|
"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 "
As much as he tried to, Trowa could come up with no decent excuse to get out of going to Celia Yuy's charity gala on Wednesday night. The Versace tuxedo that Quatre had guilted him into buying the year before was immaculately pressed and clean, waiting for him in his closet at home. He wasn't sick, because, in his sister's words, he had the constitution of a performer and was never really sick. He couldn't even use the excuse of work – if Heero could tear himself away from the office, it was ridiculous for Trowa to try to remain behind. The real reasons that Trowa didn't want to attend the event were not ones he could voice out loud, and would in no way sway Celia Yuy to feel anything but disdain for him. He hated these events, the crowds of wealthy men and women who seemed to live for any excuse to dress in expensive clothes, drink, and give away a paltry sum of money – compared to their vast fortunes – to whatever cause célèbre had taken their fancy that week. As a lowly legal assistant at the Merquise Group, he had been spared these events for his first few years. It wasn't until the end, when Zechs Merquise had taken a personal interest in him, that Trowa had been forced to attend the events. Perhaps that was why he associated these types of things with Zechs. Even when Trowa worked for Quatre, he had always found himself looking around for the tall, enigmatic blonde aristocrat. He was also tired. Exhausted from work, from dealing with Wufei who wanted to file a lawsuit against Treize Khushrenada and had, overnight it seemed, decided that Trowa was his ally. He was also exhausted from dealing with Duo and Heero. Trowa had spent Saturday night with Duo – they had ordered in pizza and played the Wii with Nathalie for a few hours before they engaged in several rounds of amazing sex in the privacy of Duo's room. As they lay in bed afterwards, Trowa in the pleasant state of semi-consciousness between sleep and wakefulness, he had told Duo about the baseball game, Treize Khushrenada, and how disturbed Heero had seemed by the man. He had refrained from mentioning his own, rather severe reaction to the man. It had taken Trowa all of three seconds to decide that he would never, under any circumstances, trust Treize Khushrenada. The man represented all of the things that Trowa despised, and he couldn't bring himself to be more than passingly polite. Duo had been silent, and Trowa had thought he was already asleep. The next morning, when Trowa left for his own apartment and Duo and Nathalie headed to Celia's weekly brunch, Duo had instructed him to do a better job of protecting his brother. Trowa had no idea what those cryptic words meant, but on Monday morning, Heero and then Duo entered the office, already fighting, and it was clear that the subject was Treize Khushrenada. The brothers continued their fight right up until they left on Wednesday to prepare for their mother's gala. Trowa was no closer to understanding what, exactly, they were fighting about than he had been on Monday morning. He couldn't ask Wufei, because even the mention of Treize Khushrenada would send the man into a near apoplectic fit. He had cancelled a date with Duo last night. They had been planning on going out and then spending the night at Trowa's apartment, testing his Ikea furniture for structural stability. But he didn't want to deal with the simmering anger of Duo whenever Heero, work, or Khushrenada were mentioned. So, tonight, he reluctantly put on his tuxedo and went to pick up his sister. Catherine buzzed him up to her apartment – she was, predictably, still getting dressed – and Trowa had a few minutes to relax with the twins. At eight, they were already a menace and already showed amazing promise as dancers. Lucien and Lillian looked like miniature versions of Catherine and Trowa himself, with the same auburn hair and green eyes that they had inherited from their own parents. Luc – because he absolutely refused to answer to Lucien – threw himself into Trowa's arms when he opened the door and discovered his uncle on the other side. Lilly was more reserved, but eventually she too hugged him. It amused him to note that Luc had Catherine's more outgoing nature, while Lilly was more reserved, much like him. He was relieved to see that they no more resembled their long absent, jerk of a father now than they had before. Trevor Bloom had transferred to the American Ballet Theater from the English National Ballet to be a principal in the company. Catherine, already a principal at ABT, had been impressed by his technique, his charming accent, and his Nordic good looks. Catherine had fallen hard for the man, and Trowa was still convinced