"Remade and Remodeled "

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.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Alternate reality, hurt/comfort, angst

Pairings: 6x2

Summary: The challenge of an outlandish bet brings unforeseen consequences

"Remade and Remodeled "

 

When they stepped into the Epilogue Art Gallery and Hilde’s face drained of color, Duo’s heart stopped for one blood curdling moment. She hated the show! But he realized, nearly as quickly, that his friend was mortified by the lack of people.

“Did you think they’d all be here and yell out ‘surprise’ when we walked in?” Duo laughed.

Hilde’s brow scrunched, but her relief was apparent. The caterers were setting up, and some of the staff were still dressed in jeans as they ran about with last minute tasks. Obviously, the gallery hadn't opened yet.

She sighed, but then smiled. “I thought no one had showed.”

“God, do you think that could happen?”

“No, no! I’m actually glad we can be alone… I mean, so you can give me a private showing. Oh, gosh! That’s not what I meant!”

Chuckling, Duo bumped her hip playfully. “I know what you meant.”

His stomach had fluttered nervously at her words. There had been a time, when he wasn’t as clear about his preferences, that Hilde’s innuendos and long eyelashes batting at him made him want to… well, not exactly jump her bones, but snuggle at the very least.

As a staff member rushed past, Duo shouted to her. “Is Miss Carmel here?”

The college-aged woman looked over her shoulder. “She’s upstairs in her office. Should be down any minute.”

Duo nodded. In an hour the gates of heaven would open or all hell would break loose.

Walking around the gallery with his best friend on his arm was about the brightest moment of his life. Hilde was family and friend all rolled into one, and she knew more about him—for better or for worse—than anyone else on the planet, including Lieutenant Po. He was damn proud to show her what he’d accomplished. In the last week he’d worked his butt off painting over a dozen canvases that synthesized his vision for the show. Most of the work on display consisted of what he called “junk amalgamations.” Yeah, Zechs had fussed at calling the work junk, but it had started that way. Now he was inclined to agree that he’d taken the mish-mash of materials to a higher level.

“This is an incredible amount of work. I’ve never seen you use oils before. Wow…” Hilde rushed over to a canvas covered in blue and white hues and streaks of yellow. “This looks so happy.” She turned to him smiling. “It’s been a long time since you were happy.”

He blinked, taken aback by her observation. “Really? I always thought I was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.”

“You put a good spin on things, but I know it’s been rough for you.”

“But it’s getting better all the time.”

“And after tonight, I’d say it’s going to get a lot better.”

“Thanks, Hil.”

The clank of bottles drew their eyes towards the bar, and they silently agreed to head over for a drink.

“Is it too soon to get served?” Duo asked the bartender.

The man smiled, lining up some stemware on the counter. “Not for the star of the show.”

“How’d you know who I am?”

“Your picture is plastered all over town… Well, at least in the gallery district.” The bartender poured them each a glass of wine.

Duo was a little embarrassed by the publicity blitz, but also satisfied. He wanted the night to be a success, and it helped knowing that posters for the event were around town. There had also been ads in art magazines and the show was listed in the calendar of events for the gallery district. Zechs had explained that was the first level of coverage. Once the show opened, word of mouth and positive reviews in the press would do the rest to bring people through the door and make Duo the talk of the town.

“No matter what happens tonight, I’ve learned a hell of a lot," Duo said. "Not just about the business, but about myself and what I’m capable of doing.”

“You sound so grown-up.”

Duo smirked, and in his best pompous accent said, “I do believe I’ve matured.”

They touched glasses, making a little ping, and enjoyed the wine.

At last, Corrine Carmel breezed into the gallery. She was dressed in a sleek black cocktail dress with ornate turquoise jewelry at her neck, ears and wrists.

“Darling!” She pulled Duo into a fierce hug, kissing his cheek and partially spilling his drink. “You look incredible. Such taste! And who is this delightful young lady?”

