Oh goodness I am so sorry for not keeping up, but life got really really difficult for me and I just hadn't foudnt he time. But I want to change that, trust me I ned the therapy .
Duo was ecstatic after the both disastrous and infinitely humorous encounter with Heero earlier that week they had resumed their courtship although Heero was understandably sheepish. When Duo had regaled the tale to Quatre and Trowa the two men had laughed so hard that Danae had to come and check to make sure her fathers were alright. Duo smiled inwardly he figured that was Hilde's way of reminding Duo that she could still play a prank or two, funny things like that were her specialty anyways.
However, now it was Saturday and today was their very special scheduled date. Duo mused happily as he continued ironing his pants and shirt Liam sitting in the living room with a coloring book and the television on. The house smelled of chocolate chip cookies, a remnant of the father-son project the two had completed about an hour ago and the rewards were cooling on the kitchen counter. A plate full of warm and soon to be devoured perfectly made chocolate chip cookies each with exactly seven chips at Liam's express desire.
"Dad! It's almost time hurry!" Liam urged suddenly breaking Duo from what was becoming habitual daydreaming. "Don't worry Li; they won't start movie night without you." Duo chided his son with a small grin. Quatre had of course agreed to watch his red headed menace and had as a result planned a movie night for Danae and Liam, apparently with junk food and a whole layout.
"Go get your suitcase and make sure it's by the door Li." Duo said as he finished ironing his clothes for his date and headed towards his room to hang his clothes up. He was going to drop his son off at Quatre's place first then come back and finish getting ready. He smiled softly as he hung his clothes up and went back to the living room. He picked up the set of keys sitting on the counter top and was about to go get his son when he noticed the precocious youngster standing by the door in a pair of khaki shorts and an orange t-shirt with the words "I'm a Monster so what!" in bold.
"For a kid that's only five years old you're older than me!" Duo jested with his practically bouncing young son. Liam chose to ignore that particular jibe and began chattering about the movie night with Danae.
"We are gonna' watch a scary movie too! Danae is gonna' be scared but I'm not because boys don't get scared Daddy." Liam continued as the pair got into the elevator. "What scary movie are you going to watch Li?" Duo asked wondering what movie Quatre possessed that could be classified as such knowing how protective Quatre and Trowa were of Danae's viewing habits. "Ghostbusters, Dad!" Liam said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world causing Duo to yet again laugh as he did so often when he was with his son.
Duo often wondered what Hilde would think of their son if she was still alive. If she would love the way he seemed so understanding of everything. How mature he was and how intelligent Liam was and how Duo knew he'd have to put him in a school for the gifted soon so his son could continue to grow. He'd be able to afford it then though because he would have his degree by then and working hard. He wanted to wait until Liam was older anyways to give his son time to just be a normal kid. He knew she'd love the way Liam was always so thoughtful and always so generous to his family and friends. She'd probably blame Duo for what could sometimes be a rather sharp mouth and knack for causing trouble, but with tears gathering in his eyes Duo knew she'd still love Liam for it nevertheless and would find it as endearing as he did.
Liam continued talking and Duo nodded or grunted at the appropriate times, but he couldn't lie he was really missing Hilde. //You'd have liked Heero, Miss Thang. He's is so sexy! On top of it he isn't a loser like that guy Mike was or a weirdo like Timothy.// Duo thought with a wan smile, he tried not to remind himself of how much he missed Hilde because it often made him want to just sit somewhere and cry and Hilde promised she'd bitch slap him from heaven if she had to, and Duo smiled he had no doubt she'd fulfill that promise.
So wrapped in his thoughts Duo hadn't noticed his son had stopped talking and was looking at him intently. "Dad?" Liam asked his head cocked causing his hair to fall over a shoulder carelessly. "Hmm son?" Duo responded absently. "I love you a whole bunch ok?" Liam said as if it was the most important thing that ever needed to be uttered. Duo turned his head and his water filled eyes brightened with surprise and love as he saw Hilde reflected in his son. "I love you too Li more than chocolate chip cookies even!" Duo said wiping his eyes and making his son laugh.
