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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 2
“How long has it been since you skated?” Duo laughed almost going down while he tried to keep Hiiro on his feet. “Never?” Hiiro laughed thankful when they stopped moving while the other people on the small, ice field sailed on by. “Never?” Duo echoed turning to take his hand. “If it doesn’t have a keyboard it doesn’t exist,” Hiiro giggled almost taking them down again when his skate slipped. “Come on,” Duo laughed steadying him. “It’s time to broaden your horizons.” “Are you cold?” Hiiro asked noting that he was shivering under his glove. “A little,” Duo nodded wiping at his cold nose. “Can you believe how much powder fell last night?” he asked looking around at the wonderland scene. “Where’s your hat?” Hiiro wondered. “Oh,” Duo chuckled pulling the beret out of his jacket pocket. “It’s not really mine.” “But it looks so cute on you,” Hiiro teased ducking when Duo batted him with it but he put it on just the same. “I think I’m getting it,” Hiiro smiled as he moved tentatively beside Duo. “Yeah,” Duo grinned. “Think you can stay on your feet on your own?” “Don’t go far,” Hiiro bargained but released him and though he teetered he remained upright bolstering Duo to move out ahead of him where he picked up speed and zoomed around the field. Hiiro smiled while he watched him utterly captivated by the bright glow on his cheeks while he made a round then arched into the center and tightened the circle until he was spinning at a maddening pace then stopping abruptly to smile at Hiiro just before he ran headlong into the fence. “Hiiro?!” he gasped rushing forward while his companion hung on the fence and laughed his ass off. “Are you alright?” Duo chuckled uncertainly while he attempted to untangle him. “What is the purpose of this activity again?” Hiiro laughed managing to knock Duo off his feet when he came free of the fence. Duo sat beside him on the cold ice panting heavily with rosy cheeks and snow on his hair and hat while he grinned, “To have fun.” Hiiro smiled at him for a moment then shoved a handful of snow in his face while they giggled and wrestled on the ice but when Duo shivered so hard he felt it in spite of their horse play he decided it was enough and levered himself up on the fence. “Come on,” he grinned offering Duo a hand up. “Let’s get something warm to drink.” “Alright,” Duo agreed seeming thankful for the prospect of a chill reducer while they took off their skates. The competition for the ice sculptures was getting under way as they moved back toward the square where they found small venders setting up so they procured a cup of hot cider and watched the artisans work until Hiiro snickered. “What?” Duo inquired. Hiiro reached over and brushed a bit of snow that had gathered on Duo’s hat away while he informed him, “Your face is almost as bright as your hat.” “I have sensitive skin,” Duo grumbled playfully. “It’s nice,” Hiiro smiled turning to examine a large chunk of ice that was being modeled into a giant swan by a young woman. Duo watched him for a moment seeming uncertain of what to say then looked down the way and smiled. “Look,” he prompted drawing Hiiro’s attention. “They’re making snowmen.” “Those are snowmen?” Hiiro teased while they went to check it out since most of them were no more than a foot or so tall and resided on the tops of some tables where people were invited to participate. “Not all of them,” Duo chuckled examining a short pony looking thing that an eight year old was diligently working on. “Let’s give it a try,” Hiiro suggested. “Alright,” Duo smiled finding them a seat near the end while Hiiro fetched a bucket of snow. They worked for awhile and Hiiro smiled when Duo made time to help the little girl when her pony’s tail fell off but he was keeping his creation carefully hidden from Hiiro’s prying eyes until he glanced over and inquired, “What…is that?” Hiiro blinked and stared down at his work then grinned unabashedly and replied, “It’s an angel…like Clarence from the movie,” he explained then pouted when one of the blobs that were representing his wings fell off. Duo snorted while Hiiro laughed and asked petulantly, “Alright, what did you come up with?” Duo grinned and moved away so Hiiro could see and his face brightened with astonishment when he saw the little snowman because he was sitting on a bench with a tiny laptop in his little stick hands. “How’d you know?” he grinned delightedly. “You said you’re a programmer,” Duo shrugged. “That…is amazing,” Hiiro praised bending down to have a closer look. “Are you an artist?” “I dabble,” Duo shrugged. “A man of man talents,” Hiiro grinned liking the way Duo flushed and looked away. “It’s not that great,” he countered getting up to lead them toward where most of the sculptures were being erected. “All I can do is punch keys,” Hiiro countered jovially. “There is art in everything,” Duo countered stopping to watch while a man used a chainsaw to rough out a large