Making Love to Death (Part 11)
Jana
Duo stood before the full length mirror which hung on the inside of
his bedroom closet door, several feet between the shimmering glass and
his visibly shaken body. He was almost sorry he had begged Quatre to
replace it, the first one becoming a casualty of his more than month
old rage. Eyeing his reflection carefully, Duo's concentrated mostly
on his face. 'Its definitely got character' he smiled, closing the
closet door.
Wufei entered the room several minutes later finding Duo spread on his
bed reading. Duo was lying on his stomach, with his legs bent at the
knees, his calves crossing, his bare feet moving in time to some
rhythm only he could hear. He was wearing an incredibly tight pair of
black jeans and a sleeveless short white lycra shirt, which hugged his
body nicely, a wide band of flesh visible around his lower torso.
Wufei took several long appreciative looks, and wondering when he
started finding Duo so incredibly delightful to look at, scolded
himself for the stares and spoke.
"Duo, we're going out for a while, wanna come with us ?" Wufei asked.
Duo thought for a moment "No, thanks, I'm just going to stay here and
read.", his attention immediately returning to his book.
Wufei's face turned solemn "Duo….You have barely left the house the
past five weeks and for three weeks before that in the hospital. We
have to go back to school next week. I think you should come with us.
It will do you good to get out, Duo."
Duo gave his words some thought and then rolled over onto his side to
face Wufei, his cropped shirt now allowing Wufei a clear view of his
tight stomach muscles. "I'm really not in the mood to go out, Wu.
I'm enjoying being a recluse." He smiled, his violet eyes offering
their famous glint.
"Suit yourself !" Wufei told him as he made his way from the room.
************
Duo was visibly nervous that Sunday evening at dinner.
The four boys had decided to spend their last remaining hours together
before school re-started. Sitting around the large table in the den,
the four engrossed in a very serious game of poker. Duo was slightly
tipsy from the several glasses of wine he had enjoyed earlier, yet his
demeanor was still quite serious. The others knew he was apprehensive
about going back to school in the morning.
"I think I'm gonna get drunk." Duo announced out of nowhere "Anyone
wanna join me ?" he winked.
Noting it was still early, the four refilled their glasses and
indulged themselves. They played several of their favorite drinking
games and were grew generally giddy. The silliness ensued for a few
hours, before Quatre noted the time "Ummm…………I think it's time we all
headed for bed. School in the morning !" he mused.
Moans and groans filled the room, no one wanting the evening to end.
Duo was, as was his intention, the drunkest of them all.
************
Wufei helped his inebriated roommate up the stairs and into their
room, plopping the very tired, but still smiling Duo on his bed.
"That was fun, eh Wu ?" he questioned, a huge smile on his face.
"Yeah, it was Duo." Wufei smiled toward Duo, who was now attempting to
stand and remove his clothes for bed. Thinking better of it, Duo
instead sat on the edge of the bed and slowly pulled the small white
shirt over his head. Wufei could see several scars on Duo's upper
body. Though they were apparently quite old, they were obvious from
the distance of the room.
Duo stood and started to unbutton his pants, went he lost his balance
and fell giggling onto the floor "Whooooops !!!" He chuckled, failing
again at his attempt to stand.
Wufei lifted him by his upper arms to stand and holding him
stationary, allowed Duo to safely remove his jeans. Falling backwards
on to the bed, Duo closed his eyes "Thanks, Wu-chan. Don't know what
I'd do without you !"
Pulling himself up to a standing position, Duo headed for the bathroom
and returned several minutes later, making his way across the room,
his nearly naked body now standing in front of the full length mirror.
His eyes taking in every inch of his form,…. his face showing
displeasure at the view.
Wufei watched him from the corner of his eye from his bed on the other
side of the room.
Then clearing his throat, Wufei offered "You look fine, Duo. Go to
bed."
"Huh ?!" Duo replied, taken off guard by Wufei's words, which had
brought him back from his lost stares.
Wufei laughed "Your body.." Wufei continued "It looks just fine, Duo,
go to bed. We have to be up early in the morning."
