|
"Home Is Where the Heart Is"Written By: Karen
The Huntress
Warnings: During the war, mild angst, language,
romance Pairing: 1x2 Hello. Here's a single part story with a Christmas theme. I hope it will be entertaining. Please enjoy your reading. Hugs, Karen The Huntress.
Slouched against the Wayside Motel's paint-worn doorframe, Duo exclaimed bitterly, "This is just fucking wonderful!" Heero inserted the key and turned the doorknob to reveal their assigned room. A single window swathed in drab green drapes and water-stained wallpaper imprinted with gosh awful flowers did nothing to enhance the small room's lack of warmth or improve Duo's cloudy disposition. Settling his duffle bag on the shabby maroon carpet, Heero acknowledged, "I know this isn't where we want to be at Christmas but we really don't have a choice." Duo tossed his bag on the double bed's faded maroon coverlet, "But---damn it---it's the 24th of December and we're stuck in this rat trap." He flopped down on the saggy mattress which activated a shrill squeak from the bedsprings beneath. "The worse part is our gifts for each other are back at HQ." Heero eased down beside and slipped his arm around his partner's waist. "I hate that too but we have to hole up for awhile. We'll just share Christmas a little later." Head on Heero's shoulder, Duo conceded. "I know we don't have any alterative; not with the Ozzies lookin' to fry our ass since blowin' up that squadron hanger kinda made them mad." was stated as a satisfied smirk graced his pouting lips. Heero offered his usual logical perspective. "Consider our situation another way. No matter how Spartan the site, we could be hiding out in the cold woods or sleeping in the cramped confines of our Gundams and neither scenario is as agreeable as being indoors and sharing a bed." "Yeah, but---" Duo's words trailed off with a frustrated sigh. Heero tightened his embrace, "We can go out for awhile. At least long enough to get take-out for supper." "What about our orders to stay put?" Duo reminded his comrade in both battle and love. Knowing his lover's stubborn tendency to defy all manner of authority, Heero inquired teasingly, "Since when did you start obeying orders?" "Me being defiant always makes you hot." Duo brushed his lips against Heero's lips. "Why don't we unwrap our private presents?" was encouraged by deepening the kiss. Heero responded favorably to the lustful overture. Fingers entwined in the woven strands of Duo's long chestnut braid, his breaths quickened at the sexual sensations the kiss evoked. Tongues tangled and hands fondled. However, Heero Yuy, Master of Wing Gundam Zero, was on a self-imposed assignment. It was time to initiate: "Operation Yule Tide" to give Duo as merry a Christmas as he could under their gloomy circumstances. With reluctance he broke the passionate kiss and sat back far enough to gaze into twin pools of incredible violet. Duo frowned to display his displeasure. "Hey, lover, I ain't finished." "We'll have time for loving later" Heero promised, "I want to go into town before the stores close." ****** Their black Range Rover was secreted away in an alley behind the outermost perimeter of Dove's Glen Village. Heero hoped OZ's hunt for the renegade saboteurs had not extended that far into the countryside, yet one could never assume anything in war's deadly game of cat and mouse Pistol hid under his jacket and Duo sporting his personal sidearm within easy reach, the fugitive pair set off in search of Christmas spirit worthy of a properly repentant Ebenezer Scrooge. A short sojourn to utilize Heero's knack for stealth in purchasing Duo's Christmas surprise then a hasty retreat to the modest motel's relative security. ****** Dove's Glen was reminiscent of a traditional Earth township depicted in a painting Heero had once seen while attending Romefeller Academy. Few vehicles moved along the narrow streets. Early evening shoppers strolled along sidewalks lit by antique lampposts emitting soft amber glows or stood before quaint shops with windows bedecked in glittering tinsel, red and green ribbons, silver bells, artificial frosted evergreens and snowmen that couldn't melt. Each lamp supported a large green wreath topped with a gold bow. Tiny white lights flickered on bare trees and bushes lining brick walkways. Somewhere in the distant seasonal melodies wafted on the cool night breeze. As the sun sank below the skyline, streaks of fiery red dissolved into shimmering mirages of pink then to the purple-gray of twilight. Heero had to admit the decorations and music made him a bit melancholy. His fellow pilots were the only family he had now, as much as the quartet of ragtag colony rebels could count as a family. Jacket collar turned up against the rapidly chilling air, Heero rounded the corner with Duo in precise step by his side. "Over there." he pointed