Title: Secretly Loving You 8/?
Author: sanaaki
Warnings: shounen-ai/yaoi, AU, Heero-centric, romance, sap
Pairings: 1+2+1 (main)
Rated: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me ;_; except the story.
Archives: http://www.fanfiction.net/~sanaaki
Eventually I'll find a spot on my newbie blog (http://silent-whispers.cjb.net/ )
Notes: Switching back and forth between different POVs.
Recap: Duo turns down a blind date with Heero but after seeing him later he realizes he is interested. Duo and Heero find they are attracted to each other. Problem is Heero is now dating possessive Wufei. Will this pair ever get it together?
Feedback much appreciated.
The summer breeze somewhat eased the humidity that had descended upon the city. Wufei stood on the terrace of Relena's penthouse suite nursing his drink. He felt a bit tipsy. He had drunken more than he meant to but boredom often caused him to overly imbibe. Heero was also late. He leaned on the railing, taking in the glittering lights that peppered the city skyline. The skyscape helped ease his somewhat turmoiled heart. He abhorred the fact that he still thought of /him/. Wasting his thoughts on such a despicable person just grated on him. And tonight, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his thoughts from not wandering towards the older, more mature man who had taught him so much about his sexuality, amongst other things. Especially difficult because he knew that Treize had been invited to tonight's party. It was a double edged sword. On the one hand, he missed him, wanted to see him and oh how he hated that feeling. On the other hand, he really would rather not have to lay eyes on his countenance ever again. The problem was that sometimes their social circles would inevitably overlap, such as tonight. He would just have to try harder to move on, he thought determinedly. That man was just not worth it.
Heero, however, was perfect for helping him get over Treize. They were closer in age, had more "fun" together, and they definitely connected on so many levels. Their backgrounds were also somewhat similar and their philosophies were much more in tune with each other. He really felt like he lucked out finding Heero. Meeting Heero had helped ease the loneliness of a lost love. He frowned bitterly. Treize, why did it always have to come back to Treize? He knew his friends thought him pathetic, still dwelling on his whole fiasco with Treize even to this day. But what they couldn't understand was he really thought he knew Treize. Treize just didn't seem capable of such betrayal. He just couldn't reconcile this betrayal with the person he thought he knew. He just couldn't seem to wrap his head around it. Deep in the recesses of his heart, all he could think was, what had he done to cause Treize to cheat on him? Was there something lacking in him? This was something he could not admit to his friends. They would definitely scold him for thinking that. But it's what he thought. They didn't know Treize as he knew Treize. He still hated Treize for cheating on him but even more, he hated Treize for making him doubt himself. He was just now beginning to rebuild his confidence but every time he saw Treize, it set him back. He couldn't avoid him forever though. He needed to get past this.
Heero didn't deserve this from him. He needed to forget Treize. He needed to move on. And he really did like Heero. He didn't easily trust people but for some reason, he felt as though he could trust Heero. It had been quite unexpectedly a good match. This could really work. He really believed that. He actually found it somewhat surprising that Quatre had even chosen him to be set up with Heero. Quatre rarely tried to set him up on blind dates, perhaps because he never took kindly to them. This time though, it seemed right.
Heero was pretty easy to get along with, although he could be somewhat remote at times. But other than that, they got along perfectly. And it certainly didn't hurt that Heero was easy on the eyes. Treize, of course, had been more his type, but he was by no means immune to Heero's charms. Heero was very attractive in that dangerous type of way, and invoked unfamiliar feelings in him. He had yet to pinpoint exactly what they were. He found himself wanting to tame that wild spirit, loosen the underlying tension that seemed to hum in Heero with everything he did. Who could resist that challenge Heero posed? Who wouldn't want to be the one to bring the enigma that was Heero to his knees. He laughed at his ridiculous musings. It would probably be more the reverse. Despite his lingering feelings for Treize, he knew that out of the two of them, he was the one more involved.
