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"Scouting Suburbia"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: NC 17 Warnings: AU/Romance, Fluff, mild angst, sssap
*pulls fingers from sticky kyb ^-^*, mention of lemon. Pairings: 1x2, 3x4 Summary: A reluctant trip into suburbia provides
a talent scout with more than bargained for. " Scouting Suburbia"
Ch 2 He did his best to entice him over breakfast. Even Mrs. Carrington… Willie? Had he called her? Helped as much as she could encouraging him to expand his horizons and step past the boarders of his little world but he remained steadfast in his conviction. Hiiro couldn’t help but admire him for it but he knew deep down in his heart that this boy belonged in a much bigger pond. He had way too much to offer to allow him to suffocate in this little town. He was a professional however, and knew when to back off so once they set out on their shopping trip he let the subject lie in favor of Duo’s commentary on his home. “Hey, Sadie,” he greeted a young girl of about fifteen when they stopped off at a small ice cream pallor on Main Street. Duo had driven them into town but since most of the stores they needed to visit were close to each other they’d parked in favor of the walk. It was really very pleasant. The shops were all tidy and well kept; there was even a barber shop complete with a red striped, rotating pole where an older man in a white apron sat on a stool outside awaiting his next patron. It looked so much like a postcard Hiiro had to blink just to be sure he wasn’t dreaming. “Hi, Duo,” the dark hared girl with the cutely bobbed hair cut smiled glancing once at Hiiro. “This is Hiiro,” Duo introduced. “Here... I brought you the medicine for Clancy,” he told her digging a large bottle out of his bag. “Doc says to give him two a day,” he instructed. She nodded in greeting to Hiiro as she took the bottle. “I heard you’re trying to take our Duo away,” she smiled. Hiiro was never one to miss an opportunity to persuade. “He has a great deal of potential,” he replied liking the way the words brought a soft blush to Duo’s fine skin. “Wow,” she breathed as stars began to sparkle in her eyes “Your really a talent scout then?” she asked. Oh gods. Here we go. It was starting already. “Do you work for one of those big record labels? I bet you know some famous people like.. Brittany Spears or Avril Lavine,” she sighed. Actually, he’d met them both but that wasn’t the style of performer he preferred to represent. “I doubt you’d be familiar with my clientele,” he told her. “Oooh, Nellie? Christina? Oh, gods! Enrique?” she squealed bouncing on her heals. “Kokoro Mecha ni,” Hiiro replied leaving her with a blank expression. “Like I said,” he chuckled. “No one around here would be familiar with…” “Quatre Winner and Trowa Barton,” Duo cut in as he browsed through a magazine causing him to lift a brow. “You know them?” Hiiro asked impressed by the boy’s versatility. The Japanese style techno the couple played was very popular in the orient but he’d never had much luck producing them in the states. “Not really,” Duo replied laying the magazine down so he could see the picture of the two boys in the pages. “It’s right here though. Say’s they’re going to do a charity concert up state this weekend,” he observed. Hn. He’d forgotten about that one. Their present tour was being handled by Wufei even though it had been Hiiro who had discovered them. Well, Wufei had brought Trowa in but it was Hiiro who put two and two together. He’d had no idea at the time just how well the two would fit but in the end it all worked out rather well. He wonder how they’d feel about a vocalist. “Oh, wow,” Sadie gushed ogling the picture. “They’re dreamy. Can we meet them?” she sighed hopefully. “I’m afraid it wouldn’t do you any good if your intention is of a romantic nature,” Hiiro chuckled. “Why not?” she asked sounding a bit offended. “Their ...involved,” he told her as kindly as he could. “What? You mean with each other?” she asked gazing at the picture again as he nodded. He smiled as she sighed heavily in resignation. “All the cute ones are always taken,” she pouted. “And I’m what? Chopped liver?” Solo groused from the door. “You’re the boy next door,” she huffed turning her nose up at him. “And you’re the girl next door. What’s your point?” he smiled slipping up to wrap his arms around her waist as she relaxed and grinned. “You want something to eat?” she asked them all. “No thanks,” Duo replied. “We’ve still got some errands to run.” “You dragging him