Duo chuckled, liking Corrine’s demeanor more everyday. “Miss Carmel, this is my closest friend, Hilde Schbieker.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hilde. And please call me Corrine. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your evening more enjoyable. Now, if you’ll forgive me, I have a hundred things to check before the flood gates open.”

They watched the gallery’s owner dart away, and both laughed.

“Wow, she has more energy than you!” Hilde said.

“Scary, isn’t it?”

Duo’s nerves were getting the best of him, but the alcohol was soothing. He finished the glass of wine and went back for another. The opening was about more than just him, making the show’s success imperative. It was Duo’s debut as an artist, but he knew that Corrine Carmel and her staff had invested time and sweat into this project. The gallery’s reputation was as much at stake as Duo’s still non-existent career. However, he had no notion of what a success or failure in this venture would mean to Zechs. In his limited view of Oz’s operations, Duo couldn’t fathom this event showing up on their radar screen.

With the clock inching towards seven, and Zechs nowhere to be seen, Duo wondered if his sponsor was beginning to have doubts.

“What time do the doors open?” Hilde asked.

“Half past seven.”

“Then you might want to slow down.” She nodded to his drink.

He stared at the glass of wine as if seeing it for the first time. “Guess it wouldn’t be cool if I was drunk before the party started.” He set the glass down on the nearest horizontal surface.

“You’re just nervous. The show is terrific. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“It’s not that, Hilde. It’s Zechs… Where the hell is he?”

“I’m sure he’s delayed at the office or stopped to get you a bouquet of roses.”

Duo laughed, and felt the blush rising on his cheeks.

“I wish I had thought of that,” came a voice from behind them.

Duo turned towards the sound of that familiar sexy voice. “Zechs!”

The man was halfway across the gallery, having come in through the staff entrance. He was wearing a cloud gray silk suit, matching gray tie, bluish-gray silk shirt and black shoes. The suit was styled simply with one button at the waist, and its straight cut accentuated Zechs’s long lines. His white blond hair hung smoothly down his back, and a few locks fell forward over one shoulder. He was perfect; always seeming to know how to dress for the occasion, though Duo had never seen him in anything but a suit… including a swimsuit.

“Sorry to have worried you,” Zechs said, joining them. His hand slid onto Duo’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze before he held it out to Hilde. “It’s good to see you again.”

Hilde gave Zechs her brightest smile and Duo wondered when the shift had occurred. Less than two weeks ago, she had been adamant that Duo steer clear of Zechs Merquise. Tonight, she was all pink-cheeked and chatting happily with him, almost giddy from his attention. Well, the man did have that affect on people.

He stared at Zechs from under his bangs, trying to be discreet in his admiration. That suit made Zechs sexier and more sophisticated than anyone had a right to be. Self consciously, Duo looked down at his own attire. The unusual combination of Army jacket, tuxedo pants and boots had seemed perfect an hour ago, but now he wondered if his taste in clothes fit with the new path his life was taking.

“You look amazing,” Zechs said, bending close to Duo’s ear.

Duo sucked in a breath, afraid that somehow Zechs was reading his thoughts. Damn, if it didn’t seem that way. He met the man’s glacier blue eyes. “Thanks. And you look… wow. Where’s my sketchpad when I need it?”

Zechs raised an eyebrow, but grinned at Duo’s creative compliment. Then his eyes drifted further into the gallery and the pleasure on his face was quickly replaced by puzzlement. “What’s this?”

Duo followed the line of his gaze. It settled on his masterpiece, the one that Zechs had not seen completed. Duo nodded for Hilde to follow him as Zechs walked over to examine the three-dimensional art.

“Is this the surprise you mentioned?” Zechs asked.

“Yep, here it is.”

Zechs circled the piece slowly. The structure was eight feet tall, but next to Zechs it lost some of its enormity. “Brilliant.”

The mixing of different elements of metals, discarded parts and found objects was formed with the bicycle at its base. A large piece of sheet metal was balanced vertically across the seat, arching and curving upwards at either end like a circus acrobat riding to the crowd’s delight. There were springs and sprockets arranged to add to the impression of the human form, and clear glass marbles and translucent aqua glass shards artfully composed to suggest a costume.

