Disclaimer: Gundam Wing belongs to them, not to me (probably a good thing).
Title: Playing the Game
Author: aomurasakiai
Pairing: Heero/Duo
Rating: PG
Warnings: AU, OOC?, Shounen Ai, bending how Decathlons really work
gw500 challenge: #05 - "party"
Word Count: 605
Note: Inspired and loosely based on one scene in "The Day After Tomorrow".

"This most definitely exceeded my expectations," Wufei was saying as he took a sip of punch. He turned to his teammate but the Japanese teen was watching their third member, Duo, rather closely. All three of them were part of the same Decathlon team that was competing against the best high schools in Sanq, sponsored by one of the richest family, the Peacecrafts. Heero excelled in math while Wufei's strong point was in science and Duo's immense knowledge in history had ensured their win. After a long day of answering questions, the Peacecraft family had arranged a semiformal party at their mansion for the students to enjoy themselves. All except for one, that is.

"Heero," the Chinese teen said, almost exasperated. "Why don't you just tell him?" That served to snap Heero out of his thoughts and he turned to face his friend.

"Not a chance," he hissed back before Duo came over.

"Hey guys! Nice party, ne?" The braided boy grinned and Heero smiled back.

"Yeah." He glanced at Duo's outfit for the party. It was fairly simple: a red polo shirt tucked into black slacks and he was holding a jacket over his shoulder. Nevertheless, it made the other look even more alluring.

"You look great, Duo," Heero told him, amazed. The other smiled almost shyly.

"Thanks."

"Having fun gentlemen?" came a new voice and they all turned to see Peacecraft's only son.

"You're Milliardo," Duo said in awe.

"Yes, but do call me Zechs," he said, shaking the American's hand. "It was an honor competing with you, Duo Maxwell. Your intelligence in history certainly surpasses my own."

"No, you flatter me," the braided teen told the taller boy.

"I had already foreseen our defeat in the second round." Gesturing the general area behind him, Milliardo smiled. "Would you like a tour of the mansion?" Duo nodded and they both left, leaving Heero and Wufei behind.

"You have competition, Yuy," Wufei stated matter-of-factly. "Plus he's rich."

"Shut up, Chang."

"You should tell him now before you lose him to Prince Charming." Heero watched as Duo disappeared around the corner with Zechs.

'How can I tell him, Wufei? How?'

----

"I'm going to miss this place," Duo said as they were boarding the train to go back home.

"You've only been here for a day," Wufei told him.

"I know, it's just that I've never been in a place that big before. It must be nice being rich." That wistful tone in Duo's voice stabbed at Heero's heart. He wasn't rich by any means and it seemed like that was what Duo wished for in a companion. Heero sighed as he could almost feel his chances of being with Duo falling rapidly.

Heero and Duo found two seats together by the window while Wufei got a seat in the next aisle, preferring the distance between himself and the one whom he dubbed "the Chatterbox" so he could read. It wasn't until later that Heero realized his ulterior motive for choosing a seat away from them.

"I hope we come back to visit Sanq someday," Duo was saying before he yawned.

"You should try and rest," Heero told him. "It is going to be a couple of hours before we arrive home." The braided boy yawned again before settling back on his seat.

"Okay. Just be sure to wake me up when we get there." Heero watched as the other leaned his head back and fell asleep. The minutes passed by and he was about to doze off as well before he felt Duo slip sideways. His shoulder suddenly felt really warm and he smiled.

Owari