Trowa sat morose at the bar, perched gracefully on the stool. Despite the early afternoon sun bleeding through the gritty windows, Trowa had placed a bottle of chartreuse and lowball glass before him. The liquor, caustic yet sweet, was the same rich color of his eyes. He heard the stairs creak as Duo quickly descended from the small room above the bar, barely big enough to fit his bed. Duo walked the length of the bar, wearing his military fatigue jacket and a black brimmed cap. Striding nonchalantly past Trowa, who sat sipping the 110 proof alcohol. The glass smacked on the bar top, and Trowa asked standoffish, "How do you know he's not a nark?"
Duo halted, glancing at Trowa who had poised the question without regarding him. An upsurge of anger smeared over Duo's demeanor, narrowing his eyes.
"God damnit Trowa, don't you dare question me again. I am sick of your bullshit." Duo spat, waiting for a fight, indignant his leadership was being contested. Hilde perked at the raised voice. But Trowa remained silent, staring aimlessly at the mirror over the bar as he picked up his glass, swirling the liquor before bringing it to his lips once more. A contemptuous smile stretched over Duo's mouth. His anger dissipating, Duo exited. Hilde frowned as the door closed, and looked over to Trowa.
Walking towards him, she asked ruefully, "Why don't you trust him anymore?" Trowa stubbornly remained unresponsive. She emitted a frustrated sigh, before returning to her work of drying glasses.
Heero eyed the time presented on the lower right corner of the computer screen. He stood from his desk chair, walking to the closet, gathering a gray hooded sweatshirt and black sneakers. Pulling the sweat shirt over his head ruffled his hair. He proceeded to sit on his couch, tying the laces of his sneakers. The jeans he was wearing were worn and threadbare at the knees. Heero went to mirror in the bathroom, staring aloofly at his reflection. He swiped a hand through his hair, and guessed his attire was adequate, hoping to go unnoticed.
Heero could not meet his own gaze as he considered Duo briefly and the vivid dream that haunted his sleep. They had died, gunned down in the street. Heero overlooked the sense of dread the dream imposed, deeming it meaningless, the simple firing of synapses in his brain. He walked to his desk and secured his camera bag over his chest, and tucked his keys and wallet into the pockets of his jeans.
The sidewalk was bustling before the apartment building, a flow of people passed Heero at varying speeds. He surveyed those surrounding him, and easily noticed the man who crept into his dreams. He was leaned effortlessly on a phone booth, chatting carelessly into a cell phone, his face obscured by the brim of his hat. Heero recognized the green canvas jacket, naming him death. As Heero approached, Duo strolled past him. Heero lifted his brow in confusion.
"I'm telling you, that woman doesn't like me. You don't want to be seen with me." Duo spoke intent of his conversation. Chuckling before adding, "Just follow my lead, I'll get you a date with her" as he steadily strode down the span of the sidewalk. Intrigue piqued in Heero as he began to pursue the older man at a slow pace, remaining several steps behind. His eyes observed the lush hair confined by lengthy braid as he followed. Duo removed the phone from his ear, it was unnecessary to end the call. There had been no call. Heero was led to a crowded bus stop for the 71 line. Duo slid up to front of the group, closest to where the bus door would be.
The 71 lead you to the slums. During college, Heero's peers had joked about the run down area, almost bragging about all the danger, drugs, and prostitutes that could be found in that district. To his knowledge, all those who spoke about it never ventured to the outskirts of the city. The brakes of the bus screeched as the large vehicle abruptly stopped, people already were pushing towards the doors, refusing to wait for those to get off.
Heero tarried as he dug change for bus fair from his pocket. He pushed body through the crush to guarantee the bus would not leave without him. The bus was entirely crowded, the array of people huddled awkwardly in the small space were indescribable, varying incredibly. Swaying in motion, the bus reentered traffic. Heero faltered standing in the packed aisle with nothing to steady him.
It struck Heero suddenly, the possibility of being pick-pocketed. His hand snaked down to cradle his camera bag, containing his livelihood. The expensive and delicate piece of machinery was sentimental to him, a part of him, and would be an immense hardship to replace. Seamlessly with his fretting thoughts, Heero was jostled from behind, another body leaning into him.
"Oh, pardon me." Duo said quietly, looking down upon Heero's face, grinning. Heero was distracted by the allure of his features, a spark jolted through his body, feeling the weight of the other man's frame, shielding his camera and wallet. Heero diverted his gaze, chagrined for being captivated by the gentle yet confident ease of Duo. The bus lurched to a stop.
