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"Set Up"Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing nor any of
its characters. I only own the original characters. And nobody's paying
me to write this. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, lemons, some angst, fluff, Pairings: 2x3, 1x6 and 4x5 Summary: Trowa is working to abandon his past
and reclaim his future! "Set Up" Chapter 1 Trowa gazed around the office. It was far more ornate
than Dermail’s had been, with heavy mahogany furniture and bookshelves
that lined the walls, only broken by a large bay window on one wall
and a fireplace on another. It still amazed him that he was sitting in front of
one of the most prominent businessmen in the country. He had his credentials.
He knew he could do the job. It was just so far removed from what
he’d grown up in. He’d had a plan, and – against the
odds – he’d almost accomplished it by twenty-five. The only
thing left was to get this job. The blond looking over his resume was younger than he’d
expected, but he knew Quatre Winner was a force to be reckoned with.
Winner’s personal bodyguard and head of security, Wufei Chang,
stood behind him, dark eyes studying Trowa. Winner set the resume down and removed his reading glasses,
sending Trowa a smile. “Quite impressive, Mr. Barton.” “Thank you, Mr. Winner; and please, call me Trowa.” “Then call me Quatre.” He glanced back down
briefly at the resume. “Top of your class and Dermail very highly
recommended you. My only question would be why he didn’t hire
you after your internship if he found your work so outstanding.” Trowa cleared his throat. He hadn’t expected that
question, but he had no choice but to answer honestly. “He was
uncomfortable with my sexual orientation.” Dark eyes narrowed. “That’s illegal. He can’t
deny employment on those grounds.” Quatre nodded his agreement, a slight frown between
his eyes. “I’m surprised there wasn’t a lawsuit.” Trowa shrugged. “I’d rather not work with
someone if they’re uncomfortable with me anyway. And he did give
me a good recommendation, so I can’t really complain. I’m
far from flamboyant, but I make no apologies for who I am.” Quatre’s smile returned and respect shone on Wufei’s
face. “And you shouldn’t have to.” “So I take it this won’t cause a problem here.” Wufei snorted softly. “If it did everyone in this
room would have to be fired.” Quatre laughed and glanced over his shoulder. “Don’t
worry, I’ll never fire you.” It didn’t take much work on Trowa’s part to
translate the look passed between the two and he sighed in relief.
At least he knew being gay wouldn’t keep him from another job.
Quatre looked back to him. “Well, Trowa, when do you suppose you could start?” “I can start Monday morning.” “Fantastic.” He stood, holding out his hand.
“I look forward to working with you.” He stood and took the offered hand. “And I you.
Thank you so much.” Quatre sat back in his chair as Trowa left. The man
was quite easy on the eyes and highly intelligent. He was soft spoken
but Quatre could see determination and steel in his eyes. “Oh,
dang it.” “What?” He looked to Wufei. “I didn’t find out if
he was seeing anyone.” A dark brow lifted. “Are you matchmaking again?” “He’s perfect.” Wufei sighed softly. “I agree he’s definitely
his type, but I thought you promised you’d leave things be.” Quatre pouted but brightened instantly. “That doesn’t mean I can’t at least introduce them.” ----- Trowa loosened his tie as he started his car and called
his best friend. “How’d it go?” “You are talking to the new CPA of Winner Enterprises.” “Congratulations.” “Thank you. Are you still available to help me
move?” “Yeah, we’ll be there in half an hour.” “Okay. I’ll provide the beer.” He hung
up and made the rest of the drive to his apartment with a sense of
utter accomplishment. Had he been the type, he would have been grinning
from ear to ear. As it was, he did allow a small smirk to grace his
features. He made a quick stop by the store to pick up beer and made
it to his apartment just as his friends pulled up. Heero got out of his truck and walked around as his
boyfriend got climbed out of the passenger side. Long blond hair was
pulled back in a ponytail and both were dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. “I hear congratulations are in order.” Trowa allowed a small smile. “Thanks, Zechs.” He’d known Heero since high school, and they’d
worked together during college. It was at that job where his best
friend met the blond. While it hadn’t been love at first sight,
the chemistry was undeniable. The running joke at work had been that
they’d either kill each other or screw each other senseless.
Everyone was relieved it was the second option that had happened. Trowa changed clothes and glanced around at the boxes
and furniture. It would take at least two trips. “What first?” Heero asked. “Bedroom stuff.” Five hours later found the three men sitting on the
floor around the coffee table, furniture and boxes filling Trowa’s
new apartment. He leaned his back to the sofa, draining half his beer.