Lifting the hem of his black boxers up a little higher on his thigh,
Duo frowned at the entirety of the huge scar. "You think they will
let me out of gym until…..."
"Until the scar goes away, Duo ? You are just going to have to learn
to deal with." Wufei cut him off, then continued, making his way to
stand behind Duo. "It's not going away, Duo……ever."
Wufei didn't mean to be so brutal in his assessment, the hurt of his
words were clear in Duo's eyes. "I'm sorry, Duo…I didn't mean to…"
His words were cut off as Duo turned toward him, his arms surrounding
Wufei's neck, the entire length of Duo's body pressed up against his.
Wufei's arms gently made their way around Duo's waist and burying his
head in Wufei's neck, Duo started to cry.
Wufei was mentally uncomfortable with Duo's emotional need and
physically uncomfortable that Duo was standing so incredibly close to
him. Breaking the embrace, Wufei eased the now silent Duo backward a
bit. Duo looked toward the black eyed pilot and bringing his hand to
rest on the back of Wufei's head, pulled the shocked pilot toward him,
Duo's lips now pressing hard against his, Duo's mouth opening in
invitation. Wufei's tongue finding it's way into Duo's open mouth,
his hands now pulling the very sensuous boy closer to him.
Never breaking the kiss or the now very tight embrace, the two made
their way across the room, Wufei falling to the bed, pulling Duo down
on top of him. Increasing the passion of the kiss, Duo pushed his
hips downward to rub his growing erection against Wufei's fully hard
length. Letting out a small moan, Wufei thrust himself upward, Duo
grunting lowly into Wufei's mouth.
Breaking the kiss for air, Wufei let his fingers dance down the soft
flesh of Duo's naked back, increasing the pressure his digits were
applying until they reached the elastic band of Duo's boxers.
"Mmmmmmmm…….Duo" Wufei almost purred. Duo looked down into the
Chinese pilots eyes, his violet eyes hungry with passion…....and fear.
Duo dismounted the boy beneath him and sat beside him on the bed.
"I'm sorry, Wufei…..I just can't." he told the now seated and more
than slightly disappointed Wufei, his eyes never leaving Wufei's gaze.
Standing to make his way across the room, Duo continued "It's not that
I don't want to, I *really* want to, Wufei……" he smiled, turning to
Wufei, before continuing in a more serious tone "It's just that…….that
I'm still in love…….with Heero." The last of his words coming
painfully, as he allowed himself to admit it to anyone but himself for
the first time in over 2 months.
************
Heero had only a week left before his re-training and mission would be
complete here on L1. While he was contemplating asking Doctor J to
remain on the colony for a while longer, certain that there was more
than enough he could do to assist the Doctor in his research, he was
also contemplating his return to Earth. He missed the comradery of
his fellow pilots and was sufficiently comfortable with his stance
regarding Duo. Despite the fact that Duo would always hold a special
place in his heart, he was ready to deal with their relationship being
only platonic. The only situation he found unacceptable at this
moment was not having Duo and the others pilots in his life at all.
**********
Following his admission to Wufei the previous week, Duo found himself
in a very pissy mood. He was downright nasty and miserable…….to
everyone…….all the time. As intolerable as the three boys found his
behavior, they refrained from confronting him directly about it.
Instead, doing everything in their power to try and snap him out of
it. Wufei was privy to the information necessary to help Duo the
most, but didn't feel it was his place to tell the others, instead
hoping that Duo would break his silence and let his secret out.
His very suggestion to Duo that night, in the privacy of their room,
brought on quite a scene.
"It's no ones damn business, Wufei !" Duo screamed "It just kinda
slipped out to you while I was drunk. Let's just pretend I never said
it okay…..It's all a moot point anyway." He continued.
"But Duo…." Wufei started to interrupt.
"But Duo what !??!?" Duo turned suddenly toward Wufei, he was fuming
mad, Wufei could see the fire in his eyes, his voice now mocking
Wufei's "But Duo you should tell the others that you are still in
love with Heero ! But Duo you should call Heero and tell him how
you feel ! But Duo you have to snap out of this ! But Duo you
shouldn't keep torturing yourself ! But Duo you should really stop
finding your body so fucking repulsive !!"
