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"Out of the Rain"Written By: Artemis Pairing: 1x2 Genre: AU, romance, seduction Rating: NC-17 Author: Artemis Author Email: artemis.fanfic@yahoo.com Disclaimer: Bandai/Sunrise Dedicated to: Susan Summary: A chance encounter between a gentleman and a working man in early 20th century America.
"Out of the Rain" The cool evening reminded him of autumn rather than the mid-August day it was. The rain and the breeze off the Atlantic had brought this unseasonably cool weather, but the brandy helped. It warmed his throat as it went down. He was dressed for the theater, in black tails and tie, but at the last minute had not gone. The rain had not stopped him, but rather a sense of fatigue. Oh, not the sort of fatigue from a busy day, but from boredom. Heero Yuy was bored with the posturing, long-winded types who thought they ruled the world. Elite society would not miss his presence for one evening. And so, having nothing better to occupy his time, he had settled in the hotel’s lounge, leaning against the bar with a drink in hand, and enjoying the bustle of activity before him. From his vantage point he watched the hotel’s guests rush in from the downpour. These sudden, summer rains were always amusing. Chivalrous men offered embroidered handkerchiefs to ladies in ruffled silk dresses. All the while, the hotel staff hailed cabs, mopped the lobby’s marble floor in an attempt to keep it dry, and apologized—as if they were to blame for the weather. The crowded lobby was noisy with chatter, and each time the hotel’s doors opened the outside came rushing in as the sound of pouring rain, the clop of horses’ hooves, and shouts from cabbies. He wished suddenly the lounge had a fireplace where he could sit with his glass of brandy, and muse over his fellow guests and the state of high society. But suddenly his attention was taken in an entirely new direction. Among the throng, he spied a young man not of great stature, but noticeable by his sense of purpose and lack of gentlemanly dress. He had not bothered to shake the rain from his undistinguished gray overcoat, or his wool cap. His eyes were large, and hidden partially under wet bangs. The chap was out of place, and did not even have the sense to remove his hat. At last, a gentleman took pity on him, indicating the error with a softly spoken word. The young man’s mouth opened in surprise. He nodded and then ducked to the outer edge of the room before taking it off, and letting loose a long braid that spilled down his back. Heero’s eyes widened. The hair was the length of a woman’s and braided like some Indian on the Plains, but the fair skinned young man, wearing working class attire, was neither a woman nor an Indian. Heero watched more transfixed than before, as the braid was discreetly tucked inside his coat. Another moment or two passed, then a taller, older man came forward. They shook hands and proceeded to the lift. Heero watched until the doors closed, wondering what their meeting was about. People came together for many reasons at this busy city hotel--they dined in its fine restaurant, conducted business, spent holiday weekends, or had affairs. Were these two men lovers? Secretly meeting in a crowded place where no one would notice their comings and goings? But Heero had noticed. He stared at the exquisitely decorated brass scrollwork on the closed lift doors, and considered the options. He knew men who had affairs and prided themselves on juggling two lives—the one with the wife and family, and the one with the lady in question. But none in his acquaintance had admitted to a male lover, nor would they. After the scandalous Oscar Wilde trial in England, even joking about such things had ceased. People were afraid. Men were afraid. You could lose your livelihood, your life just for one evening of forbidden love. And yet, Heero was certain illicit encounters continued—only more discreetly, but ultimately he decided that the two men he had observed were here on business. His observations continued of the comings and goings of those in the lobby until quite by accident he noticed the young man from earlier standing at the railing on the second floor, overlooking them. He was holding his hat and coat in hand, but his braid was not visible, now neatly tucked inside his brown wool jacket. A brightly colored plaid vest shown inside the jacket, adding a bit of flair to so common a man, but Heero suspected he was anything but common. The young man leaned over the railing, giving a wide grin as though feeling superior now that he was above the crowd. Heero watched the unguarded display, and was surprised when their eyes met. A nod of acknowledgment would have been appropriate, but Heero simply stared. The stranger’s smile faded, and his expression shone with discomfort and perhaps a sense of being trespassed upon. But there was a frozen moment when they just looked at each other. And then the young man turned away, slipping from Heero’s line of vision. That