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"A Little Less Normal"Written By: Clara Barton Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing. The following is an intellectual exercise with no intention of profit. That said, these characterizations, words, and situations are mine. Please ask before reprinting.
Warnings: AU, Yaoi, Lemon, Language, Angst, Romance Pairings: 3x2, 1x5, past 3x4 Summary: Trowa Barton starts a new job and intends to start a new life, free of complications like falling in love with your boss. But life doesn't go as planned, and Trowa struggles to find balance between work, love, and handsome strangers. A/N: This fic will feature several different pairings - and probably not the ones that you expect after a first glance. This is told in third person POV, but it will switch to different characters with each chapter. While not a crossover, I definitely want to acknowledge that the TV series, "Dirty Sexy Money" and the movie Two Weeks Notice both influenced me to write this. I would appreciate any feedback, whether it be negative or positive, criticism or lavish praise. Lavish praise preferred.
"A Little Less Normal "
Chapter XI It had been two weeks since the last disastrous board meeting when Darlian had tried to convince the board to turn over Yuy Inc. to Khushrenada. The two weeks had been surprisingly peaceful. Heero was finally making headway with his plans to turn Yuy Inc. into a leading power in sustainability research and development. The company was slowly taking small steps to move the bulk of their assets into that market. Duo had actually put forth several proposals that did just that, while at the same time lining the pockets of the board members with enough profit that they had enthusiastically agreed to his plans. Darlian remained resentful, and tried to intervene whenever possible to delay the plans, but Duo was slowly charming the board into trusting him. It was a relief for Heero, not only because it allowed him to focus his attention on other things, but because Duo was no longer antagonizing him at every turn. His focus seemed to have shifted away from razzing Heero and flirting with Trowa to getting his job done. Even outside of work, Duo had been more tolerable. Ever since he had been granted custody of Nathalie, Celia insisted on having everyone out to the Hamptons for Sunday brunch and a family dinner on Wednesday nights. As much as she never appreciated the role of mother, she was embracing that of grandmother. Heero wondered if, all this time, Celia had really just been desperate for a daughter. It wasn't so much that Duo was a different person now, but he was less intense when he did get into arguments with Heero, and he seemed to devote more of his time and energy to planning for the future. The next Sunday, after brunch, Celia encouraged Duo and Heero to stay for a few hours and make use of the tennis court while she took Nathalie shopping. Heero found it interesting that whenever Celia demanded one on one time with her, Nathalie would look at Celia with a mixture of affection and fear – as though she appreciated the attention, but was terrified of making a mistake that would result in punishment. It had been years since the two of them had played on the court, and Heero felt a sense of nostalgia as they stepped onto the red clay court. "Been a while, huh?" Duo said, his lips turned upwards. "I don't think we've played on this court since college." "Don't worry, I still remember the cracked spot you love to serve into," Heero nodded at the divot in the clay a few feet from his side of the net. Duo had taken ruthless advantage of that spot for as long as it had existed. "Ah, I can beat you without it anyway," Duo smirked back. "Prove it," Heero challenged just before he served the ball. The game went quickly – as any competition between the two of them did – but it was enjoyable. The taunts they traded were light, and Heero could almost imagine that they were back in college. Except that, by the end, Heero felt more winded than he would have ten years ago. "Good game," Duo said as they left the court. Heero was perversely pleased that Duo was breathing a little harder than he was. "We should play more often," Heero commented, frowning slightly when he realized he meant it. "You like defeat that much?" Duo joked. Heero rolled his eyes. "You barely won – and besides – look at yourself. Do you exercise at all?" It was Duo's turn to roll his eyes. "I don't run a marathon every morning like you, bro. But I try to stay limber. I have a great workout for that, you know, it requires a partner, but it's –" Duo stopped talking and ducked the tennis ball Heero threw at his head. "You should start using the gym at the office. You aren't going to be thirty forever." " Chill out, Mother. I've got a stationary bike at home that I bike ten miles on every morning. I'm fine." "We used to run together, in high school." "We used to race in high school. We're something like the world's worst running partners. And my left knee isn't so great, so I keep to the bike these days." Heero had forgotten about Duo's knee and the ligament tears he had suffered his senior year of high school during a baseball game. "You okay?" Heero asked, nodding back at the court. "I'm not an invalid. I just don't like to pound the concrete like you do. Which, let me say, you're going to regret when you need knee replacements in four years. You should use that fancy indoor track at the office." "I'll keep that in mind, Mother." Duo chuckled to have it thrown back at him. "Walk on the beach?" Duo suggested. Heero nodded and followed him through the dunes and onto the beach. It was late spring, and the horizon was gray with the clouds of a distant storm, the waves small and choppy. "Thank you," Heero said after several minutes of companionable silence. Duo slanted a look at him. "You're welcome?" "These past few weeks – you've