CB: *Sighs happily* Well, I'm finally getting out another chapter, so I hope everyone is enjoying it so far!
Duo: I am!
CB: o_0;
Heero: -_-;
Duo: :p
Trowa: .
Quatre: ^_^
Wufei: =.=
Osirus: Stop it! I'm getting all confused! @_@
CB: :D
My thanks to…Erebus - *Hugs* One of my best fans! I NEVER talk to my computer *looks shocked* I just curse at it when it's being naughty. *Jumps up and down happily* Whoo! A Cobalt story fanatic! *Looks all pleased and proud* ^_^ TearsOfNeptune - *Waves coffee cup* I'm taking your advice! Now maybe the next chapter will come out more quickly! Thanks for saying you liked the story! Relwarc – Yeah! I'm finally safe from the evil het fans…*screams as said fans appear looking murderous and waving various weapons* Quick! Hide me! I'm too young to die! . Makiko Igami – Sap is good after all huh? ^_~ Yeah, I'm really not happy with this story, it's moving too fast and doesn't really have a great plot… *sigh* ah well, never mind. I'm on my way to read FFACH, I love that story soooo much, and I'm going to be sorry to see it go. Anyone else who's reading this reply, GO AND READ IT! Loz -*Giggle* Sounds like my problem, too much caffeine…but since you asked so nicely, I'm continuing my story! MinakoChan - *tackle glomps* M-Chan! I'm sorry I didn't tell you it was up! Pleeeeease forgive me! *Gets all watery eyed* Remember to video record Heero's expression when he was up! *Thumps her on the back to stop her choking on the starburst* Glad you like the story M-Chan it's dedicated to you after all! P-Chan – TheLostGirl – Wow, thanks! *Blush* I'm glad you like it that much! I hope you enjoy this chapter too! MuddieMaxwell – Heh, another person who agrees sap is good! ^_^ I'm glad you liked Dark Passion, and I'm also glad you agree with me about the whole speeding up thing. Don't worry about Heero's violence, he's going to feel all guilty in this chap…oops, forget that! CobaltPrincess – Thankyou, very much! ^_^ Anonymous – (Sorry, the name didn't show up!) Thankyou! More is here now! Omega Shelly - *Glomps back* another person who liked Dark Passion too! Wow, I seem to be getting more and more fans! *Grins happily* Yup, I'm writing more now, and be assured, it is a happy ending, you know me, I like my happy endings! *Cough cough hopeless sap cough cough* Ooh, so someone DOES want a lemon! *Grins wickedly* more people asking for it, and it might come sooner! ^_~ Reaper – I'm continuing now since you asked ever so politely and since you love it so much! *Smiles* Brittany Arroyo – Thanks for your review/e-mail, I really, really appreciated it! It was so nice and…and…encouraging! Tsuki Doriima - *Hugs hard* Wow, you're review was so lovely and long! *Slows down to let Tsuki catch up* you're right, unconscious Heero doesn't seem to have a problem with his feelings does he? ^_~ Yes, the fights will continue, *tuts* boys will fight, won't they? Heero's father is a nosy pest isn't he? You can tell he's trouble a mile away, I like the mother too though! Glad you approve of the R+5 pairing, *smiles* 3+5 though?!? Wow, that IS unusual! Thankyou so, so much for the complement though, I'm glad you think everyone loves it! I guess I have to continue with it now because I was seriously considering leaving it! *More hugs* Moonlit Eyes 1x2x1 - ^_^ I liked the 'angel' bit too! Ok, I'll continue! Suzume Tori – More is here then! *Points to the monitor* ^_^ Sorry, I didn't forget you all really, I was just busy. *Hugs* Thanks for kicking my but back into gear though! Duo's Only Chick - *Giggles* Sorry! More is here now! Armandea – Glad tu gusta mucho! Heh sorry, Spanish lessons kicking in. More is here for ya! Quichi - *Hugs* Thankyou! I loved your review! I have weakness for cross-dressing fics too! Nezumi – Thanks very much! *Hugs* Sap is good! Dream Keeper – ANOTHER person who doesn't think I need to slow down? Well…ok, maybe I won't. ^_^ Xellosalina – Here's more then! Whitethorn – Yup, there will be more, and here it is! Phoenix Storms – Thankyou! If you manage to catch it, here's the next chapter! Megumi – Uh huh, Seth and Osirus are both males, but Seth really IS a wet blanket isn't he? ^_^ Thanks for your review!