brief connection on the air gave Heero a shiver. Of all the people he had watched in the last hour, in the last few days he had spent in this city, this was the first to hold his attention. There was something in the young man’s eyes, in his demeanor, bold at first, but then showing glimpses of insecurity. Who was he? And who was that man he was meeting? Heero settled into a large, leather chair to wait. Eventually there would be another sighting. He swirled the remaining brandy in his glass. This part of the lounge looked onto the lobby, while another section, behind closed doors, was reserved for smoking cigars and loud conversation. He preferred this space. It was adjacent to the hub-bub of the socialites and their suitors, and yet removed enough to be undisturbed. The rain settled, coming down consistently, but less harshly. His fellow man, and woman, had now accepted its presence and had adjusted accordingly. The lobby was considerably quieter, but no less busy on this weekend evening. He considered retreating to his suite of rooms on the 12th floor when the lift doors opened to reveal the long-haired stranger. He spoke to a bell boy, and Heero overheard the employee say, “The rain has made them scarce.” He was pointed in the direction of the lounge. Heero swallowed. The young man turned and scanned the bar and seating area. There were several gentlemen sharing the space quietly, but there was plenty of room for one more. He approached, and sat down in a chair not five feet from Heero. Heero glanced casually at the young man’s profile. It was sweet, but masculine, and slightly older than he first thought. Though the young man’s hair was pulled back, giving the appearance of short hair from the front, from the side it was plain to see the beginnings of the braid, mostly hidden under his jacket. How did he function in society with hair like that? Obviously he understood it was not acceptable or he would not be trying to conceal it. Heero’s eyes were felt, and suddenly the young man looked over. He seemed annoyed, but also uneasy. With the upper hand, Heero decided to be polite. “If you’re waiting for a cab it could be some time.” “That’s what I hear.” “The rain has made them quite the commodity.” “Always does.” “Do you have far to go?” “Across town. I have a train to catch.” “Tonight?” “In the morning.” “Well, there’s no hurry then… for the cab.” The young man grinned. “I suppose not.” His eyes turned back to the lobby, and his posture seemed to indicate a readiness to bolt. Was he that eager for his train? “You’re staying at the Wilmot?” “Hmm?” the young man turned to him again. His eyes had the look of being distracted, and perhaps a bit too much in a hurry. “I was inquiring if you were staying at the Wilmot? It’s the closest hotel to Union Station.” “Oh.” The young man blinked. “I was planning to grab an empty bench for the night.” “Indeed? Is that permitted?” The man shrugged, and once again turned his attention to the lobby. Heero was intrigued now more than ever. This chap was very independent, but what was he doing here at the Lord Baltimore Hotel? His suit was passable for a clerk in a news office, but not of a standard to suggest he could even afford to breathe the air here. And yet this was where he had planted himself, meeting with someone mysterious and now seated in the gentleman’s lounge waiting for conveyance to Union Station. He had questions, but they were too prying for so public a venue. And he was experiencing a powerful attraction—one that required further investigation. Sitting in this lounge, restricted in so many ways, would not do. He set his empty brandy glass down, and reached inside his suit pocket withdrawing a calling card from a silver case, and placing it on the mahogany table between them. “A gentleman always introduces himself.” The young man looked down at the card, no doubt admiring the fine calligraphy the printer had used for Heero’s name. He looked up, and then politely held out his hand. “I’m Duo…” Heero looked away casually, not accepting the hand, and silencing the man’s introduction. This chap had no flair for discretion. Heero ran his finger around the rim of the empty glass. “I enjoy cognac on cool evenings.” The large, plum-colored eyes were staring at him again, locked on him in confusion and curiosity. “I’ve never tried it.” Heero grinned. There was something special about this one, something that made Heero want to throw caution to the wind. “Of course, one should never drink alone,” he said, withdrawing a brass key from his pocket and holding it in his open palm to reveal the embossed number 1201. He stood, having made sure the young man—Duo—had taken a good look at the number. To emphasize the invitation, Heero twirled the key between his fingers. It was as obvious a seduction as he could make under the circumstances. ~ ~ ~ Duo watched the brass key roll between the gentleman’s fingers. Like some nimble, practiced trick, the action mesmerized him. When he lifted his gaze, the man’s deep blue