Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing. The following is an intellectual exercise with no intention of profit. That said, these characterizations, words, and situations are mine. Please ask before reprinting.
A/N: This fic will feature several different pairings - and probably not the ones that you expect after a first glance. This is told in third person POV, but it will switch to different characters with each chapter. While not a crossover, I definitely want to acknowledge that the TV series, "Dirty Sexy Money" and the movie Two Weeks Notice both influenced me to write this. I would appreciate any feedback, whether it be negative or positive, criticism or lavish praise. Lavish praise preferred.
A Little Less Normal
Chapter XII
Thirty was looming ever closer, and Duo forced himself not to think about the milestone birthday on Saturday. Tried to force himself, but ended up failing miserably.
When he and Heero had been younger they had each listed off what they wanted to accomplish before they turned thirty – which, at the age of ten, had seemed like the end of their lives. Duo barely remembered the lists they had assembled. He knew that they had both wanted to be professional athletes, but of course, that wasn't in the cards for either of them. But the rest of the list completely eluded him. He had started thinking about it on Monday, but by Wednesday he was no closer to remembering. Eventually, he gave in and went to find Heero.
Predictably his older brother was in his office, buried in paperwork. Duo took a minute to look at the mess before he spoke. Heero was scowling, and if his eyes had been guns, the papers in front of him would be dead. It was times like this that Duo wondered why Heero bothered with this. For Duo, this was what nearly every minute felt like – and he couldn't wait until his time here was done every day. But for Heero – surely there was something about it he enjoyed? Why else would he torture himself like this.
"Hey," he finally spoke up.
Heero looked up and Duo actually saw his shoulders slump. He fought the urge to roll his eyes or start screaming. He knew that Heero and Ralph had not, despite initial appearances, hit it off. Heero had said nothing to him, but the fact that Ralph had called Duo yesterday to apologize and beg him not to let what happened with Heero affect their personal relationship put Duo on the alert. Duo wasn't sure what had happened, but it had obviously been a disaster. And it seemed that Heero was still head over heels for Trowa.
Which wouldn't be an issue, if Duo wasn't also crazy about the idiot. He sighed.
"You remember when we were kids – like ten – and made those stupid lists of things to do before we were thirty?"
Heero frowned as he concentrated, and Duo took the opening to enter the office and sit down.
"Not really. I'm pretty sure we both missed the mark on just about everything. I never played first base for the Yankees." Heero smiled ruefully.
"Yeah, and I never became the next Agasi. But – I know there was like a ton of stuff. I just don't remember what it was."
"Nothing important. Stupid things – wait, I think you said something about wanting to visit every country in the world."
"Missed the mark on that one too," Duo muttered.
"And… well, here's one you did. Remember that you wanted to break into the Louvre and see the underground storage?"
Duo couldn't help but chuckle. "And the summer I was fifteen we were in Paris and you dared me to do it."
"And you did, you crazy bastard. You almost got yourself killed, too."
"Mother was so pissed – and Dad – jeez, he went through the roof. It was worth it, though." Duo grinned as he recalled the rooms of treasures he had only caught a glimpse of before being apprehended.
"Any regrets?" Heero asked.
"Huh?"
"Well, you turn thirty in four days. Neither of us remember the list that well, but it's safe to say that you didn't get much on it accomplished."
"Yeah. I dunno. That's what I've been thinking about this week. I mean – if I had turned thirty last year, it would have been great. I would have said that I was exactly on track in my life."
"Your five year plan." Heero taunted.
"Hey, don't knock it. It was a good plan."
"Was?"
"Yeah, well, kind of had to take a detour, you know?"
"No. You've just mixed up the order a little. You've got the kid – and you finished renovating the Brownstones. Now you just need a husband and a dog. No one ever said you had to do it in a certain order."
Duo knew that Heero genuinely loved him, but it was still rare that Heero showed that affection by offering him comfort or wisdom. Their relationship was simply too complicated.
"I hadn't thought about it like that," Duo admitted.
"Well, no one ever accused you of being the smart one," Heero murmured, back to his old self.
Duo rolled his eyes.
"Yeah well, thanks, bro. Oh – I forgot. I need you to pick up Nat and take her to Mother's for dinner tonight."
"Why can't you?"
"I've got a dinner meeting with Zechs Merquise."
"What?" It wasn't just confusion in Heero's face. There was definitely anger.
"Chill. I told you I'd been looking into some of our subsidiaries and wasn't impressed with their PR. Merquise is looking to move into the US market, and I've seen the work he's done for some mega-companies overseas. I think he could be an essential tool in rebranding us as a company that cares about sustainability. And to do that we need to start from the ground up –"
"Not him," Heero interrupted just as Duo started to get going.
"What? Why not? He's amazing – his company is amazing."
"Trowa worked for him."
"Yes… again, another good sign."