He thought of Heero constantly, almost obsessively, well when he wasn't thinking about Treize. In an odd sort of way, Heero had become his new chance to prove his worth and he was unwilling to give him up. He would not let things go wrong this time. Failure was just not an option. He would make this relationship work no matter what. Heero on the other hand, just seemed to go with the flow. It didn't seem to matter much whether he saw Wufei or not. He had to admit, it made him insecure and even more anxious. He tried not to let it show or get to him but it was difficult. Heero had never even told him how he felt about him. But he knew that Heero cared for him. Heero wouldn't spend all this time with him otherwise. He thought maybe that was just the way Heero was. At least he hoped that was the case. Relationships were so complicated. Even physically, they hadn't progressed very far. He wanted to take things slowly after having been burnt by Treize but Heero hadn't pushed the issue either. He didn't know whether or not that was a good thing.
The insecurity he took away from his relationship with Treize definitely overshadowed his relationship with Heero. Even now, he couldn't quite believe Heero was his. But then, who could blame him. He had learned that unpleasant lesson when he found that Treize hadn't quite belonged to him either. But at least back then, he had an excuse. He had been naïve enough back then to believe in Treize's words of fidelity. Now he knew better. He would not make the same mistake again. For now, Heero was his and he would guard against anyone seeking to claim what belonged to him. He wasn't stupid by any means. Guys like Heero seem to inspire infatuation on a regular basis, so it was up to him to keep the vultures at bay. Maybe it made him a possessive freak but he was not about to lose again. He realized maybe Heero's heart wasn't yet his but it was only a matter of course. It would take time for him also. It may never be the strong, heart-stopping, tempestuous passion he once shared with Treize but he was fine with that. He really did not want the confused heartache that came with Treize. He wanted an honest friendship with a person he could respect and with whom he could form a lasting relationship. He thought that Heero fit the bill perfectly. Now it was up to him to persuade Heero of the same.
The sound of an engine racing down the busy, crowded streets of uptown New York jerked him out of his contemplation. This flashy arrival had Heero's signature written all over it. For a silent guy like Heero, he certainly always managed to attract attention. He peered down and caught sight of him. The rider of the motorcycle came to a complete stop in front of Relena's building. He sat there for a moment, then proceeded to take off his helmet. He couldn't look away as he watched Heero comb his hands through his dark unruly hair. Heero being drop dead gorgeous definitely didn't hurt matters at all. Not at all.
He felt someone come up beside him. He turned to look and saw that it was Duo. Duo also watched Heero below. He looked back at Heero. Heero was not moving. He sat there as though he were a statue. How curious. He faced Duo. "I haven't introduced you yet to Heero. I am sorry Duo. I will correct that situation tonight."
Duo glanced at him then back below. "Is it serious?"
"Serious?"
"Between you and him?" Duo seemed tense, waiting for his answer. Duo was really a good friend to worry about him this way. He hadn't seen Duo so serious in a long time. This must be important to Duo. He hadn't even greeted him with a ridiculous nickname.
"I believe it is, Duo. He doesn't make me crazy the way Treize did but that's ok. I'm not looking for that. I just want a calm, peaceful life and I really think Heero can give me that." He was aware that he was a little tipsy and more forthcoming than normal but he couldn't seem to stop himself.
"I see." He also wasn't sure what was going on in Duo's head. Duo didn't seem like he wanted to talk further so he left it at that. Below, Heero continued to sit on his motorbike, lit a cigarette and started smoking. Ok, one of Heero's more annoying habits. He would have to make Heero quit.
He looked over at Duo who now had a frown on his face. He really wanted Duo to like Heero. Duo meant a lot to him. They had grown up together. Duo hadn't approved of Treize and that had caused rifts between them. He really didn't want to see history repeat itself. "Please give him a chance, Duo, he's really a good guy. He's may come off a bit cold, but really if you get to know him, he's a really nice guy." Duo snorted in response. Wufei was a bit puzzled at Duo's reaction. Duo had no reason to dislike Heero. They had never even met, had they? "Heero really wants to get to know you as well…"
Duo didn't say anything in response. Wufei couldn't seem to read Duo's mood. As much as they were best friends, he still couldn't tell what Duo was thinking. Ever since they first met, he had in fact never been able to tell what Duo was thinking. Duo kept things close to the vest in spite of his open manner. "I really do like him. And I want the two of you to get along." He touched Duo's shoulder. Duo tensed at the touch, then relaxed fractionally.
