"One Love"

Written By: Artemis

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties. I make no money with this fic.

Pairing: 5x2/1x2, and 3x4

Rating: NC-17

Genre: Romance, angst

Summary: Heero is besotted by his best friend's new love interest.

"One Love "

Part 1

They say there is one perfect love for each of us. One perfect love among six billion. Not very good odds, and that's the rub. There's only one. So how do you find that one?

+ + +

It was all happening so very quickly. Life, that is. It moved without him even knowing it-- changing, morphing, spinning the planet while he made plans, finished graduate school, secured a job with a prestigious law firm, and purchased a condominium in the right part of town. He was a young man at the top of his game, living in a fast, urban world.

His best friends had grown up right alongside him. He knew they were all grown up now, not because of their degrees and great jobs, but because they no longer referred to each other by nicknames, using fictional characters from favorite TV shows and comic books. Instead, they used their careers as monikers--attorney, professor, doctor. It was all part of the progression of life, the coming of age they had talked about since they were teens. And yet, Heero wasn't ready for this. Wasn't ready for his best friends to start settling down. Shouldn't that be years off yet?

First it was Trowa, the professor of ancient civilizations. Just months into his new position at the university he met and fell in love with a sweet, blond administrative assistant named Quatre, who had stumbled into one of his "sex in antiquity " lectures. Heero supposed that subject matter could kick-off any relationship.

But the shock wave had not hit until Wufei, the doctor, had called from his vacation in California to tell him he had met the most intoxicating young man on the planet. At first, Heero had humored him, listening patiently as Wufei expounded in great detail the many attributes of his new love. But Heero had never thought to take the relationship seriously. In all the years Heero had known him, Wufei had never been without a date... or two... or three.

It was only after Wufei returned from his holiday, moony-eyed and committed to continuing the exclusive relationship long-distance, that Heero began to suspect this was serious. Now, a month later, Wufei was flying-in his new lover for a long weekend to meet his friends, and presumably to become better acquainted. In Wufei style, his closest friends and colleagues were invited to his deluxe condominium on the upper north side for an intimate, catered affair.

Though he normally worked until ten at night or later, Heero ducked out around eight so as not to miss the "great unveiling," as Trowa was calling it. Heero slipped off his tie and unbuttoned his shirt several notches as he headed out of the downtown building and into his black Mercedes-Benz convertible. The Prussian blue suit and white shirt would be appropriate business casual attire for Wufei's "unveiling."

He arrived, fashionably late, at half past eight, stepping into Wufei's place and quickly scanning the faces of those gathered. Among the dozen plus guests, Heero spotted Trowa immediately. The young man stood half a head taller than anyone else, and was always, lovingly accompanied by his partner, Quatre.

"Didn't think you were going to make it," Trowa said, handing Heero a glass of white wine.

"And miss the show?" Heero leaned over to kiss Quatre on the cheek. "He still treating you right?"

Quatre chuckled. "Of course."

Heero's eyes looked over the room as he tasted his wine. It only took a moment to find their host, dressed in a black suit and white, mandarin-collared shirt, with a crowd gathered round him. He suspected the object of Wufei's affection was at the center.

"You met him yet?" Heero asked, looking to Trowa again.

"As soon as we arrived."

"And?"

"He's darling," Quatre said, smiling.

Heero raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember the doctor describing him that way."

"And he wouldn't," Trowa said, smiling and shaking his head at Quatre. "I think Wufei would be more likely to say that he's 'right for him'."

The others laughed, knowing the statement was probably true in light of Wufei's somewhat sedate manner.

Trowa continued, "But I'd describe his new boyfriend as more... boisterous. Loud, in fact."

"Loud?"

"In a fun way," Quatre amended. "And Wufei did not do the braid justice when he described it---"

Just then they heard laughter overtake the murmur of conversation in the room. One laugh resounding quite easily above the others. Their eyes turned to the center of the room where Wufei and so many of the others were gathered.

"Is that him?" Heero asked, once again trying to see through the circle of bodies.

"You guessed it."

"Trowa doesn't think he's Wufei's type," Quatre said, placing his hand on Heero's arm to draw his attention back to them.

"Why is that?"

"You'll see soon enough," Trowa said, and nodded to the grouping that was now dispersing.

Heero watched intently as Wufei broke free with one person in tow, holding hands with their fingers entwined. In seconds, Wufei and his new lover were standing before them.

