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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 4
“Are you sure they want to meet me?” Hiiro chuckled nervously but followed along. “Duo,” Hilde smiled when they entered as she came to claim her coat. Hiiro noted that the building was almost as cold as it was outside and did a quick assessment of the heating system while Duo greeted his friend. “Thank you!” Hilde exclaimed tucking into her coat. “It’s freezing in here.” “Is there something wrong with the heat?” Hiiro wondered. “Yeah,” Hilde scoffed. “No one ever installed any.” “You’re kidding?” Hiiro balked. “The building was donated in like nineteen thirty four,” Duo chuckled. “But we’re working on it.” Hiiro’s head rolled so that his eyes could peer at him while he informed him, “You know I can’t leave it like this.” Duo’s face paled while Hilde considered them curiously. “I didn’t bring you here for that.” “No,” Hiiro chuckled going to the window to have a look. “But now that I know you can’t stop me either.” “Hiiro!” Duo exclaimed but he dashed off down the hall to begin his inspection and Duo made to follow until Hilde seized his arm and demanded… “Who’s that?!” Duo grinned down the hall and told her, “Tell Nelson his bad joke totally backfired,” while he laughed and chased after his wayward companion. “Duo!?” “Hi, James!” he sang as he chased Hiiro down the hall warning, “Look out!” when a small girl stepped out of the bathroom. She squealed in high spirits when Hiiro snatched her up then deposited her in a nearby doorway so she wouldn’t get run over and Duo giggled. “Hi, Bale!” “Duo?” the child inquired peering warily down the hall. “Where’s the basement in this place?” Hiiro asked having stopped at the end of the hall. “Don’t have one,” Duo told him breathing heavily while he grinned at him. “No way,” Hiiro balked. “See for yourself,” Duo challenged then squeaked when Hiiro blew by him. “Wait!” he laughed dashing off in hot pursuit and by the time they reached the main room again there were several children on their heels. “Okay!” Hiiro gasped falling when Duo tackled him and huffing when a pile of kids followed. “You win!” “Who’s that?” a young boy asked over Duo’s shoulder. “He’s Hiiro,” Duo informed them smiling brightly. “And we’re turning him into a pancake.” “Uff!” Hiiro huffed when one of the kids accidentally kicked him in the stomach as they climbed off. “You okay?” Duo chuckled offering him a hand up. “Nothing a little hot coco wouldn’t fix,” Hiiro smiled. “Coming right up,” Hilde smiled and the kids cheered while half of them followed her to the small kitchenette. “Who’s this?” Hiiro asked of the small girl who had attached herself to his hand. “This,” Duo informed him picking her up. “Is Carole. She’s going to be the next great chef,” he grinned tweaking her nose. “And this is James,” he explained indicating the older boy, “Felix and Matty,” he named the others in turn. “Are any of you any good with a screwdriver?” Hiiro asked smiling when the twelve year old Matty raised her hand. “Alright,” he agreed. “Then you can help with the installation.” “Of what?” she asked but Hiiro wasn’t in the mood to reveal his secret. “You guys clear a spot under that window and move the bed I saw in front of the one in the back room,” he instructed. “We’ll be back in an hour so make sure you’re quick.” Matty smiled and ushered the others into motion while Duo followed Hiiro toward the door and Hilde asked, “What about the hot chocolate?” “Keep it warm,” Hiiro smiled laying his hand on the small of Duo’s back as he exited. “We’ll be right back.” She smiled and shook her head as if to clear it then turned and began to divvy up the coco to her happy group of kids. “You didn’t have to do that,” Duo told Hiiro while they drove to the local home improvement store. “Yes, I did,” Hiiro chuckled adding, “It’s sort of amazing,” before Duo could reply. “I’ve been well off for most of my young adulthood and I never realized why I was so miserable.” Duo smiled while he listened and blushed when Hiiro reached over and took his hand. “It’s much nicer to have a reason to spend it than watching it sit in the bank gathering dust,” he laughed adding a heartfelt, “Thanks,” that escalated