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"A Little Less Normal"Written By: Clara Barton Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing. The following is an intellectual exercise with no intention of profit. That said, these characterizations, words, and situations are mine. Please ask before reprinting.
Warnings: AU, Yaoi, Lemon, Language, Angst, Romance Pairings: 3x2, 1x5, past 3x4 Summary: Trowa Barton starts a new job and intends to start a new life, free of complications like falling in love with your boss. But life doesn't go as planned, and Trowa struggles to find balance between work, love, and handsome strangers. A/N: This fic will feature several different pairings - and probably not the ones that you expect after a first glance. This is told in third person POV, but it will switch to different characters with each chapter. While not a crossover, I definitely want to acknowledge that the TV series, "Dirty Sexy Money" and the movie Two Weeks Notice both influenced me to write this. I would appreciate any feedback, whether it be negative or positive, criticism or lavish praise. Lavish praise preferred.
"A Little Less Normal "
Friday afternoon found Trowa packing up a few papers to work on over the weekend. The week had passed relatively smoothly after Tuesday's rather calamitous start. Trowa had noticed a pattern in Duo and Heero's relationship – the two would blow up at each other over some event and then reconcile. Following the reconciliation there would be a few days, or weeks, of peace and then the cycle would start over again. He assumed that this had been going on for years, and he wondered if there was any way for them to actually start working together without the explosive tension hovering. He doubted it. He stopped by Heero's office on his way out, as was his custom. Heero, as was his custom, was still buried in paperwork. Trowa was surprised and relieved that after Monday night, Heero was able to maintain the easy friendship between them. It was, Trowa decided, actually better than before. Gone was the lingering sexual tension, and while Heero might still make a stray, flirtatious comment, he was starting to treat Trowa like a friend and not a potential romantic interest. "You are going to go home at some point, aren't you?" Trowa asked. Heero looked up and the corners of his lips lifted. "I haven't decided yet." Trowa shook his head. "It'll still be here tomorrow – or even Monday." Heero sighed bitterly. "I know." Trowa frowned. "Why don't you take a break, grab a bite to eat?" He suggested. Heero started to shake his head, but then shrugged. "Come with me?" He asked. Their habit of eating lunch together hadn't changed, and they had eaten dinner together last night as well. "Sure. I could eat." Heero grinned. "Good. Pizza?" Trowa arched an eyebrow. "Living on the edge, there," he said. "It's been an interesting week, I could do with a bit of self-indulgence." They went to an ancient and slightly grimy pizza restaurant a few blocks from the office. Heero claimed that it had the best pizza in New York, and that he had been going there since his youth. They sat down at a booth that had seen better decades, and Heero ordered a pitcher of beer and a large pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom pie for them. Trowa was amused that Heero had remembered his pizza preferences from an early conversation of theirs. "So Duo said you're taking your niece and nephew to the game tomorrow, with him and Nathalie," Heero said. Trowa nodded. "The kids wanted to see her again, and I couldn't turn down the chance to razz Duo when the Yankees lose." Heero rolled his eyes. "When the Sox lose he's going to be insufferable." "If," Trowa corrected with a smirk. "Your sister isn't going too?" "Nope. She decided to run away for the weekend. I'm picking up Luc and Lilly tomorrow and she's going out of town until Sunday night." Trowa had been amused by Cathy's fumbling request that he watch them for the night. He had been even more amused when she confessed that she was going to a B&B in Connecticut with Hilde. She had seemed very nervous about him judging her, and very relieved when he had said nothing about her company. "Have you ever watched them before?" "Not for so long. Not overnight." He was a little apprehensive about it, especially after remembering the street festival he had taken them to a few weeks ago. "Good luck." "Thanks. I'm definitely going to need it." Heero's phone rang, and Trowa watched with interest as Heero looked at the caller ID and sent the call on to voicemail without answering it. "Wufei?" Heero nodded, a grim expression on his face. "You are going to talk to him at some point." Trowa had seen Heero ignore no fewer than five calls from Wufei since Tuesday, and he wondered when, if ever, the two would talk. "I am. I just need to figure out what to say to him." Heero sighed and shook his head. He started to say something, and then shrugged. "He was the first boy I ever thought was beautiful. I met him, and I couldn't believe it. I was just a kid – so I didn't really know or care about sex. I just knew that he was the most interesting looking person I had ever seen, and I liked to look at him. And then he became my best friend." "When did you realize you were gay?" Trowa asked after a waitress had delivered their pizza. "I'd always known, on some level. I mean, I never found Relena attractive and I was never interested in girls. I stared at other boys in the lockers way more than was normal. I think… I was fifteen the first time I really, really wanted to kiss another boy." "Did you?" "Earned myself a fist to the face for it, but yeah, I did." Heero smiled ruefully. "It was another while after that before I came out to my parents. I was sixteen, and there was another guy at school who was openly gay, and I was…inspired, I suppose." "What happened?" "When I told him, Odin just looked at me. Didn't say a word, no expression on his face. After I was done, he just got up and walked away. He didn't speak to me for two weeks. Not one word." Heero shrugged. "Then, one day, he came home and asked me about my homework – as if the last two weeks had never happened. And that was the end of it. I was gay and it just became another fact." "What about Duo?" "When I came out? He already knew." Heero smirked. "That guy I kissed – back when I was fifteen – he was a friend of Duo's, so he came over to the house a lot. We always talked and hung out, too. I thought he might have been interested in me, I guess I misread the signs. But, anyway, when Tom – the guy – told Duo what happened, he must have said something insulting about me, because the next time I saw Tom he had a black eye and he and Duo never spoke again." Trowa smirked, imagining a teenaged Duo standing up for his brother. "When did he come out?" "After I left for college. He was a senior in high school – he'd been involved with a few guys here and there, but he'd managed to keep it a secret from out parents." "Why did he wait?" "Well, he sort of had to tell them, considering what happened. Looking back, I think Duo might have never said anything if he didn't have to. Both of us – Duo and I – worshipped our father. To have him not speak to me for two weeks was the most difficult thing I had ever endured, and I spent every minute of those weeks thinking that I should tell him I was wrong, convincing myself that I should never, ever think about another guy again. For Duo – he lived in fear that he would disappoint Odin. I could barely take the two Odin had done that to Duo, I don't know. I always knew, on some level, that Odin would accept me. Duo's always been afraid that something would make Odin kick him out or reject him." Trowa frowned. He hadn't realized that Duo had felt that insecure in his own family. It went a long way towards explaining Duo's need to jump headfirst into