"Excuse me, buddy. This is my stop." Duo announced causally, as he discreetly smeared a hand over the small of Heero's back. Heero nodded, going after Duo, sliding through the wall of people.
Stepping from the bus, Heero paused, taking stance to absorb his surroundings. The neighborhood was grave, appearing menacing but ultimately exuding an overwhelming sense of misery. Shattered glass and trash decorated the pavement. The shabby buildings towered over the sidewalks, foreboding and sullen. Walls were coated with intricate graffiti, a collage of color and design. With a sweeping glance it was apparent human strive was the muse of the spray-painted markings. "Ragnarok Lives" and "Fuck the World Government" were the most prevalent slogans scrawled on the buildings. He simply reacted, quick hands removed his camera. The shutter snapped, the lens capturing the essence of the sullen neighborhood. Heero was stirred by a sharp whistle, aligning his head with the sound, he noticed Duo stalking away. He replaced the camera safely in his satchel, and jogged to catch up.
The pair maneuvered the neighborhood. Heero often paused to take photos, Duo standing close, vigilant and protective. They continued their path, walking steady and silent. Duo perceived a soft flick of a lighter.
"Don't smoke. It's a bitch to quit. Besides, it hurts your stamina in the sack." Duo advised as turned to face Heero, affirming there was a cigarette placed to his lips. Heero exhaled smoke, eyeing the older man, miffed and defensive.
"I have no trouble performing." Heero ensured resolute, inhaling the smoke laced with harsh chemicals, and the desired nicotine. Duo produced hearty laugh.
"You're young. I'd hope you have no problem pleasing the ladies." He stated to Heero straightforward, testing him.
"That's none of your business." Heero replied terse and firmly headstrong. Duo was indulged by his youthful conviction and blissful ignorance, qualities that had been waning quickly in his own temperament.
Heero finished his cigarette before they arrived to a dilapidated housing project, lines of cable stretched from countless windows, hanging articles of clothes and bedding, appearing sad with no wind to sway them. Duo entered the building, beckoning the younger man to follow. Cries of children, angry yells, and loud music converged in the stairwell, echoing as they climbed five stories. Advancing through the hallway, people and children spilled from their apartments. Their loiter interrupted as Heero passed, pausing to burden him with their scrutiny. Duo took stance before a door, and regarded Heero as he spoke.
"I've already talked to Cathy. Take as many pictures of her and her kids. But none of me, I'm serious, kid." His instructions were somber. Heero nodded under Duo's stare. Duo knocked on the wood, instantly the door swung open wide. Three children no older than eight rushed out, tackling him, their slight weight unable to jar Duo's stance. They all happily cried Duo's name, causing a large sentimental smile to curve the corners of his mouth. A woman stood behind the door, painfully slender, wavy auburn hair framing her gaunt face.
"Come in please. I'm Catherine, thanks for coming." She welcomed Heero in, and proceeded to lightly scold her children for climbing on Duo, and tugging at his braid.
"Aw, it's fine Cathy. They are just having fun." Duo defended the kids' mischief, happy to see them again. Catherine opened her apartment to Heero's camera lens, permitting him to photograph her and her children living in stark poverty. As Heero lost himself behind the camera, pointing and aiming, he listened to her story. How she will never qualify for citizenship due to her heritage, her only hope of becoming a citizen was marrying another. Her attempts left her with three broken hearts, and three children with different fathers. She was denied a work visa, making it illegal to work and unable to provide for her children. Catherine's frustration cracked her voice. Heero respectfully backed away, as Duo comforted her. He focused his camera on a large leak in the living room ceiling, seeping down the wall. He photographed a broken window which permitted a chilly draft to sweep through the living quarters, and the sorrowful few amount of toys scattered on the carpet.
"So what's going on with you and Trowa?" She asked surly and suddenly, pulling from Duo's embrace. Duo laughed awkwardly, and scratched the back of his head, faltering with an answer. Heero emboldened by his work, interrupted their conversation.
"Could you and your children stand over here?" Heero asked soberly.
"Certainly," Catherine answered, diverting her bitter glare from Duo. Heero directed to them to stand centered around the leak, crumbling the ceiling, browning the wall. Catherine held her youngest, whose small hands pawed his mother's hair. The small girl, stood timid behind her mother's leg. Her eldest son sat disinterested, roughly playing with a broken toy car. Catherine's eyes were piercing, her gaze manifested strife, anguish, and hunger. Heero lowered his camera, struck by the situation and her life, which he was about to put on display.
