"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 "

The Porsche was a sweet ride. Hell, there was nothing like flying down the highway in a machine like that doing 120 miles per hour. It felt like the speed—the danger—was a metaphor for his relationship with Zechs. It was all moving fast, and at the moment that was fine with Duo.

"You race cars in a former life?"

"It's a hobby," Zechs said, reducing speed. "I used to have more time for it. I'd go to Europe and race Formula-1." He cut across three lanes and exited the highway.

It had taken twenty minutes to reach the exclusive Romefeller District in the hills outside the city. This was where the insanely rich lived in modern-day castles, and where the likes of Duo Maxwell was not welcome, except by escort.

They pulled onto the estate's gated driveway and the massive iron gates opened without entering a code. The system seemed to recognize the car or its master. It was late, but Zechs's mansion was illuminated by a preponderance of lights as though the house had been awakened for his return. There were lights hidden in the landscaping and fixed on the building's façade, making it impossible not to notice the impressive columns that seemed to support the stone arch over the doorway and the roof above.

"Are you having a party?"

"A party for two."

"Then… we're eating here?"

Zechs glanced over at him and smiled. "You won't be disappointed."

Duo hadn't doubted that, but Zechs was driving way more than the car. Sooner or later, Duo would need to stop being a satisfied passenger and take the wheel of this relationship. But it was damn hard. Not only because Zechs had his shit together and knew where he was going with each step he took, but also that Duo—shamelessly—liked having Zechs in control. All his life he had struggled to find money for food and rent, to connect with people, and to find himself. It was a relief to hand the reins of his life to someone else, and in the last week and a half, Zechs had wrapped those reins around both hands like a cowboy on the range.

Just then the passenger door opened, and Duo realized they were parked in front of the mansion. A servant was holding the door for him.

"Good evening, sir," the man said.

"Yeah, good evening," Duo said, a bit unnerved by this level of service. He got out of the car and stretched his arms over his head.

Zechs walked around the front of the Porsche, the headlights washing over his tall figure and elegant gray suit. The rain had slowed to a sprinkle, so there was no need to rush. Duo's army jacket had repelled the hard rain rather well, but he still felt like a drowned rat. He hoped he didn't look that way.

Zechs seemed to read his thoughts, and caressed his hair as he came to stand next to him. "You look incredible, but I'll have Fergus bring us warm towels to dry off."

"Fergus?"

"I'm sure you remember him from your previous visit." Zechs had no sooner finished saying that when the front door opened, and he nodded to the man standing there. "This is Fergus."

It was the butler who had been suspicious—and rightly so—of Duo on his first visit.

Fergus nodded a greeting to Duo, and then looked to his master. "Everything is ready, sir."

"Thank you. Please send up warm towels so our guest can dry his hair from the rain."

"Very good, sir."

They stepped inside, and Zechs immediately headed up the marble staircase with a glance back at Duo to be certain he followed. Duo was following all right like a wide-eyed tourist. If only he had a camera to document the beautiful oil paintings in silver gilded frames, and the glimmering crystal chandelier high above them.

"It's Waterford crystal," Zechs said, nodding to the light. "Treize gave it to me as a house warming gift. Heavy as Hell for the workers to hang."

"Don't people usually give friends a bottle of wine for a new home?"

"I have my own fully stocked wine cellar, but come to think of it, Lucrezia presented me with a remarkable bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild. Perhaps we should open it tonight?"

Duo blinked. He had no idea what a Mouton Rothschild was, but it sounded impressive. "Maybe you should save it. Have Miss Noin over some evening…"

Zechs grinned. "I try not to mix business with pleasure. Ah, but I see that's what you think I'm doing with you."

"No, I—"

"Sometimes it's worth it to break the rules, don't you think?"

Duo's cheeks warmed and he tilted his head to hide a blush. They continued up the grand staircase. The house was bright and cheerful, but the memories from his first visit were garbled and incomplete. He recalled the crisp white and silver décor, but it had seemed more sterile than it did this evening.

