After Endless Waltz
1x2 Shonen-ai
Disclaimer: If only I owned Gundam Wing but I don't sigh.
March 2001
A Day to Remember
It was a overcast day with black clouds looking ominous in the sky above. A strong gust of wind carried the smell of rain that had yet to come and blew up little dust storms here and there. It was a quiet day in the small country side and the village below the hill was quiet for it was not quiet dawn yet.
The wind below back long golden brown hair across the strangers face. A huge grin showed on his handsome face and his Cobalt blue eyes fairly twinkled with glee. Duo loved nothing more then a good thunderstorm and had unbraided his hair just for this occasion.
It had been one year since he and the other Gundam pilots had been on Earth. And one year since the destruction of the Gundam's themselves especially his beloved Deathsycthe here on this very spot. So he had returned to pay homage to his dear Gundam and to remember the last battle against Operation Meteor or the Barton Family.
He often wondered what all the other pilots were doing since he had lost contact with them. It had been hard after the war to stay in touch since everyone had been trying to build a new life after the war. And so one by one all contact had ceased between Duo and the others. It had not helped much that after he and Hilde had split up, that he had moved from one colony to the next trying to figure were he had fit at in the scheme of things. And he still was not to sure were he did fit so he continued his wandering until he had ended up back on Earth and this very spot.
The rain came down in torrents and soon drenched the black clad figure and plastered his long hair to his skull. Closing his eyes Duo loved the feel of the warm shower upon his skin and just let it erase everything for the moment.
One year? Could it really been one year since he had last seen that braided Baka? Heero thought. He had heard from Quatre that Hilde and Duo's had broken up and after that he had all but disappeared. Not one of the pilots had been able to track him down since he moved to much and not until a few weeks ago when word had reached him from Trowa that Duo was on Earth. It was not that hard to find this information out since not very many people had a long brown braid, wore all black, and talked a mile a minute like Duo did.
The last time Heero had seen Duo was when they had all said goodbye after Operation Meteor. Each one of them had gone their separate ways and had promised to keep in touch. But before Duo had left Heero had done something unexpected when they were alone. Heero had hugged Duo and looking into startled Cobalt blue eyes had leaned down and gave him a passionate kiss. What startled Heero was when Duo began to respond to the kiss which had seemed to last forever but was interrupted when Duo's flight was called. Breaking apart the two pilots had stared at each other in shock and had not said a word. Turning around Duo fled and boarded his plane and left a very confused Heero Yuy behind.
He still was not to sure why he had kissed the American, but had felt that he had to do it. Live by your emotions, he thought. Well he sure had done that. "And that's when everything went wrong and we stopped keeping in touch, Heero thought. Perhaps by doing that I must have scared him away somehow and ruined our friendship."
Walking up the hillside he knew that he had to face Duo and settle the matter between them once and for all. Rain began to come down in heavy sheets and it was hard to see up a head. When he reached the top a beautiful sight greeted him and he let out a startled gasp. There before him stood Duo with his long brown hair unbraided and hanging down past his waist. It was beautiful and the first time that he had seen it flowing loose like that. All through the war Duo had left it braided up and even when they had shared a room together he had never seen it like that.
"Duo......"
Duo's eyes slowly opened when he heard his named called and turning he let out a shocked gasp. Cobalt locked with Prussian blue and a host of emotions passed between them. Heero Yuy? Is that really him? Duo wondered.
Heero had not changed much except his dark brown hair had gotten slightly longer although it was hard to tell since it was slicked down to his scalp by rain water. He wore his usually dark green tank top with jeans and it fit him like a second skin and molded to his body from the rain.
Duo closed his eyes for a moment and let out an audible sigh. Why did Heero have to come now? He would have been off the Earth tomorrow and would not have to had faced the Japanese pilot at all. His emotions were still in turmoil after the kiss they had shared and in the end that's what had torn his relationship with Hilde apart.
At first he was able to push that passionate kiss with Heero from his mind since he was scared to get involved with the other pilot. He was afraid that if he started to love him then he would be taken away from him like the others had been. And so he had return to colony L2 to forget about him and had started to date Hilde. At first things had been going well between them but later it had fallen apart. She had said that she could not play second best to whomever Duo thought of when they were together and so they had parted ways. He often wondered how she knew but then again they had been close friends and they knew each other to well.
And there his problem stood across the clearing Heero Yuy...Mr Perfect Soldier. The person who caused him to loose a lot of sleep and Hilde in someway too. Not to sure what he should say but knowing he had to say something Duo walked over to Heero.
Standing in front of him Duo exclaimed cheerfully, "Heero how ya been? Betcha surprised to see me here huh?!!"
"I am fine Duo and no I am not surprised to see you. Trowa informed me you would be here."
Damn you Trowa, why couldn't you mind your own business, he thought savagely. I need more time before I can face Heero and this isn't it I think.
Gazing into Heero's Prussian blue eyes, a person could drown in, Duo raised his right hand.
