Parallel-Part 2
Parallel
AU/Romantic Adventure
1x2, Rx1 (unrequited…mostly)
Mention of lemon, brief romantic interlude with OOC Relena, light angst
Summary: When a young soldier is transported to an alternate universe he discovers the answers to the painful confusion in his heart.
Back to Part 1
Part 2
His cabin was small but adequate with a tiny lavatory along one end, a food synthesizer and a bunk but it lacked what he craved most as there was no terminal or access to outside information whatsoever. All he had was what was already in his head so he sat down to contemplate and analyze the information. It was still unclear how or why the gate had brought him there but the assumption that he and his alternate self had somehow opened the gate by enacting the same action at exactly the same time held merit. There is a set amount of matter in the universe and many who studied the possibility of alternate worlds believed that if travel between them were possible it would only work with equal exchange. Bringing something into one universe without leaving the same in the other would cause the ultimate destruction of both, or so it was hypothesized. Considering the events of his arrival he couldn’t help but believe that it was the simultaneous actions on both sides that made it possible but there was no way to be sure if the events in his world were still paralleling the ones taking place around him. It made him wonder about his other self while he thought of how very different everyone else was and the concern that if he was some sort of…scalawag had Une called him?...he might not have been as well received.
“Yes?” he responded to the knock on his door while he diligently worked on the problem but his thoughts were scattered when Duo was revealed on the other side.
“Hi,” he smiled looking the small cabin over. Hiiro merely watched him and held his tongue when he shyly asked, “May I come in?” Images of passion bright, violet eyes and lips so eagerly demanding washed across his mind then the memory of Relena’s hopeful expression and his eyes slowly closed on the vision. “I’m sorry to intrude,” Duo offered smiling uncertainly while he took a seat on the small stool attached to the wall. He paused when Hiiro opened his eyes and he saw the longing in his violet gaze before he looked away and chuckled unsteadily. “I’m sorry,” he offered again. “It’s just…you look so much like him.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Hiiro told him evenly.
“I haven’t lost him yet,” Duo smiled stubbornly and Hiiro saw a flicker of something familiar in his eyes. “But I wonder,” he went on cautiously. “Do you think he’s alright?”
“If he is intelligent and cooperative he should be fine.”
It wasn’t the answer Duo was looking for apparently because his brow knit with worry and he started ringing his hands. It looked so odd to see someone as sure and steady as Duo behaving in such a way Hiiro was inspired to shift uncomfortably on the bed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked growing curious over what might be happening on the other side.
Duo considered him for a moment then sighed and relaxed which allowed his cloak to slip off his shoulder and reveal the creamy skin beneath which Hiiro was unable to keep himself from glancing at before Duo smiled. “You certainly don’t act like him, though,” he laughed.
“What’s he like?” Hiiro asked hoping to get some idea of what his people were dealing with.
“Well,” Duo grinned leaning back so that his cloak fell open to reveal the length of his sultry body and Hiiro was inspired to memorize the tantalizing configuration of his snug attire. “If he were here I’d be on my back by now.” Hiiro’s ears pinked while he forced his gaze away and Duo chuckled but the amusement faded when he sat forward. “He’s a passionate man,” he told him softly missing how the comment colored Hiiro’s cheeks. “But I’m afraid he’s a bit of a hot head. I just wish I knew if he was alright,” he grumbled in frustration.
“Would he surrender?” Hiiro wondered but was not set at ease when Duo sighed heavily and replied…
“I don’t know.”
Hiiro saw the worry lines appear on his brow and felt sympathy for his position when he thought about his own worry for his friends. “They won’t harm him,” he assured him brightening his spirits somewhat. “It’s fairly obvious if we are to remedy this situation and return us to our rightful places we’ll need both of us to manage it.”
“Are your people that loyal to you?” Duo wondered.
Hiiro thought about how distraught Relena must be and the strong determination in Duo’s heart and confidently replied, “They will come for me.”
This appeared to please his company enough that he cocked his head in a way that sent those damnable butterflies fluttering around in Hiiro’s stomach while he asked. “Are you hungry?”
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” he asked cursing the memory of how sweet Duo’s skin had tasted.
