"Defying Gravity"

A Romance in Three Parts

Written By: Kaeru Shisho

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Gundam Wing or its characters, nor do I make any monetary profit off this story.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: AU, yaoi, some language

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3

Summary: A multi part story of romance starting with a turning point vacation, developing throughout a dangerous UC mission, and moving ahead through the unexpected challenges of a summer vacation.

"Part Two: It's Back to Work"

I was disappointed with Duo for returning to the work he knew I wanted him to quit, and livid with Commander Une for allowing it, and Zechs for walking this earth. Before I made a fool of myself, though, I was reminded by Winner, who could read my mind at my most emotionally intense moments, that Duo was a grownup, fully cognizant of my feelings, and in need of my trust in his abilities and judgment. Barton reminded me that Duo would not be alone on the mission. He and Winner, as well as "the fucking new partner" would be with him. Chang reminded me that he and I would be there, too, wherever the mission led them. I held back my anger, and concentrated my energy on planning tactics.

Tracking devices. I would look into the latest technology. Now that I'd found him, I would never lose Duo again. I would make certain of that in the only way he might find exceptable.

When Zechs announced Duo would begin at once, flying to New Germany, and moving into his rented home that very evening, I nearly gave away our relationship right there in front of our superiors and fellow agents. Thankfully, Chang stopped me. I don't know when Chang developed such heightened intuitive awareness or where he dredged up the fortitude to stand up to Zechs, but he guessed what I was about to do and say and jumped into the conversation, claiming Duo's "obligations" that night. Winner and Barton were there to back him up with more excuses, but it wasn't necessary; Zechs gave us all one last night together, for whatever reason. I was grateful to my friends for giving Duo and I one night alone, before he would begin his undercover mission.

Duo had escaped the afternoon salon visits and gone home to wait for me. Winner and Barton covered his getaway from Zechs, but were unable to notify me. I didn't know what was up. My phone was off the hook. I was staring at my computer screen. I missed everything in my dazed state. Chang charged into my cubical and shook my shoulder.

"Get the hell home at once!" he growled. "Duo's there."

I needed no further explanation or encouragement to shut down my computer and rush home. One moment I was at my desk and the next I was running up to the door to our house. Duo met me at the door.

"I couldn't wait," he said pulling me to his bedroom.

"My room," I said. "I want your scent on my sheets as long as possible," I told him.

"Yeah, okay."

He nearly wrenched my arm out of its socket switching directions. He was breathless, rushing to push me onto the bed and kiss me hard. We stayed there kissing and fondling for several minutes. When I tugged his shirt from out of his waistband, he stopped my hand.

"Heero. Listen, ah, first. I want to tell, need to tell you this now."

That stopped me cold. I did not want to hear any last words intended to make me feel better about this forced separation. No soothing platitudes, either. He must have read my worried look, because he didn't waste time.

"I... I love you. I am in love with you, Heero Yuy. I wanted you to hear it before... you know, in case—"

Gods, I didn't want him to finish that sentence. "Just a minute." I reached over to the bed stand drawer and removed the gold ring I'd tried to force on him over vacation. "I know you can't wear it on the mission, but will you accept it?"

He extended his hand with a grin. "Yeah, I'll save for when I get back. You can put it on me then, for good. And, ah, get one for you, too."

I pushed it over his large knuckle, glad it fit him. "You mean that?"

"Yep. When this mission is done, I'm okay with us being, you know."

"Boyfriends."

"Yeah, and letting everyone know it, that's the thing. No hiding."

I was relieved and pleased. I didn't think our secret could stay that way much longer, not with the way my eyes tracked his every movement and how I smiled in reaction to his presence. I did not treat others like I did him and I couldn't treat him like he didn't matter. Duo had had plenty of time to think this over. I kissed the ring and said, "I love you."

"Works better that way, you know, when it goes both ways? This is for keeps." He looked very serious.

