Title: Secretly Loving You 9/?
Author: sanaaki
Warnings: shounen-ai/yaoi, AU, Heero-centric, romance, sap
Pairings: 121 (main) =P
Rated: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me ;; except the story.
Archives: http:www.finallyfantasia.netfirms.com
Notes: Switching back and forth between different POVs. Used partial lyrics from Angela Via's "Wish we could be free". If I got some lyrics wrong, forgive me :x The general gist should be the same. (Can't believe I used a song in a fic O.o – never thought I would).
Recap: Duo turns down a blind date with Heero. Heero ends up with Wufei. Heero and Duo meet and UST abounds. Problem is Heero is still dating possessive Wufei. Innocent Wufei wants his best buddy Duo to get along with his boyfriend and has decided to throw them together more often to facilitate this.
Feedback much appreciated.
What was Wufei thinking, thought Duo, as he placed his hands on Heero's hips. Those bare hips that just happened to be exposed by low cut black leather pants and a tight black t-shirt that thankfully rose just a bit higher than the silky smooth waist. His thoughts were speeding south and fast. Brakes please, his last shred of decency pleaded, before he met with a messy, sticky accident. But oh it was so hard to ignore the fact that he was here dancing with Heero, his hands on the body of the person who had become /the/ star attraction in his midnight fantasy theatre of unattainable, sexy, blue-eyed studs. Why did Fate tempt him so? Just when he had finally come to terms with his confusion regarding Heero.
After hearing Wufei talk about Heero, it was quite obvious that Wufei was very much into Heero. He had kind of hoped that their little romance would peter out but that little hope got snuffed out cruelly. Apparently, they really did click. There was no way he could get between them. Wufei was his best friend. He had decided to ignore Heero as much as he could, ignore that vicious little lust demon that tempted him to throw everything he had with Wufei out the window and forget they ever were friends. Really, this was the best and only way. Acting as though Heero didn't exist was the best solution for all involved. Reality check though, hands on Heero's hips made this much harder than he thought it would. Touching Heero had not been factored in. He closed his eyes and tried to rein his thoughts in.
Seeing Heero again had not lessened his fixation on him as he thought it might. But he definitely did not want to hurt Wufei if indeed Wufei was as serious about Heero as he had said earlier. And while he understood Wufei's desire for him to become friends with Heero, that was just not going to happen if he wanted to maintain even a semblance of a friendship with Wufei. Being friends with Heero would be a huge mistake. It was hard enough ignoring Heero as it was. His attention was naturally drawn to the aloof enigma, and he had a feeling that getting to know him would not serve to lessen the attraction he already felt for him. This last thought brought him back to the situation at hand.
What was Wufei thinking, he groaned inwardly which turned into a full blown curse as he heard the song Wufei had forced them to dance to.
[You know it's so unfair
This life sometimes
When it never lets me fulfill
The deepest desire I have inside]
Their eyes captured one another. He could quite conceivably drown in those eyes forever and he wanted to look away but it was hard. An unexplainable intimacy flowed between them.
[If we could disappear
And fly away to a paradise
A place for only you and I
To unleash this fantasy]
He closed his eyes against the onslaught of want that overtook him, the words washing over him, expressing his longing. But he wanted to look into those beautiful eyes again. How many more chances would he get to indulge this fantasy? He opened them again. There was no harm in just looking, right?
[Then I could love you every night
Hold you until the morning light
No one to say what's wrong or right
The way it has to be
Wish I could love you every night
Hold you until the morning light
No one to say what's wrong or right
Oh how I wish I wish we could be free]
On the edges of his periphery, Duo saw a dark shadow waving at them over Heero's shoulder. They danced closer and Duo realized it was Wufei. Wufei was making hand gestures indicating that they were dancing too far apart and should dance a little closer, presumably so that they could talk. He acknowledged that they were a bit far from each other as far as slow dances went. The way they were dancing probably seemed stiff to the casual observer. It was not his usual manner at all. While all the other people on the dance floor danced closely, he and Heero were dancing at least two feet apart, as though they each had halitosis. In actuality, he wanted nothing more than to pull that hot body up against his and rub sensually against it. It took every bit of his willpower to resist doing that. And Heero's unconscious, nervous thumbing of the back of his neck really didn't help at all. His defenses were slowly crumbling with each touch.
