Fandom: Gundam Wing
Title: School Tales (Senior Year #45) The Winter's Ball
Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4, 5xD
Warnings: AU, Heero POV, angst, humor, sap, fluff, shounen-ai/yaoi,
Rating: R (for language)
Archives: http://www.kiyasama.com/gw_schoolta
My Apartment
Saturday, 6.30pm:
“What are you staring at?”
“Nothing.”
“…shouldn’t you be watching TV or making yourself useful?” Good grief, he’s
giving me the creeps with that intent stare of his.
“No. Duo’s not here and besides, I could learn some tips on how to get dressed
in a fancy tuxedo like you,” he finishes with a snicker which gets my hackles
rising for some reason. That cheeky grin and know-it-all attitude is oddly
reminiscent of a certain boy I met several months ago. Speaking of tuxedos, I
eye my reflection in the mirror and straighten my bow tie, trying not to rip it
off in frustration. Shopping for these outfits hadn’t been my idea, although I
will admit my ensemble looks good on me. Duo had called on Harold a few weeks
ago, and we had gone shopping for the Ball which takes place tonight. Countless
fittings later, we were given our tuxes that cost about…
Just know that it was a lot of money spent on this seemingly simple design.
However, on closer inspection, one can appreciate the sharp creases of the
expensive black material for the pants and jacket, while the crisp white shirt
blazes like a beacon. The cufflinks are a nice touch, something Duo had gotten
for me as a gift. Of course I had to get matching ones for him as well.
“Looking good,” says the spawn with a mock whistle of appreciation.
“Shut up,” I mumble, wondering why the hell I’m blushing (a little) all the
same.
Blissful silence reigns for a moment as I reach for the comb. Duo’s not here by
the way because he has to pick up the limousine that’s taking us to school. His
incessant need to appear in style is driving me absolutely –
“What’s it like?”
I raise a brow, not stopping my combing motions as I eye the suddenly solemn
kid behind me. He’s staring at the floor as if in serious contemplation. What
now?
“What’s what like?” I ask warily.
“Dating a guy.”
The comb tumbles from my fingers to the floor and coughing slightly, I bend to
pick it up, trying to maintain my composure. Remembering Duo’s concerns over
Kamui’s ‘odd’ behavior at the sight of his brother has my mind racing a mile a
minute. It can’t be that Gabriel…? Could it?!
“Why do you ask?” Still wary, but now watching him from the corner of my eye as
I continue combing my hair slowly.
“Well, you know.” Is he blushing?! “I mean, I know you and Duo are holding back
because of me. I’ll be gone tomorrow anyway, so you two can get back to
whatever it is you do.” Yes, he’s definitely red-faced and now almost turned
away from me. Great. Do I have to give the ‘love is no respecter of persons,
race and sex’ speech? I’m not good at that.
“There’s nothing that special or different about it,” I finally say, now
searching for my cologne. “It’s like being with a girl…only it’s a guy.”
“Duh. I know that.” He rolls his eyes and before I can stop myself, I give him
a light cuff at the back of his head. “Ouch!”
“Serves you right, you little brat,” I reply, although I can feel my lips
tugging a little in the semblance of a smile. Watching that pout and petulant
look makes me wonder if Duo had acted this way when he was younger.
Reluctantly, I have to admit it looks quite cute.
“Is there a guy you’re interested in?”
“No way!” he cries out vehemently, shaking his head so that his ponytail
escapes its constraints. I think he plans to let it grow out as long as Duo’s.
“It’s just that you keep hearing all this talk about how yucky it is and all of
that…” His voice trails off as if afraid I’ll give him a much harder whack on
his head. “But I see that Duo looks happy when he’s with you, so it’s not all
that bad, right?”
“No, it’s not.” I turn to face him, forcing him to meet my gaze, and in a voice
that I hope is steady and full of sincerity, I continue. “When you…like
someone, be it a girl or a guy, you just sometimes have to block out what
everyone else thinks or expects you to do. If your heart, mind and gut says
that he or she is the one, then I say go for it.”
“But…”
“But what?” What is this? A quiz game show?
“Don’t you want to have kids when you grow up?”
I stare at him blankly. “Huh?”
He rolls his eyes again. “You’re both guys, remember? And if you two plan to be
together for ever and ever and ever, how will you have kids?”
“Maybe I don’t want kids,” I mumble and turn away to finish my toilette,
although this kid’s words are beginning to bug me.
“What if Duo wants kids, then what?”
Talk about a persistent fly. “We’ll cross that bridge if we get to it.”