"Yes. For keeps. You and me."

"Then I'll quit working full time. Une promised me part time in security if I completed this last job."

I was astonished. "When - when did you decide that? When did this happen?"

"After the meeting today, when I saw your face, when you found out what was up. I decided I never wanted to see you suffer that way or put you through that again. You are so much more important to me than that job, saving face, or whatever other stupid gripes I had. So, as I was leaving with Mill, I took Une aside and told her I quit. She and Mill and me had words. I guess I owed them a bit of notice and this mission is pretty important."

"And you will be working with a team, including me."

"Including you. Yeah, I like the sound of that."

We kissed for a long time after that side by side, limbs intertwined on the bed. I loved to kiss Duo. He had no idea how great he could kiss, I know. His lips were so compliant and he would just submit so suddenly and let me explore and touch him anywhere. Then I started to break down. I fought back tears I knew he'd see as inexcusable signs of weakness. He didn't need to think he was leaving me in this fragile state. I had to be strong so he could count on me and trust that I'd take care of my duties and support his. My mouth failed me.

"Gods... this....finally and then I won't see you. I won't be able to touch you for weeks. I'll go mad, Duo." I just might and the fear of that possibility gripped my heart and tightened.

"No, you won't. You're a soldier underneath this soft, warm exterior."

Duo looked into my eyes and smiled at his weak joke. My exterior was rock-hard muscle and cold-hearted killer, but I knew he meant my warm feelings toward him. Gently, he ran the back of his hand down my cheeks, first one then the other. His touch was so soft, so gentle, that I almost cried right then and there, and I never cry. I melted into his arms.

"Sit up," he said softly.

"Duo," I began, resisting, but gave up. I moved onto his lap, unable to stop our contact.

The tips of his fingers reached my ear and from there they ran along my jaw to the end of my chin. From there, the feather-light touches started down my neck, brushing across my Adam's apple before finally reaching the top button on my shirt. Both of us were taking shallow breaths.

Slowly, he unbuttoned my shirt collar, and then one by one the other buttons until my shirt was open and he could slide it off my shoulders. I reached up and did the same for him, although my hands shook and I fumbled with a few of the buttons.

He chuckled at my ineptness. "Have you ever done this before?" he whispered.

"Yeah."

"Oh? Who with?" he asked, teasing me more.

"It's okay. He's my boyfriend now," I said.

"Damned straight."

I opened my mouth to respond, but he put his fingers to my lips and said, "Shhh."

Everything happened in slow motion. He reached for my belt and undid the buckle, followed by the button to my trousers. I did the same for him. He unzipped me and my trousers loosened. I couldn't reach any more.

"You'll have to get up," he said. His voice was so low I could scarcely make it out.

I stood and my work slacks fell to the floor. I stepped free of them and dragged him to his feet, and his pants joined mine in a grey heap. Together we slid off his shorts. He stood before me in nothing but a pair of socks and a long braid. As I was about to pull down my boxers, he stopped me. Without a word, he placed a hand on each side of my hips, hooked his thumbs in either side of my shorts and pulled downwards, sliding his hands down my legs as he followed, crouching.

When my shorts were around my ankles, I just stood there frozen in place, not knowing what he wanted me to do and fascinated by the picture he made. In the end, I just closed my eyes. I decided at that moment that I would let him take me. On my knees or back, I didn't care. I could do that. I could let him enter me. In spite of my constant fantasizing about the moment, though, nothing could have prepared me for how it turned out.

I felt his cool breath, and the entirety of my attention was on that and him and what was taking place. Something warm and slightly rough brushed past the tip. I shuddered. That was soon followed by another and another, and when I opened my eyes I could see his pink tongue licking me sloppily. It felt great. He licked around the tip then opened his mouth and slid his lips over its head.

It was beautiful. I nearly collapsed.

