The was a challenge that was never fulfilled, is being reworked, and that I intend to finish. All I wish for is luck and a peaceful summer.
Title: Domestic
Author: Ileana A. (babygray)
Main Pairing: Duo/Heero
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not mine. This is pure jest.
Notes: This is a 26-part story, made up of noisefics/drabbles/whatever. It's not chronological, but don't worry too much about that. Reworked, but rough and un-beta'ed.
--Kiss--
There was a frustrated shuffling of papers from the dining table that made Heero pause and look up from the peppers he was chopping. Rinsing away the tiny seeds that had gotten on his hands, he turned and saw Duo get up from the table and join him in the kitchen.
Above them, the fluorescent lights flickered on and off, giving Heero a headache. The Townhouse people that owned the building had promised they would send a maintenance man yesterday to see what was wrong with them, since changing the bulbs did nothing.
There was a strained expression on Duo's face under the flickering lights, a marked improvement from the pale, emotionless look he had worn a few weeks before. His hair was a bit scraggily, a bit greasy, and barely stayed put in the ponytail he barely had the energy to tie together.
"I have a problem, Heero," he said in a small voice, his words making him seem all the more lost, downtrodden, and depressed once he said them.
"What is it, Duo?" he asked immediately as he unsuccessfully wiped his wet hands on the sides of his sweatpants, his mind coming up with a thousand and one things that could have gone sour. They won't be able to pay the rent. The utilities are threatening to shut off their electricity. Their phone will be disconnected. The insurance for the car is much too high. They'll have to sell the car.
The decor of the house is reminding Duo of his mother. Heero's father is getting on his nerves. Duo's father is causing trouble. Duo's job as a day laborer is frustrating him. Duo's job wasn't paying enough.
Duo is tired of having Heero around. Duo is tired of living in this dead-end town. Duo is tired, in general.
"I want to kiss you."
Heero's brain screeched to a stuttering halt. "... what?"
Duo looked at him with clear, if uncertain eyes. "I know I sound stupid, and I'll understand if you don't want me to, but..." He lowered his head, his ragged, unbrushed bangs covering his face. "It's been bothering me for a long time now, and..."
Heero reached out and took Duo's calloused, construction-work hands in his slightly moist ones. "Go ahead," he whispered softly against Duo's bangs as the light above them flickered on and off.
A blushing warmth spread over their cheeks as Duo nodded and raised his head. His hand came up to Heero's cheek, the calloused thumb caressing a line on Heero's cheek. He tilted his head down slightly, and his lips started, rather shyly, on Heero's parted own, soft and just barely opened.