“WHEN you get to it that is.” He eyes me with a small knowing smile. “Duo will
want to have kids eventually. I might not know my brother too well, but from
what I’ve seen, he’s the kind that will want to have little kids to – “
“Ever heard of adoption?” I interrupt curtly.
He pouts. “It’s not the same.”
“What do you mean it’s not the same? A kid is a kid…Christ! Why am I even
having this conversation with you? Go watch the TV or sit outside and wait for
Duo or something.” Before I strangle you myself.
“Man, you should learn how to smile more often,” he mutters as he finally gets
off the bed. “You look like you’ve got a bad case of constipation half of the
time.”
Oh, he’s dead.
“Why you little - !” The comb narrowly misses him and hits the door as he darts
out with a quick ‘nyaaah!” and a raspberry blown at me. What the fuck? Is he
really 14 or 10? And just where the hell is Duo?!
“Duo! You’re home!” comes the happy cry from the lobby, and I give a sigh of
relief. However, “He was trying to kill me with the comb!”
That little – !
The door opens with a small bang and in rushes Duo, slightly out of breath, but
already dressed in his tux. “Could you try not to harass him for a second, Heero?”
he grumbles as he kicks off his shoes to hunt for another one. “I leave you
both alone for two minutes and you’re at each other’s throats.”
“It’s not my fault,” I mutter, while eyeing the spawn sticking out his tongue
at me from the safety of the doorway. “Your brother’s a demon.”
“Heero!” Duo rises to his feet, and I swear if the little brat wasn’t here, I
would throw my boyfriend on the bed for a quickie or two. He looks downright
tasty in his outfit, which is quite similar to mine. He walked in with the
chill from the evening air, his cheeks slightly rosy, and eyes alight – alive -
as he eyes me with appreciation.
“Looking good, Yuy,” he drawls and I feel my spine tingle in awareness. Darn
the brat. He can watch this for all I care. With a low growl, I tug on Duo’s
lapel, pulling him closer to claim his lips in a kiss, lashes drifting closed
as I taste him fully in what seems like an eternity. Oh yeah, I did win that
race at the ice rink yesterday, and the thought of having him as my slave for a
week is so wickedly delight-
“Eeeeeeeewww!!”
I feel Duo’s low chuckle against my lips as he pulls away to grin at me. “Looks
like we just traumatized the poor kid.”
Smirking with impish pleasure, I turn to Gabriel and raise a brow. He’s
blushing again and trying to scowl at the same time. “What’s wrong, brat?”
“It’s Gabriel not brat,” he grumbles. “And let’s go already! You guys can make
out all you want when I leave. Sheesh.” He stomps out and closes the door
behind him with a loud bang, causing both of us to wince as the furniture
rattles with the force of it.
“Might as well do as the kid says,” Duo says, patting the pockets of his winter
coat. “Tickets, check. Wallet, check. All set, Heero?”
“Yeah.” I slip into my coat as well, making sure I have everything intact.
“Let’s roll.”
The Palisades
Saturday, 7.35pm:
As the limo pulls up to Eleanor’s condo, I’m quick to notice the familiar
“Fuck,” Duo mutters. “What’s he doing here?”
“They’re about to be married, remember?” I say quietly as the vehicle comes to
a stop. Duo and I had agreed it would be a good idea to keep Gabriel with his
mother until the Ball was over. Besides, it would be a nice way to introduce
the two since they hadn’t really met. Gabriel was surprisingly quiet throughout
the ride and didn’t say a word even to Duo despite his attempts to engage the
sullen teen in conversation. Did our kiss really bother him that much?
“Yeah, don’t remind me,” Duo replies as we step out of the vehicle and make our
way to the front door. However, she must have been expecting us because the
door is thrown open and she’s standing there, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“Baby!”
“Mom..mmphff!” Duo’s engulfed in her enthusiastic embrace while Gabriel and I
watch him flail in embarrassment. She looks radiant. I guess that’s what being
in love can do to you. I notice Saito standing in the lobby, watching the
events unfold and raise a hand in salutation which he reciprocates with a small
smile. I wonder where Kamui is tonight.
“And you must be Gabriel,” Eleanor’s saying as he finally releases her
breathless son to walk up to the blushing younger boy. “My word. You’re just a
miniature Daniel, aren’t you?”
“Hi…hi Mrs…Max…mmmpfff!” Duo and I steal a glance at each other as we watch
Gabriel engulfed in Eleanor’s now trademark bear hug. I can’t imagine being
squashed against that bosom. I’d die or suffocate, whichever came first.
“Hey, Saito,” Duo’s greeting. “Say, Mom, Heero and I have got to go now. We’re
almost late.”
