Another Version of Events
by Karan Seraph
Chapter 42
It was Monday afternoon when Heero returned to his apartment. Duo had left him at the port in time to get to the school for his exams. Heero had then taken Koi to have a veterinary check up and afterward he stopped to see Midii.
Ursula had let Heero into the apartment, as Midii had been asleep. Apparently, she had arrived back in the Capitol only that same morning, and in a particularly good mood, Ursula said.
When Midii woke, she helped Heero write up his report on the test he had performed at the spaceport in Moscow the night before.
They had discussed new clients and upcoming jobs for a while and then Vero had driven Heero, Koi and their luggage home, with just a few quick stops along the way to do some shopping.
Heero had known something was wrong even before Koi started barking. He could smell the burnt smell concentrated near his apartment door and hear the music playing within. Heero opened the lock as and then flung the door open. He found Trowa staring calmly at him over a mug of coffee.
There was a strong coffee scent in the apartment and there was dance music playing. Trowa was sitting at the table and there was an additional mug and plate across from him. Both plates seemed to hold the remains of a grilled vegetable dish. Duo's shoes and school bag were near the door. The walking stick was near the table.
Heero put his luggage down. "Where is Duo?" he asked Trowa.
Trowa set his mug on the table and turned his head toward the bedroom door. "Taking a dump in your bathroom."
Heero winced at the vulgar wording. "Oh."
"Something to do with shuttle lag I suppose... though I did not think space babies suffered shuttle lag." Trowa lifted his mug again, his face betraying no amusement or cattiness, his tone very matter-of-fact. "I think the double strong coffee did the trick."
Heero said nothing. It all seemed more information than Trowa should need to know and Heero did not understand why Trowa should announce these facts to him. He let the information pass without much consideration, except to recall silently that Trowa could stomach all manner of foods and drugs in strong doses and function quite well. Trowa could appreciate good coffee, but the coffee Trowa made and drank on a daily basis few could appreciate.
Heero was fairly certain that Trowa had the skills to make very good coffee if motivated; but he often brewed it for caffeine content rather than taste.
Heero began unpacking, first locating Koi's things and setting out his food and water, then putting his work things away, and finally taking the clothing and toiletries to his bedroom. Heero listened near the closed bathroom door, but he did not hear anything.
Heero put the clean clothes away and left what remained near the bathroom door. He decided that he had to do laundry again.
He saw that Trowa had left a duffel bag against the far wall and that some shimmery pieces of costume were hanging in Heero's closet. No doubt, there was salon brand shampoo and styling glue in his bathroom. Heero did not understand Trowa's particular hair fixation any more than Duo's. The stiff sheaf of hair had been hiding his face again.
Eventually Heero was going to have to bring up the subject of Quatre.
Heero went into the other room again. Trowa was sipping coffee. Heero sat down in what had been Duo's place. It did not seem Duo had eaten much of the food, but that he might have picked out specific vegetables.
"I don't think he is going to eat it," Trowa said quietly. "There is nothing wrong with it."
Heero lifted Duo's fork and picked at the food. He tasted a piece of grilled yellow pepper. "Did he let you in?" Heero asked finally. He had wondered at Trowa's presence, though he had expected him during this week.
"I used tools."
Heero tasted the coffee in Duo's mug, briefly, then put the mug back on the table. "It is strong!"
Trowa made an affirmative sound.
Heero ate some more of the food. It was decent enough.
"I start work tonight."
"Yes?"
"In the show at Ibiza. Do you want to come and see me?"
"I would like to be there for you, but I have been away from home on jobs since last week."
"Ah."
"I have been looking forward to coming home and getting some rest."
"Hmmm."
"You could invite Quatre. He is still in the Colonies."
Trowa glanced up at Heero, his hair concealing one of his eyes. He said nothing.
Heero took the plate, fork and mug in front of him to the kitchen, disposed of the bit of remaining coffee and vegetables and put the dishes in the washer. When he turned away from the kitchen Heero saw Duo coming from the bedroom still wearing his school uniform.
"OK?" Heero asked.
Duo frowned. "Why wouldn't..." He trailed off and turned his head to glare at Trowa.
Heero mentally braced himself to see his friend and his lover fight again, but the conflict did not come. Duo looked up at Heero again and smiled. "Good to see ya home, Baby. Ya look like you could use some rest."
"Aa," Heero agreed.
"I was going to get a shower before studying. All things considered, I thought I'd get more work done here. Is that OK?"