"Here he is," Wufei said, smiling. "Isn't he gorgeous?"

Heero stared. Not only was he taken back by Wufei's uncharacteristic enthusiasm, but he was entranced by the stranger with the big eyes, smiling at him. The young man was dressed rather casually in a black silk shirt, blue jeans, and a black leather belt and shoes.

"Hi, I'm Duo Maxwell," he said, freeing his hand from Wufei's and holding it out in greeting.

Heero automatically accepted it, shaking it in his customarily firm way. "I'm Heero."

"Yeah, nice to meet you, Heero. Fei's told me a lot about you."

"He has?"

"Well, sure. We talk, you know. It's not just about the sex."

"It isn't?" Wufei asked, teasing, and then everyone broke out laughing... everyone except Heero.

The caterer interrupted just then, speaking to Wufei quietly.

"I'll need to attend to this," Wufei said. "Take care of Duo for me while I'm away." And then he slipped an arm around Duo's waist, pulling him in for a warm, sexy kiss.

"Don't be long," Duo said, his eyes gone lusty.

Wufei smiled smugly and then headed off to the kitchen with the caterer. Heero couldn't understand what would be so important he'd leave his lover behind, even for a second.

"So, you've all known Fei for years?"

"I haven't," Quatre said. "I only met him after I started seeing Trowa."

"Good, a relative newcomer I can bond with."

"Yes, we should get together to talk." Quatre smiled, seeming to have already taken to Duo.

"So... Heero. Your last name is Yuy, right? Is that Chinese?"

"It's Japanese."

"Oh, right. I remember Fei telling me that. So where's your date?"

"I'm not seeing anyone right now."

"Really? A good looking Asian guy like you going home alone tonight? Seems like a crime, but there are plenty to choose from here... what's your preference?"

"Preference?"

"Yeah, men or women?"

Heero's eyes narrowed. "I don't see how---"

"Quatre, how 'bout you and me finding our friend here a date for the night?"

"I'd love for Heero to hook-up with someone, but he's a bit of a loner."

"Is that right?" Duo asked with a smirk.

"No, that's not right," Heero said, defensively.

Duo took a half step back, seeming to realize he'd gone too far. "No, I can see you wouldn't have any trouble finding a date... if you wanted one." Duo then reached for Heero's glass of wine. "Mind if I have a sip?"

"What?" Heero pulled his glass back, confused by Duo's forwardness.

"I've misplaced mine."

"I'll get you another," Trowa said, flagging down one of the waiters.

Instantly there was a tray of filled wine glasses before him. Duo smiled at Trowa and then took one.

Wufei was back, whispering something in Duo's ear and then the two went off to mingle some more.

Heero, confused and a bit dazed, shook his head as they left.

"Is something wrong?" Trowa asked, staring at his friend. "You look like a deer caught in headlights."

"You were right," Heero said, setting down his glass. "He's not Wufei's type."

He nodded, excusing himself, and wandered over to the open patio doors, stepping out into the night. He looked at the traffic below, all white headlights and red taillights and the sound of an occasional horn. He loved this city for all its activity and vibrancy, and yet with all it offered him, even a stranger could see that he didn't have what he needed. He was alone. That fact didn't ordinarily bother him with his insanely busy schedule, but tonight he felt it cut him like a knife.

The "unveiling" had done more than reveal Wufei's new boyfriend, it had lifted the veil from Heero's eyes. He looked up at the sky, parceled by moving clouds and the threat of rain later that night. It was as if he was seeing for the first time, seeing his loneliness, his solitude in this great city, and seeing exactly what he wanted.

He's my type, Heero thought, sadly. Duo’s exactly my type.

+ + +

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, just stop by my place. I meant to give them to you last night, but with the party and all, I forgot."

"Will anyone be there?"

"The maid was there this morning, but she'd be gone by now. And Duo's with Quatre this afternoon. You've got a key. Just let yourself in."

Heero hesitated, but he did really need those art prints so that he could get them framed in time for his secretary's wedding.

"They're in a brown wrapper on my desk in the study. I'd bring them by myself, but I'm stuck at the hospital for the next few hours---"

"It's no problem. I appreciate you finding them for me... with your connections. They'll be perfect for Martine."

"Yes, I'm sure she'll enjoy them. Now... what did you think of Duo? You left early last night and I wasn't able to ask you."

"He's... great."