“It’s fine,” she says, releasing Gabriel who staggers a little and has to be
steadied by Saito. The spawn looks like he needs to lie down. “I’ll take good
care of him. We’re going to have so much fun, aren’t we, Gabriel?”
“Ye…yes, ma’am.”
“Ma’am?! I don’t see any old woman around here. You can call me Eleanor or Aunt
Eleanor would be nice.”
Gabriel only nods, still blushing furiously.
“…call Kamui as well, sweetheart? He’s coming to join us for dinner, right?”
“Kamui?” Duo screeches and turns around quickly – we were walking toward the
car – “What’s Kamui doing here?!”
Eleanor and Saito blink in surprise at the sudden vehement cry. “What do you
think he’s going to do here?” Eleanor asks with a raised brow. “He’s joining us
for dinner. Saito cooked tonight and I thought it would be a nice way to spend
time together.”
“But…” Duo looks at his brother with something akin to worry and it’s all I can
do not to laugh.
“Come on, Duo. We’re going to be late.” I tug his arm a little impatiently.
“Gabriel!” Duo cries out. “Whatever happens, don’t let Kamui talk you into
anything, okay?!”
“Huh?!”
Good question, Gabriel. I think everyone is beginning to stare at Duo as if
he’s lost his mind.
“I mean it,” Duo continues, sticking his head out the window to give his final
advice of the evening. “Don’t let him touch you!”
“Duo! Get your ass back in here!” I tug him back to his seat, shaking my head
as he pouts and reluctantly closes the window.
“Damn. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”
“God, you’re worse than your mother was when this whole thing started.”
“Hey, he’s only 14, okay?! I don’t want him going about thinking – “
“Thinking what?” I ask quietly. “Don’t you think you’re being a little
hypocritical, Duo?”
He sits back on his seat, stumped for a second, before speaking in a low voice
that tells me he’s slowly but surely getting irritated with me. “What’s that
supposed to mean?”
“You know what I mean. You joke about kissing in front of him, we’re obviously
in a relationship and you’re trying to stop him from seeing a guy? Hello? Where
do you think he’s getting his influence from?”
“Not me,” he says with a scowl. “He’s not gay. You saw his reaction. He won’t
become gay.”
“Oh yeah?” I smirk a little. “He asked me some pretty interesting questions
while you were away.”
“Like what?”
“Why should I tell you?”
“Fuck you, Heero.” He closes his eyes – a sign that the discussion is over. “I
won’t let my brother date my other possible brother. Brr.” He shudders. “That’s
like incest, dude.”
“Idiot. They’re not even related!”
Lashes fly open to reveal determined violet depths. “Makes no difference! We’ll
still be related in some weird way. I mean, how the heck am I supposed to
introduce them when they become a couple? Oh, hey, here’s my brother Gabriel, who’s
dating my step brother, Kamui. Sheeesh. What? What the hell’s so funny?!”
But I can’t help it, watching Duo get angry over something so silly really is
hilarious to see. “Urk! Duo…ack! Stop…! You’re choking me…!”
We mock wrestle in the back seat, now both laughing and trying to outdo the
other while he keeps yelling that I’m about to mess up his expensive tux.
Somehow, I’m eventually able to pin him to the leather seat, staring down into
mischievous eyes that dare me to go ahead with whatever I have planned next. I
know we do not have much time and we will be arriving at the gates of Fujisaki
soon, but it should be enough to give him a taste of his own medicine. I have
not forgotten my unsatisfied state from a few nights ago.
“Wha…what are you doing?” he gasps, trying to push me off as my left hand makes
quick work of his zipper while maintaining my grip on his hands to hold him
prisoner. “Heero…mmmmm…”
With my tongue making successful work on his, my fingers caress the growing
bulge through the cloth of his briefs, stroking, relishing in the throbbing
heat and the dampness that accumulates with my actions. His moan of need is
lost between our warring tongues, his hips bucking gently to meet my offer of
undeniable pleasure. I squeeze his sacs gently, and he releases me to cry out,
arching his neck as his eyes squeeze shut in ecstasy. Ah fuck, who am I
kidding? With him looking like that, it’s all I can do not to explode in my
pants.
“Please…” he pleads in a husky, deep, downright sexy voice.
“Please what?” I stroke a bit faster, knowing my breaking point is near.
“Don’t…ah…don’t make me come yet…please…my tux…don’t want to change….Heero! Oh
God!”
