Duo Maxwell - AC203 December 24ht

Duo couldn't shake the feeling of rage building in him. His eyes glued to the offense of a painting even as he was dragged out of the room by an iron grip.

God he hoped the kid had no idea…

_ Duo. Duo you there ?

It was Trowa. The tall man had been the one who dragged him then, and was currently holding him against a wall, a little away from the lunchroom's doors. More precisely right under that damn arch.

_ Did you see that ?! » Duo almost shouted in outrage facing the other's calmness.

_ … Yes...?

Apparently, Trowa didn't see the problem.

_ How can you not… ! She stole his wings dammit ! After all she's done, that bitch dared steal his wings!

His voice must have increased in volume as he talked because next thing he knew, Trowa had his jaw in a firm grip and his lips sealed urgently. Incensed, Duo balled a fist and punched, sending the man a few feet backward.

_ Never do that again!" He growled, low and threatening.

Trowa held his hands up in surrender and closed back on Duo. Just close enough they could ear each other talking in hushed whispers. Just far enough to avoid any further collision. Duo closed his eyes a second.

The painting…

He had barely noticed the other shimmering bubbles, the big ones encasing each a different item, some smaller and empty. But the main part was still burned in his mind: Relena, facing the audience, possessively enveloping an Earth hiding most of her naked body. And behind her, protectively curled on either side, Zero's four unmistakable wings.

He passed a hand over his face, down his neck. The feeling was icky. Trowa still looked unfazed, maybe a bit wary.

_ What do you mean, 'after all she's done'?

_ What do I mean? Seriously?

Duo was flabbergasted, and angry, and… God, hadn't he had enough of a bad day? He was feeling too raw, too!... agitated apparently. He was pacing, grumbling. And Trowa had safely stayed a little away, his arms loosely crossed, waiting for Duo to calm down. He paced a few more before spinning on his heel and stalk to the taller man.

_ Do you have any idea how he was first time I found him? A dead man walking." He answered without pause. Trowa's arms had dropped, shoulders sagging. "I had to pull him out of his death-stunts many too many times.

_ I know, I let him. Too often... I helped him." Trowa answered softly, but Duo was too incensed to listen.

_ And then he met her. Trust me, I still can't tell what he found in her...

_ She cared, that's all he needed. She wanted him to live...

_ But at least she gave him a purpose, something to go with. He fought for her!

_ I cared too, he chose to live for me.

_ Even after she betrayed what they were fighting for by giving in the Romfellers.

_ He kept trusting me despite everything.

_ And, then, when it was all nice and done, when she had what she wanted and the world at her feet. She dumped him!

_ I lost him. Because I was a coward.

_ She had him and she turned her back on him. He loved her.

_ He respected her. He loved me, and he was mine!

_ And now, after all he gave for her, all he gave up because of her. She dares steal his wi… wait… What?!

Trowa's words finally catching up to Duo's anger addled brain, and his jaw dropped to the ground. For a second, he wondered about a sick joke there, but Trowa's mournful expression was all he needed to realize it was the truth.

_ You… and Heero? During the war?

Trowa simply nodded. All anger drained from Duo, leaving him empty. Fucking day. He should have stayed in bed. He leaned against the wall, shaken. Now that he had calmed down, the other closed back on him. Shoulder to shoulder against the wall, in companionable silence.

Duo's mind couldn't help but jungle between Trowa banging Heero, that night where Heero had joined him on the Peacemillion and Trowa's seemingly being interested in Duo. After having had Heero? What did Duo have to attract a man like Trowa Barton?

_ He went to my room, one night.

Duo had no idea why he was spilling that, it just escaped his brain through his lips, again.

_ It was... maybe a week after Zero got to you and your memories came back. A little more? He was wrecked, I never knew why.

Now he had a hunch, Trowa's memory loss must have weighted hard on Heero. Then everyone had been so sure Heero was in love with Relena... When you added Quatre's crush on Trowa in the mix.

_ I heard knock on my door one night. When I opened, it was to Heero. He kissed me then pushed me to my bed and kind of… snuggled me to death?, all night long. Nothing more. But for some reason, I've always felt it was the night I lost him.

Duo shrugged.