that she had fallen for his talent more than anything else, and the two had married after five seasons of dancing together. When Catherine, pregnant with the twins, had retired from the stage, Trevor seemed to take that as license to start screwing every dancer in the company. He asked for a divorce a week before Catherine's due date, and Trowa had taken immense pleasure in serving as Catherine's lawyer and ensuring that Trevor paid an exorbitant monthly child support stipend. "How's it going?" He asked them. "Learn any new routines?" Luc immediately directed Trowa to the couch and then shoved the living room coffee table aside so he had plenty of space to show off. Lilly sat down beside Trowa, content to watch. Trowa watched the boy move, a sense of nostalgia overwhelming him as he remembered himself at that age, just as carefree as just as in love with ballet as Luc seemed to be. The next year, of course, his parents had been killed in a car accident and he had given up on his dreams of being a dancer, like his sister, and their parents before them. "What's wrong?" Lilly asked beside him, her small hand in his much larger one. "He's doing it right. Why are you frowning?" "I'm frowning because I haven't danced with you in forever," he said, quickly covering up his depression and sweeping her up into his arms. Lilly shrieked in delight as he tossed her into the air and then let her fall, catching her in a graceful arc and setting her feet on the floor. She spun away from him, and then back, her steps precise and elegant, especially considering her age. He caught her in his arms and twirled her around, not even real steps anymore, but she giggled in delight. Luc was jealous of being left out, so Trowa stepped aside and let the two dance together. "Remind you of anyone?" He turned to see Catherine leaning in the doorway. She looked beautiful, in a green chiffon empire style gown that was simple and elegant, and showed off her long neck and lean, toned arms. Her hair was up and she was putting in earrings. Trowa put his nose into the air and sniffed. "At his age, I wouldn't be caught dead dancing with my sister." Catherine snorted. "At his age, your sister was about a foot taller than you. You would have looked ridiculous dancing with me." Trowa shrugged. "Tell yourself that. We both know it was because I was too talented." She smacked him in his stomach with her purse. "Okay, grab your sleep over bags and let's go over to Mrs. Rodriguez," she announced. Both children groaned, but dutifully grabbed the backpacks stuffed with their pajamas, toys, and books. Catherine shepherded all of them to the door, and Trowa waited in the hall while she deposited them with her neighbor, the elderly Mrs. Rodriguez. She turned to him with a smile. "Alright, Mr. Hotshot. Let's go to this fancy party of yours." "We don't have to," he said, although he offered his arm and she accepted, as though he were escorting her to a royal wedding. "Of course we do. I have to put faces on those fantasies of mine, remember?" She winked at him. "If things keep going the way they are, they're going to be my fantasies too," he muttered. As they got into the cab and drove toward the Guggenheim, the location of Celia's gala, Catherine demanded that he tell her everything. He did – in enough detail to have her begging him to stop, she didn't need to know his preference for unscented lubricant – but when she was done, her advice was less than helpful. "I told you so," she said. "I hate you," he replied. She smiled and as they got out of the cab, she smoothed down his suit. "You look fantastic, and you are fantastic. Sue me for wanting your life to be everything that you deserve." She looked perfectly sincere, and he had to shake his head and look away. "You deserve a fantastic life," he responded after a moment. "And I have it. Two beautiful children, my own studio, a wonderful brother." "You never danced Giselle," he said softly, recalling her childhood dream. "Oh Trowa, I dance it every day!" He looked at her, alarmed at the glint of tears in her eyes. She sniffed and then punched him in the shoulder. "Look what you've done! Ugh! I can't take you anywhere." He let her lighten the mood and smiled back. He rubbed his arm. "You're the violent one. I might need to take out a restraining order." "As if the law could contain me." They entered and Trowa instantly wanted to turn around and walk right back out. The lobby was decorated for the event with enormous blue crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, far above them. Blue tables, blue fountains, blue everywhere. Except for the guests. The men had all dressed strictly in black tuxedos, and the women wore every shade imaginable, but not one