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"Of Fruitbaskets and Beaches "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words.
Rating: NC 17 Warnings: PWP, total fluff, silliness, language,
yaoi, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, kumquat, orange, pomegranate, pummelo,
lemon, Relena bashing, violence, MAJOR OOCness, fruitiness, Bitch
Squad Pairings: 1x2 Summary: I couldn't begin to summarize this story.
Your best bet is to read it and find out. Contains copious amounts
of citrus and silliness. Read if you dare! " Of Fruitbaskets and Beaches " Second Installment: In the Shack Heero gently set Duo down on some crates in the surf shack, then hurried to his tiny fridge/freezer and grabbed an ice pack. There were some towels lying around, so he wrapped the thing up first before carefully applying it to Duo's ankle. Which was already swollen. Duo winced a tiny bit at the initial contact, then he relaxed. "Thanks so much for doing this," he said in that sweet, pleasing voice. A low alto. "You really don't have to go out of your way for me." "Don't be silly," Heero said softly, sitting on the floor and holding Duo's foot on his lap. "This is no trouble at all." "I'm not usually so clumsy," Duo went on, sounding a bit flustered or something. Nervous. Heero realized he was stroking Duo's calf. He couldn't seem to stop. "Accidents happen all the time," he dismissed it. "Better on land than the water." Of course, I wouldn't mind giving you mouth to mouth . . . Duo made a soft sound Heero couldn't quite identify. Looking up, he found Duo blushing, his hands twisting in his lap. "Heero," he nearly whispered, "please . . . don't do that . . ." Now Heero looked at his stroking hand before once more meeting those violet eyes. "Why not?" he asked quietly. Duo's eyes slid shut for a moment. "Be-cause . . . I-I'm . . ." "I know," Heero cut him off, rising as quickly as he could while still being careful of Duo's injury. Wrapping one arm around those pale, slim shoulders, he jerked the boy in close for a hungry kiss. For an instant, Duo stiffened in shock. Then his body melted against Heero, and the moment the other boy begged entrance to his mouth with his tongue, Duo's lips parted. Heero eagerly delved inside, tasting a honeyed sweetness he knew instantly he would never get enough of. Duo had a hot, sweet, utterly addicting taste. Tiny, faint moans constantly poured from Duo's mouth to Heero's, and he swallowed every delicious sound. They broke apart for just fractions of seconds to take a quick gulp of air before finding each other again. Heero felt his pulse jump in excitement when he realized this must be Duo's first kiss. His reactions were that of one who has no experience with these sensations. Feeling his body temperature rise, Heero crushed Duo as close as physically possible. He completely supported Duo's weight, for the boy was limp in his arms as if unable to stand. Heero took that as a compliment as he tilted Duo's head back and pushed his jaws farther apart. He explored every inch of Duo's mouth, tasting and teasing, stroking Duo's tongue with his own and nipping at it with his teeth. When he finally released Duo, the boy was panting, face flushed, eyes glazed. Heero could feel his heart pounding, could see a mixture of desire, passion, and nervousness in his eyes. The look told Heero he was Duo's first everything. It made him want Duo even more, and he was so not going to screw this up. "Let me take you out," he said at last. Duo looked startled. He blushed again. It was very pretty to watch the rose dust his pale cheeks. "I'd like that," he said softly, shyly. Not coy. Genuinely shy. Heero's skin felt too tight. Smiling, he pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to Duo's lips before easily lifting him again, grabbing the towel and ice pack. He carried Duo back out to his six friends, who were all waiting with looks on their faces Heero knew. Expectancy. Well, if Heero's face gave nothing away, Duo's certainly did not. He was blushing like a schoolgirl who'd sworn away her virginity. Heero didn't care if the girls knew exactly what had happened. Even though it was hardly any of their business, he looked at them anyway. "I'm taking him home," he told them. "Oh, that's not necessary—" the one with the phoenix tattoo began. "Could any of you carry him?" Heero demanded. "He can't walk on that ankle, and he shouldn't be putting any weight on it at all. I'll take him home." They subsided. Heero carried Duo to his truck, a black Ford Superduty. Once the boy was safely ensconced, Heero stepped back and whistled. About thirty seconds later a wet, somewhat dirty golden retriever came bounding toward him, tail waving. Heero raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I tell you to stay out of trouble?" he demanded, motioning the