"Thanks. I think he's amazing. He's changed my life. He's so... alive."

Heero nodded, but didn't respond. He couldn't.

"Maybe we can get together tomorrow? For a movie or something? I'd like you two to get to know each other better."

"Sure... I'll check my schedule."

"Talk to you then."

Heero hung up the phone and took a deep breath. The prospect of going over to Wufei's, even with Duo not around, made him excited and nervous all at once. It was all he could do not to think about the other young man. Think about how Wufei had been the one to meet him, and fall in love. Why couldn't Heero have been that lucky? No, instead he had to pretend that he was happy for his friend. Well, he had been happy for him until he actually met Duo. Now his life was shit.

It was nearly two o'clock before he left work to head to Wufei's. Even though it was Saturday, it didn't matter; Heero had a lot of hours he needed to bill for the firm or he would risk getting fired.

At Wufei's, he let himself in with the spare key. Trowa, Wufei and Heero had long ago given each other spares just in case one of them locked himself out, or needed his mail picked up. But more than that, the shared keys represented friendship and trust--things Heero valued very highly.

He was half way across the living room when he heard a noise. He stopped and looked toward the kitchen, his ears perking.

"Wuffy, is that you?" a voice called.

Heero sucked in a breath and held still. Shit, it was Duo! But there was no time to make an escape as the other young man came into the room, looking at him with a mix of surprise and disappointment.

"Oh.... Hi, Heero. How'd you get in?"

Heero let out a shaky breath, taking in the fact that Duo was dressed only in a red plaid shirt that hung down to about mid-thigh. His legs were bare, his feet were bare, and his braid undone.

"I have a key."

"Oh."

They stared at each other, each seeming nervous and unsure with how to proceed.

Finally, Duo looked down at his shirt and smiled. "Sorry about my state of undress. It's my lumberjack look. Like it?"

"I'm sure you'd be a big hit in the logging camps."

Duo laughed. "So you do have a sense of humor. I was beginning to wonder after last night---"

"I just stopped by for a second to pick up some art prints Wufei left for me on his desk."

Duo cocked his head, seeming to appraise Heero and his errand. "Okay. Help yourself."

Heero gave a slight nod and then proceeded to the study. There on the desk was the brown wrapped package Wufei had described. He was grateful for Wufei contacting his friend in Chinatown to get the art prints that would go with Martine's new interest in Asian art.

When he returned to the living room, Duo was sitting on the couch, his legs curled under him and the TV on.

"I can't figure out when anything's on. You're two hours earlier here---"

"Wufei said you would be with Quatre this afternoon."

Duo blinked. "Uh, yeah, I was, but we had to cut it short when Trowa called. Something about picking up the cat at the vet."

Heero clutched the package in his hand--his heart pounding, his mouth going dry. Why was this happening to him? Why did Duo have to be so damn attractive?

"You okay, man? You don't look so good."

Heero swallowed. "I'm fine." And he turned for the door.

"Hey, you gonna go with us to the movies tomorrow? Wufei said he was gonna ask you---"

"I can't," Heero said, rushing out the door, and nearly slamming it behind him.

In the corridor, Heero took a moment to center himself. What was going on? Couldn't he even be in the same room with Duo without losing it?

+ + +

That evening, Heero settled in for an easy, distracting dinner with Trowa and Quatre. Though he knew their relationship would only remind him of what Wufei had so recently found, he still thought it better than spending another evening on his own.

They were just about to sit down to enjoy a deep dish, cheese and sausage pizza when the phone rang. Quatre hurried to answer it and was back only a moment later to announce that Duo would be joining them.

"Wufei's got an emergency at the hospital and they've had to cancel their theater plans. He felt bad about leaving Duo on his own tonight."

Heero looked at the plate in his hands, considering if it was too late to bow out gracefully. He hadn't taken any pizza yet, but it would seem odd to leave now. So he grabbed a beer and waited with the others for Duo to arrive.

Ten minutes later, a rushing Wufei dropped off Duo at the curb. Though Duo had a look of disappointment about him, Heero noted that the young man joked and tried to make light of the situation. And so, Heero's evening of torture began.

Duo took off his suit jacket, and unbuttoned the collar of his blue silk shirt. "Damn, I'm overdressed for this."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Quatre said, taking the jacket. "We know you had better plans. I'm just glad Wufei brought you here. It wouldn't have been right you sitting alone tonight when you've come all this way."