Half way up the stairs, Duo felt an odd jolt of recognition. He had been here with Zechs before. He paused in his ascent, not wanting the memory to slip away. "Were we on these stairs before?"

"Yes, when I brought you home to convalesce. I carried you up the stairs."

"Carried?" Yes, he remembered it now. Zechs had held him close to his chest, his strong arms easily supporting Duo's slight frame.

"It was the only way. I hope you don't mind."

Duo grinned as he shook his head. "My first impression of you was right… you really are a knight in shining armor."

Zechs gave a low chuckle. "Only since I met you." They stared at each other a moment, and then Zechs held out his hand. "Shall we continue?"

Duo nodded and gave Zechs his hand. At the top of the stairs, the décor transitioned into something more elaborate, almost busy. The floor was laid with gray and white marble tiles, the walls covered with silver and white wallpaper bursting with exotic birds in pale blues, yellows and pinks, and crystal wall sconces lighted the way. It was like a royal palace instead of the home of an incredibly wealthy and powerful young man. Zechs's stately home contrasted sharply with his love for the speed and precision engineering of that Porsche, and yet it fit his complex personality.

Again, Duo had little memory of this space, but Zechs's hand was so warm in his that the surroundings didn't matter.

They turned left down the corridor, walking the length of the hall until they came to a set of ornate French doors. Zechs opened the doors and they stepped outside onto a flagstone terrace. It was furnished like it was just another room of the house, but the misty fog that was forming made it feel as though they were stepping into another dimension.

There was a white canopy at the center of the terrace, sheltering furniture of bronze metal, cream-colored linen cushions, and scarlet and cream-colored pillows. Metal lanterns lighted with candles were set on the ground around the furniture and on top of a large, square coffee table set with silver cutlery and white china.

Duo walked across the terrace and under the canopy and faced the open air. The house sat on a hillside with a million dollar view of the city with its twinkling lights in the distance.

"Wow."

"It's an even better view in the morning," Zechs said. Duo turned to see Zechs taking a bottle of champagne from an ice bucket. "Please sit down. My personal chef has prepared a meal for us."

Zechs popped the cork on the champagne and poured the bubbling, golden liquid into crystal champagne flutes. He walked over to stand at Duo's side and handed him a glass.

The glass was heavy in Duo's hand. "Waterford?"

"You're a quick study," Zechs said. He touched the edge of his glass to Duo's, and the crystal rang in a beautiful tone. "To your success."

Duo grinned and took a sip of the dry and flavorful champagne. It was strange to be treated this well, but Zechs was true to his word. He wanted to pamper Duo and celebrate their achievement.

They sat on the couch, facing the city and drinking champagne. Duo looked around, getting his bearings, and noticed the terrace had a second set of doors that led into a room that was dimly lighted.

"That's the master bedroom," Zechs said, following Duo's gaze.

"Oh. And the guestroom I stayed in?"

"The opposite end of the corridor. I didn't want to be tempted."

Duo met Zechs's eyes and saw playfulness there. Perhaps they were beginning to relax around each other. The champagne certainly helped with that. Duo decided to be bold and leaned in for a kiss. Zechs met him halfway, their lips coming together in a slow, sensual appetite. He no longer cared about food, he just wanted to be carried away on a heady mix of sex and champagne.

A cough interrupted the kiss.

Zechs pulled back slowly, but did not turn to the sound. "Yes?"

"Your towels, sir."

Duo shot up from the couch like it was on fire. He was embarrassed, but tried to act nonchalant as he stepped over to retrieve the towels from a silver platter. The towels were more hot than warm and he almost dropped them, but somehow managed to toss them back and forth in his hands until he could hand one off to Zechs and use the other to pat his braid and bangs dry. The servant didn't stay to take the used towels back with him.

"Once dinner is served," Zechs said. "We won't be disturbed again."

"That's good to know." Duo chuckled.

