Ok here it is… the last chapter before the epilogue. But we had fun while it lasted, ne?
Warnings: A little Limey in the beginning, but nothing porno worthy. There is a good deal of talk about sex in this chapter. I feel the need to state that although much of Heero and Duo's relationship in this chapter centers around sexual frustration, sex is not the only element to a serous relationship and I made an effort to have the situation reflect my own values and experiences. I think my muse is just pushing for a lemon but I'm afraid there won't be one…in this fic anyway.
B/c Cat, Sara, and Holly helped out so much with this chapter they all get random cameos.
Again… be sure your mommy isn't watching u read this. I would defiantly say the first part of this chapter IS NOT suitable for children! I might be pushing the R rating here… YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! * Covers her ass and runs away *
Disclaimer: I didn't own the boys when I started, and I don't own them now.
'Chapter 13 ~ Into the Sunset' ( part1)
The day began as most of our days had over the past month or so. I awoke to the soft sent of lavender and the heavy weight of another body on my chest. Duo's eyes fluttered open under a dense mass of chestnut hair and glanced up at me, smiling. He mumbled a warm greeting before closing his eyes and giving my upper body a tight squeeze.
There had never been any discussion in relation to the two of us reverting to sharing a bed. The night of our 'confessions' we passed out in each other's arms, and since my room has been turned into a home gym.
Each day it's the same. I awake to the pleasant entanglement of hair and limbs as the sun creeps through the window. We exchange 'good mornings' and eventually leave the warmth of our bed and head off hot shower and then to a light breakfast before the day starts.
However, today's a bit more special, and I can feel the positive energy pouring in with the sunshine.
Today Duo returns to the hospital for his finial evaluation.
I had awoken early, and spent the initial morning hours reflecting on my own insecurities about Duo's recovery. Although he'd demonstrated remarkable independence and rapid physical recuperation, I couldn't help but be nervous; Partly due to my own selfish fears of my love regaining his strength and walking out again; no longer needing my support.
Of course, I was still excited for him. He'd worked hard to regain his strength.
Another component of my insecurity lay in the date. I only had about six weeks remaining before my 'paid vacation' from the Preventers came to an end. What was I to do then? Return to work as if nothing ever transpired? Or perhaps I should just stay here and become the loving housewife while Duo goes off to work?
The other body on the bed shifted and groaned, trying to shield his eyes from the morning light. I reached out and stroked the loose mass of silken hair draped over us two. I don't know why I'm worrying over such self-centered matters right now. I need to focus on treasuring moments such as this, for who knows how long they will last?
Duo moaned, a sleepy glazed look in his eyes as he gazed up at me and nuzzled into my hand. "Mornin' Heero"
"Ohayo"
"Rhode Island" He murmured with a drowsy grin and pulled his lethargic form up my bare torso to place a simple peck on my nose. All the way, soft wisps of golden brown curl brush lightly along the sensitive curves of my exposed upper body, causing little electric currents to run through my veins down my whole body. I grasped the base of his neck with one hand, pulling him forward to indulge in a more passionate kiss.
Duo melted into my arms and slid his nimble fingers to intertwine with my own untidy locks. I moaned into his mouth as his hot tongue began to explore my oral cavity, massaging the sensitive surface of my lower lip. He straddled my chest, grabbing my hair and crushing our lips together forcefully. I obliged and deepened the kiss, allowing my hands to roam from the base of his neck down the curves of his back. When my fingertips brushed the small of his back, Duo responded by lifting his hips and grinding against my willing body.
Those thin pajamas leave nothing to the imagination, and from where I lay, I'd say Duo had some pleasant dreams last night.
My lips traced down to the cleft of his neck, flicking my tongue and sucking along the collarbone. His breath caught in his throat and a tiny gasp of pleasure escaped his lips. The friction of our bodies moving together caused my boxers to slide down, exposing my awakening arousal, and I faltered, suddenly a bit more self-couscous. But as I slowed my ministrations, Duo quickened his movements, rubbing his own awakened desire against mine.
I savored the delicious vibrations cascading down my body for a moment, before grasping Duo by the shoulders and rolling over; pinning him to the bed. My own heavy breathing filled my ears as I surveyed the beauty beneath me.
His eyes were wide with pupils dilated so that only a faint rim of violet was visible. Cheeks flushed, and painting heavily, he gazed up at me, confused. Recently, this scenario had been played out far too often.