everything – if he thought that it could be taken away at a moment's notice, he wanted to experience it first. Trowa was starting to think that Duo might be just as damaged as he was after all. "So why did he come out?" Heero sighed. "Another classic Duo story. Duo's never been a fan of bullies, you know. This kid at his school – I think he was just a sophomore – was getting beaten up pretty regularly because a few jocks thought he was gay. This was before Duo's injury, so he was still a jock. And, of course, he knew that that he was gay. I guess he caught these guys in the act one day, gave them a taste of their own medicine, and told them that if they wanted to pick on someone who was gay, they could look for him in the future. One of the jocks whined to an assistant principal, phone calls were made, detentions given, and Duo had to tell Odin WHY he had decided to take on football players and had earned himself a broken rib and two weeks of detentions." Trowa winced. "I think that Odin expected it from Duo - I mean, he never paraded around in sequins, but Duo is sort of…" "Duo." Trowa supplied. Heero grinned and nodded. "Yeah. Plus, as Duo likes to say, with the women we grew up with – our mother and Relena – it wasn't as if we ever had a chance of being straight anyway." Trowa chuckled at that. Celia Yuy was an impressive woman, but also terrifying. And Relena…well, she was very unique. "What about Wufei? How did he react to you and Duo?" Heero shrugged. "With Duo he wasn't surprised, though he did have a few choice comments to make. With me – well, he told me that so long as I kept my hands to myself then he was fine with it." Heero frowned. "I guess I'd always fantasized about him being gay too, and when I came out, I wanted him to say that he'd just been waiting for me to do it so that he could." He sighed. "No luck there. It takes him making out with Duo to finally come out. To Duo." In a lot of ways, Wufei reminded Trowa of Quatre. Quatre, who still had never told anyone from his family or close friends that he and Trowa were more than just friends, and had carried on a romantic, homosexual relationship through four years of college and for the two years that Trowa had spent in Dubai. Quatre was constrained by his family, his religion, and society. Wufei also seemed to be obsessed with fulfilling the expectations his family placed on him, and Trowa had no doubt that Wufei's father would not be overly impressed if his son announced that he was gay. "It's hard not to be honest around Duo," Trowa pointed out. "Don't I know it," Heero groused. "Why won't you talk to Wufei?" Trowa asked, hoping for an elaboration on Heero's earlier answer. "I'm waiting for him to do the right thing." Heero did not elaborate on what he thought the right thing was, and so Trowa was left to speculate on his own. He knew that he, personally, was looking forward to seeing Wufei again and having a few choice words with him over his treatment of Duo. "You want him to apologize to Duo," Trowa suddenly realized. Heero nodded. "My feelings for Wufei aside, he treated my brother like a prostitute. Duo is one of Wufei's oldest friends – even if they don't get along all that well. He shouldn't have done that, and he shouldn't have put Duo in this position. If he doesn't realize that, if he doesn't apologize to Duo – then Wufei isn't the man I thought he was." Trowa winced at the harsh tone in Heero's voice, but part of him was absurdly proud of Heero for wanting to defend his brother in that way. "How are things in your personal life? It can't be as dramatic as mine, but I'm sure you've got something worth complaining about." Trowa almost choked on the sip of beer he had taken. Every time that Heero had ever inquired about the man that Trowa had dated, he had managed to change the subject. He still didn't feel comfortable talking to Heero about Duo – especially since Heero had no idea that it was Duo Trowa had been dating, but maybe, considering Duo's recent confession and storytelling session, Trowa should start talking about him and try to ease Heero into the concept. "I told you that I broke up with my boyfriend a few weeks ago." Heero smirked. "He wants you back." "Yeah, well, I want him back, too. He's convinced that I'm good for him, and that he's good for me." "Is he? Good for you?" Trowa considered. While being with Duo certainly brought on complications and would no doubt result in an inevitable confrontation with Heero, Trowa did think he was good for him. "Yeah. He is. I'm just trying to figure out if I'm good for him. He's got a pretty full plate, and I'm not sure I'm what he needs in his life." Heero frowned. "Trowa, you're an amazing guy. If he makes you happy, you should go for it. Why wouldn't he need you in his life?" "Aside from the fact that I'd be bringing along some pretty heavy emotional baggage? And the fact that I have this insane slave driver of a boss who won't even let me get off early on a Friday night?" Heero failed to fall for the bait and instead gave him a steady look. "He's a serious guy, and he's looking for a serious commitment. Not tomorrow or anything, but soon. He wants this relationship to go there. And I – I don't know if that's something I can do." "At all or with him?" Trowa shrugged. "I've spent my entire adult life chasing after one guy. I'm actually starting to get over him, now, and it's because of D – dating the guy who spilled coffee all over me the first time we met. It's not him. I just –" "You want some freedom. Freedom from the past and the future." Trowa nodded in agreement. "Tell him that. Make it casual. You don't have to move in with him tomorrow, right?" "No. But what if we do this – even casually – and in a few months or a few years and it's not working. What I wasted all of his time? When he could be with someone else?" Heero scowled. "Is this just fear talking or does your gut tell you that this might be a mistake? You've got to trust your feelings – your head isn't always right." "This coming from you." Heero smirked and shrugged. "Sometimes you've got to follow your emotions. But fear isn't a good one to trust." Trowa nodded in reluctant agreement. "Besides, you're not a waste of anyone's time. He's crazy if he doesn't realize that – and you're an idiot if you don't." It wasn't the first time Trowa had heard those words, not even the first time that week. He sighed. "Thanks for the dinner break. I think I might head home, watch some television. Read a book." Heero pushed away his empty plate and drained his glass of beer. "Sure – enjoy your weekend." Heero smirked. "You try to do the same. I'd say that at least you'll have Duo around for some solidarity, but I'm not sure he won't be more obnoxious than the kids." Trowa rolled his eyes. "He's not that bad." "Have you ever been to a baseball game with him?" "No." Heero nodded. "Yep. You enjoy that."