“Is that you?” Zechs asked, smiling.

“No.” Duo shook his head, too embarrassed to reveal it was Zechs.

The aqua glass shards had reminded him of Zechs’s crystal eyes, and he liked the idea of his God-like mentor riding the bike he had given him. The flow of the metal, fluid and curved was a reflection on the journey they were sharing which was anything but a straight line. It fit in his artist’s mind; a playful tribute to a man who had rushed into his life like a knight in shining armor.

“You’re not pissed that I used your bike?” Duo asked, shoving his hands into his pockets nervously.

“It’s your bike, Duo. I’m pleased that it inspired you.”

“Yeah?” Duo smiled as Zechs nodded approvingly.

He was immensely pleased that his gamble to combine old, found bits of metal and glass with the new bike had paid off. That Hilde and Zechs were enjoying his creations gave Duo a rush he hadn’t expected. He was tempted to say this was good enough. He didn’t need the show to prove anything or go anywhere. But the big wheels were turning, and Corrine was at the front door waving at someone through the glass. There were more than a dozen people waiting to come in. When had that line formed?

“Remember, Duo, I need you to mingle,” Zechs was saying in his ear. “You’re the star tonight. They’re all going to want you.”

Maybe it was Duo’s imagination, but it sounded like Zechs had put a deliberate emphasis on want you.

“What should I say?”

“I’ll introduce you around. You won’t be neglected tonight.” Zechs’s grin broadened, and then he turned to Hilde. “My assistant Lucrezia Noin will be arriving momentarily. She’ll be your companion for the evening. I hope you don’t mind, but Duo’s going to be very busy.”

Hilde shook her head vigorously, still seeming mesmerized by Zechs. “How will I know her?”

“She’ll find you.”

“You gonna be okay, Hil?”

“Sure, don’t worry.”

“Maybe you should hang with me. You know as eye candy?”

Hilde laughed, but Zechs was already motioning for her to wait by the reception desk. “Lu is a great conversationalist. I have a feeling you’ll be fast friends.”

With the girlfriend’s departure, Zechs put his hand on Duo’s elbow and directed him toward the wave of guests spilling through the open door. Duo took a deep breath and resisted the urge to dig in his heels and run in the opposite direction.

“You’re tense,” Zechs said, softly.

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“I’m sorry about last night.”

The timing of the apology had Duo’s eyes going wide. “You said as much already.”

“I know, but I’m not sure you understood just how very sorry I was.”

As Duo was about to reply, a couple of journalists approached with notepads in hand. From that moment on the evening took off at warp speed. The event blurred into fragmented conversations, gushing compliments, rapid fire questions, and such intense analysis of his work that Duo thought the gallery had turned into a scientific laboratory. He was speaking to two, three, five people at once with Zechs never more than a few yards away.

At one point, Duo guessed there were upwards of a hundred people packed into the gallery. The room had become hot and noisy, fogging the gallery’s front windows. The hum of multiple conversations sometimes made it difficult to hear the person standing next to you. Throughout it all, the comings and goings of reporters, critics, and dealers, Duo sensed that Zechs held the reins. Corrine flitted about like a bumblebee overjoyed with a hothouse of chattering flowers, but it was Zechs’s understated handling of the ebb and flow of humanity that impressed Duo.

He was hyperaware of the man tonight, feeling him at his back, knowing that Zechs would step forward to assist at precisely the right moment. It was like being part of an elaborate dance, but one that had been rehearsed without Duo’s knowing it.

“How would you describe your work?” one art critic asked, snapping Duo out of his thoughts.

“Chaotic?” Duo laughed. “To me it feels different every time. I mean, it’s whatever happens when I pick up my brush or my needle nose pliers.”

“What inspires you?” another person asked.

