Duo stirred. Slumber softly waned, retracting to allow the morning light infiltrate his senses. His naked limbs were tangled in the sheets. He was warm, but the light penetrating the windows was low. Gray clouds still dominated the sky, entrapping the bitter cold from the night before. He sat up and stretched animatedly. A smile plastered over his lips as he recalled were he was and whose bed he had slept in. His eyes swept over the mattress' span, Heero was gone. Duo lifted his brow curiously, but immediately frowned. The apartment was silent; the absence of sound hinted to Duo's disappointment, that he was alone.
He fell back into in the pillows, and groaned. Surely Heero would return, and Duo had no intention of leaving. Flicking his eyes to the alarm clock, the time was a little past seven a.m. Duo winced, and pinched his eyes closed. This was a vacation of sorts for him, probably the closest thing he had ever had to one. He fully intended to sleep in, and hopefully be awoken by Heero's lips. Duo grinned widely, considering how nice that would be.
Sleep had nearly claimed him when he heard the clamor of Heero's cell phone vibrating on the top of his dresser. He opened one eye abruptly, his face contorted in distaste, cursing the horrid noise. Sluggishly, He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and shuffled his feet over the floor to the dresser. Quickly he snatched the phone from the wooden surface. It still vibrated in his hand; he studied the phone. The outside screen read that the call was from Relena. Duo furrowed his brow, and thought anyone who would call this early in the morning was cruel.
Then came a sudden and dire urge to answer it, he clutched the phone tightly. Yeah, Duo mused, that wouldn't be insanely jealous. He replaced the now silent phone on the dresser's surface and emitted an exaggerated sigh. Duo climbed back into bed, throwing the covers over his head. The thought that Relena would contact Heero so early gnawed at him. But the sheets were still laced with Heero's scent, which comforted him.
The chill in the air assaulted Heero's bare skin, reddening his legs and cheeks. He sped dangerously fast over the wet sidewalks, often iced. He wore a hooded sweat-shirt, loose shorts, and sneakers, having the hood to over his head to provide a scant protection for his ears. The thick cotton over his chest entrapped the heat radiating off his torso. His breath was rapid, clouding before his face in fleeting spurts. His legs muscles seared in a pleasant pain as they rapidly propelled his body over the sidewalk span.
Distractedly he maneuvered the cityscape. His mind was locked in a stark brood; his body was on auto-pilot. Heero was unable to purge Duo from his thoughts, his thickly sweet voice, his absurd hair, and his lanky body. Heero had no strategy for his man, no clear plan of action. He could not anticipate what await him at his apartment. Would they engage in sex? If so, Heero guessed he needed to purchase condoms. He envisioned Duo denude upon his bed. But he could not delight in his fantasy.
Abruptly his foot skidded upon the slick pavement, shooting his foot forward. He faltered, and quickly attempted to replace his footing. It was futile. Violently Heero fell, scraping his legs over the damp harsh cement. Heero lay in a crumpled mess on the sidewalk. He felt no embarrassment; idly he placed a palm on the cold sidewalk and effortlessly pushed himself up. A dull pain spread over his shin, the skin had been grazed and had started to drip blood. Standing upright, he surveyed the wound. Heero needed to gain his composure. He lifted his eyes, and marveled at the gray haze above him. He could not determine if he was acting so preoccupied because what occurred the night before, or if it was solely Duo's effect.
The pain was inconsequential to him, only a subtle nagging sensation as he continued his run. After completing several more city blocks he slowed his pace into a steady walk. Heero had already considered picking up breakfast for Duo and himself before; there was a diner a few minutes from his apartment. Yet while he trekked over to the eatery, he past a convenience store that had just opened for the day. He tarried before the storefront, idling momentarily before deciding to enter. Nonchalantly he entered and selected a box of condoms and lubrication, setting them on the counter before the clerk. She eyed Heero as he retrieved his wallet from the front pocket of his sweat-shirt. After announcing the price, she uttered perturbed, "You're bleeding."
"I know." Heero replied evenly. She took the money from his hand, and hesitantly returned his change. Indifferently Heero grabbed the plastic bag from the counter and exited.