He resettled on the couch, drier and cozier, but didn't initiate the kiss again knowing that there would be one more interruption. They enjoyed the view, quietly talking and sipping champagne until two servants and the chef appeared with their dinner.

The servants plated their meals while Chef Claudine explained. "For a light, late night supper I pan-seared giant sea scallops in butter and laid them on a bed of crisp arugula and endive with a red wine reduction, and au gratin potatoes in cream sauce."

Duo's mouth was watering and he was ready to eat, but the chef went on in her French accent.

"And for dessert, I've prepared an apple tart with hot caramel sauce and crème fraîche. Bon appétit."

"Merci, Chef," Zechs said, and the woman nodded to him before leaving with the servants.

"You speak French?" Duo asked.

"Yes, and several other languages. I was born in Europe and went to school there."

"Several languages, huh? People say I butcher the English language. I suppose if I knew French, I'd butcher that, too!"

Zechs laughed. "And yet, I find the way you speak quite charming."

"That's because I don't sound like your snobby friends."

Zechs raised an eyebrow, but seemed amused. "Do you mean, Treize?"

"Mm-hm," Duo said, taking a large bite of the scallop. It was rich and buttery and cooked to perfection. "Do you eat like this everyday?"

"When I'm home. I try to eat breakfast here everyday, but I'm usually only home for dinner once or twice a week."

"You're a busy guy."

"Yes, and rather more so than I'd like sometimes."

"So, if you weren't spending time on my career what would you be doing?"

"Jetting somewhere to see a client."

Duo considered that while he ate more of the delicious scallop and potatoes. He wished the chef had baked a loaf of bread. He was famished.

"Duo," Zechs said, putting his hand on Duo's knee. "You have no idea how refreshing it is to work with someone as down-to-earth as you."

"Down-to-earth?"

"Yes, the people I meet everyday are caught up in themselves. It's the nature of the business, but I hadn't realized just how tired I was of it until I met you."

"Tired of the people, but not all this…" Duo said, gesturing to their beautiful surroundings.

"The perks make it tolerable, I suppose."

If Zechs was tired of the people in his life, was he lonely, too?

"So… there's no one special?"

Zechs set his fork down and turned to Duo. "Of course, there is."

Duo's heart nearly stopped, until Zechs smiled. "Oh… me?"

"Yes."

Duo laughed, trying to conceal his excited embarrassment. "I wasn't fishing for that answer."

"I understand your reservations. I'll tell you what I told the Lieutenant tonight. I will be wherever you want me to be, Duo. This relationship is in your hands."

"It is?"

"Well, almost," Zechs said with a small grin. "Giving up control doesn't come naturally to me."

Duo chuckled. "You don't say."

"But I think it would be fun to give up control to you…" Zechs moved closer to Duo's side.

"Th-that's very trusting of you," Duo said, stammering.

Zechs reached for their glasses, handing one to Duo. "Were you pleased with the opening tonight?" Zechs's face was a mere hand span away. Did he have to lean in so close when they were talking?

"I didn't know what to expect, but it was great." Duo took a gulp of the champagne, the bubbles tickling his nose. "There were a lot of compliments flying around that room. I probably shouldn't believe half of them."

"You're right to be skeptical, but from experience I can tell you that the art community is genuinely excited about your work."

"Cool… Then what should I do next?"

"For starters, you should finish your dinner before it gets cold."

Duo laughed. "Right, live in the moment."

After they finished the main course, they took the silver domed covers off the tarts. The scent of warm apples wafted towards them, and Duo's mouth watered. He dug into the tart, moaning as his taste buds delighted in the blend of apple, pastry and caramel.

In half a dozen mouthfuls, he had cleaned his plate and leaned back, patting his stomach. When he'd sat down to eat he thought the meal wouldn't satisfy his empty stomach, but it had been incredibly good and surprisingly filling.

"With a chef like that you should eat supper at home more often."

"I agree," Zechs said.