[I'm living through this heart of mine
But I would let you come inside
Cause I was told it would be a crime
For us to share this love
But love is not a selfish thing
Why if I take it must I bleed
Or is that how it's meant to be
If only we could live inside my dreams]
He should never have agreed to dance with Heero. He realized now his foolishness. He had caved into his craving to be close to Heero and now he suffered for it. He needed to center himself before anyone caught on. It really wouldn't do to put on an unexpected show of his own for the curious onlookers. They should never have danced together in the first place, and especially to this song. Damn Wufei and his clever ideas. Wufei was still on the sidelines urging him on. He sighed resignedly. Reluctantly, he nodded his acknowledgement at Wufei. This was going to be a long dance. He decided thinking too much made things worse. He decided to just not think about anything but taking pleasure in the dance itself.
He smiled at Heero and tugged him closer. Heero seemed surprised at first but accepted the closer proximity and smiled back. Heero seemed to relax more which in turn made him relax more. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. They gradually danced closer and closer. He was somewhat nervous to be /this/ close to Heero but somehow it felt right. They danced in intimate silence. Duo felt so warm, connected somehow. He began to forget himself as they continued dancing, lulled into the sheer enjoyment of being in the arms of someone special. They stared deeply into each other's eyes, breaths now intermingling with their newfound closeness. No bad breath in sight. Heero really had such gorgeous eyes.
"Uh thanks… So do you," Heero replied, breaking their link, a slight blush barely visible. Duo started. Had he said that aloud? Stupid, stupid, stupid. It sure felt hot in here now. Why did it always feel hotter when he did something incredibly stupid? This was exactly why he shouldn't have any dealings with Heero. His brain liked to take a hike, coincidentally right around the same time Heero was around him. What must Heero think of him?
Heero looked at him again and the world gradually faded away. He smiled at him. This man's eyes needed to be insured. They were spellbinding. It felt as though they were kissing through their eyes. No one else existed. He felt Heero touch and stroke his hair. He felt the tightening of their dancer's embrace. Duo's eyes dropped to Heero's lips. His lips looked so perfect and inviting… He lifted his hand to the back of Heero's head, grasping his hair, ready to pull the owner of those perfect lips to meet his… He closed his eyes …
[Every night I wanna be with you
Doing all the things we wanna do
'Oh baby' A place for only you and me
To unleash fantasies
Oh how I wish I could be free with you
To do all the things I've dreamed we'd do baby
I would give you all the love you need
Oh how I wish we could be free]
"Duo!!" Duo's eyes snapped open. Trowa stood there glowering at him. Something was wrong. What was wrong? Then he realized what he had just been about to do. Hastily, he let go of Heero.
"Er…"
"Can I cut in?" Trowa asked abruptly and somewhat coldly.
"Um, yeah sure." Duo rubbed the back of his head ruefully. "I need to get a drink anyway…" Duo refused to look at Heero again and strode back to the crowds of people watching. He joined Quatre but did not see Wufei at all.
"Where's Wufei, Q-man?"
Quatre looked at him contemplatively. "He went to the bathroom, lucky for you."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Duo replied, hoping he could play this off.
"Duo, you and Heero were practically eating each other up in the second part of the song. What's going on?" Ah, Quatre, ever so blunt.
"Nothing at all, Quatre. I just met the guy today. You're imagining things." /Right./ Whatever the case, he made it his mantra to admit nothing. It got him out of quite a few scrapes and he leaned on it now.
"Oh really?"
"Yes really. Now let's talk about something else."
Quatre gave him a measured look which he very conveniently ignored. Finally Quatre let up and looked back towards the dance floor. Duo let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His heart was beating fast.
Duo surreptitiously tried to pinpoint Heero's location. He found him dancing with Trowa on the fringes. He chanced a glance at Quatre. Quatre did NOT look happy. Trowa and Heero looked good together. He didn't blame Quatre for being peeved. They seemed to be talking a lot. He wondered what had Quatre so annoyed aside from the fact that his current main squeeze was dancing with his ex.
He tried to imagine Heero and Trowa together. He hadn't known Trowa very long but they hit it off pretty well. Trowa wasn't extremely talkative but when he spoke he was pretty witty. Not to mention, he was quite the looker and fashion plate too.
"How did they meet?" Dup ventured in spite of Quatre's glower. No need to explain who he was talking about.
"Trowa doesn't like to talk about Heero too much. They went to the same high school. Think they had classes together. That's all I know really. They've kept in touch ever since."