been amazing at work. I really appreciate it. I knew you could be, I just didn't think you would do it. I don't know what changed, but I'm grateful that you're trying." Duo scowled. "Yeah, well, this is what Dad wanted us to do. Old man always got his way, so I figured there was no point fighting it." "I'm sorry you had to quit your job." And Heero actually was. Duo had created a life for himself, doing what he wanted to, and Heero – and Odin – had forced him to abandon it. "Yeah, well, I'm sorry for being pissed off at you for the last three years," Duo muttered. Heero arched an eyebrow. "Only the last three?" "Whatever. No, you know I should have kept in touch with you more. I should have, I dunno, visited you or something. I mean, hell, you were in Macau for three years!" "I remember." "It wasn't right for Dad to ship you off like that, and it wasn't right for me to just… let it go. I should have done something." "Duo, it wasn't – I don't know. There wasn't anything you could have done. Or even should have done. I'm glad it gave you the chance to get out, but, it was my mistake. My fault." "The hell it was – Dad's the one who trusted that bastard." "And I'm the one who slept with him and believed him when he said that Odin was getting too old and losing sight of the future. I was such an idiot." Even now, three years later, it was hard for Heero to look back on his mistakes and not feel self-loathing. "Well, you were young." "I was twenty-seven. Not that young." "Well, you always were kind of stupid." "Thanks." Heero punched Duo in the shoulder. "I'm just saying – it wasn't entirely your fault. Yeah, you got swept up in the charm of Treize Khushrenada, aristocrat and European asshole extraordinaire. Dad should have tried to talk to you and work things out instead of just giving you the boot." "I tried to take over his own company." "Which he eventually wanted you to do anyway. Look, I'm not saying what you did was right, but it wasn't the worst thing ever. God, I remember you saying that you wanted to marry that fucker. That just blew Dad's mind.' Heero frowned as a sudden thought occurred to him. "Duo, I realized pretty quickly after that that Khushrenada was just using me to gain control of Yuy Inc." "I know. I, ah, sort of eavesdropped on your breakup at the office." "Thanks. But I'm saying – I thought I loved him, but as soon as I realized, I was done. Over him." "Yeah. I know." Duo repeated. "But did Odin?" Duo frowned as he considered that. "Holy shit." Duo stopped walking as he let that sink in. "It's crazy, right? Odin would never –" Heero was interrupted by Duo swearing again. "Holy fucking shit. Son of a bitch. It makes perfect fucking sense now. Jesus. Fuck. Why didn't I realize this was what he fucking planned?" Duo's hands were tangled in his own hair. He looked exasperated and furious. It would have been an amusing look, under different circumstances. "Dad thought you still loved him. Dad was trying to…fuck, Dad was trying to let you go. He was trying to apologize." "A phone call would have been better," Heero muttered. "Shit. All this time I thought he was just trying to fuck with you – shit." Heero allowed himself a smirk as he sat down on the beach. Duo flopped down beside him. "Well? How about it? I'll confess my eternal devotion to Treize, give him Yuy Inc., and you can go back to being a school teacher." "Fuck that. I want to bury that bastard for what he did to you, and to Wufei. Besides, do YOU want to give the company to him? I thought you had all these dreams for how to change the world." "Don't you want to go back to your own dreams for changing the world? One math student at a time?" Heero challenged. "Eh. I can wait a year. But, seriously, Heero, think about this. This is actually a chance for you to get out. Actually out. You could be done with the company. You could go… put up a tent somewhere in the desert and I don't know, research global warming. Or you could run some real marathons… or, I dunno, go out on a date with someone who isn't a crazy asshole trying to destroy the world." It was said in a joking tone, but Heero considered it. This was a chance for him to do whatever he wanted. He could fight for this company – his father's legacy – or he could let it go. "I don't want out," he concluded after a few minutes spent staring out at the water. "Alright then. We'll stick with the plan. Which reminds me, crushing Khushrenada is part of the plan, right?" "Yes, it definitely is." "Good, cuz I really hate that bastard." "Duo?" "Heero?" "How is it so easy for you to pick up guys?" "Have you met me?" Duo smirked. "I'm handsome, intelligent, handsome, charming, really handsome, and –" "I'm serious. You've never had problems finding guys." "Well, I try." Heero frowned. "I don't understand." "Heero – you're my brother, and I love you, but sometimes… . Look, you spend ALL of your time at the office. You always have – when we were kids, you always had a list of priorities, and your social life was always dead last. I used to wonder why you even bothered to come out because you never even went out on dates with anyone." "It's important to focus on work, to get things settled and moving in the right direction." "Sure, of course it is. But you know, one day – maybe soon, maybe in a long time – you're going to die. And if you've spent your entire life just getting things settled… I worry that you're going to miss out on having fun." "I'd like more than to just have fun with someone." "Me too – but you gotta start somewhere." "You said you're dating someone right now – how did you meet him?" Duo's shoulders tensed and he looked away. "I, ah, ran into him on the street, actually. It was a few weeks ago – when you asked me to come in to the office and sign some stuff, back before the reading of the will." "The day I interviewed Trowa." Duo shrugged. "Sure. Well, I was walking and I ran into this guy, spilled his coffee all