around town with you now?” Solo asked indicating Hiiro. Hiiro’s hackles bristled slightly when the braided boy smiled and slide by him as he softly intone “Jealous?” He didn’t quite know what to think until Solo grinned like a banshee and replied with a resounding. “Hell yes!” as he winked in Hiiro’s direction. Apparently, he was being toyed with. Well, he could take it. Let them have their fun. “You comin?” Duo asked his eyes still so soft and alluring Hiiro felt his heart jump again. Damn. He had to get this kid to the city somehow. For the moment there was little he could do but follow his feet as they wandered around in Duo’s footsteps. “I’ve need to stop by Alison’s” he told his walking companion. Hiiro didn’t mind. He had nothing better to do since his whole purpose of being there was to convince the longhaired boy to sign up. Besides, being in his company was really a very nice place to be. He was thoroughly enjoying himself to be honest. Alison’s turned out to be the local bakery shop where a middle aged woman and her husband supplied the town with baked goods. She was having a heated discussion with what appeared to be her preteen daughter when they walked in over whether or not the girl was going to work that after noon. Duo was pulled into the argument the moment he walked in the door but he didn’t seem to mind. He just smiled that patient smile of his and dove right in. “Duo! Would you please explain to her that this afternoon is important!” the girl huffed indignantly. “It’s your brother’s day off, Mya,” the woman interjected breathing a sigh of long suffering. “Why not ask Perry to stand in for you?” Duo teased. “Duo!” Mya whined making Hiiro grin in spite of himself. “Oh, yeah, that’s right,” the braided boy grinned. “He’s the man of he hour isn’t he?” “Yes!” she squealed excitedly. “He’s been accepted into the accelerated program at Community College,” Duo explained to Hiiro. “Yeah! And the surprise party is today!” the girl enthused emphasizing the word to her mother who was busily packing a delivery of bread and sweet rolls. “I didn’t say you couldn’t go” Alison clarified. “But the delivery to MacArthur’s comes first.” “Mooom!” “Geez.” Duo sighed rolling his eyes at Hiiro who couldn’t seem to stop grinning. “I’ve got to go out that way anyway,” he told them. “I’ll drop it off.” “SQUEEEEEEE!!” Mya screeched latching onto his neck. Hiiro couldn’t help but laugh at the lot of them. “Oh... I so owe you one for this!” she gushed before bounding up the stairs that led to the families small apartment above the store. “You’re not helping,” Alison sighed. “Oh, give them a break,” Duo chuckled. “There’s only one reason she wants to go so early,” she pointed out. “That boys got her completely muddle brained,” she sighed again. “I’ll have a talk with him,” Duo promised. “Is this a new client?” she asked smiling at Hiiro. “Yes,” the longhaired boy replied introducing him. “My,” she said sounding impressed by the Japanese boy’s formal title. “So, our little Duo is off to the big city huh?” “You’re not getting rid of me that easy,” Duo laughed accepting the order for MacArthur. Hiiro ended up with an arm full as well as a sugar cookie wedged between his teeth before they left. They stopped at the bank where Duo made Mrs. Carrington’s deposit and picked up Pookie, a tiny teacup poodle belonging to Mrs. Scrouse who appeared to be the bank president. Their next stop was the auto parts store where Hiiro insisted on paying for the supplies necessary to flush the Goat since it had been his oversight that had caused the problem. He’d grown quite fond of Pookie before they dropped her off at the groomers. She wasn’t content unless she was burrowed down into one of their pockets. It was the cutest thing Hiiro had ever seen. Dropping the baked goods only took a moment then Duo insisted they stop for a late lunch and rest their feet. It turned out Tuck, the chef at the patio restaurant Duo had chosen was out so Duo ended up not only cooking their lunch but several others while he was at it. The proprietor, Mr. Lyn, insisted on the lunches being no charge and tried to pay Duo for his time but he refused. Hiiro got the feeling he must have worked here at some time in the past and ended up refilling cups and glasses at the bar in lieu of standing idle. It was kind of fun playing waitress for awhile, especially with Duo cutting up with the patrons like he was. Two of which turned out to be teachers from his old high school. Hiiro learned that Duo had already graduated having gone through the