Disclaimer: I don't own them and I don't make any money off of this.
Warning: Guys trying to get sexual with guys.
NC-17- for language/violence content.
"Do you have to stand and stare at me, Gibson?" Duo wondered irritably.
"I am awaiting your pleasure, sir, "Gibson replied stiffly.
"My 'pleasure' is to sunbathe alone," Duo retorted. "Go find some dust to clean or go iron doilies in the boss's house."
"You, sir, are my 'boss', as you put it," Gibson replied, "and my only duty is to carry out your orders."
Duo let out an exasperated sound. "Go get me some cold lemonade then, but do it very slowly, k?"
"Yes, sir."
Duo stretched out on his blanket, sunglasses protecting his sensitive eyes and only a pair of black, cotton shorts protecting his body from a fierce tropical sun. His hair was loose and stretched out all around him, drying from his first bath in a week, and his bruises and healing ribs were unwrapped from their bandages and baking in the wonderful heat.
"Hello, Zechs," Duo said suddenly and tipped his sunglasses down as Zechs settled on the blanket, cross legged beside him.
"How did you know?" Zechs wondered with raised, white eyebrows. There was a slight breeze. His long, white hair moved with it like a silken, ripple of water and his blue eyes caught the sun, flashing like clear crystals.
Zechs looked like a piece of a fairy tale come to life, Duo thought dimly, but it was Zechs' clothes that caught his attention the most. The man was wearing a white tank top, tan shorts, and simple loafers on his feet. Duo had never seen Zechs in anything other than dress uniform.
Duo felt a flush, seeing Zechs' rounded, broad shoulders and the hint of nipples under the thin material of his tank top. Duo sat up, ignoring a sharp drag of pain, and pushed his sunglasses back up over his eyes to cover his confusion.
"I'm a soldier," Duo reminded Zechs in an unsteady voice. "When I'm not messed up enough to die, I keep my senses on alert, especially when I'm outside. I heard you approaching. I could tell you were a man with a long stride. I just guessed at who that stride belonged to."
Zechs nodded thoughtfully. "What if I had been an enemy?" Zechs wondered, looking at the deceptively defenseless, lithe body seated in front of him.
Duo grinned as if he were about to deliver a very funny joke and then Zechs suddenly found himself staring at the barrel of a gun. Duo's eyes glittered, pleased that he had startled Zechs. "Meet Shinigami," Duo said with a dark chuckle.
Zechs managed a wan smile, not sure about Duo's mood. When Duo tilted up the gun and then holstered it behind him, he couldn't help letting out a breath of relief. "Impressive," was all he could manage to say.
"Why, thank you," Duo said, still grinning, but gentler now as he leaned back on his hands and regarded Zechs impishly. "So, what brings you out here?"
"You," Zechs replied truthfully. "I wondered how you were doing." He appraised Duo's long line of ribs critically. "I'll have to speak with the staff about feeding you more."
"Oh, I eat enough, trust me!" Duo laughed in genuine humor. "I have a high metabolism though, so it doesn't stay on my bones for long."
"I see," Zechs replied and then sourly, "Perhaps you shouldn't have dismissed your doctor so quickly then. He might have been able to prescribe you something that would help that."
Duo's smile dropped and he frowned, staring off across the lawn to the jungle beyond. "I'm fine. I hate doctors, Zechs. Pills, needles, and bedside manner aren't going to help me now. I have to heal myself at this point."
"I suppose you're right." Zechs replied and then found himself openly staring at Duo's very long hair. It was an amazing, chestnut waterfall all around him shot with gold highlights.
Duo noticed and stirred uncomfortably. "You're not going to make some crack about my hair, are you? I mean, you brushed it and braided it when I was sick, feeling sorry for me, I guess, but..."
"But what?" Zechs touched his own long hair. "Your hair is certainly outside of the norm in men's fashion, but your choices are your business, Duo."
Duo felt a warmth spread through him at those words. They seemed to carry far more meaning than speaking about hair. "Yes, they are," Duo replied. "I'm glad you respect that. I hope you'll respect my choice to leave too."
Zechs kept his face still. "Leave?"
Duo blushed. "Well, it seems that your staff has the wrong idea about us. I heard some of them talking when they thought that I was asleep. They think we're..." Duo paused and looked at Zechs, hoping not to have to finish. Zechs decided not to be helpful. Duo floundered. "Well, you like men, I've heard. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but.... your staff thinks we're a... couple."
Duo fiddled with his sunglasses and then glanced at Zechs for his reaction. Zechs shrugged and then said in a serious tone, "It's true that I prefer men as well as women in bed, but it is insubordinate for them to gossip and speculate about my guests. I'll have to reprimand them."
