by Bane
Rating: R
Pairings: Same as last time.
Warnings:
Disclaimer: I don't
own them and I don't make any money from them. Authors Notes: Firstly I'd like
to thank my new Beta, Kat for bearing with me, as we worked out the kinks. This
follows on from 'New Year Resolutions' so I suppose it's a sequel.
January 3rd, AC 200
If I screw my eyes up my reflection doesn't look that bad, unfortunately that's not the way the rest of the world is going to see me. I slowly turn to the side and grab my behind. It doesn't feel fat, but it sure as hell looks huge in the mirror, and I know it's the mirrors fault because this suit cost me far too much for it to be the cause of my fat butt.
I look at my watch and find that I still have time to try and find an excuse for not going. I could tell them that I'm sick, which wouldn't exactly be lying; because at this precise moment my nerves have my guts so knotted they want to become a new design on my carpet. I need a drink so its time to sidle over to my not so empty fridge. Yeah, yeah I went shopping yesterday so sue me. It was no big deal really just some food, drink, a new suit and oh yeah I nearly forgot, a christening gift for Martinus.
Yes, I'm going to the christening, but don't ask me when Zechs changed my mind over that, because I don't remember. Yeah and you can stop thinking that as well. It certainly wasn't because he fucked me senseless then asked me while I was too far gone to be thinking coherently. If you must know for all that he's got blue eyes, Zechs seems to be the perfect gentleman, unlike some who shall remain nameless. The most heated it got was me squeezing his ass while we had a game of tonsil hockey then he left my office just after one o'clock without saying much other than he'd phone me the following day.
Now I think about it I wonder what his driver thought when Zechs got in the car, because he looked slightly ruffled and very flushed, which I more or less mirrored. Lucky for me then that I didn't have to face a room full of friends, family and notable dignitaries while looking like I had just gone ten rounds with a boxer holding a feather duster.
He did phone me yesterday and we talked but I was slightly distracted so maybe that's when I changed my mind. I honestly don't remember. It's irrelevant now anyway because here I am all dressed up and ready to go.
Knock! Well that's derailed my train of thought, what the hell is making that noise. Knock! There it is again. Oh shit, it's my car. I give my watch a quick glance to see that it's almost eleven. Fuck where did the time go. I grab my wallet, phone, keys, and last the christening gift before I run like a headless chicken to open my door.
I'm confronted with a rather skinny and very zit prone young man; but I use the word man loosely here, because he doesn't look old enough to be shaving let alone driving. What am I thinking; at fifteen I was blowing things up with a fucking Gundam and here I am at the age of nineteen something wondering if my driver is old enough to shave. I think I really need a reality check here.
Before I can give this anymore thought, Mr. Spotty asks me if I'm ready and then thrusts a small box about the size of his hand into my face. I give him the patented Duo Maxwell 'Get the Hell Out Of My Face' stare, but this guy is too stupid to notice. I take the box then try to juggle it and my other belongings while I struggle to lock my door. Mr. Spotty doesn't offer to help; he just turns around and heads for the elevator. On the third attempt, I manage to engage the lock. While I still have a hand free, I give my driver the finger just as the elevator doors are closing. I don't think he saw me but I feel slightly better for it.
As I wait for the elevator to come, back up I begin to feel uncomfortable and I can't quite put my finger on why I feel this way all of a sudden.
"Duo! Going somewhere nice?" The elevators back and my neighbor steps out while eyeing me up and down. Fran is a lovely woman; I have to say that because she comes in and cleans my apartment once a week. Mind you when I first moved in, she had a fit when she found out I was gay. It was six months before I actually found out that it wasn't me being gay, which got her goat, she didn't like Heero. Join the queue honey.
"If St. Justin's constitutes nice, then yes I suppose so." This conversation isn't distracting me from my niggling worry.
"So that explains the new suit. It looks good on you Duo; the lilac in the pinstripe makes your eyes sparkle," Fran knows the inside of my wardrobe better than I do. Well I suppose she should considering she spends most of the time washing it and hanging it up after I've hung it on the floor. "And I suppose that also explains the fancy car out front."
Shit, that's it, the car! If it's a fucking fluffy pink Rolls I'm turning right around and going back to bed for the rest of the day. A team of wild horses couldn't drag me within one hundred miles of that unnatural abomination. "Fran the car's not pink by any chance?" Is that a note of fear creeping into my voice? Hell yes!