same accelerated program Perry was being celebrated for during their short stint as cook and server. Once again, when the people of the town found out Hiiro’s purpose they did their best to encourage Duo but, as always, he stood firm joking his way gracefully through the good intentions until they found themselves once again on the side walk. He was a little surprised to find that they were only a couple of blocks from where they’d parked Duo’s car which turned out to be Solo’s. Something Hiiro only realized when they stopped to pick the boy and his girlfriend up on their way to Perry’s party. He realized while sitting in the back seat with Duo after He’d relinquished the wheel to the car’s owner that he felt different somehow. He hadn’t been this relaxed in... well... ever. His life had been one long whirl wind typhoon having been a child star himself then taking on the task of seeking out new talent at such a young age. Wufei was also a go getter but he didn’t have near the obsessive tendencies that Hiiro had always displayed. He was more inclined to stop and enjoy his success whereas Hiiro had been born the preverbal workaholic. He was starting to understand what all the hype was about taking a vacation. Had Wufei planned it this way? Who knew but he wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Not when Duo was sitting there by his side smiling softly as they talked with his friends about their days events, his sweet laugher echoing around the cars interior, his warm shoulder touching Hiiro’s arm, his knee brushing Hiiro’s knee… Hiiro was suddenly aware that he was taking an inventory of everywhere the boy was contacting him and the way he was having trouble drawing his gaze away from that bright smile and those deep violet eyes. It left him feeling very delightfully confused as they arrived and exited the vehicle. A lot of the people Hiiro had met that day were already there and welcomed him as if he were visiting family member. There were at least five among them, Sadie included, who pitched themselves as potential clients for the Japanese boy with stars in their eyes and dreams on their shoulders. He always hated having to knock those dreams on the floor but he preferred to be straight up and honest with them. Mosts time they didn’t listen anyway. This was no exception. Perry wasn’t in the least surprised by his party. It was no wonder in such a close knit community and he seemed way more interested in getting Mya into a compromising position than anything else. Duo headed them off at least three times through out the evening before someone finally convinced him to do a song with the band. Now, this Hiiro was interested in big time. He still couldn’t get the boy’s sultry voice out of his mind. Each note so true and heart felt he knew he’d never get enough of it. He was a little shocked when the boy ripped out a popular pop song that had the whole place jumping in their seats. So he did dance music too. Interesting. This was Wufei”s specialty so he’d have to be careful not to loose his new prodigy to the Chinese boy once he had him. When he finished the set of three songs Hiiro was so infused with energy he lifted him right off the stage and sat him on the floor grinning like an idiot the whole time. “You’re totally amazing!” he shouted over the enthusiastic den of admirers still cheering for the boy. Duo took a moment to offer him a thankful smile before looking around and asking, “Where’s Perry and Mya?” Hiiro realized suddenly that the pair was missing the moment he asked and began to help him search. He knew they’d found them when Duo turned back and grinned at him as they exited the building out the back door with one finger to his lips as he softly hissed, “Shhh.” He screwed his face up and slipped his fingers in his ears as he watched the longhaired boy pick up a loose board beside the dumpster the pair had hidden themselves behind to make out and raise it high over his head. Oddly enough the kids didn’t find the sudden booming explosion of the board hitting the mostly empty dumpster all that humorous but it was all Hiiro could do to keep from busting a rib. Mya was so mortified she ran off down the alley while Perry rounded on Duo with fire and brimstone in his eyes. “What the hell’d you do that for?!” he shouted vehemently. “Is that what you call respect?” Duo countered evenly still chuckling. “We weren’t doing anything!” the boy proclaimed in defiance. “Yeah, we saw exactly what you weren’t doing,” Duo scoffed. “If you really like her I suggest you back off