Disclaimers: Don't own any part of Gundam Wing nor it's characters. Merely borrowing them for a little torture.

Warnings: Shounen-ai (because I suck at yaoi) , major A.U, some OOC I think, deathfic

Finding Heaven

Part Three: I really hate arguing

"You sure are in a good mood, boss," Hilde grinned listening to Duo hum softly while fiddling with the shots on his laptop. "Did something happen?"

Duo looked up at the dark hair girl as if contemplating to say something and then deciding against it. "Get back to work, lazy ass. I hired you for a reason."

It had been a week since their first date. Yes, Duo had finally caved and called it that. He had even managed to squash Brian rather mercilessly when he tried to laugh at Duo. Once again, his mind retreated into the back nursing a very sore kick in the stomach.

Duo had barely made it back home when his cell phone rang that night after saying goodnight to Heero at the club. Apparently, the Japanese was true to his word and had tried to ask Duo out again. This time it was something more innocent, for a jog in the park the next evening.

Duo had agreed; swallowing a fair amount of guilt at lusting over another's intended.

That was followed by pizza for dinner, then for a round of drinks at a bar near by. Heero came close to claiming his first kiss a few times, but Duo, or rather the cackling Brian, had been reminded constantly that this man was engaged!  It felt like an affair, just being with Heero, just having fun with him, but Duo could imagine it as being 'hanging out with a buddy'. A damned sexy buddy, but a buddy all the same. His betrayal was still fresh in his mind and no matter how much he loathed Relena Peacecraft, he would never want another person to feel what he felt, to go through all the shit he had to go through.

At that point, Brian was about to come out with his smart ass remarks, but was kicked in the ass by Duo. After all, they haven't done anything that remotely appeared like a date since that dinner and the slow sweet dance they had indulged in later. And that was what Duo intended for it to remain. Innocent, despite huge doses of hormone drenched innuendoes coming from both of them.

However, these little get togethers served their purpose as Duo found out he and Heero had many things in common, such as liking the same books, the same music and even the same type of cars. The main difference between the two was the fact that Heero hardly spoke more than a few words when they were in public, while Duo normally ran off at the mouth. The only time the Japanese ever unwound was when they were either in private or on the phone. His cold stoicism was usually reserved when he was in the public eye or with Relena, not being very demonstrative in public. Duo believed only he saw the gentler, tender side of Heero Yuy.

Heero was also somewhat an enigma. Duo had seen him many times with Relena when they came in for shoots. He couldn't quite reconcile that Heero Yuy and the one that went out with him countless times during the week. Actually, Duo could count them, but he didn't want Brian laughing his ass off watching. Heero Yuy with Relena was a serious and straight ass businessman. He didn't laugh, smile or show any emotion, other than a smirk that usually meant contempt, more often than not, directed at Relena. His more amicable twin showed himself when he appeared alone at Duo's studio, usually wearing casual wear.

"Left your stick at home?" Duo had asked when he saw Heero at the entrance of his studio at closing time one day dressed in faded jeans, a comfortable polo shirt and army boots. Big change from his normal business suits.

"What stick?" Heero returned a question, thoroughly confused.

Duo grinned teasingly. "The one usually up your ass."

That earned him an affectionate smack on the side of his head. Heero then leaned over, saying softly, "I'd rather have something else up my ass," before moving away with a smile at the flush on Duo's face.

Duo never knew how Heero can fluster him with one simple sentence, but had come to accept it as one of Heero's own brand of quirky humour. The constant sexual insinuations were wearing Duo down. He was trying hard not to be the other woman, which was a difficult endeavour, seeing that he was a man, but Heero was slowly chipping away at his control on his own lust and adding to the cold grasp of guilt around his heart.

The phone ring jarred Duo out of reverie.

"If it is the Miss Ice Queen Peacecraft, tell her to go to hell. The damned pictures are finalised." Which also meant Duo wouldn't have to see Relena hanging onto Heero's arm like he was her damned possession anymore. It also meant Duo would be seeing a lot less of Heero in the days to come. This may work out to be the best, despite the sudden pang that Duo felt.

Would he do that? Brian asked, seriously.

I wish I knew what he was thinking; Duo told his sub-conscious rather forlornly.

Don't we all?

"Boss," Hilde called out. "It's Mr Winner."

"Thanks," Duo picked up the phone and released the on hold button.

"Hey Duo," came a bright and cheery voice.

"Morning, Quatre." Duo's smiled.

Quatre Winner, the Chairman of Winner Industries, billionaire extraordinaire and all round Mr Nice Guy, was his best friend ever since he tried to hit on the blond a few years ago. They had met at a gay bar when Duo turned sixteen, having snuck in on a dare. Quatre was several years older than the braided man but due to his some what smaller stature, Duo had thought the blond was of similar age with him. It was then he first realised his preference for men as the sight of a couple playing tonsil hockey in a dark corner gave him a hard on and endless fantasies of being a third man there.