_ I mean, I lost his trust. I can only guess, he realized I wasn't such a good friend after all.

_ How?" Trowa finally asked quietly.

_ Teenage boy with his crush snuggled tight into his arms. How do you see this going Trowa?" Duo answered crossly. He wasn't crossed at Trowa as much as at himself. Trowa nodded, he got it.

_ I knew. What you had. On the moon." What a nice way to place it… "We were still together, at that time. I wasn't jealous Duo, mostly glad he found someone to take care of him when I couldn't. That's why, when I saw him go to your room. I... let go.

_ Nothing happened," Duo repeated. "Whatever we had on the moon, stayed there. Heero wasn't... interested that way.

The silence fell again. Until Duo heard a mirthless chuckle from his side.

_ He said we were too much alike, that was why we didn't manage, even when… we came back together a few years after the war. He was right. It took exactly the same amount of time for me to man up and go find him, as him to give up and come to you.

_ You've seen him again?

It wasn't really a question, Trowa just said so. Duo was getting from surprised to thunderstruck there.

_ Where do I fit into this all…" He couldn't help but mutter. Seriously.

_ I like when you come to see me. You are nice, sweet, and a little funny." There was a crinkle at the corner of his eyes.

Duo elbowed him gently, not just a little. Duo was a lot of fun.

_ And sad.

His grin faltered.

_ I'm not…

_ That night, you let it all out. But I already knew. I could see it. You weren't happy with the status quo you were living by." Trowa had moved again, crowding him, just leaving enough space between them that Duo wouldn't feel trapped, his hand hovering near Duo's jaw.

_ I like you. I can't promise I'll make you happy, I couldn't with Heero. Not enough to balance… the rest. But I'd like to try, if you'd let me.

Duo felt warm, a little too much. And flushed. It had been a while since he had last been sought out. Like really sought out, not just checked out for a quick night. And Trowa was all kind of hot. And his low, caressing voice…

Duo shook his head. He shouldn't, he hadn't even talked to Hilde yet. Not seriously enough. Not the hard part.

_ You already know it's over Duo.

_ She doesn't. I can't do that to her.

_ You mean, pick someone else while not separated?" There was a rougher edge to his voice. Bitter. Duo flushed, but not from embarrassment there.

_ She always told me before pursuing any…" Duo didn't want to finish that, he didn't need to either; Trowas got it. His grip on Duo's wrist tightened a bit. When did he even get a grab of him.

_ I've been waiting, Duo. I'm not going to wait longer and risk someone else to whisk you away.

God, he was so freaking intense. Green eyes blown, darting all over his face. Duo's breath caught as Trowa was getting closer again, their chests brushing against each other every time they breathed, his lips ghosting over Duo's. What the hell was he waiting for?

_ You told me not to.

Duo blinked, lost. What kind of nonsense was he spouting now? Until he remembered.

_ I warned you to never kiss me when you don't mean it.

_ So… May I kiss you again?

As an answer, Duo took a hold on the back of his neck and dragged him in. The kiss felt even better that he remembered. Minus the champagne, it was all Trowa's taste and scent. And his hands firmly on Duo's hips. Claiming.

And Duo knew he shouldn't, really. It was wrong for so many reasons. But he hadn't been with a man in months. And never with a man taller than him, or that he could trust enough to simply let go and completely enjoy the moment, or anywhere as hot as Trowa. He could blame hormones. Truth is, he had rarely felt so much wanted, and not since a long time.

It was heady. Intoxicating. And Trowa was an incredibly good kisser. Thoughts and worries melted under that warm, searching, tongue leaving a puddle of needy goo behind.

_ Whisk me away." Duo breathed in his pretendant's ear; then yelped as Trowa simply hauled him up to carry him, koala style. His arms firmly around Trowa's shoulders, his nose buried in light brownish hair, a bubble of elated laughter caught Duo as he was carried outside and down the hill to the Circus camp.

To Trowa's trailer. It smelled musky, and wooden. It was all wood paneled after all. Old fashioned. It smelled like Trowa. Male. And lemongrass.