and give her time to grow up,” he suggested. “And if you don’t back off anyway. She’s too young to be pressured like that, man.” “What the hell would you know about girls anyway!?!” the boy spat. “I know they make babies when ya mate’em,” Duo smirked calmly. That shut him up. His mouth kept moving but nothing was coming out. “You ready for a son there, big guy?” Duo chided clapping him on the shoulder but he still wasn’t articulating very well. “I know. You can get a job at Lyn’s slinging hash. That’ll pay the rent on a room at Willies huh? To bad you’ll have to drop out of school but, hey, it’d be worth it right?” “No!” Perry barked backing away while Hiiro did his damnedest to keep from laughing out loud. “No?” Duo asked clearly amused by the boy’s terrified response. “Best take your time then, buddy,” the longhaired boy advised. Perry stood there looking like someone had just shot his toes off for a moment before suddenly running off in the opposite direction of Mya’s flight. Hiiro watched while he picked up the board and several other loose pieces of trash and tossed them into the dumpster while a warmth spread steadily through him. “You really take care of them don’t you?” he mused unable to wipe the grin from his lips. “It’s my town,” Duo smiled seeming very pleased with himself. This was going to be harder than he thought. The following days were more of the same. Cappy’s tractor had to be repaired though he only drove it from his house to the tavern four blocks away twice a week. Marlene’s cat got lost in the hundred acre woods east of town which spurred something to the effect of an amber alert to the residents. Duo confided to Hiiro that Tangles the cat was rumored to be over thirty years old because no one had the heart to tell the old widow lady that her cat had died seven times. They just kept replacing it when she wasn’t looking. Like now. He was with Duo when he picked the new Tangles out of the line up at the local animal shelter. Hiiro figured it was a good thing Tangles was an orange tabby as there were plenty to choose from. Of course, it had to be confirmed that the current Tangles was actually deceased ergo the search which sadly paved the way for the new Tangles to be presented. Marlene was very happy. Hiiro, Duo and Solo flushed and primed the Goat together which was when Hiiro learned that the two had been best friends since childhood. There was a close familiarity between them that almost made Hiiro jealous though he knew once Duo was famous he’d be forced to share him with most of the known world. There was no way wouldn’t he be a hit in whatever medium he chose. Duo however, was being as stubborn as a brick and still refused to even discuss the matter in depth. Before he realized it an entire week had passed by and he hadn’t so much as picked up his cell to phone the office. He was understandably stunned when the small phone on his belt rang one evening while he, Duo and Mrs. Carrington were watching the local weather together in her tidy living room. “Hiiro?” “Hey, Wufei.” “Where in the hell are you?” “………” “You’re still there?” the Chinese boy burst out laughing his ass off as Hiiro blushed and excused himself to the porch. “What do you want,” Hiiro asked bluntly smiling shyly at Duo through the open window before turning away. “We thought maybe you sank in a lake or something,” Wufei chuckled. “You haven’t checked in all week.” He was having way to much fun with this. “Yeah, well you were right,” Hiiro told him feeling the urge to turn and smile at Duo who was smirking at him from where he was curled up all comfy in the big easy chair. “I found something pretty good here,” he told him feeling himself relax a little. “Aw, shit,” Wufei chuckled some more. “Man, I thought you’d be running like a stuck pig the minute you got there,” he laughed. “Ahh, damn… is it that good?” he laughed all over again. “You done yet?” Hiiro asked sarcastically. “S...sorry,” the Chinese boy chortled. “In answer to your question, yes,” Hiiro replied. “But he’s stubborn as a mule. I haven’t signed him yet.” “Him?” “Duo.” “Who the hell’s Duo?