"Uhm, well, I didn't want to get anyone into trouble," Duo replied, flustered now. "It's just that... well, I'm not gay, so I wouldn't want anyone getting the wrong idea..."
Zechs studied Duo carefully and then he dared. "Why do you always try to leave rather than deal with difficulties? This time, it's because of someone's bad opinion of you. Are you so afraid of criticism?"
Duo's mouth dropped open and then he closed it and sat up. "What is it with you?" he finally demanded angrily. "I'm trying to tell you I'm NOT interested, okay? I was trying to do it in a nice way!"
Duo's angry, confused face was saying one thing while his mouth was saying something completely different. Zechs could feel a connection between them. It was clear that Duo was interested, but the young man was trying to hide it even from himself. Zechs' could understand Duo's confusion and denial. He was experiencing it himself. It was hard to fight that attraction though, when Duo was bare to the waist and Zechs could remember the taste of those pink nipples between his lips, against his tongue, and remember the soft feel of that long hair.
"I thank you for your concern about my feelings," Zechs replied. He suddenly stretched out onto his back and flexed his arms, putting his hands under his head as a cushion and ignoring the hardness in his shorts. They were tight enough to hide it, almost , "Your objection to any homosexual advances is duly noted."
There was a silence and then Duo retorted, "You are such a freak, Zechs."
Zechs raised an eyebrow, his clear blue eyes catching the sun. "Do you think so? Why?"
"I can usually figure men out. I can't figure you out at all," Duo replied. He gathered his hair into his hands suddenly and began methodically to braid it as he continued, distracting himself, giving him something else to look at besides the outline of Zechs' muscular shoulders, waist, and that definite bulge in his shorts. "If you don't want sex," he said skeptically, especially in light of what he was trying NOT to look at, "and friendship really IS your only motive for wanting me around, then you are one bored aristocrat."
Zechs blinked and then he asked, "It's true, I've been very bored, but what makes you say that as if you weren't worthy of being anyone's friend?"
"Why don't you just tell me the truth?" Duo grated impatiently. "I don't lie, why should you? Do you think I can't handle the truth? That I'll run screaming like some stupid girl? I worked with Trowa and Quatre, remember? You can't get much gayer than that! It doesn't bother me, Zechs, so come out and say it!"
Zechs shaded his eyes from the sun, hiding his reaction. The last thing he had expected was this conversation. He had thought Duo an innocent, unaware of his own sexuality, and had naturally assumed that any overt advances would be repulsed hatefully. He suddenly didn't trust Duo's open candor. It didn't fit with what he knew about Duo. It seemed too much like a trap.
"You talked while you were ill," Zechs informed Duo carefully, not wanting Duo to be upset, but wanting him to think too. "I gathered, from what I heard, that Heero was not an ideal roommate."
Duo stiffened. Zechs watched him from under his arm. He saw Duo go white, teeth gritting and face showing shock and nausea. Suddenly, Duo tried to get up. His ribs protested, lashing him with agony, but he wrapped his arms around himself and still awkwardly tried to stand.
"Duo!" Zechs snapped in a tone of voice he had often used on frightened soldiers in battle. Duo froze, eyes wide and panicking. "Forgive me," Zechs said softly.
That disarming tone, and Zechs' continued, relaxed, position on the blanket, had the desired effect. Duo sank back down, breathing hard and shivering.
"I shouldn't have said that," Zechs continued. "It's not my business, or my place, to talk about a private matter with you. I simply wanted to point out that you have every reason to be wary of advances from me. I wanted you to know that I'm not offended and that I understand. You don't have to worry about my conduct, Duo Maxwell. I am ONLY interested in a friendship with you.
Duo glanced at Zechs' receding bulge and then away. "Why do I find that hard to believe?"
Zechs grimaced, wondering if the innuendo was unintentional. "You are very beautiful," he admitted, "and you are half dressed. You say that you are not gay, but I think you can still understand my predicament. You must concede that you would have had the same reaction if a woman had sat next to you in only a pair of shorts. That reaction doesn't indicate a desire to have a relationship. It's just a physical response."
"A man isn't beautiful, he's handsome," Duo growled back, "and you need your eyes checked, Zechs." He sat, still holding his ribs, his hair half braided and his large, expressive eyes melting Zechs to the core.
Zechs blinked and sat up. He turned away and picked imaginary lint off of his shirt. Damn him! Zechs thought. Duo had crawled under his skin again and touched him where he didn't want to be touched. It was a double insult that Duo was completely unaware of his own stunning good looks besides imagining that he wasn't gay.