Fran taps a finger to her lip in thought before answering me. "It's a Bentley; nobody in their right mind would have a pink one Duo." She starts to laugh at me as I physically sag against the wall.
"Yeah well it just so happens that I know someone who owns a candy floss pink Rolls Royce." Ha that's shut her up, she looks mortified.
"Your joking right?" I just shake my. "Oh some people should be ashamed of themselves." I have to agree with Fran on this. Hear that Mrs. Darlian-Yuy-Peacecraft or whatever your name is now, you should be ashamed of yourself; using that fucking pink passion wagon to seduce other people's boyfriends. Ashamed do you hear me!
It's the pinging of the elevator doors again that remind me that I should be going. "Sorry Fran gotta go catch ya later, k." She just pushes me towards the now closing doors.
Fran's words reach me even through the now closed doors. "Don't worry Duo, I'll give your apartment a quick clean, just in case you bring someone home?" Don't hold your breath woman.
I let out an audible sigh of relief when I see a very nice metallic grey car, which looks like it should be in a museum, instead of on the roads.
Mr. Spotty notices me approaching and opens the door for me. I gratefully climb inside and sink into the back seat. Once I'm comfortable, I turn my attention to my package. I pull out the small envelope from underneath the ribbon and check that it does say Duo Maxwell before I launch my self at the box itself.
Inside is a small bottle of some dark brown liquid and a white orchid. Perhaps I should read the note. The writing inside is the same as that on the envelope and I can't help wondering who wrote it.
'Duo,
First, the Sanqian brandy is for your nerves. I suggest you drink it in one go because the ride is not going to be long.
Second, I also hope that I am not being too presumptuous in supplying you with a buttonhole, but I have been informed that it may have slipped your mind and finally do not worry. Nothing is ever as bad as it appears.
Zechs.
Sorry I almost forgot; do not put your feet up on my seats I have only just had them reupholstered.'
Cheeky bastard, don't put your feet up on my new upholstery, I'm half tempted too do it in spite, but I've just noticed Mr. Spotty watching me in the rear view mirror. The temptation to stick my tongue out is almost overwhelming but I remember my manners just in time. Yes, I do have them even if I don't use them that often.
I crack open the miniature bottle of brandy and do exactly as Zechs says. Urrrgh this stuff doesn't get any easier to drink but I do feel myself calm a little when it hits my stomach, sadly the taste is making other bits of me get excited and I get a mental picture of putting more than my feet up on Zechs' upholstery. Down boy down.
Shit, we're here. The door opens and I find myself face to face with Noin. "Duo!" Do I detect a note of surprise in her voice? I don't think she expected to find me in the car. She takes the orchid and christening present from me so that I can use both hands to extricate myself from the car. Once out I pull my self together and quickly check to make sure that I'm not sticking out in all the wrong places.
Noin hands me back the present but keeps the orchid and starts to put it where it's supposed to go. It's only now that I realize she's wearing a dress uniform and a quick glance about reveals several other people wearing dress uniforms too.
"Noin, what gives with the uniform?" How could I have been so stupid?
"Don't worry Duo, it was a last minute thing. Relena only decided about it late last night and we only had time to get in touch with a few people." She stands back to assess her handy work giving the orchid one last tug to make sure that it's secure. "Anyway I think you look good in the suit and I know someone else who will agree with me." Speaking of Zechs where is he?
Noin takes the present from me yet again and hands it to a passing aide, as she comes to stand beside me, her arm linking with mine. She begins to pull me towards the cathedral steps and the awaiting media circus just up ahead.
The press are taking pictures of everyone that crosses their path and Noin and I are no exception. My eyes are still watering slightly from the flashes when I suddenly see him. Oh, fuck me but he's beautiful. Beautiful, are men supposed to be beautiful no probably not, but handsome just seems like a bit of an understatement. I shouldn't really be having these thoughts I mean until New Years Eve I had never given Zechs a second thought. As far as I was concerned he was Relena's brother, my commanding officer and an ex enemy from the war. I had never once thought of kissing him or anything else for that matter but now my whole body is lusting after him. That's it, it's lust, and nothing as complicated as love so why does it piss me off to think that he has blue eyes.
