Stuck in the middle of nowhere
Chapter threeTheir was a soft knocking on the door of the guestroom he currently uccopied.
Carefully the door was opened and Lee peeked her head through. Looking at him, taking in the situation. She entered and closed the door behind her and came to sit on the edge of the bed, looking at Duo.
He lay on his stomach on the bed, his head hid against his pillow, he was acting childish and he knew it, but he couldn't help himself. Right now he was so miserable he felt like crying. He was about to call for someone to pick him up when he could Trowa with his ruined cell-phone. It made him hate the guy. He hated him, he hated him, he hated him. He hated the way he spoke and how he looked, the non-expression in his eyes. Like he took the whole world and everything in it for granted. No, not for granted, like he wasn't even happy with it! And now he was stuck here because of some 'suicidal'-antisocial-'I don't give a fuck if the earth explodes'-freak!
'Duo, why are you so upset? Bob and Trowa were just trying to help.' She cautiously said and lay her hand on his back.
He sighed, now he felt even more childish, a person, not much more then a stranger to him, was comforting him like his mother used to do. He turned around, faced her and let out another sigh. 'Trowa doesn't know anything about electronics, I DO. Maybe I could have fixed it, I just didn't feel like it yesterday and I wanted to repay you for your hospitality by helping out on the ranch.' He lied. But God he was good at it!
Lee sighed and she looked touched by what he just said 'You are a real gentleman Duo and I can understand that this isn't the ideal place for you to be. But... you don't HAVE to work. If you can't handle it you can just stay here tomorrow, we'll handle just fine. Maybe... Maybe it is even good for you to stay here for a while, away from the stress in the big city. Try to enjoy it.' She said with a smile and she left. Suddenly the thought crossed his mind that she was a bit sadistic, the way she spoke to him. But nothing he could do about it, besides that, he could better not complain about his only ally in this... wilderness.
It was so stupid that there was no way out. Like... like it was meant to be or something, for he was sure these people were the only ones who had no connection to other people what so ever... oh, my god, they weren't Amish or something, right?
'No of course not! Amish don't have electricity!' He said to himself, but he couldn't find more proof to strengthen his case, well, maybe except the clothing. But that was not his concern. His concern was to get out of this hell-hole!
Okay, they had no phone, so did other people who lived here for miles. So calling, or finding someone with a phone was impossible. The nearest town was a three day drive, Bob couldn't leave the ranch for that long, they needed him here. He had thought about the groceries, maybe they went shopping somewhere? But they grew their own potatoes and vegetables, the meat came from a friend who had a ranch a two hour drive from here. He couldn't think of anything else, he couldn't even write a letter! What kind of place was this ranch! Alcatrez!
He groaned and got out of bed and started pacing in his room. He just couldn't concentrate, all he could hear were the sound of the hooves of the cows in the meadow near the house, the loud barking of all their dogs and Heather, sounds coming from the kitchen, Lee was making dinner.
Was this peace! He could find more peace in new York! At least there he had sound proof walls!
After cursing the world and everything in it for the next hour h was called downstairs for dinner. He didn't feel like it, but he had to eat. Though he was nervous. It wasn't even sure if he EVER could get out of here.
Well, at least the view is good, he thought as he entered the living-room and saw Heero sitting on the couch, reading a book, while his right hand mindlessly scratched Swifts head.
The food was much the same as yesterday, but he didn't eat half as much as he did then. The thought of that he'd be there for at least a month, till the contest, was unnerving. He was a stereotype city man, he wouldn't last a week... But he didn't have a choice.
'So Duo, I got a job for you you CAN handle.' Bob said proudly, but Lee elbowed him. 'What!'
She shook her head 'Duo is our guest, if he doesn't want to work, he doesn't work.'
'I was only going to ask him to help picking the tomatoes and strawberries!' He protested innocently. Lee just sighed and said: 'It's all up to Duo.'
The expected answer was that he wouldn't do it. But there was something that was stopping him. Though he was blinded with anger, he did notice that the vegetables were Heero's duty. He looked across the table, where Heero silently ate and he smiled. Saying that he hated getting his hands dirty was the understatement of the year, but if it meant getting more time to spent with Heero, it might just be worth it.