dog to get in. Duo moved slightly to make room for the big, wet dog. It looked at Duo with large, soulful eyes, dropping its head to rest on his leg. Giggling, Duo pet its head. "Cute," he murmured. "You're a lot bigger than my little Precious. What's your name, huh?" "Sorry about him," Heero said, climbing in. "Hope you don't mind dogs." "Not at all!" Duo replied earnestly. "I love dogs! What's his name?" "Extreme," Heero answered, gunning his truck. He cast them a sideways glance. "He likes you. Normally he glares at people who take his seat." Duo cupped Extreme's face in his hands, making little cooing noises that prompted the dog to give him a sloppy kiss. Giggling, he leaned back. "Take the freeway to get to my place," Duo said. "My parents kinda live in the back forty." "Mine, too," Heero said, flipping on the stereo. The driving beat of techno poured off the speakers. "You an only child?" Nodding, Duo looked at the boy. "I am! How did you know?" A very tiny, slightly crooked grin caught Heero's lips. "Oh, lucky guess. You act like an only child." Duo pursed his lips, frowning a little. "Oh? And how's that?" he demanded. The grin widened a fraction. "Spoiled." Indignant, Duo bounced on the seat. "I do not! How can you say I act spoiled? Huh? How have I acted spoiled?" "Oh, you know," Heero elucidated. "Like you expect to get your way because you always have–" "Do not, do so not!" Duo cried, slapping Heero's arm with both hands. Laughing, Heero fended him off with his free hand. "You do, but it's cute. You're cute, Duo." Duo instantly subsided, disarmed and blushing. Well, how could he stay indignant after hearing that? "Are you sweet on purpose just to distract me?" he muttered, looking down. A moment later Heero startled him by lightly stroking his cheek. "Normally I'm not sweet at all," he said quietly. "Just with you, Duo. Only with you." If he keeps this up, I will just totally melt all over his seat. Worse than sticky chocolate. A slightly uncomfortable silence fell, lulled by the beat of the music. Duo stared out the window, mind racing. Was it possible to fall in love in the space of an hour? Who knew Heero would be hot, sweet, sensitive, strong, and gay? Maybe I died and went to heaven when I wasn't looking. "I'm an only child too," Heero said abruptly, startling Duo. "I used to kinda wish I had a kid brother or sister to pick on." Duo smiled a little. "I guess I never felt like an only child. I grew up with Kyra and the others. Our mothers were all good friends in high school and college, and they never went separate ways, so we grew up together. It's like I had six sisters." "You're all the same age?" Heero asked. "Mm. I totally love them all. They're always looking out for me." "They always play matchmaker for you?" Heero asked. Duo blushed again. So Heero had figured that out, huh? "Well, no," he admitted. "I'm, um, a little shy around guys because . . . well . . ." "It's not the 'norm' to be gay?" Heero guessed. "No, no!" Duo assured him earnestly. "It's really not that. I mean, I'm totally comfortable with myself, and I don't think there's something wrong with me or any other gay people. It's just that I'm, well, I'm . . . a lot of guys are just looking for something . . . casual, you know, and I'm . . . not." He felt himself blushing again. Damn, this made how many times now? He could feel Heero's eyes on him. The boy made a soft, amused sound. "You're really, really cute, Duo." A cool hand brushed over his cheekbone. Blush deepening, Duo nonetheless smiled in pleasure. "Thanks," he whispered. "Oh, this is my exit." Heero pulled into the driveway of an obsequiously large spec home nestled in the secluded, private neighborhood of rich people who probably rivaled Beverly Hills for sheer wealth. Heero relaxed a little. Duo's parents were obviously as wealthy as Heero's own. Sometimes the middle-class had a hard time with upperclass rich kids. Hopping out, he walked around to the passenger side and carefully lifted Duo out. "Stay," he said to his dog when Extreme looked ready to jump out. Maneuvering Duo to shut the door, he walked up to the porch. "Is it locked?" he asked. Duo shook his head. "Not this time of day," and reached down to open the door for him. Heero walked into a well-tended mansion of elegance and class. Obviously Duo's mother had a flare for the dramatic, because the house was tastefully eye-catching. "Mom?" Duo called. "Mom, are you home?" He was instantly answered by the unmistakable bark of a small dog. Heero lowered Duo to the luxurious couch, gently propping up his ankle. "Where's the kitchen?" he asked. "I'll get you another ice pack." Duo's answer was cut off by his delighted, "Aah, Precious! Come here, baby, c'mere!" A beautifully tended Papillon leaped into Duo's arms. Heero didn't like small dogs, but this one was cute. The typical