“I can’t close my eyes,” he explained sadly but then smiled. “Come eat with me. At the very least you can see how we differ from your kind in the daily hum drum.”
More information was appealing. “All right.”
“Highness?” the shorter of the guards at the door questioned when he led Hiiro into the hall. “What’re…?”
“I wish to take a meal with this man,” he informed them with an air of expectance Hiiro was more used to hearing from Relena. “You may accompany us but keep your distance.”
“Yes, Sire,” the guard agreed looking uncertainly to his peer but he merely stood quietly and followed along.
Hiiro kept a fairly close eye on the tall one as he was the alternate persona of one of his best friends back home. Trowa had once been a member of a mercenary team that caused a great deal of trouble for the Alliance at one time but when his leader ordered him to attack a school full of children he turned on them and wipe out the entire force. He was injured in the fight and lost his memory for a time in which he was welcomed as a citizen of Sanc where is natural abilities quickly granted him a top position in the local police force. Hiiro had worked closely with him on many occasions and helped bring him in when his memories returned and he almost wiped out the ocean side of the city but once under control he managed to put it all together and requested a position in the Alliance military where he had performed outstandingly well at Hiiro’s side.
“Do you know him?” Duo asked while they ate at a high table overlooking a common room of the ships huge galley.
“Hn?” Hiiro hummed noting that the wine was somewhat sweeter than in his world.
“That guard,” Duo indicated and Hiiro glanced at the face that had once belonged to one of his best friends. “You keep looking at him.”
Hiiro considered him for a moment then turned his attention back to his meal while he replied, “No. He’s someone else in my world.”
Duo paused to think about that then commented, “It must be hard on you.”
“No harder than it is on you,” Hiiro countered and Duo’s eyes widened with comprehension before he settled and smiled.
“You’re very kind,” he observed.
“I hope at least that much is familiar,” Hiiro replied hoping his ‘passionate scalawag’ of a ‘hot headed’ counterpart wasn’t causing too much trouble.
“His kindness is often carefully concealed,” Duo laughed but the comment didn’t seem funny to Hiiro. “But he loves me.”
Hiiro thought back to the way Relena always behaved as if their destiny was written in the stars and couldn’t help his curiosity. “How can you be so sure?”
“Well,” Duo chuckled allowing their server to remove his plate. “We’ve been lovers for over two years,” he grinned.
Hiiro’s gaze wandered to the viewport while he wondered, “Does sleeping with someone really mean you’re in love with them?”
Duo’s brow creased while he sat forward and declared, “I believe he would die for me.”
Again, Relena’s face flashed in his mind but he couldn’t bury the fact that though it was true he would lay down his life for her it had little to do with his personal feelings. He was fond of her but in reality she was the sovereign of their kingdom and it was his duty to protect and serve the crown.
Duo’s mouth curled knowingly while he watched him think then he commented. “You’ve left someone behind.”
His first reaction was to balk at the notion but then his mind settled squarely on Duo’s face. “Our world is governed by a monarchy,” he confessed.
“Much like our own,” Duo smiled and Hiiro nodded while noting his royal attire.
“Except that in my world the sovereign is a girl.”
“A princess?” Duo gasped sitting back and looking properly horrified.
“Yes,” Hiiro confirmed then braced himself when he revealed, “Her name…is Relena.”
Duo sat motionless for a moment then laughed right out loud which called the attention of most everyone in the galley. It wasn’t until he caught the incredulous expression in Hiiro’s eyes that he finally got control of it and offered an amused, “Sorry. It’s just…Relena?”
“She is quite a different person in my world,” Hiiro explained defensively.
“She would have to be,” Duo chuckled relenting when Hiiro scowled. “Relena comes from a long line of proud warriors,” he explained. “So it’s very amusing to think of her in a station like my own.”
“She is a pacifist in my world.”
Duo hid the laugh behind his hand but couldn’t contain it completely.
“And she’s in love with me.”
The room stopped to stare again when Duo laughed so hard he almost fell out of his chair. “S…sorry,” he chuckled while he fought to get it back under control but he lost it again when he revealed, “But she hates you.” Hiiro was not amused. “Well, not you I suppose but my Hiiro has always been on her least favorites list.”