Two crystalline tears coat the corner of his eyes and I stop at that, knowing
he does have a point. There’s no need giving both of us erections that won’t be
satisfied until God knows when. With a low groan, I withdraw my hand and pull
up his zipper, sitting back with a sigh as I will my heated and flushed body to
cooperate. Duo sits up a bit more slowly, hardly looking at me as if it’s all
my fault.
“Sorry,” I mumble, reaching out to cup his chin forcing his gaze to meet mine.
“I’ll make it up to you later.”
“You had better,” he smirks and steals a hard kiss just as the car comes to a
complete stop. “It’s partaaay time, Mr. Yuy.”
“After you, Mr. Maxwell,” I reply with a matching smirk, sincerely hoping that
the night goes off without a hitch.
Fujisaki High School
The Auditorium/Ball Room
8.27pm
The sign outside the door had said ‘Welcome to Our Winter Wonderland’ and it
definitely hadn’t been kidding. Opening the doors to the once boring
auditorium, was like stepping into a completely new world. Relena and her
friends had more than outdone themselves with the décor. The ceiling was
completely covered with what seemed like a million crystals in the shape of
snowflakes, crescent moons and stars. They sparkled against the black
background, giving an illusion of being underneath a moonlight sky. White
arches with white flowers of all kinds intertwined with crawling vines loomed
over round tables of six, each table had lace or gauze like white table cloths
and seat covers. Lit white candles and white poinsettias made for festive table
decorations. A large space had been made for the dance floor where several
couples were already dancing to a somewhat lively beat.
Caterers walk around with trays of food and drink (non-alcoholic thank you) and
Duo and I reach for a passing tray of flutes filled with what looks like…
“Grape wine,” comes the familiar voice of our friend as we spin around quickly.
“Wow, Relena,” Duo gasp in awe. “You look…hot.”
She laughs and slaps his arm gently, ignoring the wince of pain Duo gives – I
swear she sometimes doesn’t know her own strength – as she blushes at the
compliment. She is dressed in white, as all the girls are supposed to, but hers
is a sequined silhouette that seems like it’s molded to her slender figure. A
simple but no doubt expensive choker adorns her exposed neck, white elbow
gloves with diamond bracelets and a matching tiara on her short locks
completing the picture. In fact, it’s safe to say she looks like something out
of the pages of a fairytale.
“Stop gawking, Heero,” she admonishes gently. “A fly will get into your mouth.
First dance?” She holds out her hands in invitation.
I eye Duo, who nods and accepts my flute from me. Winking and wishing me luck,
he drifts towards Hilde, who is looking quite pretty in her little white ball
gown.
“Stop staring after him,” Relena mutters against my chest as we move on the
dance floor. “He’s not running away. You’re with me now, Heero.”
She smiles and I forget how to breathe for a moment. If only –
“What are you thinking about?” We twirl, my feet seeming to move on their
accord. I can’t remember the last time I danced and yet it comes to me
naturally.
“Nothing.”
“Liar.” She laughs and I blush. She’s always able to read me anyway. “I bet you
were thinking what would have happened if Duo had never come to this school.
Maybe you would have had a shot with me, hmm?”
I have to smile at her unerring guess, shrugging and saying nothing for a
minute. Over her shoulder, I see Wufei and Dorothy entering the room, looking
quite dashing as a couple. Funny though, Dorothy seems to be dressed in the
same outfit Relena’s wearing. I wonder if both girls know. Quatre and Trowa
make their way in soon after and in no time, our friends are chatting in a
corner and laughing over something.
“Well?”
“Well what?” I eye Relena in slight bemusement.
“Would we have had a shot as a couple?”
I dip her a little, stare into her blue eyes which don’t reveal anything and
pull her back up in a smooth move. “Probably not.”
“Figured. I would have been bored of you in a week.”
“Ditto.”
She chuckles and allows me to spin her around for a second, before she falls
back into my arms. “Or maybe…it would have worked. If we had given it a
chance.” She stares at me and I can’t seem to look away. The questions fill my
mind again like a petulant and incessant bell.
What about kids? Duo will want to have kids. You can’t have kids, can you?
An heir. A possible heir. If I had been with Relena…
A tap on my shoulder breaks my worrisome reverie and I turn to find Duo
grinning at me. “My turn, buddy. You’ve monopolized her enough, give others a
chance, eh?”
He all but pushes me aside to cradle the giggling Relena against him. In no
time, they’re twirling around the dance floor and I’m left standing alone,
feeling a bit cold for some reason. I can still feel her warmth against me. The
slight curve of her breasts against my chest…gah! What the fuck am I thinking
about?!
“You look troubled,” Quatre says as he nudges me gently. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” I reply, suddenly feeling irritated with myself. “Where do we sit?”