the color of Duo’s ears. “I didn’t do anything,” he countered. “No,” Hiiro chuckled squeezing his hand. “I’m sure you didn’t mean to.” The conversation turned to what sort of unit they should buy and though Duo assured him they couldn’t afford to run it he decided to purchase two large heating and cooling units which they packed in Hiiro’s trunk with the aid of some twine provided by the establishment and headed back to the home. Matty had everything ready having gone so far as to wash the windows when she deduced what the plan might be and several hours later the entire home was warm and toasty. “This has been quite an expensive holiday for you,” Duo commented while they drove toward Duo’s apartment. “I got my monies worth,” Hiiro countered flashing him a roughish smile that turned his cheek bones red. “Thanks,” he managed in spite of it. Hiiro drove for a time but as they approached Duo’s street he had a sudden notion. “Would you like to come over to my place for awhile?” “For what?” Duo wondered. “I don’t know,” Hiiro shrugged. “We could eat dinner, watch a movie. Whatever you like.” “Okay,” Duo smiled and Hiiro grinned happily while he pointed them at his place. “Make yourself at home,” he told him when they arrived but when he turned to take Duo’s coat he just sort of smiled at him sheepishly. “Oh!” he exclaimed heading for the thermostat. “Sorry, I don’t usually run the heat.” Duo smiled then spied the fireplace along the wall, “How about a fire instead?” he suggested heading toward the stack of wood by the wall. Hiiro turned to reply but his voice got stuck in his throat when he saw Duo kneeling down to place a log in the fireplace and his mind memorized the image. “Perfect,” he grinned leaving the heat off in favor of Duo’s charming solution. “I’ll fix us something to eat.” “I’m not very hungry,” Duo informed him while he worked. “So don’t go to too much trouble.” “Alright,” Hiiro agreed having filled up on snack crackers and hot coco at the home as well. When he returned with a tray in hand he was once again stalled when he saw Duo in front of the fire but this time there was the warm glow of firelight dancing in his long hair and he’d shed his coat leaving him in his red sweater. “Do you need any help?” Duo asked bringing him back to the moment. “It’s not that much,” Hiiro informed him shaking off the odd feeling while he placed the tray on an end table. “Here.” “Thanks,” Duo smiled sitting back against the couch so he could stay close to the fire while he accepted the glass of red wine. “Cheddar?” he asked when Hiiro offered a plate of cheese and crackers. “Colby,” he informed him taking a seat on the floor in front of the couch too. “It’s good.” “Is the wine ok?” “Woodsy,” Duo observed while he swirled a sip. “I like it, what is it?” “It was a gift from Quatre last year,” Hiiro chuckled showing him the bottle. “I can’t pronounce it but it’s pretty good.” Duo snorted and gave up without attempting the long title. “That was really cool what you did for the kids today,” he told him. “I’m glad I could help,” Hiiro replied. “It feels great to have a higher purpose for a change.” “Everyone should take a lesson from you,” Duo commented but stalled when Hiiro cast a sideways glance and informed him… “I learned everything I know from you.” “Hardly,” Duo snorted turning red. “I don’t know what it is,” Hiiro went on turning more to face him. “But ever since I met you nothing has been the same.” “My worlds been a little different lately too,” Duo chuckled. “I hope that’s a good thing,” Hiiro grinned. “It is,” Duo smiled then paused while Hiiro gazed at him. “Are you going to the New Year’s party?” he asked suddenly while he leaned forward to poke at the fire. “For the first time,” Hiiro nodded. “Will you be there?” “Of course,” Duo smiled. “I’ll be chased down and hog tied to a chair if I try to skip out.” Hiiro laughed along while he thought of Quatre doing just that to them both if they didn’t show up. “Then I’ll be there early,” he promised. Duo’s cheeks flushed while he glanced at the fire and Hiiro felt a sudden urge that hadn’t occurred to him before but he was uncertain of what to do about it. “Duo?” “Hn?” “When you were talking to Berns,” he began unable to look at