"I'm sure we'll get along great, Wufei… Don't worry so much about it. Really, I'll do my best." Wufei was very much aware that Duo's reply was lukewarm at best. His response was so unlike how Duo usually was. Duo was the quintessential outgoing, friendly guy. He had always been popular, the life of the party and usually nice to everyone. Everyone liked Duo. He didn't know what to make of it. Could it be because he had spent less time with him recently? Lately, he had been wrapped up in Heero. Perhaps, Duo did have reason to resent Heero. He would have to rectify the situation. He and Heero would just have to hang out with Duo more. If he threw them together more, Duo would definitely warm up to Heero. Yes, definitely a plan.
A stirring behind them led him to turn around. He watched Heero come through the entrance. Heero certainly had presence and charisma, something he felt quite appealing. That was something both Heero and Treize had in spades. Hopefully, it would not bring down his downfall with Heero as it had with Treize. Heero, however, did not enjoy chitchat the way Treize had. Heero noticed him immediately and was blazing a trail towards him but then his path was quickly obstructed by Relena. He frowned. Surely Relena knew by now that he and Heero were definitely together now.
Relena put her hands on Heero's arm and was trying to lead him elsewhere. Wufei fought the urge to go up to them and tell her off. He was very jealous by nature and damn if he was going to let someone steal Heero right in front of him. He'd been there, done that. Relena just wouldn't give up and it was getting very annoying. And Heero didn't help matters at all. He was always going over to Relena's to help her whenever she called him. He trusted Heero but how long did he have to put up with it? Relena was after all an attractive woman. He'd have to be stupid to let this situation go on. However, tonight was not the night to make an issue of it. It was Relena's party and he did not want to be the one to ruin her birthday. He just hoped Heero knew how to handle her or things were going to get very unpleasant.
He looked around to see who else had arrived and caught sight of Trowa and Quatre by his side. Trowa seemed intent on someone. Wufei's gaze followed Trowa's and widened when he saw that it was Heero who Trowa was focused on. Quatre on the other hand was staring at Trowa and looking pretty pissed.
He knew they had history together. But Trowa had helped set them up. He wondered what was going on. He glanced back at Heero who was still trying to detach himself from Relena.
"Maybe we should go rescue Heero," Wufei suggested to Duo who was still faced outwards.
Duo seemed to know what he meant and nodded. He followed Wufei as he went in. They joined Heero and Relena. Trowa and Quatre also appeared quite suddenly by their side. The atmosphere felt unusually tense. He wondered at that. Quatre had an unhappy pinched look on his handsome face. Trowa looked expressionless, but tense and stiffer than Wufei had ever seen him. Heero looked vaguely flustered and put off. Relena's smile turned into a frown when she saw Wufei. And Duo was being remarkably quiet.
Well, Wufei decided that enough was enough and decided to take care of his first annoyance – Relena. He made a territorial move by pulling Heero towards him. Heero, however pulled back at first, reacting stiffly and uncomfortably but then after some hesitation, allowed himself to be pulled to Wufei's side. Wufei looked at Heero, who now couldn't look him in the eye. His hackles rose. What was going on?
Duo suddenly choked on his drink and started coughing. Oh that reminded him, he hadn't introduced Heero to Duo yet.
"Duo."
"Wufei…"
"Duo, I'd like you to meet Heero."
"Ah, pleased to meet you, Heero." Wufei noted Duo's odd inflection and how Duo barely glanced at Heero.
"Same." And they said nothing more.
Wufei looked at the two of them, both not even looking at each other. Duo was looking elsewhere surveying the party, looking bored. Heero was also looking around, looking as if he wanted to be anywhere else but here. He was a bit disappointed at their lukewarm response to each other but he couldn't expect all his friends to get along with his boyfriend. He would have to make sure they got to know each other. Trowa and Quatre were also uncharacteristically quiet after their initial nods of acknowledgement. This might prove more difficult than he thought. It was all on him to smooth things over.
