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"Raspberry Barrette"Written By: t-shirt Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: R Warnings: Fluff, mild angst, mention of lemon Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5xM Summary: Sometimes big things happen when little
things go awry. "Raspberry Barrette" Part 1 “Hey, Hiiro. Listen, I know you’ve probably got a thrilling night all planned out with your latest bit of code but I just got a line on a hot little number that’s sure to light your bulb. Now, don’t hit the delete just yet…” Hiiro paused with his finger on the delete button on his home phones answering machine and sighed. “…Even you need some down time,” Trowa’s message went on. “At least go have a look and spare me getting my ass chewed by Quatre for having failed to tempt you into leaving your apartment again this year. You’re invitation to Christmas dinner tomorrow still stands though if you show it’ll be the first time…well…ever,” he laughed. “Ok, my duty is done but seriously, go check it out. Look for a raspberry beret and even if you don’t hit it off at the very least Barney’s makes a killer chili dog. Merry Christmas, bro. I’ll call you tomorrow.” ** “Duo!” Hilde squealed when he dashed by and tipped the tower of boxes in her hands almost spilling them on the sidewalk. “Too slow!” he laughed stabilizing the stack as he zoomed by on the other side. “Sit down,” she ordered pointing at a park bench. “You’re making me dizzy.” “Man, it’s a beautiful night,” Duo smiled turning his face to the twilight sky where soft snow flakes drifted down to light on his thick lashes. Hilde smiled while she watched his cheek glow red then poked him in the ribs and reminded him, “It’s almost time for you to go.” “Why don’t we just hang out at your place instead?” he smiled. “Because,” she groused gathering her things. “I promised Nelson you’d be there. We can’t let his friend down on Christmas Eve. Besides, it’ll do you good to spend time with someone besides me.” “But I like you!” he laughed snagging her hat as he danced by. “Duo!” she grumbled. “Tell Nelson he owns me one!” he chuckled then dashed off down the street with her beret pulled tightly over his long hair. ** He couldn’t believe he was going to do this. Of all the idiotic things to be doing letting Trowa talk him into meeting a total stranger on Christmas Eve was his topper for the year. He stood outside and stared at the door of Barney’s Bistro wondering again why he’d come when a flash of color caught his eye from inside. Curious as the color was significant in its bright, berry hue he stepped toward the window and frowned when he saw a young lady sitting quietly at a table. She was young but well dressed and looked awkward enough to be waiting for a blind date which inspired him to sigh. There was just no point to…but before he could dismiss the matter a young man danced by pulling a raspberry beret over his chilly ears and effectively distracting him while he watched him enter and head for the bar. He looked around as if searching for someone but didn’t seem to know which of the patrons to address and when no one responded to his curious gaze he took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink. Hiiro glanced at the young lady but she had removed her hat which indicated she wasn’t waiting for someone to recognize her from it and he laughed. Well, Trowa had certainly put one over on him but he had the upper hand since he knew what to look for and his practical joke of a date didn’t. “Hi,” he smiled as he took a seat beside the young man. “Hi,” he returned taking the hat off for a moment to run a hand through his bangs. “You can leave it off if you’re hot,” Hiiro suggested. “Yeah…it is a little warm in here,” he nodded laying the beret on the counter. “You don’t need it anymore anyway,” Hiiro smiled indicating to the bartender he’d like to buy his companion a drink and have one himself. The guy eyed him curiously for a moment then chuckled, “If you’re looking for company I’m afraid I’m waiting for someone.” Hiiro laughed and picked up his drink as he informed him, “Not anymore.” The incredulous look on the guys face was priceless and he couldn’t help but laugh. “It looks like our friends played us pretty good.” The guy eyed him closely for a moment before he confessed, “I’m the one you’re waiting for.” “Wha…you?!” Hiiro tipped his glass then hit it hard and set it on the bar while his companion gaped then shot his in