him while he continued, “you said you were a lost cause.” He stopped in sudden realization when Duo’s eyes went wide but was spared the confession when Duo smiled and accused, “You were spying on us.” “I was worried,” Hiiro shrugged and they fell silent for a moment before he asked, “What did you mean?” “Duo’s face flushed bright red before he could hide it behind his glass and reply, “I wasn’t interested in him, that’s all.” “Why not?” spilled from Hiiro’s lips before he could stop it and Duo was instantly annoyed. “Because he’s married for one,” he snipped. “I didn’t mean…” “What did you mean?” Duo grumbled. “What if the situation were different?” Hiiro asked cautiously. Duo stared at him for a moment then inquired evenly, “Are you trying to ask me if I’m gay?” “Yes,” Hiiro breathed. “Why?” The momentary relief of having the question clarified fled in the face of Duo’s curiosity and he couldn’t think straight all of a sudden but there was one thing he was sure wouldn’t be misunderstood so he leaned close and laid a gentle kiss upon his lips. Duo seemed unable to process this event for a time then his eyes closed and he asked, “Hiiro?” “Hn?” “Could we try that again?” “Are you sure you want to?” Hiiro asked nervously and Duo’s eyes popped open. “What do you mean?” “I have no idea what I’m doing,” Hiiro chuckled glancing uncertainly at him. “Gods, I can’t believe the things you make me want.” Duo thought about it for a time then slumped and surmised, “You’re not gay.” “I didn’t think I was anything until about thirty seconds ago,” Hiiro confessed. “And now?” Duo prompted cautiously. “Now,” Hiiro explained unable to stop his eyes from soaking in Duo’s sultry body. “I really want to slap Berns.” Duo snorted a laugh but had no ready reply. “I’m sorry,” Hiiro offered. “I wish I was better at this.” “It’s a big step,” Duo smiled reassuringly. “Everyone’s confused when they first realize they like the same sex.” “I’m not really confused,” Hiiro confessed giving into the desire to look him over again. “Then what’s the problem?” Duo wondered. “I’m afraid you won’t like what I want to do to you,” Hiiro explained having to take a big swallow of wine when his chest shuddered excitedly. “I doubt there’s anything you could do to me I wouldn’t enjoy,” Duo smiled while he slowly sipped from his cup. “But,” Hiiro countered loosing the thread while he watched Duo’s lips. “I’m willing to wait for you to figure it out,” Duo told him. “Don’t let me hurt you,” Hiiro gasped then lunged forward and claimed his lips. “Hiiro?” Duo panted trying to keep from spilling his wine but his glass fell to the floor when Hiiro lifted him up on the couch. A moment later they were deep into each other and any reservations Hiiro had about what to do sizzled in the heat. He could tell by instinct alone that Duo was as eager as he was for the things he craved and worked diligently on setting his world on fire for the reminder of the night. It was so easy to forget the past and swim through the bright future he saw in his eyes and by morning there was no doubt in his mind that they had somehow found everything they would ever need. “We should get up,” Duo mumbled when they woke later in the day. “Why?” Hiiro chuckled laying his weight on him so he couldn’t move. “I have to go shopping before the party,” Duo laughed. “And we both need a shower.” “You smell great to me,” Hiiro grinned digging his nose in his neck which tickled and made him laugh. “I doubt the great lord would agree,” Duo countered squirming out from under him. Hiiro thought of Quatre and chuckled at the thought of the look on his face if they showed up smelling like sex and relented. “Do you want to ride together?” he asked while he searched out his clothes. “I have to stop by the home and go by the store,” Duo told him coming out of the bathroom. “Why don’t we just meet there?” “Alright,” Hiiro agreed coming to wrap him up warmly and kiss him which quickly turned into a tonsil hunt. “Let me go,” Duo scolded through he was having just as much trouble letting go. “See you in a bit,” Hiiro smiled stealing one last peck and Duo grinned happily before he left. ** “Duo!” Hilde smiled coming to greet him when he arrived at the party. “Wow! You look fantastic!” “I’m