A Grand Affair

Chapter Two: Speaking Outward, Begging Inward

Heero adjusted his suit in the mirror. There was a slight shake to his fingers as he did up the buttons on his shirt and pulled hastily at the jacket to smooth it out.

"Your first public statement. We should celebrate tonight," Duo chirped happily as he stepped into the bathroom and leaned against the wall.

"As long as there's alcohol."

"You seriously can't be worried about speaking to a group of reporters! You're the Perfect Soldier."

"Are you here to help or make my life worse?" Heero snapped irritably.

Duo's smile softened and he stepped up behind Heero to shift the jacket to sit squarely on Heero's broad shoulders. "I'm sorry," he offered in a soft voice. "You'll be fine. Just say what you've practiced saying. If anything gets out of hand, I'm here to pull you out of it."

Heero thought to deny the help but knew he couldn't. "Hn."

"Ready? You look great."

"Thanks," Heero muttered as he turned and took a deep breath in and then out.

Duo clapped Heero on the shoulder. "Here we go, buddy."

Together they stepped out of the bathroom and strode silently down the hall of the administrative building. The soft blue carpet stifled their entrance as they stepped into the conference room.

Heero looked back for Duo but the man had already disappeared. Heero had always been envious of Duo's ability to vanish into thin air. Alone, he walked up to the small stage, took a seat in front of the microphone next to Millardo and flipped the microphone on.

"I would like to take this opportunity," Millardo began. "To announce the former Gundam pilot Zero-one, Heero Yuy, as the new commander of the Preventers Force."

Instantly, the light bulbs began to flash and hands flew in the air. Heero sat back slightly in shock and just as he thought about bailing he caught sight of Duo standing in the very back, a confident smile on his face. With a small wink from the braided man, Heero pointed to the first reporter.

"Mr. Yuy, is it true that you and Relena Peacecraft are no longer together?"

"I believe this conference is about my new position amongst the Preventers," Heero said in a cold voice. "But yes, she and I have decided that it would be best to part ways."

"Were you invited to be commander or did you apply?" another reporter called out.

"He was my first choice," Millardo answered. "I asked him to advance."

"Who wanted to end the relationship, Mr. Yuy? You or Miss Peacecraft?"

"It was a mutual decision."

More light bulbs flashed.

"So as commander, what's next for the Preventers?"

Heero folded his hands before him. "My first goal is to better organize the divisions of the Preventers and establish a better chain-of-command. This way the Preventers will be a far more organized and powerful establishment."

"Is a desk job really what an ex-Gundam pilot wants?" a woman asked in a sweet voice.

Heero looked directly at her. "Perhaps it is not where we saw ourselves years ago but our skills are best utilized from that kind of position now."

"What are the other pilots' professions now?"

"Most of them work distantly for the Preventers. That is all I can honestly say," Heero replied.

"Will the Gundams ever be reintroduced as a mobile suit for the Preventers?"

"Not under my command," Heero assured. "They are strictly for wartime use."

"So, as a single man what's the future looking like for you?"

Heero raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for that question. He had spent an hour with Duo pondering what lie to put to the public. With a deep breath he leaned into the microphone. "Just another fish back in the sea."

There was a comical round of applause from the women reporters as soft laughter from the rest.

Duo lent a subtle thumbs up from the back of the room. Heero sat back a little more and for another hour continued to answer questions and pose for pictures as he and Millardo shook hands.

"Can we get a final statement from you Mr. Yuy?" a reporter called out as Heero strode off stage.

"I thank the public for its enthusiastic support and I can assure you all that Preventers is in good hands."

As Heero left the conference room he was acutely aware of Duo following along with the crowd. As tempted as he was to look back he remained facing forward, walking confidently along with Millardo.

"So at last it's over for you and my sister."

"Yes."

"I'm glad the both of you can move on."

"Just her," Heero replied with a slight tone of bitterness. "I fear my lifestyle must remain a secret."