Shit its been so long, Heero thought. Feels like a lifetime ago. Gazing into Cobalt blue eyes he raised his left hand and clasped Duo's hand warmly. Smirking slightly he pulled Duo into his arms and gave him a brief hug. He heard Duo's startled gasp and laughed softly. Releasing him Heero stepped back and gazed into Duo's eyes. There was a variety of emotions there but what caught his eye was the passionate look he was receiving.
Reaching out he threaded his slender callous fingers into Duo's hair and feeling no resistance pulled his head down and gently brushed his lips with his own. A startled look appeared in Duo's eyes and Heero smiled gently at him.
Looking down at Heero, being a foot taller Duo felt a tightening in his chest and reaching out pulled the Japanese boy closer. Leaning down he teasingly slid his tongue across Heero lips and when he gasped in surprise Duo slid his tongue into Heero's warm mouth. An explosion seemed to form between them and passion rose quickly. "To Hell with everything, Duo thought. I want him and nothing else matters."
Two bodies molded together in the warm rain and passion flared a new.
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Past Reflections
The rain fell down like cooling drops onto there heated skin. They were totally lost in each others kisses and did not even notice when the rain stopped. The sun rays shown down through a few clouds and it appeared that the couple was surrounded by a warm spotlight.
Duo opened his eyes and looked down at Heero's swollen lips. Licking his own slightly he waited until Heero's opened his beautiful Prussian blue eye and saw a wealth of emotion there that caused him to catch his breath and hug him tighter.
I am so glad that you have found me Heero, Duo thought, but were do we go from here? I mean do we remain as friends or maybe lovers? Argh I am still confused about that last kiss, damn what should I do?
Heero was wondering the same question. He wasn't to sure what they were suppose to do or how to do it. He cared deeply for the braided baka and felt the need to stay with him always. During the time that they had been apart Heero realized how much he missed Duo's company and wanted to be with him. And now that they were together he still wanted this very much but self-doubt began to form. What if he doesn't want me, Heero wondered, or maybe he only likes girls? Agony squeezed his heart and Heero let out a gasp of pain.
"Heero what's wrong?"
Looking up he noticed the worried expression in Duo's eyes and felt cherished. Holding Duo more tightly Heero laid his head on Duo's shoulder and replied, "Nothing Duo, I am fine."
"That's good, for a moment I thought I hurt you somehow." Duo said cheerfully.
"Baka."
A big goofy grin was on Duo's face. Awe I haven't heard anyone call me that in a long long time and didn't know I missed it so much. Chuckling quietly to himself he decided to ask Heero some questions.
"So Heero what have you been up to theses last few years?"
Not even looking up Heero replied, "Working for Quatre as a top Security Manager and part-time in The Preventers."
"Nani?"
"Yea, they are both good jobs and I like working with the other Gundam Pilots. But it would have been like old times if you had been there."
Heero had been afraid to say that and was holding his breath as he waited for Duo to reply. He was startled when Duo released him and took a few steps away.
"I...I...have to go Heero." he said sadly.
"Hn why Duo? Why do you keep running away from me?"
Walking over to him Heero wrenched him around and was struck dumb by the tears he saw in Duo's Cobalt eyes. The tears slid down Duo's cheeks and turned his eyes to a misty blue-violet. Jerking away from Heero, Duo turned and ran down the hill at a break neck speed.
Have to get away, Duo thought hysterically, must not let him know that I that I love him. Oh God he will hate me when he realizes this.
It had hit him all at once that the reason he had run from Heero in that terminal all those years ago. It was from having fallen in love with him and being to afraid to admit it to himself or Heero. He had buried it into himself and tried to forget. So he had run from his feelings and Heero and had never stopped. The reason he had been in a relationship with Hilde was for protection from love and no other reason.
Oh God he thought why do I run from those I love..why? Sobbing uncontrollably he did not see the tree branch up ahead and tripped over it. Loosing his balance, his world turned upside down as he flipped and rolled the rest of the way down the rocky hill. Crashing into a tree he felt something snap and everything went black.
Shit! Heero thought as he ran after Duo. Why is he running away from me? Trying to catch up with Duo was hard work especially with all the rocks and trees in the way. Glancing up ahead he noticed to late a tree branch looming in front of Duo.
"Duo look out!" he shouted.
Damn he doesn't hear me. Running faster he tried to catch up with him but it was to late as he watched in horror as Duo tripped and tumbled down the hill. There was a loud crack as Duo slammed into a tree and lay there as if dead. Oh god oh god please please be alive. All sorts of images ran through Heero head as he reached Duo's side and began to check for a pulse. What if he broke his neck or his spine? Ruthless pushing those thoughts aside, Heero checked his neck and felt a pulse. Gathering together his thoughts he checked him over and found a broken arm and maybe a concussion. Quickly pulling off his tank top, he tore it into long strips and mobilized Duo's arm. Sliding his arms under Duo he picked him up and looked down at him.
Duo, Heero thought as he walked toward the car and drove to the hospital, We are going to have a long talk when you wake up. A very long talk indeed.