"Want to get a drink, Heero?" Trowa ventured into the sullen silence.
"Yes." Heero immediately replied and pulled away from Wufei and Relena abruptly. The rest of them remained behind and looked after the pair in surprise at their sudden departure.
"Well… Hope you guys are enjoying the party?" Relena inquired. Duo shrugged.
"Of course, Relena," Quatre replied politely, all the while his gaze never leaving Trowa.
"Well that's good. Anyway, I have to mingle … enjoy," Relena said, looking towards Heero as if she wanted to chase Heero again. Wufei frowned a bit. Duo made as if to move away and Wufei grabbed his arm.
"Where are you going? They'll come back soon. Then you and Heero can talk some more…" Duo grimaced. "Duo, is there something about Heero that you don't like? You can tell me anything…"
After a barely discernible hesitation, Duo shook his head. "Nah, Wu-man, I just have other things on my mind…" Wufei somehow didn't quite believe that. Duo was acting very strange tonight. Heero and Trowa soon rejoined them. And that's how it went for the next fifteen or so minutes. No one really said anything. They all stood around and watched the other party goers have fun. Wufei was having a hard time getting any kind of dialogue going with anyone. Then it hit him as he heard a slow song come on.
He grabbed Heero and Duo and pushed them together towards the dance floor amidst their surprise and protests. "Go dance together, get to know each other!!! I insist… It's ridiculous that my boyfriend and my best friend don't know anything about each other!" He left them stranded in the middle of the dance floor as other couples continued dancing around them. Dancing a slow song together would surely force them to talk. They had to acknowledge each other then.
He watched as they both stood there not looking at each other. He thought for a little while that it wasn't going to work. Neither made any move to touch each other. Heero finally glanced over at Wufei and Wufei gave him an encouraging nod. Then Heero, with much reluctance, put his arms around Duo's shoulders and to Wufei's relief, Duo, after a second's hesitation, responded in kind and put his arms around Heero's waist. Wufei nodded his approval. This was going very well indeed.
To be continued?
Author: sanaaki
Warnings: shounen-ai/yaoi, AU, Heero-centric, romance, sap
Pairings: 1+2+1 (main)
Rated: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me ;_; except the story.
Archives: http://www.fanfiction.net/~sanaaki
Eventually I'll find a spot on my newbie blog (http://silent-whispers.cjb.net/ )
Notes: Switching back and forth between different POVs.
Recap: Duo turns down a blind date with Heero but after seeing him later he realizes he is interested. Duo and Heero find they are attracted to each other. Problem is Heero is now dating possessive Wufei. Will this pair ever get it together?
Feedback much appreciated.
The summer breeze somewhat eased the humidity that had descended upon the city. Wufei stood on the terrace of Relena's penthouse suite nursing his drink. He felt a bit tipsy. He had drunken more than he meant to but boredom often caused him to overly imbibe. Heero was also late. He leaned on the railing, taking in the glittering lights that peppered the city skyline. The skyscape helped ease his somewhat turmoiled heart. He abhorred the fact that he still thought of /him/. Wasting his thoughts on such a despicable person just grated on him. And tonight, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his thoughts from not wandering towards the older, more mature man who had taught him so much about his sexuality, amongst other things. Especially difficult because he knew that Treize had been invited to tonight's party. It was a double edged sword. On the one hand, he missed him, wanted to see him and oh how he hated that feeling. On the other hand, he really would rather not have to lay eyes on his countenance ever again. The problem was that sometimes their social circles would inevitably overlap, such as tonight. He would just have to try harder to move on, he thought determinedly. That man was just not worth it.