'It's okay Lee, I think I can handle that much.'
Lee looked surprised but didn't say a word. She didn't got the time for Bob was already happily chattering about what happened today, mostly about how dumb Duo looked doing this, how dumb he looked doing that, how dumb he looked being chased by animals... The list went on and on and the whole family laughed as he vividly described exactly HOW he ran away, screaming and with his arms high in the air.
WuFei laughed 'Hahaha! It sounds like you run like a Faggot!' Suddenly he fell silent, just like the others. A strange sort of tension rose in the air. Duo swallowed, what was the meaning of this? He had guessed homosexuality wouldn't be excepted but it was like it was the forbidden word around here.
They ate in silence, every attempt of conversation just died out and Duo couldn't wait to get upstairs to his room, away from this weird situation WuFei had caused. He needed to ponder over this. (yes, Duo ponders... )
When they were finally done he almost sighed in relief. To have an excuse to leave as early as possible he stood and grabbed his plate, wanting to bring it to the sink, maybe even wash it if it meant being away from the dinner table. But Bob stopped him, laying his old wrinkled hand on his smooth one. Duo raised his eyebrow, looking at him in question.
Bob smiled and shook his head, he leaned back in his chair. 'Don't Duo! Cleaning up and dishwashing is a women's job!'
Those words forced him to sit down again. He was a bit startled when suddenly a tanned hand grabbed his plate from the other side of the table. It took a while, but then he remembered how pale Li Sin, the only female in this company, was. When he looked up he saw Heero leaving with his plate and many others. Why didn't Bob say anything about this? He had a feeling that the faggot-remark and Heero doing a 'women's job' were connected. He wasn't sure, how could he be? But the thought of Heero being gay, crossing his mind, didn't seem ridiculous. But then again, he would find out about that tomorrow, as he would spent the entire day alone with Heero.
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Picking Strawberries and tomatoes would prove to be a godsend. It was eight am and Bob hadn't come barging into his room pulling him out of bed. The older man had left as quiet as possible early in the morning, with Trowa and WuFei. Okay, so as quiet as possible wasn't really quiet since Duo woke up from it, but being able to stay in bed and sleep some more made everything alright.
Lee gently woke him up at nine am and made him a breakfast that could only be described as heavenly. After breakfast she led him to the back. Behind the barn, where the stables for the horses were, was a rather large vegetable estate, divided into different sections. One for potatoes, one for strawberries, one for tomatoes, a smaller one for carrots, broccoli, they had it all and they had enough of it.
'Now, start with the tomatoes, only pick the good ones, they must be a bright reed and nice and firm.'
Duo looked at the large tomato estate, it was the second largest, the largest was for potatoes. 'Why are there so many? You must really like tomatoes!'
Lee laughed 'Yes, I do, but this all isn't for us! We pick them and then we sell them to other ranches who don't grow tomatoes.' She explained, handing him a big basket and showing him a small barn were more baskets were. 'Fill fifteen baskets.' With that she left, back into the house. Duo frowned, he looked around but he was the only one here on the estate. Maybe Heero would come later?
He shrugged and began the gentle task of picking the tomatoes. He didn't want to do anything wrong so he inspected them thoroughly, which resulted in slow progress. At noon he had only filled five baskets and Heero still hadn't shown up. He had given up all hope. Heero wasn't going to help picking today, maybe one man was enough for this task and Bob had asked him to give Heero a day off. But that was strange, since Bob didn't seem all that generous towards Heero.
He was bored out of his mind. He was ready to kill himself when he entered the small barn going for the eleventh basket. Last night, he couldn't find peace with the dogs and the cows, but now, he wished one of them was barking. The silence was unnerving. He had seen horror movies starting like this. When he was finally done he was actually sweating, he wiped it away before entering the house. If Bob was there he was sure to comment him sweating about something as lame as picking fruit.
'Duo! Are you done?' Lee asked, she was sitting in the living room, staring at a tv that was older then time itself, it surprised him the picture wasn't black and white.
'Yep, all fifteen baskets.'
'And the strawberries?'
Duo swallowed 'Was I supposed to pick them too?'
'Of course. But if you didn't, why did it take you so long?' She asked, smiling mockingly, knowing perfectly well why it took him till five pm.