Duo was aware that art provoked people as easily as it stimulated and inspired, but what inspired him to create? “Life. Mythology. Something I see when I’m walking down the street. There’s inspiration everywhere if you look.”

The questions kept coming, and try as he might, Duo was unable to make his way back to Hilde’s side for even a minute. He glimpsed her once or twice from across the room, seeing her deep in conversation with Miss Noin. He hoped it wasn’t a mistake bringing Hilde tonight, neglecting her like this. But it was good having her share in his success, and the night certainly looked like a success to him.

“Duo!” Corrine shrieked as she grabbed his arm. “Your work is selling like hotcakes. I’ve never seen such a buzz over a new artist before.”

“That’s good, right?”

Corrine laughed. “My dear, you have no idea! I’ll send a full report to Zechs tomorrow. I just wanted you to know… You’re a hit!”

Duo smiled from ear-to-ear and laughed at his own good fortune. Okay, this night was turning into a dream, and he pinched his arm just to make sure he was awake. “Ouch.”

“Ouch?”

He looked up to find Zechs at his side. “This is friggin’ unbelievable.”

“Friggin’?”

“You know…” Duo mouthed the word fucking, and Zechs’s eyes narrowed deliciously. He wondered what the man was thinking, but he didn't get the chance to find out as none other than Treize Khushrenada was making a grand entrance into the gallery.

Zechs sighed. “I thought he had opera tickets tonight.”

“You don’t sound glad to see him.”

“He doesn’t usually take this much interest in my… projects.”

Duo grimaced as the business aspect of this night came back to smack him in the face. “Well, he is your boss, right? He can do what he wants.”

“Yes and no.”

Treize’s short auburn hair was smoothed back from his face, save for a couple of stray pieces covering his forehead. He was dressed for the opera in a handsome black suit with silk lapels, black-patent shoes, and a beautiful white, silk scarf about his neck. At his side was the ever present, Miss Une, in a long, black velvet gown, clutching a jet black beaded bag, and wearing her hair down. Their arrival caused quite a stir and many of those gathered made an effort to speak with the head of Oz. He rarely made appearances in public where one could approach him like this. It seemed as though the room tilted with the weight of its occupants rushing for an audience with the king.

Zechs was not pleased and made no effort to maneuver Duo into Treize’s path. If anything, he defiantly steered Duo towards deeper conversations with guests. Inevitably, Treize and Une made their way across the room to offer their congratulations.

“A very bold show,” Treize said, holding out his hand to shake Duo’s.

Duo obliged, feeling the much larger hand clamp down on his firmly. “Thank you, Mr. Khushrenada. I wasn’t expecting you this evening.”

“Oh? Well, I was across town. We left La Bohème at intermission. Regrettably, it may affect their ticket sales when word gets out that I didn’t stay for Act II.”

“Treize, we’re delighted to see you, of course,” Zechs said, smoothly. “But your presence has a way of… disrupting things.”

“Give me some credit, old man. I’m here to wish Mr. Maxwell success and put my stamp of approval on your venture.” Treize flicked his eyes around the room and grinned, albeit smugly. “But I see that you’ve already had your success.”

Duo wasn’t positive, but he thought Zechs flinched. What was it about having these two industry giants in the same room that made everyone stare? It seemed a hundred pairs of eyes were looking their way. Was it simply the novelty of seeing the elusive controlling figures of Oz?

“We appreciate your support,” Zechs said, evenly.

Treize’s eyes narrowed, and then he smiled and turned his attention back to Duo. “Young man, you have a bright future ahead of you.”

The man mirrored Zechs in height and presence in the room, and yet Duo sensed the rivalry went beyond the physical. There was definite tension between these two and he didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire. He spotted Hilde within shouting distance and made a break for it.

“Thank you,” Duo said, smiling and taking a step to the side. “Gosh, I see a friend of mine I haven’t been able to talk to all night…”

“It’s all right, Duo,” Zechs said, seeming to understand his need to slip away.

“Of course, go on,” Treize said. “Enjoy your night.”

Chapter 13

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