"Of course," Millardo replied. "For both your safety and his."

Heero looked over at Millardo after the barely audible reply. He thought to say something to the slightly older man but he could think of nothing. They had been too close during the war and revolutions to have kept such a secret from each other.

"Have a good weekend, Heero."

"You, too."

Heero slipped into his car and placed his headset around his ear. "I'm going to take the main streets."

"I've got the back roads, don't worry."

Shutting off his communication Heero pulled his car around and out of the parking lot. Looking over his shoulder he caught sight of a black truck turning the opposite direction. With a heavy sigh, Heero pulled into traffic.

(O)(O)(O)

By Sunday the newspapers were buzzing about the latest events surrounding the new and single commander. Duo bent his head, reading the front page as he took a sip of his coffee. Heero stumbled out of the bedroom and glanced over at the newspaper himself.

"The Perfect Soldier becomes the Perfect Commander. Heero Yuy Takes His Place as Commander of the Preventers," Duo read aloud. He flipped to another newspaper. "Large and in Charge, Heero Yuy Returns to the Single Life and Moves on to Commander."

Duo looked up at Heero. "Looks like everything went according to plan."

Heero nodded and sat down on the couch. "I just wonder how long it can stay this way."

"Here's a headline that I nearly missed. It's on the business front," Duo murmured. "Quatre Winner to Dissolve Winner Enterprises. Family Life is his Calling."

"Family? Wouldn't he have told us?" Heero asked.

"That's what I thought. He and Trowa always wanted to adopt but I never thought it'd go public, especially without telling us first," Duo replied.

Heero sat back and sighed. "We're out of touch."

"I've been trying to get a reunion going but it's just never fallen into place."

"We only know how to meet during a time of crisis. It's the only thing that ever held the five of us together."

Duo frowned. "I suppose you're right. It's just so sad…"

Heero reached behind Duo and massaged the base of the man's neck under his braid with one hand. "It'll work out someday."

Duo's eyes closed and he put the paper down. "I shouldn't complain. I have more than I could have ever asked for."

Heero leaned over and kissed Duo tenderly on the cheek. "That doesn't mean you don't deserve more." With that Heero stood up and moved towards the kitchenette. "If you can get two weeks off in the near future we'll take a trip to see them."

Duo turned around and looked at Heero in near shock. "You mean it? You'll be able to do it?"

"If I could manage to infiltrate OZ bases then I think I can manage to plan a vacation." Heero looked up at Duo gravely. "Though, my plans were meant to go up in flames at the end. The vacation might be a little tricky when trying to avoid that."

Duo threw his head back and laughed. Heero had the oddest sense of humor and the worst timing for it. But man, when it did shine through Duo felt the laugh flow from the hairs on his head to the toes on his feet. It was a natural aphrodisiac for him.

"When I go into work on Monday I'll let you know what I can get off."

Heero nodded before he turned the refrigerator for eggs. "Need to go grocery shopping," he mumbled under his breath as he searched in the way back of the fridge for his breakfast. No such luck. With a groan he stood back up, surprised to see Duo sitting up on the counter, holding the carton in his right hand.

"I left them out for you."

"Ah."

As Heero approached Duo for the eggs, Duo set them down. "Heero, there's been something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

Heero did not like the sound of that. Duo's voice was small, timid. It was going to be about something Heero was not going to jump for joy over. Heero stepped between Duo's parted legs and placed his hands on the man's hips.

"Yes?"

"I've been rolling it over in my mind for a long time now but with your recent return to the single life, now would be a better time than ever…" Duo died off.

"To do what?" Heero continued for him.

Duo's eyes dropped and the sound of his throat trying to swallow was audible. Heero reached up and ran a hand loosely through Duo's hair. He was becoming worried.

"Heero, I've been thinking about getting a sex change."

In that moment, Heero's mind began to reel. For a minute, he wasn't sure he had heard his lover correctly. "W-what?"