Heero, however, was perfect for helping him get over Treize. They were closer in age, had more "fun" together, and they definitely connected on so many levels. Their backgrounds were also somewhat similar and their philosophies were much more in tune with each other. He really felt like he lucked out finding Heero. Meeting Heero had helped ease the loneliness of a lost love. He frowned bitterly. Treize, why did it always have to come back to Treize? He knew his friends thought him pathetic, still dwelling on his whole fiasco with Treize even to this day. But what they couldn't understand was he really thought he knew Treize. Treize just didn't seem capable of such betrayal. He just couldn't reconcile this betrayal with the person he thought he knew. He just couldn't seem to wrap his head around it. Deep in the recesses of his heart, all he could think was, what had he done to cause Treize to cheat on him? Was there something lacking in him? This was something he could not admit to his friends. They would definitely scold him for thinking that. But it's what he thought. They didn't know Treize as he knew Treize. He still hated Treize for cheating on him but even more, he hated Treize for making him doubt himself. He was just now beginning to rebuild his confidence but every time he saw Treize, it set him back. He couldn't avoid him forever though. He needed to get past this.
Heero didn't deserve this from him. He needed to forget Treize. He needed to move on. And he really did like Heero. He didn't easily trust people but for some reason, he felt as though he could trust Heero. It had been quite unexpectedly a good match. This could really work. He really believed that. He actually found it somewhat surprising that Quatre had even chosen him to be set up with Heero. Quatre rarely tried to set him up on blind dates, perhaps because he never took kindly to them. This time though, it seemed right.
Heero was pretty easy to get along with, although he could be somewhat remote at times. But other than that, they got along perfectly. And it certainly didn't hurt that Heero was easy on the eyes. Treize, of course, had been more his type, but he was by no means immune to Heero's charms. Heero was very attractive in that dangerous type of way, and invoked unfamiliar feelings in him. He had yet to pinpoint exactly what they were. He found himself wanting to tame that wild spirit, loosen the underlying tension that seemed to hum in Heero with everything he did. Who could resist that challenge Heero posed? Who wouldn't want to be the one to bring the enigma that was Heero to his knees. He laughed at his ridiculous musings. It would probably be more the reverse. Despite his lingering feelings for Treize, he knew that out of the two of them, he was the one more involved.
He thought of Heero constantly, almost obsessively, well when he wasn't thinking about Treize. In an odd sort of way, Heero had become his new chance to prove his worth and he was unwilling to give him up. He would not let things go wrong this time. Failure was just not an option. He would make this relationship work no matter what. Heero on the other hand, just seemed to go with the flow. It didn't seem to matter much whether he saw Wufei or not. He had to admit, it made him insecure and even more anxious. He tried not to let it show or get to him but it was difficult. Heero had never even told him how he felt about him. But he knew that Heero cared for him. Heero wouldn't spend all this time with him otherwise. He thought maybe that was just the way Heero was. At least he hoped that was the case. Relationships were so complicated. Even physically, they hadn't progressed very far. He wanted to take things slowly after having been burnt by Treize but Heero hadn't pushed the issue either. He didn't know whether or not that was a good thing.
The insecurity he took away from his relationship with Treize definitely overshadowed his relationship with Heero. Even now, he couldn't quite believe Heero was his. But then, who could blame him. He had learned that unpleasant lesson when he found that Treize hadn't quite belonged to him either. But at least back then, he had an excuse. He had been naïve enough back then to believe in Treize's words of fidelity. Now he knew better. He would not make the same mistake again. For now, Heero was his and he would guard against anyone seeking to claim what belonged to him. He wasn't stupid by any means. Guys like Heero seem to inspire infatuation on a regular basis, so it was up to him to keep the vultures at bay. Maybe it made him a possessive freak but he was not about to lose again. He realized maybe Heero's heart wasn't yet his but it was only a matter of course. It would take time for him also. It may never be the strong, heart-stopping, tempestuous passion he once shared with Treize but he was fine with that. He really did not want the confused heartache that came with Treize. He wanted an honest friendship with a person he could respect and with whom he could form a lasting relationship. He thought that Heero fit the bill perfectly. Now it was up to him to persuade Heero of the same.
The sound of an engine racing down the busy, crowded streets of uptown New York jerked him out of his contemplation. This flashy arrival had Heero's signature written all over it. For a silent guy like Heero, he certainly always managed to attract attention. He peered down and caught sight of him. The rider of the motorcycle came to a complete stop in front of Relena's building. He sat there for a moment, then proceeded to take off his helmet. He couldn't look away as he watched Heero comb his hands through his dark unruly hair. Heero being drop dead gorgeous definitely didn't hurt matters at all. Not at all.