eyes were locked on him. Their intensity and the obvious invitation could mean only one thing. Duo swallowed hard, but said nothing. The man turned and retreated to the lift without looking back. Duo’s brow furrowed. He covered the calling card with his hand, consciously dragging it across the small table and then curling his hand around it. He read the name again—Heero Yuy. It meant nothing to him, but obviously the man had money. His clothes were impeccable and so well tailored that they more than hinted at the fine physique beneath them. How presumptuous to think that Duo would follow him to his room like a puppy. But this Heero Yuy hadn’t wanted to talk to him. His observations seemed to conclude that Duo, a working man, was good enough for a fuck, but not for conversation. These wealthy industrialists were used to getting what they wanted. Did he assume that Duo would do as he was bid? Like some prostitute to be commanded and made grateful for the business. The thought made Duo’s blood boil. This was exactly why he was on this campaign. This experience alone would fire his speeches for months to come. The rich wanted to fuck the poor, but not give them a living wage and a safe work environment. He shrugged his coat back on and headed for the door. He would hail that cab himself. ~ ~ ~ Outside, Duo stood next to the door man in his pseudo uniform. He sneered at the way the tan suit embellished with black piping and gold rope made the man something of a joke. Dressed up like a street performer’s monkey, serving the rich with a grateful smile, and wearing white gloves so as not to soil them with his working class hands. Yes, that encounter with the dark haired man stuck in Duo’s craw. It took some nerve to make an introduction like that. And when Duo had tried to shake his hand he had gotten snubbed. In Duo’s ideal world, there would be no line in the sand between rich and poor, between the men of leisure and the ones who did all the work. In his world, the laborers would be honored, revered for being the backbone of the nation, not looked down upon for dirtying their hands so that the nation could grow and thrive. The doorman was now scrutinizing him. “What? Am I in the way?” Duo asked, sounding very much like he had a chip on his shoulder. “You look like you’re ready to explode,” the man said with a touch of humor. Duo sighed. “I should’ve given someone a piece of my mind just now.” “Sometimes it’s best not to say anything if you’re upset. You might regret it.” Duo gave a snort. Hell, his life was about saying exactly what people didn’t want to hear. It was this kind of attitude, better to keep quiet than make trouble, that smarted. He tucked his hands in his coat pockets and immediately felt the calling card there. He had stuffed it there for reference, to prove his story when he met with his pro-labor buddies back in Kansas City. His finger rubbed the rectangular card as he looked down the street at the mix of horse and automobile traffic. Only the very rich could afford the noisy, smelly automobiles, and it seemed the rich also had first dibs on handsome cabs. God, it’d be nice to give them a piece of his mind. Give that guy a piece of his mind. He tilted his head up, looking into the rain and then back at the tall hotel building. Somewhere up there, on the 12th floor, Heero Yuy was waiting for him. The smug bastard thought Duo would be on his way, ready to beg for crumbs from a rich man’s plate. Under the delusion that a working man would take any opportunity to experience that world---even if only for a few hours while being thoroughly fucked in oh, so many ways. Duo had been given a pass; the calling card would allow him access to the 12th floor. He could go up there and make a stand for every working man and woman in the nation. Make Heero Yuy feel the passion that fired Duo’s life. He spun around to face the door. He had never backed down from an opportunity or a fight in his life. Why start now? Clenching his jaw, he stepped forward. “Where you going?” the doorman asked. “To stand up for you… for all of us.” If the doorman replied, Duo didn’t hear him. In an instant he was in the lobby, removing his coat and cap in a single motion and making his way across the marble floor to the lifts. He flashed the calling card. “Twelfth floor. I’m expected.” The lift operator’s brows went up, but he didn’t say a word. At the 12th floor, Duo got out and was greeted by another hotel employee, probably part bouncer and part attendant. “May I help you, sir?” the man asked. Once again, the calling card was shown. “Oh, very good. Mr. Yuy is in suite 1201. Down the hall and to your left.” “Thank you,” Duo said. Seconds later, Duo was standing in front of the door to 1201. He took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. He had to do this right. He had to represent all the workers of America. What he said and did could have a reverberating effect on hundreds, if not thousands of people. The laborers in Heero Yuy’s sphere of influence might