"We forgot the cookies!" Liam said frowning. "It's okay they will be there and instead me and you can share them. I don't think Danae will be too upset." Duo reassured his son with a quick tussle of the young man's hair. "Daaaddd! You're gonna' mess my hair up!" Liam said indignantly his father's laugh being the only response.
"Hey, there's Trowa and Quatre waiting for you with Danae." Duo pointed mildly to his son. When Duo parked the car Liam jumped out and grabbed Danae the two children running back towards the house without saying another word. "What did you promise them Q? The way they tore off you'd expect a wall full of toys and candy." Duo laughed along with his friends.
"Duo, have a great time with Heero." Quatre said reaching out to hug his friend. He was so overjoyed that Duo had finally started dating, and the fact that it was an employee he could just check out without having to do anything illegal was so much better he thought with a grim grin. "Ha-ha, don't worry Quatre it's been some years, but you know the Maxwell charm." Duo smiled. "Have a good time Duo, and let us know how everything goes we can discuss it at lunch tomorrow" Trowa said softly pulling his husband back gently. Trowa had asked around Quatre's job about Heero under the guise of conducting an employee analysis and s far Heero checked out as a pretty decent guy, and it had better stay that way Trowa thought grimly. "Thanks guys, and thanks for watching Li." Duo said hugging them both then hopping back into his car and driving off with a smile.
Duo got home and quickly rushed began straightening his apartment. He furiously picked up toys and paint brushes; he placed Liam's painting on the refrigerator with a brief grin then went back to furiously organizing his home. His studio was locked as always when he wasn't there and Liam's door was closed but he had peeked inside and was proud that his son kept his room moderately clean. The living room straightened and the cookies were still under the plate cover sitting on the counter. Duo smiled he wanted to take a shower he had about an two hours before Heero got here and he needed to get ready.
In the shower Duo released his chestnut mane and rinsed it with a citrus shampoo. It was Hilde's old shampoo and after her death Duo had found her bottle of shampoo and just started using it during his grieving time and he kept the habit, a way of reminding himself that she was always with him. Washing his lean body and singing to music that was playing on his sound system Duo contented himself with predictions of what he and Heero would do tonight since the Japanese man wouldn't tell him.
Stepping out of the shower he began the process of towel drying his hair and then let it flow to air dry some before he blow dried it for a bit then braided it like normal. He shaved what little stubble that was threatening to grow on his smooth face. Smiling at his now smooth face he put on a scented oil used to moisturize his skin, he and Hilde had just begun getting into natural oils before she died and he had kept the habit going finding it was a perfect way to relax. He frowned slightly; so many things were reminding him of Hilde lately he figured it was her way of assuring him that it was okay to date again. Heavens knew he needed it, dating had been so far away from his mind ever since he took full responsibility of Liam.
He checked the clock and smiled as he realized he had about forty-five minutes to go before Heero arrived at seven. He pulled out his clothes and checked them to make sure they were alright. Heero had said dinner was kind of fancy and so Duo had pulled out the tailored Armani suit Quatre had bought for him. He smiled he had various clothes, but he really wanted to impress Heero and so the midnight black suit would do well.
The pants were of such a fine color that the black seemed to glow they had a very classic cut so as to be elegant and not a flamboyant show of money. Duo had picked a black silk shirt that blending fabric wise with the pants effortlessly. The vest that went with the entire ensemble substituted for the blazer that Duo simply refused to wear. He hated blazers with a passion and when Quatre had bought the suit he knew it. So the vest was a creamy white color with pearl buttons in the center. The suit was tailor cut and fit his body perfectly and Duo just knew he looked damn good in it.
Braiding his hair Duo reached for a bit of sandalwood oil and dabbed a bit on, enhancing his natural fresh smell. Putting on a pair of black socks and black suede shoes he smiled as the door knocked. Heero was not only on time, but five minutes early. Duo calmed himself as he walked to the door then opened it trying to appear casual.