Then shirts were lost and Duo stopped thinking about how Trowa's trailer smelled like and started to focus more on how good Trowa's slightly callous hands felt on his skin. And God, that man had hands everywhere. And a tongue and…

Trowa was on his back, Duo sprawled over his chest, drawing doodles between and around his hair with a lazy hand, grazing a nipple now and then. He felt wonderfully sore. And a bit sticky but he didn't mind, not yet. That man, whom Duo could have sworn had no sex appeal half a day ago, was an incredible lay.

Hmm… It might seem a bit unfeeling said like that. Saying Trowa was a Sex God might be the after glow talking. So… somewhere In between?

And sweet. He was so sweet. All kisses and light strokes, followed by soothing deeper caresses, and long, slow, maddening thrusts that made Duo beg, loudly. Remembering made his interest come back to life. Duo curled a little more into the warm body under him. Let his finger trail further down. And down.

Until Trowa rolled them over, hands and mouth at the ready, and Duo tried, further down. A firm grip halted him, shy of the crack of Trowa's ass.

_ Don't.

It was said with such a sharp tone, Duo stepped back, not even dared ask. This still might become an issue, later. Duo loved to bottom. But he wasn't a bottom. He loved to top too.

He let his hand get up, cling at Trowa's scalp and hold his head to look at him in the eyes.

_ Someday, you'll trust me enough to let me eat your ass. And I'll make it so good you're gonna meowl.

It was a promise. Duo was good at keeping his promises.

And would make extra sure to keep that one: Trowa had a wonderful ass. For now, Duo would settle with letting him slide again deep and slow between his legs and steal his breath with languid kisses.

_ Still… I can't believe you're ok with that painting." Duo argued after the next round of amazing sex.

_ Maybe you haven't taken a good look at it then.

_ I've seen plenty enough, thanks.

Duo grumbled into Trowa's abs; making them tighten under his breath.

_ Wonder if the kid had her model for him in nude or if it was some other gal, though.

This time, the movement under his head was deeper, Trowa raising on one elbow to look at him.

_ What kid?

Duo rolled over and looked up, a quirked eyebrow shouldn't look so sexy. Must be the swollen lips and tousled hair.

_ The kid who came to hang on the thing, apparently, he was the painter too.

_ You. Saw. him?

Duo had never seen Trowa look flustered. It wasn't a really good look on him.

_ Yeah, we talked a bit, actually. Well… I poured my heart out to a perfect stranger while he was doing his job. Then he gave me a surprisingly good piece of advice. And kicked me out before unveiling the paintings. Not sure if it can be called 'talking'.

Trowa had both eyebrows raised by now, utterly bemused. And maybe with a spell of fondness behind it. Added to the way he framed Duo's face, sweet and gentle. Warm lips on his.

_ You are unbelievable. Now, let's get a good peek at that painting. I'm famished.

As if the two had anything to do with each other.

Duo stayed on the bed and enjoyed the show as Trowa was going around the trailer, picking up clothes and putting a wash towel under warm water to freshen them both. He was beautiful even without the tights, and Duo didn't hold back the compliment.

Then it was his turn to get dressed. And scurry after the long strides up the hill. A famished Trowa was an impatient Trowa.

When they finally reached the mansion, Duo was surprised his… what? Boyfriend? Lover? Whatever… didn't go for the kitchen but directly to the dinning room.

There was light in the living, a soft glow coming from the lamps scattered across the room, dancing on the painting's iridescent bubbles. And the table was on. One end of it, more precisely, was covered with dishes, fruits, a bottle of wine and three plates.

But none of it really registered to Duo. He only had eyes for the small silhouette sitting on the table, his back to them. A shot of dark hair standing haphazardly over his head.

Trowa went to him, silent as a shadow, and took his hand to hold and kiss. Until the hand escaped his loose grasp and went to tenderly cup his cheek.

_ Hanata…" He knew that voice, he had heard it earlier that day. But now that it wasn't as hushed, he realized he had known it for much longer. Duo gasped. "You finally found it.

Trowa nodded, his hand covering the much smaller one on his face.

_ Good." Then Heero kissed Trowa like he was the most precious thing in the world. Slow and gentle like he had never seen him be. Almost, occasionally.

I still love him. The 'kid' had said.

I loved him and he was mine! Trowa had said.