He wondered how long they were together. Actually he was quite intrigued with everything about Heero, including his past. He knew he was venturing into self-banned territory again but he couldn't quite quench his insatiable thirst to know everything about the man. He really wondered what they were talking about. They really looked like they were having a deep conversation.
"You better grab your man back before someone steals him back, Winner," Dorothy advised and stood by them. "Trowa's quite a catch you know. It won't take Heero long to figure /that/ out."
"Heero's with Wufei now," Duo glared at her.
"Oh please, you think that's going to last long? I give it two weeks at most," Dorothy predicted, simultaneously holding two fingers up.
"Why do you say that?" Quatre questioned.
"Well word has it they haven't slept together! That can only mean one thing. They are NOT hot enough for each other. If you don't even have that, forget it."
Duo was startled to hear that. They'd been dating for awhile already and they hadn't even slept together? Not that there was anything wrong with that but he knew for a fact that Wufei was not a prude and was in fact quite a passionate guy. He couldn't even imagine Wufei remaining celibate for that long when he liked someone. And Heero was hot! How could Wufei not want to jump his bones as soon as humanly possible? Was it Heero then? For all his sexual aura, was Heero in reality just a sexual dud? He looked again at Heero in a new light. Man what a waste if that were true. Poor Heero. Maybe that was the reason Heero never lasted long in his relationships, he lacked staying power. Could it be the cause of his breakup with Trowa as well? As far as he knew, Trowa was a highly sexed being too. There were very few secrets between his friends. It was always the quiet ones, Duo sniggered to himself. Although maybe Heero was the exception to that rule.
"Where did you hear this from?" Quatre demanded abruptly. "Are you just starting unfounded rumors again?"
"Oh Winner, you wrong me! You know my news is never unfounded. I got my news straight from the stud's mouth. Apparently, Heero told Trowa that little tidbit just now. Relena overheard it and told me of course."
"Of course," Quatre replied dryly. "Nice to see vicious news always travels fast."
"Oh lighten up, Winner. If I were you, I'd go and break up their little love chat."
"I trust Trowa. There's no need."
"Then why do you look like you just sniffed a huge helping of wasabi?" Dorothy pointed out.
"Lay off, Dotty. Trowa and Quatre are fine. Go wreak havoc elsewhere." Duo snapped. She could be so annoying.
"Will do, O Captain, my Captain," Dorothy saluted with flourish, smirked and sauntered off.
"Remind me why we're friends with her again," Duo rolled his eyes.
"Keep your friends close, your enemies closer," Quatre answered.
"Right."
"Duo…"
"Quatre?"
"Do you think…" Quatre started hesistantly.
"Yes?" Duo prompted.
"Do you think Trowa still has a thing for Heero?"
"Why would you think that?"
"He's always in Heero's business. It's as if I don't exist when Heero's around," Quatre complained.
"That's not true, Quatre. I think he's probably just worried about him. It'll pass." At least he hoped that was the case for Quatre's sake.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. I'm probably just thinking too much." They both looked back at Trowa and Heero. Trowa was now leaning towards Heero, whispering into his ear.
Duo coughed. "Yeah well anyway, I'm gonna get a drink. Want?"
"No thanks, Duo." Quatre was back to his glower. Duo walked away and looked behind and saw Quatre walking towards the dancing couple.
He walked to the bar and sat there with a drink. Then at the end of the bar, he caught sight of Heero's missing boyfriend. Wufei was talking to Treize of all people. He sighed. Would Wufei never learn? Treize was trouble with a capital T. Quite the smooth talker, Duo was sure Treize was up to no good. He had never liked Treize and he thought that Wufei had finally gotten a clue. But this was evidently disproved by the fact that Wufei was at this very moment smiling at Treize. Duo shook his head ruefully. Wufei was weak when it came to Treize although Treize's last indiscretion had finally pushed him over the edge.
Duo decided to check up on his best friend and eased his way over there to do some stealthy eavesdropping. He was a pro at blending in, a side benefit from his old days at the orphanage. He managed to stand behind some people but near enough to overhear some relevant conversation.
"…heard you have a new boy in your life," Treize was in the middle of saying.
"Perhaps," Wufei hedged.
"He's very attractive. Not what I thought your type would be though." Duo rolled his eyes.
"And what is my type, Treize?" Here it comes, thought Duo.
"Why me, of course," Treize said disarmingly. "We belong together. We fit. You and this new boy of yours do not. He's much too raw and edgy. You require someone more refined."