"Blue-eyes you're early" Duo smiled at Heero. The chocolate haired man looked edible in a pair of charcoal gray slacks that hugged his body just right. He wore a dark blue dress shirt that revealed what were to Duo's delight, sculpted arms and a well defined chest. His hair as always appeared to be messy but it hung in the man's face giving him a look of rugged sexuality. Heero seemed speechless for a moment as he took in the way Duo's outfit perfectly revealed a trim and fit body, one that Heero at that moment wanted quite desperately to explore.
"Hai." Heero practically whispered. "I'm all ready to head on out let me grab my keys." Duo said with a smile as he turned to grab his ankle-length black coat from a chair. Spotting his keys Duo grabbed them quickly and followed the chocolate haired man. "You look really good Heero." Duo said with a smile. "And you Duo, you look like every man's wet dream" Heero said being uncharacteristically forward, Heero blushed right after as if shocked that he had actually said that. "Ha-ha! Heero you're so adorable" Duo said with a smile his hand reaching over to squeeze Heero's hand. Heero squeezed back with a sure grip as he guided the man towards his car to begin their date.
"Duo that's hilarious!" Heero said chuckling softly as he listened to Duo regale him with a tale of his youth. "Man, you never know when yogurt is gonna' be a missile!" Duo smiled warmly. Heero had taken him to the Italian restaurant "Little Italy"; it was a five star restaurant that wasn't easy to get into, needless to say Duo had been sufficiently impressed.
"I'm afraid to tell Liam these stories, he's a bit too bright ya' know, I could see them backfiring on me and he'd so justify his actions by saying, 'But Dad, you did it too'" Duo said imitating his son with puppy eyes. Heero chuckled again. "Your son seemed very bright when I saw him in the store he looked rather engaged in some game or another." Heero said with a smile as he watched Duo light up. "Ha-ha, yeah Li has a wonderfully vivid imagination, it can be scary sometimes he can make up a whole world and just lose himself in it, it's amazing." Duo said with a brilliant smile.
"I love that little guy, when Hilde died it was really difficult, she had been my very best friend, I was about twenty when it happened." Duo stopped for a moment as if to think. "But you know, I wouldn't change a bit of it, Liam has been worth it, and he has really made me want to be a better person." Duo continued. "I can't imagine you even better than you are now." Heero said softly a blush rising to his cheeks. "Oh Heero." Duo said reaching across the table to take the man's hands into his own.
"Shrimp scampi with basil and an alfredo sauce" the waiter said interrupting the tender moment accidentally. Heero nodded his head in the affirmative as his plate was lowered and Duo's own plate of chicken manicotti was lowered. "This looks amazing Heero, how on earth did you get reservations here anyway?" Duo asked as he began slicing into his food. "Oh, my friend Noin owns this restaurant." Heero said with a smile. "Ahh yet another reason to keep you around, good food and I don't have to serve it!" Duo teased
Heero chuckled at that as he began eating his shrimp scampi. "Connections, huh, you're the best friend of my boss Quatre Winner, who owns WEI. The most well-known company in the earth sphere, I don't think you need any more connections." Heero laughed as Duo chuckled. "Yeah, it's kinda' funny to be honest." Duo agreed. "How did you meet Mr. Winner anyways?" Heero asked a quick signal to his groin as he watched Duo lick a piece of the manicotti's filling from his fork.
"Actually it was at a nightclub, Quatre hit on me that night, but he wasn't my type. Things went from there and forever later here we are best friends." Duo smiled as he licked another piece of the white filling from the fork causing Heero's breath to hitch slightly, but Duo hadn't noticed to Heero's relief. "What about you Blue-eyes? I can ramble forever ya' know." Duo said with a smile. "Yeah I know." Heero deadpanned, but his eyes sparkled with laughter. "Hey!" Duo said with mirth filled indignation. "I don't think insulting is a part of the dating curriculum." Duo said with a gentle laugh. "Hn." Heero grunted in response causing Duo to laugh softly. The two continued eating their meal the conversation light and heavy at times, both enjoying each other's company.