"It's not – I don't want him involved with this company."
Duo frowned.
"I'm missing something here, like a legitimate reason not to meet with one of the biggest names in the PR business."
Heero scowled. "Fine – meet with him. But I want to be involved in any decisions about this."
"Okay, sure thing. I mean, I can handle this on my own – and your plate is already overflowing. But if you want to be a part of it, sure. I'll keep you in the loop." Duo paused and let both of them calm down. "So, will you take Nat over to Mother's?"
"Yes."
"Thanks – and make sure she brings her overnight bag."
"She's spending the night?"
"Yes. I swear to God, Mother would adopt Nat herself if I hadn't done it first. I'm actually kind of jealous – the kid is getting way more attention from her than we ever did."
"Maybe she always wanted a girl," Heero mused.
"That's what I figure. Anyway, I'm off to mope about getting old and try to do some more work."
Heero nodded absently, already absorbed in his paperwork again.
Duo left the office and closed the door behind him. As he turned, he ran into Trowa.
"Sorry." They apologized at the same time. Duo helped pick up the stack of papers that had gone flying in their collision.
This close, Duo could smell Trowa's aftershave, and he was irritated by the sudden surge of desire he felt just at the scent of him. As Duo handed back a few papers, their hands touched.
"Fuck," Duo muttered and practically threw the papers back at Trowa.
It had been two weeks since Trowa had ended their relationship, and Duo had managed to spend most of that time avoiding the other man. But now they were alone and Duo's fingers itched to hold Trowa.
"Duo."
From the look in Trowa's green eyes, he wasn't alone in his sudden desire to fuck the other man in a public hallway.
He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes. He tried to force his breathing to even out and the mental images of Trowa's naked body to retreat. It didn't work.
"Trowa, I have to touch you. I literally might go insane if I don't."
"Do you have to do it with your eyes closed?"
Duo opened his eyes and found that Trowa was standing again, papers neatly organized, looking down at him with amusement.
Duo stood as well. There were only a few inches separating them, but as Duo looked into Trowa's eyes it suddenly felt like miles.
"I thought we were done," Duo muttered. He reached out and traced Trowa's lips with his thumb.
"I can't stop thinking about you," Trowa confessed.
"Then why the hell are you avoiding me?" Duo demanded. Of course, the avoidance hadn't been one sided – but that wasn't the issue under discussion.
"You don't need me."
"The hell I don't." Duo closed the distance between them and kissed Trowa, trying to inject all of his anger and desire into the gesture. Trowa's mouth immediately opened under his and their tongues fought for control. Duo was dimly aware of Trowa dropping his papers again as the other man pulled him closer. Duo wrapped one hand around the back of Trowa's neck and the other found his waist under his jacket, close enough to feel the heat of Trowa's body.
"Stop." Trowa was pulling away, but Duo refused to let go. He tilted his head back and glared up at him.
"What now?"
" You need a partner, Duo. You've got dreams and plans."
"You can be part of those. And yeah, I want a partner. Why the hell can't that be you?"
"I'm not right. I'm not good enough for you."
"Quatre Winner really fucked you over, didn't he?"
Trowa pulled away completely now, and Duo let him.
"No, he didn't. Quatre –"
"Is amazing? Right? Your only plan was to spend the rest of your life with him? Yeah, you mentioned that before." Duo ran a hand through his hair again, not caring that he was likely making a mess of it. He had been replaying Trowa's rant for the last two weeks, and he felt no closer to knowing what Trowa actually meant when he said he wasn't good enough to be with Duo. Something kept tugging his attention back to Quatre Winner, however, and he was convinced that Trowa was either still in love with him, or that the man had ruined Trowa's life so completely that he couldn't move on. Or both.
Trowa started to say something, but stopped himself.
"Yeah. Okay. So – just to be clear on this – are you planning on running back to him when you get the chance or are you going to spend the rest of your life, miserable, without him?"
Trowa was scowling as he knelt to pick up the twice-spilled papers.
Duo sighed and bent to help him.
"I just don't understand you. You obviously want me – is this just sex? You don't want a relationship? Don't want to deal with Nat? I don't get it."
"You're amazing, Nat's amazing. It's not you." Trowa finished gathering the papers, took the stack Duo held, and stood again. Duo also straightened. "We just need to put this behind us. Forget it ever happened."
Duo snorted. "Yeah, how's that working out for you?"
"About as well as any of my plans ever do," Trowa said. He sighed. "I need to go."
"Yeah, don't let me keep you. Hey – maybe it is me, you know. Maybe you should, you know, give it a go with Heero." It was petty and cruel – both to himself and to Trowa, but the words were out before Duo could help himself.
Trowa winced and Duo felt a stab of regret and self-loathing. Without another word, Trowa turned and went into Heero's office.
"Fucking moron," Duo scolded himself as he went back to his own office.