feel the consequences of this encounter. He knocked on the door, a solid, confident knock to announce his arrival. Moments later, the door opened. If the industrialist was surprised to see Duo he didn’t let it show. Instead, he stood there in his satin smoking jacket, eyeing Duo like a platter of savory treats. “You put two and two together.” Duo’s eyes narrowed. “Math was my best subject in school.” “Come in.” Heero grinned and stepped back to allow Duo entrance to the suite of rooms. Duo tried not to show his awe of the elegance of the suite. The drawing room was decorated in sky blue and burgundy carpets, drapes, and furniture, all perfectly matched and complementary. There was a fireplace at one end of the room, lighted and heating the space. Duo was immediately drawn to it. “Allow me,” Heero said, taking Duo’s coat and cap from his hands. Duo nodded and then stood in front of the fire, holding out his hands. He hadn’t realized that he was cold, that he’d been chilled by the rain. “You’ve been in the rain again.” Duo looked over his shoulder at his host. “I was leaving.” “What stopped you?” The answer hesitated on Duo’s lips. He turned to face Heero, looking into his sharp, blue eyes. He thought he had known why he came here, but now he wasn’t so sure. Somehow this man made him forget his purpose. “This is an opportunity,” Duo finally said. “Yes, it is. I have good taste in cognac… and many other things.” “That’s not it.” Now Duo remembered his mission. “I came here to represent the working class.” “Fine,” Heero said, moving toward the cabinet where the cognac was stored. “Let’s drink to the working class.” “It’s not a joke.” Heero threw a glance over his shoulder as he poured the amber liquid into glasses. “I see that you’re serious.” “My message is serious. The working class is abused, oppressed by people like you.” Heero turned to face him with a glass in each hand. “People like me? What do you know about me, mister…?” “Maxwell. It’s Duo Maxwell. Just look at you. All the money, the clothes. How do you think you can afford to stay here?” “Years of hard work and sacrifice.” Duo laughed. “By other people.” Heero nodded, seeming thoughtful. “Yes, other people have helped me along the way, but I stand by my accomplishments. I am a man of action.” “And what of those people who helped you?” Duo was on a roll now. He could see he had been right about this fat cat. “What kind of living conditions have they endured for your success?” The gentleman gave a deep sigh and then turned to find a comfortable chair. He set down one glass on a small round table, and sipped the other, staring at Duo intently. “Well?” Duo persisted. “Sit down and enjoy your cognac.” “Is that all you think about… personal comforts?” “I invited you here for a drink, and I won’t tell anyone if you enjoy it.” Duo’s hands curled into fists. “Despite what you think my life is not devoid of pleasure.” “Then you are amenable to pleasure?” Heero asked, raking his eyes over Duo’s body. “I’d like to know more… please sit down.” Duo hesitated, took a half step forward, and then hesitated again. What was it about this guy that enraged him and made him warm at the same time? “If you sit, we can speak as equals,” Heero said. “Equals, right,” Duo said with a snort. But he did sit down, and took the cognac when it was offered to him. He stared into the drink, avoiding Heero’s eyes. He could feel those eyes on him, and knew this encounter wasn’t just about sharing a drink and some conversation. He had known that from the start. And yet, he wanted to fool himself into believing this was just business. “How old are you?” Heero asked. Duo looked up. “I’m twenty. And you?” “Twenty-one.” “That’s all?” “Do I look old for my age?” Duo shook his head. “Not exactly, but I thought you’d have to be older…” “To have so much money?” “Yeah, I guess so.” “What do you do for a living?” “It’s hard to explain,” Duo said. “Try me.” “I write, give speeches, whatever is needed for the cause.” “Like meeting with mysterious men in hotel lobbies?” Duo would never betray the network of men and women working to unite the laboring class. He dismissed the question. “What do you do, besides inviting men to your room for drinks?” Heero gave a smug grin. “I’m the sort of person you hate.” Duo knew this man was goading him, and gritted his teeth
to stop himself from taking the bait. Heero Yuy was defiant about
his great wealth, status and place in the food chain. He wore it like
a badge, and seemed to be taking great pleasure in using it to vex
