Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.

Date night!

Rascal

Chapter 15

Heero had been surprised that going to Milliardo's and having dinner had felt easy. He wasn't nervous or anxious on the drive there or even when he walked in the door. The evening had gone smoothly, pleasantly. Even if that damn cat won't leave me alone.

Heero sighed and sat back on the sofa, grateful for Rascal's tendency to sleep after meals. I shouldn't know that.

"Would you like some coffee?"

Heero looked up to see Milliardo emerging from the kitchen, tossing a towel on the counter after drying his hands. He and Heero had argued about Heero helping with the dishes and finally reached a compromise of Heero clearing the table and Milliardo doing the dishes. Heero had been satisfied with the half victory enough to clear his mind of any worry. Friends help with the dishes, dates do not.

"No thanks."

Milliardo joined Heero in the living room, choosing the chair instead of the sofa. He was pleased to see Heero acting so relaxed around him. Well, relaxed for Heero.

"Now admit it…this was much better than sitting home alone."

"Hmph. I suppose."

Milliardo chuckled and sat back, his face aimed at the ceiling. Heero just observed him, wondering how someone who looked practically otherworldly could adopt such a normal and casual position. He admired the way the platinum blonde hair cascaded down the side and back of the chair, some still draped lazily over Milliardo and the chair cushion.

Suddenly the waterfall of hair was disturbed as Rascal came walking through it, fixing its eyes on Heero. For reasons Heero didn't want to understand, he blushed at what he felt was being caught watching Milliardo by Rascal. What the hell?! He's just a cat!

Meow.

Heero opened his mouth, not thinking and ready to shoot the taunting cat with a few choice words, but Milliardo's voice sounded before his could. It was calm, almost a little sleepy.

"Leave Heero alone, Rascal. Go wait for me in bed. You've bothered him enough this evening."

To Heero's amazement the cat did as Milliardo requested. So I'm not the only one who understands what that freak says? Thank goodness. No wait…

"Sorry." Milliardo lifted his head and offered a small smile to Heero. "I would have sent him back sooner except I didn't want to hear him crying from the other room."

"It's just not natural."

Milliardo chuckled and leaned forward, reaching under his chair and pulling out a small package covered in blue and purple plaid paper.

'You're right. Rascal is not natural. But having birthdays are." Milliardo held out the small wrapped gift to Heero. "Happy Birthday, Heero."

At first Heero didn't even make a move to take the present from Milliardo's hand. He just stared, looking almost scared to touch it. Please, Heero, please just take it.

"Heero?"

Heero blinked his eyes a few times and then saw Milliardo gazing at him, worried. He took the gift and tried to ignore the warmness in his cheeks. How did he know? And why does he care?

"You didn't have to do this." I really wish you hadn't done this. I don't know how to handle this sort of thing.

Milliardo waved off Heero's seriousness and got up from the chair and went into the kitchen to refresh his drink. He felt the seriousness of the situation himself and he was using the opportunity of Heero's birthday to show the man how he truly felt. But now faced with the situation, he was intensely nervous. So he ran.

"Don't be ridiculous. It's your birthday and the gift is no big deal. Just something I found."

Heero watched as Milliardo rooted around in his refrigerator avoiding him. He wasn't blind to what was going on anymore. After the enlightening conversation with Wufei, he was very aware of how close they'd become. He looked down at the simply wrapped package and felt his chest tighten. This is a big deal, Milliardo. Damn you.

"Nobody has ever given me a birthday present."

Milliardo stood there at the kitchen counter and stared unbelieving at Heero, the bottle of whisky tilted halfway to pouring in his glass.

"Surely someone must have---"

"The Doctor gave me a gun once but I don't count that. A thirteen year-old kid shouldn't be given a gun. What the hell was wrong with him?"

Milliardo heard the sadness in Heero's voice and he wanted to go to the man but he stood there frozen, uncertain if his comfort would be welcomed. But then Heero seemed to transform right before his eyes. His back straightened, his eyes gleamed and he looked over at Milliardo with a half smile.

"Feeling the pressure of giving a worthy gift yet?"

Milliardo couldn't help but chuckle. He was accustomed to the rare and brief glimpses into Heero and then being shut out.

"Maybe just a little."

Heero stood up and walked over so he was standing on the other side of the kitchen's island and his smile widened when he saw Milliardo take a quick shot of whiskey. He looked down at the gift in his hands and started unwrapping it. The paper quickly gave way to reveal an aged leather-bound book with a dull gilded border on the front and back and matching gold lettering on the spine. Early Civilizations vol. 1.

"This is…."

"I told you it was nothing special."

"You're wrong, Milliardo."

Heero stared down at the book within his hands and turned it over several times, letting his hands roam over the worn leather binding before placing it reverently on the countertop. Why would he do such a thing? How am I----

Seeing the confusion behind the cerulean eyes Milliardo reached out and Heero tore his eyes from the book to see a large, well-manicured hand covering his own.

"I wanted you to have it."

Heero remained still, his eyes taking in the sight of his hand being held gently within another. This was also something he was unaccustomed to: tenderness. He became aware of a shadow creeping its way towards him and he heard his name being called, the voice quietly imploring him to look its way.

"Heero…."

Heero slowly raised his head to see that Milliardo had leaned over the island and now their faces were a mere six inches apart. He's asking me….can I do this? Can I allow myself to….?

Heero continued to gaze into the expectant blue eyes looking for answers to his questions. And without realizing what he was doing, Heero leaned in the rest of the way and let his lips lightly press against Milliardo's. The small touch shocked him back to reality and he let out a quiet gasp, but he didn't pull away. He closed his eyes and leaned in a little further, increasing the pleasurable sensation.

After a few hesitant, chaste kisses, Heero leaned back and opened his eyes, dropping his gaze to the book once again. He felt very warm and the urge to flee was strong. If I stay I'm sure I'll make a fool of myself. I need to leave and think about things.

He looked up, set in his decision and met Milliardo's steady gaze.

"I….should go."

"You can stay if you like."

Heero felt the warmth in his cheeks intensify and he looked down at the book to escape the darkening eyes aimed at him. His body was practically on fire, begging him to accept the whispered offer, but his mind won out, knowing that he wasn't ready to go any further with the evening.

"S-some other time."

Milliardo smiled. It was more than he had hoped for. Heero had accepted his gift, allowed a small kiss and offered a token of hope that one day they would share more. He followed the brunette to his front door and they both stood there, facing each other. Milliardo knew Heero wouldn't do anything so he stepped into him and pulled him close, nuzzling his cheek and temple.

"Happy birthday, Heero."

"Thank you."

Milliardo let Heero pull away and walk out of his apartment, a book held tightly against his chest.

To be continued…