had dressed in the cerulean of the decorations. Trowa didn't know if that was by design or by luck, but when he saw Celia Yuy greeting her many friends, he knew it was by design. She was dressed in a satin gown the exact shade of blue as the decorations, and she stood out from the crowd. He nodded in her direction. "That's Celia, Heero's mother." "She's beautiful. Oh, Trowa, I think that's a Carolina Herrera dress. She looks amazing. Introduce me." Trowa rolled his eyes, but obliged, knowing he would have to greet his hostess anyway. As the crossed the room, Trowa scanned the crowd for Duo or Heero, but saw neither. He wondered if Heero had managed to avoid the event for work after all. "Mrs. Yuy, this is a lovely event," he said as they stopped in front of her. She smiled politely. "Thank you, Trowa darling. Who is this beautiful young lady?" "My sister, Catherine Bloom." "My dear – Catherine – Catherine Barton, at one point?" She asked. Catherine nodded uneasily. "Oh, darling, I saw you in Romeo and Juliet… ten years ago now? You were exquisite!" Catherine blinked in surprise. It had been a long time since anyone had recognized her. "Thank – thank you. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it." "Oh yes, you were so lovely, you," she paused and laughed. She looked at Trowa. "I used to drag Duo to the ballet while Odin took Heero to baseball games. I swear, he saw your sister's performance and decided that he would marry her." Trowa blinked, absorbing that information. "Of course, he had come out by then, so I knew it wasn't likely, but… it did give me hope." Celia looked beyond them and smiled at someone else. "Thank you for inviting us, and I hope that the evening goes well," Trowa said and steered Catherine away. She waited until they were out of earshot. "So, your boyfriend wants to marry me?" She giggled. Trowa glared. "He wanted to. And he was probably just saying that. Or, it could be because you looked like a boy in a dress." Now she glared and he smirked back at her. "Thank God she didn't remember that Trevor was Romeo. I could not have dealt with that." Trowa steered her towards the bar. "What would you like?" "Champagne, I haven't had any in years." He procured two glasses from a passing waiter and then led her to one side of the room, slightly removed from the crowd. "So, what is this event, anyway?" Catherine asked. "It's a fundraiser for Presbyterian's Children's Cancer Ward. All of the art was donated by contemporary artists, and the proceeds from each piece will go to the ward." "Oh, that's wonderful." "Yes. Or they could have just donated the money without throwing an expensive party." "You really hate to wear a tux, don't you?" "More than anything," he assured her. Just then he spotted Duo and his date, Hilde Schiebeker. Unlike every other man present, Duo had flaunted convention and was wearing a white tux. Trowa rolled his eyes at the sight of him. Hilde was wearing a black dress that clung to her body, although it was considerably more tasteful and stylish than the dress Trowa had met her in. He watched while Duo greeted his disapproving mother, and then floated among the other guests. "You're staring," Catherine said from beside him. "Who is he?" "That's Duo." "Duo – oh. Well. That explains a lot." He glared. "I'm just saying, I can understand your lack of self control. Who is that with him?" "Hilde Schiebeker. His best friend." "She looks interesting." Trowa spared his sister a look. While his sister had had plenty of dates in the years since her divorce from Trevor, nothing had ever been serious enough for Catherine to actually introduce a man to her children. Towa had long suspected that his sister was actually attracted to women, especially after the way that Trevor had used her. He refrained from bringing it up, however, because she had let him come out on his own terms. "I'm sure that eventually Duo will make his way over and you can meet her," he assured her. "Who is that?" Catherine demanded, forcing his attention to the front again. Trowa forgot to breathe, and his heart actually skipped a beat. "Zechs Merquise," he murmured. Catherine frowned. "What is he doing here? You didn't tell me he –" "I have no idea," he interrupted her, attempting to head off a rant. He scowled as Zechs swept into the room, heads turning to take him in and admire his beauty. Trowa watched as he approached Celia, said something charming enough to make her laugh, and then proceeded to walk with him around the room, introducing him. Trowa forced his eyes away from his one time lover, reminding himself of all the reasons he truly despised Zechs Merquise. It was difficult to do, considering how amazing he looked in a tux. Heero and Wufei entered a