"Treize…"
Duo decided he was gonna be sick if he heard anymore. If Wufei fell for any of that crap, he would lose all respect for him. He had to admit though, Treize cut quite a figure. It wasn't all that hard to see what Wufei saw in him. Treize had no trouble finding lovers. He also had to admit, quite reluctantly, that it did seem as though Treize had a special thing for Wufei. He hoped Wufei could take care of himself.
He wandered away from the flirting couple, successfully evading several would-be pursuers in the process. Some of the men there were actually quite good looking but he just couldn't get himself in the mood to meet any of them. He caught sight of his friends, including Heero, gathered in a circle chatting and changed directions quickly. He really just wanted to leave and forget about Heero and lost opportunities. He made his way over to the terrace and was relieved to find it empty. He looked at the time and wondered what time would be a good time to blow this joint.
He stood there for awhile, gazing up at the moon. He felt pretty alone though the sounds of the party and the smoke wafted towards him. Wait, smoke? He looked behind him. There, leaning casually against the wall in the shadows, the end of his cigarette lighting up to provide the only color against an otherwise dark silhouette, his bane. He shivered in reaction and turned to look back out. They stood there in interminable silence. He would hear an occasional exhale of smoke. After awhile, he felt him come up beside him. He chose not to look. A masculine hand held the railing next to his. The other hand flicked the used cigarette off the terrace. He felt a weighted gaze on him. And then he was alone again. /God./
He went back in soon after and decided it was time to make a speedy exit. /He/ was getting to him in a big way. He felt as though he couldn't breathe anymore. But then a huge cake was wheeled in. Damn, bad timing made an appearance again. He stood among the other onlookers and as always, he couldn't help himself, he found himself looking for Heero.
"He left," someone whispered in his ear.
He glanced up. "Zechs."
"One and only."
"Who left?"
"Who are you kidding, Duo?"
"Don't know what you're talking about." Admit nothing.
"We've known each other a long time. Though your best friends may have missed the mark, I work with you. It's so obvious." Zechs sniggered annoyingly.
"What did it for you? Was it the centerfold pic? Touching his silky hair? I got it that way you know. Or was it that romantic dance…"
"Shut it, Zechs," Duo snapped.
"I can help you, Duo."
"Zechs…"
"I'm pretty good friends with him now. I can put in a good word for you," Zechs offered.
"Don't you dare, Zechs," Duo panicked. "No one should know about this."
"So it IS true!" Duo groaned. Foiled by the oldest trick in the book.
"Zechs, just keep your mouth shut. A lot of people can be hurt by this…"
"Who? Wufei? Please, Wufei is too busy obsessing over Treize to notice. Trowa? That guy wouldn't know a good thing if it hit him. Quatre's too good for him."
"Trowa? What are you talking about?"
"He's making a fool of himself…"
"They're just friends."
"Yeah, yeah. I know the party line – "just friends". Then why did I catch him trying to get a kiss from Heero in the back before…?"
"No!" Duo unintentionally blurted out.
"Relax, Duo. Heero may have been a bit tipsy but he's not stupid." That still didn't change the fact that Trowa tried, Duo thought jealously.
"Does Quatre know?"
"Don't think so. He's looking pretty happy since Heero left." It was true. Quatre was looking a lot more relaxed. Trowa was beside him, looking pretty drunk for Trowa. "I kind of have to wonder though why they broke up. Heero does seem to like Trowa a lot."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he told me Trowa was his best friend and he also told me he thought Trowa was attractive. So what could have gone wrong? Trowa's obviously still got feelings for the guy, hounding after him even when he's got Quatre. He should give it up. If you ask me, you're much better suited with Heero."
"Stop, Zechs. It's not happening. Heero is with Wufei, my best friend, remember?" Duo pointed out firmly.
"Yeah yeah, okay, your loss. Too busy pining eh? Gotta move on, Duo. Heero's a good catch…"
"Huh?"
"Heero was asking about you too. Oh well…" Zechs turned to walk away.
"Wait, what?" Duo made a grab for Zech's arm.
Zechs laughed. "Gotcha!" Zechs slipped away.
"Asshole," Duo grumbled.
Everyone gave a loud cheer wishing Relena a happy birthday. She didn't seem that happy though. Duo figured it was probably because Heero had already left the party which was something he really wanted to do himself. As soon as he could, he said his goodbyes and made his way out.
He stepped out of the building and was taken aback to see Heero propped up against his motorcycle, smoking. Their eyes met for an eternal moment.
"Want a ride?"