"Of course. I gave you a key. Draw me a bath when your shower is done?"
Duo smiled. He turned quickly and skipped two steps into the bedroom.
Heero looked at Trowa then. "You told me more information than Duo wanted me to know. He let it go for my sake."
"It was not an attempt to be catty," Trowa said calmly. He seemed sincere. "I was only speaking plainly. I do that with the people I care to speak to."
"And I appreciate that, but you have to be careful..." Heero began to warn Trowa. Then he noticed Duo there.
"Heero!" He called from the doorway; he was hanging on the bedroom door. "You want anything special in that bath?"
"Just look through the book for something that sounds good, assuming we have the ingredients of course."
"Gotcha, natch!" Duo chirped. He disappeared again.
"Duo," Heero called him back, "If I do not like my bath for any reason, I will find a way to let you know."
Duo smiled wide, head bowed slightly. He was satisfactorily reminded of their arrangement and roles. Heero smirked.
"Oh, Duo," Trowa said.
"Huh?"
"How much studying do you have to do? I am starting work at Ibiza tonight. You could come there."
"Right," Duo sighed. He lifted his head. "Much as I'd like to, you've caught me during exam week, plus I've got to spend my time after studying on making my mobile suit fully compatible with the MCP requirements. But I do expect you to list me on a regular basis, Tro!"
"No problem, but if I still work there when the circus comes to the Colonies in the Fall, then you will have to pay your way."
"Fair, fair," Duo agreed.
Duo went into the bathroom and shortly after Trowa cleaned up his meal. Trowa went into the bedroom to pack the things he needed to take to work with him. Heero sat behind his desk with the box of old video game systems and assorted electronics.
He had picked up a basic flat panel monitor on his way home, which he could hook up to the hard line, so that he could watch television without using one of his computers. As well, the newer game machine that Duo had found working and whole could easily be hooked up to it. Heero tested that out.
He had two games for this system, one was a game involving a lot of sword fighting and the other was a racing game. Both seemed to work. Duo would be pleased, if he had to spend much time here. He seemed to have a tolerable work ethic, but he also put a lot of importance on having leisure time to go clubbing, watch video and play games.
Though, Heero was starting to understand, Duo was just as active a person as Heero, in his own way. He multitasked; apparently he could string beaded jewelry to sell while watching his favorite movies. Duo listened to his music while doing other work.
He played video games, but so did Heero. Sometimes one needed an immediate outlet for minor frustrations and aggressions, or a few minutes distraction from a worry or problem so that they could look on it with a fresh perspective.
Heero smiled to himself. He wondered if the games would be played at all so long as Duo and Heero were together.
"I'm out," Trowa said.
"Ryokai."
"I will be here again some time tomorrow."
"No problem."
"Later."
"Aa."
The lock clicked into place on the front door. Heero went right back to his work. Getting the other old machines to work was more of a challenge. There were a few handheld systems and Heero had experience with similar machines. He thought he could get them running and so he put those parts aside.
Heero wanted to work on the Atari.
He started by carefully working the casing open and vacuuming out the insides. There was little that Heero would call micro-circuitry. Everything was so large. Thick, coated wires soldered to boards and such. Some of it was almost mechanical. It looked fairly intact.
The first task would be getting power to it. Heero had picked up some new and used parts from an electronics shop in the neighborhood and he had a collection of parts on the shelves, that he found here and there and kept on the chance he would be able to use them one day.
Eventually he would be able to get power to the machine. Then Heero would be able to see if it worked.
Duo peered around the bedroom door just as Heero had finished removing the spliced-in power cord and converter. He was going to try to restore the machine as much as possible and then employ fully external power converters to make the old device compatible with the present standard power outlets.
"Duo?" Heero acknowledged him.
"Bath's ready."
"I will be right there." Heero put the parts and tools he was using in neat rows on the floor and put everything else in its place, even if its current place was only a box. He could return to the work when he had washed and gotten some rest.
Heero went into his bedroom. Duo stood up, having been seated on the top of the dresser. He was wearing only a haori, this one made of thin white fabric. It might have been silk, or very fine cotton, Heero thought.
Heero shook his head to stop himself staring. "You need to study."
"I am only in your class until Friday, Sensei..."
"I see." Exam week, Heero thought. He should... on the other hand he should not distract Duo during his school's exams and stressful time at work... but then again he should remind Duo how important this relationship could be. Heero should make sure Duo knew everything he was offering. They had enough going against them.