My thanks to all of you and to those people who have been bombarding my in-box with pleas to continue because they love it so much. Sorry I've left you all out guys, but there's so many of you and I've forgotten half of your names. I hope I replied to all of you anyway!
Hugs to all,
Cobalt
Warnings: THIS WORK CONTAINS SHOUEN AI LEADING TO YAOI, WHICH MEANS MALE/MALE RELATIONSHIPS (OR SLASH WHICHEVER WAY YOU LIKE TO PUT IT) IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THIS, PLEASE I AM BEGGING YOU DO NOT READ IT!
Pairings: 2+1 leading to 1x2 (as usual people! ^_^) 5+R 3+4
Rating: R overall because, I'm not sure how far I want to go with the intimacy…*glances longingly towards lemon basket* but this chapter, probably PG 13?
Disclaimers: I do not own Gundam Wing or any related products (apart from the ones brought in the shopping centre.) Gundam Wing is copyrighted to the captains of the ship, Bandai etc. The characters are being used for pure enjoyment and I am NOT making any profit from this.
General notes: Anyone who reviews, will be thanked, I promise, I like thanking people, as long as they're fairly nice or honest. Also this fic will move back and forth between the present day and the past. (But only in the beginning.) When we are in the present day it will be indicated like this **sasHSSH** also there will be NO Relena bashing in this fic.
Dedication – I want to dedicate this to someone I know…MinakoChan – I've only 'known' you a short while, but in that short time we've plotted the craziest things (including taking over the world, we WILL do that one, start being afraid now people, today Japan, tomorrow the WORLD!) But when I needed a shoulder to cry on, you were there for me and I wanted to say thanks. *Big hugs* Thankyou.
Cobalt~Something that I said made you wear a frown,
The way you hang your head has made the tears come down,
But don't you wear a sigh my beautiful child~ Eurhythmics
"So how do you think the two boys are getting on now?" Lily (1) asked in her soft English drawl as she wiped another glass around before handing it to Minako, who was armed with a dry dishcloth. Both girls were standing at the sink behind the ship's bar, cleaning up after the last customer had retired to their room, dead drunk.
Minako shrugged, her blue eyes thoughtful, "From what you told me, they weren't getting along very well at lunchtime." She sighed and began drying the glass Lily had just handed her, "I hope Duo doesn't get hurt." She said seriously, glancing at her now silent companion, "He seems like a nice person." She sighed again before jumping as a hand landed on her shoulder. Spinning around both girls saw it was Quinze, who was glaring at them from underneath his bushy eyebrows.
"Less of the chat ladies," He said, "You're not paid to gossip about our customers and help them with their love lives." He snorted as Minako flipped him a very rude gesture with one of her fingers before she turned back to Lily and ignored the owner, who was left standing with his mouth dangling open at the cheek of his staff. "I'll…I'll have you fired!" He spluttered eventually, outraged indignation overcoming his initial shock.
"Yeah, good luck," Lily muttered to him, "We're what keeps the bar running and you know it."
Quinze opened his mouth, but realised that his protestations would go completely ignored, for the girls treated him with what could almost be a loving disrespect from two daughters to their father. Sighing the older man turned, shaking his head, and shuffled back into the storeroom to go over the accounts and licence for alcohol selling.
Both girls continued to tidy up the bar until a soft voice from behind them said, "Excuse me?"
Turning, both girls saw a woman who must have been about the same age as them if not slightly older. Her short, strangely violet hair flopped over one side of her face and her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence. She was wearing a simple white tennis dress although it was about half past eleven in the evening and she was perched on the bar stool. Neither Minako nor Lily had heard her approach.
"Bar's closed for the evening." Lily said shortly, turning back to her washing up, not catching the disappointed expression on the girl's face. Minako, however, did and smiled at her.
"I'm sure we can fit in one last customer." She said cheerfully, "What'll it be?"