To be continued…
Author: sanaaki
Warnings: shounen-ai/yaoi, AU, Heero-centric, romance, sap
Pairings: 121 (main) =P
Rated: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me ;; except the story.
Archives: http:www.finallyfantasia.netfirms.com
Notes: Switching back and forth between different POVs. Used partial lyrics from Angela Via's "Wish we could be free". If I got some lyrics wrong, forgive me :x The general gist should be the same. (Can't believe I used a song in a fic O.o – never thought I would).
Recap: Duo turns down a blind date with Heero. Heero ends up with Wufei. Heero and Duo meet and UST abounds. Problem is Heero is still dating possessive Wufei. Innocent Wufei wants his best buddy Duo to get along with his boyfriend and has decided to throw them together more often to facilitate this.
Feedback much appreciated.
What was Wufei thinking, thought Duo, as he placed his hands on Heero's hips. Those bare hips that just happened to be exposed by low cut black leather pants and a tight black t-shirt that thankfully rose just a bit higher than the silky smooth waist. His thoughts were speeding south and fast. Brakes please, his last shred of decency pleaded, before he met with a messy, sticky accident. But oh it was so hard to ignore the fact that he was here dancing with Heero, his hands on the body of the person who had become /the/ star attraction in his midnight fantasy theatre of unattainable, sexy, blue-eyed studs. Why did Fate tempt him so? Just when he had finally come to terms with his confusion regarding Heero.
After hearing Wufei talk about Heero, it was quite obvious that Wufei was very much into Heero. He had kind of hoped that their little romance would peter out but that little hope got snuffed out cruelly. Apparently, they really did click. There was no way he could get between them. Wufei was his best friend. He had decided to ignore Heero as much as he could, ignore that vicious little lust demon that tempted him to throw everything he had with Wufei out the window and forget they ever were friends. Really, this was the best and only way. Acting as though Heero didn't exist was the best solution for all involved. Reality check though, hands on Heero's hips made this much harder than he thought it would. Touching Heero had not been factored in. He closed his eyes and tried to rein his thoughts in.
Seeing Heero again had not lessened his fixation on him as he thought it might. But he definitely did not want to hurt Wufei if indeed Wufei was as serious about Heero as he had said earlier. And while he understood Wufei's desire for him to become friends with Heero, that was just not going to happen if he wanted to maintain even a semblance of a friendship with Wufei. Being friends with Heero would be a huge mistake. It was hard enough ignoring Heero as it was. His attention was naturally drawn to the aloof enigma, and he had a feeling that getting to know him would not serve to lessen the attraction he already felt for him. This last thought brought him back to the situation at hand.
What was Wufei thinking, he groaned inwardly which turned into a full blown curse as he heard the song Wufei had forced them to dance to.
[You know it's so unfair
This life sometimes
When it never lets me fulfill
The deepest desire I have inside]
Their eyes captured one another. He could quite conceivably drown in those eyes forever and he wanted to look away but it was hard. An unexplainable intimacy flowed between them.
[If we could disappear
And fly away to a paradise
A place for only you and I
To unleash this fantasy]
He closed his eyes against the onslaught of want that overtook him, the words washing over him, expressing his longing. But he wanted to look into those beautiful eyes again. How many more chances would he get to indulge this fantasy? He opened them again. There was no harm in just looking, right?
[Then I could love you every night
Hold you until the morning light
No one to say what's wrong or right
The way it has to be
Wish I could love you every night
Hold you until the morning light
No one to say what's wrong or right
Oh how I wish I wish we could be free]
On the edges of his periphery, Duo saw a dark shadow waving at them over Heero's shoulder. They danced closer and Duo realized it was Wufei. Wufei was making hand gestures indicating that they were dancing too far apart and should dance a little closer, presumably so that they could talk. He acknowledged that they were a bit far from each other as far as slow dances went. The way they were dancing probably seemed stiff to the casual observer. It was not his usual manner at all. While all the other people on the dance floor danced closely, he and Heero were dancing at least two feet apart, as though they each had halitosis. In actuality, he wanted nothing more than to pull that hot body up against his and rub sensually against it. It took every bit of his willpower to resist doing that. And Heero's unconscious, nervous thumbing of the back of his neck really didn't help at all. His defenses were slowly crumbling with each touch.