Heero gave a nod. "You are looking for some extra tutoring before your exam on Friday."
Duo grinned. "Yeah."
Heero lifted a brow beneath his fringe of dyed-green hair.
Duo grinned wider. "Yes Heero-sensei. I wish to learn to be the perfect boyfriend to someone and I believe you can teach me. You continue to have my attention and obedience."
"You prepared the bath?"
"Yes."
"Let's go see how you did." Heero started toward the bathroom, it was only a matter of turning within the room. Duo reached past him and pushed open the door.
Candles again. Clean towels on appropriate surfaces and racks. It smelled warm, spicy perhaps. The room was steamy and silent. "I have to give you points on creating a sensual atmosphere, Duo-chan. You are good at it."
Duo smiled, silently.
"I do not think every partner would notice the details, but I am sure they would feel better in an atmosphere like this."
"May I take your clothes?" Duo asked softly.
Heero gave a nod. Duo moved only close enough to reach Heero and then carefully removed the garments Heero was wearing. "We should empty the hamper and put all the laundry outside the door," Heero said. "It is not a romantic task, but it would be better to do it before the bath, as it does need to be done."
"Of course," Duo said. He slipped past Heero to the built-in hamper. "I could do your laundry for you tonight. I realize I'm not much for cooking or dusting and I would like to help you out somehow."
"Points again, Duo-chan, you made the subject almost romantic. A good boyfriend should offer to do chores when he is able. I would appreciate greatly it if you did laundry, but please let me cook dinner for you in return."
"You are the master," Duo sighed as he opened the door to toss out the laundry. Master of being a good boyfriend, Heero decided. He did not think he was perfect at this; he made too many mistakes, but Heero liked hearing Duo say he was perfect.
Duo lifted Heero's left hand. "You don't want your water to get cold." He stepped backward into the bath enclosure and then drew Heero in after him. The water felt just hot enough. Heero sat down and leaned against the end of the tub.
Heero saw Duo sit slowly. Duo did not like water so hot. He did sit, though. The thin fabric of the haori became transparent when it was wet. Heero did not remember telling Duo in detail about his stranger dreams. He did not think Duo knew about the garments the bathing servants wore. They had not been haori, but they had covered roughly the same area of skin and had the same color and transparency in water.
They might have really known each other in a previous life.
Duo took Heero's cloth and soap from the built in shelves and then worked lather onto the cloth. He leaned in, kneeling between Heero's raised knees, and touched the cloth to Heero's shoulder.
"You can use your hands," Heero said.
"This is better for your skin," Duo said plainly, but as he said it his left hand, which was bare, settled on Heero's chest, as if to support Duo's weight.
Points, Heero thought, he did what I wanted while remaining practical at the same time. I love him. Heero smiled. He relaxed and let Duo wash him. He suggested that perhaps it would work well to wash Heero's hair first and then let him relax a bit more, but he wanted Heero's opinion.
Heero did not have so much hair as Duo; Duo rarely attempted to wash his hair in the bath. He had it braided and clipped upon his head and then sat in the bath. Probably, the amount of shampoo and oily runoff from that much hair, cleanly as Duo was, would have made bathing a bit unpleasant and disturb the calculated scent of the water. Usually Heero soaked and then later washed his hair before getting out of a bath.
"What do you think?" Heero asked.
Duo lifted a lock of Heero's hair. "I think you should let me try this."
"I will take your suggestion this time," Heero said, "I can always find a way to get back at you if I do not like it."
"Please, turn around, if you can manage it."
Heero drew in his legs and then turned to put Duo at his back. Duo began shampooing his hair. Heero remained still, thinking it felt pretty good for such a functional act. It made sense that Duo would know how to massage a scalp, he was so often occupied with caring for his own hair.
"I love how you smell," Duo said.
"Mm?"
"You used to have this sort of orange blossom and cordite smell," Duo laughed softly, "I thought that was nice enough, like pretty and dangerous. But you smell so good now."
"It is just the soap and shampoo... or else it is me... I do not wear fragrances."
"Yeah, well it must be that your soaps suit your body... I mean... you eat well, so you probably smell very good. What you eat effects how you taste and smell."
Heero had heard this, but he had never given the fact much thought. "You notice?"
Duo laughed. He pulled the nozzle that was on a hose from the wall to rinse Heero's hair. "I said you smelled good. You taste good too, ya know." He laughed again. "I think you taste Japanese."