It was almost twelve-thirty when Trowa finally arrived at Yankee Stadium with Luc and Lilly. He was proud of his niece, wearing a Red Sox hat and a red t-shirt, but he had serious reservations about Luc. At some point he had become a Yankees fan. Trowa didn't know how or when it had happened, since this was the first baseball game he had ever been to, but when he arrived to pick them up at Catherine's, Luc answered the door wearing a Yankees hat and a Derek Jeter t-shirt. He had glared at Cathy, but she had simply shrugged and pushed them into his arms as she rushed out to meet Hilde. Trowa had offered to buy Luc ANY t-shirt he wanted from every store the cab drove past on their way to Yankees Stadium, but the boy had refused. When Trowa asked him WHY he liked the Yankees, Luc had shrugged and explained that they were the best, and he liked winners. The answer drove Trowa crazy, but every argument he used seemed to bounce off Luc with no effect. It was easy to spot Duo and Nathalie waiting for them outside of the stadium. Duo looked like a walking gift shop – Yankees hat, t-shirt, wristbands, and a stack of programs already in his arms. Nathalie was wearing a Yankees hat, but that was the extent of her fan gear. Trowa's own gear was limited to his favorite Red Sox shirt and hat. The hat was his most prized Red Sox piece of paraphernalia. He had purchased it just before game four of the American League Championship Series in 2004, a game that his sister had bought him tickets for that year. "Hey – nice threads, kid," Duo said to Luc as they approached. Luc smirked and Trowa groaned. "Gotta work on your uncle and sister, though," he said. "I know," Luc said solemnly. Trowa rolled his eyes. "You guys want some food?" Duo asked as he led their group inside the stadium. "Yes!" The twins cried out. Trowa was amused to note that Luc had fallen in on one side of Nathalie and Lilly on the other. Once the everyone had hot dogs, sodas, and boxes of Cracker Jack, Duo led them towards the first base line. They walked down, closer and closer to the field. Duo stopped at the very first row and gestured to a section of empty seats in the middle, just behind the Yankees dugout. "You're kidding." Duo grinned. "Nope. I traded the corporate box, and a few favors. Wanted the kids to experience their first game in style." He winked and Trowa shook his head. Trowa made a very good salary – now and for the last five years – and he was able to live well. But the incredible wealth of people like Zechs, Quatre, Heero, and Duo still amazed him. He didn't even want to consider how much these seats cost, or what kind of favors Duo had traded for them. Or the corporate luxury box. He remembered that the seats he and Heero had sat in had been behind home plate, and wondered if those were Heero's personal seats. Duo caught him looking over towards home plate. "You sat there last night? When you came with Heero?" Duo asked as he ushered the kids in before he sat down next to Nathalie. Trowa sat down beside him. "Yeah." "Those were a birthday present from Dad – two season tickets for Heero. The box belongs to Yuy Inc., of course." "Do you have season tickets?" Trowa asked. Duo nodded. "Yeah. Few seats back and a little farther down the first base line. Better chance to catch a foul ball. Also a birthday present from Dad." "How did you manage to get five seats behind the Yankees dugout for a Yankees-Red Sox game?" Trowa asked, still incredulous. Duo looked away from him and waved to someone in theYankees dugout. "Yo – Joe! Hey man!" Trowa followed his gaze and saw that Duo was addressing Joe Girardi, the manager of the Yankees. "Hey, Duo! So this is your kid?" Girardi leaned back so he could see them better. "Yep, this is Nathalie – the newest Yankees fan. And another new fan – Luc Bloom." "What about those two reprobates in red?" Girardi asked, gesturing to Trowa and Lilly. Trowa had to fight the urge to take off his hat under Girardi's steely gaze. "No explaining some people, you know," Duo said with a grin. "Thanks again, by the way." Girardi shrugged. "No problem. Enjoy the game!" He waved and ducked back into the dugout. "Who was that?" Nathalie asked. "He's, ah, the manager of the team – he's in charge." Duo explained. Nathalie nodded, losing interest when Lilly pointed out a sign in the outfield and the three kids started to joke about it. "You know Joe Girardi." Duo grinned sheepishly. "Joe Girardi got you five tickets behind the Yankees dugout." Duo held up his hands. "Alright, you caught me." "How?" "We met at a charity auction thing a few years back, when he first started as skipper here. It was tough for him – cuz a lot of people thought Mattingly should have had the job. But I've always thought he was a great player, and I told him that I was looking forward to him leading us back to glory. The auction went on for, like, four hours, so we spent a lot of time talking. Turns out we had a lot in common aside from our deep love of the Yankees and deeper loathing of the Sox. We've hung out a few times over the years, and we work together for a few sports related charities." "You personally know Joe Girardi." "Used to know Johnny Damon, too," Duo said with a grin. Trowa raised an eyebrow. He remembered when Damon had first started playing for the Red Sox. Trowa had long thought he was one of the most attractive men in professional baseball, and he had always wondered if there was a chance he was gay. The grin on Duo's face told him way more than he wanted to know. "You slept with Johnny Damon?" Trowa demanded in a whisper. "A gentlemen doesn't talk about his past hook ups with his current –" Duo stopped himself and shrugged. That was still a gray area for them. Trowa was grateful that Duo wasn't trying to push him into anything, but it made for awkward moments like this one. "Did your hair get tangled?" Trowa asked, a sudden mental image in his mind. "Nah – this was after he came over to the dark side, you know, so it was short. Shame too, cuz that guy was hot with long hair. You see the faux-hawk he's got these days? It's a good look on him too." "Do you keep in touch?" Trowa was still reeling from the knowledge that Duo not only knew the manager of the Yankees but had slept with a man Trowa had fantasized about. "When he's in town we grab dinner sometimes. Ah – don't tell Heero, okay?" Trowa arched an eyebrow. He found it hard to believe that Duo would have slept with a professional athlete and not told his own brother about it. Then again, he supposed that it really wasn't anyone's business but Duo's. And Johnny Damon's. It wasn't long until the game started, and Trowa quickly realized that Heero was right. Duo might very well be the most obnoxious person he had ever met. He yelled at the umpires whenever they made a call he disagreed with, he heckled every Red Sox player who stepped up to the plate, and he shouted constant encouragement to every Yankee player and coach. "Why do you care so much?" Nathalie asked in the fifth inning, when Duo cheered Dustin Pedroia getting struck out. Trowa was depressed by the fact that Luc was on his feet every time Duo jumped up, and that Duo had already taught him a few classic Yankee chants. At least Lilly hadn't given in, and Nathalie had remained skeptical of Duo's behavior the entire time. "Well, the Yankees are the greatest franchise in sports history. They've won more championships than any other team, and they have the snazziest uniforms." "Yeah, but you don't shout at the tv unless they play the Red Sox," Nathalie said. "True. Well, the Red Sox are… pretty special themselves. Trowa, I'll let you take this one." Trowa was grateful for that. He leaned over Duo and saw that all three kids were listening. "The Red Sox used to be the Yankees. About a hundred years ago, they were the best team in sports." "What happened?" Lilly asked. "Babe Ruth happened. He used to play for the Red Sox, but he was sold to the Yankees. When he became a Yankee, they started to win. A lot. They became the best team in baseball, and he became the best player. And the Red Sox were cursed. They didn't win another world series until 2004. They went eighty-six years without winning. And it wasn't just that – but they got so close, so many times, and they always lost. But they always fight against the Yankees. These two teams have a lot of bad blood between them." "So the Red Sox are like the underdogs?" Nathalie said. Trowa nodded. "And the Yankees are like…the one's that everyone expects to win?" Trowa could see where she was going with this, and he smirked. Duo, meanwhile, was starting to get a dark look on his face. "So, the Red Sox are the good guys and the Yankees are the bad guys?" "Exactly." "No, not exactly. That's what he thinks. Nat –" "I like the Red Sox," she announced, folding her arms and leaning back in her seat. When Adrian Gonzalez came up to bat next, Nathalie stood and started