Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or it's characters, neither do I have anything to do with the actors and plays mentioned in this fic

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or it's characters, neither do I have anything to do with the actors and plays mentioned in this fic.

Warnings: AU, (artistic) Cross-dressing, (eventual) Yaoi, 1x2, OOC galore

Kabuki

Kumadori

The camera shutter clacked shut another time. Heero tried not to roll his eyes when the photographer gave him directions for another pose. The actor lifted the paper fan he was holding until it partially obscured his painted face.

Clack.

He had arranged to meet the photographer and journalist at the entrance of the park, imagine the shock on their faces when he'd turned up looking normal.

They had to hastily explain to him that they'd arranged the photo shoot with Heero in costume. A heated conversation on a mobile phone with the Press and Publicity manager and some negotiations later, the Japanese man had to be ushered into a taxi to be taken back to the theatre.

Heero shifted his arm to allow the sleeve to hang straight at his side, giving the photographer a good angle to picture the magenta tinged silk. He then rested one hand on the arch of the wooden gazebo the photographer had decided to shoot on

Clack.

It had been a rush to put all the make-up on and have his assistants help dress the performer. Then Heero and a couple of assistants had to all bundle into a cab, and head back to the park. It was ridiculous, unprofessional even. But the Publicity Manager insisted his father had already agreed with the sponsors.

The young man put on a false smile for the camera, and it clicked once more before the machine churned when it finished the roll of film.

Heero instantly dropped his pose and walked as quickly as he could past the photographer's own assistants who were starting to adjust equipment.

The accompanying stagehands rushed to Heero's side, smoothing his costume. He ignored them and someone gave him a water bottle to drink from.

The plastic bottle left his lips with a smear of red lipstick on the narrow rim.

Looking over the bottle, the actor froze when in the distance he noticed someone sitting far away on the grass watching the shoot. The long braid sparked a memory.

Duo, he was supposed to be meeting Duo.

Heero pushed the bottle into his assistant's hands and shouted at them, "I want a break, tell them that! Do not disturb me for at least five minuets." He snapped the fan shut to add emphasis to his words.

A young assistant nodded dumbly and Heero walked away from them on the paved path of the park. He naturally took small strides in the wooden geta [1], the sandals making a familiar clack with each step. He stuffed the closed bamboo fan into the folds of the purple obi tied at the front.

Duo had seen his approach, had stood and started walking down the path to meet Heero. The American was smiling widely to see the Actor.

They stopped with a few feet between them, and suddenly Heero felt conscious of the situation. He was in full costume, in the middle of a park. Luckily it was not busy, and there were only a few spectators in the distance.

This is not what Heero had planned; he'd wanted to meet Duo in a normal fashion to talk privately. But now the make-up and silk stood between them like a gloss of fresh paint. What's more Heero had to return to theatre to change and reapply his make-up for the afternoon matinee, leaving only a few minuets to talk.

Duo happily greeted the actor, "Hello, I didn't expect to be seeing you like this again."

The Japanese man sighed, "I did not expect this too. There was a change of plan and it's made everything late."

"That's okay, these things can't be helped." Duo's violet eyes sparkled merrily, happy to just see Heero again.

Trying to restrain any emotion on his whited face, Heero began, "I wanted to thank you properly for the gift."

Duo interjected, "No really it's okay."

But the actor held up his hand and shook his head making the ornaments in the wig rattle, "No, I must." Heero began, "Domo ariga—ah sorry I nearly thanked you in Japanese." He resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. It didn't seem he could do nothing right in front of the American, and was merrily making a fool of himself.

"It's fine by me if you want to say it in Japanese."

Heero was surprised, his lips parted in question that would never voice itself. But he resolutely said, "Domo arigato gozaimasu, Duo-san. [2]" He clasped his hands above his knee, and bowed to the American [3].

When he rose back up the actor saw the smile on Duo's face had softened. "I can see your busy," said the braided man, "but I'd really like to be able to have a chat to you some other time, maybe not in that costume?" His voice was tinged with playfulness.

If it weren't for the white make-up, you'd have been able to see the slight blush on Heero's cheeks. He stumbled, "Yes, I'd like that too."

"A meal maybe?"

Heero swallowed and thought, "Next Thursday there is no show…then?"

Duo nodded happily.

The actor glanced behind himself, and saw one of the stagehands walking on the path towards them. He frowned realising that time was up. Turning back to Duo he started offering his apologies, "I'm sorry, I have to go now to finish the photo shoot."

The American nodded again understanding, "Sure thing. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, I will call you to arrange details."

Giving a quick bow, Heero swiftly turned to walk down the path. The geta clicked once again on the hard path. The assistant was coming closer and Heero gave one last glance behind himself.

Duo was still standing there, and gave a forlorn wave.

Heero's lips twitched into a smile, before his face went neutral again to face the stagehand coming ever closer.

The actor was now looking forward to when he'd be able to meet Duo fully as himself.

To Be Continued.

[1] Geta- traditional wooden sandals, recognisable by the two wooden wedges which are stood on.

[2] Thank you very much, Duo.

[3] Heero bowed as a woman, as opposed to both hands at his side like a man. I ration that since he's in costume, he's going to be used to making feminine gestures.

Author's Notes: Kumadori is a style of make-up.

The titles may not seem connected much to the chapters, but there are abstract links in my bizarre mind.

Mmm…not too much of an exciting chapter…but I gotta have a build up. Reviews are always appreciated.