“I’m never moving again if I can help it.” Heero snorted. “I’m never helping you move
again if I can help it.” He snatched the last slice of mushroom
and waved it at his friend. “Why the hell do you feel the need
to move every year, anyway?” He shrugged. “I get bored, I guess.” “Hm.” His phone rang and he leaned back to grab it from the
corner of the sofa. “Hello?” “Trowa, it’s Quatre.” His eyes widened slightly. “Hi, is there something
wrong?” “Not at all. I just wanted to invite you to dinner
on Sunday, a celebration of you joining the team.” “Oh, I sort of have plans with some friends of
mine.” “That’s okay. They’re free to come, as
well. It’ll be a very informal dinner at my home.” He was sure surprise was clear in his eyes as he looked
to his friends. “Would you two like to come with me for dinner
with my boss on Sunday?” Zechs and Heero exchanged glances before busting out
laughing. The blond was the first to somewhat recover. “Us? Have
dinner with Quatre Winner?” He shrugged a shoulder. “Sure,
why not? Stranger things have happened, right?” Heero grunted a soft laugh. “I doubt it.” Trowa released a slow breath, hoping this wasn’t
going to be a huge mistake. “All right, Quatre. What time?” “Five, I’ll email you the address.” “Thank you.” “Great, see you then!” Trowa stared down at his phone. This was too surreal.
Working for a billionaire had been more than he could hope for; hobnobbing
with one was beyond the scope of his imagination. He looked to his
still chuckling friends with narrowed eyes. “Just promise me you’ll behave yourselves.” Heero snorted. “We do know how to act in public.” “I know. It’s just… What kind of boss
invites you over for dinner before you’ve even started working
for him?” Zechs smirked. “Maybe he fell for that pretty face
of yours?” Trowa shook his head. “I doubt he even noticed
what I looked like. His personal bodyguard is apparently a very personal
acquaintance.” Heero finished off his pizza and took a swig of his
beer. “Trust me, Trowa, no one in a room with you can help but
notice.” He rolled his eyes and finished off his beer before
pushing to his feet. “Want another one?” “None for me,” Zechs said. “I’ll take one.” Trowa dropped his empty bottle in the trash and pulled two more beers from the fridge, pausing by the window and gazing out at the view of the park outside the complex. It was a nice neighborhood, much better than any he’d lived in before. His plan was working out beautifully. ----- He didn’t bother to knock on the door as he stepped
into his best friend’s home. There’d been times in his life
where he’d practically lived there. He nodded to the housekeeper
before stepping out onto the veranda. “What’s up, Quat?” He looked to the Asian
sitting beside the blond. “Wufei.” “Maxwell.” Quatre jumped up and hugged him. “How was the trip?” He sat at the table. “Awesome. I swear there’s
no way I could ever get enough of Australia.” Wufei shook his head with a smirk. “You just like
the accents.” He flashed him a grin. “There is that.” He
nodded his thanks to Cindy when she set a drink in front of him. “Anything
new happen while I was gone?” Quatre smiled, blue eyes glittering in a way that made
Duo a tad nervous. “I hired a new CPA.” Duo nodded slowly, not sure how hiring someone to do the most boring job in the world could bring a grin like that to his friend’s face. “That’s good.” “He’s going to work out extremely well. He
comes highly recommended. And he is unbelievably hot.” Duo groaned softly. “Quat, we’ve talked about
this.” “I know, but you’ve got to meet him, Duo.
He’s exactly your type and he has some of the most amazing eyes.” Wufei pursed his lips. “I understand why you’re
singing his praises, but could you possibly tone it down a bit in
front of your lover?” Quatre’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Sorry.
You know you’re the only one for me.” Duo rolled his eyes. Quatre and Wufei weren’t the most likely of partners as far as he was concerned, but no one could question the love between them. It sent an old pang of ache through his chest at the memories of the love he’d once had. But that was years ago and sooner or later he was going to have to get back out there. Memories were sweet, but didn’t help chase away the cold at night or fill the days with new memories. “I really think you’ll like him, Duo.” He sipped the screwdriver before looking back to Quatre.
“And do you even know if he’s gay?” “I know for a fact he is. We discussed it.” He frowned. “You discussed his sexual preference
in a job interview?” Quatre scratched at his cheek. “Well, not intentionally.
I had asked why his internship didn’t work out with Dermail and
he said it was because of his sexual preference.” Duo frowned at the obvious breakage of the law, but
figured it worked out best in the end. “Okay, so is he seeing
anyone?” The blond paused. “I’m not sure, but he’s
coming for dinner on Sunday and is bringing friends instead of a significant
other.” Duo looked to Wufei who was staring at his lover in
mild amusement. “You know if you didn’t indulge him so much
he’d get over these flights of fancy he has.” The Chinese man gave him a rare grin. “He’s so cute when he’s on one of these missions, though.” ----- Trowa drove up the long driveway, hands clammy on the
steering wheel. His nerves would be nearly bleeding into his expression
if he didn’t get himself calmed down. “Please, guys, don’t
mention where we worked.” Heero snorted. “Worked? We still work there, remember?” “You know what I mean. Just say you and I know
each other from school.” “We do.” Zechs leaned up from the back seat. “Why are you
so ashamed of it? It isn’t that terrible.” “These people are in a completely different class.