The last words hurt Wufei the most and judging by the look on Duo's
face, he was none too pleased at having said them aloud.
Wufei gently replied "All of the above, Duo……all of the above.", then
left the room.
**********
Heero's message was short and to the point.
I will be returning to Earth a week from tomorrow.
I am deeply regretful of many of the assertions I made in my last
correspondence and would like the chance to rectify the situation.
Knowing you all most likely still harbor ill feelings towards me, I
will await your reply before confirming my plans to travel to the
estate next Sunday at noon.
Heero Yuy
Nervously clicking the send button, Heero sat back and smiled at the
possibility of the reunion.
**********
The message came as a pleasant surprise to everyone, only Duo seemed
to hold any reservations and Quatre and Trowa understood his
reluctance……at least that thought they did, Wufei noted. It was,
after all Duo's actions, however unintended that had caused Heero's
departure. Not wanting to spoil the almost elated mood that Heero's
imminent return was causing, Duo swallowed his numerous fears and went
with the general flow of the room.
**********
Checking his mail nervously every hour, anxious to receive a reply one
way or the other, Heero clicked the small 'incoming messages" button
that flashed furiously in the corner of the screen. Noting the
address of the one new message, Heero took a deep breath and opened
it, the short message overwhelming him with emotion.
We will be anxiously awaiting your long overdue arrival back home.
**********
Quatre had ordered the spare room that had been previously Wufei's
readied in the event that Heero wanted to stay the night. His letter
made clear that he wasn't planning on moving back in with the other
four, although Quatre hoped they would be able to persuade him to.
Trowa and Quatre held no animosity toward the emotionally distraught
Heero of several months ago. They had been through too much together
to let his apparently regretful words stand in the way of their
eternal friendship.
Wufei had never been as close to Heero as the others, but oddly, he
too felt his loss. It had been two years since they had met, the
pilots almost inseparable during that time, the battles and bloodshed
forming a tight bond. It was his newly formed friendship with Duo that
left him apprehensive about Heero's return, knowing what effect it
would have on the still emotionally fragile boy. Wufei intended on
protecting Duo from whatever possible harm this event could bring.
Wishing the others were able to help him, frowning at Duo's inability
or unwillingness to tell them.
*************
Sunday morning found Duo standing in front of his closet.
"Hey, Wu ? Have you seen my white turtleneck ?" He casually asked.
"I think it's in the laundry." Wufei replied, barely taking his eyes
off his computer screen.
"Damn, I wanted to wear it this morning." Duo sounded disappointed.
Pulling the ball of cotton fabric out of the laundry basket and
shaking out the wrinkles, Duo held it up to himself. "Still wearable."
He smiled.
Slipping into his familiar black garb, a small square of white
turtleneck peeking out of top of his large black jacket, Duo stood
with his hand on his hips, smiling at the reflection. It had been
some time since he'd worn this outfit and somehow felt it appropriate
for Heero's return. Pulling the long sleeves down, well over his
scarred wrists, he turned to face Wufei.
"Look okay, Wu ?" He questioned.
Turning toward Duo, who he noted looked unusually happy at his
appearance, Wufei smiled, "As always, Duo." Then added seriously, "Are
you nervous ?"
"Maybe just a little…….scared to death." Duo answered seriously, his
inflection light-hearted, quickly adding "You know the deal."
"Shinigami scared to death !!" Wufei teased, his hands grasping at
his chest. "Who would have thought !??!"
Duo stuck out his tongue at the laughing boy and waiting for Wufei's
impending smile, left the room.
**********
Heero was nervous during the entire flight back to Earth. His
attempts at distractions were for the large part unsuccessful.
Wishing he hadn't slept late this morning, Heero closed his eyes and
tried to sleep.
The drive to the estate proved even more nerve racking than the flight
had been, as Heero didn't like the unknown. He knew that his return
was welcome, but there was still some in depth conversations that
needed to take place and the emotional aspect of all of this was what
frightened him most. Especially the conversations he knew he would be
having one on one with Duo.