He buried himself in work for the rest of the day, trying to put all thoughts of his birthday, Trowa, and Heero out of his mind. He worked later than usual, until seven, before cleaning up and preparing to meet Zechs Merquise for dinner.
The fact that Heero was so against working with the other man just made Duo all that more interested in the meeting. He knew it was petty, but Heero's disapproval actually spurred him on at times.
Duo arrived at the Firebird just a few minutes before eight, and easily found Zechs waiting at the small bar area. The man certainly knew how to make an impression, and he definitely stood out from the crowd. Zechs' pale blonde hair was just as long as Duo's own hair, but the man wore it loose, as if daring anyone to comment on it. The fact that he was over six feet tall and his body was lean and muscled meant that comments were likely few are far between. He was dressed in a light gray suit and a thin, modish black tie.
"Hey," Duo called out as he approached.
Zechs looked up from his drink and smirked slightly.
"Mr. Maxwell."
"Call me Duo." He held out a hand and Zechs shook it, his grip firm and quick.
"Then please, call me Zechs."
Duo nodded and then turned to smile at the hostess.
"Right this way, Duo," she said with a smirk of her own.
Once they were seated and had ordered drinks – water for Duo and a scotch for Zechs – Duo folded his hands on the table and leaned forward.
"Okay, so business meetings over dinner aren't my strong suit. I love eating, and I hate business, so…if it's okay with you, let's get the business part of the night out of the way as quickly as possible."
Zechs looked amused.
"Very well. As I understand it, you aren't satisfied with your current PR representatives and you are looking to rebrand Yuy Inc. My company has the history, influence, and talent to do that successfully and tastefully."
"My thoughts exactly. Trouble is, Heero isn't convinced you're the right company for the job."
"Hm. His objections?"
"Hard to say. Here's what I figure – I'd like to give you some data on a few of our subsidiaries. From that, I'd like you – or your people, I guess – to work up a few mock ad campaigns. I'll look over those, discuss them with my brother, and we'll go from there."
"Logical."
"Right, so all that's left is to discuss your fee."
"No fee needed. My company has done things on spec before, this will be no different. Besides, if this relationship works – I'll expect a very healthy bonus."
Duo chuckled. "Alright, sounds good. So, now that that's out of the way, we can enjoy some excellent food!"
The meal was actually pleasant. The Firebird was one of Duo's favorite restaurants, and Zechs turned out to be an excellent conversationalist. They spent a great deal of time discussing art, music, and eventually found their way to discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the European Union.
They had finished their meal and were drinking coffee when the hostess brought out a slice of chocolate cake with a single lit candle in the center. Duo groaned as she sat it in front of him.
"Happy birthday, Duo!" She said.
"You're a few days early – and being reminded of how old I'm getting isn't going to encourage me to tip well."
She winked.
"You say that every year, and yet… here you are again!" She walked away and Duo shook his head.
"How old are you getting?" Zechs asked with a smirk.
"I turn thirty on Saturday." Duo looked at the cake and shook his head in disgust. "You know, this is going to taste amazing, and while I have no problem eating it on my own, I'd feel guilty. Want to split it with me?"
"It does look delicious," Zechs agreed.
"Excellent." Duo used his fork to cut the slice in half and took the smaller piece for himself.
"I remember turning thirty," Zechs mused.
"When was that? Last year?"
"No, five years ago. I remember it felt like such a milestone at the time, but… it's remarkable how little actually changed. Just another year gone by."
"I guess so, but I might have attached some anxiety to it myself. See, I've got this five year plan – which I always planned to implement starting when I turned thirty. So, now the countdown's begun."
"And what exactly does this plan entail?" Zechs asked with a smirk.
"The usual, I guess. Get married, start a family. Get a dog."
"You've waited until you were thirty to get a dog?"
"It's not – never mind. But, anyway, I've had this plan for years – and the closer I get to thirty, the more I realize just how crazy it is. I mean, I've adopted a kid already, on my own – and she's great. But I'm not even dating anyone, so the rest seems a bit ridiculous."
"How on earth is someone as remarkable as you single?" There was both heat and amusement in Zechs' eyes.
Duo shrugged. "Any number of reasons." He shrugged. "It's strange – but I've actually never been dating someone during my birthday."
"Well, that's fortunate."
Duo frowned. "How so?"
"You've got these big plans coming up – sounds like this is your last chance to do something reckless before you try to find someone to settle down with."
Duo studied the man across from him, taking in the lust in Zechs' eyes and the smirk on his full lips. He was handsome, intelligent, and even though everything about him seemed to be faintly mocking Duo, it was also obvious that he was attracted to him. He wasn't someone that Duo would ever consider dating, true, but he seemed like an ideal candidate for some reckless behavior.
"You might have a point. It's been a while since I've done something incredibly reckless. Still – as reckless as I might be feeling, I'm not interested in damaging a potential business relationship."
