Duo Maxwell - AC204 April
It was not because he did not want to Duo didn't even tried to make Heero stay. It was simply he knew Heero well enough; when he decided on something, there was no point trying to change his mind. Still, he wanted to.
Then he noticed the timing was a little too convenient, Heero getting out of the way just before Trowa was supposed to come back. Definitely not a coincidence. He had been in those shoes often enough to know how it feels to be relegated in the guest room when the one you love has someone else in the master room.
So, Duo didn't try.
He put on a smile, helped Heero gather his stuff and Trio and drove them to the spacio-port. Back to square one. At least he wouldn't be alone too long before the Circus arrival. After that...
Well... he knew how to cook pasta and mashed potatoes or not burn a steak now. His second attempt at living on his own should be less disastrous than the first one.
Not that there was too much to carry, (Heero was leaving accompanied by the same sailor bag and suitcase he came with, plus Trio) once again, Duo borrowed Vern's car to carry them all. Maybe he should invest in one too?
For a change, the short trip to the spacioport was uneventful. Meaning there was no excuse for Heero to be late and stay just a little longer. The World hated Duo, and it was fully reciprocated.
_ Guess we're on time for once, even quite early. Wanna grab a drink before you get through?" Duo asked hopefully looking at the departure timetable. Heero declined, it was a work day after all and Duo was already quite late to open his shop.
Even the hug Heero allowed him was quick and lacked warmth. Leaving Duo feel colder than before.
'Heartless bastard', Duo thought as he was watching Heero's back heading to the security check. No, he didn't feel charitable right now, even if he knew he would amend soon enough.
The first time they met, Heero had been the one flying away, they hadn't had time to really get to know each other, then it was Duo who left first. They were acquainted. There was Relena, and Duo was getting attached. So he did what he knew best : find the first occasion to run and hide.
Sadly, Heero seemed to have taken the habit to walk away without much of a warning.
Duo was about to turn tail and head back to his lonely life when some... disturbance caught his eyes.
A buff security guard looking crossly at Trio.
Heero stiff and threatening.
A less buff but obviously more ranked guard arriving.
And exchange of card and a sudden change of attitude.
Heero passed without being subjected to any check.
To be welcomed to the other side by a Preventer Duo was sure he had seen before.
Except : there was no Preventer stationed on 2X3056.
Leading to one question : what kind of "Freelance Tech Job" that lasted a little longer than intended granted that kind of freepass?
_ Wufei, what the fuck did you drag Heero in?" Duo shook his head, Heero was gone now and he wasn't going to call Lieutenant Chang to get to the bottom of this. Not with this little intel.
On the way to his workshop, Duo decided he would go to the Nightshade tonight, it had been a while and he needed the distraction. Sometimes, he wished he could afford to get completely wasted like most young men.
That was why, after a surprisingly productive work day, Duo found himself on a stool, nursing a cocktail with much too little alcohol and way too much sugar. It was still early, Nigh-life wise, and the clientele was sparse.
_ Long time no see Maxwell.
_ Been busy, had a friend home for a few weeks.
_ That gorgeous green eyes you brought once? Did we scare him that much?
Duo took a few sips from a sparkling blue straw with a little mermaid twined around and shook his head.
_ That one's my man, I said friend. And not one I wish to bring here.
_ Too straight? Or you're ashamed of him?
_ Too scared of the ruckus it would make.
Eiden whistled at the comment and went on cutting his limes, pineapple and other watermelon.
_ You mean your non-straight, live-in friend is even more dashing than the one you're having a long-distance relation-ship with?
_ I wont try to make out what you're implying there, it feels unflattering." Duo answered drily before glupping half his drink. "And, no He... Torii is not... they're different.
How to put it exactly?
_ Trowa is gorgeous, when he wants to be noticed. But he's tall and noticeably well toned, so people might leer but mostly, they were cautious about getting too close. He... Torii, is a petite brunet with blue eyes, he gives off that... vibe that tends to attract teens and perverts.
_ Young?
_ About my age, but looks much younger.
_ And you were afraid he was gonna be mugged or harrased in my bar?
_ Oh, not at all," Duo tried to placate Eiden's ruffled feathers with both hands. "I know your policies and that's why your abode it my favorite. I was more afraid your goons wouldn't even have time to notice the harassment before the annoying bugs would be smashed onto the pavement.
Duo huffed at the lost look he got from the bartender, now washing some mint.
_ Let's say even Leo's not match for him.
_ And it makes him more dangerous that it doesn't show.
_ You've got it." Duo tipped his mostly empty glass to the man. "Another?
He was getting trough the third diluted drink when the usual band gathered around. He got a few elbowing and had to offer a couple rounds to make up for his desertion, all the usual. All in all, it was good to be back, like slipping into old well worn shoes.
Talking about habits.
_ Leo's not there tonight?
_ Nah, he said he was away for a couple days, got a VIP to escort.