block of ice nearly seven feet tall. “All you have to do is look for it,” he smiled cocking his head to consider the shape that was being revealed. Hiiro’s smile slowly grew until he couldn’t hold in his excitement anymore and asked, “Would you like to make one?” “Wha…?” Duo gasped whipping around to gape at him. “It’s an open competition,” Hiiro reminded him. “Um…well,” Duo breathed smiling while he looked around at the happy contestants. “I don’t have any tools…” “There’s a hardware store around the corner,” Hiiro grinned tugging him that way. “Hiiro,” Duo complained. “It’s not like I can just buy a truckload of new equipment.” “Yeah,” Hiiro smirked holding the door of the hardware store open for him, “But I’m loaded remember?” “Hiiro…” “Just let me do this,” Hiiro insisted pushing him inside. “I’ll keep the tools if you want but I want to see you’re work.” “Why?” Duo sighed sort of wishing he’d forget it but… “Because everything you do is amazing,” Hiiro replied turning to pick up a box that contained a small, hedge trimmer sized chain saw so he missed the numb expression the comment had put on Duo’s face. “Will this do?” he asked holding the tool up for Duo’s approval but he was just staring at him. He continued to stare for so long Hiiro was about to put the tool back then a slow smile spread his lips and he took the box from his hand while he told him, “Grab a crow bar and a pack of chisels.” Hiiro grinned happily and bounced off in search of the items while Duo laid the trimmer on the counter and rolled his eyes. “You entering the competition?” the shop keeper asked. “Looks that way,” Duo nodded making room when Hiiro arrived with the items. “Are you always open on Christmas?” he asked curiously while he grabbed a pack of drywall screen to add to the pile. “No,” the old man chuckled tallying the bill. “But times are tough these days so I thought I’d come in while they were having their game.” “What about your family?” Duo inquired distractedly while he searched out a paint scraper and hole punch set. “My grandson,” the old man smiled. “But I might close up early since you boys decided to come in,” he grinned eyeing the growing pile of tools. Hiiro smiled when he walked up and laid a chipping hammer on the counter until Duo informed him, “This is pneumatic. It requires a…” “How much is that compressor by the door?” Hiiro inquired of the suddenly stunned clerk while Duo gapped at Hiiro. “Five forty nine,” the clerk grinned. “Why don’t you find a die grinder and some accessories while I get this thing mobile?” Hiiro asked Duo but all he did was stare until Hiiro leaned close and whispered, “For Christmas,” while he flicked his gaze at the happy clerk who was giddily preparing the compressor. Duo slowly thawed while a wide smile spread his lips then went in search of the requested items while Hiiro helped the old man take the compressor out of the display. He decided to close shop and spend the rest of his day with his grandson, much to their delight, when the sale was closed and Hiiro wheeled their purchase toward the square where many of the other competitors were working happily on their creations. “That was really something,” Duo commented hefting his box of tools higher. “I’ve been looking for an excuse to round out my supplies anyway,” Hiiro shrugged. Duo snorted clearly not believing a word of it but let it go in favor of registering for the contest. They were given instructions to set up near the farthest corner as it was the only spot left and told the general rules before they headed that way. It took some time to get themselves in order but when Duo was finally ready to start all he did was stand and stare at the huge chunk of ice. “What’s the matter?” Hiiro wondered. “What should I make?” Duo asked while he gazed at the frosty block. “Whatever your heart desires,” Hiiro whispered softly near his ear smiling as he backed away and Duo’s lips curled. Hiiro kept them supplied with warm cider and coffee making a short food run when the afternoon started to wear on while Duo worked. The tools they had purchased made it easy for him to manipulate the ice and Hiiro became more and more enchanted as the image was revealed. The crowd had picked up as the day passed by bringing the curious out to inspect the happenings in the square where many seemed as charmed by Duo’s work as Hiiro and paused to watch as he chipped and scraped the ice. By late afternoon he had moved on to smoothing and refining his creation and when he stopped and stood back to have a look Hiiro was right there with a huge smile and a cup of hot chocolate to warm his chilly hands. “It’s incredible,” Hiiro informed him unable to take his eyes from the shimmering angel Duo had so lovingly fashioned. Duo shrugged seeming embarrassed by the praise until a woman who had been watching informed Hiiro, “It looks just like you,” and his face nearly caught on fire. Hiiro balked and turned to inspect the face a little closer then grinned widely when he discovered it was true. “You made