"I'm quite confident that there won't be any damage done to our relationship," Zechs said with a smirk.
"In that case, want to get out of here?" Duo winked and Zechs chuckled.
"My hotel isn't too far from here," Zechs said, and there was a low growl in his voice that made Duo shiver in anticipation.
The cab ride to Zechs' hotel was filled with tension. Duo was incredibly aware of Zechs' body next to his own, from their legs touching to the heat and scent of him just inches away. It had been a while since Duo had indulged in behavior as reckless as this, but he was looking forward to casual sex with a virtual stranger. There was no relationship on the line here – no chance that Duo was actually going to want to be involved with the man – and it was a relief. Duo put all of his thoughts and emotions about Trowa into a box and shoved it to the back of his mind.
As soon as they entered Zechs' hotel room, the older man pushed Duo back against the door and started to strip him. Duo started to return the favor.
"Hmm. You have an amazing body," Zechs decided after he looked over Duo's naked form. He reached up to undo Duo's braid.
"Just leave it," Duo said and stepped closer to Zechs. "And you're the one with the amazing body. God, you look like a sculpture." It was true. Zechs' well-muscled, alabaster skin looked as though it been carved from marble. Duo ran his hands over Zechs' defined abs and smirked at the heat and strength of his body.
"We could admire each other all night, or move on to more interactive appreciation?" Zechs suggested with something like a sneer.
"I'm all for more interaction." It was strange, but as aroused as Duo was, and as much as he did want to explore Zechs' body, he had absolutely no interest in kissing the other man.
Zechs took Duo's growing erection in one hand and led him deeper into the hotel room until they reached the leather couch in the sitting room. Once there, Zechs pushed Duo down and then knelt between his legs. He held eye contact with Duo as he continued to stroke him, smirking when Duo moaned in pleasure.
"Hm, maybe you deserve an early birthday present?" Zechs taunted, pulling hard on Duo and eliciting another moan. He wanted to make a witty response, but Zechs took his entire length into his mouth and Duo lost all rational thought.
"Christ that's amazing." He threaded his fingers through Zechs' hair, tugging slightly on the strands as Zechs worked up and down his erection, alternately sucking and licking him.
When Duo came, Zechs swallowed hard, and Duo cried out at the intense feeling.
"That was a damn good birthday present," Duo panted.
Zechs smirked. "I'm just getting started. Here, let me show you the bedroom."
Even though his legs were still shaky from the intense orgasm, Duo gamely followed Zechs through the suite and into a large room furnished with an enormous bed.
"Jeez, you could fit an orgy on that thing," he muttered.
"Not my original intention for tonight, but if you prefer – "
"No, no. I prefer the one on one interaction." Duo then proceeded to return the favor of Zechs' earlier attention, bringing the other man to climax quickly and loudly.
After they had both recovered from that they spent a leisurely hour exploring each other's bodies until Zechs grew tired of the foreplay and started to prepare Duo, pumping his long fingers into his anus with a pressure that bordered on pain but was still pleasurable.
When Zechs finally entered him, Duo cried out from the feeling of being completely filled.
"Hm, Trowa was right," Zechs murmured as he thrust into Duo, staring down at him with a smirk.
"What?" Duo grunted, not sure he had heard Zechs correctly.
"He said you were amazing in bed. I just didn't realize I would get the chance to find out just how amazing." Zechs thrust deeply into Duo and moaned as he came.
Despite the pressure on his prostrate and Zechs' hand on his erection, Duo almost immediately lost his arousal. Zechs either didn't notice or didn't care. He pulled out of Duo, climbed out of the bed, and walked into the bathroom without another word.
He came back a moment later, clean and smirking, but Duo couldn't move.
"You – Trowa."
"Don't seem so surprised. He's very analytical, of course he's going to examine your technique."
"Just when exactly did this come up in conversation between the two of you?" Duo felt cold fury begin to spread in his belly.
"Hm, oh, of course. It was a few nights after we fucked at your mother's charity event."
Duo was starting to feel numb.
"Oh. I see." Zechs chuckled. "I've seen Trowa in love before, but never anyone in love with him. Curious. I didn't think it was possible. And now I've crushed your dreams. I wouldn't concern yourself too much. He's an amazing lay – as we both know – but there are other men out there who are almost as enjoyable."
Zechs' eyes were amused as he met Duo's furious gaze.
"Were you interested in another round?" Zechs knelt on the edge of the bed and leaned over Duo.
"I think I'll pass," Duo managed to grind out, his teeth and jaw clenched so hard he was barely able to speak.
"Maybe some other time, when you've gotten over Trowa, then."
Duo ignored Zechs as he gathered his clothing and started to dress. He was keenly aware of the other man's gaze, but resolutely ignored him. He ignored everything except the familiar gestures of putting on his clothes, pulling up his zipper, buttoning his shirt.
