Genre: AU, Romance
Pairings: 1x2
Warnings: Serious fluff, sap, silliness, animals talking, adult situations, some language
Disclaimer: Forgot it in the first chapter, so here it is. Don't own nothin' but these words!
A/N: I've noticed I like to throw in chapters that do not advance the plot . . . of course, maybe you have to actually have a plot for that to be applicable . . .
Chapter 11 / This Changing Feeling
Friday morning Duo leaped out of bed as soon as the sun rose. Groaning, Heero rolled onto his stomach and covered his head with a pillow. It was only seven, and he did not want to be up yet. He vaguely heard Duo rummaging around, didn't much care what he was doing, dozed off again.
Beneath the foggy layers of sleep he dimly felt Duo roll him over, but with the exertion of a little will he managed not to wake. Until Duo started licking his lips, nibbling now and then. Laughing, he grabbed the slim body, pushing Duo beneath him and laying down on top of him.
Completely trapped, Duo wriggled and squirmed. "Mmph, Heero!" he said, voice muffled by Heero's body. "Gerrup!"
Chuckling, Heero ignored him. He stayed like this for a time until Duo lost patience and chomped Heero's arm. "Ouch!" he yelped, flinging himself back.
Duo bolted off the bed, racing out the door. Grumbling under his breath, Heero threw on his robe and tromped downstairs. Sitting by the door, ears raised and face innocent, Duo waited for him. He rose to his feet, tail waving, but when Heero opened the door for him, Duo ignored it. He once more changed form.
Smiling, he untied the robe's belt, snuggled up against Heero, and tied the robe shut again around them both. "I learned how to use the toilet," he announced, giggling. "It's more private. And more sanitary."
Heero rolled his eyes, mussing Duo's hair. "People will think you're my dog," he said. "Fussy as me. I have to go to the office today before we can leave, all right? If I don't my boss will probably fire me. Not like I would care, but . . ."
"It's all right," Duo assured him, nuzzling Heero's neck.
"We won't have to be there very long," Heero promised, wrapping his arms around Duo and squeezing.
"I can come, too?"
"Of course," Heero replied. "Just promise me you will behave."
He'd expected Duo to get indignant, but the boy didn't. He just nodded, then looked up at him. "Um, Heero, can you . . . will you . . . um . . ."
Smiling reassuringly, Heero stroked his hair back. "What, love? Hmm?"
Duo's bright, violet eyes locked with his. "Kiss me?" he whispered.
Blinking in surprise, Heero searched that angelic face. Duo looked so sweet, so hopeful. How on earth was he supposed to resist that? Cupping Duo's chin in his hand he tilted the boy's face up and placed a light, chaste kiss on those full, soft lips. Duo surprised him again by immediately deepening the contact, eyes fluttering shut, mouth opening so his tongue could dart out and taste.
Heero felt himself losing the battle not to actually fall in love with Duo. He loved Duo more than anything. He was not in love with him. If his precious friend kept this up, that would change. A very soft sound like a whimper escaped Duo's throat when Heero did not respond in kind.
Heaving a sigh through his nose, Heero's lips parted to allow the invasion of Duo's curious tongue. The hot, slick muscle slid inside at once, probing and exploring, firm and insistent. For some reason, the boy's mouth tasted like cinnamon. Heero dimly wondered if Duo had gotten into the cinnamon toothpaste in the bathroom . . .
"God, Duo," he hissed, arms tightening around the slim body, bending Duo back to take full advantage of that open mouth.
He pushed their tongues into Duo's mouth, caressing Duo's with firm strokes. Their tongues writhed against one another, Duo taking his cues from Heero, mimicking all his actions. When Heero thrust his tongue against the roof of Duo's mouth Duo whined out loud, his hands clutching at Heero's arms, body beginning to tremble ever-so-slightly.
It took every ounce of Heero's willpower to pull away. Duo looked up at him, eyes bright and a bit glazed, breathing harder than normal. Heero had the distinct impression Duo had no idea what was happening between them. For that matter, neither did he. These feelings were uncharted territory for him, too.
"I'll make breakfast," he said softly, gently pushing Duo back. "Why don't you go watch TV until I'm done?"
Nodding, looking like he was walking in a daze, Duo retreated from the kitchen. Heero went about his task in much the same way. What was going on with him? Letting things go like this with Duo . . . it was like taking advantage of a child! Duo was a complete innocent. He trusted Heero. There was no way he was going to betray that trust. He would rather die than hurt Duo. But . . . what about what Duo wanted?
Shaking his head fiercely, Heero pushed all extraneous thoughts out of his mind. If he dwelled on this, it would ruin their weekend for both of them. When they got back, he would sit Duo down and have a long, serious talk with him about what his companion wanted.