me into an angel?” he laughed delightedly. “Well,” Duo shrugged uncomfortably, “You helped that man.” “It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen!” he laughed walking around the statue excitedly. “How in the world did you do that?” “It’s not that hard,” Duo insisted but the woman who had noticed Hiiro’s likeness countered… “There are those of us who would disagree.” Duo blushed but smiled gratefully while she joined her group but when he turned back the expression on Hiiro’s face took him by surprise. “Let’s go to the diner for a while and warm up,” Duo suggested and though Hiiro followed he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off the angel until it was out of sight. “Man, it’s freezing out there,” Duo stammered while they found a booth and Hiiro waved a waitress down. “You’ve had your hands in ice all day,” Hiiro reminded him ordering two cups of coffee. “It was fun,” Duo smiled while he took off his gloves so he could rub his hands together. “It was amazing,” Hiiro one upped him reaching over to help warm his chilly fingers with his palms. “Ahh,” Duo groaned pressing his red nose to the fat of Hiiro’s thumb. “You’re hands are so warm!” “The cold doesn’t bother me,” Hiiro reminded him rubbing his hands to speed the chill away. “Thanks,” Duo smiled. “Thank you,” Hiiro countered and grinned, “I’ve never been immortalized before.” “It’s ice, Hiiro,” Duo snorted while he exchanged Hiiro’s warm hands for the hot cup of coffee the waitress had brought. “It’ll be gone when the temperature rises.” “No it won’t,” Hiiro countered explaining, “It’ll be right here forever,” while he tapped his temple. Duo smiled but turned his attention to his cup then gazed out the window. “There were a lot of beautiful pieces,” he observed. “They don’t stand a chance,” Hiiro grinned. “You’re just bias because your essentially the contestant,” Duo chuckled. “It could have no face at all and still win hands down as far as I’m concerned,” Hiiro countered then asked, “Where in the world did you learn to ice sculpt?” “You have to learn?” Duo snorted but the question stopped Hiiro dead in his tracks. “You’ve never done this before?” he gaped. “What’s there to know?” Duo defended. “It’s just like anything else. You start with this and make it that.” “Sorry,” Hiiro snorted when Duo looked uncomfortable under his bewildered gaze. “I guess I’m just so far removed from any sort of artistic talent I’m a little blown away.” “You made it easy.” “What’d I do?” Hiiro gaped. “You bought me half a hardware store,” Duo smirked giggling when Hiiro fell into laugher. “Are you warm?” Hiiro suddenly asked. “Better,” Duo nodded finishing off his coffee. “They should be posting the winners by now,” Hiiro reminded him. “Okay,” Duo chuckled laying the money for their tab down before Hiiro could. “Let’s go.” A crowd had gathered around the registration table where the winners were to be announced so they headed that way and Hiiro grinned so hard people backed away when he saw Duo’s name on top of the list. “See?” he enthused. “There was no way you could loose.” “You’re the winner?” a woman with a large camera asked receiving dual nods. “Would you mind posing for a picture? I’m with the local gazette.” “Oh, um…sure,” Duo agreed dragging Hiiro along with him. “Is this the model?” the woman asked when they reached the sculpture and saw Hiiro’s face carved into the ice. “Model?” Hiiro snorted. “Behave,” Duo giggled pinching him when he tried to get away. “Smile!” They blinked when the flash went off each blinded for a moment then accepted the woman’s thanks before she went off in search of other photo opportunities. “This was fun,” Duo commented turning to gaze at his creation. “And the prize isn’t too bad either,” Hiiro commented holding out an envelope to him. “What’s this?” Duo asked taking it but Hiiro only smiled forcing him to open it whereupon his eyes went wide. “Five hundred dollars?” he gasped. “In cash,” Hiiro grinned. “They must have taken the prize money from the entries.” “You take it,” Duo insisted. “Why?” Hiiro scoffed. “You earned it,” he argued gazing adoringly at the angel. “It’ll offset what you spent at the hardware store,” Duo countered. “I told you,” Hiiro smiled turning to face him. “I wanted to expand my collection anyway. And that shop keeper got to spend the day with his grandson.” “Well,” Duo sighed tucking the envelope in his jacket. “At least some good came of it.” “Good seems to follow wherever you go,” Hiiro chuckled turning to study his likeness again while Duo gaped at him. The expression slowly softened into a gentle smile before he commented, “I guess we should take your new shop equipment home.” “It’s just a few blocks from here,” Hiiro agreed gathering what boxes would fit on top of the compressor which had wheels and would serve as a decent cart. Duo picked up the remaining box and fell into step beside him. “It’s been a very nice Christmas,” he smiled glancing at the smile on Hiiro’s lips. “Thanks.” “It was my pleasure,” Hiiro assured