"Duo you're staring." I glare at Noin, but she doesn't seem bothered. "People are gonna notice." My response is to give her a disgusted snort as I try to look at anything but Zechs; God but its hard. Hey don't laugh, didn't your mother ever tell you that it's cruel to mock the afflicted. Once again, I'm glad that this jacket hides a multitude of sins. My only problem now will be getting up the steps without my third leg tripping me.
I can't help myself as my eyes drift back to Zechs. He's wearing a uniform but its nothing like the others. Long black boots, tight black trousers, dress sword, a short black jacket with enough gold braiding to reach the colonies and back; and still have enough to spare for a quick trip around the earth. His hair is pulled back with a black bow while it falls in one long ringlet. He kinda looks like a painting I saw once in a museum. It was of a soldier from the Bubonic or Napoleonic Wars, well it ended with a 'onic' anyway, history was never my strong point. The only thing he's short of is the horse and the really bad moustache.
Well I know what I'm going to do when I get home. Perhaps I can give him green eyes or maybe I could use that ribbon as a blindfold. I'm completely lost in my own little lust filled world when I fell a sharp dig in my ribs.
"What!" That came out a bit louder than I'd intended and several guests turn to look at me.
"You haven't been listening to a word I've said, have you?" I start to open my mouth and think better of it. "I shouldn't be surprised, when that's my competition." Noin points at Zechs who is making his way towards us down the steps.
"What's the problem Zechs?" Is that what Noin's been talking to me about? I can feel my cheeks starting to burn slightly with my embarrassment.
"Relena and Heero's car is stuck in traffic somewhere between here and the Hotel. I begged her not to use that pink monstrosity because it attracts too much bloody attention but does she listen to me, no. It's only redeeming feature is that you can never lose it. I'm sure the thing is probably visible from space." He definitely has a sense of humor, but I'm sorry Zechs never losing it is not a redeeming feature, it's a curse.
Zechs turns his attention to me after his little tirade and must notice my still flaming cheeks because he gently lays a hand on my shoulder, tilting his head to the side slightly as if to see me more clearly. "Are you feeling alright Duo? You look a little uncomfortable." A gloved finger gently brushes against my cheek; shit I hadn't even felt him move his hand I'd been so preoccupied with my previous thoughts and his voice was so absorbing. The heat in my face is getting unbearable. He seems reluctant to move his hand but as the photographers start to take pictures of a new arrival he turns is attention to them and addresses Noin as he leaves us. "Lu perhaps you can accompany Duo to his seat, I will join you shortly."
"Come on Duo, you heard the man." I allow her to guide me up the steps and inside the building while trying not to look over my shoulder and back to where we have left Zechs. Once inside she continues to drag me along in her wake until we reach the first row of pews. She points to the second row and I slide in and sit down, Noin sliding in next to me.
Now that I have the opportunity, I look around me to see who else is here. Across the aisle, I can see Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei their heads pulled in close as if discussing something. To my relief only Trowa and Wufei are wearing dress uniforms; Quatre is wearing a light grey suit.
I felt a slight stabbing pain in my chest when I realize that it wasn't just Heero who I severed all contact with. I've hardly spoken to them either and it isn't until now that I suddenly realize how much I've missed them, even Wufei. Am I sad or what?
Its not surprising that it's Quatre who stops mid conversation and turns to look around his face instantly lighting up when he sees me staring at him. He gives me a quick wave and a smile before saying something to Trowa and Wufei who also turn to look at me. Trowa just gives me a nod with a smile almost making it onto his face while Wufei just glares at me, no change there.
I consider asking Noin if I can go over and have a quick word with them but suddenly this terrible music starts and every one begins to stand. I do likewise and quickly glance over my shoulder to see Relena and Heero coming up the aisle, Zechs following behind. Noin gives my arm a reassuring squeeze before she leaves me to go and stand on the other side of the aisle.
I refuse to look up as I feel the breeze from their passing, then I can feel someone close by. I turn my head just enough, so that I can see without whoever it is noticing my furtive gaze. To my surprise, it's not Noin standing next to me, but Zechs. He must know that I'm looking at him because he's smiling and it spread to his eyes making them seem even more blue than usual. The music changes again and a choir starts singing from somewhere up above and I reluctantly drag my eyes back to the front.
I've been on autopilot for the last three quarters of an hour because this whole thing is just soooo dull. Stand up, sing something you've never heard before, sit down, kneel, pray, repeat until bored and the guy hasn't even tried to drown the baby yet. I can't take much more of this, I know that I'm fidgeting but I can't help it.