sort of expecting someone,” he confessed looking around but he didn’t see his quarry. “Well, you’re someone hasn’t arrived yet,” she told him laughing at the pout that appeared on his lips. “Come on,” she consoled. “Nelson’s minding the snacks so the kids don’t gorge themselves.” “Has anyone checked the punch?” Duo wondered. “Not in the last fifteen minutes,” she chuckled. “Better give it a taste test,” he smiled veering that way. ** “Hi, Hiiro,” Quatre beamed taking his coat to hand to the attendant. “You look spectacular!” “Does that mean I can quit stressing over the tie?” Hiiro laughed. “It’s perfect,” Quatre assured him. “Did you buy him that?” Trowa asked checking out the elegant suit Hiiro was wearing as he joined them. “Nope,” Quatre grinned. “And here I thought you only owned one businessman’s special,” Trowa teased. “Well,” Hiiro smiled snagging a glass of Champaign off a passing server’s tray. “Since you were so kind as to give me a reason I figured I’d put on the ritz a little.” “And where would this reason be at the moment?” Trowa smirked. “You tell me,” Hiiro chuckled. “I only just arrived.” “I’m not sure,” Quatre replied while he looked the room over. “But I’m sure you’ll find each other.” “We may never have met if it wasn’t for you two,” Hiiro commented. “I don’t know what you were thinking when you set it up but it’s worked out better than I could have possible have hoped for.” Trowa eyed him sideways then smirked evilly when his ears slowly turned red. “You…are an animal,” he laughed. “What?” Quatre inquired going wide eyed the moment he saw the twinkle in Trowa’s green eyes. “Already?!” he gasped but all Hiiro would offer was a smile while he sipped his drink. “Oh, that’s wonderful!” Quatre exclaimed hugging his neck. “I’m so happy for you.” “You owe us one,” Trowa piped up but he was wholly unprepared when Hiiro replied… “If things keep going this well I may owe for the rest of my life.” ** “Duo?” Hilde prompted seeming concerned as she approached her somber friend. “Is everything alright?” “I guess,” he shrugged scanning the crowd again. “You haven’t met up yet?” she gasped but he merely shook his head sadly. “But…how could you have missed each other?” “What do you mean?” he inquired loosing some of his melancholy. “You saw him?” “What?” she asked somewhat confused. “Where?” he insisted. “Um…over by the snack bar last time I checked…Duo?!” but he was already in motion. However, when he arrived Hiiro was nowhere to be found and his spirit dropped. ** “What’s with you?” Trowa asked of his grumpy guest. “Lover isn’t keeping you warm?” “Apparently not,” Hiiro grumbled downing the rest of his drink. “Well, what’re you waiting for?” Trowa chuckled. “It’s hard to cuddle and coo when your cuddle partner hasn’t arrived,” Hiiro groused. “What’re you talking about?” Trowa inquired. “I just saw her over by the band.” “Who?” ** “Kate,” Hilde breathed. “There you are.” “Hello, Hilde,” the young woman smiled. “How’s Nelson?” “He’s around here somewhere,” she replied. “But you should find Duo.” “Who?” “Duo,” Hilde exclaimed rolling her eyes before they lighted on him. “You know,” she said turning to snag him by the arm and drag him over. “The guy you’ve been hanging out with all week?” “What’re you talking about?” Kate asked looking at them as if they’d lost their minds. “Kate,” Nelson smiled wrapping a warm arm around Hilde when he arrived. “I see you finally found each other.” Duo looked from one to the other then asked the young lady, “Who’re you?” and Hilde’s face fell into confusion. “She’s Kate,” she tentatively informed him. “The girl Nelson set you up with last week?” “This is him?” Kate inquired chilling when she received an affirmative. “You could have at least called to tell me you weren’t going to show,” she snipped. “Wait,” he said while the pieces of his world shattered and spun about. “You’re the person I was supposed to meet?” “Duo?” Hilde breathed in alarm when he suddenly growled. “Damn it! No wonder!” “Are you alright?” Kate asked stepping away. “Sorry,” he offered. “I met someone else that night.” “Great,” she grumbled. “No,” he sighed. “I thought he was you.” “He?” Nelson perked up. “Or that he was supposed to be you,” Duo amended shifting it