black and white of its breed, it was well-groomed and obviously spoiled. It licked Duo's face mercilessly until he fended it off, giggling. "Heero, this is Precious. She's my baby." The tiny dog sniffed Heero's hand, and her tail thumped a little as she licked his finger. He smiled a little. "She's cute. Kitchen, Duo?" "Oh, sorry," Duo said, pointing. "It's just right around the corner." As he walked into the kitchen, he heard a woman's voice say, "Duo, is that you, love? What are you doing home? I thought you went to the beach with Kyra and the girls!" "I did, Mom," he heard Duo say as he rummaged for and found an ice pack. He found a little decorative hand towel and wrapped it up. ". . . so he brought me home," Duo was finishing. Duo's mother looked up when Heero walked back in. Her son looked a great deal like her. Like Duo she had auburn hair, but hers was short and layered attractively around her face. Her eyes were darker than Duo's, and she was quite pretty. "You must be Heero," she said, holding out her hand. Heero shook it. "Yes, ma'am." "What a charming, handsome young man!" she said, smiling warmly. "You will stay for dinner, won't you?" Returning her smile, Heero sat by Duo's feet to gently apply the ice pack. "Thank you, but I just wanted to see Duo safely home. I don't want to impose." "Well, young man, I assure you it would not be an imposition, but I understand if you have things to do. Thank you so much for bringing my baby home and taking such good care of him. Do stop by any time, you hear?" Rising to his feet, Heero nodded. "Thank you." He smiled down at Duo. "He shouldn't put any weight on that ankle for a day or two. You should see about wrapping it in a brace." "As soon as his father gets home we'll take him to the hospital," Duo's mother said. "Don't you worry about him." Heero refrained from saying that was overkill, and probably not necessary besides, then once more shook her hand. "I'll just say goodbye to your son," he said. She took the hint. "Of course." She kissed Duo's forehead. "You let me know if you need anything, honey." "Thanks, Mom," he said as she left. Heero found pencil and paper beside the couch and handed a slip to Duo. "I want your phone number. The best one to reach you at." That charming, rosy color flooded Duo's cheeks again as he wrote two numbers down. "That one's the house phone," he said, sounding shy again, "and this one's my cell phone. You . . . you'll call me?" Leaning forward, Heero planted a bold kiss on Duo's lips, just sweeping his tongue across those full, perfect buds before pulling back. "As soon as I get home." That pretty blush deepened. Heero shifted, leaning down to softly kiss the arch of Duo's injured foot. Then he rose to his feet and left. On the drive home he felt elated. Like he would just float away. "I think I've found someone I can get serious about, Ex," he told his dog. The golden retriever had jumped up on the seat, and his tail thumped at the sound of Heero's voice. "He's really, really cute. He's damn perfect, is what he is. It's like he was made for me." Extreme canted his head to the side, watching Heero curiously. Laughing, Heero ruffled his ears and turned for home. "I think I could have a meaningful relationship with him, Precious," Duo told his little dog. She barked once, tail waving. "I mean, you saw him! He's totally hot, he's sensitive, he's so thoughtful, he's sweet . . . he's just perfect!" Laughing, he hugged her close. She wriggled in his arms, seeming to sense his elation. "He's taking me out. I wonder where we'll go? He actually asked me out on a date! I'm so excited I just feel like I'm going to float away!" Precious continued to bark, her tail wagging furiously. Duo snuggled her, imagining the feel of Heero's lips, his tongue, his strong, strong hands. Was it possible to fall in love in one day? "Mom!" he called. "Could you bring me the phone?" "Sure, hon," came drifting down from the hall. A moment later she brought him the phone. "Leave all your stuff with the girls?" "Yeah," Duo replied. "Heero didn't really give me the chance to grab it. Plus I totally forgot about it." When she left him alone, Duo quickly dialed Kyra's cell. It only rang once. "Duo!" she exclaimed. "Oh, don't say a word. We're only a few miles away from your house now. We want to know everything!" Duo couldn't contain his smile. "Okay, but hurry!" "Oh! Before I hang up, Lydia wanted to know how your ankle was?" "It hurts, but I'm pretty sure I'll live," Duo said, rolling his eyes. "Geez, you worry and fuss over me like every little cut is life-threatening!" "Hush," Kyra scolded. "You're our baby. We're just pulling off the freeway now. See you in a few minutes, okay?" "Kay!" Duo chirped, hanging up the phone. Sighing, Duo resigned himself to wait, absently stroking Precious. He couldn't stop thinking about