He rolled his eyes and sat down next to her. It kind of surprised him that the couch wasn't covered in dog hairs, but then again, the house looked mighty clean now, Lee probably cleaned it today while he was acting like a baby on the estate.
'Would you come give me a hand in moving the baskets to the barn on the other side of the house?' She asked, standing up and letting out a groan. Duo quickly rose, worried.
'You know what? Why don't you rest some more, I'll store them in the barn.'
She smiled and sat down again. 'That's very kind of you Duo. You truly are a gentleman.'
He had to be kind had he! Those baskets were freaking heavy and now he had to carry all fifteen of them from one side of the house to the other, one by one.
Unbelievable how hot it could be at this time of the way when you're working. He wiped the sweat of his brow as he walked back to get the ninth basket. When he arrived at the small barn he raised his eyebrows but then smiled. Heero was bending in front of them, inspecting the tomatoes.
'Did I do a good job?' Duo asked as he picked up the basket Heero was inspecting, pretending that he didn't even notice how heavy it was.
'The tomatoes look perfect, i just wonder if there will be only bad ones left for us.' Heero said with a smile and picked up basket number eleven. 'Mind if I give you a hand?'
'Not at all.'
Two was better then one, they always say. But it really wasn't when one of them has the hots for the other and can't keep his eyes off his ass as the other bends over to pick up another basket. Duo sweat even more then before so he was extra relieved when they were finished and he still had time to take a shower before dinner Suddenly, his boring day didn't bother him as much as before. Though they hadn't spoken a word he had still spent ten precious minutes with Heero.
In the shower he set his imagination, that he had been saving all day, free and thought about what happened if Heero wanted to take a shower too and entered the bathroom while he was there...
He closed his eyes and dipped his head under the hot stream of water, enjoying it for as long as it will last. He cracked one eye opened when he heard something, but he shrugged it off and just continued his showering. He jumped back startled when suddenly the shower curtain was yanked away revealing Heero, wearing nothing more then a towel wrapped low around his waist. Duo vaguely thought of covering up his private parts, but why would he, they had already been seen and the interested look in Heero's eyes told him to wait for him to make the first move.
Heero smiled shyly and let the towel drop from his waist, pooling at his feet. He looked down, as if giving his own body one last inspection before he looked up, straight in Duo's eyes. 'Mind if I join you?' He asked, already stepping into the small shower.
Duo made room for him, but it was impossible not to touch each other as Heero turned around, took a step back and closed the curtain. He turned to Duo again, smiling, and lay his hand on Duo's chest.
Duo took in a deep breath.
'Turn around, I'll wash your hair.'
Duo obeyed, the water had turned cold but with Heero's wanton body so close to him he hardly noticed. He felt the smaller boy squeeze shampoo onto his hair and massaged his scalp with talented fingers.
'Let me help you with that...' Heero's said, he was so close to his ear he could feel his hot breath. He jumped lightly when Heero's hand reached around his body and grabbed his erection firmly. He didn't even had the time or willpower to fight the moans coming out of his mouth and he felt his face grow hot with shameless desire as Heero pumped him. His lush lips teasing his earlobe. It didn't take him long to reach his orgasm. He breathed out Heero's name as he came, making sure no one but Heero could hear him.
When he opened his eyes, Heero was gone. No, he was never there. He blushed seeing the mess he made on the shower wall, he quickly cleaned it as the cold water started to freeze him. He wasn't sure if he really washed his hair during the fantasy or not but it didn't matter, he had been there long enough, he didn't want Bob or his wife suspecting anything. He quickly got out, dried his hair the best he could, jumped into his clean clothes and rushed downstairs. He almost bumped into Lee, who said she was just about to call for him.
Dinner was filled with Bobs enthusiastic chatter again, as was expected. Duo was relieved, it was so much better then the situation from yesterday. Especially now as he just vividly imagined Bobs youngest son giving him a handjob. He blushed furiously every time he looked at the quiet boy across from him.
'So Duo, how was your day?'
'Boring.' He answered, but immediately regretted it. As soon as the word left his mouth Bob started talking about taking him with him as he would go deliver the tomatoes to a few of the ranches in 'the neighbourhood'. The worst thing was that it couldn't be done in one day so they'd have to sleep on one of the other ranches and continue the other day. It sounded like a true hell to Duo. Him and Bob, alone for two days. The man would chatter his ears off.