one gulp. “What in the hell were they thinking?” he rasped. “I don’t know about you but they probably thought I wouldn’t show up,” Hiiro laughed. “I don’t get out much.” “Maybe they’re onto me,” his companion mumbled distractedly causing Hiiro to crease a brow until he asked, “What are we supposed to do now?” “How about a chili dog?” Hiiro offered flagging down the bartender. “I hear Barney’s are the best.” “Alright,” the guy smiled then offered, “I’m Duo.” “Hiiro,” he replied indicating their empty glasses when the bartender came over. “And two chili dogs,” he smiled. “My treat.” “Thanks,” Duo smiled. “Have you lived here long?” Hiiro asked. “A couple of years,” Duo replied inquiring, “Are you staying long?” “I’ve lived here most of my life.” “I thought you were from out of town?” Duo commented accepting his drink from their attendant. “I’m originally from Japan,” Hiiro confessed. “But you’re eyes are blue.” “My grandmother was Scandinavian. What about you?” “I have no idea,” Duo snorted. “I never knew my parents.” “Sorry.” “Not your fault,” Duo shrugged then sat for a moment while he sipped his drink until the intensity of Hiiro gaze unsettled him and he chuckled, “What?” “Perhaps some sort of Irish descent,” Hiiro smirked tugging on his three feet long braid. Duo blushed but shrugged it off and countered, “It isn’t that red.” “No,” Hiiro laughed. “I suppose not,” he agreed making room for their food when it arrived. “Well,” he breathed preparing to tackle the sloppy dog. “You’re eyes aren’t telling any tales.” “What do you mean?” Duo inquired picking up his fork and knife but he paused before he could cut into his dog when Hiiro stared at him. “It’s easier,” he defended making Hiiro drop his dripping hot dog on his plate which splattered his shirt while he laughed. “See?” Duo snickered into the back of his hand. “Alright,” Hiiro conceded picking up his cutlery. They ate for a time before Duo slowed and stared into his plate while he asked, “What did you mean?” “Hn?” Hiiro hummed around a mouthful of food. “About my eyes?” Hiiro grinned at the shy way he wouldn’t look at him and explained, “Well, they’re sort of an odd shade aren’t they?” “They’re blue,” Duo grumbled. “Then they’re a very odd hue,” Hiiro countered leaning over so he could see them better but the strange way Duo’s cheeks glowed distracted him. “They look almost purple in this light.” “It’s just the reflection,” Duo argued turning to face his plate. Hiiro laughed at his coyness then elaborated, “All I meant was that I’ve never see anything like them so they’re not much help in identifying your lineage.” “Most people shy away from subjects like lineage when they talk to me,” Duo commented. “Sorry,” Hiiro offered though he seemed quite at peace with himself. “I’m told I’m not really the sensitive type.” “No,” Duo countered. “It’s refreshing actually. Everyone’s always acting like I’m going to break if they mention the word orphan. I’m glad it doesn’t bother you.” “You were never adopted?” Hiiro asked making room for the bartender to clear their plates away. Duo smiled while he dropped a sizable tip on the bar and informed him, “Apparently, I’m difficult to place.” “That’s odd,” Hiiro commented missing the curious wrinkle that appeared in Duo’s forehead while he paid the tab. “Well,” he smiled when he turned back. “This was surprisingly pleasant.” “It was very nice to meet you,” Duo smiled. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again sometime given our mutual acquaintance,” Hiiro reasoned though he had yet to rise from his stool. “That would be nice,” Duo nodded also retaining his seat. Hiiro considered him for a moment while a strange thought flitted through his head at Duo’s reluctance to leave. Was he as alone for the evening as Hiiro? “Hey,” he smiled suddenly. “You wouldn’t want to catch a movie or something would you?” “Sure,” Duo grinned happily. “But I don’t know what’s playing.” “Does it matter?” Hiiro snorted making way for him as he stood. “Anything’s better than staring at an empty apartment.” Hiiro glanced at the young, blonde girl as they made their way toward the door and hoped her companion turned out to be as nice as Duo. “Should we hail a cab?” Duo wondered once on the sidewalk. “We could walk,” Hiiro suggested. “It’s only a couple of blocks to the Sunrise.” “Right,” Duo smiled falling into step beside him. “I heard they renovated that old place.” “It’s supposed to look just like theaters did back in the fifties,” Hiiro