Duo further. “Hate is a strong word,” Duo said. “Should I have chosen more carefully? Perhaps you prefer ‘despise’.” “No, hate is just fine,” Duo said, taking a gulp of the cognac. The alcohol was smooth on his tongue, but burned all the way down his throat. “It’s meant to be sipped.” “I prefer beer,” Duo said with a shrug. The man swirled the cognac in his glass with some force, practically spilling it. Duo wondered at the subtle change in emotion. Perhaps Mr. Yuy had wanted to impress him? Or get him drunk? I won’t be drinking enough of this stuff to get drunk, Duo thought. “I wonder… what motivates you?” Heero asked. “Could it be that man you met in the lobby?” “Him again?” Duo blurted out. “How long were you watching me?” “Since you came out of the rain.” The man’s calm had returned. His words were steady, just like the rain outside. “If you thought I was suspicious you should’ve had me thrown out.” “And ruin the entertainment? The rich are very boring.” Duo wanted to growl. “That’s what I am… entertainment?” “There’s nothing wrong in being entertaining.” Heero leaned forward, putting an elbow on his knee. “May I call you Duo?” Duo inched back in his seat, suddenly feeling like prey. “Only if I can call you by your first name.” “Agreed,” Heero said with a nod. “Now tell me about that braid.” Instinctively, Duo curled his hand around it at the base of his neck. “People make too much of it. It’s just hair.” “And lots of it. Do you have Indian blood in you?” Duo swallowed hard. He didn’t like talking about it. Most people didn’t understand, and only treated him with more contempt once they knew the truth. But somehow, with Heero looking at him like that, with those deep blue eyes unwavering in their gaze, Duo wanted to tell him, and maybe hoped to shock him in the process. “Yeah, I’m part Lakota. Got a problem with that?” “On your mother’s side?” Duo nodded. “We didn’t live on a reservation. No one wanted us. We lived in a shack outside of town.” “I’m sorry.” Duo cocked his head. “Why are you sorry?” “You mean, how can a man who has everything feel compassion for what you went through?” Yeah, that was about right. There was no way a guy like this could understand what it felt like to have no money, and be shunned from society—the White man’s and the Red man’s. “You’re angry,” Heero said, his eyes narrowing on Duo. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” “I think it does. I think that’s what motivates you.” Heero reached out his free hand to touch the braid. Duo froze, allowing the hand to brush past him and pull the braid over his shoulder. It warmed Duo, his face, his entire body to have this man hold his hair and feel its weight. “You don’t like people touching this… do you?” Heero asked. “No.” “But you let me.” “Yeah.” It was all Duo could say. He could hardly breathe. His chest was tight with nerves as Heero looked into his eyes. And then Heero lent forward—the braid in one hand, cognac in the other, their faces inches apart. Duo shifted his eyes downward to safety, watching the dark amber sway softly in his glass. “Are you experienced?” Heero asked. Duo looked up sharply. “What?” “You’re blushing.” “I don’t blush. I’m warm from the fire.” “Actually you do blush, and it’s very attractive on you.” Just then, a wood log popped on the fire, startling Duo. “Relax,” Heero said, letting the braid slip from his hand and then running his hand down Duo’s arm. “We’re the same, you and me. I watched you and you watched me.” Duo shook his head. “I stared back is all. I wasn’t watching you.” Heero grinned. “If that’s what you want to believe.” He leaned closer, his breath touching Duo’s lips. “Set aside the world for a moment.” He kissed Duo then, taking his lips in a deep, exploratory kiss. Duo flinched, conflicted in his feelings, but in an instant he was leaning toward Heero, surprised at how much he wanted this touch and how good it felt. Heero’s kiss was possessive, and his lips moved hungrily against his own. “I shouldn’t…” Duo said, finally pushing Heero back and spilling his drink on the carpet in the process. “Damn.” “It’s all right,” Heero said, retreating slightly. He set his own drink down and then took Duo by the wrist. He pulled Duo up with him and stood toe-to-toe. They were equal in height if nothing else. Duo pulled back, but Heero’s grip was firm. The man seemed accustomed to taking charge, and maybe a little too experienced with unwilling partners. But was Duo truly unwilling or just guilty about where this was leading? “I gotta stop thinking so much.” “Then come with me,” Heero said, tugging on the wrist and taking Duo into the bedchamber. Duo’s heart pounded in his chest, knowing there would be regrets in the morning. But Heero was just so persuasive in his confidence and the even tone of his voice. He sat Duo on the bed and then stood before him as he removed his smoking jacket and untied the cravat at his throat, letting it drop lazily to the floor. Heero was pampered, his hair recently cut and neatly combed, his clothes tailored to the masculine contours of his body. Duo swallowed hard as he stared up at him, and Heero stepped between his legs. “My factories comply fully with the law.” “What?” Duo asked, perplexed by the unusual pillow talk. “I thought you would like to know.” Now Duo grinned. It seemed Heero was trying to ease Duo’s troubled conscience. He put his hands on Heero’s forearms and pulled the man toward him. Heero leaned down until his hands rested on the bed and Duo was reclined