"A Bloody Mary." The girl raised an eyebrow at the surprised look on Minako's face, "I'm not some hopeless delicate flower you know," She remarked with some amusement, "I can hold my drink as well as the rest of them." Shifting she glanced at Lily, who had turned around again to scrutinise her face. "Is there a problem?" She asked coolly her blue eyes never leaving the bartender's face.
"I know you from somewhere." Lily said thoughtfully, still staring. There was a long pause as the girl fidgeted slightly, waiting for Minako to bring her drink and Lily continued to frown and gaze at the girl's face with an almost ferocious intensity. Suddenly she snapped her fingers, causing the girl and Minako to jump. "Got it! You're Hilde Shbeiker aren't you?" She grinned triumphantly at the shocked expression on Hilde's face before turning to Minako, who was looking slightly confused. "Her father's really rich…and strict." She glanced back over at Hilde, "But if he's as strict as people say he is, what are you doing at our bar, ordering a Bloody Mary?"
Hilde sighed, suddenly looking less haughty and more like an average girl. "I'm meeting someone." She admitted, "But my father doesn't know…I've sneaked out." Her eyes began to hold fear. Don't tell him will you?"
"Of course not." Minako said reassuringly and Lily nodded too, confirming her silence. "We wouldn't dream of getting you into trouble."
Hilde smiled, looking relieved. "Thanks." She said gratefully, before taking the glass offered to her and gulping down the contents in one go. Slamming the object back down on the table she grinned, looking at their shocked expression.
"For an overprotected rich girl, you sure know how to drink." Lily said admiringly her eyes still on the empty glass. Picking it up, she chucked it with the rest in the sink before plopping down on a bar stool on the other side from Hilde. Minako vaulted up onto the counter top and sat there, swinging her legs. "So, who are you meeting?" Lily asked, brown eyes curious.
"Me." Came a cool voice from somewhere behind Hilde. Glancing around in surprise, the three girls saw a tall girl with waist length blonde hair and eyes like sapphire chips standing there, clad in a black dress.
"Dorothy!" Hilde beamed, jumping up to give the other girl a hug, "I'm glad you could make it." She smiled at her, before turning back to the girls at the counter who were now standing there, their mouths slightly open and nearly identical looks of shock on their faces. "This is Dorothy Catalonia," Hilde said, smiling, "She's here to help me with the problem of my parents."
"Oh…right…" Was all Minako managed, still staring, "You do know she's the captain's niece?"
"Of course!" Hilde grinned again, "We met when my parents were dining at the main table," She paused, glancing at Dorothy, "Ever since then, she's been an invaluable friend…what do you want to drink?" She said, turning back to the longhaired girl and smiling. "Does another Bloody Mary sound good?"
*********
Morning brought Heero back to the land of the living as the sunlight caught his bare face through the windows, because he'd forgotten to draw the curtains last night in his emotional turmoil. Without opening his eyes he stretched slightly, arching his back off the mattress, and was surprised when he didn't move an inch. The second surprise came when he realised that he felt warm, that something was draped over him and something else was softly tickling the crook of his shoulder.
Frowning, he opened his eyes and encountered a mass of chestnut hair. That explained the tickling sensation, he realised, and why he couldn't lift himself up and why he was so warm…but who was it? Briefly he wondered whether he'd become drunk last night, but a brief memory recall told him otherwise. (2)
The other figure stirred, murmuring slightly and burying its face in Heero's shoulder, tightening its grip around his shoulders and nuzzling the warm skin. It was then that Heero realised what a truly embarrassing position he was in. The other person was actually almost straddling him, both of their legs were draped on either side of him and their full weight was resting on his chest because they were practically laying on top of him, arms draped around his neck. Taking a deep breath, Heero began to panic slightly; he didn't know who this person was. Had he become drunk after all? Was this some woman who had only been looking for a good time?
Suddenly realisation dawned as the person muttered again, the voice was familiar, the hair was familiar and come to think of it, the person didn't have breasts. He frowned and managed to sit up slightly, Duo still clinging to him like he had become a giant teddy bear and brushed the chestnut hair back, away from the sleeping face to gaze upon the dark lashes and creamy skin of his best friend.