"I do?"
"Mmmm hmmm. I probably taste kinda off, too much meat and junk food... plenty of garlic. I started thinking last week..." He trailed off.
"What?"
"Never mind. You can turn around again if you like."
Heero turned again, pushing wet hair away from his face. "I like how you smell and taste."
"Yeah?" Duo asked happily.
Heero nodded.
Duo applied more soap to the cloth and went back to washing Heero. Heero lay against the wall, eyes closed, feeling relaxed. Duo even scrubbed his fingernails.
Heero wondered what would happen if they decided to stay together after the trial. Heero wanted to stay together, but his reluctance to have too much hope kept him from planning out what he would do afterward. Would they live together? Heero asked himself.
It would not seem practical for them to take the time to bathe each other every day, but Heero did like baths and he felt it was pleasant to have Duo wash him. It would be a good thing if they could do this every once in a while. He also liked washing Duo. It gave him a chance to prove to himself that he could be close to someone and not hurt them, and that always felt good. Heero was not hung up on the idea of pleasing others now, but he did feel good about doing things that helped other people.
He was kind, he had to admit. He could even see logic in doing nice things for other people, they often did nice things in return. If they did not, well, maybe Heero could try to believe in Karma. Maybe in his next life he would have an easier time. Maybe he would leave that circle of existence entirely. He would not want to leave without Duo, and Heero thought that want was something that kept one going about the circle, in theory.
But if they were together then Heero would not want...
Was it better to be at peace as an individual or to have peace with someone?
Heero did not know about that. If there were Powers, then they would decide what would be, and if there were not, then it was likely all chaos. In that case, treating all creatures and things respectfully seemed the safest thing. Every action could, conceivably, change the world in some small way that later became significant.
Heero thought, maybe he'd already screwed up his karma for the next lifetime by killing so many people.
"I have to hope I can make up for it," Heero said.
"Even your daydreams are bad?" Duo asked, attempting a light tone.
Heero opened his eyes and watched Duo lift a leg to rub the soapy cloth along his calf muscle. "I seem to be quite contemplative... when not focused on a mission."
Duo blinked understanding. "We both have done some bad things, but I think we did a lot of good too. I'm not sure if we are capable of judging which way the scale is tipped, just being human, we can't really fathom the consequences of it all with absolute accuracy. That's why people believe in God and leave it up to him to judge."
"Karma? Is there karma, you think?"
Duo shrugged and dropped Heero's leg to the water. "Maybe. Hinduism is just all sorts of tripped out and I don't entirely get Buddhism. I mean, we did have this World Religions class in school, but there's this sorta denial of want and desire that I'm sorta fuzzy on."
"I think that you are supposed to not have longing for material things."
"Well, I get it, sorta, but, like I said, 'fuzzy.' Like, being OK with dying or not dying on any given day, I get that. You do not want for yourself to live or to die. Or eating. I can sorta understand being OK with whatever karma dishes out for you that day. And I can even understand the basic concept of not being distracted by sex. The thing that gets me is, I'm social, and I can't believe that humans are not by nature social and should be expected to deny this. So, being social creatures, we form bonds with others, and as much as I can grasp being OK with myself dying or starving or being enlightened I can't grasp being OK with others starving or dying or being in pain when I can do something about it. So, I'd want to feed them or get them medicine or hold them, even if it meant straying from the eightfold path and whatnot and doing a lot of bad stuff in order to reach my goal."
Heero laughed. He did not mean to, it just seemed funny. "I do not think the point is to sit under a tree while children starve, Duo. It is probably more like: do what you can for them, and if your best is not enough then be content that you did your best, rather than feel haunted by want and regret."
"We are so haunted by want and regret," Duo laughed coldly.
Heero nodded. Maybe he should just be content that he did have good intentions and that he did try his best to do what he thought was right at the time. It was hard, to be content knowing that there was suffering. "We are also not Buddhists."
"Right," Duo sighed. He shook his head. "I do my best to give you a perfectly sensual and relaxing bath and you still end up dwelling on really heavy issues." Duo sighed very dramatically. "What can I do?"
"Accept that it is not your fault. It is a very sensual and relaxing bath."
Duo pouted, but he lifted Heero's left foot to wash it. It tickled, a little, at first. Duo rubbed his foot with one bare hand and one hand holding the cloth. And then, it did not tickle at all. Duo pressed Heero's toes and then the sole of his foot... it felt good.