We'd never discussed sex; and although I knew it was an important part of any serous romantic adult relationship, I just couldn't bring myself to fully complete the act.
Don't get me wrong… I wanted to. I really, really, wanted to. However, I couldn't put my own physical desires ahead of the need for building a strong emotional relationship. I wanted to show him love not lust. Unfortunately, my hormones seemed to have other ideas in the morning.
Maybe I'm just waiting for the right moment, or perhaps I'm just afraid to tarnish the innocence I see in his eyes. Truth be told, I don't even know if Duo's engaged in this sort of activity before. I've wanted to bring up the topic many times, but found myself too embarrassed and tripping over my own words. The issue of sexual intercourse is a bit more complicated when both partners are men.
I mean, how do I know he wants to be the Uke? Maybe I'm supposed to be the bottom. Do I want to be on bottom? If I'm Seme then I have to be careful not to be too rough with him. Urg! I wish there was an instruction manual for this!
Rolling off of my love, I sighed, and flopped onto the mattress, still painting in frustration. Duo snuggles up to my right side and places a few feather light kisses along my neck before peeling himself from the bed. Half naked, and still breathing heavily, he stands in the early daylight.
"I think I need a cold shower." He mumbles before pushing the already falling fabric from his hips, nonchalantly allowing his paints to puddle at his feet, and darting toward the bathroom.
I watched his slender hips sway for a brief second and he fled through the doorway and lay flat on my back and closed my eyes before smothering myself with a pillow.
Thank the gods this house is huge; I might have to find myself a private corner latter.
* * * * * * * * *
As I flipped the last pancake, the smooth trickle of water echoing from the shower ceased. I carefully arranged it with the others on Duo's plate, before sprinkling a sparse portion of chocolate chips on top. Poor Duo hasn't been permitted sweets for a while, I figure today's special.
The hardwood floor creaking in the hall alerts me to his presence. Duo saunters into the well-lit kitchen, one hand drying his hair with a towel, and the other reaching right for my freshly made breakfast. Spatula in hand, a flick of the wrist, and Duo yelped as the metal whipped his hand.
"Itai! Heero, why'd ya do that?" He wines, pouting and sucking on his slightly reddened hand.
"Yours is on the table." I say with a smile before allowing my eyes to wonder down his exposed torso to the white cotton towel draping over his hips.
"You need to put some clothes on."
"Yeah well," He responds while shoveling food in his mouth, "my sweats are in the dryer and I don't see the point in getting dressed twice. That slave driver Sara's got me doing a full evaluation the gym today as well as a full physical. Ooh! Chocolate! Are you sure it's ok for me to eat these, Heero?"
I shrugged, "Don't see why not. Did you already fill a urine sample?"
"Yup, upstairs on the sink in a yogurt cup."
" Well then, no one will know if you don't tell them." I winked. "That amount of chocolate shouldn't alter your blood sugar that much."
A warm grin caressed his lips. "Your too damn good to me Heero."
Leaning back against the counter with my plate in hand, I smiled. Duo sat half-naked and bathed in the morning light at our kitchen table; happily munching on the meal I'd prepared.
I get a certain amount of satisfaction watching him eat my food. Up until a while ago, neither of us could so much as boil water. We relayed on the microwave and take-out for a bit, and then Duo's nutritionist, Holly, took notice and gave both of us a lecture about proper diet. Apparently, Chinese and McDonalds ™ aren't included in the meal plan for a recovering coma patient. So one of us had to learn how to cook, and Duo had difficulty not tripping over the kitchen counter on his crutches.
Therefore it became my responsibility to learn how to prepare an adequate meal for the both of us. I bought countless gourmet cookbooks before realizing how difficult healthy food is to make. Not to mention how expensive most of the exotic ingredients were! Eventually I figured out how to broil a steak without charring it.
Duo never seemed to mind. He just smiled graciously and gulped down whatever burnt-beyond-recognition or boiled-to-mush food I put in front of him. My culinary skills have improved significantly, but I still worry if the food I prepare is really edible.
"Heero? Are you just gonna stand there staring at me or are you gonna eat?"
Duo had just about swallowed every last pancake on his plate and was currently licking half melted chocolate chips off his fingers; very seductively, I might add. Due to his sloppy eating habits, little drops of maple syrup had trickled onto his chest; witch was still slightly wet from his shower. The sticky mixture glistened in the sunlight and caused an unexpected reaction in my groin.
