AN: Man, I'm really not doing so hot with this New Years thing but I will persevere. So here it is, the next chapter.
Spoils of War Ch. 23
Usual warnings and standard disclaimer apply.
Duo swore loudly in his mind as the door to his chamber creaked ridiculously loudly in the stillness of the morning. Hoping desperately that his slave wasn't awake, Duo carefully crept into the room. If he wasn't in dire need of the original copies of the slaver standards laws he wouldn't have risked coming into this room. But he'd discovered a slaver who was functioning far below the standards that the laws dictated. If Duo could find enough problems the slaver would be jailed and all his slaves released. As the braided boy shuffled through the various papers on his desk one soft-spoken word sent a chill up his spine.
"Duo."
The young advisor flinched as he heard his name called again by a very familiar voice. Taking a deep breath, Duo began trying to reason out an excuse that he could tell Heero that was the truth without it being extremely revealing. Temporary insanity seemed awfully tempting.
The sight that met Duo's eyes made him crush the papers he held in his hands. Heero lay curled up on his bed, sleeping.
Slow, quiet steps carried Duo toward Heero's sleeping form. Clutching the slave documents to his chest, Duo reached out trembling fingers. The shaking digits brushed Heero's dark hair with a caress lighter than breath. Mesmerized by the reel of those cool soft strands running through his fingers, Duo repeated the action, this time with more confidence. Laying one hand over Heero's exposed neck, Duo gently stroked the boy's soft, rounded cheek. Slowly he cautiously settled his weight on the bed, praying Heero wouldn't wake up. Stroking the boy's face, the violet-eyed boy marveled at his simple beauty. Little else described Heero. The Estern moved with such power and grace, it seemed he could have anything he wanted to have. Though he often wondered why the boy persisted in insisting that even if he wished to escape he wouldn't be able too, Duo was glad he stayed.
Sighing, Duo once again reluctantly admitted to himself how desperately he wished for there to be more than friendship between them. But Duo would never force someone into something that they didn't want. His breath caught as Heero nuzzled his hand with his cheek, murmuring softly. Cupping the warrior's cheek, Duo ran the pad of his thumb over Heero's lips. Gazing down at the boy with tender affection, Duo lowered his head to brush a kiss over Heero's cheek. Unable to resist the temptation, Duo placed a second kiss on the sleeping boy's lips. Feeling Heero unconsciously move to respond, Duo thread his fingers through the chaotic tangle of hair crowning Heero's head. Heero sighed as he moved closer to Duo's warmth. The kiss was interrupted by a large yawn and Duo quickly pulled back as he realized Heero was waking. Snatching up his papers, Duo quietly hustled out of the room. Heero's eyelids parted just in time to see the door snap closed.
"Duo?…" the boy touched his lips. "But I could have sworn…" The rustle of fabric put the young ex-soldier on guard.
"Who's there." Heero demanded, shifting so he was crouched on the bed.
"It's only me." The girl servant slipped into view.
"Yes." Heero demanded curtly.
"I brought you your breakfast." She wrinkled her nose at his tone.
"Place it on the table, you're dismissed." He sighed and rubbed his temples.
"Very well sir, I'll be back at noon with your supper."
"Did you not hear me?" Heero asked. "I said you are dismissed. There is no more need to come at my every whim. You can resume your normal duties."
"But Lord Duo…"
"I am well there is no need to coddle me!" Heero interrupted loudly. "Now go!"
When the servants' door had slammed shut, Heero turned from the wall and started out the window at the breaking dawn. Touching his lips again, Heero wondered at how real his dreams were getting.
AN: Yes, I know I suck, but I do promise the next chapter is longer and I'm going to start working on it tomorrow night. I think you're all going to like it…hee hee hee…^_^ Ja ne Minna-san!