Shockingly good.
Heero sank until his chin touched the water. He felt his body go limp. He closed his eyes.
"Are you kidding me?" Duo asked.
"What... do you mean?" Heero asked slowly.
"You aren't just messing with me after what I said? If I do this...?" He pressed his thumbs into the bottom of Heero's foot in a way that brought out an involuntary moan, "You react like that?"
"Aa... yeah."
"You like this?"
"Aa..."
"Did you know... before?"
"No."
Heero's eyes were still closed but he sensed Duo was smiling. "You want me to give you a pedicure when you get out of the bath?"
Heero opened one eye and watched Duo lift his right foot. Did he want a pedicure? "You would not think that a very demeaning chore?"
"I offered," Duo said. He seemed to examine Heero's foot. "I never really looked before, but you do have pretty nice feet. They aren't funky at all! My second toe is longer than the big one and I have to... uh... never mind."
"I am sure your feet are fine," Heero said helpfully.
Duo laughed nervously. "Yeah, well, it's not like they're gross or anything! Really! But... uh... your feet are pretty nice I guess. Your hands too."
Well, he had always had decent shoes, he took care of himself, and he wore gloves when he did the roughest kind of work. "Thank you," Heero said, thinking that better than asking if Duo had formerly done very much manual labor or not had money for shoes. Or... now, he had many pairs of shoes and they often seemed more fashionable than practical.
"Let's get out. I'll give you a pedicure, then you can take your nap while I study."
Heero smiled. He thought that he liked taking a nap while Duo studied. It insured that Duo was not completely distracted and that Heero was not frustrated by trying not to distract Duo, he got sleep, and sleeping near Duo made him feel calm and secure. Heero often needed naps, because he scheduled so many activities each day that he did not sleep very many hours when he did sleep.
Heero thought the pedicure was pleasant, though Duo was clearly testing the sensitivity of Heero's feet. Heero admired the systematic approach. Somehow, Duo found more dead skin to slough off Heero's heels. He even clipped his toenails and then filed and buffed them.
Heero had trimmed his toenails of course, that was just a basic grooming habit. He had never buffed the surface of his toenails to make them shine. When Duo was done, Heero was starting to think that perhaps he did have particularly attractive feet.
"Can I paint your toenails?" Duo asked when he had finished with putting lotion on Heero's feet. They were sitting on the floor between the bed and the dresser, towels having already slipped from their bodies. Heero had told himself it was not nakedness in a sexual context; Duo had just happened to be rapidly pumping the hand that held the buffer while naked and firmly grasping Heero's foot.
Heero felt rather agreeable at the moment, just because it had felt so good when Duo used his hands to rub the lotion into the skin. But he was not that agreeable. "No."
"Well, I don't even have a good toe color with me. Your toenails would look so good in some peachy opalescent shade."
"No."
"It's not like it's really queer or anything," Duo said firmly, "lots of entirely respectable Colonial men wear nail polish or eyeliner..." Duo clasped his hands together. "Would you wear eyeliner?"
"Firstly, if I understand your meaning, I do not think a reluctance to look 'queer' is at issue. I just do not see the point, and I do not think the concept sounds appealing to me, personally."
"Aw, but you would look so cute! How can you be Japanese and not understand cute?"
Heero growled. "Cute things are neat and small and often have certain features or proportions exaggerated. I understand 'cute.' Wearing cosmetics will not make me cute."
"Oh, but Heero... you would look so..." Duo struggled. He put his hands on Heero's knees. "Ya know, with subtle bronze and peach colors on your nails and dewy lips and smoky eyes."
Heero looked at Duo's hands. He raised his eyes. Duo was so excited by this topic. Heero sighed. "Duo-chan, I know the kind of men who wear cosmetics and regardless of sexual preference the are the sort of men who drink the most trendy bottled juice or soda and who have designer street clothes and..." Heero paused a second to think. "It bothers me when things are trivial, without logical function."
Duo groaned, putting weight into Heero's legs. "Baby, the function is decoration. Male animals have plumage and frills and manes and stuff. It's natural. It attracts potential mates."
Heero smirked.
"And keeps them interested," Duo added, "Don't you get it? I have this thing... I can't help it!" Duo's voice lowered significantly on 'thing.' Heero understood. It was not only when Duo wore the cosmetics himself. Borderline fetish. How it might have developed, Heero had no idea.