“Why?” Hiiro wondered curious about something that would cause the warrior girl concern.
“She thinks he’s arrogant and reckless,” Duo explained dismissively but the information gave Hiiro an uneasy feeling. “But I think it’s more because he’s stronger than her to be honest.”
That might explain why she attacked him but the animosity itself was difficult to understand. He wasn’t the same person after all but his ponderings were interrupted when the subject of their conversation strode purposefully across the floor.
“What is he doing here!?” she demanded taking the steps to Duo’s high table two at a time while the three men in her wake hurried to keep up.
“He is here at my request,” Duo sighed.
“He should be in his cabin!” she snapped indicating the guards should return him there but they backed off when Duo waved them away.
“We’re not finished eating,” he explained.
“He’s coercing you!” she spate.
“None of this was his idea,” Duo countered sternly and Hiiro saw that familiar spark in his eyes again.
“Your Highness,” Relena reasoned coming closer. “You must understand that he isn’t the man you know.”
“I’m well aware of who he is,” Duo insisted.
“This is not a situation in which we can patronize your whims,” she countered firmly.
“It’s alright,” Hiiro interjected before Duo could respond.
“No, it’s not,” Duo argued turning back to the girl. “He’s not a prisoner.”
“He should be!” she snapped. “We don’t know anything about him or why he’s really here. They might have opened that gate on purpose in order to infiltrate or attack us.”
“You’re being paranoid,” Duo sighed.
“Call it what you will,” she replied in a deadly even tone. “But it is by my hand alone that you sit in that chair and I’ll not have you sacrifice yourself or the lives of these people simply because that buffoon isn’t here to warm your bed!”
“I’ll go,” Hiiro interjected firmly laying a comforting hand on Duo’s arm as her comments had almost brought tears to his eyes. “It’s all right,” he soothed standing to join the guards. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Wait,” Duo sniffed stubbornly standing by his side while he glared at Relena and obstinately declared, “I’m coming with you.”
“Return to your quarters,” Relena insisted but his only answer was to take Hiiro by the arm and lead him away. “Stay close to them,” she ordered the guards. “And see that he doesn’t sweet talk any national secrets out of him!”
Hiiro was almost inspired to laugh at the frustration in her tone but Duo didn’t look at all happy about the confrontation so he buried it deep. He realized quickly that they weren’t headed back to his cabin either but when the guards attempted to question him about it he glared in such a way that they shut up and simply followed along. The hall they ended up in was where Relena’s quarters were located in his world so he wasn’t that surprised when it turned out to be Duo’s.
“Highness?” one of the guards inquired hesitantly when he stopped after entering and turned toward the door but all he got for his trouble was it slammed in his face.
“Won’t she be angry?” Hiiro inquired while Duo huffed about but when he dropped his cloak he couldn’t help turning his head.
Duo caught the action but was too angry to comment on it at the time as he draped the heavy material over the back of a plush couch and headed for the bar. “She’s much too willful sometimes,” he stated as he poured himself a brandy.
“What did she mean?” Hiiro wondered easing backward when Duo stepped in front of him and offered him a drink.
“About what?” Duo asked plopping into the couch with his tumbler.
“Are you here because of something she did?” Hiiro asked perching cautiously on the arm of a chair.
Duo’s smile curled slowly on the ends and Hiiro felt himself swallow when heated memories of how sinfully good it had felt to hold him flooded his mind as he leaned back and slowly spread his long legs. “She is my protector,” Duo explained amusedly while Hiiro’s ears turned red and he looked away. “There have been several times she has saved my life but that doesn’t give her the right to undermine my authority.”
Hiiro nodded though he wasn’t really all that interested in the conversation anymore as he did his best to banish the visions from his mind. It should never have happened, there were rules against it and Relena was so sure but…he glanced over his shoulder and wondered if the Duo he knew paraded around in clothes like that would it have taken so long for him to break down and claim him body and soul? And how was he ever going to explain it to her?
“You like him,” Duo smiled from behind his glass.
“What?” was Hiiro’s intelligent reply.