[I'm living through this heart of mine
But I would let you come inside
Cause I was told it would be a crime
For us to share this love
But love is not a selfish thing
Why if I take it must I bleed
Or is that how it's meant to be
If only we could live inside my dreams]
He should never have agreed to dance with Heero. He realized now his foolishness. He had caved into his craving to be close to Heero and now he suffered for it. He needed to center himself before anyone caught on. It really wouldn't do to put on an unexpected show of his own for the curious onlookers. They should never have danced together in the first place, and especially to this song. Damn Wufei and his clever ideas. Wufei was still on the sidelines urging him on. He sighed resignedly. Reluctantly, he nodded his acknowledgement at Wufei. This was going to be a long dance. He decided thinking too much made things worse. He decided to just not think about anything but taking pleasure in the dance itself.
He smiled at Heero and tugged him closer. Heero seemed surprised at first but accepted the closer proximity and smiled back. Heero seemed to relax more which in turn made him relax more. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. They gradually danced closer and closer. He was somewhat nervous to be /this/ close to Heero but somehow it felt right. They danced in intimate silence. Duo felt so warm, connected somehow. He began to forget himself as they continued dancing, lulled into the sheer enjoyment of being in the arms of someone special. They stared deeply into each other's eyes, breaths now intermingling with their newfound closeness. No bad breath in sight. Heero really had such gorgeous eyes.
"Uh thanks… So do you," Heero replied, breaking their link, a slight blush barely visible. Duo started. Had he said that aloud? Stupid, stupid, stupid. It sure felt hot in here now. Why did it always feel hotter when he did something incredibly stupid? This was exactly why he shouldn't have any dealings with Heero. His brain liked to take a hike, coincidentally right around the same time Heero was around him. What must Heero think of him?
Heero looked at him again and the world gradually faded away. He smiled at him. This man's eyes needed to be insured. They were spellbinding. It felt as though they were kissing through their eyes. No one else existed. He felt Heero touch and stroke his hair. He felt the tightening of their dancer's embrace. Duo's eyes dropped to Heero's lips. His lips looked so perfect and inviting… He lifted his hand to the back of Heero's head, grasping his hair, ready to pull the owner of those perfect lips to meet his… He closed his eyes …
[Every night I wanna be with you
Doing all the things we wanna do
'Oh baby' A place for only you and me
To unleash fantasies
Oh how I wish I could be free with you
To do all the things I've dreamed we'd do baby
I would give you all the love you need
Oh how I wish we could be free]
"Duo!!" Duo's eyes snapped open. Trowa stood there glowering at him. Something was wrong. What was wrong? Then he realized what he had just been about to do. Hastily, he let go of Heero.
"Er…"
"Can I cut in?" Trowa asked abruptly and somewhat coldly.
"Um, yeah sure." Duo rubbed the back of his head ruefully. "I need to get a drink anyway…" Duo refused to look at Heero again and strode back to the crowds of people watching. He joined Quatre but did not see Wufei at all.
"Where's Wufei, Q-man?"
Quatre looked at him contemplatively. "He went to the bathroom, lucky for you."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Duo replied, hoping he could play this off.
"Duo, you and Heero were practically eating each other up in the second part of the song. What's going on?" Ah, Quatre, ever so blunt.
"Nothing at all, Quatre. I just met the guy today. You're imagining things." /Right./ Whatever the case, he made it his mantra to admit nothing. It got him out of quite a few scrapes and he leaned on it now.
"Oh really?"
"Yes really. Now let's talk about something else."
Quatre gave him a measured look which he very conveniently ignored. Finally Quatre let up and looked back towards the dance floor. Duo let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His heart was beating fast.
Duo surreptitiously tried to pinpoint Heero's location. He found him dancing with Trowa on the fringes. He chanced a glance at Quatre. Quatre did NOT look happy. Trowa and Heero looked good together. He didn't blame Quatre for being peeved. They seemed to be talking a lot. He wondered what had Quatre so annoyed aside from the fact that his current main squeeze was dancing with his ex.
He tried to imagine Heero and Trowa together. He hadn't known Trowa very long but they hit it off pretty well. Trowa wasn't extremely talkative but when he spoke he was pretty witty. Not to mention, he was quite the looker and fashion plate too.
"How did they meet?" Dup ventured in spite of Quatre's glower. No need to explain who he was talking about.
"Trowa doesn't like to talk about Heero too much. They went to the same high school. Think they had classes together. That's all I know really. They've kept in touch ever since."