to cheer him on. Lilly and Trowa stood as well. Duo and Luc, however, sunk down in their seats, clearly trying to disassociate themselves. Gonzalez hit a home run, shocking the stadium into a deafening wail of 'boo.' Nathalie and Lilly were screaming themselves hoarse, however. Grinning, Trowa took off his Red Sox hat and placed it on Nathalie's head. It was big on her, but she looked up at him and grinned widely. She pushed it back a little and brushed her hair out of her eyes. He took it back and adjusted the fit before putting it back on her. "Looks good on you," he said. He leveled a glare at Luc. "Nat and Lilly have the right attitude. I'm starting to question yours, however. I might have to trade and take her home instead of you." "I might be up for that," Duo muttered as he looked down at Nathalie and took in her worshipful gaze at Trowa. "Go back to Boston!" Someone behind them suddenly shouted. Duo and Trowa both turned, alert to the sound of an angry, drunken fan. "Hey, friend, no need to –" Duo started. "Shut up. This Red Sox retard is blocking my view! He needs to sit down and go home!" The man was large and had obviously been enjoying a few beers during the afternoon game. Beside him sat an equally large, equally red faced man. Both were sporting Yankees shirts and hats and identical, murderous glares in Trowa's direction. "Hard for him to sit and go home," Duo pointed out. "You just shut up! You can go home with him! Why you even sitting with him! You're not a real fan!" Trowa rolled his eyes. How many times did this same fight start in the seats during a Yankees-Red Sox game? "I'm not a real fan? You –" Trowa grabbed Duo's arm as he started to turn towards the man. "The kids," Trowa said between gritted teeth. Duo turned and took in the three kids, all wide eyed and on the edge of their seats. "You should watch your language, there are kids here," Duo amended and sat down. Trowa followed suit. Duo started to chant 'Let's Go Yankees' until the kids were distracted and refocused on the game. "Did you really just defend me against a fellow Yankees fan?" Trowa asked in amusement. Duo shrugged. "It's what I do." "I heard. Heero told me that you took on four football players picking on some kid in high school." "They were third string. It was nothing. Not like Big Jim up there – if it came to blows, my plan was to push you in front of him, grab the kids, and run." Trowa rolled his eyes. "My hero." Duo smirked, but then leaned in so that their shoulders bumped. He angled his head close to Trowa's. "How old is that hat you just gave her?" He asked, jerking his head in Nathatlie's direction. " A few years." Duo looked expectant. "Seven years old," Trowa clarified. "Trowa –" "No, it's fine. She can have it." "But –" "A real fan deserves it," he said, knowing it would shut Duo up. It did. He went from wide eyed to narrow eyed so quickly that it impressed Trowa. "I'm not going to forgive you for that, by the way." "Yeah, well, you told me to explain the Red Sox. Not my fault she's got a soul." "That's got nothing to do with it. She thinks you're a knight in shining armor. You could have told her that the Kansas City Royals were the best team in baseball and she'd believe you." "Jealous?" Trowa was a little amused. "No. I completely get where she's coming from." The look Duo gave him was full of heat, and started a pleasant coil of tension in Trowa's belly. Of course, a Red Sox fan kissing a Yankees fan –another man at that – behind the Yankees dugout was NOT the smartest thing to do, so Trowa leaned away from Duo and told himself to just focus on the game. The Red Sox won, getting another two runs in the eighth inning, and Duo and Luc were both dejected as Lilly, Nathalie, and Trowa cheered as Alex Rodriguez struck out at the end of the game. "Next time," Duo assured Luc, who nodded glumly. "Also," Trowa told Nathalie and Lilly, "the Yankees are sore losers. Always have been." "That's just because we don't have much practice at it," Duo shot back. He took the box score card back from Luc, who he had been teaching to score, and filled in the final out. He presented it to Nathalie. "Here ya go, keep this as a token of the day you became one of the most depressing creatures on the planet." "A Red Sox fan," Trowa finished for him. Nathalie just grinned and took the card. She put it between the pages of her program. Duo stood and stretched, but clearly wasn't in a rush to join the press of people leaving the stadium. The kids were absorbed in the activity still on the field, as players joked and cleaned up their gear and the field crew started to repair the field. Trowa looked at his watch. It was just after five p.m. "Can Luc and Lilly come over and play Wii?" Nathalie suddenly asked, looking at Duo. Duo looked to Trowa, who shrugged. "Sure," Duo answered. "Can Nathalie spend the night with us?" Lilly asked a second later, looking at Trowa. Trowa looked at Duo. He scratched the back of his head. "Um –" "Not this time," Trowa interrupted, "we're staying at my place, and she'd have to sleep on the floor." "What if they stay with us?" Nathalie suggested, biting her lip slightly and looking adorable. Duo looked back at Trowa, who shrugged again. He didn't think that Cathy would have a problem with her children spending the night at Duo's house. In truth, he knew that Duo had three guest rooms, and because of Nathalie, Luc and Lilly would be considerably more entertained over there than at his own apartment. "Sounds like a plan," Duo said after a moment's pause. "Only question left – what are we getting for dinner?" "Pizza!" All three kids shouted at once. It was obvious they had been planning this entire evening for quite a while, because Nathalie and Lilly exchanged high-fives when Duo shrugged again and gave in. By the time the stadium was nearly empty, the three had planned an entire evening of Wii games and were debating what to get on their pizza. Trowa looked at Duo. "If this isn't okay –" "No, no. It's fine. I'm just a little surprised she asked. I mean, good surprised. I used to have friends stay over, when I was her age. So, this makes sense. It's good." "Not that I don't trust you with my sister's kids, but, do you mind if I stay the night too? Cathy would kill me if anything happened to them." Duo looked at him with wide eyes. "If you thought for even a second that I was going to let you ditch me with these three while you went off on your own, you're crazy. Of course you're staying the night. And in the morning, you'll help me salvage the wreck my house will become." Trowa grinned at the vehemence in Duo's voice. "Should we swing by your place and pick up their stuff?" Duo asked as he led them out to the parking lot. "That would be nice," Trowa said. They piled into Duo's Prius and Trowa was impressed that Duo remembered the way to Trowa's apartment. Once there, he let them wait in the car while he ran up to grab the twin's bags and a change of clothes for himself. He was debating what to pack for sleepwear – he couldn't remember if Duo's house ran cold or hot – when he started to wonder where he was going to sleep tonight. With three children in the house, he wondered if it was even appropriate for he and Duo to do anything together. Then again, it wasn't as if they would have sex on the couch while they watched. Then AGAIN, he and Duo weren't together right now. Then again – Trowa forced himself to shut off his brain. He grabbed an old pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt and tossed them into the bag along with his shaving kit, toothbrush, deodorant, jeans, and another t-shirt. "Have trouble decided what to pack?" Duo asked him with a knowing smirk when he got back into the car. Trowa glared at him and Duo chuckled. By the time they arrived back at Duo's house, the kids were anxious to be moving after the long car ride between Boroughs. Duo let them