_ He's an escort?" Duo realized with surprise he had no idea what was Leo's job. "Or a chauffeur?
_ Max, Leo's a Preventer.
_ There is no Preventer in the Dumpster." It was a well known motto here.
_ There is Leo, he's the only one, and not really an official. At first it was an undercover thing, he never told me the specifics, 'top secret'. Now, he's officially more like a liaison with the local authorities.
Duo had stopped listening halfway through. No wonder the suited up man who welcomed Heero looked familiar; not that Duo had ever seen the blonde wearing anything else than dazzling outfits.
_ What do you mean, 'undercover'?" He asked, fighting to keep cool.
_ Not sure, something about smuggling and terrorism I believe. He never got more specific.
Duo forcibly let go of his glass before it breaks and took a deep breath. His friend was only the news bearer.
_ Coming right back, I've got a Chinese dick to yell at." He threw at the gathered group before heading out, vid-com already in hand.
Heero using the Preventers to smuggle his bottle of wine or get free (and most likely more comfortable) rides between Earth and the Colonies was one thing. He's never been one for following the law or comply to customs if they didn't agree with him.
But Wufei, because who else?, sticking a Preventer on his ass!
_ You dastardly asshole!" He yelled as soon as the call connected. "Once a thief always a thief, yeah? Or once a terrorist always a terrorist? What sick reason did you find in your pricky head to stick a fucking warden on my case!?
_ I'm gonna hang up." The cold answer came through as Duo was taking his breath.
_ Don't you dare!" He growled.
The Chinese's voice grew even colder if it was possible.
_ First, I made the order, but I'm not the one who chose to send an man your way. Second, for all I care, those New-OZ wannabe targeting us, including you, could have blown you up as they liked. Third, if you've got a complain, address it to my boss.
Duo was rarely speechless. It was one of those rare times. The rant died down like a swatted boner. Even if Wufei had clearly stated his (false) opinion on the matter, Duo felt oddly touched.
_ Don't say that, you don't mean it. Deep down, you love me." He finally whispered through the com.
_ I'd rather swallow my saber.
Duo smiled, there was so many teasing opportunities there.
_ Don't." Wufei warned him immediately, the frost was gone by now.
_ I didn't say nothing.
_ Yeah... I could hear your dirty mind from there.
Duo went back to the main topic, Leo being a Preventer.
_ Protection? Why had he never said anything then?" He let his back rest against the building behind him. This was turning more into a conversation, and he wasn't going to stand in the middle of the side walk. He had already attracted more than enough attention.
_ You're a civilian Maxwell. You're not supposed to be privy of sensitive intel.
_ Why me though. What did those guys want?
_ Revenge, mostly. And you weren't the only possible target. Just the most vulnerable.
_ I'm vulnerable? Have you met me?
_ You have no security measure of any kind, anywhere. You went utterly civilian.
_ Cut the crap Fei, I'm home there, I have eyes and ears everywhere.
_ And yet it escaped you that one of your drinking buddy is a Preventer.
Touché...
_ Who's that superior of yours anyway? Why would they insist on protecting me? Or had they figured it would be easier to catch those guys when they'll get out of hiding to come after me? Is it Sally?
_ No, she does not have that kind of authority. And like I said, ask him.
_ Who?" Duo was getting tired of the bullshit.
_ General Lowe." Wufei finally relented. Duo's jaw froze.
_ That. Can't be a coincidence.
_ Then it probably isn't. Now, I'd like to finish my lunch before the next boring meeting.
_ Yeah, have fun.
It was only after he hung up and scrolled through his whole telephone book, Duo remembered : he did not have Heero's number. He hadn't needed it while rooming up together, he hadn't thought to ask for it afterward.
_ Shit.
He stuffed his com in his pocket and headed back in.
General... he was only twenty-three, Crissake!
What kind of 'freelance tech-job' could even lead to that?
He needed a drink, a stiff one this time.
Fucking Odin Lowe Jr.
Or Heero Yui.
Or Toya Torii.
Whatever his name.
Heero, Preventer. He was the last one Duo would have ever imagine enrolling in any kind of military, or paramilitary.
_ Eiden, your most disgusting stiff, please.
_ That bad?
_ Were I to believe in some kind of superior authority, I would think someone had decided to muck with my brain.
Did Trowa know? About Leo?
Duo drained his drink, coughed a bit and toyed with the idea of another. He'd rather come home at least half sober. He renounced. He could always drain one of the expensive bottles Heero left behind if he really wanted to throw himself a pity party.
Pickaboo
Two days later, Duo found the courage to call Trowa, for once. He half hoped to end up on the voice mail. His boyfriend answered, he was relaxing on a bench, with a view over the stars and Earth. The circus was already on L3.
_ Having a break between performances?" Duo asked, smile on.