After dinner and after cleaning up, Heero went upstairs to shower. Trowa went outside to do god knows what and WuFei went to bed, he had to leave at three am this night, bringing the cows to the grasslands, where they took them once a week. Bob told him a whole story about keeping cows fit by letting them walk a long distance with the reward of perfect green grass. His cows were the only ones that won him prizes at the cowboy contest.
'Bob, if you're gonna talk till the poor boy falls a sleep at least make sure he is tucked in bed.' Lee said. Duo thanked her with his eyes and went upstairs. From what he gathered they would leave early, so he needed all the sleep he could get.
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He was afraid that his head would fall forward, because he was to tired to support it and that his nose will dip into his breakfast. He was so tired even chewing was a sacrifice of energy. He couldn't even lift his finger. He hadn't slept all night. First he couldn't find rest with Heero on his mind, when he finally fell a sleep he was awoke by WuFei's footsteps not long after and then he could hear him outside, shouting at the cows and giving Farah, his dog, orders and whistling to her. When WuFei was finally gone and he couldn't hear his shouting in the distant he had dozed off for half an hour or so and then Bob had barged into his room and pulled the blanket off him, saying they were already late because he had overslept.
So that resulted in him now feeling like shit. Very tired shit.
'Hard time sleeping?' Lee asked as she grabbed his plate and washed it in the sink.
He only nodded and though her back was facing him, she seemed to know his answer. 'WuFei wasn't really quiet, he should apologise to you when you come home.'
He wanted to say: There is no need for that. But it was to difficult to open his mouth and form the words.
'You can always not go. Bob will understand.'
He knew she was lying. Bob would raise hell, but silently, letting him now with subtle things that he thought he was a sissy, a wussy. And atop of that he didn't want to be bored as much as yesterday. If he didn't go he had to pick strawberries, his mental state wasn't up for that.
Being startled he found the strength to look to the side. Swift sat beside his chair, begging. What did the dog want from him? He didn't have any food.
Bob came in with sickening energy 'So, the tractor is ready, the trailer is loaded. Get a move on boy!'
They were going with the tractor? No wonder it would take them two days, the thing couldn't go harder then thirty kilometres per hour! He dragged himself outside and sat on a 'seat' behind the chair for the driver. He looked up at the sky that was greyer then yesterday and prayed that it wouldn't start raining as this lousy vehicle didn't have a roof. Of course bob didn't go anywhere without his significant other... Bo. The Dutch shepherd jumped into the trailer between the baskets and lay down comfortably.
Lee came to say them goodbye, giving them both a peck on the cheek. For good luck, she said.
Surprising enough Bob was quiet for the first two hours and they reached the first Ranch in total silence.
The man, just as old as Bob, seemed to be a good friend and invited them in for tea. Bob couldn't refuse so they were guest for about an hour, then they started business. The old farmer, Jessy, bought two baskets for a few dollars cheaper then when you bought this amount in a supermarket. It was probably a good income for Bob, as he only had to pay the price of the seeds, ten years ago when he planted them and now every year some petrol for the tractor when he made this trip. He made a lot of profit as he found out Bob could get petrol almost for nothing if he asked on of his friends nicely.
To Duo, Bob was the Godfather of the countryside. His connections were what kept his own ranch going.
On the way to the next ranch Bob wasn't so graceful to be quiet as he gave him the entire history of Jessy. Whom he was and where they had met, why he buys his tomatoes and not those of Quint, a farmer not far from here. But he was able to tune out his chattering, he reckoned that Bob was used spending the days alone with his dog and Duo dared to bet that on the trips years before he used to talk to Bo, who sat happily in the trailer, one ear in Bob direction the other twisting and turning towards every other sound.
The day was growing dark as they neared the last ranch for the day. He could see the lights from the house from afar. The house was much bigger then Bobs house, but Bob notified him that this Leon, who lived there, didn't have half a much country as he had. It tended to make the man and his sons a bit hostile against him whenever he came by with the tomatoes. But he had to go by, they were good customers. More and more bought from Quint, but they had always been faithful.