"That's not going to happen," Duo assured him as he walked to the door.
"Which do you mean?" Zechs asked and chuckled at the look of confusion on Duo's face. "You are almost as pathetic as him."
Duo refused to respond and slammed the door behind himself.
He spent nearly an hour walking the streets of midtown, without direction or purpose.
He couldn't figure out what angered him more – Trowa's betrayal or the fact that he was actually started to understand why Trowa thought he wasn't good enough.
With a sigh, he eventually decided to call Hilde.
"What's up loser?" She answered.
Normally he would laugh or at least smile at the greeting, but tonight it was a little too accurate.
"Oh you know, just wandering Manhattan with a broken heart and debating whether or not to drink myself into oblivion or get into a fight with a homeless guy."
"Well, if I were you I would avoid the fight – homeless guys can probably kick your ass."
"So want to meet me at McClaren's?"
"It's a school night –"
"We're talking seriously fucked up, here," Duo assured her.
"Alright. I'll meet you there in a few."
"Thanks, Hil."
"Oh, no it's fine, because you're going to have to listen to me talk about all the wonderful sex I've been having before I let you start whining about your life."
"Please tell me this isn't lesbian sex."
"You bet it is. With breasts and vaginas and shaved legs and a lot of –"
"Too much. Too much!"
Hilde chuckled. "See you soon."
Duo had already started on a pitcher when Hilde arrived, but she joined him and made short work of her first glass and quickly caught up with him.
"So, get it over with. The sex talking."
She smirked.
"There's actually not that much to tell. Catherine and I have been taking it slow, since she's still not convinced she's into women, but last night she finally came over to my apartment and I think it's safe to say, she's a fan of the ladies now."
"Or at least one lady in particular," Duo pointed out.
Hilde smirked. "Well, who wouldn't be a fan of mine? Okay, I'll save the details for later, because I'm sensing serious angst here. Spill."
"I did something stupid tonight."
"Which makes it different from every other night how?"
"I had sex with Zechs Merquise, who I wanted to hire to do some PR work for us."
"Please tell me you aren't turning him down because he was bad in bed."
"A little less help from the peanut gallery would be nice," Duo muttered. Hilde stuck out her tongue. "In the middle of us having sex he tells me that Trowa told him I was amazing in bed. Told him this after screwing him at Mom's gala thing at the Gugenheim a few weeks back."
"Before you two broke up."
"Before he dumped me, yeah. Then this prick goes on to tell me how pathetic it is that I'm in love with Trowa – and how generally pathetic Trowa is."
"Well, he did cheat on you –"
"You don't get it. Yeah, okay, I'm definitely pissed about that part, but Trowa's been telling me all of this garbage about how he isn't good enough to be with me."
"I'm starting to agree with him on that. Cheating on someone isn't okay."
"One, I didn't say it was. Two, technically, we never really discussed the seriousness of our relationship. Three, still not the issue."
Hilde sighed. "Sometimes I hate the way your brain works. So, what IS the issue again?"
"Trowa's operating under the assumption that he isn't good enough to be with me."
"And you disagree with this."
"Because it's bullshit. He's a great guy."
Hilde cleared her throat.
"Again, I'm pissed about him hooking up with Zechs. But that aside – he's a great guy. Good with kids, amazing lawyer and a total badass when he's defending my right to have custody of Nat. He's funny, he's intelligent, he's kind. He just has zero self-confidence and shitty taste in guys, aside from me."
Hilde rolled her eyes.
"So how exactly are you going to solve this issue?"
"I can't – he has to. Which I'm pretty sure he realized, and that's why he dumped me."
"You're starting to sound like a self-help book."
"Kind of what he needs right now. I'm betting all of this has to do with Quatre Winner."
"That's what Cathy says, too."
"You talk to your girlfriend about us?"
Hilde rolled her eyes.
"Once in a while, when we get bored. But I'm not so sure. You know about his parents, right?"
Duo frowned. "No. He never mentioned them."
"Because they died when he was nine. They were killed in a car accident – some drunk, high, rich kid in a Hummer totaled their car. Trowa survived, but they died before he even regained consciousness in the hospital. The kid's family was rich and really well connected, and they didn't want this getting out in the media, so they got the local cops to cover it up and tried to pay off Cathy and Trowa to keep it quiet."
"Fuck. That's why he became a lawyer."
"I guess." Hilde shrugged. "Cathy says that he was amazing dancer – better than she was – but he just stopped after they died."
Duo ran a hand through his hair.
"That is seriously fucked up. So where does Quatre come into this?"