over his suit. I'm talking doused him in boiling hot coffee. But he didn't flip out and start yelling at me, and he was hot. AND he liked my cholera joke." Duo smiled at that, shook his head, and kept going. "So I convinced him to let me buy him a new suit, and then convinced him to grab drinks with me that night. We just…hit it off." The frown on Duo's face seemed to imply otherwise. "Then why are you frowning?" "Oh. Ah, we broke up a few weeks ago, actually. So, you know – I'm not a great role model for relationships." Heero snorted a laugh. It had seemed that since the age of fifteen, Duo had been in and out of a new relationship every week. "He lasted a long time, compared to some of the others." Duo frowned. "You have this idea that I just jump into bed with any guy I meet." "Don't you?" Heero asked, somewhat amused by Duo's denial. He still remembered Duo's disastrous affair with the tabloid photographer his freshman year of college. "No. I don't. I grew up, you know. I don't want a trashy guy of the month – I haven't since I was nineteen." Heero frowned, considering. He never would have pegged Duo for the type to adopt a troubled ten year old – not because he didn't care about her, but because Heero still pictured Duo as his annoying little brother who managed to charm a date out of every guy that Heero had ever been interested in and too intimidated to ask out. "I guess you did grow up," Heero conceded. Duo rolled his eyes. "Yeah. I did. We should probably head back, that storm's getting closer." Heero stood and held out a hand to help Duo up. Duo accepted with a smirk that had Heero planting his feet firmly. "So suspicious," Duo chuckled as he brushed sand off of his pants. They were almost back to the house when Duo started to grin, and Heero instantly put himself on guard. "What?" He asked suspiciously. "Just a plan. You and I are going out and we're going to get you a date." "Duo –" "No, no. I insist. And this is great timing – one of the galleries we – er, I – own has a show opening tomorrow night. We're going." "And it's bound to be filled with eligible, gay men? What is it, a collection of male nudes?" Heero scoffed. Duo chuckled. "Close. It's actually a sports photographer – and his theme is the body in motion. So, yeah, I'm pretty confident there will be some eligible gay men there." "I've got work." "Heero. You're coming. I'm CEO of Yuy Inc, and I'm giving you the night off." "I'm the president, I outrank you." "Yeah, well – I'll tell Mom that you're practically living out of the office." Heero's eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't." "Try me," Duo challenged, an edge to his smirk. Heero did not want or need his mother involved in his personal life, which is exactly what she would do if she suspected he didn't have one. "What time?" He finally sighed. " I'll swing by the office and pick you up at eight-thirty." "What about Nathalie?" "Well obviously she's coming too – kid needs to learn how to use a decent pick up line." Heero turned to him in horror. "Kidding. Jeez. Sara will keep an eye on her. And you can't wear a suit – make sure you bring a change of clothes with you." "Duo, I do know how to dress for social occasions. Our mother raised me too. But this –" "Don't even think of backing out on me. I will hunt you down – and if necessary, I will hand deliver a naked, eligible gay man to your desk with a bow around him. But you ARE coming with me tomorrow night." Heero shrugged. "You win." "I know." Duo grinned widely. "Alright, I'm going to rescue the kid and we're off. See you tomorrow morning." "See you," Heero called to Duo's retreating back. He remained on the back terrace, staring out into the sea as the storm clouds continued to gather. "Darling, come in before it starts to rain," Celia said as she joined him there a few minutes later. "I will. Were you able to spoil Nathalie in the two hours we gave you?" Heero asked. Celia smiled. "I can spoil that child in ten minutes. But this wasn't about her, actually. I took her shopping to get Duo's birthday present." Heero frowned, and then remembered – Duo's birthday was next Saturday. "I forgot." "Well, now you've remembered. We will be having a small affair here, Saturday afternoon." "The cookout?" Heero asked in amusement. "Of course. You know Duo. Oh, I sent an invitation – but please do remind Trowa that he is invited." "I will." "Such a lovely young man – and his sister is a dear. I do hope he makes it." Heero frowned, wondering why his mother cared that much. She brought Trowa up every once in a while, seemingly trying to bait either Heero or Duo into showing interest. At first it had seemed as though she was exclusively plotting to fix Trowa up with Heero, but recently she had taken to including Duo in discussions on the lawyers assets. "I'm sure he will try. He likes Duo." Or at least, he had. Now that Heero thought about it, things had certainly chilled between the two. Trowa was still polite and still tried to mediate any arguments between them, but Duo no longer tried to flirt or joke with him. Heero wondered what had happened there. "Hm? Yes, I think he does, too." Celia gave him a slight smile and a kiss on the cheek. "Well, you should head back into the city before the storm arrives. I will see you on Wednesday night." Heero took the dismissal with good grace. His mother had always been independent, and when she wanted you to leave it was best to do so. He spent the drive back into Manhattan going over paperwork for tomorrow, and mentally cataloguing options for Duo's birthday present.
