Disclaimer: Bandai, Sunrise and the Sotsu Agency own Gundam Wing and its characters not me (shame 'cause I'd take good care of them!) but this story is mine!

Title: Uplifting

Author: Tai (tai01@tiscali.co.uk)

Pairings: past 1x4, 6x1, 1+2+1 leading to 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 6+13+6

Warnings: AU, yaoi, lime, OOC, angst, jealousy, romance and sap

Spoilers: None

Summary: Getting stuck in a lift with Duo, makes Heero realise how unhappy he is in his relationship with Zechs

Notes: If only when I got stuck in a lift a few weeks ago it had been like this ^_~

Additional Notes: Apologies for crossposting but I do hope you enjoy reading this fic as much as I did writing it ^_^

*********

"Hold the elevator!" Duo shouted as he sprinted towards the closing doors. He jumped through the small gap and whirled around to snag his braid out of the way as the doors snapped shut. The only occupant of the lift was a young man about Duo's height and build with an unruly mop of brown hair and startlingly blue eyes.

"Hey, didn't you hear me?" Duo berated him. The young man pulled out one of his earphones and said, "What?"

"Oh! Nothing," Duo replied and reached over to press the button for the car park before he realised it was already illuminated and pulled his hand back.

Duo leant against the wall opposite the other man who had closed his eyes completely as he listened to his personal stereo. "He is gorgeous," Duo thought, "black jeans, purple shirt which seems to cling to him in all the right places and Vans, my favourite," he added as he looked down at his own footwear. He was brought out of his reverie when the lift gave a sickening lurch and then came to a complete standstill.

Duo looked over at the other man as he slumped against the wall, pulling out his earphones and looking completely dejected. Duo was just about to ask him if he was okay when closing his eyes again the young man murmured, "Just great, more fuel for the fire." So Duo asked, "What fire?" The other man's eyes snapped open in surprise and the intensity of the look he gave Duo made him feel very uncomfortable. "Just you didn't mean to say that out loud, huh?" Duo continued and the young man slowly nodded his head without breaking eye contact. Duo smiled, "Well, as we may be here some time I'll introduce myself, my name is Duo Maxwell." He extended his hand and as the other man shook it, he answered, "Heero Yuy."

Heero then focused all of his attention on the control panel of the lift. He hit the alarm button and after a few moments a disembodied voice said, "This is Plaza security, the fire brigade are on their way. Can you tell us how many people are in the lift and if anyone has any medical conditions we should know about?" Heero looked over at Duo who shook his head. Heero answered, "Two and no."

"Good, we will keep you informed of progress," was the reply. Heero slid down the wall and sat down, he was just about to put his earphones back in when Duo sat in front of him and said, "Please don't." Heero looked at him questioningly. "It's just that I'm not a great fan of enclosed spaces, I was hoping we could talk ... help take my mind off it." Heero lowered his hands, "Of course," he replied when he saw how vulnerable Duo looked and Duo rewarded him with a brilliant smile. "He's beautiful!" Heero thought to himself surprised, as he had not been attracted to anyone else since he had been with Zechs. Lately though Zech's jealousy and possessiveness were more than Heero could handle and he was beginning to forget what had attracted him to Zechs in the first place.

Heero suddenly realised Duo was speaking to him. "Sorry, what?" he asked. "I said tell me about yourself," Duo repeated and added silently "Like are you seeing anyone?"

"You first," Heero replied stalling. Duo smiled, "Okay, well I'm an orphan and as you can probably tell from the accent I grew up in America ..." Heero watched Duo become more animated as he warmed to his subject. "He is so full of life," Heero thought, "the way his eyes light up. Hmm, are they blue or are they violet? And he looks amazing in that tight black t-shirt, those jeans and that hair, unbraided he must be able to sit on it!" Heero was brought back to reality by Duo leaning forward from where he was sitting and staring right into Heero's eyes, saying, "Am I talking to myself here?" Heero shook his head, "I'm sorry Duo, I've got a lot on my mind."

"I can see that," Duo replied, "Nothing I can help you with?" Heero almost shook his head but stopped and thought, "Zechs thinks I'm screwing every cute ass from here to Timbuktu I might as well have some fun." Heero leaned over and took Duo's face in his hands. He stopped waiting for Duo to reject him. Duo was stunned, "Oh my God, is he going to kiss me?" raced through his mind while his heart was pounding so hard he thought it was going to burst right out of his chest. Heero however took Duo's inaction to be rejection and started to pull away but Duo just pulled him back. Heero smiled and then gently kissed Duo on the lips as he did so he was overwhelmed with sensations, the velvety softness of Duo's lips, his intoxicating musky scent, it felt like he was drowning in Duo Maxwell and he never wanted it to end.