Several minutes passed without a word between them. There was nothing awkward in the silence. They had shared a long evening, and a delicious gourmet meal. It seemed right to sit comfortably side by side digesting it all.

Zechs refilled their champagne glasses for the third time, emptying the bottle. "Should I send for more?"

"I kind of liked it when you said we wouldn't be disturbed again."

"Privacy does have its perks."

Duo nodded and drank more champagne.

"Perhaps you could give me your opinion where Eve should be placed, when she comes off exhibition."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes…" Zechs stood with his glass in hand. "Shall we?"

Duo loved the way Zechs spoke and was tempted to reply, We shall, but instead simply nodded as he followed.

It shouldn't have surprised him when Zechs went into the master suite. After all, Zechs had made it very clear that tonight was the night. Still, Duo was anxious. He was good at kissing, and with a little more practice his blowjobs would be killer, but that was the extent of his experience. Zechs was sex on legs. The man must have slept with dozens of people, both men and women. Would he care that Duo was a novice?

Even so, Duo wanted to see Zechs naked in the worst way.

The room was colored in pale shades of aqua, sea foam and gray. It was dominated by a large bed against one wall and a fireplace on the opposite wall. The warm light that Duo had noticed earlier was from a fireplace, which was impressively framed by a mantel fashioned with shards of a broken mirror. The glass fragments reflected the light from the flames, sparkling like tiny stars on the floor, walls, and ceiling.

"Do you like it?" Zechs asked.

"It's beautiful."

"It's my design."

Duo's eyes widened. "Really?"

"I know I come off as the sort of man who purchases beauty, and doesn't create it."

"I didn't mean to imply…."

"I know you didn't. You might be surprised to learn that I was studying industrial design before Treize snatched me up for his little enterprise."

"Industrial design?"

"It's art applied to product aesthetics… the art of making things like cell phones more appealing to consumers. That's probably why your art intrigues me. Your designs have structure, and a sense of purpose." He stepped next to the fireplace and the combination of the firelight and the reflected light shown over his form, warming the cool tones of his suit and platinum hair. "This is where I see Eve standing."

Duo stared at Zechs, mesmerized by this new side of him. He tried to picture the sculpture here, but couldn't get beyond how very captivating the man was before him.

"What do you think, Duo? How would it be to have Eve watching over me as I sleep?"

Duo gulped. Damn lucky, girl. "I think she'd like watching over you."

"I know it's a poor substitute for the forest of watchmen in your bedroom, but I hope you don't mind me wanting to keep her close."

"I don't mind…" He realized he was walking towards Zechs, inexorably drawn to him. "You wanted her from the start."

Zechs's eyes were locked on his, shimmering in the dancing light of the flames. "I wanted you from the start."

"Oh," Duo said, his mouth remaining open… eager. He stopped in front of Zechs, almost uncomfortably close to the flames in the hearth.

"When did you realize you wanted me?" Zechs asked, his gaze penetrating.

"The pool," Duo blurted, his memories rushing to that moment. "When I saw you get out of the pool."

"Ah." Zechs's hand came up to Duo's cheek, caressing it. "Your face is warm. Perhaps you should back away from the flames."

Duo leaned into the caress. "I like it right where I am."

Zechs bent down, brushing his lips across Duo's. "Might you be warm for another reason?"

A breath escaped Duo's lips, almost a chuckle of excited agreement. You bet he was warm from being this close. His head was spinning, and it wasn't from hitting it on the asphalt. There was something titillating about standing next to someone large and looming over him, about to devour him. That's what it felt like being next to Zechs. He wanted to be consumed.

"I told you I want you, right?"

"More than once." Zechs's hands came forward, cupping Duo's face. "I want you to be certain, Duo. I don't want there to be any regrets."

"Regrets?" The way Zechs was looking at him with those fire and ice eyes, Duo knew he was serious, but couldn't fathom there being any regrets. "I've never been this attracted to anyone before. How could there be regrets when this feels right?"