… OOOh, damn, you mean that cute little number with the long hair? Geez, no wonder you’re stuck. I couldn’t get a last name out of the guy,” Wufei groused. “Maxwell,” Hiiro informed him feeling very pleased with himself for having succeeded where Wufei had failed. “What in the hell is with you?” Wufei asked calming a little. “What”dya mean?” Hiiro replied glancing again at where Duo was glancing at him and feeling himself smile. “Your all like ... fuzzy’n shit. You get laid or something?” “Christ, is that all you ever think about?” “Is there some reason I shouldn’t?” Wufei chuckled again. “You might try holding hands sometime,” Hiiro advised. “You can show me how this weekend,” “What?” “The concert,” Wufei reminded him but he was still at a lost as to what he was talking about. “Quatre and Trowa... Matin Hall... the twenty fifth.” “Oh, shit!” Hiiro gasped as it all came crashing back. “I forgot.” “You what?” Wufei asked awestricken by the very idea. “I forgot all about it,” Hiiro repeated looking again at Duo who now had a curious crease in his brow. “Shit, what am I going to do?” he mused out loud. “You’re going to meet me at the show that’s what you’re going to do,” Wufei informed him firmly. “Damn it,” Hiiro swore. “I’m not finished here yet.” “Bring him along,” Wufei suggested. “I doubt he’d come.” “Hog tie him, bribe him, leave his ass there, I don’t care but pack your tight ass up and get it to that concert or Quatre’s going to have a coronary,” the Chinese boy reminded him. “You haven’t even called him have you?” he asked poking Hiiro’s guilt beast in the ass. “Shit.” “What is with you?!” Wufei exclaimed honestly flabbergasted by his behavior. “Maybe you out to come home for awhile,” he suggested. “That place is dulling your brain. Casey’s been trying to reach you anyway. She’s ready to set up the European Tour.” “Shit that’ll take weeks,” Hiiro sighed. “WAKE THE FUCK UP!” Wufei screamed so loud in the phone Duo and Mrs. Carrington turned to see what the commotion was. “By the gods, Hiiro get the hell out of that pit before your edge is completely gone!” he shouted. “I’m picking you up Saturday morning,” he told him firmly. “Be packed because you’re coming home for a couple of weeks and getting your head jerked out of your ass even if I have to do the procedure myself!” “Alright! Alright… geez,” Hiiro sighed in resignation. “Fine, then,” Wufei replied much more calmly. “I’ll see you Saturday then.” “See you then,” Hiiro confirmed before handing up. All he could think of was how in the world was he going to convince Duo to come along because he just couldn’t deal with the idea of leaving him behind. “Is everything alright?” Mrs. Carrington asked when he returned. “Oh, yes,” Hiiro replied glancing nervously at Duo. “It was just the office,” he informed them. Damn it if the frigging butterflies would just settle. “Were they angry?” Duo asked. “No,” he denied then recalled the shouting. “Frustrated,” he explained. “I’m afraid I had forgotten an engagement this weekend up state.” “Kokoro?” “Yeah,” Hiiro smiled oddly pleased at the fact that he’d remembered. “There’s a concert Saturday night that I’m expected to attend.” “Hn,” Duo grunted turning back to the TV. “Sounds nice.” “You wouldn’t want to...join me?” Hiiro asked hoping against hope that he might actually say... “Sure.” Duo smiled. Wow. Just. Wow. Smiling had really become a habit around this guy. “Umm, great,” Hiiro grinned into the awkward silence that followed. Mrs. Carrington had adopted a wonderfully livid grin as well but he had no time to ponder it as his mind began running though the things he needed to do before Saturday. Finish fixing the screen door for Willie. Michael’s bike still needed a new chain and Sadie’s milkshake maker was still spraying the goods all over the girl. If he worked late the following day maybe he’d have time to take Duo into the capital and pick up a new suit for them both to wear to the show. He’d look damn good in Armani. “Why don’t you see Duo home,” the old woman smiled turning the TV off with the remote. “I think I’ll turn in,” she told them kissing them both on the cheek before retiring. “Guess that’s my cue,” Duo sighed slipping his shoes back on. “The concert’s up state,” Hiiro reminded him. “We’ll probably get a room and stay over night if that’s alright?” he asked feeling those butterflies swarming around again. “Sounds good,” Duo smiled. “Has it been awhile since you’ve seen them?” he asked allowing Hiiro to walk with him out onto the porch. “A few weeks.” “You must miss them.” Hiiro was again amazed by this boy’s insight. “How ...?” “It shows,” Duo chuckled. “You must be very fond of them.” “Yes.” Hiiro admitted. “They’re the only clients I have that I’d actually call my friends,” he admitted. “It must be hard not seeing them everyday,” Duo mused. Hiiro had never really thought of it that way but put so simply he couldn’t understand how he’d missed it all this time. It was hard not to see them for such long