at wooden sign identifying "The Old Collectable Shoppe" hung above a door adorned by garlands of greenery intermingled with red bows and silver bells. Heero held the door to let Duo go first. Heady fusions of potpourri, sweet and spicy incense and candle wax were a welcome change from the pungent odors of hydraulic fluids, greasy lubricants and the persistent stench of sweat and gunpowder that, no matter how often you washed, stuck to your skin. Duo stopped just inside and stared like a bemused Alice suddenly transported beyond the looking glass. If his expressive eyes could talk they would've murmured "Wow." Heero also paused to assimilate the sights and scents but, instead of experiencing delight due to his lover's wide-eyed wonderment, a twinge of sadness touched his heart. Just like the damnable, senseless conflict had negated the key principles linking mankind-trust, hope and love-he suffered from the same segregating effects of acute indifference. Inwardly Heero cursed the war. The mandatory isolation of "every man for himself" and the persistent apprehension of getting too close for his sanity's sake robbed him of enjoying life's simplest pleasures. Once more the hazards of being exposed in public forced Heero's focus back to the rapid completion of the task at hand. Selecting a wicker basket his quest began for items vital to a successful mission. Meanwhile Duo had wandered over to a trio of Victorian era dolls with cotton stuffed bodies, delicate porcelain hands and realistically painted porcelain faces. The first was a raven haired beauty in a burgundy crushed velvet dress with white lace collar, white leggings and shiny black shoes. Blond hair coiled in ringlets, the second doll wore a bodice of white. Her waist was encircled by a gold satin sash, starched crinolines flared under the pleaded hunter green velvet skirt and soft golden shoes covered her feet. The last was an Irish Lass attired in a red blouse, green and white plaid woolen kilt and black boots. Long auburn hair was secured in a ponytail by red ribbon tied in a bow. . Adjacent to the dolls attired in their holiday finery, a tatty brown teddy bear with black plastic nose, lopsided embroidered smile and impassive glassy eyes set all alone. Duo leaned close to the forlorn bruin, stroked a floppy ear then whispered, "Hey little guy." ****** Heero took advantage of Duo's redirected attention to gather what he needed. With luck all the purchases would be hidden away in bags before his partner got a glimpse of the treasures. Being Christmas Eve the shelves were almost barren. Standing to itself, a two foot artificial tree caught Heero's notice. So as not to ruffle the flimsy branches, it was carefully slipped into the basket. A dozen red satin balls with gold hanging cords and a card of tiny red bows joined the tree. Lastly three glass bowls filled with cinnamon scented candle wax, a disposable lighter, two plastic cups printed with snowmen, a quart of spiced cider and a tin of bell shaped cookies frosted with red icing and green sugar sprinkles completed the task. ****** With a parting sigh Duo bide the bear farewell and walked to the window. Outside the sun had slipped into the mantle of darkness and a thousand pinpoints of starlight flickered in the heavens. The serene streets and carefree people, seemingly oblivious to the battles and bloodshed, caused Duo to wonder. "Will there ever be peace on Earth?" From Heero's rear vantage point he observed despair in Duo's slumped shoulders and recognized the absence of hope in his uplifted gaze. Duo Maxwell was the only joy in the Perfect Soldier's duty-disciplined existence and he deserved to be happy, not for one night but for a lifetime. A quick glance to confirm his partner was still occupied at the window. Heero added one last item to the basket and paid the shopkeeper. Not wanting to tempt the Fates, "Ready to go?" was asked with a hint of urgency. A watery shimmer glistened in Duo's eyes. "Yeah." Noticing the bulging bags he inquired with puzzlement. "What the hell have you done?" "We'll get take-out then you can see your surprises." The watchful pair scanned sidewalk and street to make certain no enemy faction or roguish reindeer lurked in the shadows. Side by side Heero and his properly intrigued partner wasted no time returning to the Rover. ****** A short stop at Bob's Burger Barn. Ten miles later, both pilots and the mysterious packages were secure in their room. An impatient Duo wanted to wolf down his double cheeseburger, large fries and chocolate milkshake. Nibbling on a more sensible chicken sandwich, Heero persuaded him to slow down. "How much fun will we have if you get a stomach ache?" Supper finished, Heero moved a small table near the bed where Duo, anxious to see the assorted goodies, was bouncing on his butt. First to be revealed. The pitiful tree