He wondered how long they were together. Actually he was quite intrigued with everything about Heero, including his past. He knew he was venturing into self-banned territory again but he couldn't quite quench his insatiable thirst to know everything about the man. He really wondered what they were talking about. They really looked like they were having a deep conversation.
"You better grab your man back before someone steals him back, Winner," Dorothy advised and stood by them. "Trowa's quite a catch you know. It won't take Heero long to figure /that/ out."
"Heero's with Wufei now," Duo glared at her.
"Oh please, you think that's going to last long? I give it two weeks at most," Dorothy predicted, simultaneously holding two fingers up.
"Why do you say that?" Quatre questioned.
"Well word has it they haven't slept together! That can only mean one thing. They are NOT hot enough for each other. If you don't even have that, forget it."
Duo was startled to hear that. They'd been dating for awhile already and they hadn't even slept together? Not that there was anything wrong with that but he knew for a fact that Wufei was not a prude and was in fact quite a passionate guy. He couldn't even imagine Wufei remaining celibate for that long when he liked someone. And Heero was hot! How could Wufei not want to jump his bones as soon as humanly possible? Was it Heero then? For all his sexual aura, was Heero in reality just a sexual dud? He looked again at Heero in a new light. Man what a waste if that were true. Poor Heero. Maybe that was the reason Heero never lasted long in his relationships, he lacked staying power. Could it be the cause of his breakup with Trowa as well? As far as he knew, Trowa was a highly sexed being too. There were very few secrets between his friends. It was always the quiet ones, Duo sniggered to himself. Although maybe Heero was the exception to that rule.
"Where did you hear this from?" Quatre demanded abruptly. "Are you just starting unfounded rumors again?"
"Oh Winner, you wrong me! You know my news is never unfounded. I got my news straight from the stud's mouth. Apparently, Heero told Trowa that little tidbit just now. Relena overheard it and told me of course."
"Of course," Quatre replied dryly. "Nice to see vicious news always travels fast."
"Oh lighten up, Winner. If I were you, I'd go and break up their little love chat."
"I trust Trowa. There's no need."
"Then why do you look like you just sniffed a huge helping of wasabi?" Dorothy pointed out.
"Lay off, Dotty. Trowa and Quatre are fine. Go wreak havoc elsewhere." Duo snapped. She could be so annoying.
"Will do, O Captain, my Captain," Dorothy saluted with flourish, smirked and sauntered off.
"Remind me why we're friends with her again," Duo rolled his eyes.
"Keep your friends close, your enemies closer," Quatre answered.
"Right."
"Duo…"
"Quatre?"
"Do you think…" Quatre started hesistantly.
"Yes?" Duo prompted.
"Do you think Trowa still has a thing for Heero?"
"Why would you think that?"
"He's always in Heero's business. It's as if I don't exist when Heero's around," Quatre complained.
"That's not true, Quatre. I think he's probably just worried about him. It'll pass." At least he hoped that was the case for Quatre's sake.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. I'm probably just thinking too much." They both looked back at Trowa and Heero. Trowa was now leaning towards Heero, whispering into his ear.
Duo coughed. "Yeah well anyway, I'm gonna get a drink. Want?"
"No thanks, Duo." Quatre was back to his glower. Duo walked away and looked behind and saw Quatre walking towards the dancing couple.
He walked to the bar and sat there with a drink. Then at the end of the bar, he caught sight of Heero's missing boyfriend. Wufei was talking to Treize of all people. He sighed. Would Wufei never learn? Treize was trouble with a capital T. Quite the smooth talker, Duo was sure Treize was up to no good. He had never liked Treize and he thought that Wufei had finally gotten a clue. But this was evidently disproved by the fact that Wufei was at this very moment smiling at Treize. Duo shook his head ruefully. Wufei was weak when it came to Treize although Treize's last indiscretion had finally pushed him over the edge.
Duo decided to check up on his best friend and eased his way over there to do some stealthy eavesdropping. He was a pro at blending in, a side benefit from his old days at the orphanage. He managed to stand behind some people but near enough to overhear some relevant conversation.
"…heard you have a new boy in your life," Treize was in the middle of saying.
"Perhaps," Wufei hedged.
"He's very attractive. Not what I thought your type would be though." Duo rolled his eyes.
"And what is my type, Treize?" Here it comes, thought Duo.
"Why me, of course," Treize said disarmingly. "We belong together. We fit. You and this new boy of yours do not. He's much too raw and edgy. You require someone more refined."