I wanted nothing more then to jet forward, pull him out of that chair, and lick off those sparkling sticky-sweet drops.
Kami, I really have no self-control.
Sexual thoughts began to swim through my brain as I began to play out what would be our erotic encounter in my mind. That towel would go flying across the room as I pinned him down on the clean white tile floor. Capturing those sugar sticky lips in a hot kiss before moving my hands to cup his firm ass and pull him closer. Our bodies rubbing together as I struggled to shed my clothes… Both of us naked and entangled on the kitchen floor….
"Yo Heero! Earth calling Heero Yuy!"
I shook my head, trying to will away all those impure thoughts. Duo stared at me, concerned, while snapping his fingers to get my attention.
"Heero, EAT. We're gonna be late."
I looked down at my now cold meal and tossed the plate onto the counter. "I'm not hungry."
Well, not for pancakes anyway.
Duo raised an eyebrow gazed at me in confusion. "Suit yourself I guess."
He continued to finish off his coffee and I pulled up a chair and watched his lip caress the ceramic cup. I really should just talk to him about my sexual desires. For all I know he might be struggling the same as I. However, do I really want to have this conversation when he sitting here in nothing but a towel?
Well I suppose now's as good a time as any.
"Are you a virgin?" I asked abruptly.
Duo's eyes went wide and he began to choke on his drink.
Smooth Heero. That went over as well as Wufei at a feminist convention.
"Heero, I really don't think this is appropriate breakfast conversation." He replied. His joking tone laced with nervousness as he refused to meet my eyes.
"It's perfectly legitimate question Duo, considering how we've been waking up the past few weeks."
Even thought I was incredibly insecure, I did my best not to let it show. I straightened my posture and kept my hands folded on the table, doing my best to look deadly serous. Doing his best to seem uninterested, Duo shifted uncomfortable in his chair and used his fork to make little designs in the syrup puddles on his plate.
"I just don't see why it's so damn important." He mumbled and rose to deposit his plate in the sink. I leapt up sending the chair flying across the floor and stood between him and the counter.
"Duo, we need to talk about this."
"Why Heero? Why the hell does it matter that much to you? Who the hell cares whom I've been with! I'm here now aren't I?!"
I know Duo's right. All that should matter is that he is here with me in this moment, that he chose to stay. But we don't live in a perfect world. Sexual acts transmit deadly diseases that tear apart lives. Openness in discussing past sexual activity with a new partner is a must in today's world. One of the reasons I'm bringing up this uncomfortable subject is to act like a responsible adult in a serous relationship. The other reason, I'm ashamed to admit, is my own insecurity of Duo being more experienced than I.
The next sound I heard was Duo's plate crashing to the floor and shattering into a million pieces. He stood, fists clenched at his side, and head hung low as if he was about to cry.
"I knew I'd never be enough for you." He muttered in a low strained voice, tears threatening to fall.
I reached out and placed my index finger beneath his chin, lifting his head.
"Duo, you are more than enough for me. I love you. Don't ever doubt that fact. I'm just…concerned about taking our relationship to that level without discussing it with you first. I don't want to hurt or disappoint you. I've never done anything like this before."
From under his damp chestnut waves, Duo's eyes widened and a sheepish grin laced his lips.
"To tell ya the truth Heero, I've never done anything like this either. I'm just kinda going with what feels right. I'm sorry if you felt like I was pushing things too fast."
Honestly, I was shocked. Duo's as inexperienced as I am? I cannot believe a man that damn beautiful hasn't been taken by someone already.
I would be duo's first! Oh kamisama, what was I saying before about performance anxiety? Damn it.
"Heero knock it off, will ya! Don't look so damn surprised! I may be a flirt but I'm not the town whore."
He smirked and swayed slightly, placing his hands on his waist, just above the loosely hanging towel. Once again, a throbbing sensation attacked my groin. I hate towels. I think I'll burn every single one in the house this afternoon.
"I know!" he exclaimed, thrusting a finger in my face. "Since we are both a little unsure about going all the way, why don't we slow things down a bit."
"Slow things down?" I asked. My mind boggled and my body protested. Somehow I don't think I'll like this idea.
"Why don't we go on a date tonight! We've never really had a date before so this can be our first!"