on his elbows. Their noses touched as they stared into each other’s eyes. “Go on,” Duo said. He needed Heero to remain firmly in charge, seducing him. Heero seemed to realize this and pressed a hard kiss to Duo’s lips, hungrier and more unrelenting than the first. Duo was pushed back fully onto the bed with Heero pushing apart his legs with a strong thigh. His mouth crushed Duo’s mouth with bruising, wanting kisses, while his hands removed Duo’s jacket, vest and shirt. The room was dark, lit only by one electric light sconce on the far wall. Duo was enveloped on a canopy bed of burgundy and gold as Heero embraced him in passion. To succumb to this man, an industrialist—the enemy—Duo knew there would be consequences. Knew he might not like himself in the morning. But Heero was charming, commanding and beautiful, and like no one Duo had met before. Just a taste, Duo thought. A taste of this world and this man and I’ll be on my way. No one need know… His hands were in Heero’s dark hair, then on his broad shoulders, and then unbuttoning his shirt. The bare skin beneath sent a tingle through Duo’s body. He licked Heero’s chest, tasting the salt of his skin, realizing this man was like any other… and not. Their clothes slowly peeled away until only nakedness remained. Duo spread his legs wide as Heero licked behind his knee and then down his thigh to his cock. He gasped as Heero engulfed him, sucking, making Duo thrust into his mouth. A working man, a street rat with a gentleman sucking him, pleasuring him. Now Duo wished to be found out, to have half the building fall away and reveal the role reversal to a shocked city. He imagined the news boys shouting from every corner, “Read all about it! Wealthy industrialist sucks working man’s cock!” He grinned, even as his breath came harder and Heero took him deeper into his throat. Then he felt a finger press his opening and slip inside. He lifted his head to see the head bobbing over his belly. So, the working man was going to be fucked again. His head dropped back to the bed. He didn’t care. It felt too good to care. Mr. Industrialist Yuy was damn good in bed. “Fuck me,” he said, surprising himself with the words. Heero answered with a deep grunt, and then his mouth slid off Duo’s cock. He raced his tongue upward from Duo’s belly button, over a nipple and then to his lips. They kissed, tongues swirling around each other. In the process, the finger went deeper, moving in and out and joined by another. It wasn’t enough. Duo grabbed Heero’s cock, hard and perfect in his hand. The message was easy to understand. “You’re ready,” Heero said, removing his fingers and causing a slight gasp from Duo. Heero rubbed his cock with saliva and positioned himself, holding Duo’s thighs apart, and then thrust. Duo arched off the bed, meeting the thrust and cringing at the burn. Not unlike expensive cognac, he thought. Heero pushed further, completely joining them and then stilled. He looked down into Duo’s face. “Tell me when to move.” “Do it,” Duo said with some frustration. Part of him wanted this fuck to be over and another part never wanted it to end. Heero wasted no time in building a rhythm, their bodies working together. The bed cover was soft beneath Duo as he was fucked thoroughly into the mattress. Heero was no desk jockey. His body was strong and muscular as though he did day labor, but Duo knew that wasn’t the case. Heero’s nails were manicured. He was a man of leisure who undoubtedly exercised, an enigma like none Duo had encountered before. And this fuck was the best Duo had ever experienced. Don’t think so much, Duo reminded himself once again. He drifted back into the sensation of Heero’s hard cock pounding him, rocking him to ecstasy. Their bodies, slick with the sweat of exertion, moved smoothly and sensually across one another, their bellies pressing together with each deep thrust. It was what Duo had wanted from the start. He had tried to deny it, deny the lure of this man, but he had wanted Heero from the moment their eyes had locked. Duo had stared at him from the balcony on the second floor. Stared him down when he had caught Heero watching him. He had thought meeting the union organizer in a crowded place would be safe, but then Heero had noticed him. A fear had crept over Duo, but he found he was unusually attracted to the young man in the stylish suit. He had been glad of the chance to get closer, and now as Heero thrust inside him, fucked him senseless, Duo came… releasing the last of his inhibitions and anxiety. Heero came next, thrusting hard and moaning as he enjoyed his climax. He dropped onto Duo, breathing heavy in his ear. Duo stared at the canopy above, listening to Heero’s breaths and feeling their hearts pounding against one another’s chests. His legs still spread, Heero still hard and inside him, Duo thought he might like to stay like this. Somehow, it felt right. Now that everything was stripped away they could meet as equals. It surprised Duo when Heero kissed his temple. Fucking