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"High Rolling"Written By: ShenLong Disclaimer: I don't own the Gundam boys, they belong to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I have also used inspiration from the Cirque Du Soleil show 'Zumanity' for this fic without permission; also several of the hotels that will feature in this fic are real. No disrespect is intended to the show or the hotels. Written for pleasure not profit. Rating: NC 17 Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3 Warnings: Yaoi, Lemons, limes, angst, sap, OOC, AU, gambling Summary: Duo is a multi millionaire having made his money in computer games and is working himself into the ground. Hilde, his secretary and best friend convinces him to take a vacation – to Las Vegas. Dedication: To Leslie, not only for giving me the plot bunny and breeding said plot bunny by taking me to see the show but for also being a wonderful friend and excellent 'tour guide'. Hope you enjoy what Fred did with the idea, Les! *hugs* Betaed by the ever patient Karina *snugs* Archive: www.gundam-wing-diaries.foreverfandom.net Anyone else please ask.
"High Rolling" August. 2015 ShenLong Chapter 26 The estate agent had been thrilled that Duo liked the property and took both men back to the agency to discuss price and attend to the paperwork. Duo offered an amount ten thousand below the listed price, the agent frowning a little but agreeing to contact the current owner and put the offer to them. At first the current owner declined the offer, when Duo pointed out to the estate agent it would be a cash sale, she redoubled her efforts on the phone. After a little back and forth, the owner accepted an eight thousand dollar drop on the property, Duo agreeing and the deal was done. Paperwork was produced, Duo and Heero reading over it thoroughly before Duo asked for a copy to be faxed to his lawyer before he signed. Within an hour the lawyer had responded, a couple of minor things having been changed which the agent accepted and Duo signed on the dotted line. With a promise to visit his bank and lawyer first thing on Monday to have the money transferred across, the deal was done and the pair left the estate agent's office to go and celebrate. “So what now?” Heero asked as they sat and ate burgers, sipping on sodas as neither man wanted any alcohol – Heero as he had a performance and Duo because he didn't want to drink without Heero being able to join him. “Well, it's back to LA tomorrow for me and I'll need to speak with Khushrenada first thing Monday. Once that's done I'll need to start to get my stuff packed up, sort out removalists and engage an agent to rent my apartment out for me.” “Sounds like a lot of work,” Heero mused. “Yeah, it will be, but the end result is gonna be worth it.” He added a cheeky smile to his words. “What about you?” “Guess I'll be doing much of the same, but only the packing side of things,” Heero replied. “At least you can pack and move your stuff as you go. I've gotta get it all done in one hit and moved in the one hit too,” Duo sighed. “True in one way,” Heero said. “Huh?” Duo raised an eyebrow. “I can start to pack up my stuff, yes, but as for moving it as I go... You need keys to the property to do that.” “Oh yeah,” Duo replied with a sheepish grin. “Look, I'll contact the estate agent again on Monday once the bank has transferred the money across to check it's all gone through okay. Once I know the funds have cleared I'll get her to release the keys to you and you can start to move your stuff across whenever you have time spare.” “Good thing the place is already vacant then. Could take a few weeks otherwise,” Heero mused. “Good point.” “How long do you think it will take before you're relocated to Vegas?” “I told Quatre it would be around two weeks before I'm here permanently and able to start work for him.” “Will I get to see you next weekend then?” Duo sighed again. “That's something I'm not sure of. It all depends on where we're at with the moving arrangements.” “That's okay, I understand you have a lot to take care of. Doesn't mean I won't miss you though, or that I have to like it,” Heero replied with a small smile. Duo reached across the table and placed his hand over Heero's. “I'll miss you too,” he said softly, “But I'll call and Skype whenever I get the chance and it's only going to be for a couple of weeks. Once I've got everything organized at my end, I'll be here with you every day.” “How do you think Khushrenada will take the news that you're quitting?” Heero asked, curling his fingers around Duo's. Duo shrugged. “I know he won't be happy about it, but there's nothing he can do. I'm not signed to a contract or anything with him and the latest game is all finished so I'm pretty much a free man.” “I beg to differ,” Heero growled, his eyes darkening a touch as his hand squeezed tight around Duo's fingers. “Eh?” Duo looked adorably confused. “You're not a free man, you're mine,” Heero stated firmly. Duo laughed. “Possessive much?” “You better believe it!” * * * “You will let me know if there's anything you need me to do, or anything I can help with, won't you?” Wufei insisted, hugging Hilde close. “I