Oh goody. Dating. Someone save me.
Still, Duo seems awfully excited about the idea and it is an important step.
"Fine."
"Wonderful!"
With that, Duo threw his arms around me and pecked me chastely on the lips. I smiled and melted into the warmth of the embrace: my hands tracing circles on his bare back.
Everything I've ever wanted is pressed, naked forfeit a towel, against my willing body, nuzzling at the sensitive spot on my neck…and now we are taking it slow.
Someone up there hates me.
The ticking of the wall clock dragged my attention away form the supple form hard-pressed against me.
"Lets get going love. You'll be late."
He drew away slowly and threw me one last lustful smirk before sauntering down the hall. I surveyed the disaster that was our kitchen before turning and repeatedly pounding my head into the wall.
A date. What mess have I gotten into now?
* * * * * * *
We arrived barely on time at the medical facility. Sara and Holly greeted us at the entrance and ushered the now fully clothed braided boy off post-haste. I signed Duo in at the front desk and greeted the receptionist with a kind smile. All the while, my mind swarmed with desperation.
I want tonight to be the most incredible night of our lives, but I don't know the first thing about dating or relationships. Plopping down in one of the plastic chairs to begin the three-hour wait during the examination, I began to brainstorm ideas for tonight's date.
The amusement park was the first idea that popped into my head, traditional and something I know Duo would enjoy. However, I immediately dismissed it. I don't mean to be overprotective, but I think it may be too soon. The last thing I want is for Duo to suffer and injury on a roller coaster and then have to come back here and explain to Holly and Sara what happened.
Perhaps something a little less public, like a movie. I've never been fond of theaters though; so many people locked away in a dark room makes me nervous somehow.
Tilting my head back and letting out a long sigh, I gave up. I'm half-tempted to Duo where he wants to go but I want this to be sort of a congratulatory surprise. There's only one person I know with experience who has ever displayed a romantic interest in me.
Digging into my pocket, I withdrew my cell phone and dialed her number.
~ Ringing~
"Hello. Please state your security code for voice recognition." The mechanical voice on the other end chimed.
"Preventer Yuy, code 0001B."
"Please hold"
A long pause followed as I anxiously awaited an operator.
"I'm sorry, but that code is no longer valid. To try again, press '1'. If this is an emergency, please press '0' for an operator. Your call is important to us."
I scowled and hit zero.
Great. Une you bitch! I'm only on vacation, you didn't have to go and terminate my universal pass-code!
"Hello, Senate offices. How may I direct your call?"
Finally, a living person instead those damned automated answering services.
"I'd like to speak with Senator Peacecraft."
"May I ask what this is in reference to?"
"My name is Preventer Heero Yuy. It's imperative that I speak with her immediately."
"I'm sorry sir, but you'll need to use your voice recognition pass-code to get to a secure line."
" I just attempted that. The system must be corrupted because my password wasn't recognized."
"Sir, there is no way I can put you on a direct line to the Senator without identity verification. The most I can do is transfer you to her personal answering service."
This woman must be new. Well then, she wants to play rough on her first day, I'll give her something to tell the people at the water cooler about.
"Listen! This is a matter of world security. Do you have any idea who the hell I am?! If you do not patch me through immediately millions of people will be dead! Do you want their blood on your hands? DO YOU?!"
"Uhh…connectingnowsir."
~Ring~
Ah, newbies are always fun. Just raise your voice and panic and they eat out of your hand.
I suddenly felt slightly uncomfortable. Looking up I realized the entire waiting area had its gaze on me in shock. I looked over at one woman in particular, who was sitting across form me holding an infant.
"New employee" I shrugged and she nodded in understanding.
The phone rang for a good two minutes before Relena's voice finally appeared on the other end.
"Heero? Heero what happened? What's wrong? Has there been an attack?"
I chuckled. "No Relena, you just need a better screening process for hiring new personnel."
"Good grief Heero" She sighed "Don't do that shit! You almost gave me a heart attack. Next time use your damn password like everyone else!"
"Une disabled my code, so I had to go through the main operator."
"WHAT? WHY?"
"I don't know Relena."
"I'll talk to her about it this afternoon and see that it gets reinstated. Now would you mind telling me why I was dragged out of an important meeting? Or do I have to guess?"