Of course, five years later, Quatre had somehow managed to overtake him in the growth department and was now several inches taller than the braided photographer. Duo was pretty sour about the whole thing.

"Are we on for dinner tonight?" Quatre asked, overflowing with good cheer.

Duo winced at the cheerfulness of his friend. It was his personal opinion that the blond ran on adrenaline instead of food and water, the normal fuel like the rest of mankind.

You run on sugar, Brian put in.

"Sure, Quat, the usual, right?" Duo said, deciding to ignore Brian.

Weekly dinners at Quatre's were a normal occurrence and it was a tradition that the businessman absolutely adhered to strictly. It was a way to keep in touch and exchange news, he said. But in Duo's opinion, it was a way to keep setting him up with strangers. At least, that was Quatre's new hobby these days ever since the break up. A major event in Duo's life which he was slowly getting over, by himself.

Don't forget by yourself, with Heero, Brian reminded him gleefully

"Uh… Duo," Quatre sounded hesitant.

Alarm bells rang ominously in Duo's head. It was the normal cycle of the Big Set Up; Quatre's hesitancy before springing the Big Match Up. Then it was Duo's turn for the Big Blow Up. Duo decided to cut directly to blowing up.

"No, Quat, no way," he all but yelled, resisting the urge to fling his phone across the room.

Silence. It was always silence. Duo wondered why Quatre don't just try heavy breathing for variety's sake.

Your mind makes sick leaps, Brian laughed silently.

You're my mind, Duo reminded.

Damn, guilt trip. Quatre Winner used silence as a weapon as effectively as mercenaries used guns, and with equal precision. A little too much of it would be overkill, but too little would not be effective enough.

Duo sighed tiredly, throwing in the towel. "I'm probably going to hate him, you know." It was easier to give up than to struggle needlessly. It was just another blind date. No big deal. This would make it, oh, the fourteenth since the Big Break Up a few months ago. Thirteen idiots. All of them unable to hold a flame to the man that brutally ripped his heart out. Thirteen idiots who were definitely unable to hold a flame to one sexy, bronze god named Heero Yuy.

"Don't worry about him," Quatre gushed, excitedly. He knew he had won, the idiot. "I think you will like him."

"Right," Duo drawled out, not completely assured. That was what his friend had said the last thirteen times. "Look, see you tonight about seven, alright? I have to get back to work."

"Aren't you going to ask me about him?" Quatre sounded confused.

Duo laughed softly. "What for? I'll find out tonight. Besides, I don't think I'll like him." I'm too busy lusting over one Heero Yuy, he thought ruefully to himself. He said a quick goodbye and got back to work.

"Big Set Up again?" Hilde guessed, seeing the mild annoyance on Duo's normally happy expression.

Duo sighed heavily. "Interfering friends."

"They care, boss."

"How do I get them to stop?" Duo thought out loud, not really expecting an answer. He was, therefore, shocked when Hilde offered a pretty interesting suggestion.

"Why don't you go there with a date?" Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "They would definitely stop when you go there with someone hanging onto your arm."

"That's absolutely ingenious!" Duo leapt to his feet, grabbing his assistant's hands and swinging her in an impromptu jig. "Hilde, babe, I could kiss you!"

Hilde giggled, letting her boss lead her in a wild sort of crazy ass dance. "I would actually prefer a raise."

Duo levelled her a mock glare. "If your job description included butting in on your boss's life, you deserved a promotion years ago."

"Well, that's for helping," Hilde pulled her hands away, pouting at the now gleeful young man, stung.

With a speculative look, Duo settled down in his chair, starting to plan. Who would he ask to masquerade as his boyfriend?

I can't believe you are still thinking on that, Brian was lounging somewhere at the back of Duo's mind, poking at him.

Dejectedly, Duo realised Brian was right. The only person he could imagine pulling this off with was Heero and that man was off limits, no matter how hard Heero was coming on to him.

But, it's just an act, Duo told himself, kicking Brian hard before he could answer. Nothing needs to come out of this. It's not like it's going to be a date or something? Another kick, followed by a punch. I can stay objective, I won't make it a date. Just this thing to get Quatre off my back.

A short while later, Duo found himself at the mall, window shopping for want of a better thing to do. His mind was still in a turmoil caused by indecision on how to handle the whole Quatre situation. He decided after much pondering that he wouldn't do well with Heero pretending to be his boyfriend. As it was, he wanted most of the time to jump the man, and thinking about him as his boyfriend was not helping his control. No, Duo decided, Heero and boyfriend were two words better not formed in one sentence.

He shook his head ruefully and headed for the wine section, hoping to find something that would suit Quatre's taste. He didn't like wine all too much, Hell, he didn't like alcohol all that much either, but it was a perception that someone like him should be able to enjoy the bouts of over indulgence after a successful shoot. Duo found hangover a pain and had perfected a ruse to appear that he seemed to be drinking himself into oblivion.

"Max?" A shocked, but happy voice called out.