him. “I haven’t had this much fun in years.” “Seems like all you needed was a reason to leave home,” Duo chuckled. “Or someone to open my eyes,” Hiiro mused. “What about you?” he asked moving them across the street. “Hilde says I spend too much time alone,” Duo confessed. “I don’t know, maybe she’s right,” he smiled. “Well, I’d be more than happy to test that theory,” Hiiro smiled and they chatted amiably until he turned into a townhouse with a small garage door which he opened. “This is nice,” Duo commented observing the quaint, little street. “It serves its purpose,” Hiiro nodded while he stowed his new gear. “My place is one room with a fold out couch and a mini fridge,” Duo chuckled. “Maybe you should branch out and use your art to supplement your income,” Hiiro suggested coming to take the box from him. “I tried once,” Duo confessed. “But creating sculpture is expensive and the pieces don’t always sell.” “You could work in some other medium.” “Like what?” “What about digital art?” Hiiro wondered while he closed the garage. “You need software and training for that,” Duo informed him. “Besides, two dimensions is a little restrictive for me.” “I’m sure there’s something that would work,” Hiiro smiled. “If you have any suggestions I’m all ears,” Duo returned. They stood and stared at each other for a moment before Duo glanced at the house and commented, “I should go.” “When can we have a look at the brokerage?” Hiiro asked. “How about Tuesday morning? I have some time free after ten.” “Alright,” Hiiro agreed. “They’ll be open so you can have a look at the inside.” “Great,” Duo smiled as he turned away. “I’ll call you.” “Alright,” Hiiro nodded grinning widely while he watched him go. ** “Hiiro?” “Good evening, Quatre,” he smiled while he took off his scarf and shook the snow out of his hair. “Trowa said the invitation was still open so…” “It most certainly is,” Quatre beamed. “Come in. Let me take your coat.” “Thanks.” “Hiiro?” Trowa beamed coming to join them at the door. “You made it.” “Thanks for being so patient,” Hiiro smiled throwing them off balance as they moved into the house. “I had no idea I was missing out on so much.” “You seem to have enjoyed your date,” Quatre beamed. “I wouldn’t call it a date but, yes. Much more than either of you scalawags intended,” Hiiro scolded but his oddly playfully behavior overshadowed the strange remark. “We went to the ice sculpture contest in the square today.” “A follow up already?” Trowa grinned offering him some spiked eggnog to ward off the cold. “It was amazing,” Hiiro chuckled. “We entered and won with an angel carved to look like me.” Quatre was gaping at him but snapped out of it when he smiled and exclaimed, “That’s wonderful!” “If that’s the case,” Trowa smirked over the rim of his cup, “Why are you alone?” “Because I’m not the only holiday distraction,” Hiiro explained. “We both had other plans but don’t worry, you’ve done your good deed. I don’t think either of us will be sitting around stagnating anymore.” “This will be the best Christmas ever,” Quatre beamed taking him by the arm to lead him toward the dinning room while Hiiro informed him… “It already has.” Dinner was an elegant affair that was served by Quatre’s staff who lived on the premises and joined them once the table was set. The young woman who served as their housekeeper had long displayed a weakness for their handsome company and spent the evening fawning over him whenever the opportunity arose. However, contrary to his usual, standoffish behavior Hiiro seemed amused by her open attraction which put a huge smile on Quatre’s lips and a covert smirk on Trowa’s. “I’m so glad you came,” Quatre was saying as they walked Hiiro out later in the night. “So is Alice,” Trowa smirked. “She’ll settle,” Quatre chuckled while Hiiro flushed. “Have you set a date yet?” Hiiro inquired glancing at the new ring on Quatre’s finger. “No,” he smiled leaning into Trowa’s side. “But we’ll let you know,” Trowa assured him. “Make sure I get an invitation,” Hiiro requested stepping forward to kiss Quatre on the cheek. “You have to come,” Trowa grinned while he wrapped an arm around Quatre’s shoulders and informed their guest, “You’re the best man.” Hiiro gaped at him for a moment then smiled and replied, “I’d be honored.” “Perhaps someday I could stand for you at yours,” Trowa grinned. “Highly unlikely, considering,” Hiiro laughed missing the odd expressions on their faces while he put on his scarf. “But we’re going to do some work together so things should be interesting for awhile.” “Oh…um,” Quatre stammered seeming at a loss as to how to respond. “I didn’t know you had so much in common,” Trowa commented. “Actually,” Hiiro grinned, “I think it’s the things we don’t have in common that makes it so much fun.” They appeared to have no response to that so he simply added, “Thanks for dinner. Goodnight.” “Goodnight,” Quatre smiled and they stood and stared at the door in mild amazement when it closed. tbc...
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