Ouch, someone has just pulled my hair. I know that the next few rows of seats behind me are empty, so that leaves Merquise. I turn to glare at him only to be caught unawares when he leans in and whispers in my ear. "Duo, I think it best if you don't fiddle with my sword in public."
What? Then I become aware of what I'm doing, I don't even have to look at my hands to know that my right is wrapped around the hilt while my left is gently twisting the ornate gold tassel. The subtle innuendo is not lost on me and I can feel myself go very, very red as my breakfast considers making a mad dash for freedom. I quickly let go, giving Zechs a sickly smile, and promptly sit on my hands before they can get me into any more trouble. I've not felt this embarrassed since, no, I don't want to go there.
Just as Zechs leans forward, again to whisper in my ear every one is standing and the Darlian-Yuy-Peacecrafts glide past us. Before I can say anything Zechs has grabbed my elbow and is pulling me out of my seat. I give him an indignant look, but he just ignores it and in return gives me a somewhat wolfish smile. At this precise moment in time, he looks like a predatory animal. I can feel his hand on my back for a brief moment as he propels me alongside himself and I try not to pay any attention to some of the guests who are giving us strange looks.
Once out side I try to put some distance between Zechs and myself, but its fruitless as Noin suddenly appears from nowhere, draping her arm across my shoulder while giving Zechs a sly smile. "I think that your car has just pulled up." She waves her hand absently at the now growing line of cars. Out of the corner of my eye, I can just make out the pink thing pulling away and I let out a mental sigh of relief. "I was actually wondering if there was room for two more."
"Why?" Zechs is giving Noin a look that would be more suited to an interrogator. "You're up to some thing Lu, and if I."
"So has he said yes yet?" I recognize the voice straight away and start to laugh, as Sally sidles up to us, looking like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.
"I was just working on that before you showed up. So is that a yes." Noin turns her attention back to Zechs who is now eyeing both women as if they were highly unstable explosive devices, which isn't very far from the truth in my experience.
"Fine." He just shakes his head as he starts towards the car Noin and Sally falling easily in at his side. You see years of military training does have its benefits.
Mr. Spotty finally got out of the driver's seat and opened the back door for them. It isn't until both women are inside before Zechs realizes that I'm not standing beside him. He turns around and looks at me before he speaks as if he already knows what to expect. "I thought that perhaps you had changed your mind about the reception." He sounds a little upset but that's not my fault; I never made any promises.
"I said I would come to the christening and here I am, but I don't think I can handle the reception, sorry Zechs maybe some other time." There is definitely a look of disappointment on his face, which he isn't trying to hide from me as he begins to climb into the back of the car.
"Oh for fucks sake out of my way Zechs!" Noin is clambering over Zechs' knee, and he looks absolutely dumbstruck, which goes for the many guests who hear her outburst. I just stand rooted to the spot as she comes barreling towards me. When she drapes her arm around my shoulders and starts to drag me towards the car I go willingly in the hopes of not drawing any more unwanted attention to us. Halfway to the car she whispers in my ear. "You've spent the last half hour playing with his saber in public, the least you can do is rattle it for him in private." She starts laughing as she bundles me into the awaiting car, while I'm fucking mortified by what she's just said.
I have never had a more uncomfortable ride in my life, fifteen minutes of sheer HELL on earth. Yes the hell does merit capital letters because it was that bad. Zechs just glared at Noin for the whole time, while she chatted with Sally as if nothing was wrong. Sally on the other hand seemed a little on edge by the whole thing and kept giving me worrying looks every time I risked raising my head, the only person that was smiling was Mr. Spotty. Probably the most fun he'd had all day. The jerk!
The moment Mr. Spotty opens the door, Zechs grabs my hand and helps me out of the car, all the while glaring at Noin. Noin has the good grace to stay in the car and give Zechs some space. However, I am not afforded that luxury as he tightens his grip on my hand and starts to pull me towards a rather secluded door to the left of the main entrance where the rest of the guests are beginning to file through.
The door leads to a small dimly lit bar. The only other person here is the guy behind the bar and he doesn't even look up as we enter he just continues to read the paper.
I let Zechs guide me towards a small booth in the corner, where he leaves me, and heads to the bar, without even asking me what I'm drinking. I can't help but watch him closely as he makes his way around tables and chairs, his ass swaying ever so slightly as he moves. Even after the ride from hell, my body is still willing to tell me that it's hungry.