loose in the house after confining them to either the living room, Nathalie's room, or the back yard. Trowa grabbed the bags of clothes and followed Duo upstairs, where Duo pointed out two guest rooms for him to put each of the twins bags in. Duo stopped beside the door to the third. "If you want, you can sleep here." There was an unspoken, but incredibly loud 'or' on the end of that sentence. Duo scratched the back of his neck. Trowa took a step closer to Duo, bringing their bodies into contact. "Or?" He asked. "Of, if you remembered my no clothes rule, you can always sleep with me," Duo said. "Or you can fuck me. I'm up for either. Both, really." Trowa angled his head down and brushed his lips over Duo's. "Both?" He asked against Duo's lips. "Seems a little greedy." Duo shivered and pressed their lips together again, his tongue teasing between Trowa's lips and tasting him. "You know me," Duo said after he pulled away. He smirked. "But, if you're opposed to both. We could just spend the entire night –" He was interrupted by a sudden shriek from one of the girls that startled them into jumping apart. A moment later they heard laughter, and both relaxed. Duo chuckled. "Way to kill the mood," he muttered. He took Trowa's bag from him and took it into his own room, tossing it inside before joining Trowa back in the hallway. He shrugged at Trowa's arched eyebrow. "You can always change your mind," he said. "We should probably go and supervise or the house will probably get burnt down around us." Trowa followed Duo downstairs. The kids were gathered around the Wii playing some racing game. When Duo asked what they wanted on their pizza, they shouted their requests without looking away from the game. Duo made a face at the requests for mushrooms to be added. "You don't like mushrooms?" Trowa asked, confused. He recalled Duo putting them in the poulet farci he had made the first time Trowa stayed over. "Yeah, course I do. Just not covered in cheese and meat grease." He made a face. "But that's why they're so good," Trowa argued. "Disgusting, all of you," Duo muttered. But when he called in the pizza order he dutifully asked for mushrooms – extra mushrooms – on the pizza. While they waited for the pizza to arrive, Duo showed Trowa the back yard, which he hadn't realized the house had. The fence around the yard was high enough for privacy, and a few trees dotted the perimeter, but the vast majority of the yard was grass. There was a sizable patio, with two Adirondack chairs and a small patio table and three chairs taking up space beside a charcoal grill. "I'm thinking about putting in an herb garden," Duo said, and gestured to one side. "Maybe some vegetables. Nat's been learning about sustainability at school, and she swears we're going to kill the planet if we don't start trying to grow our own food." Duo was grinning as he complained, and it was obvious to Trowa that he was proud of her. "Rooftop gardens are becoming pretty fashionable," Trowa said. He sat down in one of the chairs after Duo leaned against the patio table. "Yeah. And I do love to be fashionable." "It's good space for a dog to run around," Trowa pointed out, remembering Duo's five year plan. Duo grinned. "Yeah. Actually, Nat and I are going to the pound next Saturday to look at some dogs. Friend told me that there are a few puppies ready to find homes." Trowa felt a sudden jolt. He wondered if Duo had started to move on with his life. Maybe he had given up home of Trowa being with him and had decided to forge ahead on his own? "I think it would be good for Nat, you know. A dog is a good responsibility for a kid to have." "You never had one," Trowa pointed out. "And just look at how I turned out!" Duo said in mock horror. They heard the doorbell ring. Trowa was amazed by how loud it was. Sitting at the formal dining table eating pizza out of a box on Waterford china and drinking cans of soda was a surreal experience for Trowa, but the kids and Duo seemed to take it in stride. After they had demolished the food, they were racing back to the Wii – they had moved on to Smash Brothers – and left Trowa and Duo to clean up the mess. As Trowa rinsed off the dishes in the kitchen sink, he was hit with a sense of nostalgia and déjà vu. Sure enough, after Duo set the last plate in the sink, he leaned his chin against Trowa's shoulder and put his hands on Trowa's hips, his thumbs hooking through the belt loops on his jeans. "Brings back memories." "I'm not parading through your house without my shirt on," Trowa growled. "Too bad." Duo kissed the side of Trowa's neck and then licked a path up to his ear. He bit into the lobe gently. "We could just skip the parading part, though, and go straight to the naked in my bed part." He said the words directly into Trowa's ear, and the sensation made him shiver. "Innocent children are only a few rooms away. And they're so high on sugar and carbs that it'll be hours before they crash," Trowa pointed out. "Too bad." Duo moved away and leaned on the counter beside Trowa. "So, what do you think about your sister sneaking away to have lots of lesbian sex with my best friend?" Trowa slanted him a look. "I've been trying not to think about it, actually.' Duo grinned. "Hil's crazy about her. She likes the kids, too." "I didn't realize she met them." "Yeah, they all went out to see a movie last week and had dinner afterwards. 'Course, there's no telling WHEN your sister will tell them she's a lesbian and that Hilde is not just her friend. Hil's a bit concerned that your sister's never going to come out." Trowa shrugged. "She will. When's she's ready. It would sort of ruin their dreams, you know?" "Ah, no, I don't know." Duo looked confused. "Their father split before they were born, but he does send them birthday cards, Christmas presents. I know they dream that one day he'll come back and they can all be a family together. It's not that Cathy encourages that, but… if she tells them she's in love with another woman, that sort of ends any possibility of it for them." "Yeah, but it gives them the possibility of having a happy life with a real family. Just a bit different than the one they dreamed of." Trowa shrugged again. "I know. It's just not an easy situation. Besides, those kids have had to take a lot of crap already – because they don't have a dad. It won't be easy for them to explain having two moms." Duo frowned. "Still not a good reason. Kids can be shitty, sometimes, and they'll find any reason to pick on other kids." "I know." Trowa remembered transferring to a new school in New York after his parents had died. His first two years had been hell, before he had started to blend in. Being an orphan had not been easy, and school bullies had taken great pleasure in tormenting him. Trowa finished with the dishes and dried his hands. "She's a good mother. And a good person. They'll work it out." Duo nodded in agreement. "I'm sure. So, want to give the kids a run for their money on Smash Brothers?" "I've never played it." "Dude, there's about three buttons to push. You'll pick it up quickly." Trowa followed him with reluctance, but soon enough he was competing with the rest of them to win the knock-out style matches they set up. Eventually, Nathalie emerged the victor – narrowly defeating Trowa in a final match. It was nearly ten before the children started to show signs of slowing down, and it was with relief that Duo corralled them upstairs and supervised teeth brushing. Trowa followed, amused at their antics and at how easily Duo turned from easygoing into strict as he made them floss and gargle as well. After they were all tucked in – Lilly eschewing her room to join Nathalie in hers – Duo turned to Trowa with a look of exhausted relief. "Well, the monsters are finally tucked away." "You're a good parent," Trowa remarked. Duo shrugged. "I have a motto – what would Sara do?" Trowa chuckled at