“Are you lovers?” Duo asked casually and Hiiro hit his drink so hard he emptied the glass.
“No,” he replied though he wasn’t sure if it was a lie. They had made love but did that make them lovers? It was only once and…
“But you want him,” Duo grinned knowingly and Hiiro decided to take a seat. “Does she know?” was his next question.
“No,” Hiiro replied sadly trying once again to find the words to tell her but nothing would come clear.
However, Duo’s coy inquiry of, “Does he?” brought about an entirely different train of thought. It was clear from his expression what was on his mind from the way his companion smiled cleverly and commented, “So the fates favor us in both worlds.”
Hiiro sighed heavily but couldn’t deny the deep feelings his night with Duo had brought to light. It made him feel like such a fool for having allowed Relena’s affection to grow and flourish until she was certain they would one day wed. They’d never even been on a date but everyone just automatically assumed they would marry because he’d never done anything to counter the idea. For so long he’d simply waited patiently for some feeling to stir but when it did it wasn’t the princess that made his heart race.
“You should tell her,” Duo softly intoned and Hiiro nearly came right out of his chair because he was standing right behind him leaning down close to his ear. Duo chuckled while he tried to catch his breath and took advantage of his momentary lapse to curl around and land in his lap.
“What’re you doing?” Hiiro squeaked but couldn’t stand up without dumping him on the floor.
“If my Hiiro were here,” Duo smiled running his fingers down Hiiro’s cheek as he moved closer. “He’d kiss me right now.”
He could feel the heat of that same flame that had burned him so hotly only a short time ago but when Duo’s sweet lips came into contact with his he pulled away and reminded him. “I’m not your Hiiro.” Duo looked mortified but allowed him to stand him on his feet where he pushed his hands down to his sides and looked him in the eye when he explained, “And you’re not Duo.”
He was at the door before Duo’s soft plea was heard and he stopped when he called his name. “Please,” Duo rasped through tears he refused to turn and reveal. “Please, bring him back.”
Hiiro held his tongue while he watched him crumble to the floor and weep and knew in his heart he was making a promise to his partner and friend when he vowed, “I will.”
Part 3
AU/Romantic Adventure
1x2, Rx1 (unrequited…mostly)
Mention of lemon, brief romantic interlude with OOC Relena, light angst
Summary: When a young soldier is transported to an alternate universe he discovers the answers to the painful confusion in his heart.
Back to Part 1
Part 2
His cabin was small but adequate with a tiny lavatory along one end, a food synthesizer and a bunk but it lacked what he craved most as there was no terminal or access to outside information whatsoever. All he had was what was already in his head so he sat down to contemplate and analyze the information. It was still unclear how or why the gate had brought him there but the assumption that he and his alternate self had somehow opened the gate by enacting the same action at exactly the same time held merit. There is a set amount of matter in the universe and many who studied the possibility of alternate worlds believed that if travel between them were possible it would only work with equal exchange. Bringing something into one universe without leaving the same in the other would cause the ultimate destruction of both, or so it was hypothesized. Considering the events of his arrival he couldn’t help but believe that it was the simultaneous actions on both sides that made it possible but there was no way to be sure if the events in his world were still paralleling the ones taking place around him. It made him wonder about his other self while he thought of how very different everyone else was and the concern that if he was some sort of…scalawag had Une called him?...he might not have been as well received.
“Yes?” he responded to the knock on his door while he diligently worked on the problem but his thoughts were scattered when Duo was revealed on the other side.
“Hi,” he smiled looking the small cabin over. Hiiro merely watched him and held his tongue when he shyly asked, “May I come in?” Images of passion bright, violet eyes and lips so eagerly demanding washed across his mind then the memory of Relena’s hopeful expression and his eyes slowly closed on the vision. “I’m sorry to intrude,” Duo offered smiling uncertainly while he took a seat on the small stool attached to the wall. He paused when Hiiro opened his eyes and he saw the longing in his violet gaze before he looked away and chuckled unsteadily. “I’m sorry,” he offered again. “It’s just…you look so much like him.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Hiiro told him evenly.
“I haven’t lost him yet,” Duo smiled stubbornly and Hiiro saw a flicker of something familiar in his eyes. “But I wonder,” he went on cautiously. “Do you think he’s alright?”