moment later, both without dates. Heero greeted his mother briefly, ignored Zechs entirely, and seemed to be searching for someone. Their eyes locked, and Heero approached. "And who is the hottie coming our way?" "My boss, Heero Yuy," he muttered with a smirk. "Oh," she said, her disappointment evident. "Heero, this is my sister, Catherine. Catherine, Heero Yuy." "A pleasure." Heero actually kissed the back of her hand, and Catherine looked as taken aback by the gesture as Trowa was. "Thank you," Catherine said, and seemed well on her way to being charmed by Heero. "I wanted to apologize to you, for the way Duo and I have been driving you crazy this week," Heero said. He formed a triangle with them, and Trowa was flattered that Heero was taking the time to have a conversation before he made his rounds to the well-known New York elite that surrounded them. "It's my job," Trowa reminded Heero. It was a mantra he had repeated to himself often over the past few days. "I don't recall advertising for a babysitter," Heero argued, one corner of his mouth turned up in a smirk. "Bonus for you, then," Trowa said with an answering expression. Heero turned to Catherine. "I take it you are responsible for his manners and politeness," he said. "Of course. I'm responsible for all of the good things – the bad things he did to himself," she said with a smile. "Trowa neglected to tell me what you did for a living. Are you also a lawyer?" "No, I followed the family profession. I was a dancer, until I retired to raise my children." "Ballet?" Heero asked. Catherine nodded. "Yes, and now I run a studio downtown." "Why didn't Trowa go into dance?" Heero asked, seeming genuinely curious. Trowa felt himself tense at the question, and he anticipated Catherine using the opportunity to poke at the sore subject of his becoming a lawyer. "He thought he could do more good as a lawyer," Catherine asked after a long moment. Trowa gave her a grateful look. "I can't say I'm sorry. I likely would have never met him otherwise, and I consider it an honor to know him." Catherine's eyes narrowed, and Trowa sensed an attack brewing. He pinched her elbow. "Are you not a fan of the ballet?" She asked sweetly. "No. My mother and my brother are fanatics, however." "Hm. Yes, I heard your brother was a fan." Heero looked confused by the statement, and Trowa was about to explain, when Celia circled around to them, Zechs still in tow. "Darling, I'm so glad you made it," she embraced her son and allowed him to kiss her cheeks." But you rushed off earlier." Trowa tried not to look at Zechs. "I'd like for you to meet someone. This is Zechs Merquise, his mother was a dear friend of mine in school, so many years ago. Zechs, this is my son Heero, and this is Trowa Barton and his sister, the ballerina, Catherine Barton." Catherine didn't bother to correct Celia about her name, and Trowa assumed it was because she was too busy glaring at Zechs. With an internal sigh, he looked up and met the cold blue gaze of his former lover. And just like that, the same fire, the same scorching heat, flooded through him as their gaze caught. Trowa hadn't been a virgin when he met Zechs, and he had been involved with a fair number of men since, but no one quite compared to Zechs. Sex with him was like walking through a fire, and it burned you from the inside out. Trowa had been addicted to the man after only one night, and it had been incredibly difficult to walk away from him, knowing that he would never have sex with him again. "Zechs." "Trowa. So good to see you again. You are looking splendid." "Oh, how do you two know each other?" Celia asked, delighted. "I worked for Zechs in Paris, for three years," Trowa answered shortly. "You were more than a mere employee," Zechs said with a smirk. Celia blinked and then seemed to realize what he was saying. Trowa was forced to keep his gaze on Zechs, afraid to see Heero's reaction. "Oh, well, then I'm certain you two have quite a bit of catching up to do. Heero, come along – and Catherine – I have a few friends who are dying to meet you!" And just like that, Celia whisked away his sister and Heero, leaving Trowa alone with a man he had hoped to never see again. "Thank you for embarrassing me in front of my employer," Trowa said. "I embarrass you?" Zechs snorted, as if the idea was too preposterous to be believed. "I'd like it if you didn't advertise to the world that we were involved," Trowa bit out. "So we were involved? You acknowledge it now?" "I always acknowledged it," Trowa replied. He scanned the crowd, wondering if there was any way he could flee the scene and still salvage his pride. "You were the one who made it into some ridiculous, illicit liaison." "Trowa, your sense of the dramatic