Even though he had spent most of the day trying to think of excuses to get out of going, by eight on Monday night Heero had accepted the fact that he would have to go, and had changed into more casual clothes. He had put on his jeans and was halfway through buttoning up his black dress shirt when Trowa entered his office. "I finished going over the Macau liquidation papers, everything looks – oh. Sorry." Trowa had entered with his head down, looking over a stack of papers in his hand, but then he looked up and took in Heero's attire. "No, it's fine. I, ah, Duo and I are going out." Heero felt ridiculous explaining, but the speculative look on Trowa's face made him want to. "Hm. You look good." Heero grinned slightly. "Hopefully Duo will approve. He's intent on us carousing tonight." "Heero Yuy, carousing on a Monday night?" Trowa joked. He perched on the arm of one of the chairs in the office and watched in obvious amusement as Heero put his shoes back on. "Not my idea. Duo is intent on setting me up and proving that the Yuy charm is still strong," he growled. "Oh – Mother wanted me to remind you about Duo's birthday party on Saturday." Trowa seemed to tense. "I'm not sure I can make it. I told my sister I would spend the day with her and her kids." "Bring them." Trowa seemed taken aback. "It's a cookout, out at the Hamptons. Just a small party – and Mother likes your sister. Plus, aren't her children around Nathalie's age? I'm sure she would like some company." "I don't want to impose." "You won't be." Trowa still looked unsure. "And I need you there so you can run interference between me and Relena." Trowa rolled his eyes. "I see." "That is, unless you are just trying to avoid spending time with my brother." Trowa's head came up and his eyes narrowed. "I'm not." "Hm. These past two weeks – your relationship with him has changed. He doesn't flirt with you anymore – did something happen?" Heero wondered if Duo had asked Trowa out and been shot down. That could explain the sudden coolness, but even then, Heero wondered. Trowa shrugged. "He's become more intense and focused here at the office." "As intense and focused as he is, Duo ALWAYS makes time to flirt with attractive men," Heero pointed out. "I'll ask Catherine if she would like to bring the kids on Saturday." It was a rather obvious dodge, but Heero let it go. His curiosity was piqued, however, and he decided to figure out what had happened between the two. "Yo – ready to roll?" Duo had arrived and Heero looked over at him. Duo was dressed in black jeans and a blue v-neck sweater, a white undershirt underneath it just showing at the neck. He looked very casual, and effortlessly good-looking. His ability to do so had long frustrated Heero. He noticed Trowa also admiring his brother. "You look good," Duo said with a nod of approval. He looked over at Trowa and then back at Heero without commenting. "I'm glad I made you promise to go out, you work too much. Let's go." Trowa smirked at the look of bewilderment on Heero's face. "Have fun." He said as he put his papers on Heero's desk. "You could come with us," Heero said, hit with sudden inspiration. If he had to suffer through Duo trying to set him up with strangers, at least he could have a friend to suffer with him. "No, I've got plans," Trowa said almost instantly. "On a Monday night?" Heero joked. Trowa smiled weakly. "Yeah. See you both tomorrow." "What is going on between you two?" Heero demanded as soon as Trowa was gone. "I don't know what you're talking about," Duo said. "You don't flirt with him anymore." "I thought you didn't want me to," Duo argued with a scowl. "You don't even look at him anymore – or talk to him." "I look at him, it's fucking impossible not to," Duo muttered. "Just – drop it. Okay? I maybe pushed too far with him and so things are going to be awkward between us for a while. He's still doing a great job as your lawyer, so let it go." Heero took in Duo's tense posture and the hands he had shoved into his jeans pockets. It was Duo's classic defensive pose, and Heero knew he wouldn't get anything else out of his brother. "Ready?" Heero asked, offering a truce. "Born ready," Duo smirked and seemed to shrug off the earlier tension. "So, important things for you to do tonight – number one: have a good time. Number two: don't think about work. If I notice you doing it, even once, I'm calling Mom. Number three: be cool. I've seen you try to pick up guys before, and you get all tense and weird. It's like you don't realize how awesome you are." "I'm awesome?" Heero repeated, amused. "Well, yeah. Some of me MUST have rubbed off on you after all these years." Duo smirked. "But seriously, bro, you are HEERO YUY. You're rich, your successful, you've actually got decent taste in clothes, you're smart, you can be funny, you CAN be charming, and you're hot. You could have any guy you want." Heero seriously doubted that – knew it, in fact, to be false. "There are other guys besides Trowa Barton," Duo said in a strange tone. "I wasn't –" "Look, I know you're attracted to him. And obviously, he's attractive. But, I don't know, he just might not be the guy for you." Duo said. "He's involved with someone," Heero said, trying to ignore Duo's logic. "He is?" Duo asked. "Yes, you know that. He's been with someone since his first week here." Duo was now frowning, and Heero rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me you're actually attracted to him, too. I thought this was just some hobby for you that you had finally outgrown." "What? Oh, yeah. Sure." Duo seemed distracted as he waved down a cab, and Heero decided to abandon the conversation. It seemed that each of them struggled with just how to deal with Trowa. They arrived at the gallery half an hour after nine, and Heero was surprised to see just how full it was. "I've never been here," he confessed, taking in the décor and the large, steel etched sign over the entrance that read Nova Gallery. "Yeah, this is something I started working on a few years ago – after you were already in Macau. Above the gallery there's some studio spaces and some residential spaces – I lease it out to young or new artists who need a jump start. Makes for some pretty interesting shows. This guy – the artist – personal favorite of mine. I actually