with droopy branches and shedding plastic needles was centered on the table. "Sorry about the shabby condition but there wasn't much left." Duo tentatively poked a fragile branch as if too hard a touch would defoliate it altogether. "It's all right." he stated, tilting his head to see if it looked sturdier from another angle. Heero offered the satin balls and bows. "Maybe these will improve the overall look." Duo selected a few ornaments and began to arrange them, just so, on the spindly boughs. With the dedication of a long-suffering artist he prudently considered each placement of the scarlet spheres and bows. Heero made no move to help or give advice. Instead he sat back on the bed watching with heartfelt interest as his partner secured one ornament then, after serious study, moved on to the next. It was clear Duo wanted the tiny tree to be decked out perfectly to show his appreciation for Heero's efforts to give him what little Christmas comfort he could. Fifteen minutes. Duo finished his project, "Isn't it beautiful." he proclaimed with pleased satisfaction. "Sure is." Heero agreed. "And so are you." was emphasized with a warm kiss. The sincere praise was rewarded with an uncharacteristic blush from Duo. Heero unpacked the second bag. "We have spiced cider and sugar cookies. But first I want you naked." "I thought you'd never ask, lover." Duo smiled as he began to strip. "Don't get too excited." was cautioned as Heero turned back the coverlet and top sheet. "We have all night to play. Right now I just want you to be comfortable." Duo slid between the cool sheets and scooted over. "Don't keep me waiting." "Patience my love." Careful to keep a safe distance from the tree's merrily festooned branches, Heero arranged the candles in a semi-circle, lit each one then switched off the bedside lamp. Amber flames cast fluttering shadows on the walls making the dingy room less cold and the cinnamon scent caressed the senses to improve both men's moods. The snowman cups were filled with cider and the cookie tin handed to Duo. "Ohhhh sprinkles!" "Save some for me!" Heero exclaimed as Duo grabbed a cookie and took a big bite. "Not unless you get naked, too." was announced as the stipulation for sharing. In an equal state of nudity, Heero leaned back on fluffed pillows beside Duo to enjoy cider and cookies and just being together. Finishing his second cookie Duo stated. "Gonna get crumbs in the bed." "I'll brush them out." Heero promised as he licked Duo's sticky fingers to savor the taste of frosting mixed with his lover's unique flavor. "Don't care much about the crumbs now." Duo cooed as the tin and empty cups were relocated on the floor. "I think we're already randy enough without the extra sugar." Heero slipped the tie from Duo's braid and finger-combed the silky mane. "Everything is perfect just being here with you." Duo locked his sight with his partner's candlelight-glossed blue eyes. "I always dread this time of year. Christmas reminds me of what could have been if...." his voice trailed off with a choked sob. Heero pushed back stray bangs to gaze into Duo's moist eyes, "This was never the best time for me either but we're together now. Let's not dwell on a past we can't change or worry about a future beyond our control." "You're right. I was disappointed when we couldn't share Christmas at home but we have each other and you're all I need to be happy." Handing over the last bag, Heero smiled. "It's not Christmas yet but I want you to have this." With eager anticipation Duo reached inside. His hand folded over something soft and fuzzy. Extracting the present, trembling fingers clutched the small brown bear with a whimsical smile. "I was looking at this in the store." he beamed in pure amazement. "This may not be the sort of gift you give a man but----" "Oh Heero it's perfect, just like a bear I kept hidden at Maxwell Church because the other boys would've teased me unmercifully. When the church burned I not only lost that ratty, dirty bear but my last measure of innocence was also destroyed." Heero pulled his lover as close as possible. "Then this bear will be our secret and our hope." "This is the best Christmas ever." Duo declared, resting his head on Heero's chest to hear his partner's heartbeat. "Thank you." As the minutes counted down to Christmas and a teddy bear with a crooked smile offered renewed expectations for a better life, Heero and Duo held each other tenderly. No matter what challenges the war or the world sent their way, the friends, lovers and soul mates would overcome any adversity. Yes this was indeed the best Christmas ever. "I love you, Heero Yuy". "I love you Duo Maxwell." Heero reassured with a kiss designed to spark a night of passion neither man would not soon forget. ****** Home Is Where the Heart Is--Karen Hickman--December 2011 Thank you for reading! ~ * ~
|