commented. “You mean like those round about seats that look like a jello mold in the lobby?” Duo snickered. Hiiro laughed along and nodded, “Complete with ushers.” “Really?” Duo chortled pausing at the corner where Hiiro checked the street then touched his arm to indicate the coast was clear. “Look, there it is,” Hiiro smiled taking him by the elbow as they crossed the street while Duo grinned. “Wow,” he breathed loosening his scarf as they approached the brightly lit marquee. “It’s amazing.” “They even have the little fez hats,” Hiiro pointed out guiding him to the ticket window where a young lady sat in an old style uniform complete with a red, fez hat and tassel. “Two please.” “For which show?” she smiled glancing at the way Duo’s eyes sparkled while he took in the bright lights and bustle. “Oh…um,” Hiiro began turning to inquire of his companion but he stalled when he saw him smiling brightly at a poster for an old Christmas classic. “That one,” he grinned indicating the poster to the girl while Duo beamed happily. “Really?” she deadpanned. “Is there a problem?” Hiiro wondered. “It’s not sold out is it?” “Uh…no,” she replied presenting him with the tickets. “Enjoy the show.” “Should we get popcorn?” Hiiro wondered easing toward the line at the snack bar. “No thanks,” Duo replied. “You don’t like popcorn?” “Gets stuck in my teeth.” Hiiro stared at him a moment then opened his coat, fiddled around inside it for a moment then jerked and presented him with a thread from the lining and Duo busted up laughing. “Alright,” he conceded batting the makeshift floss away. “But it’s your fault if I get kernels between my teeth.” “Like you have to worry about how you look,” Hiiro snorted but the odd look in Duo’s eyes at the comment went unnoticed while he placed their order but when the tab was tallied Duo already had the money out and insisted on paying. “You bought the tickets,” he reasoned. “Alright,” Hiiro smiled turning them toward the auditorium. “Right this way,” an usher smiled leading them inside with a flashlight and Duo gaped for a moment before following the amused Hiiro down the isle. “Will this be alright?” “Perfect,” Duo chuckled looking around at the mostly empty theater. “Let’s go to the middle,” Hiiro suggested guiding him to the best spot to see the screen where they settled in. “Thanks,” Duo smiled offering him some popcorn. “For what?” Hiiro inquired. “I’m sort of an old movie buff,” Duo explained. “We could have seen something else.” “It doesn’t matter,” Hiiro assured him as the lights dimmed. “I didn’t come for the movie anyway.” Duo stared at him momentarily stunned but the screen suddenly lit up and stole the moment away. They sat in silence while the leading man was plagued by one heart wrenching situation after another until about halfway through when Duo realized Hiiro was watching him instead of the film. “Did you know Henry Travers also worked on ‘The Yearling’ the year they made this movie?” Duo asked growing uneasy under Hiiro’s gaze. “Who?” Hiiro chuckled shifting only slightly. “Clarence,” Duo explained pointing at the screen. Hiiro turned to consider the actor in question and confessed, “I’ve never seen “The Yearling.” “Good,” Duo snorted. “It’ll break your heart.” “Doubtful,” Hiiro chuckled. “Why?” “I’m not known as a man of deep feelings.” “Everyone has a heart,” Duo countered. “Maybe you just haven’t found anything your passionate about yet.” Hiiro smiled from beneath his bangs and Duo blushed entirely against his will when he replied, “Maybe.” Duo spent the rest of the film distracting Hiiro’s odd fascination with trivia on the movie, the careers of James Stewart and Donna Reed and how ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ started life as a short story called ‘The Greatest Gift’ by Philip Van Doren Stern. By the time the lights came up Hiiro had gotten an education on film history and couldn’t wipe the smile from his lips. “You’re different,” Duo chuckled as they left the theater. “What did I do this time?” Hiiro wondered. “Most people tell me to shut up way before the bit on MGM,” Duo chuckled. “I found it very interesting,” Hiiro told him adding, “Really,” when he looked at him skeptically. “My work is related to it in a way.” “You make movies?” Duo inquired glancing around uncertainly while they walked down the sidewalk. “No,” Hiiro chuckled. “I’m a programmer but a lot of the software I create is dependant upon the same basic ideas. Animation has become such a