Heero had to admit that when Duo did it he found it attractive. He did not think that he would find it attractive on any man or woman, but on Duo he did. The eyes did not need enhancement, Heero thought, Duo had most alluring eyes on his own, but Heero did recall tracking the movement of Duo's hands more when Duo had painted his nails.
He really could not understand why Duo would think peach and bronze would look good on someone with his coloring. Metallic grass green would be much more suitable for fingernails. That was what the stylish men in magazines might wear with their crisp, unbuttoned white shirts and well-tailored jackets.
Maybe a red tea color on the nails of some boy with brown eyes.
"If you are really not into it, it's OK," Duo said quietly, "I think you are... just gorgeous. I didn't mean to make it sounds like I wouldn't be attracted to you unless you changed. I just thought I would ask."
Heero raised a hand and slipped it beneath Duo's arm to touch his ribs. He leaned toward Duo as he pulled Duo toward him. A simple tilt of the head and Heero was kissing Duo deeply before Duo could protest or apologize any more.
Duo threw his weight toward Heero and Heero took it, supporting Duo within his arms as they continued to kiss. "Oooh," Duo moaned and then his sounds became more awkward, as Heero sucked on his tongue.
Heero did not bother to ask himself why he had suddenly decided he would kiss Duo, he had just acted. Heero did not regret the action at all.
"Mmmm..." Duo seemed to wake. His kisses became more active than passive. Heero's mouth wanted to smile, but he could not exactly do it. He felt he needed to be kissing Duo.
"Need you... God, I need you! Take me any way you want, right here on the floor!" Duo spoke rapidly.
Heero reached for Duo's right hand and brought it between his own legs. Duo's hand felt cool, though it was not cold. Heero thought, briefly; knew that he had not planned it like this. He had thought this would come after Duo had studied and they had eaten dinner. When the planned mission conflicts with the greater good, switch sets of orders, Heero thought to himself.
His plan was changed.
"I like that," Duo said in a low whisper, "Just as good as having you ready from the start, when I get to feel you go hard. It's kinda kewl!"
Heero decided not to reply to that. He opened the nearby drawer and felt for condoms and lube.
"The room's all soundproofed; you can talk dirty to me if you want."
Heero licked his own lips. Clearly, Duo would like him to say something. Communication was necessary. "I want to fuck you."
"Yeah," Duo breathed, "I want you to. I miss your cock every day I don't get it!" He emphasized the point with a squeeze of his hand.
Heero closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them to check that he had taken the correct items from the drawer. Heero was wondering what position might be best; there were some that were more difficult so long as Duo had his broken leg in cast. If not for the cast, Heero thought he could have tried getting Duo on top.
Heero lapped at Duo's neck. Apology in advance; he knew that Duo liked it. "I do not want to get carpet burn. We should do it on the bed this time. Or..." Heero tried to think of another way Duo would like.
"Bed's fine, bed's fine," Duo said quickly, "floor might have been tricky with my leg, you're right."
Heero agreed with a nod and let Duo climb off him. Duo moved onto the bed and Heero followed.
Heero put himself between Duo's legs and lifted his thighs. "This way."
"Uh huh, any way you want it."
Heero lowered Duo's legs for the moment. He looked down over Duo's body. Sometimes Duo liked more playing and other times he really did seem to just want to be fucked. At the moment, Heero just wanted to fuck Duo, but he knew he would not mind playing very much, if Duo wanted it.
"Do you..." Heero started.
"Yeah, a little," Duo said. Heero could hear the smile. Their communication was improving.
Heero rearranged his limbs and then bowed over Duo to nip at his chest while his right hand reached to press a finger to his ass. Duo made an appreciative sound.
"You do taste good," Heero told Duo.
"Mmmm."
Heero rapidly flickered his tongue over Duo's left nipple.
"Nnnn, like that... it does help. You can bite."
Yes, Heero had enough experience to understand Duo better now. If Duo was not already requesting anal sex then just a little time invested in biting and sucking at his neck and chest usually got him relaxed and asking for it. Sometimes, he was in a different sort of mood and communicated in body language that he would feel hurt if he did not get oral sex before things went further. That was his playful mood and Heero knew that Duo also liked a lot of kissing, some props, banter and Heero's hands all over his body when he was in that mood. If his mood was darker, Duo often still wanted sex, only his body struggled more and his movements were fitful. Heero had to be most forceful when Duo got like that, he had to bite pretty hard and use restraints and go right for Duo's balls and then his ass.