Duo nodded as he was handed a plate. "Is he always this busy?"

"He's a doctor. What did you expect?" Heero asked. When Duo looked at him he felt his face warming. Those damn big, blue eyes were focused on him.

"Well, the reality of playing with a doctor is a hell of a lot different than the fantasy. I had no idea he'd be this busy with me visiting."

"You mustn't think he doesn't care," Quatre chimed in again. "It's just that he's the best neurosurgeon in the region."

Duo smiled. "Sorry. I must sound pathetic."

"It's okay." Quatre patted Duo's arm, and Heero could see the two had become fast friends. Maybe it was because they were both outsiders, both trying to find a place among three friends who had been very close for a long time. But it also probably had to do with the fact that they were both gregarious and easy going. Heero was glad that Quatre had taken Duo under his wing.

The four sat down at the small dining room table and tucked into their pizza. At first, Heero was relieved when Quatre sat next to Duo, but he soon realized that put Duo directly across from him. Every time he looked up, there he was, giving him a nod or a little grin, trying too hard to make a place for himself among Wufei's friends. At least he would only be here a couple more days. Then he'd go back to California, safely two thousand miles away where Heero would never see him again. Thank God, he would never have to worry about Duo showing up unexpected for one of these little dinners again, all bright-eyed and sensual, smelling better than hot, cheesy pizza, and looking better than a man had a right to.

With the meal eaten, Heero abruptly announced that he needed to get back to the office to look over some client testimony before a meeting Monday morning. As he got up to retrieve his coat, Duo followed him, cornering him by the door.

"You're Fei's best friend," Duo began, leaning next to the door.

"One of them."

"No, I'm sure he said that you know him better than anyone. That counts as a best friend in my book."

Heero swallowed. "What of it?"

"I want to make him a special dinner tomorrow night, since I'll be leaving on Monday. But he won't tell me what his favorite meal is. Oh, I know what he likes to order when we're out, but---"

"I can't help you."

Duo pushed off from the wall and looked Heero in the eyes. "Why not?"

"I'm not the one to ask. Talk to Trowa."

Duo cocked his head, his brow furrowing. "Trowa, huh?"

With a nod, Heero opened the door and ducked out into the hall and down the stairs to the street. By the time he reached his car his hands were trembling so hard he couldn't insert the damn key into the lock. Then the keys dropped to the ground and he had to fumble in the dark to find them. When he finally did, steadying himself long enough to open the car and drive off, he gripped the wheel hard and cursed.

"Wufei... you lucky son of a bitch."

+ + +

By the time Monday came around, Heero had thoroughly catalogued what it was about Duo that so transfixed him. He had started with the obvious---his good looks. Certainly his slender, fit build was enticing, and then there was that titillating braid which had quickly taken center stage in his fantasies. He had never seen hair like that---thick and lustrous and begging to be touched.

But it was Duo's eyes that had so captivated Heero. They were expressive and mischievous, kind and full of humor---all the emotions that Duo so abundantly exhibited. His eyes were more a window into self than Heero ever thought possible. He had never seen so much life and vitality in anyone's eyes. And yet, he had also seen glimpses of disappointment, frustration, and perhaps even sadness. All emotions he could not understand coming from a young man in the throes of new love.

He glanced up at the clock. It was half past eleven. There was still time. He could race to the airport, confess his feelings, stop him from leaving.... No, he thought. It was pure idiocy. He would never do anything to jeopardize Wufei's trust in him or interfere with his friend's newfound happiness. And so, Heero turned back to work, submerging himself in case histories until the phone rang, jarring him back to the moment.

"How's the attorney doing this afternoon?"

Heero hesitated, hearing Wufei's voice and looking up at the clock. It was one. "Shouldn't you be at the airport?"

"I want to talk to you about that. Can you meet me at our usual haunt... say in half an hour? I've asked Trowa to join us, too."

"Is everything all right?"

"More than all right."

Heero shivered, hearing the purr in his friend's voice. This was about Duo.

"See you there?" Wufei asked again.

"Sure."

+ + +

Heero was the last to arrive at the kosher deli, taking a seat at the small, round table with his friends.

"Did you eat?" Wufei asked, nodding for the waitress to come over.

"I'm not hungry. So, what's this about?"

Wufei's brow tightened and Heero feared his restlessness was all too apparent. "Okay, I'll get to the point." He smiled, looking at his friends and waving off the waitress when she arrived. "I've asked Duo to stay."

