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"Sparks Fly"Written By: Fancy Figures Disclaimer: I don't own 'em, wish I did, just
enjoy writing about 'em for free etc Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, romance, Yaoi, lemon Pairings: 1x2x1 Summary: Duo Maxwell is this year's brightest
young entrepreneur. Heero Yuy is his sharpest and best programmer.
Together they created the successful dating agency, Sparks, with a
new and refreshing approach to matching people. A year on, their lives
are very different -- Duo has all the trappings of success and all
the company he could want; Heero is solitary and disapproving of such
a lifestyle. But they both have secrets to keep, and both are in need
of something -- or someone. When Duo decides to update the agency's
unique matching program, he and Heero are thrown back together again,
and there's a different kind of sparks flying. What with their very
contradictory natures, a malicious hacker, and a crisis at the agency,
it's not surprising they don't find it easy at first to get along. Other notes: Thanks to Suzanne, for suggestions
and inspiration! Written for gwyaoi's AU Novella Challenge
"Sparks Fly" Chapter 5 In a even smaller apartment, a solitary figure sat at a bank of screens. The glow from it lit up the silhouette. It was totally still, watching the data scroll across the front and largest screen. There was no sound inside the apartment, no noise from outside. It was like its own little womb. Then a hand snaked out to grasp at a glass on the nearby table. It fumbled a little with a small packet beside the glass. The contents were lifted to the mouth, still totally hidden in the dark. Then the glass. Then the hand put the glass back on the table, and was still again. Minutes passed, with no change. There was a hiss of the cooling fan spinning into life. The data on the screen was suddenly a little faster, a little more densely packed. The watcher leaned forward slightly. And then -- a low chuckle. Not a joyful one. It rasped, it grated a little on the silent air. "So roll on, Sparks," the shadow hissed. "I'm very close now. Roll on, and search for me as long as you wish. I'll get what I want long before you find me. "You can count on it." And here was the crowning glory -- Mr Heero Yuy! Come to abuse him as usual, he was sure. "I think I can track it down! He left a trail this time -- he's getting slapdash." Heero's eyes were alight with something like enthusiasm. Duo thought he might need to sit down again. "He -?" "The hacker -- hackers -- I don't know -! You would say, whatever, yes?" Duo had to grin. The excitement from the normally so controlled man was infectious. "Well done, Heero." His praise was waved away, dismissively. "I just thought -- well, that you'd want to know." Now he was here, Heero looked a bit bemused. As if he wasn't sure why he'd come to Duo's office at all. "I must get back to the test system. I've an idea of how to trap him -- to direct him through the test system rather than the live one. It'll perform the same way, I think he will be fooled. He hasn't the skill that I have --" Duo bit his lip to avoid smirking at Heero's totally unconscious boast. It was probably true, after all. "Thanks Heero. Tell me how I can help." "What -- you? No, I'm working on now, I must keep up the impetus." "So I'll stay on with you." Heero looked totally confused. Duo knew he couldn't think of an objection fast enough. "I don't think so -" "No, no," smiled Duo, moving out from his desk, scooping papers into his drawer as he cleared the surface. "I insist. As your employer." Heero was shaking his head, frowning. Smile for me, whispered Duo's inner voice. Smile for me, Heero... "Come on, Heero," he wheedled. "Wouldn't it help to have someone to bounce ideas off -- to write notes while you're searching? To move your coffee cup when those fingers get to warp speed?" Yes! Duo thought, a thrill like triumph running through him. Heero had smiled at his pathetic joke -- very slightly, but that was like a leap into the Grand Canyon from him, wasn't it? "I guess so. It's your time, after all." "There's nothing more I can do tonight. The program will need to run for some hours, and then the office will be opening again. I'll need to review the results from home." Tonight? thought Duo. Not any more! A glimpse at his watch showed they'd worked all through, and it was five in the morning. He wondered what the hell he had in his diary today, whether he'd be fit to do anything. Wondered why he didn't really care. "Look, Heero, I know it all went a bit weird last time, but will you have a bite to eat with me again? It's the least I can do to thank you. Just breakfast. I'm starving! And I promise not to mention anything personal...!" Heero watched Duo struggling to persuade him, to make amends. To be honest, he had no energy to argue. And after the night they'd just had, he felt -- he was amazed to discover -- damn hungry himself! "OK, fine." Duo looked startled, but covered it well. "There's a bar I know that serves early breakfast. Really good choice of food. Is that all right?" "Hn." Duo saw Heero staring, and shrugged. "I like her, she likes me. It's mutually good for the bar, OK? Nothing else, we just chat and joke." Heero's