-
Duo stared at the TV with blank, unseeing eyes. His mind wandered, unable to put things together in a rational, coherent order. What was going on? Something deep inside him was changing. So deep it was impossible to pinpoint and define. He'd known for months now he loved Heero. But somehow, over the course of a few weeks, that love had changed.
Before, Heero had been a source of warmth, comfort, safety. Duo felt calm and peaceful when he was around Heero. Cherished and protected. Heero made him feel like the bad things that could unexpectedly happen in this world could no longer touch him. It made him deliriously happy.
Now, it was vastly different. When Duo was with Heero now his heart started to pound. More than ever he wanted to be pressed close to his master, sharing in his warmth, coveting his nearness. His smell, that clean, fresh scent, was intoxicating to Duo's senses. And even more than that, his taste. That hot, wet taste in his mouth . . . a mix of flavors Duo could not identify, a mix that was uniquely Heero. Thinking about it made his body feel shaky and weak, made his skin break out in goosebumps, made him feel lightheaded and dizzy.
I don't know what this is, Heero. I want you to tell me it's nothing bad, that this will just go away, that everything will be all right. Just like you used to. I'm scared, Heero, because I don't know what this is.
A warm hand fell on his shoulder. Duo jumped. In his preoccupation he hadn't even heard his master approach. Heero had a calm, reassuring smile on his face as he offered Duo a plate of eggs, sausage, and fruit. The two of them sat on the couch and watched TV while they ate, Duo cuddled against his master's side.
When they finished, Heero set the plates aside and pulled Duo into a firm embrace. Duo snuggled against his chest, nuzzling his neck, breathing deep.
"When we get back," Heero murmured, "we'll figure this out. But for now, let's just enjoy ourselves on his trip. All right, my pet?"
Just like that Duo's insecurities vanished. Smiling happily, he nodded. Heero held him for a moment, then he gently pushed him back so he could get up. Duo changed form and padded after his master into the bedroom, jumping up and flopping down on the bed. He watched Heero get ready, throwing some things in a suitcase, dressing in green and black.
When he finished he draped the chain collar around Duo's neck. "I'm going to take you to the pet store and get you a new bed," he explained. "You can't sleep on the floor. You can pick it out, okay?"
Duo rose to his feet, using this added height to give his master a sloppy kiss. Laughing, Heero pushed him away, wiping his mouth. Beckoning, he went back downstairs and grabbed the keys for his truck. Tail waving in excitement, Duo followed him into the garage. Heero threw everything behind the seat, then pushed the homemade steps up against the truck. Duo obediently climbed inside.
Though he knew Heero worked at a computer company, he didn't know really what his master did or where the place was. He watched with interest as Heero parked beside an enormous building, one that had to be at least ten stories tall. Leaning over, Heero clipped the leash to his collar and gave him a smooch.
"I know you don't need it, but I'm not leaving you in the truck, and I don't want people freaking out over you not having a leash," Heero said apologetically. He lifted Duo out of the truck and set him on the ground.
Interesting smells assaulted his nose as they walked into the building. Duo tried to look everywhere at once. There weren't a whole lot of people milling about, which was nice. Behind a large desk that reminded him of Hilde and the vet's office sat a skinny girl with bright red hair. Even from this distance Duo could smell her perfume. He wrinkled his nose in disapproval.
"Good morning, Mr. Yuy," she said, sounding surprised. Her eyes went right for Duo. "Oh my goodness, who is this beautiful fellow? Is this your dog? Oh, he's simply gorgeous! Oh, Mr. Yuy, can I pet him, please?"
Heero barely paused. "No. He's not friendly."
Duo gave her a baleful stare to prove the point. She still watched after them with a wistful expression. Duo showed off his new skills by walking at Heero's side as if on display for judges in a show ring.
Heero led him into a small box of a room with sliding doors. Insanely curious, Duo looked around, watching Heero push buttons and the silver doors slide shut. Moments later the room moved. Startled, Duo braced himself, casting his master an alarmed look.
Heero laughed softly, stroking his ears. "It's called an elevator, love. It's a box on cables that moves up and down. Don't worry, it's supposed to do that."
Relieved, Duo settled down. What a handy invention! Though he had nothing against stairs, it surely was convenient not to have to walk up flights and flights to get to the higher levels of the building. A little ding announced they had arrived when the box stopped moving and the door slid open.
Heero strode into the hall, and was almost at once stopped by a small group of people.
"Yuy!" exclaimed the one with shiny black hair. "I thought you had disappeared off the face of the planet. Where have you been?"
Giving an almost-smile, Heero shook the man's hand. After a bit of concentration Duo realized why the voice was familiar. This was the man who had called Heero . . . whenever that had been. Someone Heero liked.
"Busy with this and that," Heero replied.
"And this must be Duo," the man guessed, looking down at him, "the one who runs your life."
Duo sat at Heero's feet, putting on an imperious expression.