was one thing, but such tenderness only muddied the waters. What was the point when there couldn’t be more than this night between them? “I manufacture toys,” Heero said in Duo’s ear. “What?” Duo asked, laughing. “You’re joking, right?” “Making toys was my way of getting my childhood back, I suppose. I didn’t have much of one after my parents died…” Duo’s smile faded. “You lost your parents?” “Yes. I was only five. An uncle raised me, but he was quite old and not interested in taking care of a boy.” “I lost my mother when I was nine,” Duo said. “I never knew my father.” “I’m sorry.” They looked into each other’s eyes. It was a quiet moment after so much energetic play. “I guess we have something in common,” Duo said. “And you’d rather we didn’t.” Duo’s brow knitted. He couldn’t deny that he was surprised they were both orphans, but what he feared was that they had even more in common—the naughty romp in the hay only the tip of the iceberg. Heero was savvy enough not to press him, and instead pulled back the bed cover and motioned for Duo to join him under the sheets. The cool silk sheets welcomed Duo’s overheated body like a mountain creek. Heero wrapped his arms around Duo and kissed him. “Has anyone ever made love to you before?” “Well, yeah… of course.” It was a lie, but Duo hoped Heero wouldn’t see it. What kind of a question was that anyway? “I don’t care if they have. I want to make love to you now.” “But you just fucked me.” Duo’s hands were pressed to Heero’s chest and he was feeling a little trapped. This was getting out of hand. “Is that a no? Or would you just feel better if I called it a slow fuck?” Duo blinked. “I think I’d feel better if I left…” He made a move to sit up, but Heero pushed him back down. He covered Duo’s body with his own, topping him as he had before. “You enjoyed that fuck, didn’t you? Maybe a little too much,” Heero said, a hint of a grin on his lips. “This isn’t a contest.” “It isn’t?” Heero asked, settling between Duo’s legs. “But you’re such a lovely prize.” Duo pushed at Heero to roll him off, but the man hardly budged. “How’d you get this strong?” “Didn’t I tell you? My uncle was such a bastard that I ran away when I was thirteen. I supported myself with day jobs until I could afford college.” “What sort of day jobs?” Heero was moving again, rubbing his hardening cock under Duo’s balls. “Ditch digger, stock boy, whatever work I could find.” Duo curled his hand around Heero’s bicep and squeezed. It was rock solid. “Then how do you maintain this?” “I lift weights. The pain reminds me of what I went through to get here. And how hard it is to be a working man.” He thrust on the word “hard,” pressing against Duo’s opening. A giddy flutter rippled through Duo’s chest. “You mean, you understand the plight of the working man?” “Yes, I do.” “Then why did you let me go on like that? Like an idiot…” “Because your eyes light when you talk about it. I’m drawn to that passion in you.” Heero took the braid in his hand again, putting it to his nose and breathing in. “This braid and those eyes…” His cock nudged Duo’s bottom, eager for that slow fuck. Duo wrapped his legs around Heero’s thighs. “What about Sinclair?” It was a trick question. If Heero’s sex focused brain could puzzle out the meaning quickly enough and respond with the correct answer then Duo was a goner. “Upton Sinclair?” Duo’s breath caught. “Yes, I read ‘The Jungle,’” Heero said. “Couldn’t eat meat for weeks after that…” Duo pulled Heero to him in an enthusiastic embrace, kissing him hard until they were both breathless. “Make love to me,” he said, reaching to Heero’s cock and guiding it to his entrance. There was no hesitation, Heero followed Duo’s lead and sank easily into Duo’s warmth. “I take it you don’t hate me anymore,” Heero said as he slowly thrust in and out, the bed creaking beneath them. “Mmm, guess so,” Duo said as his hands skimmed over Heero’s back and then into his hair, bringing Heero’s mouth to his once more. Of all the regrets that Duo thought he would have after this night, wishing that he had not been so quick to judge Heero had not been one of them. Until now. In a way, he had been duped. Heero had sympathized with his cause all along, but Duo would not have believed him. Not at first. And what would have become of the dance, the seduction that had led him into Heero’s arms? “Stay the night,” Heero said, moving deeply and kissing Duo along his jaw. “I want to make love to you all night.” “I have a train to catch---” “Not until morning.” Duo’s mind fluttered between his commitments in the next town on his whistle-stop tour of the east coast, and the way Heero felt on him, and in him. He suddenly didn’t think he could leave. “Yeah, not ‘til morning,” Duo said, wrapping his arms around Heero’s shoulders. “That’ll give me time to convince you.” “Of what?” Duo was having trouble thinking with that incredible hardness ramming him. “To come back to Boston… with me.” “Boston?” Heero kissed Duo then, silencing the conversation. Duo tried to focus