“If he is intelligent and cooperative he should be fine.”
It wasn’t the answer Duo was looking for apparently because his brow knit with worry and he started ringing his hands. It looked so odd to see someone as sure and steady as Duo behaving in such a way Hiiro was inspired to shift uncomfortably on the bed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked growing curious over what might be happening on the other side.
Duo considered him for a moment then sighed and relaxed which allowed his cloak to slip off his shoulder and reveal the creamy skin beneath which Hiiro was unable to keep himself from glancing at before Duo smiled. “You certainly don’t act like him, though,” he laughed.
“What’s he like?” Hiiro asked hoping to get some idea of what his people were dealing with.
“Well,” Duo grinned leaning back so that his cloak fell open to reveal the length of his sultry body and Hiiro was inspired to memorize the tantalizing configuration of his snug attire. “If he were here I’d be on my back by now.” Hiiro’s ears pinked while he forced his gaze away and Duo chuckled but the amusement faded when he sat forward. “He’s a passionate man,” he told him softly missing how the comment colored Hiiro’s cheeks. “But I’m afraid he’s a bit of a hot head. I just wish I knew if he was alright,” he grumbled in frustration.
“Would he surrender?” Hiiro wondered but was not set at ease when Duo sighed heavily and replied…
“I don’t know.”
Hiiro saw the worry lines appear on his brow and felt sympathy for his position when he thought about his own worry for his friends. “They won’t harm him,” he assured him brightening his spirits somewhat. “It’s fairly obvious if we are to remedy this situation and return us to our rightful places we’ll need both of us to manage it.”
“Are your people that loyal to you?” Duo wondered.
Hiiro thought about how distraught Relena must be and the strong determination in Duo’s heart and confidently replied, “They will come for me.”
This appeared to please his company enough that he cocked his head in a way that sent those damnable butterflies fluttering around in Hiiro’s stomach while he asked. “Are you hungry?”
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” he asked cursing the memory of how sweet Duo’s skin had tasted.
“I can’t close my eyes,” he explained sadly but then smiled. “Come eat with me. At the very least you can see how we differ from your kind in the daily hum drum.”
More information was appealing. “All right.”
“Highness?” the shorter of the guards at the door questioned when he led Hiiro into the hall. “What’re…?”
“I wish to take a meal with this man,” he informed them with an air of expectance Hiiro was more used to hearing from Relena. “You may accompany us but keep your distance.”
“Yes, Sire,” the guard agreed looking uncertainly to his peer but he merely stood quietly and followed along.
Hiiro kept a fairly close eye on the tall one as he was the alternate persona of one of his best friends back home. Trowa had once been a member of a mercenary team that caused a great deal of trouble for the Alliance at one time but when his leader ordered him to attack a school full of children he turned on them and wipe out the entire force. He was injured in the fight and lost his memory for a time in which he was welcomed as a citizen of Sanc where is natural abilities quickly granted him a top position in the local police force. Hiiro had worked closely with him on many occasions and helped bring him in when his memories returned and he almost wiped out the ocean side of the city but once under control he managed to put it all together and requested a position in the Alliance military where he had performed outstandingly well at Hiiro’s side.
“Do you know him?” Duo asked while they ate at a high table overlooking a common room of the ships huge galley.
“Hn?” Hiiro hummed noting that the wine was somewhat sweeter than in his world.
“That guard,” Duo indicated and Hiiro glanced at the face that had once belonged to one of his best friends. “You keep looking at him.”
Hiiro considered him for a moment then turned his attention back to his meal while he replied, “No. He’s someone else in my world.”
Duo paused to think about that then commented, “It must be hard on you.”
“No harder than it is on you,” Hiiro countered and Duo’s eyes widened with comprehension before he settled and smiled.
“You’re very kind,” he observed.
“I hope at least that much is familiar,” Hiiro replied hoping his ‘passionate scalawag’ of a ‘hot headed’ counterpart wasn’t causing too much trouble.
“His kindness is often carefully concealed,” Duo laughed but the comment didn’t seem funny to Hiiro. “But he loves me.”