Zechs nodded, and the slightest curve of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "It does feel right. I'm glad you agree."

He closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around Duo's shoulders and drawing them together in a deep kiss. It was passionate, more so than the other kisses they had shared. Duo's arms slipped beneath Zechs's suit jacket, encircling his waist. His body was fit and firm, and his erection pressed against Duo's belly.

"Zechs…" Duo breathed his name as they kissed. It was a plea to move things along. He needed Zechs in charge, to be certain of the pacing. This was all so very new to him.

It was a blur what happened next. Zechs swept Duo off his feet and into his arms, carrying him to the bed. He sat Duo down on the silver, silk comforter, and then stood next to the bed with one knee on the mattress, ready to pounce, but somehow able to hold back. Duo stared up at him, flushed. He knew it was his command to give. Just a word and Zechs's passion would be unleashed.

"Come here," Duo said in a voice sufficiently husky.

Zechs leaned forward, stretching his long frame until their lips met. Duo reached out, putting his hands in Zechs's mass of platinum hair, relishing its length and softness even as he breathed in the man's heady masculinity.

Their hands explored each other, but still Duo followed Zechs's lead. When Zechs began to push Duo's jacket off his shoulders while kissing him along his jawline, Duo did the same. His mirrored movements pleased Zechs, encouraged the man to continue moving this along until at last Duo's boots were tossed aside. Now everything went in fast forward as Zechs unzipped and tugged Duo's black tuxedo pants down and off. They too were tossed aside, and a moment later Duo was getting the view he had longed to see. Zechs was standing stripped naked, his pale skin hued golden by the firelight.

"God…" Duo breathed. From that moment at the café when Zechs had kissed him in public, Duo had wanted to be in this very spot. Lying on Zechs's bed and about to be ravished.

Zechs rejoined him on the bed, covering him with his body and sliding his hands down Duo's sides. The skin to skin contact made Duo feel as if they'd fallen into the fire. He had never been with a man this way, had never needed such an intimate touch from anyone before.

He allowed himself to get carried away on the passion, returning the caresses and kisses, and telling Zechs again and again this was what he wanted. He was who he wanted. A month ago he would have turned this man away. Rejected his advances, his polish, his refined air. But just ten days, no eleven days into their acquaintance, Duo's reticence was gone. Caution had been his life's anthem, but now that seemed restrictive and ridiculous. He would not be enjoying these maddening pleasures if he continued to mistrust the world.

Despite Duo's eagerness, Zechs was gentle, and took things slow. "It's our first time," Zechs said, in sultry tones. "I want it to be good… I want it to last."

Duo didn't understand this slow burn strategy. He thought he would overheat from Zechs fondling his balls, rolling them in his hands like a pair of marbles. "Please… You're driving me crazy!"

"Exactly," Zechs said with a grin.

At last those long fingers slipped further under Duo's rump, rubbing against that special place. The one place Duo desperately needed to be touched. It felt exquisite just that rub, and when Zechs pressed and then pushed a finger inside, Duo nearly came from the sensation. His head fell back riveted by the growing intensity, made more delicious as another and another finger slipped inside.

Then the fingers began to move… in and out. A slow push and pull inside him. A teasing push and pull, knowing something much, much better was to come.

"Damn it. I really, really need you… Now!"

A low chuckle rose from Zechs's throat as the man licked a path up Duo's neck to his ear. "Mmm… so eager."

Zechs removed his fingers, and they re-positioned their heated bodies. He eased Duo's legs apart, bending to lick the inside of one of Duo's thighs, and then giving Duo's cock a long lick as well. "I want to worship you a little longer—"

"No, Zechs, please!"

Another chuckle escaped Zechs's lips. "I've used all my willpower to take it this slow."

"I didn't ask for you to go slow."

"I know, but you'll thank me later."