promise,” she replied. “There won't be a whole lot you can do at first, but if you could arrange that storage unit and pass on the details, that would be a big help.” “I'll get onto it first thing tomorrow morning and send through all the details.” “Thanks. I'll put in my termination of lease tomorrow and start to get my stuff packed up. I'll let you know the name of the removalists once I book them and also roughly when the stuff should arrive.” “No problem.” Beside them, Heero and Duo were having a similar conversation. “I'll call you once the funds have cleared so you can collect the keys to the house.” “Great. Once you know which removalists you're going to use and when they expect to have your stuff arrive, let me know and I'll arrange time off from work if necessary to be there and let them in,” Heero replied. “Just get them to dump the stuff in whatever rooms you think best. I can take my time unpacking once I'm back.” The excitement tingled along Heero's spine. Despite the fact that he probably wouldn't be seeing Duo for another two weeks, the thought of setting up home together was more than enough to tide him over. “I'm really looking forward to this,” Heero whispered. “Me too. I just hope we can live together,” Duo chuckled. “I'm sure I can put up with you,” Heero snickered in reply. “You say that now, but wait until all the bad habits start coming out,” Duo teased. “Bad habits?” Heero questioned with an amused look in his eye. “Please tell me you don't cut your toenails in bed?” Duo laughed. “Nah, nothing like that. Just block the drains with the loose hairs, leave the toilet roll empty, forget to take out the trash or feed the cat.” “You don't have a cat.” “We could always get one.” “Idiot!” The call came over the public address system for their flight to be boarded and with renewed promises to call daily, Skype and generally keep in touch, final kisses and hugs were exchanged before the pair reluctantly let go of their partners and headed for their boarding gate and flight back to LA. * * * The flight passed quickly and before they knew it, they'd landed back at LAX, collected their bags and were finally back at their apartment building. Trudging down the hall to their respective apartments, Duo couldn't help but be a little concerned at Hilde's quietness. Normally the woman was chatting away nonstop, telling Duo all about what she and Wufei had gotten up to. This time though she was unusually quiet and that had Duo on alert. Reaching his apartment door first, Duo dropped his bag and the one he was carrying for Hilde to the ground and pulled his keys from his pocket. “I'll just toss this inside and then carry yours down to your apartment for you, Hil',” he said with a smile. “Thanks,” came the quiet reply. Frowning, Duo shoved his bag just inside the door and pulled it closed again. Picking up Hilde's bag, he walked beside the woman a couple of doors down to her apartment. “What's up, Hilde?” he asked as she fished her keys out of her purse. “Just missing Wufei,” came the quick reply. Duo didn't buy it for a second. He reached out and gently grasped Hilde's wrist, preventing her from moving inside her apartment. She turned to look at him. “Duo?” she questioned. “I know you're missing Wufei, I really miss Heero too, but there's something else. You're not usually this quiet. Are you having second thoughts about the new job and moving to Vegas?” Duo asked. Hilde's shoulders slumped a little. “No, I'm not having second thoughts, I'm really looking forward to the new job...” “But?” Duo coaxed. “It's silly, really.” “Spit it out, Hilde, or I'll have to employ devious tactics,” Duo grinned and waggled his fingers in her direction, clearly indicating he would tickle the words out of her if he had to. She giggled. “Cut it out, Duo.” She shook her head at his antics. “I guess I'm going to miss this place. The apartment, the town, the coffee shop, my friends, seeing famous people...” she trailed off with a shrug. “I know it will be hard to leave here, but you have a new life waiting, time to look for a new apartment or house, a new town to explore, there will be other coffee shops to discover, new friends to make and we really don't see any famous people anyway,” Duo countered. “You have an answer for everything.” “Of course I do.” Duo gave her a lopsided smile. “The best part though is that you'll be able to spend more time with Wufei and less time annoying me.” “I don't annoy you!” “So all the orders to go home and sleep, eat something, spend less time working isn't classified as annoying me?” “No, it's called caring,” Hilde huffed. Duo grabbed her in a bear hug. “I know you care about me and I appreciate it, Hilde, but it's time for us to move on with our lives. Sure we will miss LA, but it's not like we can't come back for vacations and stuff.” “You know, you're right. It's time to put everything behind us and move on to the next chapter in life.” “At-ta girl!” “I'm sure I can always come up with new ways to annoy you.” “Don't push your luck.” “I'll see you in the morning then, boss.” “Yeah, sometime around ten.” “Thanks, Duo.” “Don't mention it, Hil.” Pressing a kiss to Hilde's cheek, Duo let her go and retreated