"Treize…"
Duo decided he was gonna be sick if he heard anymore. If Wufei fell for any of that crap, he would lose all respect for him. He had to admit though, Treize cut quite a figure. It wasn't all that hard to see what Wufei saw in him. Treize had no trouble finding lovers. He also had to admit, quite reluctantly, that it did seem as though Treize had a special thing for Wufei. He hoped Wufei could take care of himself.
He wandered away from the flirting couple, successfully evading several would-be pursuers in the process. Some of the men there were actually quite good looking but he just couldn't get himself in the mood to meet any of them. He caught sight of his friends, including Heero, gathered in a circle chatting and changed directions quickly. He really just wanted to leave and forget about Heero and lost opportunities. He made his way over to the terrace and was relieved to find it empty. He looked at the time and wondered what time would be a good time to blow this joint.
He stood there for awhile, gazing up at the moon. He felt pretty alone though the sounds of the party and the smoke wafted towards him. Wait, smoke? He looked behind him. There, leaning casually against the wall in the shadows, the end of his cigarette lighting up to provide the only color against an otherwise dark silhouette, his bane. He shivered in reaction and turned to look back out. They stood there in interminable silence. He would hear an occasional exhale of smoke. After awhile, he felt him come up beside him. He chose not to look. A masculine hand held the railing next to his. The other hand flicked the used cigarette off the terrace. He felt a weighted gaze on him. And then he was alone again. /God./
He went back in soon after and decided it was time to make a speedy exit. /He/ was getting to him in a big way. He felt as though he couldn't breathe anymore. But then a huge cake was wheeled in. Damn, bad timing made an appearance again. He stood among the other onlookers and as always, he couldn't help himself, he found himself looking for Heero.
"He left," someone whispered in his ear.
He glanced up. "Zechs."
"One and only."
"Who left?"
"Who are you kidding, Duo?"
"Don't know what you're talking about." Admit nothing.
"We've known each other a long time. Though your best friends may have missed the mark, I work with you. It's so obvious." Zechs sniggered annoyingly.
"What did it for you? Was it the centerfold pic? Touching his silky hair? I got it that way you know. Or was it that romantic dance…"
"Shut it, Zechs," Duo snapped.
"I can help you, Duo."
"Zechs…"
"I'm pretty good friends with him now. I can put in a good word for you," Zechs offered.
"Don't you dare, Zechs," Duo panicked. "No one should know about this."
"So it IS true!" Duo groaned. Foiled by the oldest trick in the book.
"Zechs, just keep your mouth shut. A lot of people can be hurt by this…"
"Who? Wufei? Please, Wufei is too busy obsessing over Treize to notice. Trowa? That guy wouldn't know a good thing if it hit him. Quatre's too good for him."
"Trowa? What are you talking about?"
"He's making a fool of himself…"
"They're just friends."
"Yeah, yeah. I know the party line – "just friends". Then why did I catch him trying to get a kiss from Heero in the back before…?"
"No!" Duo unintentionally blurted out.
"Relax, Duo. Heero may have been a bit tipsy but he's not stupid." That still didn't change the fact that Trowa tried, Duo thought jealously.
"Does Quatre know?"
"Don't think so. He's looking pretty happy since Heero left." It was true. Quatre was looking a lot more relaxed. Trowa was beside him, looking pretty drunk for Trowa. "I kind of have to wonder though why they broke up. Heero does seem to like Trowa a lot."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he told me Trowa was his best friend and he also told me he thought Trowa was attractive. So what could have gone wrong? Trowa's obviously still got feelings for the guy, hounding after him even when he's got Quatre. He should give it up. If you ask me, you're much better suited with Heero."
"Stop, Zechs. It's not happening. Heero is with Wufei, my best friend, remember?" Duo pointed out firmly.
"Yeah yeah, okay, your loss. Too busy pining eh? Gotta move on, Duo. Heero's a good catch…"
"Huh?"
"Heero was asking about you too. Oh well…" Zechs turned to walk away.
"Wait, what?" Duo made a grab for Zech's arm.
Zechs laughed. "Gotcha!" Zechs slipped away.
"Asshole," Duo grumbled.
Everyone gave a loud cheer wishing Relena a happy birthday. She didn't seem that happy though. Duo figured it was probably because Heero had already left the party which was something he really wanted to do himself. As soon as he could, he said his goodbyes and made his way out.
He stepped out of the building and was taken aback to see Heero propped up against his motorcycle, smoking. Their eyes met for an eternal moment.
"Want a ride?"
To be continued…