"Shit." Was all he managed quietly before Duo began to blink sleepily, letting go of Heero's neck to fall backwards with a soft thump onto the mattress. This woke the normally braided boy up, and the first thing his eyes came into contact with, was a pair of royally pissed off cobalt eyes that glared at him from under a mop of dark hair.
"Nngh?" He managed intelligently, pushing his bangs out of his eyes to blink in confusion at Heero. Scratching his head, he sat up and stared around the room before his eyes widened in realisation of what he'd heard and done last night. "Uh oh." Was all he managed before two strong arms grabbed his wrists, pulling him to within bare centimetres of Heero's face. Heero's glare could have brought around the next ice age, and the anger was evident in his eyes and the set of his mouth.
"What the hell are you doing in here?" He hissed, his hands unintentionally tightening around Duo's wrists, causing the other boy to wince slightly.
"Uh…sleeping?" Duo managed, still not completely awake.
It was the wrong answer. Heero's mouth tightened and he released Duo so suddenly that the braided boy nearly fell forward, which probably would have made matters a good deal worse considering he was already so near Heero he could have been in his lap. "You were sleeping, in my bed," Heero said slowly, through clenched teeth, "Next to…no, on top of me, when you're meant to be my best friend."
"Look, I'm sorry, ok?" Duo managed, "I…you had a nightmare last night, I was just trying to calm you down when…I guess I fell asleep." He turned his head away, studying the floor so Heero wouldn't see the knowledge of what his unconscious self had said to the braided boy only brief hours ago. Which is perhaps why he missed the sudden flash of warmth in Heero's eyes, but it was gone before he looked up again, suddenly angry. "I don't know why you're acting like I've insulted you and your personal boundaries Yuy, I just thought you could use a little comfort is all."
"I don't need comfort." Heero retorted, rising to the verbal bate as his fists clenched. "And certainly not from you, yesterday's little episode showed that."
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Duo yelled angrily, his voice rising, "Ever since we've stepped on this ship, you've been acting strangely!" In his fury he shoved Heero backwards away from him before leaping off the bed and spinning to confront the shorthaired man. "And what are you on about with my 'little episode' yesterday, huh?" He was so angry by this time that he was actually trembling as Heero stormed closer to him, a venomous look in his blue eyes.
"I've been acting weirdly?" He fumed, completely ignoring the second question, "What about you? You've been running around in a dress and acting more feminine than I've ever known you before! I mean I know you have long hair but…"
"You're the one that asked me to dress up as a woman!" Duo screamed indignantly, "I could be enjoying myself in my normal clothes if it wasn't for you and your stupid parents. But no, because I'm your best friend, I have to wander around, wearing Relena's spare dresses with some wonder bra crammed on my front so you don't have to get married!" He stamped a foot almost childishly, "I'm doing you a favour Yuy, and all you do is complain or shout at me. Well forget it, I'm sick of having to live a lie for you, you can just tell your parents the truth and have done with it because I quit!"
In two strides Heero was across the room and gripping Duo's arm in a dangerously tight hold, his eyes sparking fury. "Fuck you." He hissed, giving Duo a small shake, "If you quit masquerading, my parents will make me marry someone." Abruptly he released the braided boy's arm and turned away. "Just go Duo." This time, his voice was quiet, defeated and his tone held despair.
"But…"
"Just leave me alone."
Duo hesitated for a second before his anger rose once more. "Fine." He said and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
**********
Relena frowned as she looked across the once more crowded ballroom to where Heero was standing next to his parents. The blonde girl could see, even from this distance, that Heero's expression was sullen, disinterested and practically depressed. Frowning, she came to the conclusion that the argument from yesterday had not been sorted out after Duo left her, if anything, it must have become worse not better. Glancing at her companion she tugged on his arm, "Wufei, I think it's about time you met the Lowe's." She commented, before pulling him through the crowd toward Mary, Odin and Heero, Wufei protesting violently all the way.
As she passed one of the large windows that opened out onto the deck her eyes caught a sudden movement by the railing, and, glancing out through the glass she saw Duo. The braided man was wearing his normal clothes and his hair was tied back in a loose ponytail as he leant against the railing, gazing out across the sea. Relena's eyes immediately flew over to where Heero was still standing and her mind began to run at a mile a minute as she continued to pull her reluctant fiancé across to where the politician and his family was standing.