'It's a pity they will be the last ones we visit today. Now we have to sleep at their place.'
Duo sighed. He did NOT look forward to this and he could hear in Bobs voice that he was angry about more things then Leons jealousy. He couldn't help but be extremely curious.
They arrived and the door was thrown open. Another old man came towards them.
'Bob, you're a bit early this year!' He said, his voice sounded friendly, but it was forced. 'Come in, we just finished eating! Would you like something?'
'No, we ate with Kylie.'
Leon raised his eyebrow 'We?' Apparently he hadn't seen Duo. He turned and took him in from top to bottom. 'From the city?'
Duo nodded.
'So, who is he Bob? A cousin?'
Bob shook his head 'This is Duo Maxwell. I found him on the side of the road. His car broke down and his cell-phone 'died', so he is stuck with us till the contest.'
'What makes you think he can get away at the contest?' Leon asked, unnerving Duo. What if he was stuck here forever!
'You really aren't up to date. There are lots of phones dare in case we need to bring someone to the nearest hospital!' he said with a laugh and they entered the large house. In the hallway stood two men. Both around the age of twenty-five. One hadn't shaved in years, he had grown an ugly beard, making him look older. His hair was also a mess but for as far as Duo could see he had a good body. The other was the handsome one. Blond hair that reached his shoulders, held in a ponytail. His face shaven, smooth, brown eyes. He had a wild look about him, something most women, or men for that matter, found attractive. But not Duo, he liked his men a bit feminine, to be sure he would be the dominant one in bed.
'Duo, these are my two sons. Christian,' He nodded towards hairy-guy, 'And Therasias.'
Okay, weird name he couldn't pronounce, that MUST be a turn off.
'Leon, I would like to discuss how many baskets you're buying, so that we can leave early tomorrow, we still have a long way to go.'
'Sure, lets go to the study and we will discuss it with a glass of brandy in our hands.' Leon led Bob away, leaving Duo alone with his sons.
He wasn't sure what to say so he just stood there. Hairy-guy, Christian, soon left. So it was just him and Therasias now. The blonde winked after taking him in properly. 'I'll show you the guestroom.' They went upstairs and he showed him a large room with a two person bed.
He couldn't even compare it with the guestroom at Bobs ranch. There was no decoration and his bed was lousy, for only one person and the sheets itched. This looked like a hotel room in the Hilton! 'Wow... this is the guestroom!'
'No, but if you're willing you can sleep here tonight.' Therasias said softly.
Duo turned around, frowning and yelped as Therasias jumped on him, pressing his larger body against him and sticking his tongue down his throat. He did not like this aggressive way of 'approach' and stamped hard on his toe and then kneed his crotch. The blonde was quick to step back.
'What Do you think you're doing!' Therasias demanded with a hoarse voice.
Duo grunted. 'You stole my line!' He said sarcastically. 'Now can you please tell me where the real guestroom is?'
'Second door to your left.' He grunted out.
Duo nodded and left the room. What a jerk, thinking he can just force him or something. He was also surprised though, he never thought that he would meet one let alone two homosexuals here on the countryside.
Instead of two small guestrooms they had one large one with two single beds. It was better decorated then his guestroom at Bobs house still. The colours were warmer. At Bobs the house was coloured in white, black, dark brown, blue and green.
He lay down on the bed and waited for Bob to come upstairs.
Bob came up only a few minutes later and looked angry, he obviously had a fight with Leon so Duo praised himself lucky that after his interaction with Therasias and Bobs fight with Leon they could still spend the night here.
Bob lay down and crossed his arms, looking at the ceiling, sometimes softly mumbling some angry words.
'I reckon it didn't go well?' Duo carefully asked.
Bob shook his head 'It went great, he bought four baskets. Don't ask me what one must do with two hundred tomatoes but... aw well, sold is sold, better not complain.'
'Then why are you so angry?'
'Nothing.' He said, but he wasn't convincing Duo, but the he decided not to prod any further. He didn't want to make the elder man even more angry then he already was.
He closed his eyes, about to sleep when: 'That Therasias boy doesn't stop reminding me...' Bob angrily confessed in the darkness. For a second duo though he might be talking to Bo but then he remembered the dog had to stay outside.