I can’t risk losing this job or everything I’ve worked for
will go right out the window.” Heero sighed. “Don’t worry so much. You’re
a part of that class now, and you won’t have a problem fitting
in.” Trowa nodded but that didn’t really help him calm
down, especially when the house came into view. “Shit, how many
people live here? A small country?” Zechs laughed. “I’ve heard this is one of
the Winner family’s smaller estates.” He parked and got out with reservation as they made
their way up the steps to the front door. A man answered the door
and let the three in, directing them to the veranda. Trowa glanced
to his friends who were the epitome of calm and told his heart to
slow down. It was just dinner. “Trowa, I’m so glad you could come.” He shook Quatre’s hand. “Thank you for the
invite. These are my friends, Heero Yuy and Zechs Merquise.” Quatre shook their hands. “It’s a pleasure
to meet you both. This is Wufei Chang, my partner and self-imposed
bodyguard.” He rolled his eyes slightly on the last part. He
glanced over their shoulders. “Oh, and my good friend, Duo Maxwell.” Trowa turned as his boss continued the introductions
and very nearly swallowed his tongue. The man was at least six foot
four, wearing jeans that looked as if he’d been poured into them
and a deep red t-shirt. His chestnut hair was pulled back into a long
braid that fell to mid-thigh. His most amazing feature was his eyes.
Trowa couldn’t tell if they were blue or violet as the light
from the sun seemed to shift their color. The braided man smiled at him and extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Trowa.” He pulled his roaming thoughts together and took the
offered hand. “You, too.” Trowa reminded himself that this was his boss’s
friend, not some random guy at a club. He would not hit on the man.
Duo wasn’t making it easy for him to keep that frame of mind
as he plopped next to him at the table. “So, what would make you go into a job as boring
as accounting?” Trowa shrugged, sipping from the water set at his place.
“Always had a knack for numbers, I guess. What is it you do?” “I’m a photographer.” Trowa looked to him. “Do you travel a lot?” “Some, I mainly stay local, but I did just return
from a trip to Australia. That was pretty awesome.” Trowa could only imagine. He’d never even left
the state before. “How did you get into photography?” He grinned. “The idea of a desk job terrified me.” Trowa chuckled. “I see.” “Would you like something to drink?” He glanced over to a lady standing behind them. “Beer?” She nodded and looked to Duo. “Want your usual?” “Yep. Thanks, Cindy.” “I take it you’re here often.” Duo nodded. “Fairly. Quatre and I have been good
friends since our freshman year at college.” “And that’s how you met?” “Yep. We were roommates.” As if realizing
he was being rude to Trowa’s friends, Duo looked to Heero and
Zechs. “Have y’all been friends long?” “Trowa and I went to high school together. I met
Zechs at work a few years ago and we’ve been together ever since.”
He sent a smirk to the blond who snorted a laugh. Quatre was positively beaming as he watched Duo and
Trowa. He knew they’d hit it off. He raised his glass of wine.
“A toast to our new working relationship, and hopefully friendship,
as well.” Trowa held up his beer and then took a long pull from
it. So far so good. “Where do you two work?” Quatre’s simple question had him choking on his
beer and he pushed from the table, coughing harshly into his napkin.
Duo patted his back and he sat up, looking to his friends who were
too highly amused for his taste. “Are you okay?” Zechs asked. “Just went down the wrong way.” Heero nodded and looked to Quatre. “We’re
in the entertainment business.” “Oh really? On stage?” Trowa held his breath, wishing he could smack the smirks
off his friends’ faces. “Something like that. It’s just amateur,”
Zechs said, “we’re not exactly professionals.” “You shouldn’t look at it like that. If you
get paid, you’re professionals.” Duo studied Trowa from behind the rim of his glass.
There had been real fear flash briefly in those emerald eyes. Although,
why he’d be afraid of them learning about his friends’ jobs
was lost on Duo; unless it was something illegal or scandalous. He
looked over to Zechs and Heero. Both were very attractive and seemed
to be in good shape. He wondered exactly what ‘something like
on stage’ meant. He decided to let the topic go for now. Dinner passed with light conversation on everything
from cars, local news, to sports, which had sparked an amusing debate
between Wufei and Heero about the merits of Tom Brady verses Peyton
Manning. As they said their goodbyes, Duo followed Trowa to the
car, pressing a paper into his palm. “I enjoyed the conversation
and company.” “So did I.” He sat in the car as Duo went
back up to the house and looked down at the paper in his hand. ‘Friday.
Eight o’clock at Sarge’s. My treat.’ His number was
scribbled beneath it. Heero snickered. “It was a set up.” Trowa had no clue how to respond to that. ----- Duo returned inside to find his friend grinning from
ear to ear. He sat on the love seat. “You were right. That man
is a walking dream.” Quatre laughed softly. “I told you so. Did you
ask him out?” “Not exactly. I just gave him my number and told
him to meet me at Sarge’s on Friday.” “Hell of an impression, Maxwell,” Wufei said
as he draped his arm over Quatre’s shoulders. “What if he
doesn’t show?” Duo grinned. “He will.” TBC…. Reviews and ratings snuggled and huggled. ^_^ |