mouth settled into a narrow line. "It's no business of mine either way. But you know a lot of restaurants. Do you never eat in?" Duo laughed. "Not often, I guess. I'm usually on the move, or keeping odd hours. It's not often I get the chance or the energy to cook." "You like cooking?" "Yeah," Duo replied. Heero saw the little boy look on his face, a childlike excitement. "I'm pretty good, actually. I'd like to spend more time at it, one day. Got a coupla hundred recipes I want to develop. And you?" Heero hesitated. "Well -- yes, I cook. Can't afford takeout all the time, and it's no good for me if I do. But -- only Japanese stuff really..." "That's good," nodded Duo. "I like Japanese food. We could try some out sometime, I know this place --" He was aware of the silence from Heero, and cursed his loose mouth. "Sorry. I'm buttin' in again. I guess we better talk about work, huh?" Just about the only safe subject, he thought. He didn't want Heero up and off again, like a repeat of the disastrous supper event. Hell, he thought -- he nearly said "date". But Heero didn't rise to the bait like before. And they slipped comfortably enough into talking about other food, about the décor in local restaurants, about the best and the worst of TV chefs -- though Heero confessed that he had no TV, just watched it sometimes in the office to relax, when he was working late. Or at a colleague's house. Or, if he were honest, just absorbed other people's opinions as they chatted about it in the office. "You'll think I live in another century," he said, wryly. It's what most people thought when he told them how few technologically modern entertainments he had. "You're not missing much," shrugged Duo, talking through a mouthful of his steaming hash browns. "I've lost touch with everything I used to watch, before I launched the first company, Sparks. But I can't say I've lost sleep over it. Cal keeps me up to date on the worst of the soaps, and I prefer to read my news and documentaries." "When do you have time to read?" smiled Heero. "You have the lifestyle of a rock star, so the magazines in the office tell us! Everything you could want..." Duo was suddenly still, his fork paused on the plate. "Yeah. I guess that's how it looks. Fun and indulgence galore. Fancy swapping, Heero?" "What?" Duo shrugged, tried to lighten the mood. But it was an effort. He raised violet eyes to Heero that were astonishingly bleak. "It's not quite the joy it seems to others. Oh, I know I shouldn't be complaining! The fame and the money -- it's been good to me, and I'd not wanna lose it all. But it's been a bit of a strain recently. I feel rather -- stretched, I guess. Yeah, stretched. Between what I want in my life and what the businesses want from me." And other people, he thought. Yeah -- that was almost worse. The stream of takers, the hollow invitations -- the emptiness you can feel in the middle of a room full of people. And still the pressure to smile, to give, to perform. Heero was staring at him again. Surely that wasn't the Duo Maxwell that everyone knew? He spoke without thinking. "If it's too much -- why do you do it? Even Sparks -- I'm surprised you're still so involved. Why do you bother, when it's just a business? You probably don't need to be, it's the most established. Especially with going public next week." Duo was silent for a minute, buttering some toast. He stared back at Heero, and this time the eyes were calm again. Heero felt himself sinking into those sensual, violet pools. Eyes that were full of the man's thoughts, full -- Heero suspected -- of his heart. What sort of man was this, who was so successful in the cutthroat commercial world, but could still seem so open, so vulnerable? Was it all some kind of a trick, the Maxwell effect? "That's where you're wrong, Heero. It's not just a business to me -- it was my first. And more than that, I'd say it's the only business I do care about. Does that shock you?" Heero was silent, but he was listening. "It's the whole concept, d'you see? The joy of matching people successfully. It's such a great idea that I wanted to do it really well. I wanted to make it work where other agencies have taken people's money and worn away their dreams with disappointment and broken promises. If I think I can't place someone, I'd say so. But otherwise, I know there'll be someone out there for everyone. And I wanna be the one who gets nearest to that dream --" "Or achieves it," said Heero, quietly. He knew enough success stories from the office gossip. He was impressed with Duo's enthusiasm for Sparks, almost despite himself. The man's commitment shone through everything he said. "Yeah," grinned Duo. His eyes were sparkling again, his good humour restored quickly. "That's the greatest feeling of all! When someone calls back to say it's gone well. That they've had the best date of their life. That they're getting married -!" "And for yourself?" Heero bit back the words, but it was too late to stop them. "What d'you mean?" "Your own -- desires. Dreams." Seems like you don't bother looking too closely into your own life, Heero thought privately. "You spend all this time on others' --" Duo flushed. Was Heero really interested? "I'm OK. I don't need the help others do. I'm out and about