I began to feel a slightly awkward and even a little silly for calling Relena. For a moment, I reconsidered the conversation I was about to invoke. What if she got jealous? I hadn't even thought of that before. After all, she did chase me around, risking death, during two universal wars.
Maybe I should have called Quatre instead.
"Heero! I'm a very busy person. What do you want?"
"Well… Uhh…if this is a bad time, I could just~"
"Ooh, I see. This is about you and Duo isn't it?"
Her tone became softer, more devious. I was thoroughly surprised she knew Duo and I were together. Furthermore she didn't seem aggravated by that fact.
"Yeah, actually. How did you~?"
"Oh, Quatre told me. I think it's wonderful! And I know just what you want to ask me!"
A short pause and nasal grunt illustrated my confusion.
"Oh, Heero! Of course I'll be your maid of honor! When's the wedding?"
I sputtered and almost fell from my chair.
"Wait, Relena, I don't know what Quatre told you but Duo and I aren't getting married! I just wanted to ask you where I should take him on a date!"
"Oh." Relena replayed with disappointment evident in her voice.
"Yeah."
"Well then," She perked up, " A date. How about a love hotel or a host club? Ya know, spice things up a little?"
Spice things up? Didn't Duo and I just agree to tone things down? Maybe calling Relena wasn't the best idea.
"Umm, I was thinking something a bit more romantic and private."
"Well… candles around the tub and a scented bath with rose petals always works for me."
Aggravation thy name is Relena.
"No. Something where we can keep our clothes on."
"Now why would you want to do that?"
"Duo and I agreed to take things slow."
"Hang on, let me see if I've got this straight, Heero. You've been living with Duo off and on for almost a year. You've known him for what? Two years? Two and a half? You've had a crush on the guy for as long as I can remember. You've been dating for a while and you haven't boinked him yet?"
I sighed, "No. I haven't slept with him."
"Well why the hell not?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure exactly how to go about it. I want it to be a special experience for him."
"Oh Lord, Heero. It's not that difficult. All you your doing is putting something in a hole, its not rocket science."
"RELENA!"
"Ok, ok. Tell you what; just leave everything to me. I'll come up with the perfect romantic date for the new slow couple, alright?"
Although her offer seems tempting, can I really trust her with this? I looked over at the clock. Duo was supposed to be done with his exam in less than an hour. I suppose whatever she comes up with has to be better than nothing.
"Alright Relena."
"Great! I'll be at your house by five-thirty to set everything up. Just keep Duo busy. Ok?"
"Ok, But I'm trusting you with this."
"Don't worry so much Heero. You'll get gray hair."
A low female voice in what sounded like a moan came from Relena's end of the line.
"Who else is there?"
"Huh? Oh no one."
"Miss Relena." The voice whined low and seductive.
"Relena I do believe you have a guest."
"One sec."
The conversation was muffled but I definitely herd Relena scolding someone and another female whining. There was a brief scuffle and a new voice came from the line.
"Hey Heero. You guys aren't going to be much longer are you?"
I suddenly recognized who it was. "Dorothy?!"
Another short scuffle and low moans of protest and Relena was back on the line. "Sorry about that. She gets…anxious."
"I see." That's when it dawned on me. "A meeting huh?"
"Ummm… just don't tell anyone, please? We're trying to keep this under wraps. Press and all."
"Understood. Ja Relena."
"See you latter ~ hang on Dorothy. No don't put your shirt back on!"
~Click~
Closing my cell phone, I leaned back against the wall and rubbed my temple. Why does everyone feel the need to focus on the sexual aspects of things? Kami-sama let her come through on this. Duo would kill me if he came home to a room full of whips and chains.
"Mr. Yuy?"
I jumped in surprise and looked up to see the vibrant, blond receptionist, standing over me.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. If it helps, there is a rather good florist just a block down to the right. I hear they have a wonderful selection."
"Thank you Cat. I think that might be the best idea I've herd all day."
She nodded and wondered back off to deal with a pile of charts.
I stretched and stood up. Flowers sound like a good back up plan, just incase I need to apologize for Relena's potential screw up. I had plenty of time for such a small task.
With a bit more confidence, I meandered out the huge sliding doors and up the block.
Then an odd thought hit me.
Did Senator Relena Peacecraft just use the word "boinked"?
TBC…
Yes I know I'm evil for dividing up the last chapter. Yes I have it written. No you can't read it yet.
Review of you love pancakes! ^____^