Hiiro thought back to the way Relena always behaved as if their destiny was written in the stars and couldn’t help his curiosity. “How can you be so sure?”
“Well,” Duo chuckled allowing their server to remove his plate. “We’ve been lovers for over two years,” he grinned.
Hiiro’s gaze wandered to the viewport while he wondered, “Does sleeping with someone really mean you’re in love with them?”
Duo’s brow creased while he sat forward and declared, “I believe he would die for me.”
Again, Relena’s face flashed in his mind but he couldn’t bury the fact that though it was true he would lay down his life for her it had little to do with his personal feelings. He was fond of her but in reality she was the sovereign of their kingdom and it was his duty to protect and serve the crown.
Duo’s mouth curled knowingly while he watched him think then he commented. “You’ve left someone behind.”
His first reaction was to balk at the notion but then his mind settled squarely on Duo’s face. “Our world is governed by a monarchy,” he confessed.
“Much like our own,” Duo smiled and Hiiro nodded while noting his royal attire.
“Except that in my world the sovereign is a girl.”
“A princess?” Duo gasped sitting back and looking properly horrified.
“Yes,” Hiiro confirmed then braced himself when he revealed, “Her name…is Relena.”
Duo sat motionless for a moment then laughed right out loud which called the attention of most everyone in the galley. It wasn’t until he caught the incredulous expression in Hiiro’s eyes that he finally got control of it and offered an amused, “Sorry. It’s just…Relena?”
“She is quite a different person in my world,” Hiiro explained defensively.
“She would have to be,” Duo chuckled relenting when Hiiro scowled. “Relena comes from a long line of proud warriors,” he explained. “So it’s very amusing to think of her in a station like my own.”
“She is a pacifist in my world.”
Duo hid the laugh behind his hand but couldn’t contain it completely.
“And she’s in love with me.”
The room stopped to stare again when Duo laughed so hard he almost fell out of his chair. “S…sorry,” he chuckled while he fought to get it back under control but he lost it again when he revealed, “But she hates you.” Hiiro was not amused. “Well, not you I suppose but my Hiiro has always been on her least favorites list.”
“Why?” Hiiro wondered curious about something that would cause the warrior girl concern.
“She thinks he’s arrogant and reckless,” Duo explained dismissively but the information gave Hiiro an uneasy feeling. “But I think it’s more because he’s stronger than her to be honest.”
That might explain why she attacked him but the animosity itself was difficult to understand. He wasn’t the same person after all but his ponderings were interrupted when the subject of their conversation strode purposefully across the floor.
“What is he doing here!?” she demanded taking the steps to Duo’s high table two at a time while the three men in her wake hurried to keep up.
“He is here at my request,” Duo sighed.
“He should be in his cabin!” she snapped indicating the guards should return him there but they backed off when Duo waved them away.
“We’re not finished eating,” he explained.
“He’s coercing you!” she spate.
“None of this was his idea,” Duo countered sternly and Hiiro saw that familiar spark in his eyes again.
“Your Highness,” Relena reasoned coming closer. “You must understand that he isn’t the man you know.”
“I’m well aware of who he is,” Duo insisted.
“This is not a situation in which we can patronize your whims,” she countered firmly.
“It’s alright,” Hiiro interjected before Duo could respond.
“No, it’s not,” Duo argued turning back to the girl. “He’s not a prisoner.”
“He should be!” she snapped. “We don’t know anything about him or why he’s really here. They might have opened that gate on purpose in order to infiltrate or attack us.”
“You’re being paranoid,” Duo sighed.
“Call it what you will,” she replied in a deadly even tone. “But it is by my hand alone that you sit in that chair and I’ll not have you sacrifice yourself or the lives of these people simply because that buffoon isn’t here to warm your bed!”
“I’ll go,” Hiiro interjected firmly laying a comforting hand on Duo’s arm as her comments had almost brought tears to his eyes. “It’s all right,” he soothed standing to join the guards. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Wait,” Duo sniffed stubbornly standing by his side while he glared at Relena and obstinately declared, “I’m coming with you.”