that. Duo nodded towards his bedroom. "I dunno about you, but I'm going to change into my pjs. Do you want to watch a movie or anything?" Trowa was surprised that Duo didn't immediately suggest they fall into bed, but he was also relieved. He was still a bit on edge about having his niece and nephew so close, and he was also still unsure of where he and Duo stood, or where he wanted them to be. "A movie sounds good." Trowa followed Duo into the bedroom. Duo continued on to his closet, and Trowa pulled his sweats out of his overnight bag. He started to change, but was still shirtless and in the process of pulling up his sweat pants when Duo came back into the room. Duo was already in a pair of basketball shorts, and was in the process of pulling on a Pink Floyd t-shirt. "I've got some DVDs, we can get crazy and try cable, or I've got Net –" he had finished pulling on his shirt and stopped talking as he admired Trowa. Trowa cleared his throat. "Duo. Eyes up here." Duo just grinned at the familiar words, but he did look up. Trowa finished pulling his pants up and put on his own t-shirt. "Sorry, where was I? Right. Or I've got Netflix. Anything you're in the mood for?" Trowa shrugged. "Something funny. Dark, maybe." Duo grinned. "I've got Inglorious Basterds. Nothing like watching Hitler get what he deserved to cap off good day, huh?" "Sounds good." Trowa and Duo had had their favorite movie discussion pretty early on in their relationship – and while he didn't understand HOW Duo could think that the Empire Strikes Back was better than Return of the Jedi, they both agreed that Quentin Tarentino wasa gruesomely brilliant filmmaker, and they both agreed that Reservoir Dogs was his best film, and severely underrated. Duo put in the movie and then joined Trowa on the couch, sitting in the opposite corner and stretching out an arm along the back, his fingers close enough to touch Trowa's own extended arm and fingers. Duo grinned when he brushed his fingers against Trowa's wrist, causing him to jerk it back to avoid getting tickled. Duo had also early on discovered that when hit at the right moment, Trowa could be incredibly ticklish. He glared. "Sorry. Won't happen again." Duo carefully put his hand back down, and Trowa waited a beat before he returned his own. Even though Duo's lips twitched, his eyes remained focused on the movie, and his fingers stayed in their place, the tips just touching Trowa's own. The movie had gotten to the bar scene when Duo stretched his legs out, brushing them against Trowa's own. "Can I ask a favor?" Duo said. "You can ask." "Mind if I stretch out my legs on the couch? My knee gets cramped if I bend it for too long." Trowa remembered the injury that had ended Duo's chance at an athletic career. "Sure." The couch wasn't quite large enough for Duo to stretch out his legs and Trowa to still have a lot of room, so he stood and moved to one of the arm chairs that flanked the couch. "You don't have to move," Duo said, his right leg already stretched out against the back of the couch cushions. Trowa arched an eyebrow. Duo was nearly as tall as he was, and Duo's foot was resting on the opposite armrest. "Sit here." Duo moved his left leg farther to the side, indicating the space between his legs. Trowa complied after a moment's hesitation. He leaned back against Duo's chest and was able to stretch his own legs out. He was grateful for the width, if not the length, of the couch. It was surprisingly comfortable, and Trowa relaxed into the familiar warmth and scent of Duo. It was the closest to cuddling they had ever been, and when Duo's right arm moved to rest along Trowa's right thigh, Trowa felt a slight thrill of anticipation. If Duo wanted to watch the rest of the movie like this, that was fine with him, but, if Duo's fingers gently massaging his thigh were any indication, Duo had other plans in mind. Trowa found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the movie, especially when Duo's hand moved to his inner thigh, long fingers brushing against his growing erection. He arched, almost involuntarily, into the touch. "Duo, are you seriously trying to feel me up while we watch a Tarentino film? That's a bit twisted." Duo's hand now brushed very deliberately over Trowa's penis, grasping him through the fabric of the sweat pants. "You seem pretty cooperative." Duo commented, and Trowa could hear the smile in his voice. "Besides," Duo continued, "Johnny and I used to fuck while we watched movies all the time." He punctuated the sentence with a hard grip on Trowa, earning a moan. "I thought you seemed awfully interested in details about me and Johnny," Duo continued. "So I've been trying to figure out – is it because you have the hots for him, or because you like picturing me and him together?" Duo moved his hand to the waistband of Trowa's pants, his fingers dipping just under the elastic. "Well?" Duo prompted when Trowa didn't immediately respond. "I've thought about him," Trowa confessed, and Duo tugged at the waistband. Trowa lifted his hips enough for Duo to tug them down. His erection was straining against his boxers, a small wet spot staining the front with precum. "But I'd be lying if I said the thought of you and him together wasn't a turn on." He continued. "I thought so." Duo continued to fondle Trowa through the boxers, one hand massaging his scrotum while the other continued to work his erection. "So, you want details to help fill out that little mental fantasy you're working on?" He asked, his lips close to Trowa's ear. "Yes," Trowa moaned as Duo gripped him tightly again. " what positions he liked to fuck me in? How he loved to undress me first and suck my cock until I was almsot ready to come?" "Yes," Trowa moaned again. Duo was already doing a great job of filling in details for his fantasy. Duo tugged at the boxers, and Trowa once again arched back to help him pull them down. Now completely exposed, he kicked off the boxers and pants and opened his legs wider, offering Duo moer access. He could feel Duo's own erection pressed against him from behind, and he pushed back on it. Duo groaned and returned his hands to their early tasks, more intense and firm now that clothes weren't separating their flesh. "He wasn't quite as thick as you, but he was pretty big. A lot like you, actually," Duo said with a thoughtful tug on Trowa's erection. "His hands were incredible – rough and callused, but damn, when he gripped my ass if was incredible. His body was great, too. Hard and hot. He liked to top – and fuck he was good at pounding his cock into me. " Trowa was approaching orgasm, just listening to Duo talk about getting screwed by Johnny Damon. "Getting close?" Duo asked. Trowa nodded and then let his head fall back as Duo drew out a moan from him. Duo was smirking as he looked down at him. He leaned down and traced over Trowa's lips with his tongue before thrusting inside of his mouth. Trowa was eager to take him in, his own tongue meeting Duo's and tangling with it. Duo pulled back, sucking on Trowa's bottom lip as he did. "He let me top him once, and I've got to tell you, his ass is a work of art. And when he comes – the look on his face was always incredible. Like he'd just seen heaven or something." Trowa came just as Duo started to describe the last, and he was panting when Duo finished. "Another shirt bites the dust," Duo said with a grin. Trowa looked down to see the sticky white stain on the front of his shirt. After a moment, he sat up and gingerly pulled off the shirt. He used it to wipe himself clean and then balled it up and sat it down on the floor. He was now completely naked, but the thought that one of the kids might walk in on them was very far from his mind. "Your knee doesn't cramp if you bend it for too long," he said. "Nope." Duo sounded completely unrepentant. He ran one hand over Trowa's chest in an idle pattern. "You feel really