Duo awoke at the sound of the front door being shut. Blinking a few times before opening his eyes, he was surprised that he had fallen back asleep. His head was still hidden under the blankets; his warm breath surrounded his features. Lethargically he removed his body from the mattress. He could hear Heero shuffling around and the distinct noise of plastic bags being agitated. Quickly Duo found his t-shirt and pulled it over his head, disheveling his already messy hair. Self-assuredly Duo traipsed down the hallway.
He found Heero placing containers of food on the kitchen table; boldly Duo approached him from behind, and ensnared Heero in his arms. He yanked the hood of Heero's sweatshirt down, and imposed his lips on the nape of Heero's neck.
"Mornin'" Duo happily spoke. Heero turned to face Duo, his brow was lifted curiously. Duo smirked, and kissed him firmly. Heero swiped his hand over Duo's back, emitting a faint humming sound. Causally Duo broke the embrace, and sat at the table. Smiling as he opened the cardboard container, hungry for a hearty and savory breakfast. He discovered a selection of fruit and egg whites. The dissatisfaction was evident on his face.
"Tell me this one is yours?" Duo spoke lowly as he turned to regard Heero. His eyes glimpsing Heero's legs, the skin reddened and grated. The wound had stopped bleeding, yet blood had seeped down his leg, soaking his sock. Duo furrowed his brow, and inquired, "Now just what were you doing this early in the morning?"
Heero overlooked Duo's concern and proceeded to sit, opening his take-out container. Delicately Heero began to eat and drink. He finally felt impelled to reply upon noticing Duo had not touched his meal. Flicking his eyes to meet Duo's gaze, Heero answered spiritless, "I was running. I fell."
Duo smirked and shook his head from side to side. Heero spoke so frankly and unimaginative, it either frustrated Duo or greatly amused him, sometimes both. Duo finally joined Heero and began to eat.
"Your lady friend called you." Duo opined between bites. "I mean, who calls people this early?"
"Did you answer it?" Heero asked evenly. Duo laughed, almost wanting to admit that he thought about it.
"Oh no, I wouldn't want Miss Relena getting ideas in her head." Duo uttered entertained. But he was suddenly struck by what he had said. The idea of his co-workers at the shop knowing that he was blowing Heero made him wince.
"She knows." Heero said before sipping from his coffee. Duo's mouth fell slightly ajar, and he nervously scratched his head.
"Wow. I didn't take you for the gossiper." Duo muttered, mustering a smile. They finished their meals in an agreeable silence. Afterwards Duo made motions to clean up. After gulping down the rest of his coffee, Duo announced, "Now let me bandage you up before you bleed all over the place."
Heero balked at the idea, but Duo adamantly insisted, directing Heero to the bathroom. He smacked down the lid to the toilet and with his hands on Heero's shoulders urged him to sit upon it. Duo loudly rifled through the cabinet under the sink, locating antiseptic, a box of non-stick pads, and gauze, setting it all at Heero's feet. He grabbed a wash cloth, and placed the cloth under a stream of warm water. Deftly he rung out the excess water, and knelt before Heero. Gingerly he daubed at the wound, cleaning the dried blood and dirt from Heero's leg. Heero was amazed by the delicacy of Duo's hands. Before applying the stinging antiseptic Duo looked up at Heero and smiled. To utter a warning seemed foolish considering everything Heero's body had ensured, he was more than confident Heero could take some mild discomfort. It only took moments for Duo to expertly dress the flesh-wound.
"There." Duo proclaimed proudly. He gathered the items and replaced them. Eyeing his reflection in the shower, Duo asked, "Can I take a shower?"
Heero outstretched his hand, and abruptly pulled Duo into his lap.
"You may." Heero spoke lowly into Duo's ear. Softly Heero kissed him. Duo grinned, and lightly bit down on Heero's lip, pulling away, breaking the contact of their mouths. Duo leaned back slightly and began to release his hair from its braid. Roughly he combed his hands through his hair, shaking the kinks out from being bound for so long. Heero marveled at seeing Duo's hair free. Setting his hand on the top of Duo's head, he mussed the long locks, jarring Duo's head. Duo frowned and recoiled.
"Hey- quit it." Duo groaned, before jumping off Heero's lap. Heero stood as Duo began to undress. The sound of running water crept out the bathroom door as Heero walked down the hall to his bedroom. Heero grabbed his cell phone, Relena had indeed called. Without checking the voicemail she left, Heero sent her a message that read: He's still here.
Oh, how I enjoy the details. Again thanks for all previous reviews.