"They were roommates at Brown. Trowa fell for him immediately, but Quatre wasn't – isn't gay." Hilde shrugged. " Not really, anyway. But I guess he felt SOMETHING for Trowa, because they were together all through college. After they graduated, Quatre went back to Dubai to work for his father. Trowa was devastated. He worked here for a while, and then went to work for Merquise. When Quatre's father died, Trowa jumped at the chance to work for him. According to Cathy, Trowa was seriously in love with him. He thought they could actually be together, but then Quatre got engaged to some princess from Saudi Arabia."
Duo winced in sympathy.
"Yeah. So… then he came back here. And met you."
"Guy needs a therapist," Duo muttered.
"I thought that's where you come in?"
"I want to help him. I just don't really know how."
"Don't give up on him."
Duo frowned. "What?"
Hilde shrugged. "Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines here, but I agree with you that Trowa doesn't put a lot of value in himself. And I think that's related to his relationships with Quatre and Zechs, but maybe even more to the fact that when his parents died, no one stood up for him, or them."
"Damn, when did you get to be so smart?"
"Pussy power," Hilde said and chuckled when he winced. "But I'm serious."
"So, you went from thinking I was crazy to still like him because he cheated on me to telling me not to give up on him?"
"Duo, get real. Zechs was right – you love him. You've been miserable these last two weeks, which is crazy considering the fact that you only went out with him for two weeks before in the first place. You've got it bad."
Duo hung his head in submission.
"I mean, Duo, you just sat here and told me all of the reasons why this guy was so incredible. And you did that the same night you found out that he hooked up with some other guy and compared your skills in bed. I could say it's just because you're an idiot, but –"
"Okay, okay. Enough of the pep talk. I love him. Okay? Happy?"
Hilde smirked. "Those Bartons are something else, aren't they?"
Duo rolled his eyes. "Please don't use that as a segue-way for talking about the hot lesbian sex."
"It's not just the sex. Which was hot. And very lesbian. She's funny – kind of a sharp sense of humor most of the time, but I like that."
"No kidding?" Duo said sarcastically. Hilde punched him.
"And her body is amazing. I mean, just touching her is – "
"Please, Hilde, do I ever go into detail about the guys I sleep with? Have I ever made you suffer through –"
"And I just discovered this spot behind her left knee. It's not a ticklish spot, well, it's sort of a combination between that and an erogenous zone I guess. She makes the most incredible sound when I touch it."
"Oh my God." Duo buried his face in his hands. "Trowa has the same thing. Oh God. This conversation just got way too disturbing for me to handle."
"Makes sense, I guess, I wonder – hey, how does Trowa react when –"
"Nope, no way. This conversation is so over. There is absolutely no way I'm comparing my lover to his sister." Duo stood and glared when Hilde started to laugh.
"Oh, Duo, sit back down. Let me get us another pitcher. I won't talk about them anymore. In fact – let's talk about Nat. I promise," she assured him when he still looked wary.
With a sigh, Duo sat back down.
"I'm going to have nightmares after this, I just know it," he muttered.
"Such a coward."
"Such a supportive friend." Duo sighed. "No, but I mean it. Thanks, Hil. You're crazy – and misguided – but I love you."
She hugged him with one arm.
"Right back at you."
By Saturday, Duo still hadn't worked out how, exactly, he planned to not give up on Trowa. Thursday morning Heero had caught Duo when he came in and demanded to know how the meeting went – and Duo had grudgingly told Heero that he was right, and Merquise was NOT the right PR group for them but left out all details. He hadn't seen much of Trowa on Thursday or Friday, and Duo was grateful for that.
Nathalie seemed almost more excited than Duo was about his birthday cook-out. It was the first day he hadn't had to drag her out of bed, and, in fact, the tables had been turned on him that morning when she jumped onto his bed and demanded he get up. He had been shocked to find her so exuberant, but even more shocked that she was comfortable and confident enough to actually JUMP on his bed to wake him up. Duo was pretty confident that her laughter as he grabbed her and tickled her was going to be the best present he received this year.
When they arrived just before noon, no guests were present yet and the household staff was still setting up. Nathalie quickly scurried off to make trouble – her weekly visits had given her the confidence to explore the house and she had quickly made friends with many of the kitchen staff.
Duo found Howard setting up the enormous industrial grill on the back veranda. The butler had abandoned his usual uniform and was instead wearing shorts and a pink, floral Hawaiian shirt that made Duo wince.
"Nice day for a cook-out," Duo commented.
Howard looked up at him and glared over the tops of sunglasses.
"Don't even think about coming closer. I'm not letting you near this baby."
"Aw, c'mon, Howard! It's my thirtieth birthday! I think I'm old enough to operate a simple grill."
"Simple? You call this baby simple? Ha. Just goes to show – kids these days have no respect for elegant machinery. This simple grill is state of the art, and YOU, kiddo, have no business insulting it."
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. So, gonna let me do the honors this year?"
"Not on your life. Maybe when you turn forty I'll consider you responsible enough. But this year I'm still the Grill Master."
