when the sweet scent hit his nose.
He'd forgotten about the oil Heero had bought at the vet's. It actually felt very good, being rubbed into his slightly sore paws. Offering a soft moan of pleasure, he flopped back over. Dimly he heard Heero chuckle.
All four of his paws received the same treatment. Duo had just worked himself into a cognizant-enough state to get up, intent on showing Heero his secret when Heero's strong, clever hands dug into his fur. With the first application of pressure Duo's will collapsed. In moments Heero's massaging fingers chased him into deep sleep.
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It was the heat that eventually drove Duo into wakefulness. His body felt heavy, so it took what felt like forever to come fully awake. When he did he was surprised to find himself alone on the bed. Usually he woke up before Heero. Growling in annoyance, he jumped off the bed.
Well, I meant to tell Heero last night. Damn him for thinking I needed relaxing, anyway!
His nose informed him Heero was in the kitchen. Glancing at the clock, he noticed it was past noon. I really wore myself out last night.
Trotting down into the kitchen, he bumped his head against Heero's leg. His master looked down at once, smiling and stroking his face. Duo licked his hand once, then he backed up and sat in the doorway. Heero continued making lunch.
Duo barked, just once. Heero turned, looking a little startled. Duo immediately stood up, backing into the hallway. Frowning, Heero turned off the stove and followed Duo, who felt a flash of gratitude. Heero was going to make this as easy as it could possibly be. As he padded into the den, his heart started to pound.
"Duo," Heero said, sounding concerned, "what's wrong, precious? What is it?"
Duo sat down in the middle of the floor, facing Heero. His heart raced wildly, and he took several deep breaths to calm himself. Making sure his master was still watching him, he lowered his head and concentrated.
By now, it was easy. Duo was old enough that he no longer had to struggle with it. It happened quicker, smoother. In moments he was kneeling on the floor, trembling ever-so-slightly, naked, chestnut-auburn hair cascading down all around him.
-
Heero watched Duo sit on the floor in the den, wondering if something was bothering him. He was just about to try asking the dog again when Duo lowered his head and . . . changed.
It happened very fast. One moment, he was sitting there looking like his usual beautiful self, fur coat gleaming faintly in the light. Then he was gone, and in his place on hands and knees was a . . . boy.
-
Oh hoh, a cliff-hanger! What will happen next?! Honestly, I have no idea.
Heero: Baka.
He's so mean to me. I'm going to have him fall and break his leg.
Duo: Don't do that! Heero, apologize before she hurts you!
Heero: Hn.
I'll take that as a "I'm so sorry, please forgive me Jewel-sama!"
Heero: Baka.