He secured me with his hands on my hips and guided me gently so that I moved my body around and stood with my back to the bed. With that feat accomplished, he pushed me backwards so that I sank onto the mattress; all the while, his lips suctioned. I moaned as his head moved up and down along my shaft. Finally he came up for air and grinned up at me from where he sat on his knees.

"How was that?" he whispered.

"Un-be-flucking-eeeevable," I whispered back.

"Ever had that done to you before?" he asked me, grinning.

"Yes, by my sexy boyfriend."

"Lucky guy."

"Oh, I am, and so is he," I joked back. I don't know how I had the presence of mind to have a sense of humor.

While we spoke, he joined me on the bed, side by side. Resting one hand on my leg, he gently stroked the inside of my thigh. I sighed and my muscles quivered where his fingers caressed. He draped his other arm over my shoulder, and his fingers played with my nipple.

"S-so good," I said, tentatively running my hand over his smooth chest and stomach.

"Yeah," he said. His voice was husky and low. So sexy. "You're sensitive here," he said, tweaking my nipple again.

"Yes, leave me alone now."

I let my hand slide down to his groin. He was hard and felt huge. I knew what I wanted. I wanted to feel him inside me. Would he be averse to trying, I wondered?

"What next?" I asked him.

"Let's get them pierced."

"Duo!"

"Dinner?"

He leaned in and kissed me, a love-you-too-granny kind of peck. I growled and grasped him by the shoulders, bearing my weight backwards so that both of us fell onto the bed. I made a face.

"No, seriously. I meant what do you want to try next here, here in bed. I want you, um, inside me," I said at last.

"Oh!" His eyes widened and I could feel him tremble.

"I want this."

"Um, ah, I've been thinking about that, too, ya know. The other way?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, but, I know this may sound stupid, but I'd like to wait just a little longer."

"Oh, well, okay."

"I mean, I want to do this right. Like I'd dreamed. The ring, then exchange vows, then we fuck."

"What a romantic," I said, smiling. I leaned in for a light, reassuring kiss. "How about we call it 'making love' when we do it, okay?"

"Oh," he said as he blushed, "yeah, that's what I meant."

"I know. So you want a ceremony?"

"A little. Just us."

"Is that why you want to wait?"

"Hey, I'm not some wedding-bells-dream-fucked girl, if that's what you're thinking?!"

"I wasn't thinking that, but between two guys, well, it seems unusual. Waiting."

"Well, yeah, but I wanted to leave it out there to, ah... Mostly it will give me a reason to fight, something tangible, real to live for."

"A focus point."

"Yes! Something outside of work and the role I'm in that will bring me back, in case, um, in case I get submerged again during the mission. I might really need you to pull me back to reality, Heero."

"I will. I promise."

"And then you'll marry me?"

"M-marry? Ah, sure. Yes, if that's possible. We'll do contracts, anything we can to make it binding and formal, but in my heart, Duo, I am yours always."

"To the end."

"No end. Ever on and on. Always and forever, Duo."

"Yeah, now who's the romantic, eh? Okay. Forever and ever. You don't think I'm being stupid or anything, do you?"

"No. I am honored, as Chang would say."

Understanding in place, our lips locked together and our hands explored each other feverishly as we committed to manual memory one another's every contour.

(o)

When the alarm clock went off, I awoke to find the room bathed in sunshine. For the winter, this was uncommon. My stomach was empty, but I wasn't hungry. It was knotted with worry. Today Duo was-- he would be gone in an hour. For a horrible moment I was afraid he'd already gone, but, when I moved slightly, the arm that was around me loosened its grip. Duo had stayed the night in my bed. No kicking or fighting or shoving. We had slept together. I touched his arm to reassure myself that this was no dream.

I lay awake, listening to the rhythmic sound of Duo breathing right beside my ear. His arms were locked around me in a firm embrace, and I could feel something hard sticking into my back. I knew instantly what it was, and I smiled to myself at the thought.