"Fuck…" Duo whispered, eyes downcast. He was screwed. He could still feel up his ass the shape of a man who was currently kissing another. He still smelled Trowa on his skin. Trowa who was holding his ex's waist right in front of him.

He shuddered. Shook his head and looked again. He couldn't help but huff: Trowa was already seated and digging his way through the leftover meal. And Heero was looking at him, a small smile on his lips. Duo should probably be angry, but it had been a long day, nerve wracking, and seeing Heero there. Right. Fucking. Here. Was the last straw.

Heero opened his arms to him. And Duo fell into them. One of Heero's arm around his shoulders, the other around his middle, a knee propped against his hip, lips on his pulse as Duo's face fell in the crook of a slender neck. The embrace was so painfully familiar, tears welled up.

Seconds later, Duo was sobbing his heart out.

_ I've missed you! You jackass.

_ I know.

_ I still owe you a punch." He grumbled. Heero chuckled: he knew that too.

So... the kid, who wasn't a kid, did have blue eyes. And Duo wasn't sure what all this was supposed to mean. Right now, he was too tired to let it matter.

Latter, he would forget it could have mattered.

Trowa Barton - AC195

He had never been more glad of his impassive face than the day he saw Heero Yuy hand his own gun to the young Noventa girl. Had he known the reason why they had been heading to the North coast of the Mediterranean see, he would have knocked the boy out and headed straight South until they put a desert or two between the pilot and his self-destructive nature.

When he had been told the other boy's plan to meet the family members of the man he had mistakenly murdered, he had wanted to scream and shake the brunet.

But he also knew by now that he couldn't have talked him out of his self-destructive plan. And... somehow, he also understood him a little better. The Wings' pilot wouldn't be able to forgive himself otherwise, and would keep on disregarding his life until someone told him it was okay to keep on going.

He wished he could be that person, but Max... no, Yui, wouldn't listen. Not about this, not knowing his disapproval of the petite brunet pig-pigheadedness and general inadequacy for team work.

Didn't mean he didn't like the guy. Because he did. Maybe a bit too much. He wasn't certain of how deeply people were supposed to care about comrades, he had never cared much before. Except for the boss, but he was the boss and he was the one who raised him and taught him how to be strong and everything useful he knew. So maybe it was more gratitude than actual care?

He pushed those thoughts aside, they were annoyingly complicated, and resumed him dutiful watch. Replenish Heavyarm's ammo would soon prove really useful. Oz had no longer any qualm about attacking the Alliance's bases.

Sicily, last name on a mercifully short list. As always, he was standing guard. Not that he could see much from his post outside the walls of the property when Heero was inside the mansion with the wife of the late Field Marshal Noventa.

He did strain his ears for the tell tale sound of a gun fire. One last time, to no avail. Heero came back unscathed. He was allowed to breath. For a while: Heero had many demons, each as destructive as the other. His enmity with the Tallgeese being one example.

They finally came back to the little hotel room facing the sea they had rented for a couple days. Trowa had a lot of tension to get rid of, so he headed straight to the tiny bathroom, blue and white tiles tainted ocre by the filtering sun. Shedding his clothes in a few fluid moves he stepped in the cubicle, under the warm spray.
He could hear Heero move around just behind the thin wall, the soft metallic sounds indicating he was cleaning his gun. It never stopped to be enticing, hearing the sounds of the other, visualizing what he might do. So close.

He washed his body quickly before letting his fingers trail down to his crotch, teasing his length. Rapidly he was stroking himself in long, jerkish pumps, his forehead pressed on the cold tiles. He would blame on his less than stable position to jump and nearly slip on the tiles when Heero's worried voice came from straight behind him.

_ Are you hurting?" Heero repeated calmly when his owlish blink gave away his utter lack of understanding.

He swallowed. Heero was bare chest, bare foot under his fitting black trousers. And he was butt naked, under a shower, his erect sex in his hand. It feel eerily like he was a sudden participant of one of those videos the guys provided him, except that there were no women in their current situation.

Heero raised a growingly impatient eyebrow.

_ I... em... not really.

_ You sounded like you were in pain." Heero explained, completely unbothered by their various states of nakedness. "You usually do, but it seems to be getting worse.