good, Trowa." There was a quality to his voice that went beyond lust. "I don't know what you want from me, though." Trowa sighed. He still didn't know either. "Maybe some rewinding?" He suggested. "Okay." Duo's voice was neutral and guarded. Trowa had to stand to pull his boxers back on. When he moved to sit back down, Duo started to move his leg so that Trowa could have his end of the couch back. "I was comfortable before, if that's okay," Trowa said, stopping him. Duo looked at him for a moment, but then put his leg back. Trowa settled against him again. They continued to watch the movie in silence. Duo's steady breathing and heart beat lulled Trowa into a near trance, with only the explosions of the television screen keeping him awake. It was near the end of the movie when Trowa spoke up. "I don't know what I want from you. I don't know what I want from us. But I'm… I love you." He waited for any kind of response from Duo. The silence stretched between them, and Trowa finally turned to look back at Duo, to see what he was thinking. Duo was asleep. Trowa didn't know whether to be furious or relieved, and eventually settled on exasperated. He reached for the remote and turned off the television. There was a blanket on the back of the couch, and he pulled it down to cover them. It wasn't long before he fell asleep.
The doorbell was ringing when Trowa jerked away the next morning. It took him a moment to orientate himself and remember that he had been sleeping on Duo's couch. He turned and saw Duo starting to stir. "Someone's at your door," Trowa said when Duo opened his eyes. "Why?" Duo seemed confused and offended at the possibility. Trowa couldn't help but smirk at the expression on his face. Duo groaned as he stretched and stood. His morning erection bobbed under his sweatpants, catching Trowa's attention. "Trowa," Duo scolded in amusement. Trowa shrugged. "Just enjoying the view." "The door?" Trowa reminded him. "Right. Shit." Duo sprinted from the room, and Trowa wondered if he was actually going to open his door, sporting a rather impressive erection. Trowa found his sweatpants and pulled them on. He had his answer when a moment later, Duo walked in leading a woman Trowa vaguely recognized. His erection seemed to have completely subsided, and Trowa was a little impressed with his willpower. "Trowa, you remember Mrs. Vern? Nat's social worker?" Trowa fought the instant urge to cover his naked chest. He wondered what she was thinking, as she took in their disheveled, half dressed appearance. She smiled at him. "Mr. Barton? It's nice to see you again. I was just stopping in for a home visit." "A surprise home visit." Duo clarified. "We like to do those. It gives us a better, more honest view of the care being provided." "Right, well, Nat's still asleep. Ah, Trowa's niece and nephew came over yesterday, and they spent the night. So, all the kids are asleep. We stayed up, watched a movie…must have fallen asleep on the couch." Duo scratched at the back of his neck. "That sounds like a lovely evening. Why doesn't Mr. Barton show me to the kitchen while you get dressed? I'd love a cup of coffee." Duo looked at Trowa, a panicked, deer in the headlights look on his face. "Trowa doesn't really know his way around my kitchen, maybe - " "He seems rather intelligent. I'm sure he can spot the coffee maker and we'll go from there." Vern's voice was very firm, and with an apologetic look to Trowa, Duo gave in and went upstairs to change. Trowa grabbed his shirt from the floor, unwilling to leave it there in case someone tried to move it later, and carried it with him into the kitchen. He tucked it under his arm as he made coffee, a task he HAD actually done before in Duo's kitchen, the last time he spent a Saturday night. "Duo said he had a full time housekeeper," Vern said. She had taken a seat at the bar table off to the side and pulled out a notebook and pen. "Sara. Sunday is her day off." "So she supervises Nathalie after school until Duo gets home?" "Yes, she picks her up from school." "Hm. And how much time do you spend here?" Trowa nearly spilled coffee grounds on himself at the question. How was he supposed to answer that? He turned around and saw that she was smirking slightly. "Mr. Barton, I'm sorry if this makes me sound like a prude, but as much as I DO enjoy the view, perhaps you should put your shirt on? While this isn't too formal, you are a bit underdressed." The world was a dark and evil place, Trowa decided. "I'll just run upstairs and put on some clean clothes," he suggested. She arched an eyebrow. "I brought an overnight bag," he clarified, lest she think he kept clothes in Duo's closet. "Just the shirt will do." There was no way Trowa was putting the shirt on. It was covered in his now dried semen, and unless she was a virgin, it was impossible that she wouldn't recognize the stain for what it was. She was still looking at him expectantly, and with a sigh, Trowa started to pull the shirt on, turning his back to her. "Hey – sorry to keep you waiting!" Duo arrived. Trowa ripped the shirt back off and fled the kitchen instantly. "I'm going to take a shower and change," he said as he retreated. He used Duo's shower, because he had no idea where the shampoo and soap were in the guest bathrooms, and because he liked Duo's shower. The water pressure and the size of the nozzle were perfect. He dressed quickly, feeling guilty for abandoning Duo to the woman, and was back downstairs in twenty minutes. Duo had made breakfast in that time – bacon, scrambled eggs, and was working on pancakes when Trowa entered. Vern seemed very content, nibbling at her food and scribbling notes, as Duo talked about Nathalie's daily schedule. "Ah, you're back." Vern smiled. "We didn't get to finish our discussion. How much time do you spend here?" Trowa looked to Duo, who was looking at him with a neutral expression. Trowa realized that this was one of those defining moments in his life. He could lie, and say none, and he had every confidence that Duo would walk away. Or he could also lie and say a lot, and he knew that Duo would take it as a sign that he wanted to commit to their relationship. "He comes over every now and then," Duo answered when Trowa remained silent. "He's our family lawyer, but he's also a friend. And Nat's a fan – so… we hang out sometimes." "We're dating," Trowa added. "So I've spent the night a few times." Both Vern and Duo were speechless. "And how have you explained your relationship to Nathalie?" Vern asked after a moment. "Well, at first I told her the truth – that Trowa was a guy that I liked and I wanted him to spend the night. I asked her if it was okay, if she was comfortable with it. At first she wasn't – because of her mother and the guys she used to bring over – but we talked. I promised her that nothing bad would happen, and that if she didn't like him, he was out." Trowa had no idea that this conversation had taken place. His surprise must have shown on his face. Duo shrugged. "Sorry, buddy. I like you, but I had to do what was right by her. But, you know, she takes after me. She's got good taste." Trowa nodded, still a little dazed by the new information. "And how does Nathalie feel about Mr. Barton?" "She's crazy about him. She's liked him from the start, but after the hearing, well, she's president of his fan club. And after he went and made her into a Red Sox fan," Duo muttered, slapping the pancakes over onto their other side with a great deal of force, "I'm pretty sure she's a goner." "So, how much time does Mr. Barton spend here?" Vern asked yet again. "A few nights – well, not for a few weeks." "Oh? Why is that? Did Nathalie express some reservations?" Duo was silent for a moment, and Trowa sighed. "We took some time away from each other. I needed to work out a few issues in my head." "Hm. What kind of issues?" "Isn't this pretty personal?" Duo interrupted, before