"What?" Heero asked, feeling the blood drain from his face.

"Last night I asked him to move in with me, and this morning he said yes."

"That's great. You needed someone to shake up your life," Trowa said. "But I'm a little surprised you're taking the plunge."

"Yes, trust does not come easy for me, but I've determined that Duo is trustworthy and I can see the value in a steady relationship. I know I can count on Duo the way I've always counted on you guys being there for me. And you have to admit he would be very nice to come home to every night."

Heero nearly growled, wanting desperately to wipe that smile off Wufei's face.

"You're very quiet," Wufei said to Heero. "Don't tell me you're jealous?"

It took every ounce of Heero's control to stay planted in that seat. How could he tell his best friend that their friendship might well end over his choice of a lover?

"If you're happy... then I'm happy," Heero said a bit awkwardly.

Wufei looked closely at him, seeming to distrust his words. They had always been honest with each other, and Heero was sure that his lack of sincerity had been detected or at least suspected.

"Funny, because you don't sound happy."

"Well... it's bound to change things."

"He's right, Wufei," Trowa said. "Remember how long it took the two of you to adjust to having Quatre around?"

Wufei's eyes narrowed, almost squinted as he looked from Trowa to Heero, and then he gave a slight nod. "I should have remembered there needed to be an adjustment period."

"So, will Duo head home to get his things?" Trowa asked.

"No, I've arranged for professional movers to handle everything. Duo's given me a list of items he'd like shipped immediately and the remainder will go into storage for the time being." Wufei once again waved for the server. "Obviously, he only packed enough for the weekend and the boxes won't arrive for a few days, so I'll give him my credit card to shop for what he needs."

While Wufei expounded on the details, Heero's mind wandered. He could see the happy scene playing out before him. Wufei arriving home from a long day at the hospital, and Duo waiting for him, dressed only in that sexy, red plaid shirt. It was enough to make his hands curl into fists, but he remained outwardly calm as their meeting turned into a long lunch.

When at last Wufei finished his sandwich and headed back to the hospital to do rounds, Trowa nodded for Heero to stay a bit longer.

"What's bugging you?"

"Nothing."

"You expect me to buy that? I think Wufei was right... you're not happy for him."

Heero kept his gaze steady on his friend, trying not to give him anymore reason to suspect.

"Just surprised, that's all."

"Well, I agree this is a first," Trowa said, scratching behind his ear. "Never thought he'd settle down... though there was that girl he dated in med school."

"Sally."

"Right, Sally Po. Whatever happened to her?"

"I think she caught him messing around one too many times."

"Well, I don't think Wufei knows what he's getting into. Maybe that's why he's so happy... ignorance is bliss."

Heero felt the urge to frown, but he nodded instead. He wanted to tell Trowa what was going on in his mind, in his heart, but he feared the consequences. He couldn't give his feelings for Duo any validity, and by sharing them with one of his friends, he would be doing exactly that.

"I should get back." Heero put a few dollars on the table for the tip and then stood. "Be sure to say hello to Quatre for me."

"I will. Thanks."

+ + +

Out of sight, out of mind or so the saying goes, but Heero knew there was little truth in it. He did his best to avoid seeing Wufei and Duo, but even then his mind wandered to images of Duo, his chestnut hair loose about him, and his lips curled in a saucy grin. Inevitably their paths crossed. There was no avoiding it. Heero and Wufei ran in some of the same social circles. Heero tried to minimize his exposure by leaving parties early or not going at all, and he had taken to ignoring Duo altogether, other than giving him a small nod of greeting. It was just too painful and he feared if he said or did anything more he would give himself away.

His life was misery, moving slowly, sluggishly, as the clock ticked each minute away as though it were two. Life as he knew it had stopped and had become a routine. He felt old and the city seemed to swirl around him, swallowing him whole. It had been little more than three weeks since Wufei's announcement, but to Heero an eternity had passed.

+ + +

Martine's wedding had been beautiful. The young woman had a fine sense of style and had made the occasion her own, selecting a simple, but elegant white dress, and a mix of wild flowers for bouquets and to decorate the church and reception hall.

The entire law office of Tatum, McMann, and Sealy had been invited, and Heero sat with his closest colleagues at the reception, enjoying the lively conversation that an open bar engendered. This was the most relaxed he had felt in a long time and his co-workers seemed to notice.