A few moments later he whispered in my ear, "Good morning, beautiful," and squeezed me tightly in a hug, before releasing me altogether.

"Good morning yourself," I said, twisting around and bring us face to face.

His arm remained draped over my shoulder. I reached up and lightly ran my fingers through the loose hair around his face.

He leaned in and kissed me, and then smiled and said, "I wish I could wake up to this every morning."

"No reason why you can't... soon," I answered. The last word stuck in my throat and I fought back tears, again. I swallowed.

His expression changed slightly to that strange, wistful look he sometimes wore when he was thinking.

"What did I say?" I asked, but he just shook his head and pulled me close, running his hands up and down my back, kissing me again and again and again. He was having a hard time controlling himself.

"We'd better get up," I said after a few minutes. "It's probably fairly late."

"Always the responsible one," he said, sighing dramatically.

I punched his arm.

"Don't bruise the merchandise," he said jokingly, but I cringed. He was already getting into his new persona mindset. "I'm already up." He giggled and looked at the alarm clock. "Damn, it's nine thirty."

"We missed dinner last night. You want me to fix you something?"

He shook his head. "No. I'd just chuck it up."

"Hn," I argued.

With that he threw back the bed covers and sat up, swinging his long legs over the side of the bed onto the floor. He sat there with his bare back to me, his long braid acting as a divider, left side from right side. He rubbed his hands through his bangs and stood.

"Why bother showering?" he muttered.

I watched him dress carelessly in a pair of my athletic pants and a worn sweater, before he dragged a duffle bag from my closet, dumped my stuff, and then asked, "Can I use this?"

"Yeah."

"Thanks."

As he disappeared out the door and into his own room, I crawled out and yanked on sweats and a t-shirt. I made it to the bathroom first. I hardly had the heart to wash my hands. I wanted his scent, his maleness, his sex, to remain glued to me. He tapped on the door and I let him enter.

"My turn?"

"Hn."

"You gonna just stand there?"

"..."

"I gotta piss."

I didn't move. He shrugged and pissed, while I watched. I wanted to emboss his every pore upon my retina, my brain, and my soul. The doorbell rang. We could hear the light footfalls of Chang in the front room. I sighed.

"Better not leave him alone with Zechs for long," I said.

Duo clasped my hand in his, both were icy cold. We left the bathroom, picking up the duffle in the hall, and shuffled to the door. We met a very tousle-haired Barton in the hallway, just emerging from his bedroom. He was wearing, barely, red plaid pajama bottoms.

"Be there...minute," Barton muttered to us. "Wait."

I nodded and continued to the front where Chang stood barricading the entry from the one time Prince of the Sanc Kingdom.

"You are early, Wind," Chang said.

"You may call me Milliardo."

"You can wait in your car or on the porch. Oh, Yuy, good. You are here. Maxwell, you have time for breakfast. I made you coffee."

"You did? Thanks, man," Duo said.

It was the first time in history that man had ever made coffee for anyone. It was a monumental occasion and testament to how disturbed our friend was by Duo's departure. I nodded my thanks and greeted Zechs with a curt "Hello."

"Can I at least come in?" the man asked.

Duo's voice rang from the kitchen. "Come in here and have the best damn coffee not out of a machine."

I looked at Chang. "What did you do?"

"I bought coffee beans, ground them, and poured hot water over the grounds. You'd think it was a tea service!" He sniffed indignantly, but I could tell he was pleased with Duo's enthusiastic response by the twitch of his lip, threatening to turn into a smile.

Barton shuffled into the front room followed by another man I didn't recognize, but thought ought to be his lover, Winner. The stranger was wearing the matching top to Barton's pajamas over pale blue boxers. His hair was flaming red with blonde streaks, and when he raised his sleepy face, luminous green eyes met mine.

"Who...?" I started to ask.

"Do I really look different?" It was Winner's voice coming out of the stranger's face.

"Quatre?" I croaked, addressing him by his first name out of shock.