Trowa could answer. "Duo, my job is to be personal. I'm here today to ascertain Nathalie's living conditions. It is very clear to me that you are providing her a safe and structured house and are taking care to love and nurture her." Vern's gaze swung to Trowa. "However, you have just informed me that Nathalie is very attached to Mr. Barton. Perhaps she even sees him as her savior. You have also informed me that the two of you are having struggles in your relationship, and that that has affected his involvement with Nathalie. I am, naturally, concerned by this development." Trowa winced, and Duo scowled unhappily. She had a good point, and Trowa was hit with the sudden fear that he might screw up Duo's chances to keep custody of Nathalie. "What would be best, then?" He asked, directing the question to Vern. "Should I just… stay out of their lives?" "Can you actually commit to being a fixture in them? Nathalie has experienced great turmoil recently. This house, and Duo, are the only stable things in her life. If you were disrupt the peace of this house, or even Duo's state of mind, there could be very negative effects on Nathalie." Trowa sighed. A few hours ago he was confessing his love to Duo – an unconscious Duo – and now he was faced with the decision on whether or not he should walk away from him. He looked up and saw Duo's eyes, and the naked uncertainty in them hurt. "I want what's best for her. What's best for Duo. He's an amazing father to her, and she deserves the life he can give her." Vern waited for him to continue. "Maybe… maybe my timing is bad. Maybe I need to walk away." He had to look away from Duo's eyes. "So you don't feel that you can make a commitment to be in their lives?" Vern clarified, twisting the knife in deeper. "I can't risk ruining this for them." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Duo lay down his spatula and brace himself against the counter by the stove. Every line in his body was tense. "I heard you, last night," Duo said. His voice was hoarse, as if talking was an effort for him. Trowa swallowed. He didn't need to ask what Duo was referring to. "I pretended to be asleep. I didn't think you could handle hearing me say it back to you. I didn't want to freak you out again." Trowa frowned and thought about it. He realized that Duo saying it to him likely would have caused him to start doubting himself, all over again. He sighed. He was so fucked up. "It doesn't change the fact that I do." Duo turned to look at him. "I love you." "You can't trade Nathalie for me," Trowa said. "No. But I'm really confused about why I can't have you both." "I could ruin all of this." "Or you could be a part of it. Stop running, Trowa." "I'm sorry, but –" Vern started to speak. Duo whirled on her. "Listen, I get that you want what's best for Nathalie. But I do too. And so does Trowa. But people are messy, and they aren't perfect. You can't sit here and tell Trowa that he has to walk away or commit to this for the rest of his life. People just don't work like that. I mean – if not Trowa, am I supposed to remain single until she turns eighteen? Because I might break up with someone who she likes? My priority is Nathalie, and having her means the world to me, but I'd like to be satisfied in my personal life as well. I can guarantee that I'm a lot happier and more content having Trowa here than not." "Which is the problem. You want him to be a partner in this, and clearly, he can't commit to it." Vern pointed out. "People get married and get divorced all the time," Duo continued. "What do you do if a foster family gets divorced?" "It depends on the situation. Sadly, most children will be absorbed back into the system." Duo's jaw clicked shut audibly at that. Trowa heard footsteps and realized that the children were awake. A moment later, all three appeared in the kitchen, looking rumpled and a little cranky. Luc, the bravest, stepped into the kitchen and made a beeline for the food. Lilly followed him, but Nathalie stayed in the door. "Why is she here?" She asked, her gaze fixed on Vern. "It's nothing," Duo said, clearly sensing her panic. He went over to her and took her shoulders. "It's just a home visit. She's just checking up on us." "Why? Did I do something wrong?" "No, no, you're doing everything right. She's just… you know, being nosey." Trowa smirked at the look of irritation on Vern's face. He directed Luc and Lilly towards the dining room with a nod, and the two went without protest. "I'd like to ask you a few questions," Vern said to Nathalie. She looked up at Duo, and then over at Trowa. With a sigh, she sat down across from Vern. Duo made up a plate and put it, as well as a glass of orange juice, in front of her. "Alone, please," Vern clarified. Duo started to protest, but stopped at the look Vern gave him. "Is that legal?" He asked, turning to Trowa. "Technically, she is a ward of the state, until you have been granted full custody, so, yes." Nathalie did not look happy. "Just be honest – but don't be mean," Duo added quickly before he and Trowa left the room. Trowa followed Duo into the living room, and helped him clean up the mess the kids had left last night, and to straighten the couch. "Just because you feel a certain way, it doesn't mean you have to act on it," Duo said as he picked up a cushion. Trowa looked up, confused. "You love me –that's great. But maybe it's just not good timing. Maybe it just won't work out for you." Duo grinned bitterly. "Maybe, this time, you're Quatre and I'm Trowa." It was in exact opposition to what Heero had suggested he do. "I'm fucked up, Duo. Every time I convince myself that I'm special and amazing I remember how useless I am. I'm not – I'm not good enough for you and Nathalie." "This is the absolute last time that I'm saying this. You are good enough. You're Nathalie's hero. So don't tell me you aren't good enough. If you don't want this – if you don't want to take on responsibility for being a steady influence in her life, that's fine. It doesn't make you a bad guy. You can walk away." "I don't want to. But I can't – it's a lot of commitment." "Look, you like her, right?" Trowa nodded. "So, can you commit to hanging out with us once a week? Movies, games, concerts, museums, stuff like that?" Trowa nodded again. "And how about dinner? Once a week, here. I'll cook." "I could do that." "Okay. So, that's two days. Let's start with that. If we don't work – if you don't want to jump into something with me – that's all it is. Dinner and a movie. You don't even have to stay the night." "What if I want to?" "Well, then you'll have to add in a few breakfasts. Because I'm not sneaking around." Duo paused. "Which means telling Heero." Trowa nodded. "That would only be right." "Okay. So… we'll go slow. Do you have plans for Tuesday night? I make a mean lasagna." "That sounds good." "Alright. So we're friends." Duo started to walk past him, but Trowa caught his arm and pulled him against him. "I don't want to be friends." Duo kissed him, hard, with tongue and a fair amount of teeth. "Fuck it, then. We aren't friends." Duo said after he pulled away. "We'll figure it out. But I'm not letting you run away." Duo kissed him again, and then walked back into the kitchen. "Time to save Nathalie from the nosey bitch," he muttered as he went. Trowa let him go. Duo would either tell Vern about their decision, or he wouldn't. It didn't matter. What mattered was that there WAS a decision. What mattered was that Duo had fought for him, from the start. Even when Nathalie didn't want him – Duo hadn't given up. He had talked her into it. And he had talked Trowa into it. Maybe Duo just liked a good fight – Trowa had lost count of just how many stories Heero told about his brother fighting for someone else. But Trowa was starting to realize that he was worth
a fight. He just needed to start fighting back, too. ~ * ~ tbc... |