As the taxi made its way up the long driveway to the estate, Heero
tugged slightly on his jeans pulling them downward and blindly
adjusted the collar of his black silk jacket and finally making sure
the hem of his green tank top was tucked neatly into the waistband of
his blue jeans. Looking at his reflection in the window, Heero ran
his fingers through his hair, giving it only mild attention, as it
appeared to always look the same no matter what he did.
Stepping from the car, Heero smiled to himself at the familiarity of
the entrance and the sight of the warm foyer beyond its glass walls.
Before his arm had fully extended to reach the bell, the large wooden
door opened and Heero was met by four extremely warm smiles.
**********
Heero followed Quatre inside, taking time to notice how everything
looked just as he had recalled.
The five pilots sat on the couch in the den. Quatre thought it was
best to be informal and ordered his servants not to disturb them.
"How are things on L1 ?" Trowa asked Heero, who seemed a little
nervous amongst the four.
"It was a learning experience working with Doctor J again. Not as
entertaining as school, but I enjoyed it." he answered.
"What have you all been up to aside from school ?" Heero questioned,
his attention focusing on Trowa and Quatre.
"The usual nonsense. We did play a concert a few weeks back though."
Quatre smiled
Heero smiled, then continued "I know this may sound a little odd, but
would you mind if we moved our little gathering outside. One thing I
miss about Earth is the wind and the smell of the air........and the
rain" he added "L1's climate control does have its advantages, but
I much prefer nature's way." he smiled.
Standing to leave, Heero look toward where Wufei and Duo still sat.
Duo had a slightly forlorn expression on his face and Wufei appeared
to be comforting him, his hand resting gently on Duo's knee. Unsure
of whether Heero's presence was causing him to be upset, Heero ignored
the scene and followed Trowa out onto the patio.
Heero walked to the edge of the second story balcony and grasping the
railing, turned, his hands still resting on the rail behind his back,
Heero spoke to the two boys in front of him.
"Quatre...Trowa....I would like to apologize for the way I left a few
months back. It was inexcusable, but I was too hurt to handle it any
other way." Heero began and taking a deep breath, continued "I'm
also sorry.....*truly* sorry for the implications of my message. I
have never regretted our friendship..."
"Quatre interrupted him "Heero, we understand......we even understood
back then, please don't feel bad. All of us are glad you are back."
"I'm not really back." Heero told him "I mean, I'm back on Earth and
perhaps in school, but not back to live here....I don't feel
comfortable with that." his words trailing off seeing the disappointed
look of Quatre's face.
Trowa excused himself "Let me go see what is keeping Wufei and Duo."
Heero sat beside Quatre "Duo looks well. I'm glad you are taking good
care of him." Heero smiled.
Quatre only nodded. "Of course" he smiled. He had no intention of
going into any of the details of their past few months involving said
pilot.
Trowa returned moments later with Wufei and Duo in tow.
"Now that we are all here..." Heero started "I would like to
apologize for my unexpected departure. As I already told Quatre and
Trowa, it was inexcusable and I'm sorry. In addition" Heero
continued "the message accompanying my departure......well......I was
not exactly in the greatest frame of mind when I wrote it." Heero
looked up and his eyes met Duo's "You need to know that I didn't mean
any of those things and.." he stopped, breaking their stare. "I hope
you can all find it in your hearts to forgive me." barely choking out
the last words , Heero's head fell to his chest and he made his way
back into the house.
The four remaining pilots looked at each other, understanding how
incredibly difficult it was for Heero to be so open and honest with
them. Sitting quiet for quite sometime, still absorbing the touching
apology from Heero, Duo was the first to leave, the others a little
apprehensive about letting him go, especially since they didn't know
where he was going.
"Duo....where are you headed off too ?" Wufei asked, keeping his
promise to watch out for Duo.
"I'm going to go inside to talk to Heero" he said pausing at the
patio's exit, and turning back to look at the others, added "if that's
okay with everyone ?" Not waiting for an answer, Duo winked and went
inside.