“Return to your quarters,” Relena insisted but his only answer was to take Hiiro by the arm and lead him away. “Stay close to them,” she ordered the guards. “And see that he doesn’t sweet talk any national secrets out of him!”
Hiiro was almost inspired to laugh at the frustration in her tone but Duo didn’t look at all happy about the confrontation so he buried it deep. He realized quickly that they weren’t headed back to his cabin either but when the guards attempted to question him about it he glared in such a way that they shut up and simply followed along. The hall they ended up in was where Relena’s quarters were located in his world so he wasn’t that surprised when it turned out to be Duo’s.
“Highness?” one of the guards inquired hesitantly when he stopped after entering and turned toward the door but all he got for his trouble was it slammed in his face.
“Won’t she be angry?” Hiiro inquired while Duo huffed about but when he dropped his cloak he couldn’t help turning his head.
Duo caught the action but was too angry to comment on it at the time as he draped the heavy material over the back of a plush couch and headed for the bar. “She’s much too willful sometimes,” he stated as he poured himself a brandy.
“What did she mean?” Hiiro wondered easing backward when Duo stepped in front of him and offered him a drink.
“About what?” Duo asked plopping into the couch with his tumbler.
“Are you here because of something she did?” Hiiro asked perching cautiously on the arm of a chair.
Duo’s smile curled slowly on the ends and Hiiro felt himself swallow when heated memories of how sinfully good it had felt to hold him flooded his mind as he leaned back and slowly spread his long legs. “She is my protector,” Duo explained amusedly while Hiiro’s ears turned red and he looked away. “There have been several times she has saved my life but that doesn’t give her the right to undermine my authority.”
Hiiro nodded though he wasn’t really all that interested in the conversation anymore as he did his best to banish the visions from his mind. It should never have happened, there were rules against it and Relena was so sure but…he glanced over his shoulder and wondered if the Duo he knew paraded around in clothes like that would it have taken so long for him to break down and claim him body and soul? And how was he ever going to explain it to her?
“You like him,” Duo smiled from behind his glass.
“What?” was Hiiro’s intelligent reply.
“Are you lovers?” Duo asked casually and Hiiro hit his drink so hard he emptied the glass.
“No,” he replied though he wasn’t sure if it was a lie. They had made love but did that make them lovers? It was only once and…
“But you want him,” Duo grinned knowingly and Hiiro decided to take a seat. “Does she know?” was his next question.
“No,” Hiiro replied sadly trying once again to find the words to tell her but nothing would come clear.
However, Duo’s coy inquiry of, “Does he?” brought about an entirely different train of thought. It was clear from his expression what was on his mind from the way his companion smiled cleverly and commented, “So the fates favor us in both worlds.”
Hiiro sighed heavily but couldn’t deny the deep feelings his night with Duo had brought to light. It made him feel like such a fool for having allowed Relena’s affection to grow and flourish until she was certain they would one day wed. They’d never even been on a date but everyone just automatically assumed they would marry because he’d never done anything to counter the idea. For so long he’d simply waited patiently for some feeling to stir but when it did it wasn’t the princess that made his heart race.
“You should tell her,” Duo softly intoned and Hiiro nearly came right out of his chair because he was standing right behind him leaning down close to his ear. Duo chuckled while he tried to catch his breath and took advantage of his momentary lapse to curl around and land in his lap.
“What’re you doing?” Hiiro squeaked but couldn’t stand up without dumping him on the floor.
“If my Hiiro were here,” Duo smiled running his fingers down Hiiro’s cheek as he moved closer. “He’d kiss me right now.”
He could feel the heat of that same flame that had burned him so hotly only a short time ago but when Duo’s sweet lips came into contact with his he pulled away and reminded him. “I’m not your Hiiro.” Duo looked mortified but allowed him to stand him on his feet where he pushed his hands down to his sides and looked him in the eye when he explained, “And you’re not Duo.”
He was at the door before Duo’s soft plea was heard and he stopped when he called his name. “Please,” Duo rasped through tears he refused to turn and reveal. “Please, bring him back.”
Hiiro held his tongue while he watched him crumble to the floor and weep and knew in his heart he was making a promise to his partner and friend when he vowed, “I will.”
Part 3