think you'll enjoy the art." When they entered, Duo was almost immediately swarmed by a crowd of people. Heero watched as his brother greeted them seemed to forget all about him. Shaking his head, Heero turned away and decided to actually look at the art. If he was lucky, Duo wouldn't even remember his original goal of setting Heero up, and he could actually try to enjoy himself. Duo had been right about one thing – Heero did enjoy the art. Duo had said that the theme was the human body in motion, but, ironically, every photograph was a still image, taken with an athlete poised to move, muscles coiled and and a look of intense focus on their face. Heero did a loop of the gallery and then found himself coming back to look at one in particular. It was a color photograph, with a saturated filter that intensified the sparse color palette. A young, tan male was poised to serve a tennis ball, but the ball, and his arms were out of the frame. Instead, the focus was on his face, looking upwards, his mouth curved into a slight from, sweat streaking down from his hair, his eyes dark and full of some powerful emotion. "This is my favorite," a voice said. Heero turned, startled. He had been so focused on looking at the photograph that he hadn't heard anyone approach. Standing just to his right was a man near Heero's own height, with brown hair and intense blue eyes. His face was tan and filled with strong lines. He was handsome, but not in the breathtaking way that Trowa was. And he was wearing a suit. Heero's lips twitched at that. He wondered what Duo would think of the man, daring to wear corporate attire in such a bohemian atmosphere. "It's riveting," Heero agreed, turning back to the work. "It's the eyes – every time I look at him I wonder, what's he thinking? Is he afraid? Nervous? Excited?" "I like that you can't tell," Heero said. "It's interesting – his body is so sculpted and perfect, yet his eyes – those are very human. Not perfect at all." "Are you a tennis fan?" The man asked. Heero shrugged. "A play a little, but I don't follow it. I prefer baseball." Heero nodded across the gallery at another photograph that had captured his eye. It was a large black and white photograph of a base runner, leading off of first. The man's torso and legs framed the shot, but the focus was on his hands, dangling between his legs, absolutely still and yet somehow vibrating with energy. "I love the moment captured in that one. You can almost hear his heartbeat. It's amazing how much energy there is in it considering that there is no movement." "So you're a fan of the artist?" The man seemed amused. Heero shrugged. "I don't even know who he is. But there isn't a single photograph in here that I don't want to look at again, so, I suppose I am." "Hey – found you!" Duo arrived and threw an arm around Heero's shoulders. "And look, you've made a friend." Duo winked at the man Heero had been talking to. "I was looking at the art, and enjoying a conversation with someone else who appreciated it," Heero corrected. Duo chuckled. "I'd hope he appreciates it. He devotes his life to it after all." Heero frowned, confused. The man blushed and held out a hand. "I should have introduced myself. I'm Ralph Kurt. These are, ah, mine." "Heero Yuy." He shook the other man's hand. "I'm a fan of yours." Ralph chuckled, but didn't seem to react to hearing Heero's name. "Well, I can see that I'm not needed here. But, Ralph, congrats on a great show – this looks amazing, and I'm going to need to talk to your agent about getting a few pieces." Duo winked, squeezed Heero's shoulder, and left them. "I want to apologize. I'm not normally the kind of artist who likes to go around and solicit praise. I just – you were captivating, looking at this, and I had to find out why." "I was captivated," Heero corrected, "your work really is amazing." "So are you. I'm sorry – that's not at all subtle. But I mean it. I watched you looking at this for five minutes before I came over. You are so intense, even standing still. At first, I couldn't figure out if you hated the photo or loved it." There was open admiration in Ralph's clear blue eyes and Heero wasn't quite sure how to respond. Ralph chuckled and shook his head. "Sorry, I'm a social disaster. My shrink tells me that's why I hide behind a camera – because terrible at interacting with the rest of humanity. So, to change the subject – how do you know Duo?" "He's my brother. And you aren't the only one who is a social disaster. He actually brought me here tonight intent on setting me up. He thinks that I need help finding guys to ask out." "Do you?" Ralph asked. "I work long hours and I don't find it easy to meet new people." Ralph nodded. "You seem to be doing okay right now, though." Heero found himself smiling back at Ralph. "So is this your first show? Duo said that he brought in new and young artists here." "No, actually. Once upon a time, I was one of those new, young artists. Duo gave me my first show here, two years ago, and the art director from Sports Illustrated was here. He was impressed and now I'm a staff photographer for them. I do a show here once a year, though, whenever there's an opening. It's usually a pretty interesting crowd." "Definitely." Heero looked around at the collection of people. Growing up, he had been raised to value and appreciate fine art, but usually he got out of going to galleries, auctions, and the theatre. Duo had been Celia's designated partner for those events, while Heero managed to escape to baseball games with his father instead. "Duo said you had an agent?" "Yes, actually she's the gallery manager – Duo introduced us back at my first show and she took me on. Sylvia Noventa. She's around somewhere." "I'll have to find her before I leave. I'd love to have a few of these." Ralph blinked. "An instant collector? You must like them." Heero shrugged. "I do. And I've never actually bought a piece of art before. Duo