hasn't faded much, has it?" "You were in a serious relationship with a Danish Prince!" Zechs blinked, as if to say and? "You snuck around with me for a year and then decided to fuck me in front of him to make him jealous!" "He didn't mind at all. He even joined in." "I minded. You used me as some sort of… amusement. I was just there to entertain you." "Well, you never indicated that you wanted to be anything else." Trowa glared at Zechs and was actually able to see past his lust for the man and realize that Zechs had really never viewed Trowa as anything other than a toy. And likely never would. The fact that part of Trowa accepted that – was even excited by that – disturbed him. He tried to squeeze that part of himself back to the corners of his mind. "What brings you to New York?" Trowa asked, trying desperately to change the subject. "You, of course." Trowa thought for a moment that Zechs might be serious, but then the blonde man laughed, the brittle sound stabbing through Trowa. "Business, of course. We're looking to expand to the States. Would you happen to know any potential clients? Anyone who could use my services?" Trowa actually thought his jaw might break, he was clenching it so hard. "I'm afraid not," he finally bit out. Zechs shrugged. "No matter. I've scheduled a few weeks to stay here. And I'm sure that Celia will introduce me to more appropriate partners. Still… nothing wrong with revisiting the past, is there, Trowa?" And there it was, the classic technique that Zechs had always used on Trowa. An insult, to remind him just how far apart they were in society, and then the sexual innuendo and the look, as though Trowa were completely naked and Zechs already owned him. "I recall you saying you didn't need to waste your time or efforts on someone like me," Trowa said, remembering their last time together and the ensuing fight, as Trowa had packed his apartment and prepared to go to work for Quatre. "Well, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. Besides, it's not as if you ever required that much effort. Time, on the other hand… you did always use plenty of that." Trowa forced himself not to remember, not to recall the way Zechs' body felt as it moved over him, inside of him. "Hey – hope I'm not interrupting anything!" It was Duo, and Trowa had never appreciated him more than he did in that moment. He almost sagged in relief. "Duo," he said, trying to keep his voice neutral while at the same time thanking him. His current lover frowned, the tone obviously concerning him. He looked over at Zechs. "'Fraid we haven't met." He held out one hand and grinned. "I'm Duo Maxwell, and this is the inestimable Hilde Schiebecker." Zechs reluctantly shook Duo's hand and nodded politely to Hilde. "Zechs Merquise." "Of the Merquise Group I assume?" Zechs nodded. "Interesting. You know, I was just going over some of our subsidiaries' numbers, and I think we might want to rethink our PR representatives. Have any suggestions for some good American firms?" The smile Zechs gave Trowa was that of a predator. "Actually, I was just telling Trowa that the Merquise Group is going to expand into the States. I think we might be a viable firm for your needs." "Cool. I know Trowa used to work for you, so you must have good taste." Duo winked at Trowa. Zechs chuckled. Trowa contemplated suicide. Hilde took that opportunity to speak up. "Enough about work. I didn't agree to be your date so you could talk about the ever so dull world of corporate whatever all night." She turned to Trowa. "It's nice to see you again." "You as well. I can see that black is a thing of yours." He nodded at her dress. "Well, it does look fantastic on me,' she said with a smirk. Trowa wondered if he could just talk to Hilde long enough that Zechs would grow bored and walk away. "Do you mind if I steal Trowa for a few moments? He promised to show me a few of the pieces for sale," Zechs said with a nod at the spiral of the Guggenheim. Trowa glared at him. "Actually, I needed to snag him about a thing at work – and since I promised Hilde not to talk about work in front of her – can I trust you to keep her entertained for a few? Thanks." Without waiting for a response, Duo threw an arm around Trowa's shoulders and steered him away from the group. "Thank you," Trowa said once they were free. "What the hell was that about? Why was he looking at you like you were his favorite crayon and I was stealing it?" Trowa snorted in amusement as Duo summed up the situation perfectly. He briefly debated telling Duo about his relationship with Zechs. But he didn't want to deal with Duo becoming jealous, and he certainly didn't want to deal with any pity Duo might direct his way, as Quatre had done. "He doesn't like