"You know, Heero, you've been working very hard lately," Ted McMann, one of the firm's partners, said. "Why don't you take a few days off? Head up north and do some fishing."

"I don't fish, but thanks."

"Still... you should take the time off. You look tired."

Heero considered Ted's words. He probably did look tired, but so did half the staff at the law firm. It came with the territory. Young attorneys worked their balls off to make their way up the rungs of the ladder. And what would he do with a few days off? Go into a melancholy stupor never to be seen again?

"I'll sleep in tomorrow and be a new man by Monday."

Ted smiled. "All right, but the offer stands."

Heero nodded and then excused himself from the table to get another drink. He made his way across the room, skirting the dance floor with its dozens of guests and bridal party members doing the boogey and anything else that would normally be embarrassing, but at a wedding was merely good fun.

At the bar, he ordered a mixed drink, anything the bartender felt like making him, and leaned back against the bar to watch the party. Martine was happy and in her element, never having a moment to sit down as she danced and talked and laughed her way through the night. Heero wondered if Trowa and Quatre might soon be planning a party such as this. They had been talking about making formal commitment vows to each other, but Trowa's busy schedule at the university had thus far prevented them.

And then he saw him. On the other side of the dance floor, coaxing an old woman out of her chair and into his arms for a dance. It was Duo. Heero couldn't believe his eyes. He shook his head to clear the false image from his mind, but it didn't go away.

What was Duo doing here? And why was he dancing with the groom's mother? It didn't matter. He looked fantastic. Heero smiled as he watched him carefully guide his dance partner around the dance floor---a regular Fred Astaire for the 21st century. He was amazing, so smooth, and so graceful as he glided along, smiling and making eye contact with the old woman the whole time.

When the song ended, the bride and groom, and many of the guests gathered to applaud. Duo was patted on the back and his hand shaken as the old woman was escorted back to her chair, more alive than she had been in decades.

And then Duo made a beeline for the bar. Heero turned around and grabbed his drink, keeping his head down. Maybe Duo wouldn't notice him. He certainly couldn't have known that Heero would be here.

"Heero? That you?"

Swallowing, Heero lifted his head and turned to see Duo standing there. There was a slight sheen of sweat on his brow, his bangs clinging just a bit to his face, and he looked beautiful in his finely tailored black suit and tie and polished shoes.

"It is you. What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that."

"Fair enough. It's my gig. I'm the party motivator."

"The what?"

"It's what I do for a living. Didn't Fei tell you? I'm a party motivator. People hire me to make sure everyone has fun and no one gets left out. That's how I met him. He stumbled into the wrong room at his hotel, and I spotted this guy looking all confused and---"

"Yeah, he told me."

"Oh."

Heero turned back around, wrapping his hands around his drink and staring into the ice cubes.

"Bride or groom?" Duo asked, obviously not getting the hint that Heero wanted to be left alone.

"What?"

"Are you a friend of the bride or groom?"

"Bride."

"Ah. She's the prettiest bride I've seen in a long time. And happy, too. Sometimes all they do is cry, you'd swear they were being sold into slavery---"

"What are you doing?" Heero asked, abruptly.

"Huh?"

Heero flicked Duo a look over his shoulder. "Shouldn't you be circulating or something?"

"I thought I was."

Heero focused on his drink, lifting it to his lips and taking a slow drink of it. When he set it back down and looked to his side, Duo was still standing there. His arms crossed over his chest.

"You don't like me, do you?" Duo asked.

"What?"

"You won't even look me in the eye when you talk... that is if you talk to me. Most of the time you just sneer or turn away. What did I ever do to you?"

Heero gripped the edge of the bar and bit his tongue. God, he didn't want to hurt Duo. He wanted to tell Duo the truth, take hold of him, reveal his very soul to him, and make love to him from now 'til eternity. But he couldn't, he wouldn't betray his friend or embarrass Duo with an improper proposition.

"Fine," Duo said with a sigh. "I thought maybe if I confronted you on it, you might actually have the balls to tell me what's going on. You know you're hurting Wufei. He can see it, too."

Heero was tempted to meet Duo in the eyes, but he held firm, believing mistakenly, that if he ignored the situation it would go away. And in a way it did, if only temporarily. With a swish of his braid, Duo turned tail and melted back into the party, and Heero left without a word to anyone else.

Chapter 2

Back to Artemis' fics

Back to GW Authors Index.