always got dragged to these things, growing up." "Dragged?" Ralph asked in amusement. "When I was ten, I would have had to be dragged. But, now, I don't know. It was nice to look at these pieces, to think about them. To meet you." "And it was nice to meet you as well," Ralph grinned. "Look, do you have any plans for tonight?" "Well, I've been ordered to pick up a hot guy, but aside from that I'm not busy." "Then if I fit the bill, do you want to get out of here? Grab a few drinks?" "Shouldn't you stay? It's your opening, after all." "Actually, I hate openings – I'm happy for them, and excited to see people appreciate the work, but it feels like the end of something, at the same time. All of the months that go into prepping for it and then it's just – done. I don't usually come to one of my own openings. But Duo called me this morning and made me promise to come. I think now I know why." Heero shook his head and looked for his brother. He saw Duo standing in front of the photograph of the baseball player that Heero had admired. "I'd love to," Heero said, "but would you introduce me to Sylvia first?" "Sure. Let's see – there she is." Ralph led Heero over to where a thin blonde woman who eerily resembled Relena was sipping a glass of wine and speaking to someone who appeared to be a reporter, since the man was scribbling on a pad as she spoke. "Sylvia, I've got a collector here just dying to purchase a few pieces," Ralph said. Sylvia looked up and smirked. She kissed Ralph on the cheek. "That's wonderful, darling. Hm – and such good timing. Why don't you speak to Matthew here? He's from the Times, and I'll talk to Mr…?" "Yuy. Heero Yuy." Sylvia's eyes lit up. She obviously knew who he was. "Wonderful. Ralph, be nice." She gave him a serious look and then hooked her arm through Heero's and guided him away. "Which piece – or pieces? – are you interested in?" "Two of them – the tennis piece and the baseball one." Sylvia looked amused. "You are aware that they have titles, aren't you?" "I didn't look at that – I was too focused on the photographs, I guess." "That's all right. Let's see. The tennis piece, you said? Ah, yes, Freefall. And the other… Commitment." "Commitment?" Heero echoed, frowning slightly. "Ralph has a sense of irony, sometimes. But, I'm fairly confident that my boss wants to take that one home." She nodded to where Duo was still standing in front of the baseball photograph, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the gallery. Heero suspected she was right. "What if I told you he would wind up with it anyway?" Sylvia smiled. "Do you have a card? I can call and have the pieces delivered tomorrow." "Thank you." Heero pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it to her. "Payment?" "We'll arrange the details tomorrow." She looked over his shoulder. "I can tell that Ralph is anxious to escape, so I won't keep you any longer." Heero followed her gaze and saw Ralph still talking to the reporter, but his gaze was focused on Heero. He smiled when he saw Heero looking at him, and Heero found himself smiling in return. "Thanks," he said to Sylvia, absently, and started to walk towards Ralph. "Ready to escape?" Ralph asked. "Lead on," Heero said, amused by the other man's desire to leave. Once outside, Ralph set out at a fairly brisk pace and Heero dropped into step beside him. "So…you said you were a baseball fan. Let me guess…where are you from?" "Born and raised here," Heero said, amused that Ralph had no idea who he was, and also relieved. It might be nice to become involved with someone who wasn't part of his world, who didn't already have his connections or concerns. "Hm… So you're either a Yankees fan or, because your father was, you've become a Red Sox fan," Ralph concluded. "My father WAS a Yankees fan, but so I am. My best memories of growing up are of going to games with him." "And Duo?" Ralph asked. "No." Heero sighed. "Duo might be more of a Yankees fan than I am, but… we have an interesting relationship. For years, he actually pretended to hate baseball and refused to go to a game – so, instead, he and my mother did the more artistic things. It wasn't until we were in college that he and I went to a game. That might be one of my best memories of time spent with him." It had been a World Series game back in 2001, only a few months after September 11th, and Derek Jeter – who, apparently, they had both worshipped and fantasized about – made his amazing catch behind home plate to keep the series alive. "Why did he pretend?" Ralph looked as confused as Heero had been. "Turns out, my brother is an amazing person. He knew how much I loved going to the games with Odin – our father – and he didn't want to come between that. Duo and I used to compete over everything, and attention from our father was what we competed for the most." "But he let you win?" "Just with baseball." Heero shrugged. "At the time I just thought he was an idiot for bad mouthing the Yankees. You know, one Christmas he actually asked for a Red Sox hoodie? He wore that thing around for almost a month. He memorized the stats for all of their players and he used to constantly pick fights with me over how badly the Yankees were playing." Heero shook his head. "He was such a pain in the ass." "What happened to the hoodie?" "I don't know. He stopped wearing it, eventually, but I don't know what ever happened to it." "So, there's a great bar across the street," Ralph said, nodding in the direction, "or." "Or?" "Or I've got drinks back at my place. No live band, but I've got some decent playlists on my iTunes." Heero smirked. "Live music is overrated," he said. "I completely agree." Ralph smirked and waved down a cab. They climbed inside and Ralph gave directions to the driver. "So, as a sports photographer, you have to enjoy sports?" Heero asked. "It would sure suck if I didn't. I grew up in Montana, so I never got too attached to any one team or one