"Relena!" Mary smiled with pleasure as she caught sight of Heero's childhood friend and the irate Chinese man to whom she was engaged. "It's good to see you properly at last!" She stepped back a bit and looked her up and down with an exaggerated stare, "I think you've grown again!" She remarked in mock horror, "You're all outstripping me, Heero, Miliardo…" She sighed and her blue gaze turned to Wufei. "Don't tell me this is the handsome fiancé we've heard so much about?" She asked, smiling slightly as she extended a hand.
Heero listened to the exchanged pleasantries without actually comprehending what was going on. His mind was wandering back to the argument he'd had earlier with Duo and he was inwardly wincing at the coldness of his words. 'What have I done?' He thought with a sudden wave of despair, 'I may have lost my best friend…'
'Ah,' came another voice from inside his head, 'just a best friend Yuy? Seemed a little bit more than that when you first saw him in a dress.'
'A minor distraction…he looked like a girl.' Heero argued silently with himself, 'If I felt attracted, it was because he looked feminine.'
'Really?' The voice sounded as though it was using the tone known as mocking disbelief. 'Then how come you sometimes sit and watch him sleep when you room together at university, hmm? Or how about the other day when he was dancing to his music and you spent five minutes just watching him in the reflection on your computer screen? Seems to me like you have more than just a friendship with this man.'
"Shut up, just shut up!" Heero said viciously to himself.
Odin choked on his water, "I'm sorry, what?" He practically bellowed as he glared at his son who blinked, unsure as to what he'd done. All around them people were staring, including Relena, Wufei and Mary Lowe, identical expressions of shock written on their faces. Heero shifted uneasily, when it suddenly occurred to him, that he'd uttered those words out loud, whilst his father was speaking to him.
Oh shit.
"I'm…I'm sorry, please forgive me." He muttered before brushing past his astonished parents and dashing out of the room, leaving a trail of staring people behind him.
***********
Duo sighed and moodily kicked the bottom rail with one foot before propping his leg up on it and staring back out across the still, dark ocean. He hadn't felt right all day, not since he'd quarrelled with Heero and he'd come out here for a little bit of peace and quiet. Away from the noise of the party he'd managed to put Heero out of his mind for a little while and just concentrated on looking at the beautiful scene in front of him.
The moon had come out from behind the clouds that had obscured it, and it now cast a soft, silver glow over the waves, making them look frosted and icy almost like the sea had become another world, another place, meant only for folk from fairy tales and lovers who strolled together peacefully, content in one another's company.
Since Duo was neither fairy nor lover, he reasoned, he had to content himself with just looking and enjoying his solitude and sense of quiet freedom that would probably end all too soon. Another sigh emanated from his still form and his head dropped to rest on the arms folded on the top of the metal barrier. "Why do I have to pick the worst of them all to fall for." He moaned softly to himself, "I could probably have anyone I liked, but instead I end up in love with Mr -I Have No Heart Just An Ice Cube- Yuy."
There was the quiet creak of the wooden door behind him that led back into the ship, and Duo knew his brief moments of solitude had gone, as quickly as if a wind had blown them away. Light footsteps could be heard moving across the deck, and they seemed to be coming towards him, a thought that wasn't registered until an all too familiar voice spoke next to him.
"I'm sorry."
Duo jumped before glancing sharply to his right and catching Heero's profile as he, too, stared out towards the horizon. "Yeah, forgiven." Was all he managed, before he turned back to his mental contemplation of why his life was so miserable. For a long time, neither boy spoke, but eventually, it was Heero who stirred again and turned so he was facing Duo directly, blue eyes looking the other boy full in the face.
"Duo…what has been wrong with you ever since we stepped on board?" He asked quietly, reaching out an almost hesitant hand to grip the other man's arm and turn Duo to face him.
Duo met his eyes reluctantly, unwilling to break the peace, but knowing what he had to say. "I don't think I can tell you that Heero." He murmured, tensing as he waited for the verbal onslaught that was bound to happen at his refusal to confide in his friend. This tirade, however, never occurred; Heero merely nodded and paused for a few seconds, almost as though he was trying to work out what to do next. The funny thing was, Duo noticed almost idly, that Heero's gaze had never once left his face; in fact, he seemed to be looking deep into his eyes… An irrational part of Duo, prompted the braided boy to think that this was the perfect moment for a first kiss, but this thought was quickly squashed as Heero opened his mouth to try and draw his friend out again.