Zechs reached to the night stand for the lubricant. Duo watched enrapt as Zechs squeezed the clear gel into his and Duo's hands. He took hold of Duo's cock and stroked, leading by example, and Duo breathed in a shuddering breath. He hadn't touched Zechs—there—yet. Not that he was afraid. He had some experience with other guys' cocks, but not with a guy that he actually had feelings for, very strong feelings.

He curled his hand around Zechs's sex, and from that moment on there was no hesitation. He wanted to make Zechs purr in his ear for more. He was sure he could please him, beat him off with the long strokes he was giving him, but now wasn't the time. He grabbed the lube with his other hand and squeezed out more gel, letting his strokes coat Zechs's cock, to prepare him for the taking.

Maybe Zechs was willing to take this slow, because he never complained or tried to rush Duo. He seemed more than happy to let Duo explore, learn the shape and feel of the cock that would soon fill him. At last, Duo's need to be taken overruled his pleasure at having Zechs's long, stiff cock in his hand. Zechs leaned forward, his white blond hair spilling over Duo, brushing his arms and sending goosebumps over Duo's body, as the first firm press of hard flesh pushed for entrance.

Zechs's eyes never wavered from Duo's as he pushed inside, his cock slowly easing into him. It was incredible, intense to have their bodies join. When Zechs was finally—fully—sheathed, Duo took Zechs's face in his hands and kissed him hard. He was giving himself to this man, this beautiful man, and the feeling was more mind-blowing than he could have imagined.

The unhurried pace allowed Duo to adjust to the fullness inside him. He eased into the rhythm of sex, meeting Zechs's thrusts, thrusting back, and wriggling experimentally once or twice. All of this seemed to please Zechs a great deal as he spoke softly in Duo's ear.

"I never thought I would have you this way, Duo."

"You didn't' have this planned all along?" he asked, teasingly with a laugh.

"I couldn't be sure you wanted me…"

The thrusts in and out continued, interrupted by little moans, and less and less conversation. Duo could hardly believe that Zechs hadn't mapped out their relationship from the start. Zechs was so beautiful, and so much in command of his own life that it seemed impossible that he would have any doubts that this moment would happen between them. But the fact that he would share even the smallest insecurity excited Duo all the more.

Every time Duo looked down, his eyes drifting across Zechs's toned body to the place where they were joined, he felt the excitement pooling more strongly in his groin. Zechs was like the image Duo had in his head of the God Apollo, the image he had re-created in his sculpture Apollo. Strong, lean, muscular… long. The light sheen of sweat glistened on Zechs's biceps, the muscle round and hard as he held his body up while shoving himself inside. Harder now. Faster now.

God, they were doing it. It. It. It.

Screwing.

Making love.

Coming together.

Yes, coming. Duo felt the urge burning, growing inside him. With each hard shove of Zechs's cock, each deep, long shove, he felt the need grow. The need for release. The need to cry out Zechs's name as he filled him again and again.

"Zechs."

"Mmm." The sound was a long, continuous moan. They were both so very close. Zechs put his lips to Duo's ear, his hot breath and wet tongue caressing him.

"Oh… Zechs." So much closer. So incredible. Fill me. Take me. Do me anyway you like. "Oh. Oh! ZECHS!" He cried out, almost in pain from all the build up. The dam broke, the flood gates opened, releasing him, sending pleasure rippling across his skin. He wrapped his legs around Zechs, drawing the man closer.

Zechs pumped harder and even faster as he spilled into him… coming. He moaned in Duo's ear and then took his mouth in a passionate kiss.

They dropped to the bed, exhausted and panting. Duo's muscles frozen, his body and mind wiped out. He didn't think he would ever move again, and then Zechs stirred enough to kiss Duo on his temple.

"You are the most incredible, beautiful young man I have ever met."

Duo's cheeks warmed, despite his body still burning like a furnace. He searched his mind for the perfect response, any response, but words eluded him. Speechless, he turned his head to look into Zechs's eyes and smiled, the most contented smile of his life. Zechs smiled, too, seeming to understand, and leaned in to share a sweet, sated kiss, before they both drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 16

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