sport. But I can admire the Yankees, and the Red Sox, for that matter." "How did you get started with photography?" "College. I had to take an art class to fulfill some general education requirement and I managed to get a slot in one of the photography courses – I'm pretty awful at drawing, so it was a lucky thing for me – and I was hooked immediately.' "Ever miss Montana?" "In the summer, but I've never been good at staying in one place for too long. I love to travel, so this job is perfect for me. What about you – die hard Manhattanite?" "I enjoy traveling, but this is definitely my home town. I just spent three years in Macau and I can't tell you how good it is to be back." "Macau? Wow. What do you do? For a living? Or do you? I assume you and Duo are independently wealthy – I've never meet a school teacher who could afford to own a gallery and lease studio space for no net profit." "I work –worked for our father." "Past tense?" "He died a little over a month ago." Ralph winced. "I'm sorry. That must be rough. Did you get to see him before he passed?" "No. But my mother and Duo were with him." "Well, on that somber note – here we are." Heero followed Ralph out of the cab and into the apartment building. It was modest, and once they entered Ralph's apartment, Heero started to get a grasp for just how small apartments could be in New York City. The apartment had an open floor plan, with nothing but the couch separating the bedroom from the main living area. The kitchen was off to one side, with a dining area running parallel. It was decorated sparsely but well, and Heero liked the feel of it almost instantly. "Home sweet home," Ralph said with a smirk as he closed and locked the door behind them. "Can I get you something?" "Yeah." Heero closed the space between them and kissed him. Ralph responded instantly, threading his fingers into Heero's hair and pulling him closer. Heero appreciated the size of Ralph and how well their bodies fit together – they were the same height and of a very similar build. He ran his hands up to Ralph's shoulders and pushed his jacket down his arms just as Ralph's tongue darted into his mouth. "I guess the drinks can wait," Ralph said with a chuckle as he pulled back from Heero. "Definitely," Heero agreed and kissed him again. There was little talking from that point forward. They worked together to undress, and by the time they were naked Ralph had steered them towards the bed. The feel of his skin under Heero's hands was electric. He didn't know if it was because it had been so long since he had been with someone, or if Ralph really did feel that good. Either way, Heero relished the chance to explore the toned body of the other man, and he took his time, discovering sensitive spots with first his fingers and then his tongue and teeth. He was stroking Ralph's erection while simultaneously teasing his anus, enjoying having the other man writhe under him when a phone started to ring. "Ugh – sorry, I need to get that." Ralph rolled away and went in search of his phone, lost amidst the trail of clothes they had shed. Heero was amused by the sight, but his amusement started to wane when Ralph answered the phone. "What's up babe? No, no, I'm not busy. Just working on a few things." Willing himself not to jump to conclusions, Heero listened to the one sided conversation with growing dread. "Okay, okay. I miss you too. No, no – I'm in Hawaii next week, I'll be back in Miami the week after. No, I will definitely clear out my schedule so we can have some time. Yeah, me too." Ralph hung up the phone and then turned back to Heero with a smirk. "Sorry about that, where were we?" "Who was that?" Heero asked. "Oh – ah, friend of mine." "A friend?" "Well, more than a friend." Ralph shrugged and offered a crooked smile. "How much more than a friend?" Heero asked, already knowing where this was headed. "Look, we have an open relationship – I hook up with guys when I'm not there, and I'm sure he does too." Heero sighed and scooted over to one side of the bed. He started to collect his clothes. "I'm serious – he's okay with this." "I'm not," Heero muttered, not caring whether or not Ralph heard him. "Stop acting like such a girl – it's just sex." Heero was in the middle of pulling on his boxers when Ralph said that. He took his time pulling them up the rest of the way. "I'm not a fan of open relationships, and if 'he' was really okay with this, you wouldn't have lied about what you were doing." "Again, I thought we were just here to have fun." "I think we have different definitions of fun," Heero said. He put on his jeans and stepped into his shoes, not caring about his socks. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it on, buttoning it as he walked to the door. "Don't take this personally, but you managed to ruin two really good pieces of art for me," Heero said and then slammed the door shut behind himself. Angry and filled with adrenaline, Heero took the steps down and then started to walk. He had gone several dozen blocks before he managed to calm himself down. While it was getting late, he didn't want to go home to his empty apartment anytime soon, and he wasn't in the right frame of mind to get any work done. With a sigh, he pulled out his cell and called his best friend. "Everything okay?" Wufei answered. Heero rolled his eyes. "Yes, fine." "No work emergencies? Did you finally kill Duo and you need help burying the body?" "Not tonight. Are you busy?" "Ah… no. Just looking over some paperwork, but I wouldn't mind a distraction." "Good. I want to get drunk." "Are you sure you're okay?" "I'll explain. Meet me at McClaren's in twenty minutes." "Now I know something's wrong. You swore never to go back there after the last time you got shit faced trying to out-drink Duo." "Just, meet me there." "Okay. See you in twenty minutes." It took a little less than twenty minutes for Heero to reach the bar, but when he arrived Wufei