"If you're still intent on leaving," Zechs said quietly. "I'll call a car for you." He almost hoped that Duo would, but he knew that his growing addiction to the ex Gundam pilot wasn't going to go away because of distance put between them.
Duo was thoughtful. He finished his braid and then tied it off with a band he fished out of a pocket. "You were right."
Zechs raised eyebrows and turned to look at Duo. "About what?"
Duo sighed and ran a hand through his unruly bangs. "I don't want to stay here, even though it's great, because it's your place and your choice that I'm here. I was too sick to refuse before. Now that I can get around again, I should get the hell out and get back to my old life... only I didn't really have one. I pretty much cut my ties with Heero and I screwed up my job again. There's nothing to go back to except rain, cold, and a sidewalk for my bed. It's hard to consider that when I'm lying in the warm sun with servants kissing my ass, as I'm sure you intended."
Zechs couldn't help a smile. "I assure you, I didn't plan it that way, but if it's independence you are complaining about, I thought that I had already made it clear that you are owed the care that you have received so far. You were injured, almost killed, by one of my men. When you feel that you are healed, you may return to work and pay me rent on the bungalow. If that's not to your liking, then I will have you taken where ever you wish with some severance credits." He made an exasperated sound. "We've already discussed this Duo and you agreed to stay."
"Until I was healed," Duo corrected, "and until I found out that everyone thought I was your pool boy. That changed the situation."
Zechs raised an eyebrow. "Pool boy?"
"Like I said though," Duo continued with a small flush of embarrassment, "You were right when you said that I was running away from what people thought of me. I made up my mind to change my life. Running away is part of it. Seems I'm always running when things get tough. I guess that's why the other pilots don't bother with me anymore. It's hard to help someone, invest time and money, and then have that person screw you by running away when life gets too difficult. Maybe It's time for Duo Maxwell to stop running and tough it out this time." He frowned. "I just don't like that I have to start here, in this situation, owing you."
"I understand," Zechs replied.
Duo grinned. "I think you do, and that's weird, because you're the first person who has. Well, no more running for now, as long as you keep your hands to yourself and forget any, uhm, ulterior motives about getting into my pants."
Zechs blinked and shook his head. "It was the furthest thing from my mind, I assure you," he lied smoothly and then stood up gracefully, stretching. "Hopefully that's settled at last, and we won't have to discuss your leaving again any time soon." Zechs suddenly leaned down impulsively and caressed Duo's skin, running a hand very lightly along his breast and across his nipple. Zechs was pleased to see that nipple grow instantly hard and a small shiver go over Duo's skin. "Perhaps you should go in now, Duo? Your skin is turning pink and it's hot."
"Uh, yeah, okay," Duo stammered, trying to recover from the unexpected touch. "Don't wait though. I'm still slow getting around and I'm sure you have better things to do that watch me hobble."
Zechs glanced to the distant bungalow and then down at Duo's light frame. "I could carry you."
Duo shook his head. His expression was good natured, but Zechs saw another flush of embarrassment. "No, thanks. I need the exercise."
"Oh," Zechs grunted. "I understand your hesitation. That would make the servants even more convinced that you are my 'pool boy'."
Duo winced and grinned. "Yeah, that too."
Zechs smiled back, his whitest, most engaging smile. It had its desired effect. Duo looked suddenly dazed. "Now that you're feeling better," Zechs said, "and you've had a chance to take care of personal matters-"
"A bath, you mean," Duo smirked. "You are too polite, Zechs."
"Ah, yes, a bath," Zechs laughed, "Well, since you've had your bath, and being indoors with you would now be a more pleasant activity, would you like to join me for dinner tonight?"
Duo looked at him with narrowed eyes. "To talk?"
Zechs nodded. "Yes, just to talk."
Duo looked pleased. "It has been kind of lonely. Okay, as long as you don't serve any of that fancy aristocratic, can't tell what it used to be, meals. I like things simple."
"Simple it will be," Zechs agreed. "I look forward to your company."
"Maybe you shouldn't," Duo replied with a glitter in his eyes. "We aren't exactly in the same class, Zechs."
Zechs shrugged and smiled sadly at old memories. "I was always a prince, but I spent most of my life without a kingdom and among soldiers. Soldiers, as a rule, aren't witty in their repartee. I find that preferable."
"Good, because I don't even know what repartee means, Zechs," Duo laughed.
"I rather that you didn't," Zechs replied smoothly. "Dinner is at eight. I will send a servant to escort you."
"Great!" Duo beamed. "You know me and food. Where ever it is, so am I!"