Heero. About five minutes later they came bursting in, sparkling like bubbly champagne, all of them wearing eager and excited expressions. Syriith sat herself at Duo's feet, propping them on her lap and carefully reapplying the ice pack while Kyra covered his legs with a blanket. "Where's your mom?" Kyra asked as they sat down. "Upstairs," Duo replied just as "Hi girls!" drifted down. "Hi Mrs. Maxwell!" they called back up, satisfied she couldn't hear. Duo hadn't told his parents he liked boys. "Okay, out with it!" Lydia demanded. "Tell us everything!" Adriana added. Smiling, still feeling a little shy about the whole thing, Duo finally let Precious jump down. "Um, well, he's very sweet," he told his friends. "When he took me into his surf shack, he kissed me." Kyra grinned. "We figured. Well? How was it? Sparks? Fireworks? Explosions?" Duo could feel himself blushing and covered his cheeks, closing his eyes. "Amazing," he said quietly. "I think . . . it was just . . . like electricity straight down my spine! And he asked me out." "On a date?" Adriana squealed. "Oh my gosh! You are so letting us dress you! Where is he taking you? Are you going out to eat? A movie?" Laughing weakly, Duo shrugged. "I don't know. He said he would call me." "That totally means he'll let you decide," Lydia piped up. "Okay, decision time, girls! Where should Duo go for his first D-A-T-E?" "There's a fantastic nightclub down on 38th street," Adriana began. "Nuh uh," Kyra shot that down instantly. "Too much for a first date. No chance to get to know each other." "Cafes are always good," Lydia said. "Nice and quiet," Jade agreed. "But what's wrong with going for a nature walk?" "Or first a coffee shop, and then a walk?" Kyra suggested. "A walk is quiet and romantic. It has to be an appropriate setting for you two to talk and figure each other out. Get comfortable. See if you were made for each other." "I'm already so totally nuts about him it's scary," Duo admitted. "I feel like we've known each other forever, and that doesn't make any sense, you know what I mean?" Kyra smiled. "That's fantastic, though. It means you click on a fundamental level. Your attraction isn't superficial." "Not like we're already planning a wedding, though," Adriana added. "Why not?" Lydia demanded. "That's so romantic!" "Well, what kinds of things does he like?" Jade asked, frowning. "Obviously he's into water if he's a surfer. Maybe you would enjoy going to an aquatic theme park together." "That's a great idea," Lydia enthused. "Still better for a second date," Kyra said, shaking her head. "A little too noisy and distracting to talk." "This is such a damn pain," Ivy interrupted. "Why don't we just let him decide? It was his idea!" Silence fell for a moment. Then Kyra shrugged. "I suppose that would tell us what kind of guy he is," she mused. "It would?" Duo asked, cocking his head. "Of course," Adriana picked up. "If he picks a quiet place to eat and talk, he's a sweet, thoughtful guy. If it's a movie, he just wants a dark place to feel you up. If he takes you to a place where you actually do things, like an amusement park, he's looking for a fun time. It all depends, Duo-love." Duo suddenly felt flustered. He must have looked flustered, too, because all the girls immediately began to fuss. "Oh, don't worry too much about it, love!" Kyra soothed. "I'm sure wherever he takes you will be perf." "Can I redo your toenails?" Syriith asked, rather off subject. Duo giggled. "Okay!" he chimed, all anxiety immediately forgotten. Syriith seemed to have that effect. Soon they were all messing with some part of his body, fussing, giggling, and making him look more beautiful (if possible) than before. They especially took great delight in his wonderful, silken hair. "When he calls you," Adriana said, "and when we know where you're going, you are totally letting us dress you, do your makeup, and your hair. No arguing!" Duo gave up without a fight. Even were he so inclined, it would have been pointless. Somewhere, a cell phone rang. There followed a mass scramble and confusion as everyone tried to figure out where their cell phones were, and whose was ringing. Lydia finally came up. "Got it!" she announced, handing it to Duo. "It's yours, and look who it is." Heart doing a fair imitation of a jackhammer, Duo eagerly accepted. Heero Yuy showed on the lighted display, and he clutched the pink phone to his chest for a moment before flipping it open. "Hello?" he asked as though he couldn't see who it was. "Hi, Duo," Heero's unmistakable, newly familiar voice said. "It's me, Heero." As if I didn't know, Duo thought, unable to help smiling. "Hi, Heero," he purred. "You called!" There was a soft chuckle. "Did you doubt I would?" "Well," Duo hedged, "I didn't know. I don't know you very well, yet, you know." "I know," Heero said, and Duo could still