Duo took a deep breath, feeling oddly close to tears. "I said, I've been thinking about getting a sex change. Just minor alterations since I already have effeminate features."

"But…why?" Heero demanded, flabbergasted.

"We wouldn't have to hide from the world anymore, Heero. We could spend the rest of our lives together like any other couple."

"Duo, you're speaking about us like we're the only gay couple in the universe," Heero tried to reason.

"We seem to be the only ones in this kind of predicament. This could mean your job, your reputation, the reputation of the Gundams even."

"Trowa and Quatre have always been very open."

"They didn't symbolize the Gundams like you did."

Heero leaned forward and pressed his forehead into Duo's gently, his eyes closing as a headache began to beat at him. "Duo, you can't."

"Heero, I'd still be me…"

"No," Heero growled, his hands tightening on Duo's hips. "I want you! For everything you are and aren't! Don't do this, Duo. I'll find a way to make this work. Just give me time."

"But you say it yourself, no one can ever know…"

"Stop it!" Heero shouted. He pulled his head back searching Duo's eyes frantically to see the extent of his resolve. Fortunately, he found more uncertainty than determination. "Duo," his whispered. "Please, don't, for me."

Duo's eyes welled up with tears but before a single one could spill, Heero leaned in and pressed his lips feverishly against Duo's. Long fingers slid past Duo's hips and wrapped around his back, scooting him closer to the edge of the counter. Heero tilted his head and eased his tongue into his lover's warm mouth. Tongues met eagerly as Heero felt the first drops of tears touch his own face. Determined, Heero pressed Duo hard against him, forcing Duo to wrap his arms around the standing man's shoulders. Heero groaned partly out of frustration and partly out of his rising lust. His hands came forward and gently grasped Duo's face, quickly demanding more out of the kiss. Pulling back for air, Heero pressed his lips firmly against Duo's jaw and then down towards his throat. "God, Duo, how could you ever want to change this?"

Heero made fast work of pulling Duo's shirt up and over his head. His hands surrounded Duo's outlined ribcage that was expanding and contracting heavily. He kissed Duo's collarbone heatedly before he continued to kiss lower, blazing a trail of fire. "You're perfect," Heero groaned as he went to slide off Duo's boxers.

"Don't, Heero," Duo pleaded in a shaky voice. "Don't try to change my mind."

Heero's hands stilled and he rested his head against Duo's sternum. Emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He wanted to threaten Duo, give him an ultimatum, beg him, plead with him, yell at him. Anything that would get Duo to change his mind.

"Please," Heero tried again. "Don't go through with it, Duo. If you're doing this for me then I'm telling you not to. If you're doing it for yourself then I'm begging you to forget it."

"What if I'm doing it for us?" Duo whispered painfully.

"Then I've failed," Heero sighed.

Duo shifted in alarm, not having expected that response.

"I've failed in proving to you that it's everything about you I want. Everything I need," Heero admitted in a husky voice, his throat working over a strange obstruction that instantly formed. "Everything I love," he nearly croaked as his voice decided to give out.

"Heero?" Duo murmured, shocked.

Heero looked up. "I'm in love with you. You are a beautiful person with a sharp mind and a big heart. And you're a man. That is part of who you are as well. I never viewed that as a fault, Duo; something that got in the way of everything else!" Heero ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "It should be a crime to alter a body as perfect as yours. Regardless of the reason."

"I love you," Duo answered in a choked voice. His hands were shaking as he pulled Heero into a fierce embrace. "I won't do it," he conceded against Heero's neck as he let the taller man stroke his back comfortingly.

Heero tilted his head and uncharacteristically kissed the side of Duo's head. "You go take a shower," he said softly. "I'll give Trowa a call and see if we can work something out for the near future."

"Join me," Duo murmured as he pushed forward and slipped off the counter. He ran his hands down Heero's hard torso.