Zechs laughed as well and then he made a curt bow, "Until then," he said and began walking back to the main estate. His thoughts stayed with Duo, though, and he couldn't help a wide smile as much as he tried. You're a fool, he told himself, an idiot falling for the charms of an unstable young man who runs away rather than face life and his own sexuality. It can only end in pain. It can only end with the darkness. Still, Zechs continued to smile, and still he dared to carry the image of a purple eyed man in his thoughts.
Duo sighed and looked after Zechs. His eyes were riveted on the man's long legs, his tight pair of shorts, and the way his rounded shoulders moved enticingly a he strode away. Duo felt himself starting to heat up and he bit his bottom lip hard. What was he thinking? He wondered. What was he feeling? He couldn't understand any of it.
"As soon as I get well, I'm going to find me the closest, willing woman and get laid," Duo promised himself, but he still looked after Zechs and he couldn't keep his eyes from staring at Zechs' rapidly retreating ass.
"Sir?"
Duo snapped his attention to the servant guiltily. "Uh, hi Gibson. Did you get that drink, finally?"
Gibson handed it to him and Duo drank down the lemonade in a few gulps. "Anything else, sir?"
Duo handed the man back the glass. "Well, I'm going back inside. Can you give me a hand up?"
Gibson carefully put a hand under Duo's arm and Duo slowly, hissing with pain, made it to his feet. Gibson regarded him without expression, waiting for a new order.
"How long were you standing there, Gibson, before you announced yourself?" Duo wondered.
"Nearly fifteen minutes, sir," Gibson replied without evasion.
Duo had new respect for the man. "You're quiet."
"Yes, sir."
Duo began a slow walk towards the bungalow. Gibson followed at his shoulder. Duo gave him a sideways look. Was that disapproval he saw on Gibson's face? He wondered. "I am not Zechs' 'pool boy'!" Duo retorted.
"No, sir," Gibson responded flatly.
Duo blinked. "Does that mean you understand that I'm not 'doing it' with Zechs or are you arguing with me about it?"
"Sir?" Gibson asked in confusion.
"That's the first expression I've seen on your face," Duo replied sourly. "Never mind."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll need some clothes for tonight." Duo paused and winced, realizing suddenly that this wasn't going to help him convince Gibson, or the other servants, of his non involvement with Zechs. "I'm going out," he amended lamely and didn't explain further.
"I'll see to a proper wardrobe," Gibson responded.
"Good."
Duo concentrated then on just moving without hurting, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Zechs and the way the man's hair had floated like a white mane behind him and his legs had flexed just so as he had walked. Duo involuntarily touched his breast where Zechs' fingers had brushed him. Duo's sudden heat didn't have anything to do with the sun and he couldn't help the anticipation he felt about seeing the man again that night.
"I guess I'm the freak," Duo muttered.
"Sir?" Gibson replied.
"Never mind, Gibson. Never mind."
Wu Fei grumbled to himself about truant dignitaries as he methodically searched the jungle garden for Zechs. Relena had sent him to inquire after her brother's health, badger him for paperwork he had left undone, and to spy on him. After flirting with White Fang, and having a taste of power, Relena didn't trust Zechs to leave the reins of power to her now. She was always wary of plots against her.
Zechs always gave Wu Fei a sour taste in his mouth. On the one hand, he couldn't help but respect the man for his abilities, but, on the other hand, his personal life, the sycophants he paraded on his arm and the rumors of full blown bacchanalias in his bed, reminded Wu Fei too much of Treize Kushrenada and his sickeningly sensualist mannerisms. A man should have more honor and self respect, Wu Fei thought.
Anyone else would have missed it, but Wu Fei was a professional. He saw the odd, darker patch of shadows up ahead in a stand of bushes. It pricked Wu Fei's nerves. That shadow struck him as sinister and out of place. He put a hand to his gun and walked forward on softly treading, silent feet.
Heero Yuy stood in the shadows, eyes watching something further up ahead. His expression was dark, angry, jealous? His emotional preoccupation allowed Wu Fei to get very close, something he wouldn't have even tried back in their war days. In peacetime, Wu Fei thought, Heero was a Preventer, an officer of the law. What he was doing on Zechs' estate, Wu Fei didn't know, but Wu Fei felt safe enough to call out to him.
"See something you like, Yuy?" Wu Fei wondered sarcastically.
Heero whipped about and Wu Fei suddenly found himself with a barrel of a gun, sporting a silencer, pressed to his forehead. He stiffened and swallowed hard. Looking into Heero's furious, glittering, eyes, Wu Fei realized that he had made a possibly fatal miscalculation as Heero pushed him further into the bushes.
TBC
Yikes! I know, cliffhanger, but I wanted to give you something after nearly two weeks. Thanks for being patient. I'll have the next part up in a few days, so you won't suffer too much, poor things.