'Reminding you of what?'
'The serpent didn't tell you?'
'No.' Duo waited, but his reaction was only followed by dead silence. Maybe Bob was ashamed about it? But what could it be? 'You can tell me yanno. This city lad won't tell further.' He said with a smile, but bit his lip as this wasn't the best time to use humour.
'I guess you're right. I might as well tell you, better to tell you then to wait till the day comes you find out...' bob sighed, 'It is shaming though.'
'Believe me, I have my own share of shaming things I did.'
'Therasias... He... argh, The jerk...'
'Just calm down.' Duo said, trying to contain his smile. The situation was just weird and he couldn't help but wanting to laugh.
'Therasias took Heero's virginity.'
Okay, his funny mood was certainly over now. He said upright in a fast movement. Thank god for the darkness otherwise Bob might suspect something. 'What!'
'Heero lost his virginity to that jerk at the cowboy contest... years ago. Can you believe it! He was only fifteen and that bastard was twenty!'
'Heero is…!' He couldn't even say it as he was to busy trying to hide his anxiety and happiness.
'Yes, he is gay, homosexual, a faggot. Believe me, I'm not proud of it either. I should have went to the police when I found out Therasias had sex with him, but I was just to ashamed about Heero's sexuality. Long before the contest I had caught him in the barn, kissing Therasias... passionately...'
Duo could hear in his voice how disappointed Bob was with the sexual orientation of his son and it made him angry. So that was why he allowed his other two sons to make fun of Heero? And that's why he let him do women shores? Because he was gay? And what in the world did Heero see in that bastard. Sure he looked alright, but he was an asshole! His anger rose and he decided not to say anything. He would only rat himself out.
'Are you disgusted with that?' Bob carefully asked.
Duo clenched his fists, how could he even ask that!
'I know I am.'
Duo was fuming. He knew homosexuals weren't accepted in America, but this beat all! For crying out loud he was disgusted with his own son. He wondered if he told Heero that. He felt sorry for him. His parents had been cool about it when he came out of the closet. They weren't even ashamed! Maybe he was naive to think it would go like that in every family?
He calmed down an hour later and fell asleep.
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they left REALLY early, but Duo was grateful, he didn't want to have breakfast with Tharasias. He dared to bet all his money that he had just used Heero as some fuck toy. Sick bastard. All he could see was Therasias attacking Heero like he had done with him. But he remained in control this time and found a way to forgive Bob. He might be disgusted about the fact his youngest son slept with men, he didn't forget to tell Duo, once they left Leons ranch, that he loved Heero for other things. Like his personality. Though it had been hard when he just found out, or when they had guests, he admitted Heero had always been his favourite son and he tried his best to restore that relationship.
Hearing that warmed Duo's heart, but made him realise that the blow of his sexuality had been even harder. At least now he understood how he must have felt.
After another long day they reached the ranch and Duo smiled as he already smelled the delicious smell of the simple food he had come to appreciate after living off sandwiches for the past two days.
The tractor stopped and the dogs ran towards them. A flash of thunder lightened the sky and roared, letting all who wanted to hear know that it will rain soon. Very soon. He wasn't off the tractor or it started to rain down on them. They quickly ushered the dogs to the porch, where they were dry and they themselves entered the house, being greeted by the entire family who was just about to start having dinner.
Lee kissed her husband and quickly grabbed two more plates and glasses, knives and forks.
Duo sat down with a sigh, he looked up at Heero, who looked at his father as he told about the trip. He smiled. He was gay! He actually made a chance! But when he looked at Bob, he wasn't sure if that would be such a good idea. The hospitality was sure to lessen if he slept with or kissed him. God, how he wanted to touch the boy, even though he didn't even had a decent conversation with him, he was falling in love, fast. But should he risk his friendship, or at least his good relationship with Bob and Lee?
Argh... he hated dilemma's like these...
Yes... me too, but I had to insert a dilemma otherwise he and Heero would be together to fast. Yes... I know... It's hard to be evil... -.-'
PLEASE review, I did NOT spent a beautiful sunny day inside the house to write without getting reviews for it!
-CW looks outside- Yeah, okay... so NOW it's raining, that doesn't count!
Crimson waterfall salutes you!