hearing no, and he wanted to catch up," Trowa explained. "But you didn't?" "Not particularly. Not right now." "Right." But Duo let it go. Instead, he gave Trowa his most charming smile. "Listen, I've been a jerk this week, and I apologize. But Khushrenada is…a really, really big threat and Heero and I have a kind of complicated past with him." Trowa arched an eyebrow. "It's not worth getting into details – and besides, it's Heero's business more than mine – but suffice to say: Khushrenada is a manipulative asshole and he's pretty good at manipulating Heero into doing some pretty stupid shit. Based on what you said – and Heero finally told me – it sounds like someone told Khushrenada the details of the will, and he wants to make trouble. We kind of need to make a team effort not to let that bastard win." "I am on your side. You and Heero," he clarified. "I know. Uh, speaking of which – I got a call today. The custody hearing for Nat was moved up to tomorrow morning." "Tomorrow?" There was a board meeting scheduled for the next day. "Yeah. I need to be there. And you need to be at the board meeting to cover Heero's ass." "You need a lawyer," Trowa pointed out. "I'll figure something out," Duo assured him. "I'm coming," Trowa said after a moment's consideration. "Heero doesn't actually need me there. And the fact that the date was moved… something's going on." Duo seemed on the verge of arguing, but then he shrugged. "Thanks, I really appreciate that. So, uh… you got plans for later tonight?" Trowa was on the verge of saying no, but then Zechs started to approach. "I'm not free tonight," he told Duo reluctantly. "Friday, then?" Duo asked. "Yes. Dinner and then my place?" "Perfect." Duo leaned forward, and Trowa was sure he was about to kiss him, but then Duo seemed to remember where they were. He slapped Trowa on the shoulder and then saluted Zechs, who was now beside them. "All yours, thanks, buddy," Duo winked again at Trowa and walked off. "Please don't tell me you've replaced me with such an inferior model," Zechs scoffed as Duo walked off. "He is your superior in every way," Trowa assured him. "So you are fucking him." Zechs shook his head in mock sympathy. "What is it with your attraction to men better than you? I have to admit, I'm shocked you aren't with Yuy. Now there is a magnificent specimen." Zechs started walking up the sloping spiral of the gallery, and Trowa found himself falling into step beside him, as if tugged into place by gravity. They were about halfway up, with most of the guests below them, when Zechs tried a door and found it to be unlocked. Trowa followed him inside, knowing from experience just what Zechs intended. It was an abandoned conference room, and Zechs pushed Trowa's back against the door and locked it in one smooth motion. He pressed their bodies together, and Trowa felt that familiar burn that only Zechs seemed to ignite in him. Zechs leaned in and nipped at Trowa's lower lip. With a groan, Trowa leaned into the contact, and when Zech's tongue darted out, he captured it between his lips. "For all your talk, you are completely pathetic," Zechs murmured as he pulled away from the kiss. He brushed Trowa's bangs back. He had always preferred it when Trowa wore them off his face. Trowa swallowed, hating himself for not being able to respond to the words, but being eager to respond to the physical presence of Zechs. Hating more the fact that part of him – a growing part- was enjoying this. "I'm sure you just love the way Maxwell treats you like an equal," Zechs spat the word. "But we both know that's not what you are. We both know what you're good for. Strip." The last was delivered casually, as if Zechs wasn't in any way interested in whether Trowa obeyed him. Zechs stepped away from him. He resisted, for a full minute, but the heat in Zechs' eyes undid him. Glaring at the man, he slowly undressed, despising and yet savoring Zechs's gaze devouring his naked body. "What do you want?" Zechs demanded. He leisurely stroked Trowa's penis, as though it was a way to pass the time. Trowa remained silent. "What," Zechs pulled Trowa closer, " do you want?" He kissed him, open mouthed and brutal, with a fair amount of teeth. "Fuck me," Trowa heard himself beg when they broke apart. "I'm afraid I don't have any lube… I hadn't planned on you being quite this easy," Zechs said as he turned Trowa around and roughly pushed him onto the cold, laminated surface of the conference table. Zechs kicked his legs apart and Trowa heard the sound of his zipper sliding downwards. Zechs ran a hand through Trowa's hair and down the side of his face, to his mouth, and waited until Trowa took his fingers into his mouth and coated them with saliva. "Good," Zechs