to his own apartment to call a certain, blue eyed hunk and let him know he'd arrived home safely. * * * “Morning, Duo,” Hilde called when her boss entered the office just after ten on the Monday morning. Duo dropped his briefcase to her desk. “Morning, Hilde.” “So, what's on the agenda for today?” With the new jobs and move to Vegas, Hilde was completely uncertain as to what she should be doing now as Duo's secretary. “There's actually going to be quite a bit to organize,” Duo replied. “If you could start by contacting a few removal companies and arrange to get quotes for moving our respective stuff to Vegas that would be great. I'm heading over to Khushrenada Holdings very shortly, I've managed to arrange a meeting with Treize in regards to these sequels the company is pushing for.” Duo gave an evil grin. “I will be taking great delight in letting him know I won't be doing any sequels or any new games either for that matter.” “God how I'd love to be a fly on the wall when you tell him that,” Hilde snickered. “Could be quite the fiasco,” Duo grinned. “Yeah, I can imagine the fireworks are going to go off.” “Don't worry, I'll fill you in once I get back,” Duo laughed. “Once that's all done and dusted I'll need you to help me draft up a letter to send out to all my contacts to let them know of the change of gaming production and stuff along those lines. Oh, I'll need to find a good real estate agent too, one that can lease my apartment out. Guess I should also draft up a letter to terminate the lease on the office here too.” “Duo, you go to your meeting and I'll arrange estate agents, removal companies and type up a letter of lease termination whilst you're gone. I won't do the other letter until you get back so I know exactly what you want putting in it.” Hilde gave Duo an excited look. “Thanks, Hilde. Could you also ask what the removal companies charge to pack up an apartment too? I was going through my stuff last night and there's quite a bit to pack.” Duo scratched the back of his neck and gave the woman a lopsided smile. Shaking her head but smiling herself, Hilde replied, “Of course. Actually, I was thinking along similar lines myself. I didn't realize just how much stuff I've accumulated since moving into my apartment.” “I know what you mean,” Duo replied sheepishly. “It kind of breeds when you're not looking. One minute you have half a dozen books in the bookshelf, the next time you look the damn thing's full!” “I was thinking of sorting through and putting to one side stuff I will need whilst staying with Wufei and leaving the rest to be packed and stored until I find an apartment or house to rent or buy in Vegas.” “That sounds like a great plan, Hilde. Mine's all got to be packed and moved direct to the new place.” Duo's eyes took on a faraway look as he thought of the house he'd bought. Suddenly he returned to the present day. “Remind me when I get back to contact the estate agent in Vegas to make sure the money for the house has gone through and cleared. Once it has I'll need to arrange for Heero to pick up the keys.” “No problem.” Hilde made a note and stuck it to the side of her computer screen. “Anything else?” “Umm... Maybe a coffee and donut for when I get back?” Duo ducked as a ball of paper sailed over his shoulder. “You missed,” he teased. “Ow!” “You were saying?” Hilde snickered as the second wad of paper found its mark. * * * “Ah, Duo. What can I do for you?” Treize asked, rising from behind his desk to shake the other man's hand. “I was hoping you have a few minutes to talk. It's about these game sequels amongst other things,” Duo replied, releasing Treize's hand and resisting the urge to wipe his palm on his pants. “Of course. Please, take a seat.” Treize indicated to one of the two seats in front of his large desk, stepping back behind said desk to take his own seat. “Now, what exactly did you want to discuss in regards to the sequels?” Treize's eyes had lit up a touch when Duo had mentioned sequels. No doubt he's imagining just how much more money he's going to make, Duo thought to himself. Well, we're about to toss a very large spanner into the works. Duo smiled inwardly. Taking a deep breath, Duo steeled himself for the argument he knew was about to come. “I said before that I don't like to do sequels, Treize. They're really just ripping people off. I much prefer to channel my energies into new games.” “But you owe it to your fans. They're all expecting sequels to your most popular games.” Treize's eyes narrowed a touch. “To be perfectly honest, Treize, I don't think the fans really care as much about sequels as you think. From my research they would much prefer new games, more challenging games and not something that's just the same, basic thing with just a few, minor changes. I intend to listen to my fans, and having said that, I have no intention of producing any sequels from now on.” Duo stared defiantly at Treize. “Duo,” Treize warned. “We've had this conversation before and you agreed to come up with a couple of sequels.” “I beg to differ,” Duo interrupted. “Yes, we've had this conversation before and it was you that decided to have sequels, I never agreed to do any.” “Do I need