He grinned. Barton stumbled over and embraced him. In a very low-pitched voice he added, "It makes you feisty. Like making love with some hot new guy."

"I ought to be jealous of me!" Winner laughed. "And look at this!"

Barton shook his head and put his finger to his lips. "Zechs."

Duo walked to my side, juggling a mug of coffee and a piece of toast. "What the hell?"

"Look!" Winner repeated as he combed Barton's hair, parting it in the middle so the sides grazed his jaw line. I could see, now, that it had been styled, the tips bleached golden. He no longer looked the same either. His eyes were remarkable, now that they were visible, and he had freckles on his forehead.

"He's my sexy, skater boyfriend. Oh!" Winner's mouth snapped shut as he noticed Zechs standing in the doorway to the kitchen.

Winner and Barton weren't really "out" at work. It wasn't that Barton cared what anyone thought, but his boyfriend belonged to a very large, internationally known family, was an ex-Gundam hero, and was terribly shy about his sexuality. The signs were there, if you looked, but Winner was straight-laced and inhibited when they hung about together in public. He was loose at home, which I'm sure Barton appreciated and encouraged constantly.

Barton dropped his arm from his boyfriend's side, saying something I couldn't hear; it wasn't for my ears. I snaked an arm around Duo, steadying him. Chang draped an arm over Duo's shoulders, all the while staring steadily into Zechs' eyes, daring him to comment.

Zechs adjusted his one-of-a-kind tie, straightened the sleeves of his Armani suit, and sighed with feigned boredom. "Gods, are all you Gundam boys homosexuals?"

Chang removed his arm from Duo, folding it with the other across his chest. "You are a fool. You should be proud of their dedication. Already, they practice their proposed roles. You think they are professional actors that can walk into a part overnight? They are soldiers, agents, and peacekeepers by profession."

Zechs blanched, and then recovered his cool demeanor moments later. "You shame me. My sincere apologies. I rushed to conclusions. You are very convincing, Mr. Winner. Now, if Mr. Maxwell cleans up half as well, I think our mission will succeed."

"Hey, I do 'cool' fantastic!" Duo blustered.

"I don't doubt that, but what I need is for you to look outrageously classy, expensive, and exclusive."

I felt Duo falter as Zechs eyes roved over the worn sweatpants and stained sweater he put on. He hadn't showered, purposely, but now, after the studious examination, I knew Duo's pride was stung. I wasn't about to let the prince scorn my lover.

"He was on his way to shower when you came. It was my fault. I shut off the alarm." I shrugged and hoped Duo would take the out I'd offered him.

"I'll be ready in ten minutes," Duo said, and without waiting for Zech's permission, stalked out of the room, braid swinging brashly.

The rest of us made small-talk, very small for ten minutes, and, as promised, Duo quick-stepped from the bedroom. I met him as he entered the hall, tucking in his shirt, attaching his watch to a belt loop and hiding it in a right pocket (I told him nothing made a guy look more like a geek that wearing a watch the size and sporting the feature set he required for work,) and then stuffing his cell phone and wallet with his manufactured UC ID into his sports jacket.

"You look too hot for me to let you go now," I told him, winking.

He actually blushed, then smiled, pleased, before saying in a low voice, "Love you."

"Love you, too," I whispered in his ear, leaning away and allowing him to greet his official work partner again. He squeezed my hand hard before he stepped away.

This time Zechs stood straight, stiff, but not starched. "So, where's Duo Maxwell?"

Duo huffed. "Hey, I don't look that different!"

"But you do," Zechs assured him. "Now I look like your older boyfriend."

"You wish," Duo grumbled, leading the way out the door.

Then he left. No looking back. We had said our goodbyes, and I know if he had turned and looked at me one more time, I would have broken down. In my hand was the ring I had given him. I looked over and saw Winner's eyes brimming with tears. I had to run to my room, moisture tracking down my cheeks.

Chapter 4

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