"The meal was excellent Heero!" Duo said brightly as he finished his meal and swirled a bit of his champagne around before sipping at it. The two had finished their dinner and ordered small desserts as they continued their amiable conversation, enjoying each other's presence and relaxing atmosphere of the restaurant Heero nodded slightly his eyes fixed on Duo causing the braided man to color in embarrassment. "What's up Blue-eyes why so quiet all of a sudden, cat got your tongue?" Duo said teasing. "No, just your beauty and strength." Heero responded without thinking, Duo now turned a deep red.
"Would you like to go for a walk Duo? There is this park nearby that I go to whenever I am around this area." Heero offered nervously, he had definitely calmed down a lot, but he was still hesitant to make an initiative, he had not always been so lucky in the dating department in the past. "I'd love to Heero. Besides it's early. It's only nine o'clock." Duo said as they left the restaurant an excellent meal warming in their bellies.
"Just follow me." Heero motioned, the park was only a few blocks down from the restaurant, it was part of the reason he chose that particular place. It was closer to an edge of the city and the park that was built had a hill that gave a splendid view of the metropolis when it was lit by the nightlife. He walked quietly watching Duo take in the area surrounding the restaurant. It was Heero's favorite part of the city it had a very ancient and classic feel to it. The buildings all had a very Victorian like make to them and it just had that quaint comfort that was hard find in a bustling city.
"I've never been around here much Heero. It's beautiful." Duo whispered. "Yeah the view is rather spectacular." Heero responded although his view of the area was limited to one chestnut haired man. Duo noticed and smiled brilliantly as he squeezed Heero's hand and hesitated for a moment, but decided to leave it there. The pair walked to the park hand-in-hand each sneaking looks at each other.
The pair reached a black gate that was designed to look like a trellis with roses and marigolds creeping up the sides. It was lit by lampposts that were formed in the shape of lanterns and painted a forest green. Duo smiled at the soft light they gave off, bright enough to see around but still rather romantic. He couldn't help look around to see if anyone was watching, but he didn't see anyone. While homosexuality was accepted legally hate crimes still happened and Duo seriously had too much on his plate to worry about being beaten up by some ignorant thugs.
"There is this place I wanted to show you over here Duo." Heero said excitement creeping into his voice. Duo nodded his assent as he followed Heero through a grove of trees that looked to be apple blossoms, but he wasn't sure. The flowers were all white and red, small and petite they were a very neat and proper garden and the way the moonlight fell into the grove was almost enough to take Duo's breath away. The two men continued walking in silence Heero guiding Duo towards the hill making Duo noticed the sudden incline.
"Close your eyes Duo." Heero said as they got near the top. Duo raised an eyebrow questioning, but complied. Heero moved behind the braided American and put his hands over Duo's eyes as he continued to help guide the man up the hill. "Heero, why all the secrecy?" Duo asked as they continued up the hill, Heero silenced the man with a playful shushing sound. Reaching the top Heero removed his hands gently.
"Look Duo." Heero said softly making the man open his eyes slowly. The view before him was breathtaking, from here the moon was fully visible a giant glowing pale orb of cold beauty, a detached glory as enigmatic as Mona's very own smile. The city was awash with various lights moving and bustling the sounds of the natural life in the park providing the background music that was the symphony to the sight that Duo was being treated to as a gift from Heero. "Oh Heero!" Duo exclaimed joyfully.
"It's so gorgeous." Duo said turning around to see Heero's face lit with a small, but effervescent smile. The world seemed to center on them as Duo suddenly realized how close to Heero he was, he could feel the Japanese man's body heat and could smell pieces of fruit from their dessert. Heero leaned forward slowly, almost hesitantly and kissed the braided man on the lips. Duo tasted of vanilla and oranges, a reminder of the tasty dessert he had ordered. Duo smiled as he kissed Heero back tentatively, the two men luxuriating in the soft play of their lips and the warmth they both exuded. Heero pulled Duo into his arms his hands resting at the braided man's slender but firm hips. It was a kiss that Heero knew he would never forget, one of such tenderness and care that he didn't know what to say and so he decided to just be silent and just hold the vibrant American and share soft kisses.