He felt someone come up beside him. He turned to look and saw that it was Duo. Duo also watched Heero below. He looked back at Heero. Heero was not moving. He sat there as though he were a statue. How curious. He faced Duo. "I haven't introduced you yet to Heero. I am sorry Duo. I will correct that situation tonight."
Duo glanced at him then back below. "Is it serious?"
"Serious?"
"Between you and him?" Duo seemed tense, waiting for his answer. Duo was really a good friend to worry about him this way. He hadn't seen Duo so serious in a long time. This must be important to Duo. He hadn't even greeted him with a ridiculous nickname.
"I believe it is, Duo. He doesn't make me crazy the way Treize did but that's ok. I'm not looking for that. I just want a calm, peaceful life and I really think Heero can give me that." He was aware that he was a little tipsy and more forthcoming than normal but he couldn't seem to stop himself.
"I see." He also wasn't sure what was going on in Duo's head. Duo didn't seem like he wanted to talk further so he left it at that. Below, Heero continued to sit on his motorbike, lit a cigarette and started smoking. Ok, one of Heero's more annoying habits. He would have to make Heero quit.
He looked over at Duo who now had a frown on his face. He really wanted Duo to like Heero. Duo meant a lot to him. They had grown up together. Duo hadn't approved of Treize and that had caused rifts between them. He really didn't want to see history repeat itself. "Please give him a chance, Duo, he's really a good guy. He's may come off a bit cold, but really if you get to know him, he's a really nice guy." Duo snorted in response. Wufei was a bit puzzled at Duo's reaction. Duo had no reason to dislike Heero. They had never even met, had they? "Heero really wants to get to know you as well…"
Duo didn't say anything in response. Wufei couldn't seem to read Duo's mood. As much as they were best friends, he still couldn't tell what Duo was thinking. Ever since they first met, he had in fact never been able to tell what Duo was thinking. Duo kept things close to the vest in spite of his open manner. "I really do like him. And I want the two of you to get along." He touched Duo's shoulder. Duo tensed at the touch, then relaxed fractionally.
"I'm sure we'll get along great, Wufei… Don't worry so much about it. Really, I'll do my best." Wufei was very much aware that Duo's reply was lukewarm at best. His response was so unlike how Duo usually was. Duo was the quintessential outgoing, friendly guy. He had always been popular, the life of the party and usually nice to everyone. Everyone liked Duo. He didn't know what to make of it. Could it be because he had spent less time with him recently? Lately, he had been wrapped up in Heero. Perhaps, Duo did have reason to resent Heero. He would have to rectify the situation. He and Heero would just have to hang out with Duo more. If he threw them together more, Duo would definitely warm up to Heero. Yes, definitely a plan.
A stirring behind them led him to turn around. He watched Heero come through the entrance. Heero certainly had presence and charisma, something he felt quite appealing. That was something both Heero and Treize had in spades. Hopefully, it would not bring down his downfall with Heero as it had with Treize. Heero, however, did not enjoy chitchat the way Treize had. Heero noticed him immediately and was blazing a trail towards him but then his path was quickly obstructed by Relena. He frowned. Surely Relena knew by now that he and Heero were definitely together now.
Relena put her hands on Heero's arm and was trying to lead him elsewhere. Wufei fought the urge to go up to them and tell her off. He was very jealous by nature and damn if he was going to let someone steal Heero right in front of him. He'd been there, done that. Relena just wouldn't give up and it was getting very annoying. And Heero didn't help matters at all. He was always going over to Relena's to help her whenever she called him. He trusted Heero but how long did he have to put up with it? Relena was after all an attractive woman. He'd have to be stupid to let this situation go on. However, tonight was not the night to make an issue of it. It was Relena's party and he did not want to be the one to ruin her birthday. He just hoped Heero knew how to handle her or things were going to get very unpleasant.