I start to undo a few of the buttons on my jacket because I suddenly feel very hot and almost jump out of my skin when a bottle of beer is put in front of me.
My attention firmly back on Zechs now, I watch as he puts down a huge glass, then half fill it with the contents of a rather dusty bottle. Once he's satisfied with the measure, he lifts the glass to his lips and downs the drink without even flinching. He places the empty glass back on the table and refills it, but leaves it untouched. Instead, he begins to undo the clasps holding his sword in place; once it's free, he lets it clatter onto the table and then pulls his gloves off and throws them down as well before sliding down next to me.
Neither of us has spoken since Noin dragged me into the car and the silence is starting to drive me nuts. Silence is my worst enemy, I hear silence and its like I'm compelled to fill it, even if its with utter drivel.
I'm just about to open my mouth when Zechs beats me to it. "What did she say to you before you got to the car?" He looks at me from over the top of his glass. "You looked terrified"
Fuck, what am I going to tell him. I can't tell him what she actually said to me, I mean she basically told me to, no don't go there Duo you're already on the verge of doing something stupid without letting him know.
I open and close my mouth like a goldfish before taking a drink from my beer. He's still looking at me as if he expects an answer.
"I assume that this silence means that you don't want to lie to me." I just nod my head and take anther swig of beer. It seems that I have created another awkward silence.
After a few moments, Zechs puts his glass down and then closes his eyes and leans his head back against the wall. It gives me the opportunity to watch him without him seeing me do it, but knowing who it is I'm dealing with, he's probably well aware that I'm staring.
The truth is I can't be bothered any more. He said he wanted to prove that not all blue-eyed men are bastards. Let's see how far he's willing to go.
I move with all the speed I've accumulated over the years before I can talk myself out of it and quickly straddle Zechs' lap. His eyes snap open and he looks at me with a slightly confused look crossing his face. I don't give him the opportunity to speak as I grab the front of his jacket and pull him towards me. I let my tongue flick across his lips and find him opening up for me. I push him further into the seat as I explore the inside of his mouth with my tongue. He only allows me to have my own way for a few moments before he starts to press my questing tongue back into my own mouth as his hands grab my hips and pulls me closer still.
It's lack of air that finally separates us. Zechs is looking at me from beneath his lashes, and I can just make out the color of his eyes now. They've gone from pale blue to deep sapphire such a pretty color. Its just dawned on me that in all the time I was with Heero, we never kissed in public, god knows I tried hard enough but he always managed to get out of it. Come to think of it, Heero was never much of a touchy feely guy. I suppose I should be thankful that's not the case for his brother-in-law here.
I'm just about to go for a second helping when a loud grunt makes both Zechs and I turn to face the direction of the bar: the bartender is glaring at us his face twisted in disgust. He reminds me of a pit bull terrier chewing a wasp. I start to giggle and make to get off Zechs' lap because I don't want to cause any trouble; I've had my fun anyway. So to hear a soft groan escape his lips as I wriggle to get off is a total surprise.
His grip on my hips tightens and he leans forward until his mouth is brushing my ear and his tongue snakes over the lobe before he gives it a gentle nip. "You're not going anywhere until I've calmed down." Oh sweet jesus but that voice is so, wait a minute what did he just say?
I give the bartender a furtive look, but find that he's now hiding behind his paper in total denial, probably hoping that we'll go away. Well now that I know what he's doing it's time for me to get back to what I was doing.
Zechs is still holding my hips and I'm still clutching the front of his jacket so I use it as leverage to grind myself against him while searching out his lips once more. I can feel him pushing back and he feels so hard. I'm immediately reminded that this isn't such a good idea as both of us begin to moan gently into each others mouths.
I'm just wondering how far we can take this when I hear someone calling for Milliardo. The voice makes my blood run cold and it's not just me for once. Zechs physically flinches when he hears her. Luckily its dark where were sitting and I don't think she saw me as I tried to get off Zechs' lap without looking obvious.
"There you are Milliardo, Noin said that I would find you here." She's all smiles and happy, happy and I really hate her for it. "Some of the guests have been asking where you were, so I told them that I would come find you." I suppose we're lucky that her voice has had at least one beneficial effect on both of us. At least we can both walk out of this bar with some dignity and no limp. Gee thanks Relena.