on the request, but it was impossible to concentrate as his body soared with sensation. And then Heero sat back on his heels, lifting Duo with him, setting him on his lap. The change in angle intensified each thrust. “Come with me…” Heero said. The double entendre skittered across Duo’s brain as he rode Heero to completion. Come in ecstasy and come to Boston… They each climaxed and then collapsed on their sides on the bed. Duo’s breathing evened out as he watched Heero’s chest rise and fall. The man’s eyes were closed, and Duo suspected that Heero would drift off to sleep. He pushed Heero’s bangs aside, running a thumb over his brow in a soothing pattern. Heero smiled in his sleep-like state. He looked so young, a reflection of the child he had been. “Toys,” Duo said, caressing Heero’s cheek. “Hmm?” Heero’s response was barely audible. Duo had never met an industrialist he liked. They were all stuffy, overweight middle-aged men. Their focus was entirely on money and they went after it at any cost. Duo had seen working conditions so poor that the workers were treated like animals. And when they got hurt on the job and could no longer work there was no compensation and no hope for their family. His brow knit with the vivid memories, and he wondered what it was like at Heero’s factory. “How much do you pay your workers?” Duo asked, no longer caring that Heero wanted to sleep. Heero’s eyes blinked open. “You can think after that?” Duo nodded. The sex had been incredible, but the consequences of this tryst were starting to rear their ugly heads. “I pay a living wage.” “That’s the usual reply.” “Usual?” Heero leaned up on his elbow. “Hey, what is this?” “It’s what I do. So, tell me how you treat your employees.” Heero’s eyes were sharp like an angered tiger. “Why don’t you come to Boston and see for yourself?” “And what would I see?” “You’d see a clean, efficient toy factory run by a man who cares about his employees.” Duo’s heart fluttered. Could it be that he’d found the poster child for his cause—an industrialist with the best interests of the laborers at heart? “I don’t know,” Duo said, shaking his head. “This whole night has been…” When his words drifted off, Heero leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. “Tell me. It’s been what?” Duo looked into Heero’s eyes. God, he wanted to believe… “Okay, then I’ll tell you,” Heero said. “It’s been the most incredible night of my life. I’m damn glad I didn’t go to the theater.” “Because I’m so entertaining?” Heero sighed and shook his head. “Don’t you ever take a day off?” “I can’t afford to.” Duo sat up. Maybe it was time to end this fantasy. But when he started to move off the bed, Heero grabbed him by the wrist. “It’s not morning yet.” The determination in Heero’s eyes, and his firm grip eased Duo back into bed. Heero lay on his side, looking at Duo as he rested back on the pillow. “What’s it going to take to keep you in my life?” Duo smiled. “Is that what you want?” “Haven’t you been listening?” All too well, Duo thought. “You’re not like anyone else.” “Is that to your approval?” “Yeah,” Duo said, nodding. “Look,” Heero said, caressing Duo’s arm. “Tonight was amazing and I’d like to see that continue, but I’ve got a factory in Boston that needs me. You’re not so rooted, right? You could work from anywhere.” “Yeah, I guess so.” It was tempting. Duo had not expected half the things that had happened tonight, including the connection he felt growing between him and Heero. A connection he was just as eager to continue, but had been too cautious to voice. He didn’t have to stay in Kansas City. He had contacts there, but there was so much work to be done on the east coast. He would be closer to Washington, D.C., and to a lot of cities with factories. “Maybe I could leverage some support for the cause,” Heero said and smiled. “You’re too good to be true.” “I know how to negotiate.” Duo laughed. “I still have to go to New York in the morning for a few days. But after that I could visit your factory.” “I’d give you a personal tour.” Heero nipped Duo’s jaw. “I’d want access to all areas of operation.” “Of course,” Heero said, licking Duo’s ear. “And I’d want to meet with your employees privately.” “It can be arranged.” Heero’s hand glided over Duo’s chest, teasing a nipple. “Oh, and I’d want to review your company books.” Heero lifted his head to look into Duo’s eyes. “If that’s what it takes.” “Yeah,” Duo said, knowing that Heero understood. Duo’s conscience had to be clear for this one night to turn into a relationship. “And when the tour’s done,” Heero said, moving his hand to Duo’s cock. “I’ll take you home and seduce you… again.” “You think it’d be that easy, huh?” “It’s got to be easier than the first time.” Duo laughed. “But when you come, I’ll want you to stay.” “Overnight?” Heero kissed Duo’s lips, and then put his mouth to his ear. “I’m playing for keeps.” “And you’re winning,” Duo said, pulling Heero to him for another, long kiss.
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