to remind you of what could happen if you don't come up with the sequels?” Treize's voice took on a dangerous edge. “You know what, Treize? I really don't care.” “Without my resources and backing, you won't be able to produce anything; sequels or new games.” Treize's voice was bordering on very angry. “Are you threatening me?” Duo asked with a raise of his eyebrow. “I'd prefer to think of it as helpful advice.” “You know what I think?” Not waiting for Treize to speak, Duo continued on. “I think you only want the sequels to make more money. Well, I don't have a contract with you, Treize and whilst I do appreciate the assistance you have given me over the years to produce and market my games, I think you've been more than compensated in the royalties you've gotten over that time. As of now, I no longer intend to work with your company.” “You can't just pull the plug on me,” Treize snapped. “I've invested a lot of time and money into you and your games.” “And you've made a ton of money off me and my games during that time. You don't own me, Treize, you don't own my ideas or games either.” “You won't be able to strike out on your own, you don't have enough capital to build your own company and no one here will want to be a part of anything you try to start up once they learn how you do business.” “I couldn't give a shit, Treize. I had hoped we could have at least parted company as respected associates, but it's clear that isn't going to happen. You can take your company, its backing and sequels and shove them where the sun don't shine.” Duo stood, picked up his briefcase and turned to leave. Pausing at the door, he shot a few last words over his shoulder. “My lawyer will be in touch to tie up the loose ends.” Closing the door behind him, Duo strode down the corridor to the elevator, thankful it was still on the floor and he didn't have to wait for it. Stepping inside he pushed the button for the lobby and as soon as the doors closed, he let go a sigh and slumped against the wall. “Well, that went a little better than I expected.” Reaching the lobby, he stepped out, walked quickly across the area and out into the LA sunshine. * Hilde's head jerked up when Duo entered the office. She scanned her boss' face, looking for any clue as to how the meeting had gone. Duo's face was an unreadable mask as he crossed by her desk and into his office where he closed the door. Frowning, Hilde grabbed her purse and bolted from the office to fetch coffee and donuts from the little bakery. She stood a better chance of getting the truth of what had happened out of Duo if there was bribery involved. Ten minutes later she was back, paper sack in one hand and two coffees balanced in a cardboard holder in the other. Setting the items on her desk, she picked up Duo's coffee, slid the cream donut out of the bag and onto a paper napkin before picking them up and balancing them perfectly. She knocked on the closed door, opened it without waiting for an answer and strode inside. Duo was in his chair staring out the large window, back to the door. Hilde dropped the coffee and donut to the desk top, quickly heading back out to retrieve her own coffee and donut. Plunking herself down in the other chair, she cleared her throat. “I brought coffee and donuts,” she informed. Slowly the chair began to turn around. “Coffee and donuts?” came the question. “Yup. A nice, sugary, jam and cream filled one for you,” Hilde teased, waving the donut in front of Duo's face. Violet eyes followed the calorie laden treat back and forth. “Coffee?” “A flat white with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.” The concoction was passed under Duo's nose, the man inhaling the scent as it wafted back and forth. “And exactly what is this going to cost me?” he asked, smirk teasing the corner of his mouth. “Oh, just a blow by blow account of how it went with Khushy,” Hilde informed, setting the coffee down on the desk once more beside the donut. “Khushy?” “You know who I mean,” Hilde huffed and picked up her own cream and chocolate covered donut. She eyed the monstrosity before opening her mouth and taking a big bite. “Oh, yum.” “You'll get fat,” Duo teased, picking up his own donut. “Not a chance with the way you work me into the ground,” Hilde shot back and licked an errant bit of chocolate sauce from her chin. “Besides, you can't talk.” Duo had bitten into his own donut and had a look of bliss on his face. “Now that is an orgasm of the mouth,” he moaned, ignoring Hilde's teasing. “Um, I don't think I want to go there,” Hilde muttered. “Trust me, you don't,” Duo snickered. “All right, times up. What happened with Khushy?” Duo gave Hilde the low down on how the meeting with Treize had gone whilst finishing off his donut and sipping at the coffee. “So I told him he could take his company, backing and sequels and shove them where the sun don't shine,” Duo finished. “Really?” “Yup, really.” Duo grinned. “So I take it you're now a free agent?” Duo leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms out wide, popping his spine. “I sure am, and you know what?” “No, what?” “It feels great!” ~ * ~ tbc...
Chapter 27
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