hear his smile. "I plan to remedy that real soon." "You had something in mind?" Duo asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. "Yes," came the unhesitating reply. "I know this great place downtown, it's called Gateway to Hell." Duo blinked. ". . . sounds . . ." Heero laughed. "It sounds more ominous than it is. A good friend of mine owns it. And he's pretty particular about who he lets in, so it's a good place to eat good food and talk. Does that sound like something you'd enjoy?" Getting past the bizarre name took a bit of a leap for Duo, but he decided if it was owned by a friend of Heero's it couldn't be that bad. "Yeah," he said, smile returning. "Um, should . . . we meet there?" "Of course not," Heero said, sounding affronted. "I'll pick you up. After all–" definite smirk–"I know where you live." Duo couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up inside him. "Okay. You're such a gentleman. When should I expect you to call on me, gallant sir?" "Friday afternoon," Heero replied. "That ought to give your ankle a little time to heal. I'll pick you up at one. Does that work for you?" "Sounds perfect," Duo replied, feeling like his grin was rapidly becoming a permanent fixture. "How should I dress?" "Comfortably," Heero answered. "It's not a formal place." "Okay!" Duo chirped. "I'll be waiting, Heero." "I'll see you then, Duo," Heero returned. Duo closed his phone, once more feeling like he was floating away. He might have just sat there with a dreamy smile on his face for hours had not six pairs of impatient eyes called him back. Blinking, he looked at them and broke into a huge grin. "My first date!" he exclaimed, bouncing on the couch. "Heero's taking me on a date!" "When?" Lydia demanded. Right on top of Adriana's "Where?" "Friday," Duo said, "he's taking me out to lunch to a place owned by a friend. Said it's called Gateway to Hell." "Hmm," Syriith said, frowning a bit. "Good name. I like it." "Oh," Duo fussed, "it's so far away! Friday's three days away!" "Don't worry about that," Adriana said, smiling. "We'll be spending that time teaching you proper date etiquette." "There's proper date etiquette?" Duo asked, blinking. "Totally, sweetie!" Lydia piped up. "What you can eat, what you can't, what to wear, what to say, oh my gosh, there's just so much to teach you!" "I think the more important thing is that Duo enjoys himself," Syriith said calmly. A dark aura rose up around her. As if she were daring them to contradict. "Syriith," Kyra began, "you're gonna light the place on fire." "I think the most important thing is making sure this guy behaves himself," Ivy interrupted. "Maybe I should come along." Kyra, Jade, Lydia, and Adriana all gave her matching, flat looks. Duo looked alarmed. "You don't have to do that!" he exclaimed. "It's not like I need a chaperone! And I really don't think Heero's that kind of guy–" "Of course he's not," Syriith said. Black flames rose up around her. And that was the end of that. Duo clapped his hands to his cheeks. "I'm just so excited! How can I wait three days?" "Maybe you should try tai chi," Jade suggested, deadpan. "How does that work with his ankle?" Lydia wondered out loud. "Nah, jujitsu is better," Ivy said. "More useful applications." "Yeah, if he wants to beat up street muggers," Jade instantly scoffed. "Tai chi is for inner peace and balance." "My balance is perfect," Ivy retorted. "How else do you think I do jujitsu?" "Uh, I think you're kinda missing the point . . ." Jade said. "Can we focus on me, please?" Duo said, sitting up. "What should I wear?" "We have three days to worry about that," Kyra cut in, bringing everyone back under control. "Right now I think we should go and let Duo focus on resting. After all, we don't want him to miss his date." "That's right," Syriith immediately agreed, standing. "That's what's most important right now." Duo sighed. "You're leaving, then?" Any further comment was forestalled by the sound of the garage door opening. Moments later Duo's father came inside. He passed by, smiling. "Hi, girls. How was the beach?" "We had fun," Kyra replied, returning the smile. "Until Duo got hurt, anyway." "Hi, princess," the man said, leaning down to kiss Duo's forehead. "You got hurt?" "Just my ankle," Duo brushed it off. Mrs. Maxwell walked in then, giving her husband a quick kiss. "Hi, hon. Go get changed, then I thought we should take Duo to the doctor. Thanks for keeping him company, girls. You will come back tomorrow, right?" "Of course," Kyra agreed immediately. "Bye, Duo. Hope you sleep well." Duo cheerily waved them goodbye. A few minutes later, his father lifted him and carried him down to their family car, a Honda CRV. He scarcely paid any attention. All he could think about was Friday, and Heero. Heero. Heero . . .
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