was already there, seated at a corner booth, a full pitcher and two empty glasses waiting. "Good man," Heero said as he sat and instantly started to pour. "What did Duo do now?" Wufei asked as he poured himself a drink. "It wasn't really his fault. Well, actually, it almost entirely is his fault." Heero proceeded to tell Wufei the entire scenario that had occurred. By the end, Wufei was scowling, and a great deal of the pitcher was empty. "You know, as much of a tool as this guy is, you did go to his apartment after having known him for all of half an hour," Wufei pointed out. "If you wanted to begin a committed relationship with someone, you should have tried to get to know him better, first. If all you wanted was sex – well, that's definitely what he was offering. And just that." Heero frowned. "True. If felt right. He was…different." It sounded lame, and Heero was starting to think that the entire night's fiasco was actually his own doing. "Statistically speaking, having sex before the third date will severely limit the longevity of the relationship." "You know, there's a reason that I consider you my friend. I can't remember it right now, but I'm sure it will come to me…" Wufei rolled his eyes. "I'm your friend because you appreciate honesty. No question, the guy was worthless – but you didn't put yourself in a position to get what you want, need, or deserve." "And just what do I want, need, and deserve?" Heero mused, finishing off his beer and signaling the waitress to bring another pitcher. "Someone better than him, obviously. Someone who values you – and actually knows who you are. Someone who can make you laugh, and make you think. Who supports you when you need it and challenges you." "Yes, but he's taken," Heero groused, thinking of Trowa. Wufei's gaze narrowed. "I don't understand your fixation with him. You and Duo both – he's just a man." "You aren't gay, you don't understand. And he's – not just a man." Heero was being consistently reminded that he and his brother were attracted to the same man, and it was starting to wear thin. Especially since Trowa was completely unavailable to either of them. Heero noticed that Wufei's shoulders had tensed, and he prepared himself for another lecture. "I do understand – better than you. Have you considered that the reason you are so obsessed with him is simply because you can't have him?" "I was attracted to him before I knew he was involved," Heero pointed out. "Yes, but it was manageable before." "It's manageable now." "Really?" Wufei looked completely unconvinced. "What is your point?" Heero sighed. "My point is that you like that he's unattainable. You like having that carrot dangling in front of you. I bet that if he broke up with his boyfriend, you would either lose all interest OR you'd destroy any chance at a relationship with him almost instantly. You've got serious commitment issues." "I – I have commitment issues? I'm not divorced!" Wufei's face closed down instantly. "I am well aware of that fact. If you don't want me to say what's on my mind, then don't call me this late and ask me to go out drinking." Wufei started to leave. "Wait. I'm sorry." Heero sighed. "I – you're right. I do have commitment issues. And Duo's right too – I do need to get out more. And yes, there are other men besides Trowa Barton. I know. I know." Wufei reluctantly sat back down. "You are my best friend. My only friend, actually. Because you know me. And as much as I need that, sometimes I don't like someone else knowing me that well, not when I don't like me much as it is." Wufei sighed. "Heero –" "No, it's fine. You know, I don't think I want to get drunk after all. Do you want to share a cab?" Wufei shook his head in exasperation. "Sure." Heero left enough to cover their bill and they headed back out to the street. "One more painfully true statement?" Wufei asked. "Go on, you've done as much damage as you possibly could already." "You need a vacation. Take the weekend off and get out of the city. Get out of the country, even." Heero laughed. "I can't. It's Duo's birthday on Saturday." "Shit. I forgot. I'll have to get the idiot something, I suppose." Heero rolled his eyes. "When has he ever not given you a present?" Wufei scowled. "Why is it that he can be such a good person and be so annoying at the same time?" "Just the universe trying to keep balance," Heero muttered. "Which is probably why I'm doomed to have zero success in my personal life – with corporate success comes no meaningful relationships." "Stop wallowing in self-pity," Wufei ordered as he pushed him into the cab that had finally pulled over. "Thanks for not letting me," Heero said, meaning it. While it might have been nice to indulge, it wasn't in his nature, and he was grateful that Wufei had screwed his head back on. "Anytime. Now, let's get you home." "What are you going to do with the photographs?" Wufei asked as they neared Heero's apartment. "I'm giving one to Duo for his birthday. The other was for you – if you still want it." Wufei looked taken aback. "You bought me art? No, you just don't want to look at it." "No, it was my intention from the start. It reminds me of you, actually. I didn't realize it at the time – I knew that you would like it – but now I know why. Just, don't tell Duo want happened, okay?" "So I have to live with tainted art but he doesn't?" "You don't have to keep it." "I'll keep it," Wufei insisted. "I appreciate that you thought of me." He paused. "You don't think I could give it to Duo for his birthday, do you?" Heero punched him lightly on the arm. "No, I don't. Get him something from you. How is your father?" Heero asked, to change the subject. "Not good, but at least he isn't in the hospital anymore. He just sits at home, staring, it's like he isn't even there anymore." "I'm sorry." "It isn't your fault. And I know that we will force Treize to pay for what he did." "We will," Heero agreed. ~ * ~ tbc... |