"Yes," Heero confirmed. "Duo, this is Wufei Chang."
Wufei knelt to his level, reaching out and scratching Duo behind the ears. Something about him reminded the German Shepherd of Trowa. He let the human pet him, even let himself enjoy it a little. Just a little. Wufei nodded, a hint of a smile ghosting over his lips.
"You're a good dog," he said quietly. "Don't let many people besides Heero pet you, do you?"
"Is Relena here?" Heero asked.
Wufei stood up. "She is. We'll keep our eyes open for her. How long are you going to be here?"
"Not long," Heero replied, stroking the top of Duo's head. "Maybe half-an-hour. I have plans this weekend."
"Good," Wufei said. "Please tell me they involve a woman? You need some female companionship."
Duo glared at the man. Heero looked unimpressed. "No. They involve Duo and two friends of mine. Both male, unfortunately."
Wufei sighed dramatically. "You're turning into the typical bachelor, Yuy. Duo, maybe you can talk some sense into him."
Duo gave him his flattest, coldest glare. The last thing he wanted was for there to be another person in Heero's life to monopolize his time. Heero was his! Wufei chuckled.
"Fantastic dog. All right Yuy, you just go get your business done. You know, things fall apart when you're not here. I don't see how we get anything done."
Snorting, Heero turned down the hall. Duo obediently got up and kept pace beside him, looking up curiously. When they entered Heero's office, Heero closed the door and unhooked Duo's leash.
"I won't be too long. You want anything, love? I always keep Evian in the fridge. I probably even have some good food in there."
Duo shook his head, watching Heero sit down and fire up his computer. Sighing, he jumped onto the widow seat and peered down over the city. Way up here he had a fantastic view. Settling down, he resigned himself to wait.
For a time he listened to the click, click of Heero typing, watching cars and people buzz by way below. Next thing he knew the door was bursting open and a pink flurry flew into the room, loud and sudden.
Duo had never dealt well with being surprised. It roused his most aggressive instincts after what had happened to him. He recognized the woman his master called the pink horror: Relena. She literally wrapped herself around Heero, and she reeked of perfume.
"Heeeeeero!" she gushed, planting a pink kiss on his cheek. "No one told me you were coming in today! I don't understand how they could have forgotten! I haven't seen you in so long and I just missed you like crazy! Daddy said you were taking some vacation time, but no one told me you were going to be here!"
The anger flashed through Heero's scent as intense heat. "Get off me," he growled. "Damn it, Relena—"
"Oh my god!" she abruptly exclaimed, flinging herself across the room, "is this your dog? He's so gorgeous! How come you've never brought him before!"
Duo's heart started to pound, and not in that newly-familiar uncertainty he felt around Heero. Unpleasant, sharp, painful in his throat fury-bordering-on-panic pounding that had him on his feet, hackles raised, ears erect, fangs bared. He'd been asked to deal with a lot of change lately, but this was one thing he could not do! A snarl ripped from his throat and he lunged at Relena, heard her shriek in alarm, then an arm clamped around his muzzle and head in an iron grip.
"Damn it, get the fuck out of here!" Heero spat, his tone one Duo had never heard him use before. It was colder than ice, harder than steel, and filled with pure, intense hatred.
Relena fled.
In the next instant the anger was gone from Heero's scent, and Heero wrapped his arms around Duo so completely and tightly he couldn't move. "It's all right, Duo," he whispered in his ear, over and over. "It's all right. She's gone. It's all right, love. Shh, Duo . . ."
Gradually the stream of soothing words and the warm fall of each one on Duo's ear calmed him down. He relaxed against Heero, letting him know he was okay now. His master loosened his hold, kissing Duo between the eyes.
"Sorry, my pet," he murmured. "That was my fault. I should have grabbed her in time. I'm so glad you didn't bite her, Duo. God, that would have been a disaster."
Duo's ears drooped; the last thing he wanted was to cause Heero trouble. Heero instantly squeezed him tight again.
"It's not your fault, love. It's my fault. And damn it, why didn't Wufei or someone warn me? I'm about ready to take out a restraining order against that witch."
Duo nuzzled his master, whining softly.
Heero abruptly stood up, shutting down his computer and grabbing Duo's leash. "Come on, love. Let's go. I don't want to be here anymore."
Relieved, Duo obediently followed Heero out. His master waved goodbye to Wufei, but that was all. As soon as they were in the truck Duo laid down on the seat, as much of his body in Heero's lap as would fit. Heero rested a hand on his back, reassuring him with its presence. Sighing, he let himself drift off.
I hate Relena!! Grr . . .
Heero: I'm going to shoot her in the next chapter.
Jewel: Um, is that really a good idea . . . ?
Heero: (gun) Hn.
Um, Heero is out of control . . . See you guys next chapter! (runs after Heero)