said and ran his other hand down Trowa's back, finding that sensitive spot on his spine that had always made Trowa arch back. He chuckled. A moment later, Zechs removed the fingers from Trowa's mouth and used them to prepare Trowa, first one finger pumping in and out, and then two. Trowa groaned. He had forgotten just how far inside Zechs liked to push, his fingers scissoring open inside of him. "It sounds like you're a bit out of practice." Zechs was amused, and Trowa waited, breathless, as he put on a condom. He was grateful that Zechs had at least prepared that much. Without warning, Zechs slammed into Trowa, his impressive girth and length filling Trowa to the point of pain. "Fuck," he whimpered, and Zechs laughed. "Oh Trowa, I've missed your ass so much." He set a brutal pace, pounding into Trowa and at the same time running a hand down his back, coaxing Trowa's hips back to meet his own. "Fuck," Trowa said again, as Zechs' entire length seemed to slide along his prostate. "So good," Zechs said, as though encouraging Trowa. As much as Trowa resented Zechs, even hated him, there was no denying how much his own body responded to the aristocrat's brutal use of him. He felt something start to build within him, and he reached back to stroke himself. Zechs chuckled and slapped his hand away. "Oh no. This isn't for you." Zechs punctuated the statement with a harsh thrust of his hips that shoved Trowa forward several inches on the table, painfully forcing his erection backwards. "If you want to come, then you'll have to beg me for it. Some other time." Zechs gave a few more thrusts and then he came with a grunt. He pulled out after a moment and then gave a wet, open mouthed kiss to the base of Trowa's spine. "You were delightful, as always." He heard Zechs zip up his pants, but he remained on the table, unable to face the man. "I'm sure that Duo will arrange a meeting soon. Perhaps… since you were so good the last time, we can arrange a threesome?" That brought Trowa up and he turned to glare at Zechs. The other man laughed at him. "So sensitive." Zechs stroked a thumb across his jaw. "The look on your face when Anton opened the door… and then, when I made you suck him…you were made for fucking, Trowa." "It isn't that Duo treats me as an equal," Trowa said as he jerked his jaw away. "He treats me like a human being." Zechs raised his eyebrows. "I don't ignore your needs, Trowa. I fulfill them as well." He reached out and ran his hand down Trowa's semi-erect penis. "You just don't deserve it right now." "Not everything revolves around sex." "Of course not," Zechs agreed. "But let's be realistic. There could never be a relationship between us. All we have is sex. The best sex of our lives. Surely that's worth something." Zechs released him and left the room. Trowa dressed quickly, terrified that someone would walk in and find him naked. He waited ten minutes before he left, however, hoping that anyone who might have spotted Zechs would have moved on by that time. As he left the room, he scanned the guests in search of his sister. He saw her down below, chatting with Hilde. The two women were laughing over something, and Hilde laid a hand on his sister's arm. It could have been a harmless touch, but Trowa noticed the way his sister leaned into it. He watched them for another few minutes, the light flirtation somehow easing him back towards a state of calm. "I wondered where you had gotten to," Wufei said, approaching him from above. Trowa nodded at him. "Sorry I didn't get to speak with you earlier." Wufei shrugged. "I saw that Celia was in full hostess mode, I decided to stay away until I could catch you on your own." "How is your father?" "Not good," Wufei answered after a long, tense pause. His hands were fisted. "I swear that I could kill that sick bastard. If my father dies – " "Wufei. Stop. Keep your mind clear." Trowa wished that he could take his own advice. After a moment, the Chinese man nodded. "I appreciated our tennis game yesterday." Trowa smirked. Duo and Heero had not shown, but he and Wufei had played on their own. He thought that the physical exercise had been a good release for the other man. "He sent me a Masamune katana this morning." Trowa had no idea what Wufei was talking about, and it must have shown. Wufei sighed in irritation. "Masamune was the premier swordsmith of thirteenth and fourteenth century Japan. He revolutionized – forget it. It's a priceless relic." "What are you going to do with it?" "Stab it through his heart," Wufei muttered angrily. "As a lawyer, I can't say that I recommend that course of action." Wufei gave him a patronizing look. "Of course I won't. The blood would tarnish the steel, which is incredibly fragile after such a long