to, “I mean the person they wanted me to meet but…” “Are you okay?” Hilde gasped when he paled ghostly white. “That means you don’t know him do you?” he surmised looking more piqued by the moment. “Who?” “Hiiro!” They looked lost for a moment before Duo’s face twisted in horrified comprehension, “This isn’t his party.” “Duo?” Hilde prompted cautiously. “He’ll think I ditched him!” he suddenly burst and headed for the exit. ** “Relena,” Trowa replied. “Who’s Relena?” Hiiro inquired but before Trowa could respond Quatre walked onto the balcony with a young, blonde girl in tow. “There you are,” he smiled. “I’ve found your wayward partner.” “Excuse me?” Hiiro inquired curiously. “Quatre,” the girl sighed. “If this is another attempt to find me a date I’m afraid I’m not interested.” “What?” he asked utterly confused while he looked between she and Hiiro. “It was depressing the first time,” she sighed. “But, I thought…” Quatre began but paused to note the odd illumination in Trowa’s eyes. “If you’ll excuse me,” the girl bowed out making a dignified exit. “Hiiro?” Quatre inquired stepping to Trowa’s side. “What’s going on? I thought you said things were going well?” “That’s what I’d like to know,” Hiiro replied looking expectantly to Trowa. “Relena was supposed to be your date that night,” he chuckled seeming to take great pleasure in the way Hiiro’s face bled to white. “Which means you didn’t hook up with her and begs the question…who did you hook up with?” “Duo,” Hiiro breathed as he put it together. “Who?” Quatre wondered then jumped when Hiiro bolted for the door. “Where are you going!?” he called after him. “He’s waiting for me!” Hiiro called back as he dashed away and Quatre’s left brow rose while he echoed… “He?” ** He had to find him and explain! This was so messed up! How could this have happened? His feet flew through the snow splattered streets where he dodged cars, rounded corners and picked up speed on the straightaway in front of the little diner. ** Where should he go? He had no idea where to even start looking and paused as he burst onto the street below then a thought hit him and he took off for the orphanage. ** Duo rounded the corner at breakneck speed but came to a screeching halt when he came upon Hiiro’s place and stared helplessly at the darkened windows. ** “Hiiro?” Hilde gasped when he barreled into the small party. “Where’s Duo?” he demanded looking fit to be tied and completely out of breath. “Looking for you I think,” she giggled beaming a bright smile as her clueless husband across the room. “Where would he look?” he panted. “I don’t know,” she rolled her eyes and grinned, “You’re house?” His eyes lit up before he was suddenly on the move again and she laughed heartily while she went to clue Nelson in. However, when he skidded to a halt in front of his home Duo was nowhere to be seen. Discouraged but not to be deterred he headed toward Duo’s apartment but as he passed the square he caught sight of someone in the small park. “Duo!” “Hiiro?” Duo gasped turning from where he’d been gazing at the ice angel just in time to be viciously wrapped in Hiiro’s arms. “It was the wrong party!” Hiiro explained. “I know,” Duo giggled holding him tight. “I thought you were the one they wanted me to meet,” Hiiro laughed moving back far enough to see him. “We were both wrong,” Duo chuckled. “I didn’t mean to stand you up,” Hiiro told him softly. “I know,” Duo smiled as he accepted the warm kiss Hiiro laid upon his lips just as the big clock in the church on the corner chimed midnight. ** “Oh, come on, Wufei,” Duo coaxed. “It won’t kill you to take one night off. It’s Christmas.” “I have better things to do than play pointless mating games,” Wufei grumbled and Duo sighed. Hiiro’s new partner was the most socially inept person he’d met since Hiiro according to Quatre. “Just give in,” Hiiro grinned coaxing his frustrated lover onto his lap. “You know he’s right.” “I don’t know what you think will happen just because it’s Christmas,” Wufei groused gathering his coat. “You never know,” Duo smiled offering Hiiro a warm kiss. “I’ll think about it,” he promised as he made his way out and Duo smiled while Hiiro pulled him tight.
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