and surrounded by great people, aren't I? I should be able to find what I want for myself." The rest was unspoken, but he thought it. I should find what I want for myself -- or just take whatever's offered in the hope that I find my way eventually. He had an unpleasantly nagging feeling that Heero was thinking the same of him. "I know who I am, Heero," he said, rather brusquely. "I've spent many years getting where I am today, and I'm comfortable with that. I'm not going to compromise, y'know?" And that includes the good and the bad, he thought bravely. He knew himself, and was brutally honest with himself. That was what he was proud of. He looked at Heero, and for a wild second he thought he saw understanding in his eyes. And something else -- something naked and honest in its own way. It made his heart soar. And it was pain. Be honest, said his head. Follow Duo's example -- realise who you are. What this means. The pain was being with Duo Maxwell! It's a crush. It's a fantasy. You need a holiday. Heero told himself justification after justification, but the realisation remained that he was drawn to Duo so seriously that it was affecting his health. The troubled dreams were back. He had difficulty sleeping. His body ached some nights in places that he thought he'd put on ice for an indefinite time. Places that he wanted Duo to melt. He'd felt it since he first met him -- but had escaped when they ceased working together. All for the better, he'd told himself with relief! But now it was all going to be stirred up again... I won't give into this, he told himself fiercely. I don't need it -- these feelings have never served me anything but misery. I've never had a personal relationship that's worked well to any reasonable degree. But then, he'd never felt quite this strongly about anyone before. So strongly that he seemed to burn when Duo was around. That his skin felt as if it were rubbed raw. That he remembered the thrill of physical touch, not the betrayal and grief it had brought him before. His own body was a traitor. And just who was that body responding to? Duo Maxwell, everyone's favourite entrepreneur. His employer. Duo -- the playboy. Duo; the man who could -- and did -- have anyone he wanted. What the hell was he going to do? "Duo!" he called, with delight, and lurched up eagerly to the counter. His friend looked round blearily, took a chair. Heero looked up as well, his eyes following the moving man. He looked very young, almost still a boy. Thin and blond. Weary with the look of too much drink and maybe drugs. "Haven't seen you since the Christmas gig, you said you'd call -!" His voice was still too loud for the quiet bar. He was laughing nervously, and his hands were suddenly all over Duo. The long haired man smiled gently as he lifted one away from his groin, and held the man a foot away. But Heero noticed that he wasn't shocked by the attention. "I'll be with you in a minute, Heero," he called, drawing the other man away to the side. Heero rose from his seat, and stood there watching. Duo and the boy talked quickly, with plenty of headshakes and hand waving from the blond. At one stage he gave a small wail, and tried to grab at Duo's head. But Duo was beckoning over one of the waiters, looking for some help to get the man to leave, Heero assumed. Then, at the last minute, the blond boy grasped Duo's braid, and used it to twist his head round. Heero saw the flash of anger on Duo's face. Even as the waiter and chef reached the couple, and put a restraining hand on the boy's arm, he pulled Duo's face down and kissed him fully on the mouth. Duo let it ride for mere seconds -- then he pulled himself away. "That's enough, Jerry," Heero could hear Duo say, in a low, firm voice. "Go home. Find someone else, OK?" The boy flinched; his face crumpled. He allowed the guys from the restaurant to draw him away. Heero stood stock still, examining the strange wave of emotion that shook through him. He remembered the comfort of the meal with Duo, the conversation that had -- for him -- been easier than with anyone else. He remembered the look on the boy's face, the pleasure at seeing Duo. And Duo's harsh dismissal. And why? Because he could, presumably. And he cursed himself -- for in all this remembering, he'd forgotten to watch out for himself. This was all going to hurt him badly -- the only choice
he had was whether the hurt was now or later. "How can you do that?" "Do what? What do you mean?" "Allow someone to touch you like that, then have them thrown out." "Damn, Heero, it was hardly throwing him out! He was just -- he was outta line. And it was only a kiss." "You kiss strangers in bars a lot?" Duo almost laughed aloud, this scene was farcical! "He's not a stranger. He's an acquaintance. Was an acquaintance..." Don't be such a tight ass, Heero, he thought to himself. Why are you so upset about it? "More than an acquaintance, I think. A friend?" Duo stared at Heero. He was tired, he needed a nap before he could get on with the day's work, and the scene inside had upset him. It was months ago that he'd told the boy -- Jerry -- to give up the drugs; that he didn't need that shit to enjoy his life. Had offered to help him, though their relationship had been brief and transitory. But it looked