Duo turned to search for the owner of the voice. "Heero?"

Damn, the fates were sure working overtime today. Heero was the last person he wanted to see today. He wasn't too strong in his resolve yet and Brian seemed to be on a hiatus since this morning. Who the Hell was going tell him he was screwing up his life by melting when Heero smiled at him? Where was a person's sub-conscious translated into a physical being by a severely twisted mind when you needed them? Off catching imaginary butterflies somewhere, apparently.

"Fancy meeting you here," Heero announced, clearly delighted at this chance meeting. It had been a long time since they met. He could count all of those two days. Damned, if he was getting sappy. That led to more pleasantly uncomfortable thoughts of Max and sap, more like Max with nothing on but sap. A constant state of arousal that seemed a very familiar condition to Heero ever since dinner a week ago, reasserted itself at that incredibly exciting thought.

"I was shopping for wine actually, but I have little or no experience in this," Duo smiled ruefully. "It's a gift for a friend."

"I thought to call you," Heero muttered softly, turning his eyes to the wine, helping the other man choose a decent bottle. He had been tied down in business for the past few days and a tantrum throwing Relena, thus been remiss at giving his Max a nightly ring. There it was again his Max. Was he really prepared for this type of relationship?

Duo felt a little trill. Heero hadn't forgotten him after all. They had been exchanging phone calls for a while now, but there had been some silence on Heero's part for the last few days. "It's all right, we are all busy. Besides, it can't be guys night out every night, right?" He kept his tone light. "Must have some time for the girlfriend as well." Duo winced. That hurt and seeing the pained expression on Heero's face, he knew it must have hurt the other man as well.

Heero seemed to be pondering over something, an adorable frown creasing his brow as he concentrated. He took a deep breath and began. "I know we have been through a couple, okay, more than a couple of these weird outings that you refuse to call dates."

"What are you trying to say?" Duo asked, keeping his eyes on the row of red and white wines lined up straight. He felt Heero's eyes on him.

"I want a second date."

Duo translated that as Heero wanting to claim his goodnight kiss, and whatever else that might follow and nearly dropped the bottle he had picked. "What?" Shock pushed his voice was several octaves higher than normal. He never expected Heero to just come out and say it like this. He had been used to the man's playing around with words and hints.

Don't tempt me, Heero Yuy, Duo thought in despair. Don't make me the guilty one this time.

Heero smiled at the apparent speechlessness of the normally chatty young man. "Are you free for dinner tonight? I'll even throw in a movie later," he added by way of inducement.

"I… can't," Duo blurted and was nearly bowled over by the hurt in Heero's cobalt blue eyes. He looked like Duo had just castrated him. Trying to soften the blow, Duo did the only thing he could think of, he told the truth. "I, sort of, have a dinner thing going on tonight," he explained, watching as understanding slowly dawn in place of the pain of rejection.

"I see," Heero said, quietly.

Suddenly overwhelmed by the desire to explain himself, Duo let his mouth have a free reign. "It's just that I have this freaking weekly dinner with my best friend who is able to send you on the wildest most complete guilt trip ever if I miss out when not on assignment."

"I understand, Max," Heero said. "It's just that…" He cleared his throat. "I was thinking of introducing my friends to you. I was invited to their dinner tonight."

"Shouldn't you be introducing them to Relena?" It slipped out unexpectedly. Shit, Duo thought horrified watching Heero's face collapse.

"That was a cheap shot."

Duo sighed, realising how horribly wrong this wonderfully surprised meeting had become and it was his entire fault. "I'm just telling the truth, Heero."

"And you never lie," Heero mocked lightly, knowing Max's personal ideal by heart, the photographer practically pounded it into him. "Apparently, you're a tease as well."

Duo could feel his temper rising, but a crowded mall with all these strangers walking past was just not the place to have an argument. "I think we should back off now, before I do something we'd both regret." He picked up a random bottle of wine. "It was nice meeting you, Heero. Have a nice life." He turned and began walking towards the cashier.

You are not going to see him again? This is goodbye? Brian's back from his hiatus and was fully charged. Duo really wished he stayed with the damned butterflies.

It's for the best, Duo thought, trying to get the fist around his heart to unclench. Hell, it couldn't be this hard. After all, he had only known the man for a week. Really known him past the 'I really love how your ass looks in a tux' stage. How much emotional investment could a person have after just hanging out for one week?

Apparently a lot, Brian told him, sadly. Just how much do you like him anyway?

That was a question Duo wanted the answer to as well.

tbc…

Duo: So, how much do I like him?

Tsu: Does it matter?

Duo: Of course it matters!

Tsu: To whom? Besides you of course.

Duo: The... the… well, the reviewers, they care.

Tsu: Do they?

Duo: Hey guys, please review, tell her you like her, uh…. I mean, tell her I like him. (You are so paying me for this!)

Tsu: *blushing* Not after that last slip up I won't.

Duo: Hey.