While Heero was dining atop linens and antique oak, Duo sat hunched over his marred coffee table, eating cold leftovers of a pizza from the night before. As Duo swigged from his beer bottle, Heero imbibed from crystal, tasting expensive aged wine. Relena's soft voice, caught up in conversation, had permeated the air amidst Heero and stood in stark contrast to the jarring volume of the action movie Duo was watching flash across the television screen. Everything was incredibly different for them, except their thoughts. They mused helplessly of each other. Each considered the other's muscular body, alluring eyes, wild hair, and mastery of carnal pleasures. Despite the distance, and being bound to entirely different worlds, each man sighed, rueful and sullen.
Duo stood vigilant at the press conference, his eyes shaded by sunglasses, but keenly surveying everyone in the room. He scrutinized the movements of every journalist present, their mannerisms, pace, tone, and even rate of breath. His mission brief expressed utmost caution was necessary, security could not fail.
Heero and Une entered, immediately the gathered members of press hushed. Une was clad in a standard Prevernters' uniform, while Heero wore a flawless black suit and tie. He looked irresistible to Duo, painfully so. Duo tensed, suddenly feeling unattractive in his standard slacks and jacket, feeling his uniform would not draw his Director's attention. Oddly the only thing bringing him comfort was his 9mm tucked in his holster. These days, he could only rely on the steady cold steel of his gun.
Une's stern voice announced that the new Director would answer questions. Heero approached the podium, taking a confident stance, spurring the journalists and television correspondents to clamor at the opportunity to speak.
"Do you think it is appropriate for a former terrorist and staunch colony supporter to lead such a critical organization?" One intrepid female asked, her hands tightly clutching a notepad and pen.
"If you are implying I will manipulate the Preventers for the colonies' benefit that is absurd." Heero answered calm and firm, his tone steady. He paused, and added matter-of-factly, "Are you familiar with my wife?" The press chuckled. He was exuding charm and ease, and addressing qualms flawlessly. It was not the man Duo knew, leaving him only to assume Heero had been coached by a publicist. The perfect soldier becoming a politician, it saddened Duo greatly. This calculated charade went endured for an hour, Heero never faltered. His smooth steady voice adeptly maneuvered the questions, affirmed his ability to direct the organization and protect world sphere unity.
"Director Yuy will take one more question." Une declared to the assembly of press. Duo's eyes focused on an older male, who adamantly insisted he be answered. Heero acknowledged him.
"Aren't you tempting fate, Mr. Yuy? Heero Yuy was assassinated doing what you are doing now, trying to ensure harmony between Earth and the colonies. I'm sure you have accumulated many enemies while piloting a Gundam." The male journalist seemed to delight in his question as he spoke it, craving a response, scandal, or any emotion he could exploit.
The question did not fluster Heero, his self-possession was unscathed. But Duo was struck by the words, sharply tormented by the possibility.
"Heero Yuy died acting on his conviction. His death was commendable, but his life, that is truly admirable." Heero said patient, his tone of voice hinting at some unreal utopia where even soldiers could live happy and fulfilled. Duo was mesmerized.
"You didn't answer the question." The man pressed. Une glowered, about to speak, but a small gesture from Heero's hand silenced her.
"My life has always tempted fate." Heero assured soberly, however, his eyes gleamed with a wild luster. Duo lifted his brow, regarding Heero in awe.
"Thank you." Heero addressed the crowd, concluding the press conference. Heero nonchalantly exited, proceeding alone to the elevator. Promptly Duo followed, tarrying momentarily so he would not make himself known to Heero yet. Once the elevator arrived, Duo quickly darted through the doors. Heero glared at him as he took stance by his side. Duo knew he only had a fleeting moment. Boldly he ensnared Heero's hand, holding it tightly.
"I won't let you get shot. I'll protect you." Duo whispered, rushed but sincere. Heero's facial features relaxed his anger dissipating. He regarded Duo curiously, intent on discerning any sarcasm. There was none. Only raw genuine emotion colored Duo's words which promised to protect him. Heero was struck by the intensity of the sentiment. He gripped on to Duo's hand, tenacious and tight. Duo reveled in the gesture, indulging in Heero's gaze.
The elevator chimed, signaling the floor Heero requested at been reached. Duo recoiled, removing his hand, and took several steps back, appearing as Director Yuy and Agent Maxwell. Heero exited, leaving Duo alone once more.
The day progressed, leaving Duo to reflect on their interaction, contemplating Heero's gaze. Duo had direly missed those eyes, lately he had only seen those electric blue eyes expel anger, and to be regarded pleasantly for once made Duo only lust for more. He remained at work for several hours after his shift, tackling paperwork he had been avoiding for months. The notion of going home to an empty apartment had no appeal to him. What waited for him were dirty laundry, empty pizza boxes, and porn. Instead, he wished to remain ignorantly content for a little while longer, pretending Heero would be waiting for him, sleeping in his bed. To be this happy over holding hands, Duo felt as if he was fifteen.
Shuffling the wrinkled reports, he allotted the paperwork on his desk, deciding he would file them tomorrow. Duo stood in the empty office, grabbed his uniform jacket that had been hanging on his chair, and slowly slung his arms through its sleeves as he walked. He slid his identified card though the computer by the door, clocking out. As he idly returned the card to his wallet, his eyes swept over the screen listing the employees who remained at this hour. Heero's name was present among the few. Haphazardly Duo checked his office, the door was locked, and no light crept from slight space between it and the frame. He knew where Heero was, and advanced to take the elevator to the basement which housed a small firing range.
As Duo stepped off the elevator he could hear gunfire, muffled by the extensive sound barriers in the complex. He entered the gun range slowly. Heero had removed his suit's jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white collared shirt. Duo silently stood and appreciated the view, observing Heero, immaculate, firm in stance and steady in aim, firing a 9mm like it was art.
"Shinigami." Heero scoffed and proceeded to effortlessly load another clip, and swiftly aimed the gun at Duo's chest. "I could have killed you countless times." He proclaimed. Disappointment crept over Duo's face briefly, before he feigned a careless air.
"Oh, I see. You're picking a fight, huh?" Duo mentioned his voice dull, weary of fighting as he defiantly crossed his arms. He remained undaunted under the loaded gun's barrel, even with Heero's finger upon the trigger.
"You want to fight? Then why the fuck did you marry her?" Duo spat bitterly. Heero's face twisted in indignation; suddenly he took aim at the target. Rapid gunfire reverberated in the small firing range. Heero lowered the gun, and stared at Duo menacingly.
"I wasn't going to wait for you forever." He spoke low and unwavering. Duo was morosely silent. Heero replaced the 9mm, and grabbed his overcoat, slinging it over his shoulder.
"If you think I love her the way I love you, you are an idiot." Heero affirmed detached, his focus fixed on Duo.
The words were harsh, but the sentiment remained, swaying Duo, tugging at his heartstrings, welcoming regret. Duo approached Heero slowly and shamefully, timidly embracing him tight, leaning his head on Heero's shoulder. A million words baffled his brain, rushing to his mouth, colliding, snagging on one another, leaving him hopelessly silent. Feebly, Heero wrapped his arms around Duo, dropping suit jacket. Duo was entranced in Heero's arms, momentarily elated. Duo's fingered toyed gingerly with Heero's tie, pulling on it slightly. Both lost to the moment, delighting in the familiar touch and smell of each other. Heero shifted the weight of his stance; Duo sluggishly angled his head up. Staring at each other, holding each other, Heero cautiously pushed his lips upon Duo's. Duo greedily reciprocated.
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