like Jerry had ignored him. He'd be wasted within years. Duo didn't want to be drawn back into that. And he didn't need grief from Heero as well! What was this guy on? "OK, he was more than an acquaintance, if you want to know. But less than a friend." "How do you measure that?" "What -- you wanna write a program for it?" Duo couldn't believe the tone of his voice, he could hear the bickering in it, the hostility. But he couldn't hold himself back. He could feel his anger rising in the face of Heero's aggression. "No -- just interested." "I knew him for a month or so --" "So... an acquaintance might be known -- let's say -- for a week, a friend for much longer. So at what stage does the kiss come in? And how many weeks for a quick fuck? I assume that's what he was?" Duo was shocked at the foul language from Heero. Somehow, it didn't sit comfortably. He was amazed that his companion was so disturbed as to use it. But he was damn angry, as well. What had happened to the comfortable mood of just a while ago? "Jesus, man, you are so damn offensive! How dare you talk to me like that?" "It's an unforgivable abuse of people, Duo. You say you're comfortable with yourself, but what about everyone else? You're in the spotlight, it's only natural that they come to you, but then you use them --" "What? What sort of guy d'you think I am, Heero?" "Am I wrong?" Heero's face was flushed. He felt the pain again, and it was all mixed up with the anger. The white-hot anger that would consume him. "When they come fawning over you? Do you send them home before or after you've had your fun?" "If it's offered, why not?" Duo snapped back. "They're adults -- they can make their own decisions, can't they?" And that's not what he meant to say, because it wasn't true, and he knew it, but, boy - did he hate people who made him lose his temper! And Heero was relentless. "That's your philosophy in life, is it? Take anything and everything that comes your way?" "You have a problem with me and guys? How dare you -!" "No -- not that --" Heero's anger faltered, for the first time. "It's your promiscuity that's so disgusting --" Duo couldn't believe the bolt of pain that shot through him. "What if I am promiscuous? At least I'm connecting with people, not always hiding away behind a damn screen, judging people you have no real knowledge of!" Heero's eyes flashed in anger. Duo couldn't help himself; he saw the gold glints inside the deep blue, and he felt a rush of something consuming to his brain. Heero's sharp voice cut through. "Connecting? That's what you call it? Fucking everything in sight?" "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!" Heero drew a deep breath, but it didn't calm him at all. "So you say I should try it?" "P'raps you should -- then you wouldn't be so holier than thou --" Duo lost his next words as his breath was crushed under Heero's hands -- hands that pressed hard on his chest, pushing him back against the wall. He was shocked at Heero's strength -- the muscles he'd guessed at under the vest were tight and perfectly controlled. Heero bent his arm across Duo's chest, keeping him back against the cold brick, and the other hand gripped his chin. And then he kissed him. It wasn't just a kiss -- it was like a declaration of war! Duo didn't know that someone could kiss so passionately and yet so damn aggressively. He was paralysed, totally submissive. The whole smell, the whole feel of Heero was suddenly swamping him, his face pressed against his, the mouth moist and sweet but hard at the same time, his tongue forcing through Duo's shocked lips, to probe at his own, to run fiercely around inside his mouth, seeking out the corners, the curves, the taste. The hand had gone from his chin and it was gripping hard on his shoulder, the other released his chest and ran behind his neck, tangling into his braid, wrenching his head forward into Heero's embrace. Duo could do nothing but respond. He wanted to do nothing but respond. Christ, he'd never had a kiss like it, man or woman! Almost shamefully, he felt his erection pressing hard against his leg, knew that Heero would feel it too. He felt an answering pressure from the other man's thighs, but before he could find out if Heero was as aroused as he was, the invading mouth pulled away. "Jesus..." gasped Duo. The movement of his fingers to his lips was completely unconscious. He thanked God he was still propped against the wall, for he doubted his legs would hold him up otherwise. His cock ached beyond belief. "Wanna fuck?" hissed Heero. His lips were swelled with the kiss, his eyes bright like ice in sunlight. Like a reflection in a sharpened knife. He stepped back, swayed slightly. Duo's voice wouldn't work, though he knew that his body screamed its own answer. Heero ignored him, anyway. "You do, don't you? Well, why wouldn't you? I'm just another employee to you, another body, another consumable! But you can just get over it. Because I don't!" Heero turned sharply around, as if he wasn't quite sure of his control, and started to walk away. Duo watched him in complete amazement; the straight back, the finely shaped legs, the most perfect ass he'd ever seen... and the fists, clenched tightly at his sides. And what the hell did all that mean? ~ * ~ |