(O)(O)(O)

The hot water pelted down on their bodies as they kissed leisurely, embracing comfortably. Heero moved Duo back against the shower wall and began to kiss the Deathscythe pilot's defined neck. Duo let his head tilt back, the spray of the water coming down on his face. His mouth was slightly open as he fought for every breath. Heero's hand slid teasingly down Duo's stomach and rested just above his protruding manhood.

"Heero," Duo moaned.

Heero couldn't have asked for a better invitation. He eagerly wrapped his hand around Duo's erection and began to stroke it slowly, enticingly. Duo gasped aloud as his hips thrust forward on their own accord. The long-haired pilot's hands were pressed hard against the wall behind him, seeking something solid to keep him in the real world. Heero's grip became firmer, tighter and Duo felt his knees buckle in response.

"Heero, p-please…I'm not going to hold out for long…"

"Alright," Heero rasped against Duo's collarbone as he bit down sharply. Duo cried out, his heart shifting into high gear. Heero worried the bruise some more, sucking and nipping until he was satisfied with the possessive mark.

Heero turned Duo around and reached for an unlabeled bottle that sat next to the random shampoos, conditioners and body washes. He began to coat his fingers when Duo cut in. "No, Heero, just do it."

Heero felt an objection rise into his throat. He knew pain meant nothing to Duo and almost seemed to enhance his pleasure at times but they hadn't had sex in a few days. It was for Duo's health that Heero opened his mouth to speak.

"Heero!" Duo stopped him. He pushed his mass of hair over one shoulder. "I want to feel all of it, no babying."

The idea was erotic enough to Heero to nearly make him cum that second. There had been a select few times they had let desperation take over their strong wills and Heero had taken Duo without any preparation. Those times, as rare as they were, were engrained in Heero's mind for all time. The sweet resistance followed by the tightest, hottest sheath…

Heero groaned aloud as he coated his member before easing it towards Duo's entrance. Duo braced himself against the shower wall and closed his eyes. He was determined not to let anything pass by him. As Heero pushed in they both released low moans. Duo's eyes squeezed shut as pain tore through him. His breath slammed out of his lungs and he gasped, nearly taking water in.

"You…you okay?" Heero asked between breaths.

"Yes," Duo answered. With that response, Heero pushed in to the hilt and Duo screamed out his lover's name. Pleasure shot through his body like liquid fire. It was as fast and as devastating as being struck by lightning.

Heero pulled out shallowly and pushed back in. Again, he hit that spot and Duo called out. A few more ginger thrusts and Duo was pushing back, begging for more. Heero had no will to deny Duo of anything when his voice was pitched like that. Grasping his hips firmly, Heero nearly pulled out entirely before slamming back in.

"Yes!" Duo encouraged loudly.

The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the shower stall and the echoed voices of passion only encouraged the lovers as they heard their own voices. Sweat slid down their bodies with the water as they rode harder to their releases.

At last Duo felt the end approaching. His lower stomach hurt as it flexed and strained. His arms were shaking with the force in which he pushed hard against the shower wall. He felt that familiar pull in the tendons of his neck as his orgasm began to approach.

"Ah, Heero…!"

Heero couldn't have timed it better himself. "Let go," he commanded huskily. "Cum for me."

The erotic command was the last physiological push Duo needed. Throwing his head back it took one last thrust against his sweet spot to hurl him into his release. Fire raced up his spine and his entire body was consumed in a tidal wave of blinding heat and such intense pleasure it bordered pain. Heero's release was only a heartbeat away. The tight sheath gripped him and shuddered sporadically, sending Heero over the edge. With a strangled groan, he poured into Duo's body, jerking his hips hard against the taut body.

Every muscle in his body became clay, as though he'd been injected with a muscle relaxant. Duo felt his body give out on him as he began to slide towards the shower floor. Heero's strong arms were around him instantly, pulling him back to rest against the chiseled body.

"I'll find a way," Heero vowed in a heavy voice.

(O)(O)(O)

Alright, tell me what you think! Again, I understand it's a little slow but just wait! Oh the surprises about to come!