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"Shadow Mist"Written By: Karen The Huntress Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or its
characters Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Language, angst, lemon Pairings: 2x1, 1x2 Summary: Heero gets a little more than he bargained
for when he takes home a stranger. "Shadow Mist" Part Two:
Heero's studio apartment set above Big Easy Magic & Talisman Shoppe which boasted "The Largest Collection of Peculiar Oddities in New Orleans".
Sitting area, kitchenette and curtained-off bedroom with double bed, nightstand and armoire were crammed into the single room. A pair of tall windows overlooked East La Salle Street. The only door providing privacy belonged to the bathroom with toilet, sink and tub/shower combo.
Thirteen exterior steps were climbed with Duo leaning heavily on his impromptu host. On the second floor landing Duo clutched the semi-circle wrought iron railing while Heero unlocked the door and switched on a lamp.
Duo was guided to an oval table and eased into one of two wooden chairs. He sat quietly, surveyed both the tidy apartment and the enigmatic man whose refined mannerisms and speech patterns seemed contrary to the street-savvy persona presented to the outside world.
Meanwhile Heero removed his leather jacket, laid it on the faded maroon sofa and tugged off his boots. Cabinet doors creaked as he searched for a suitable supper. A soup can in each hand, he asked, "Vegetable or tomato?"
"Vegetable."
Dollar store brand vegetable soup was poured into a stoneware bowl and put in the microwave. Half a gallon of milk and chocolate syrup were set on the counter. This time Duo wasn't given a choice.
"Hot chocolate." Heero announced.
"Got any coffee?"
"You need extra calories not caffeine."
Milk and syrup were mixed together in matching mugs imprinted with the Saints football team black and gold Fleur de lis logo. Microwave beeped. Soup bowl traded places with mugs. Timer was reset.
Steaming soup, a spoon and hot chocolate were set before Duo. Green box of Club Crackers completed the simple yet nutritious meal.
"Bon appetit." Heero teased as he and his mug took their place on the opposite side.
"You're not eating?" wondered Duo
"Had a burger and fries earlier."
Duo blew across a spoonful of diced potatoes and carrots, kidney beans and barley swimming in brown broth. He sipped cautiously. Several spoonfuls were cooled in the same manner before hot chocolate was savored.
Dabbing a brown sugary "mustache" off his upper lip with the paper towel serving as a poor man's napkin, Duo expressed his appreciation. "This is good. Thank you."
Heero smiled, "Won't find this Soupe du Jour on a swanky restaurant menu but it is hardy fare."
Since Heero surmised from Duo's lack of either a southern coastal Creole accent or, most definitely, Cajun dialect, he stated. "You're not from the city."
A final slurp. Spoon clanked in the bowl. Duo sat back with a weary sigh. "Actually I'm a long way from home." he confirmed but offered no additional information.
Heero's "none of my business" policy still in force, he didn't press for details. It didn't matter where the braided stray called home or where he'd go come morning. Right now Duo was fed and safe from any bogeymen going bump in the night.
"Didn’t mean to pry." Heero apologized. "If you'd rather not talk, that's all right."
Body too fatigued to cooperate, mind too dull to think, Duo admitted. "Don't think I'd be much of a chatterbox tonight."
Heero understood. "Bathroom is over there. A hot shower will warm you up."
*I know another way to warm him up.* Heero's raring-to-go libido declared.
Snug leather trousers tightened uncomfortably. *Only love at home.* was mentally augured against the sensual urges.
"Can you manage a shower or should I fill the tub?" Heero asked as Duo shed his shabby denim jacket.
Undaunted, Duo reckoned he had enough stamina to bathe himself. "I'll shower."
Heero gathered fresh towels from the linen closet. "Use all the shampoo and conditioner you need. Take your time there's plenty of hot water."
In appreciation for Heero's kindness, Duo expressed heartfelt gratitude to his host who, as promised, had been a perfect gentleman. "Thanks for takin' me in."
"You're welcome."
****** Steam warmed the bathroom. Duo unbraided his hair. With an air of sinful abandonment he stepped into the pelting spray. Hot water cascaded over shoulders, chest and genitals. Pulsing droplets chased away chills and soothed cold-cramped muscles.
Washcloth soaked with liquid soap scrubbed grim from Duo's face and neck and cleansed a Celtic cross tattooed on the underside of his right forearm.
The permanent pattern was ornate in its composition. Green flowering vines wound up the shaft splitting at the crosspiece in opposite directions. Curiously, the cross was etched in bright scarlet and interwoven roses were black.
Soapy film caused the indelible design to glisten in the overhead light. Out of habit Duo rubbed his thumb over the holy icon even though he knew no amount of soap, water or tears could wash it away.
A thorough shampooing, followed by copious amounts of Green Tea conditioner, was the only way to tame the tangles in his lengthy mane.
Shower finished, Duo tuned off the facet, dried briskly, wrapped the damp towel around his waist. A second towel was employed to extract excess water from his hair.
Scrutinizing his vapor-distorted reflection in the mirror, Duo murmured, "You look human."
A hand swiped across the glass cleared enough condensation to stare into eyes that harbored dark secrets. He leaned closer to better examine cavernous pupils but saw not a glimmer in the black depths. "Almost human." was hissed with a sardonic snicker.
****** Duo donned green and white plaid boxers, gray sweatpants and navy blue tee shirt provided by Heero with the logic, "A clean body should have clean clothes".
Both towels were hung over the shower curtain rod before Duo stepped into the makeshift bedroom.
"There's a comb on the dresser." Heero said from his seat on the bed. "You've let your hair grow for a long time." he stated the obvious.
As before Duo didn't expound on any particulars, "A very long time."
Weary muscles protested against the strain of combing. Mumbled curses proclaimed the detangling was becoming an insurmountable challenge.
"Let me help." offered Heero. "Sit on the bed." With expert efficiency tangles were banished and silken hair braided.
Duo was suitably impressed. "You're a man of many talents."
"Two sisters taught me well." was affirmed with a smile. "I'll be on the sofa if you need me."
"I can't take your bed."
Heero insisted. "You need the bed more than I do."
"But—"
"Don't argue."
Obediently Duo slipped under the sage green duvet and nestled in the warmth radiating around his exhausted body. Head cushioned on the soft pillow encased in a fresh white case, he studied his handsome host silhouetted in muted street lights shimmering through diaphanous window curtains.
"Good night." Heero wished as the turned to leave.
In a swift move, Duo grabbed Heero's arm just before he stepped out of reach.
At the unexpected contact Heero froze in place. Held fast by the young man's exotic blue/violet centers of sight, he questioned, "Duo?"
Tightening the resolute grip to emphasis his wish not to be alone, Duo implored, "Stay." ~ * ~ |