Just as the call connected, Duo had decided not to talk about Leo, or Heero's four stars. It was a topic you don't broach on the com. But he also wasn't used to bite his tongue about stuff. He tried hard not to let his discomfort show, not hard enough, it was Trowa on the other side. He knew something wasn't right.
_ Duo, something's on your mind." He was frowning. It wasn't a good sign.
_ No, of... Actually, yes. But now's not the time.
Trowa dropped it, but it was pretty obvious he was not happy about this answer. They kept talking about irrelevant stuff, family, business. But it was strained and ended too early, leaving an ashen taste in Duo's mouth.
He should have waited to confront Leo before he called Trowa. He didn't mind putting a dent in his half-baked friendship with the blonde as much as he minded risking this tentative love-thing with Trowa.
An the first dent had been made.
Duo had let Hilde pull away and come back so many times, and said nothing.
He had let Heero leave without much of a word, and said nothing.
Trice was not the charm. The Hell if he let Trowa leave him without a fight. He couldn't wait for the man to be there already.
Pickaboo
It was almost closing time on Thursday when Duo's shop bell jingled to let enter a young, blonde man with a plain shirt and a pair of jeans. It took Duo a few seconds to recognize Leo.
_ I heard you didn't take the news well. So, I guess I might have some clarifications to make?
_ Yes, you do." Duo answered curtly. Leo shrugged and turned Duo's sigh to 'closed' before finding a seat on the counter.
_ First I need to know if Trowa knew about you, before you 'met' at the Nightshade.
_ Why should he?" Was the genuinely surprised answer. Not really an answer by Duo's standards.
_ Please, just answer me.
_ I can't tell what he knows or not. What I know is : I never met him before, I never heard of him besides his role in the war. I still don't get why I should.
_ He's been Heero's boyfriend for years. You might have... escort them around some time or other.
The conversation seemed to just get more confusing. Leo clearly not getting what Duo was saying.
_ Again, why should I have?
_ Because you just did! I saw you four days ago...
And it hit him. Leo might not even know... And it seemed to have hit Leo too.
_ Four days ago, I brought a General back to Earth.
_ Odin Lowe Jr." Duo finished. "I know, I saw you after I dropped him, with a particular Doll, at the spacioport.
_ He's Heero Yui.
_ And you didn't know... Let's get home." Duo suddenly decided. It wasn't a conversation he wanted to have in a semi public place like his shop.
_ Let's go to my place then. It's closer and there's something you might explain to me.
Leo, still on the counter waited patiently for Duo to straighten-up his stuff and properly close his shop before leading the way to small but comfortable studio three blocks away.
_ Nice location." Duo commented offhandedly.
_ Yeah, it has a nice view on your back door." Leo admitted. "I'm looking for something bigger now that we are fairly certain no one's gonna come plant a bomb under your desk.
He unlocked the door.
_ Well, not one from the group we were watching out at least.
_ Oh. If it's only an angry customer with a gun, it's not that important.
_ I believe you can handle that kind of customer." He stepped aside to let his guest come in.
That not what Wufei imp...lide... Wow.
There was a Heero on Leo's wall.
Or more exactly : a serigraph depicting two non-gendered figures, in black ink on cream silk. There both wore smart suits, one black, one white, and held guns, one up near a tense shoulder, one down alongside a thigh. The dark clad figure with a held-up gun was on the right, facing the viewer, the white clad figure with the down gun was three quarter back and turning their head over a shoulder. One could have been Relena with a nest of a hair and cobalt blue eyes, the other Heero with long hair and lighter blue eyes.
There was something tense in the sharp lines of their bodies, not nervous but determined. As Duo had known them a long time ago.
_ Where did you get that?
Trowa Barton - AC195
He hesitated, one hand poised to knock.
Not because he wasn't sure of what he was about to do, he was going to anyway. There were enough reasons to do so.
The official one, the one he told Heero and kept telling himself was pragmatic : if things kept going, Maxwell was going to become a liability when the time to get the Hell out of here would come.
Heero was very against it at first and only relented to begrudgingly agree to it when Duo Maxwell came back wheezing from cracked ribs.
There were other reasons, those he wouldn't tell Heero with his dying breath, he even had a hard time acknowledging it. He was fed up watching his lover getting comfortable with Maxwell, despite the sex they kept having together (albeit too quick and too far between to his liking).
On an even deeper, darker level, he wanted to know what it felt being held, while Heero could never do that for him.
That was the reason he was still dwelling in that corridor instead of knocking at the innocuous door. He was afraid he might like it too much. He was afraid he might hate it so much he would never be able to make Heero suffer that too. He was afraid Heero would realize he wanted to do that, and not just because it had to be done.
Heero had been so much against the plan. He was terrified he would never forgive him.
"Please, don't hate me."
He knocked and entered when invited. No matter what would happen tonight; tomorrow, Lieutenant Bauer would be caught having spent the night with a minor subordinate and transferred somewhere far.
Then Quatre Raberba Winner happened.
Next will be a little different, Leo's story, no Trowa.