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Aishiteru
It was quiet in the hospital room except for the occasional noise from the monitors there. There was a slight rustling sound as Duo shifted in the bed and opened his eyes. Looking around he wondered were he was until he remembered that Heero had brought him to a hospital.
He had been rushed there and into the emergency room before waking up. Pain had slammed into him when he had regained consciousness. The doctor had given him some kind of shot that had made it fade and had set out to examine him. When done he was informed that he had a concussion, his left arm broken, and bruises all over. They wanted him to stay overnight for observations and make sure he was ok. When he was about to protest Heero had told him to shut up and deal with it.
Looking around Duo noticed that their was no sign of Heero anywhere. That's strange he thought were could he be?
Actually Heero stood outside of Duo's door and was trying to figure out how to tell the braided baka that he loved him. He knew that they needed to talk about many things and this was one of them. One of the other things was why had he run away from him in the first place. Sighing to himself he opened the door and entered the room. And stopped suddenly when Duo turned and looked at him.
Time seemed to freeze as they gazed into each others eyes. But was soon broken when a nurse came bustling in with a cheery hello. Both of them blinked slightly dazed and irritated by the cheerful nurses interruption. They both waited until the nurse left before trying to speak.
"Duo I..."
"Heero we need to..."
They both looked at each other for a moment then began to laugh. It was sort of funny that both of them had decided to talk at the same time and maybe say the same thing. The laughter died and all was quiet again.
Duo shifted nervously on the bed and tried not to fidget. When Heero did not say anything he looked up at him and was shocked. Heero was smiling at him warmly and there was something in his eyes he was afraid to see. Could that be love that is shining for me Duo thought. Shivering slightly and unsure if it was from cold or nerves he decided to tell him.
"Heero I...I....I love you dammit."
Heero was totally shocked by this announcement. He looked at Duo and saw the American glance back down towards the bed but not before he had seen the tears. Shaking his head slightly he wasn't to sure why Duo had said it but he was glad. Walking over to the bed he sat down and reaching out lifted up Duo's chin.
"Duo aishiteru, I love you too." he said softly.
Heero smiled warmly at the shock look which quickly turned into delight on Duo's face. Duo smiled through his tears and threw his arms around Heero's neck. Hugging Duo to himself Heero swore that he would never let Duo leave him again. They had many problems to solve but they would solve them together.
The next day Duo was released from the hospital and it was a warm and sunny day. Duo was happy to leave but even happier to be with Heero. Glancing over at the other boy he smiled when he thought of the conversation that they had last night. They had both admitted to each other their real feelings and everything else too. Duo had confessed to Heero why he had run away and Heero had been a caring listener. He was a lucky man he thought to have Heero as a partner.
"Duo, Heero said smugly. I got a present for you back at the hotel."
Duo's eyes litterly lit up and a goofy grin appeared on his face.
"What is it Heero? A new gundam toy or maybe some food?"
Laughing at Duo, Heero thought a better gift then that and one you would never think of. Duo continued to bombard poor Heero with questions all the way to the car and back to the hotel room. When they were at the door Heero looked up into Duo's eyes and smiled. I am a lucky man to have found you Duo and I am glad that I love you, he thought happily. Reaching up and threading his fingers into Duo's hair, he pulled him down for a slow kiss. The kiss sparked between them and they both let out soft groans of desire. Pulling back Heero looked up into Duo's Cobalt eyes and saw love shining there. Time for this later.
"Close your eyes Duo."
"Huh, okay Heero if ya say so."
Pushing open the door, Heero smiled at the sight before him and said softly, "Open your eyes Duo."
Opening his eyes Duo let out a shocked gasp and a huge grin spread across his face.
"Welcome back Duo!" everyone shouted in unison.
There stood right in front of him was Trowa, Quatre, Wu Fei, Sally, Relena, Zechs, Noin, and Catherine. Everyone had silly smiles on there faces and he felt happy. But what shocked him the most was when Hilde appeared behind Relena and walked up to Duo. She smiled up at him and her dark blue eyes twinkled mischievously at him. Smiling down at her in return, Duo let out a whoop and swung her up in his arms.
Laughing at him Hilde replied, "I am glad that you found the one you were looking for Duo and hope we can still be friends again."
"But how did ya find me Hilde? How did you know about us? I mean we lost contact long ago."
"Thank Heero over there. He was the one who found me, told me he loved you, and arranged this party just for you."
Setting Hilde down he glanced over at Heero and began to walk towards him. Everyone stopped talking and just watched the two quietly. Duo looked down at Heero.
Sliding his arms around Heero, he said with love, "Thank you Heero, I love you now and always."
There was a slight gasp from someone and a cheer as well. But Heero and Duo were not paying attention on anyone but each other.
Tears filled Heero Yuy's eyes and made his Prussian Blue's sparkle. Smiling back at Duo and blinking back tears Heero said, "Aishiteru, Duo."
Looking up at Duo, Heero pulled him down for a long slow kiss. There was a loud cheer but neither of them noticed.
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The End