"Well, can you show me what's the matter?"
Duo glanced sharply at the seemingly innocent young man, who just continued to stare impassively back, the only hint of an expression coming from his dark blue eyes, which showed nothing but concern.
'Why not?' The irrational part of Duo's brain urged, 'Why not show him what's wrong? He can hardly blame you for this, he did ask, after all.'
The rational part didn't seem to be functioning as well as it could have, this could have been to Heero's close proximity, the slightly taller boy having taken a couple of steps closer so the two bodies were only inches apart. Raising his chin slightly, Duo looked at Heero with an expression bordering on defiant. "Fine," He said, determination quite clearly written in his voice, "I'll 'show' you what's been wrong with me ever since we stepped on board." (3)
Carefully he inched forward, violet eyes intense, never leaving Heero's face. Then, in one sudden, almost decisive movement, he swiftly closed the final centimetres and brushed his lips lightly across those of the stunned boy who stood stock still in front of him. Carefully, almost cautiously, Duo deepened the kiss, trying to convey his feelings in the simple movement of his lips as he gently reached up to link his hands behind Heero's neck.
It was with an almost earth shattering shock that he realised Heero had begun to respond to the kiss. The shorthaired boy gently wrapped his arms around the braided man and drew him even closer, as lips pressed more firmly and the embrace tightened slightly, both boys becoming completely oblivious to their surroundings. Gently, almost timidly, Heero's tongue traced the crack where Duo's upper and lower lips met before a soft sigh and a slight parting gave him all the consent he needed to explore his friend's mouth.
Teeth nipped gently at his lower lip and Duo's eyes slid slowly shut of their own accord as he whimpered softly at the sensation of Heero's tongue twining softly with his own.
Both boys broke apart, lips kiss swollen and eyes wide as they looked at each other. For a long moment there was absolute silence until Duo's expression changed from one of astonishment to realisation, then to shame as he continued to look at Heero. I…I'm sorry." He muttered before glancing away, "I shouldn't have done that." The poor lighting did nothing to hide the dark blush of embarrassment that crept over his cheeks. Heero had only responded out of habit, he knew that, but his stupid heart had managed to convince him otherwise for a few brief seconds, for one short minute, he'd actually believed that Heero had felt the same way.
Not letting his despair show, Duo spun on his heel without another word to the still, stunned Heero and ran back inside, praying the tears wouldn't fall until he was back in the safety of his own room. Careening down a corridor, he slammed into someone just coming out of the washroom and nearly knocked them down.
With a muttered apology he carried on, not even glancing at the person who'd very nearly fallen over. If he had, he would have realised it was Odin Lowe, who was staring after the braided figure, his eyes wide as he rationally tried to convince himself that it hadn't been a flat chest that he had seen and he'd simply had too much alcohol.
"Something very strange is going on." He muttered to himself, rubbing a hand across his eyes. Duet couldn't be a man, his son wasn't gay…was he?
To be Continued…
CB: Whoo! Another chapter finished! *Rubs her eyes then glances at the clock* Uh oh, I've stayed up half the night to finish this. *Looks down at her cup of coffee* At least the caffeine did it's job. *Waves at her readers* Well, I'm for bed, see you later. Oh, and if anyone DOES want to draw me a piece of fan art for this, I will be eternally in your debt and pay you homage.
Seth: o_0; I hope you don't mean in the literal sense.
CB: Duh! Of course not, I'll just put it on my site, thank the person very much and…stuff.
(1) Lily is what is known as a 'shameless self-insert' yes folks, I decided that for the one and only time, I was going to put myself in. I promise it won't happen again. Promise!
(2) Heero's obviously a little dense in the morning's ne?
(3) The one scene that's been playing on my mind since the beginning of the fic was the one just written. If anyone's willing to do a piece of fan art for this fic…*looks hopefully at the readers* I'd love to put it on my website…when it's finished.