"Alright, O Wise and Powerful Master." Duo rolled his eyes and bowed.
"Now get out of here and let me do my job."
It was the same every year – ever since, at the age of ten, Duo had proclaimed that he wanted a cook-out for his birthday party. Celia and Odin had reluctantly agreed to it the first time, but it had quickly become an established tradition, just as Duo begging Howard to let him do the grilling had become a tradition.
Duo wandered around the veranda for a while before Celia came out and found him.
"Darling, come inside and let me give you your present." She kissed his cheek and took his arm.
"I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of Nat," Duo told her as they walked into the house.
"Oh, nonsense. That girl is absolutely precious. And enough like YOU that I feel as though she really is my grand-daughter."
Duo laughed. "I'd like her to be. I mean, I want to make this permanent when I can."
"You are going to be a wonderful father to her," Celia assured him. "She's already blossomed so much under your care."
They went into the library, and Duo looked around for a gift-wrapped box. He saw nothing.
"This is only one of your presents, and it's from your father."
Celia held out a small, black leather box that Duo easily recognized.
"But, Heero. It should go to him, he's –"
"He wanted you to have it, darling. You are both his sons. He loved both of you."
Duo took the box from her fingers and opened it. Inside was the Cortebert wrist- watch that Odin had inherited from his father, who had won the watch from General Douglas MacArthur during the occupation of Japan just after World War II. Duo had always been fascinated with the watch, which Odin had told him dated back to the 1920s.
"Thank you." Duo clutched the box as he realized that this was the last present he would ever receive from his father.
"He would be so proud of you," Celia said and wiped a tear he didn't realize he had shed.
"I miss him."
"We all do." Celia drew in a deep breath and dabbed at her own eyes. "Now, this is no way to celebrate such a monumental birthday. Come along, let us greet your guests."
Duo had to laugh at his mother's legendary composure. He put the watch box in his jeans pocket and followed her out of the room.
This was a tradition that he did not relish, but he dutifully stood beside his mother just outside the veranda doors and greeted all of the people who had come to celebrate his birthday. It was the same every year – the assortment of Celia's relatives, neighbors, childhood friends, and a smattering of whatever politicians and celebrities that Celia currently found amusing enough to invited to a family gathering. Duo took sadistic pleasure in forcing Nathalie to stand beside him in the receiving line, grinning every time she shuffled her feet and sighed in frustration.
"Get used to it, kid, your turn is coming up in a few months," he told her when there was a break in the people.
She looked up at him with shocked eyes.
"My birthday?"
"Yeah. If you want, we can have two parties – one wherever you want. But it's family tradition to have a party here also."
"Two birthday parties?"
"Probably three. One here, one with your friends, and one just us."
She blinked, as if he had just imparted life-changing wisdom to her.
"Wow. Oh – it's Trowa."
It had been an awkward conversation when Duo told Nathalie that Trowa would not be visiting them anymore. Even though she hid it well, he could tell that she was disappointed. Nathalie didn't trust many adults, but Trowa had obviously gained her trust and affection.
Duo looked up and saw Trowa approaching with Catherine, and two children who looked like miniature versions of the two older siblings.
"Who are they?" She asked.
"Well, the woman is his sister, Catherine, and I'm pretty sure that the kids are hers."
"They look just like them."
"Yeah. That Barton DNA must be pretty strong."
"Catherine, Trowa, I'm so glad you could make it for Duo's birthday party." Celia greeted them with a wide smile. "And who are these lovely persons?" She looked down at the kids.
"My niece and nephew – Luc and Lilly."
"Wonderful. Nathalie, why don't you show these two around?"
Nathalie looked at the two and then up at Duo.
"Go for it."
She looked unsure, but then stepped up.
"Hi."
"Hello," the boy spoke up.
The stood awkwardly and then Nathalie rolled her eyes.
"Come on," she started to walk away. After a moment, the other two followed.
"Thank you for having us. Happy birthday, Duo." Catherine said with a smile.
"Yeah, sure. Thanks for coming. Trowa."
The lawyer looked up and met Duo's gaze.
"I appreciate you coming."
Trowa nodded, even though he looked unsure.
Celia started to greet the next guests, and Catherine and Trowa moved on.
Mechanically, Duo also greeted them, but his eyes were focused on Trowa.
"Darling, have you still not worked things out with him?"
Duo turned to look at Celia so fast he almost fell.
"What? I –"
"I'm your mother, Duo. I know you. And, of course, Nathalie was more than happy to tell me all about it." She frowned. "She's quite taken with him. She goes on and on about how amazing he was standing up to her mother at the custody hearing."
"Yeah. I'm right there with her." Duo sighed. "It's just not that simple."
"Well, as a small present from me – why don't you go run along and talk to him? I will finish greeting everyone."