periods of time. He wondered for a moment if this wasn’t why he felt the urge to push himself so hard all the time. It was so odd to realize what he’d been looking for had been right there the whole time. He’d just never taken a moment to recognize it. He thought about his penthouse back in the city as he looked up at the star strewn sky, Duo’s house was just four doors down from Mrs. Carrington’s. A pleasant walk in the evening air. Pookie came running out of Mrs. Scrouse’s house and jumped into his arms licking his chin happily while Duo laughed that beautiful laugh of his and scratched her behind the ears. They both waved at the woman as she called the dog from the porch before retreating back inside. The air was crisp, the night clear and bright with a full moon rising behind the ancient oaks that lined Mockingbird Lane and Duo was absolutely breathtaking. That’s what Hiiro thought. And it frightened him right down to the pit of his stomach as he realized he really, really felt that way. Duo was the essence of pure beauty standing there with the moonlight dancing in his warm chestnut hair and a billion stars reflected in his endless amethyst eyes. “Duo?” “Hm?” the longhaired boy replied pausing in his front yard by the little white gate at the end of the path to look up at the velveteen night sky and sigh softly. Damn. “Why do you keep refusing my offer?” Hiiro asked point blank. He’d never gone so far as to give his mark the opportunity to change his mind before. It was a very different feeling. “What more do I need?” Duo asked turning those huge, sparkling eyes on him. It was getting very hard to breathe. Worse yet Hiiro had no reply. When it came right down to it Duo had it all. Beauty, talent, the love and affection of every person he knew, a town that was dear to him and day’s full of blissful happiness. What more could he truly offer him? Fame? That was seriously overrated. Money? Having spent time with him he saw no need for riches either. Duo was quite content with his humble earnings from his art. There was just nothing left to tempt him with. Actually, Hiiro found himself envious of him in a lot of ways. He had everything. Accept… “What about a girlfriend?” The question made Duo laugh for some reason Hiiro couldn’t quite figure out. “Uh... no,” he chuckled looking down at his feet for a moment. “I’m not really the type,” he said by way of an explanation but it sure didn’t help Hiiro understand. “What about you?” he asked turning the tables. “No time I suppose,” No. That wasn’t really true. He just really hadn’t found anyone he was interested in. “Hiiro” “Yeah?” Hiiro gazed into a moment that swelled between them not at all understanding the tremor inside him but all that fell from Duo’s lips was, “Nothing. Never mind. I should go in.” “Duo?” “Hn?” Gods, what was he going to say?!? Ummmmm something... anything… quick…. “Can you help me with Sadie’s milkshake machine tomorrow?” STUPID! Duo smiled and replied “Sure,” before turning to go inside. “I’ll pick you up at eight,” Hiiro called after him. “Alright,” Duo smiled walking up the steps to his porch. Hiiro couldn’t take his eyes off the way the stairs caused that swaying motion in his hips, the way his braid flipped and swung to and fro, the gentle expression in his eyes as he smiled and closed the door...the warm fever spreading through his groin. “Son of a bitch,” he sighed forcing his feet to move back along the path towards his own domicile. Ok. So he had a problem. He recognized that heat. It was desire. Duo was turning him on. It wasn’t really all that much of a revelation since he worked with many homosexuals. He wasn’t appalled by the idea but it was very unnerving to feel this way toward another human being. Especially one that was unlikely to return his feelings. Wufei had been right. He needed to get out of there for awhile with or without Duo. He’d have to do as he’d suggested and pack up for the time being. The concert would be a great way to show Duo how the other half lived and he could always come back in a few weeks and try again but right now he had to... how had Wufei put it? Get his head out ofhis ass and put his life back on track. Whatever it was he was feeling for Duo wasn’t your run of the mill emotion he was sure of that. It was frightening and dangerous and needed to be handled with the utmost delicacy if they were to come out of this with anything worth having. He needed to slow it down and take a good look at what was happening before he did something rash and messed it all up.
~ * ~ tbc |