basic building block people often forget where it all started.” “You animate?” Duo wondered. “Not specifically,” Hiiro confessed. “But animated icons, graphs, displays and such are inevitable no matter what you’re working on.” “Hn,” Duo pondered. “I suppose when you look at it like that.” They stopped at the corner while Hiiro looked up as the snow was coming down heavier then his eyes fell on Duo and a strange silence grew between them. Hiiro was deliberating on which idea to speak on first when Duo suddenly looked away. “I guess I should get going,” he said while he looked down the street. “Do you live nearby?” Hiiro inquired. Duo flashed him a glance that made his chest flutter oddly then nodded. “Just a few block south.” “There’s a coffee shop on Marlin,” Hiiro informed him hopefully. “We could warm up…” “I don’t know,” Duo fidgeted. “I’ve taken up most of your holiday already.” “It’s been the best Christmas I’ve ever had,” Hiiro snorted adding by way of coercion, “Come on. I’ll even let you buy.” “Thanks,” Duo snorted bumping his shoulder as they turned toward Marlin Street. The dinner was small and mostly empty that late in the evening but the sign said they never closed so they took a seat at a booth near the back where they could talk undisturbed. “Is that how you got into security?” Hiiro asked while they sipped their third cup of lukewarm coffee. “Yep,” Duo chuckled. “I guess they figure if I can’t break in without getting caught it’s a descent set up.” “At least you found a way to use your skills that won’t get you ten to twenty,” Hiiro laughed along. Duo cocked his head thoughtfully while he watched him then surmised, “It really doesn’t bother you, does it?” “What?” Hiiro inquired. “That you were a thief?” Duo’s face flushed while his eyes fell away and Hiiro smiled. “From what you’ve told me it sounds like you didn’t have much choice. No one could blame you for doing what was necessary to feed yourself. It’s actually very impressive that you were such a capable twelve year old and look what you’ve done with the skill.” Duo shrugged and looked out the window seeming embarrassed then commented, “Man, it’s really coming down.” “Wow,” Hiiro exclaimed noting the clock on the wall. “It’s after two.” “I guess time flies…” Duo began but stopped when he caught Hiiro’s eye. “I guess we should call it a night.” “I’ll walk with you.” “Is your place south?” Duo asked while they divvied up the bill. “No,” Hiiro chuckled opening the door for him while he finished putting on his coat and scarf. “I’m in the Stinton townhouse five blocks east of here.” “Then you should go home,” Duo reasoned tucking his scarf tighter around his neck but he was still shivering. “I can manage.” “Yes,” Hiiro nodded wrapping his scarf around Duo’s shoulders like a shawl while he confessed, “But I’m a worry wart so I won’t sleep unless I know you’re home safe.” “I could call you,” Duo reasoned but turned toward his apartment. “It’s a nice night,” Hiiro reasoned adding by means of persuasion, “Do you mind?” “No,” Duo replied glancing down the mostly deserted street. They walked quietly for a minute before Hiiro glanced sideways at him and commented, “Look, there’s an ice sculpture contest in the square tomorrow,” indicating a poster on a pole. “They do it every year,” Duo nodded. “Would you like to go?” Duo cocked his head in his thoughtful way and asked, “Don’t you have plans for Christmas Day?” “Just Dinner with Quatre and Trowa,” Hiiro shrugged getting them moving again. “But that won’t be till evening. If you have something else to do…” “No,” Duo smiled. “I don’t have to be anywhere till evening either,” he explained. “Alright,” Hiiro grinned happily. “How about we meet at the diner and have breakfast.” “Only if you let me buy,” Duo insisted. “You covered the dogs so it’s only fair.” “We’ll go Dutch then,” Hiiro bargained. “Then I’ll still owe you a dog,” Duo pointed out. “You don’t owe me anything,” Hiiro countered then stopped when Duo slowed. They stood staring at each other for a moment before Duo informed him, “This is my place.” “Oh,” Hiiro chuckled stepping away from the entry. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.” “Be careful on the way home.” “Here,” Hiiro said stepping forward. “Give me your number and I’ll call when I get home if you want.” “Um…alright,” Duo agreed allowing Hiiro to put it in his cell phone. “It’s been a very pleasant evening,” Hiiro told him. “Yeah,” Duo agreed taking Hiiro’s scarf off and stepping forward to wrap it around his neck. “Thanks,” he told him while he tied it snuggly. “You’re welcome,” Hiiro smiled noting that he was slightly taller than Duo which made him sort of want to… “Goodnight,” Duo suddenly breathed and headed for his door. “Goodnight,” Hiiro smiled watching him until the door closed and a light came on upstairs whereupon he turned and started walking but his feet refused to be earthbound and soon he was running happily down the lane. *ring* “Hello?” “Duo?” “Hiiro?” Duo gasped glancing at the clock by his bed. “You’re home already?” “It was such a nice night I jogged.” “And you can still breathe?” Duo snorted. “The cold doesn’t bother me.” “Well, I’m glad you’re home safe. Thanks for letting me know.” “No problem,” Hiiro replied. “Do you have caller ID?” “Sure, why?” “Then you have my number,” Hiiro pointed out. “In case you need anything.” “I’m putting it in my cell now,” Duo chuckled. “Good, listen. I got to thinking on the way home. Would you mind doing a little job for me?” “What is it?” “There’s a brokerage call Berns and Claymore over on Taylor,” Hiiro explained. “I updated their security network about a month ago but after meeting you I can’t help but wonder if it’s up to standard. Would you mind having a look at if for me?” “Sure,” Duo smiled while he settled in a corner of his small couch. “It’s a lucrative business,” Hiiro informed him. “So the consultation fee would be substantial.” “We’ll work something out,” Duo agreed. “Alright,” Hiiro replied. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome,” Duo chuckled softly. There was a short silence before Hiiro gently inquired, “Duo?” “Yes?” Another silence grew between them leaving Duo with the impression that, “Goodnight,” wasn’t what Hiiro was going to say. “Goodnight,” he offered anyway and breathed a smile while he hung up the phone. ** *ring* *ring* “Hello?” Hiiro grumbled groggily into the phone while he blinked at the bright light invading his bedroom window. “Hiiro?” “Duo?” he inquired coming quickly awake while he sat up and checked the time. “Sorry, did I wake you?” “No,” Hiiro lied willing the sleepy thickness from his voice. “What’s up?” “You didn’t mention what time you wanted to hook up so…” Hiiro checked the clock again noting it was seven on Christmas morning and had a vision of himself as a child when a wave of the age old excitement washed through his chest. “I can be there in twenty minutes,” he smiled. “If it’s too early…” Duo began but Hiiro cut him off while he jumped up and began searching out his clothes. “It’s perfect,” he told him almost giddily. “I’ll be there in ten.” “You said twenty,” Duo reminded him. “I’m already on my way,” Hiiro grinned. “Oh…um, alright,” Duo chuckled. “Guess I’d better get moving then.” “See you there.” He was there in seven and arrived before Duo but was lucky enough to get the booth they had used the night before in spite of the busy morning patrons. He ordered some coffee and waved when Duo came in a couple of minutes after him looking winded and rosy cheeked while he smiled and took off his gloves. “You beat me,” Duo observed while he took his seat and smiled at the waitress when she brought coffee. “I live closer,” Hiiro reasoned though technically it wasn’t true. “I guess we’re a little early,” Duo commented noting the lack of ice sculptors in the square down the street. “The poster said it starts at ten,” Hiiro explained pausing while they ordered their food. “Sorry.” “Why?” “I’m an early riser but now we have time to kill,” Duo explained. “It’s nice,” Hiiro smiled. “Right,” Duo chuckled rolling his eyes as if he didn’t believe him. “It’s the first time in years I’ve woken up and it actually felt like Christmas morning,” Hiiro laughed while he reached for the sugar so he missed the curious crease that appeared on Duo’s brow. “Did you get a chance to look into the brokerage job?” “No,” Duo replied sipping his coffee. “You only just told me about it last night.” “Right,” Hiiro laughed making way when their food arrived. “Well,” he pointed out digging in. “We could drop over and have a look at the outside,” he suggested. “They’re closed right now but since we have the time.” “I can see why you don’t feel like you get out much,” Duo snickered explaining at Hiiro’s curious glance. “Do you always think of work on Christmas?” Hiiro laughed at himself then wondered, “Do you have a better idea?” and Duo smiled. tbc...
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