He looked around to see who else had arrived and caught sight of Trowa and Quatre by his side. Trowa seemed intent on someone. Wufei's gaze followed Trowa's and widened when he saw that it was Heero who Trowa was focused on. Quatre on the other hand was staring at Trowa and looking pretty pissed.
He knew they had history together. But Trowa had helped set them up. He wondered what was going on. He glanced back at Heero who was still trying to detach himself from Relena.
"Maybe we should go rescue Heero," Wufei suggested to Duo who was still faced outwards.
Duo seemed to know what he meant and nodded. He followed Wufei as he went in. They joined Heero and Relena. Trowa and Quatre also appeared quite suddenly by their side. The atmosphere felt unusually tense. He wondered at that. Quatre had an unhappy pinched look on his handsome face. Trowa looked expressionless, but tense and stiffer than Wufei had ever seen him. Heero looked vaguely flustered and put off. Relena's smile turned into a frown when she saw Wufei. And Duo was being remarkably quiet.
Well, Wufei decided that enough was enough and decided to take care of his first annoyance – Relena. He made a territorial move by pulling Heero towards him. Heero, however pulled back at first, reacting stiffly and uncomfortably but then after some hesitation, allowed himself to be pulled to Wufei's side. Wufei looked at Heero, who now couldn't look him in the eye. His hackles rose. What was going on?
Duo suddenly choked on his drink and started coughing. Oh that reminded him, he hadn't introduced Heero to Duo yet.
"Duo."
"Wufei…"
"Duo, I'd like you to meet Heero."
"Ah, pleased to meet you, Heero." Wufei noted Duo's odd inflection and how Duo barely glanced at Heero.
"Same." And they said nothing more.
Wufei looked at the two of them, both not even looking at each other. Duo was looking elsewhere surveying the party, looking bored. Heero was also looking around, looking as if he wanted to be anywhere else but here. He was a bit disappointed at their lukewarm response to each other but he couldn't expect all his friends to get along with his boyfriend. He would have to make sure they got to know each other. Trowa and Quatre were also uncharacteristically quiet after their initial nods of acknowledgement. This might prove more difficult than he thought. It was all on him to smooth things over.
"Want to get a drink, Heero?" Trowa ventured into the sullen silence.
"Yes." Heero immediately replied and pulled away from Wufei and Relena abruptly. The rest of them remained behind and looked after the pair in surprise at their sudden departure.
"Well… Hope you guys are enjoying the party?" Relena inquired. Duo shrugged.
"Of course, Relena," Quatre replied politely, all the while his gaze never leaving Trowa.
"Well that's good. Anyway, I have to mingle … enjoy," Relena said, looking towards Heero as if she wanted to chase Heero again. Wufei frowned a bit. Duo made as if to move away and Wufei grabbed his arm.
"Where are you going? They'll come back soon. Then you and Heero can talk some more…" Duo grimaced. "Duo, is there something about Heero that you don't like? You can tell me anything…"
After a barely discernible hesitation, Duo shook his head. "Nah, Wu-man, I just have other things on my mind…" Wufei somehow didn't quite believe that. Duo was acting very strange tonight. Heero and Trowa soon rejoined them. And that's how it went for the next fifteen or so minutes. No one really said anything. They all stood around and watched the other party goers have fun. Wufei was having a hard time getting any kind of dialogue going with anyone. Then it hit him as he heard a slow song come on.
He grabbed Heero and Duo and pushed them together towards the dance floor amidst their surprise and protests. "Go dance together, get to know each other!!! I insist… It's ridiculous that my boyfriend and my best friend don't know anything about each other!" He left them stranded in the middle of the dance floor as other couples continued dancing around them. Dancing a slow song together would surely force them to talk. They had to acknowledge each other then.
He watched as they both stood there not looking at each other. He thought for a little while that it wasn't going to work. Neither made any move to touch each other. Heero finally glanced over at Wufei and Wufei gave him an encouraging nod. Then Heero, with much reluctance, put his arms around Duo's shoulders and to Wufei's relief, Duo, after a second's hesitation, responded in kind and put his arms around Heero's waist. Wufei nodded his approval. This was going very well indeed.
To be continued?