Heero could tell the difference between Duo not being interested and Duo being interested while in a bad mood and he was rather proud of that skill. He had not had very much practice at managing to please Duo and himself through each of Duo's moods, and he had sometimes realized more in retrospect, but he was fairly confident now that he had figured out which mood was which and what Duo needed.
He had promised Duo that he would learn what he needed and give it to him.
Right now, Duo needed a fast fuck, just a body, preferably Heero, to help him let go of whatever worry and tension was pent inside him so that he could gain focus for whatever he needed to do next.
Suited Heero. Part of his mind had been fretting around itself for days wanting to fuck Duo and in his present state, going through with it would put him to sleep quite nicely.
"Fast," Heero said as he opened a condom packet and rolled the condom onto himself in now well-practiced movements.
"Yeah..."
Heero shifted position again and lifted Duo's legs by hooking his arms beneath Duo's knees. "I think you are ready."
Duo gave a nod, his eyes swimming as he gazed at the ceiling.
A moment to work the mechanics of entry, another to be certain he could handle it, and then a moment to check that Duo was all right. His brow was wrinkled slightly and his eyes were not focused on Heero, but he nodded assent.
Heero allowed his body the instinctual thrusting it wanted. He was on his knees, Duo's thighs held securely by his arms so that only Duos head and the upper portion of his back touched the sheets. More blood to Duo's head, but that was a good thing in this case. His heart was strong enough to keep the rest of his body fed.
"Good... good now," Duo said.
Heero was half conscious of having fallen into a rhythm and of the soft slapping of flesh. The rest of him was focused on watching Duo's face. Heero subconsciously noted the approval of position and pace. Duo's eyes finally focused on his.
"Touch yourself," Heero said.
"Huh?"
"It is OK. I will watch you."
Duo lowered his eyes. Heero saw Duo's right hand lift up off the bed and then cradle his dick.
"Go on. I will not do it for you... this time." Many times Heero was happy to do it, but it did not fit his present plan.
Duo's lips quirked into a smile; he was rapidly pumping that hand about his dick. He did like Heero watching him do it. Heero liked watching. Focusing on that sight, all of this was going to reach a climax sooner. It would not be too soon for Duo, he was good with his hands. If the fuck was not good enough for him, and it was, then the combination would have been.
It was good enough, with Duo screaming, because he could, and Heero surrendering a few grunts. After the cries, pants, the rustle of latex and skin sliding over silk sheets the room fell silent.
Heero lay sprawled on one side of the bed, eyes closed, cooling his body. He was vaguely aware of Duo being slightly curled and at his side.
"S'ki," Duo rasped.
Heero smiled, understanding the meaning. Duo loved him. "You are a good boyfriend, Duo."
"I think I really want to be," Duo said casually, voice still breathy, not really agreeing with Heero's statement.
"What do you want for dinner?" Heero asked, changing the subject.
"Something simple. I'm on a vegetarian kick."
Heero smiled to himself. "No sausage pizza? No hamburgers? No lox?"
Duo made a contented sound and stretched out. Heero could feel the slight shifting in the futon. "Just something I'm trying out. A little fish might be OK. If you want something else, I can get myself something."
"I said I would make you dinner, Duo-chan. You really deserve a reward, so I thought you would like to choose the meal."
"Mmmn... do we have rice noodles?"
"Yes."
"Just throw something simple together with that. I will like it."
"As you wish. You should study now. You may wake me when you are ready to take a break and I will fix you some dinner."
"OK."
Heero prepared himself to go to sleep, but he did not sense Duo moving from his spot on the bed. "Are you studying?"
"Not yet. Um... thanks."
"Thank you."
"I might get more work done now if I move to the other room. I'll leave the door open, though."
"Khoroshó."
Heero heard Duo moving around the room. Koi came padding into the room then. The dog lay down on the bed in the place Duo had vacated.
Later Duo woke Heero by tickling his feet. Heero thought it was part of a dream at first, but then woke sharply, nearly kicking Duo, before he remembered where he was.
Duo only laughed. "I'm about to take the laundry downstairs. Do you feel like getting dressed and making dinner?"
Heero gave a nod.
"The sheets?"
Heero moved from the bed and began stripping the sheets. When they were done, Duo made a neat bundle of their laundry and left the bedroom with a backward wave. Heero went to the bathroom to wash his hands and face and then got dressed.