"What? You're seriously letting me off the hook?" He smirked when she gave him her classic, scolding look. "Thanks." He kissed her cheek and started after Towa.
He didn't get very far before he was intercepted by first one guest, and then another. Before long, Duo had become completely sidetracked from his original mission. He kept catching glimpses of Trowa – laughing with Heero, talking to Catherine, eating with Wufei – but he was never able to get free of the other guests to get close enough to talk to him.
Duo felt as though he had spent a lifetime making small talk and thanking people for coming before his mother announced that the cake was being served and asked everyone to take their seats.
Duo took his seat between Celia and Heero. He searched for Nathalie and saw her sitting with the Barton kids – giggling and happy. He shook his head. What WAS it about the Bartons that made them so easy to fall for?
"Once again, thank you all for coming out to celebrate Duo's thirtieth birthday with us today." Celia stood, holding a glass of champagne. " Our family has had a tumultuous time recently, and it is with sadness that we celebrate this day without Odin. But I know that my husband is just as proud of Duo as I am, looking at him today. He is a son that any mother would treasure. He is a brother that respects and protects his family. And now, he is a father himself. I have every confidence that this coming year will provide Duo with new challenges, new joys, and new opportunities for him to embrace life with the hope and happiness that he always has. Happy birthday, darling."
There was general applause and echoes of happy birthday from the guests.
"Thank you," Duo stood up and kissed her cheek.
"I would also like to say a few words," Heero said, standing up on Duo's other side.
"Oh please, no," Duo muttered.
The guests who heard him laughed, and Heero smirked as Duo sat back down in his chair.
"When Duo was ten, he and I made a list of goals we wanted to accomplish before we turned thirty." Heero pulled a crumpled piece of notebook paper out of his pocket. "It took me a while, but I finally tracked down the list. I won't read the entire list – one because it's too long, and two, because Mother would kill me over some of these things – but I'd like to read you three items from the list." Heero paused and cleared his throat. "1. Become a professional tennis player. Now, most of you know that Duo was nationally ranked as a tennis player by the time he was fourteen, and was well on his way to achieving that goal until an injury his senior year of high school forced him to abandon professional sports. What many of you DON'T know is that ever since then, Duo has sponsored an inner-city tennis program that gives kids the chance to play the sport he loved so much. The program has existed for almost ten years. In that time, forty-seven children from the program have earned full scholarships to Division I and II schools. Ten children have gone on to compete in professional tournaments. Another two hundred have been given the gift of three hours a week spent on the court, learning a skill, a hobby, and a passion. So, going back to that item. Maybe Duo didn't become a professional tennis player. As his brother – I'm okay with that. He's insufferable enough as it is. As a superstar, I don't think I could handle him. But also as his brother, I know that he's done even better. He's given hundreds of other kids the chance to dream, and that's even better. 2. Visit the underground storage rooms at the Louvre." Heero had to pause as several close family friends started to laugh. Duo hung his head. "I see that many of you already know what I'm about to say. But for those of you who don't. The summer after Duo's fifteenth birthday, we were staying in Paris, when I dared him to make good on this wish. I never dreamed that he would try – and I never imagined he would succeed. I won't go into the details – because the French government is still embarrassed at how easily Duo managed to slip past the museum security – but Duo did succeed. As his brother, I'm grateful that he didn't rat me out to our parents as having dared him to do it. Also as his brother, I know that this is just one of many examples – legal and maybe slightly less than legal – of how Duo, was determined and committed to something, will succeed at any costs. And this last one is my personal favorite. By the time he was thirty, Duo wanted to have saved someone else's life." Heero paused and swallowed. He looked down at Duo. "Anyone who knows Duo knows that he has already accomplished this, many times over. Between the charities and foundations he has established, the school for inner city children he funds and teaches at, and his personal involvement in the lives of so many, Duo has saved countless lives. The fact that, as a ten year old, this made his list of things to do before he turned thirty, makes it obvious just what an amazing person Duo is. I'm proud to be his brother. Even though you didn't accomplish everything on this list, Duo, you are an extraordinary person. Happy birthday."
Duo hugged Heero tightly.
"Jeez, man, I thought you were never going to finish," he muttered.
"Shut up and blow out your candles," Heero replied with a smirk.
Duo waited for everyone to sing 'Happy Birthday' and then blew out the candles with one large breath, earning cheers from everyone.
He grinned and, just because he could, he picked up his piece of birthday cake and smeared it all over Heero's face.
The look of fury in his blue eyes was priceless.
"Duo!" Celia admonished.
But Heero had already retaliated, and Duo found himself licking frosting off the tip of his nose as he tried to brush off the slice that Heero had smashed into his own face.
"I always wanted to do that," Duo confessed.
"Me too," Heero agreed with a chuckle.
It wasn't the birthday that Duo had imagined it would be, but all in all, it was pretty amazing.
Next up: Wufei has a favor to ask…