time." Trowa rolled his eyes. Wufei was a complete mystery to him. "Duo has warned me to do a better job protecting Heero. From Khushrenada." Wufei nodded in agreement. "Heero is a good man. A strong man. But sometimes… he makes decisions too rashly. Trusting Khushrenada was one of those decisions. I cannot fathom why Odin would threaten to leave the company to that man." "Perhaps, if he is as despised as you say, Odin hoped that it would encourage Heero and Duo to work together?" Wufei frowned as he considered the idea. "There is more to it than that. Odin was almost as manipulative as Khushrenada is." They stood there in silence for several moments, each lost to their thoughts. "I'm going to attempt to escape," Wufei said at last. "Have a good evening." "Thank you." Trowa watched the other man walk away and decided that if Wufei could leave, he could as well. He tracked down his sister, still deep in conversation with Hilde. "Time to go?" He asked casually. Catherine's smile faded. "So soon?" Trowa arched an eyebrow. "It's nearly eleven," he pointed out. "Yes, but what's the point of having the kids sleep over if I'm home by a decent hour?" Catherine demanded with a pout. Hilde giggled. "I'll make sure she gets home, Mr. Barton." Trowa studied her. "Or I can get myself home. I'm ten years older than either one of you!" Catherine pointed out loudly. Hilde smiled. "You don't look it. You have such fabulous skin." Trowa rolled his eyes as his sister blushed and returned the compliment. The two started to compare skin care regiments. "Fine. I'm leaving. Call me in the morning." He kissed his sister on the cheek and gave Hilde a warning look. On his way out, he spotted Heero, deep in conversation with several middle aged, balding men. He nodded to him, and Heero made his excuses and walked over. "Leaving?" Heero asked, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "Yes. The custody hearing has been moved up to tomorrow morning. Duo won't be at the board meeting." Heero swore and was silent for a moment. "You should go, too. I'll be fine." "You could postpone," he suggested. "I've already done that once, I can' appear weak in front of them. Actually, this could be a good thing. Duo won't be there to antagonize anyone. And your mere presence won't fill Darlian with rage." This he added with a smirk. It had been a constant source of amusement to Heero, as he watched his father's old friend interact with the young lawyer. "I'll try to move things as quickly as possible," Trowa assured him. "I know. Hopefully we can still have lunch." "That would be nice." Heero's gaze shifted to over Trowa's shoulder. He turned and saw that Heero was staring at Zechs Merquise. "I didn't realize that your, habits included him." "I told you they were dangerous," Trowa muttered and turned away from Zechs when the other man caught his gaze. "Is he the man you're involved with?" Heero asked softly. "No." Trowa snapped immediately. He sighed. "No." Heero's gaze seemed to be searching Trowa's for something. "I do consider you a friend. And after you've listened to me complain these past two weeks, I certainly wouldn't mind returning the favor." "It's nothing worth listening to," Trowa assured him. "All the same." Trowa nodded, and then made good on his escape. Once outside, he flagged down a taxi. He was filled with a curious energy, and he decided not to head straight home after all. He directed the driver to the Yuy Inc. headquarters. After he was waved through the late night security, Trowa made his way not to his office, but to the massive gym. This late at night, in the middle of the week, it was abandoned. He walked into the massive, echoing natatorium and stared at the calm, deep blue water of the Olympic sized pool. He started to strip, for the second time that night, and as soon as he had kicked his boxers free, he dove into the water. The rush of sound and then the complete void filled him. He swam down and under for as long as he could, until his lungs felt as though they were on fire. Only then did he surface. As he took in deep, grasping breaths, he tried to focus on the warm weight of the water surrounding him, the feel of it dripping down his face. Anything but what had just happened. The betrayal he had committed. It had nothing to do with Duo, or their fledgling relationship. Trowa had promised himself, two years ago, never to go back to Zechs. And with little more than a glance, he was back to being nothing, to begging Zechs to fuck him. Trowa was pathetic. He submerged himself again, and the pounding of his own heartbeat, the nothing of being underwater helped to clear his mind. But eventually, he had to surface, and everything was still waiting for him.
~ * ~ tbc... |