“And nice to see you too, Mr. Grouchy,” Trowa says with a roll of his eyes as
he motions towards a table set for the eight of us. As I sit, I steal a glance
at Duo and Relena. They’re laughing and to my chagrin, Duo’s hand is just about
ready to cup a feel of her ass. The shameless bastard. He leans close to
whisper something in her ear. She blushes and tries to slap him, but he dodges
and winks, only to lift his head to catch my gaze. There’s a look in his eyes,
something I can’t quite define. It’s quick, brief but I can swear it’s a look
of mild anger. But why? Did he notice my moment of indecision while dancing
with Relena? Is that it? Does he think I’m second guessing my decision to be
with him for the rest of my life?
But admit it, Heero. For a moment there, you actually did entertain thoughts
of being with her. She’s a great girl after all, and maybe, just maybe she does
really love you beneath all that friendship crap she keeps spouting. It
wouldn’t be so bad to be with her –
“I need a drink,” I mutter and reach for the bottle of grape wine. Dear God, I
really wish it was an alcoholic drink. Maybe I could get myself into a quick
stupor and stop worrying so much.
9.25pm
Somehow, I ended up dancing with Dorothy, Hilde, Anne (the Student Council
secretary), and Relena again, and even with Wufei and Quatre. And I swear that
Duo’s been avoiding me for some reason. It doesn’t help that I’ve found it
somewhat hard to look at him as well. Maybe we both realize that our feelings
might be shifting towards others or…
“Aargh…”
“You okay, Heero?” A hand is placed on my shoulder. “You don’t look so hot.”
“Damn! None of these drinks are alcoholic, are they?” Relena barks as she eyes
the bottle. “I thought I told these guys that they shouldn’t serve anything
like that. Heero’s a wimp when it comes to such beverages!”
Does she have to announce my weakness that loudly?
“He just needs some fresh air,” Duo says and places a hand around my shoulder
to help me to my feet. “Let’s take a walk, Heero.”
Something about that quiet request has me on edge, but I follow him all the
same. In no time, we are standing on the balcony, shivering a little as the
cold from the night air hits me like a bucket of ice. There are, however,
couples enjoying the darkness, but I’m too preoccupied with my own problems to worry
about what they’re doing.
“Do you need to sit down?”
I look at Duo, feeling something hard in my chest at the drawn expression on
his features. He looks a bit guarded and yet uneasy.
“Duo…”
“S’okay. There’s a bench over there. Looks like you’re going to collapse
anyway. I doubt you’ve danced with that many girls before, huh?”
I raise a brow. “I danced with Quatre and Wufei and Trowa…not with you.”
I keep his gaze, watching the smoke escape our lips and into nothingness.
“Don’t you want to dance with me, Duo?”
He bites his lower lip and drops his gaze. “You know I want to,” he mumbles.
“Then let’s go.” I reach out for his hand, but he slaps it away quickly. I
wince inwardly, ignoring the stab of hurt that laces through my heart at the
rejection. “What’s wrong?” Is that me sounding so panicked?
“Heero.”
“What?” Why is he looking at me like that? Why is this hurting too much?
Damn it. Stop. Stop staring at me like you know something I don’t, Duo!
“I love you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Of…of course I do. What…what’s this all about, Duo?” I’m trying. Trying so
damn hard not to shake him in frustration. I want to take back my sudden
feelings for Relena. That was just a fluke. It meant nothing. But to my
surprise, he breaks into a wide smile and oh dear God, that hurts me even more.
“Then, it’s fine.” He takes a deep breath and then reaches for my hand, pulling
me back into the auditorium where the lights have been dimmed and couples are
all but glued together in the semblance of a dance.
He wraps his arms around my waist and buries his face against my chest, and
without even thinking twice about it, my arms engulf him too, our feet barely
moving to the music as we remain locked in our embrace – lost in our own world
perhaps. My heart is beating so fast I fear it will leap out of my chest. What
was that all about outside? Why would he say that now? Does he doubt us? Does
he doubt me? Do I doubt me? I have to know or else -
“Duo…what…?”
“Just shut up and hold me,” he says in a barely audible whisper. “We both know
it can’t last forever, Heero.”
What? What?!
“I saw the look in your eyes when you danced with her and I knew…” His breath
catches in his throat and my eyes burn with unshed tears. Shit. Shit! Shit!!
“So just hold me. Hold me for as long as you can. Don’t let me go, Heero.”
The words fail me as I bury my face against his hair, and beneath the blanket
of makeshift stars and snowflakes in our false paradise, we shed silent tears
of the inevitable.
~End Period Forty-Five~