While Duo was downstairs, Heero went into the tiny kitchen and began preparing dinner. With the exception of being able to make sushi, Heero did not think he was a very skilled cook, but he was probably a lot better than Duo at understanding the thermal dynamics of cooking. One had to learn what heating element to use and at which level, the shape of pan that was needed and the conductivity of the metal it was constructed of. One had to understand how heat was distributed through air, water, oil or a broth. Above all, it was important to understand the amount of heat and duration of cooking needed to prepare any given food substance.
Undercooked food could make people sick and overcooked food did not taste as good and might provide less nutritional value. When in doubt, Heero had learned to turn to the 'net for reference material. This could even be applied to cooking. And sometimes, if he went to a large grocery store, there were terminals in the store at which one could access storage, preparation and cooking instructions, even for fresh foods. With packaged foods, you only had to read the box. Many had recipes written on them.
Something simple with rice noodles, Heero thought at he rolled from side to side on his skateboard. He thought this helped him think, likely by some sort of unconscious conditioning on his part. He had always cooked while standing on the skateboard when he was younger, because it helped him reach things better while forcing him to hone his balance and agility. The back and forth shifting of weight from one foot to another was equivalent of pacing and brought Heero's mind to his past cooking experience.
Heero supposed he could make a salad. He spent a few minutes looking through the cabinets and refrigerator for ingredients that seemed suitable and then collected the utensils he thought he would need. He could lightly fry the noodles, but Heero suspected Duo would find them better boiled.
Heero knew the noodles cooked quickly, so the put them aside while he prepared other ingredients. He had found some fresh carrots, mushrooms, and soybeans. Heero picked the beans from the pods, peeled off the outer layer of the carrots, removed the stems of the mushrooms and then thinly sliced the mushrooms and carrots. Finally, he washed them.
One or two vegetables might have been all right, but it did not seem like a very substantial meal. Heero knew he was hungry. Duo likely was.
Heero toasted some sesame seeds and then boiled the noodles just until they softened.
Heero combined the previous ingredients and some almond slices in a bowl and placed it in the refrigerator.
They should have some dessert, and something to drink.
When Duo came in with the laundry Heero had already made dinner, set the table, and gone back to working on the Atari. Heero put his toys away again and washed his hands while Duo put the clothes away.
Heero made up their plates and then brought food and drinks to the table on a tray. Duo lit the candles.
"What is it?" Duo asked.
"Just salad." Heero put one plate of salad, one dish of sesame dressing, one glass of iced tea, one chopstick rest and one pair of chopsticks before Duo. He smiled.
"It looks really good, Heero, it just throws me sometimes when salads have no greens."
"That is because you call 'green salad' just 'salad.' The name refers to the assemblage of foods in general."
Duo almost laughed. Instead, he lifted salad to his mouth and tasted it. "Good," he said when he had swallowed.
Heero bowed just slightly and then poured his dressing over his salad.
"You're a much better cook than I am."
Heero said nothing, but continued to eat. Duo spoke now and then as they ate and Heero replied some of the time. "some kids at school had seen those news reports," Duo said, "about us."
"Oh?"
"My friends at school already knew, but the others were gossiping about it today."
"Did you feel bad about that?"
"No, I guess not. I am getting used to the idea of everyone knowing."
Heero nodded. "I made dessert also," he said.
"You did?"
"I will get you some." Heero took the dishes they were finished with to the kitchen and loaded them into the washer. He opened the freezer and removed two glasses. He brought these to the table where Duo sat. "Strawberry milkshakes," Heero explained.
"Aaaa," Duo said, expressing awe as he took one cold glass in two hands. "We even had straws."
"Left over from takeout."
Duo sipped the thick pink drink through his straw. "Kewl!" he said.
Heero smiled.
"Hilde and I can both handle laundry, but neither of us knows how to cook."
"It is only a matter of learning the science behind it, like chemistry."
Duo grinned, "I didn't do so hot in Chemistry last Year."
"You learned to steal explosives rather than to make them."
"And your first recipes were from the Anarchist's Cookbook!" Duo laughed.
Heero agreed with a nod. "Not that I did not also steal."
Duo laughed. "I know that for a fact!"
There was silence, but for Koi lapping water in the kitchen and the noise of footsteps on stairs in the hall. Duo sipped at his milkshake and Heero did the same.
"Our skills compliment each other well," Heero observed quietly.
"That's kinda what I was trying to say," Duo said. He seemed embarrassed by the admission, his head was bowed.
They probably would have been good roommates, Heero thought.
|