"Thank you." Heero muttered lowly, afflicted with guilt.
Duo escorted Heero home, in the same fashion as before. Sullenly Heero followed, distracted by all he had experienced. In the close crowded quarters of the bus, Duo urged quietly, "Hey, don't look so down. You're helping, right?" Heero regarded him transfixed, abruptly coveting the taller man's arm to enrapture him and hold him firm, distracting him from all he just witnessed. Heero removed his eyes from Duo's handsome face, focusing on the window, the cityscape creeping by.
Getting off the bus, Heero was surprised when Duo did so too, glancing back Duo was paying him no heed. He entered his apartment complex's foyer, leaving the door ajar. He did not look back upon entering the elevator. As the doors closed, Heero heard rapid footfalls, Duo charged in, sliding his frame between the doors.
"How would I know what apartment you live?" He asked with quicken breath, regarding the young photographer incredulously.
"I didn't think you'd follow" Heero admitted.
"I wanted to see the pictures." Duo spoke, which was true, but not entirely. Heero nodded, and when the heavy metal doors swept open, he led Duo to his apartment. Duo stepped in and chuckled.
"Can I have the number of your decorator?" Duo teased, and was disappointed his joke didn't inspire laughter, or even a smile. Instead Heero walked to his computer desk, and gingerly removed his camera, extracting the memory card. As Heero pulled up the photos on the computer screen, Duo paced the living room. Surveying the bare room, yet his eyes kept trailing back to Heero's youthful face, his wild hair, and his striking blue eyes. He felt a pang of shame and cursed Trowa's intuition. His former lover had not been questioning his command, rather he had been simply jealous.
"Come here." Heero spoke. Duo obeyed, and positioned himself behind Heero who sat at his desk. His attention on the computer screen, Duo was impressed by the image of Cathy and her children. The image of the family was powerful and telling.
"I will touch it up later." Heero mentioned idly, suddenly insecure, he wanted to please Duo with his work.
"It's really good." Duo spoke softly. Heero was keenly aware of Duo leaning over his shoulder, his presence was heavy. A rush of lust swept over his body, urging his mind to act, his body needing Duo's touch. Rashly Heero stood, bumping into Duo's chest which startled him. Duo took several steps back.
"Whoa, what's gotten into you?" Duo asked curiously. He watched Heero hesitate before approaching. Duo's posture tensed as Heero brashly grabbed the edges of his jacket, urging their bodies closer. "Oh." Duo whispered, taken back at the realization what Heero was doing, desperately attempting to resist the advances he craved. Heero nuzzled the taller's man neck, imposing a gentle kiss.
"You don't want to do this. I'm a dangerous man." He grimly informed the younger man who was caressing his chest. Heero was undaunted, and seductively gazed up at Duo. He could no longer resist, enticed by those electrifying blue eyes. He impulsively encircled Heero in his arms, hungrily kissing him. Heero was entranced; his lips reciprocated fully, relishing Duo's strength and passion. Heero smoothed his hands over Duo's back, plunging his fingertips down to the curve his ass. The sensation of cold hard steel met his fingertips, a 9mm was tucked into the back of Duo's jeans. Heero's recoiled, stumbling back. The gun bewildered him, taking him by surprise. Duo emitted a deep sigh.
"I told you." Duo offered soberly. Heero stood still, feeling foolish, direly wishing he hadn't acted so caught off guard. "I shouldn't get involved with you." Duo calmly admitted, sweeping his eyes over Heero once more before he proceeded to leave.
"Don't go." Heero asserted. But Duo was not persuaded. His front door reverberated in its frame and Heero was alone.
With his hands deep in his jacket pockets, Duo walked the length of the hall. His feet ceased moving, standing in the corridor, Duo swore under his breath. Tarrying in the hall, his resolve lapsed, snapping back, freeing his sharp pangs of lust. Swiftly, Duo proceeded back into his residence, abruptly entering, slamming the door behind him. Heero had not moved. Duo urgently advanced towards him, towards that confounding shade of blue. He greedily took Heero in his arms, meshing their mouths, kissing him in a frenzied passion.
It's cold and snowing thus I wanted to do is write and sleep. Thanks for the reviews and suggestions. This is long from over, I'll try to update within a week or so. Stay warm! Heart.