Heero pushed Duo to the floor, his lips never leaving Duo's. Duo melted into the kiss wanting more, he moaned and their tongues met. Time slowed as the passion between the two men became almost tangible in the small space. Then, just as Duo felt like he was prepared to give the blue-eyed man above him anything, Heero took control, ending the kiss by sucking on Duo's lower lip and then releasing him. Both of them were breathing hard. "Wow," Heero whispered. It had taken every ounce of self-control not to take the beautiful American then and there but from the moment he had kissed him, he knew Duo was special and that this wasn't fair to him. "Ditto," Duo agreed, "but why'd you stop?"

"I ..." Heero didn't get any further because the lift started moving and the disembodied voice was telling them that they would be out soon.

The lift doors opened to reveal four firemen. "Are you two okay?" one with long sandy hair covering one of his green eyes asked as they stepped out. "Fine thanks," Duo replied and then did a double take. "Trowa?" he asked. "Duo!" the shocked fireman replied, "Wow, how long has it been?"

"Too long!" Duo said, smiling at his old school friend. Heero was grateful for the diversion and started heading for his car. "Heero, wait!" Duo shouted running after him and Heero turned as he caught up. Duo pressed a business card into his hand saying, "Look give me a call sometime." Heero looked at Duo promising himself that he would do just that when he had sorted everything out. As he took the card Heero said, "Thank you Duo," before running off. Duo stared after him with the strange feeling that Heero wasn't thanking him for the card.

*********

Duo was all Heero could think about on the drive home. "He is so beautiful, optimistic, uncomplicated, up front ... I had forgotten life could be like that but most of all what I sensed from him was trust and I liked it!" Heero mused. As he pulled up on the drive Heero was dreading what he knew was coming, it was always the same when he was late home.

He opened the door to reveal Zechs his blue eyes furious, standing with his hands on his hips and his long platinum blonde hair flowing round him. "You're two hours late, I've thrown your dinner away, where have you been?" Heero replied, "Sorry, s'okay I'm not hungry and I got stuck in the lift at the shopping mall."

"Stuck in a lift?!!" Zechs shouted, "What do you think I am? Stupid? You've been with Quatre again, haven't you?" Heero sighed, it was always the same Zechs just didn't trust him. He thought again about what he could have done to make Zechs so paranoid but as usual he drew a blank. He had been completely faithful the whole time they had been together, well until he had met one Duo Maxwell in a lift anyway! He smiled as he thought about Duo but Zechs took it the wrong way. "So you think it's funny, do you?" Heero looked at Zechs and said, "No, of course not and I haven't been with Quatre and even if I had, nothing would have happened we are just friends." Zechs narrowed his eyes and said accusingly, "But you used to be lovers."

"A long time ago, Zechs," Heero told him tiredly, "you had other lovers before me too!"

"Yes, but I don't wave them around under your nose."

"Zechs, I haven't even seen Quatre for six months because it upsets you."

"And you expect me to believe that!" Zechs said incredulously. "Well why not, it's true!" Heero retorted and then added, "Look Zechs, we need to talk." Heero wondered why he hadn't done this a long time ago as he lead Zechs into the living room, but it had taken meeting Duo to make him realise how unhappy he was.

Heero sat Zechs down on the sofa and said, "Zechs, I'm sorry but this ..." he gestured at both of them, "... us, it's not working," he took a deep breath before adding, "I'm leaving and I won't be coming back." Zechs shook his head, "Who is he? Who are you leaving me for?" Heero took hold of one of Zech's hands and looked into his eyes. "Zechs, I'm not leaving you for anyone, I am leaving for *me*. I can't go on anymore with this lack of trust. I know that all you are trying to do is hold onto me but can't you see that in the end all your jealousy and possessiveness has just driven me away?"

"Heero, please don't say that, I can change ..."

"Zechs, you need someone that you can trust completely and I am obviously not that person. I hope you find them, I really do ... take care of yourself."

"Heero, you can't leave, please ... I love you!" Zechs cried clinging onto Heero. "Please I can't live without you." Heero put his arm around him, his fingers tangling in Zechs' long hair, "Oh Zechs, you don't love me, can't you see if you did you would trust me."

"No, no, no ... this can't be happening, it can't be true!" Zechs whispered over and over again as he buried his head into Heero's chest. Heero gently lead him upstairs to bed and stayed with him until he fell asleep. Heero then packed a few things and left Zechs a note to say goodbye.

Heero gently closed his car door, as he didn't want to wake Zechs. He couldn't face another scene. He felt emotionally drained and as he put his hands on the steering wheel, he sighed. Then he looked up at the bedroom window and said, "Goodbye Zechs, be happy."

*********

"Duo, I swear if you mention just how wonderful Heero is and that you didn't once feel claustrophobic being stuck in a lift, sorry *elevator* with him and that the kiss was amazing, I am going to have to physically harm you in some way!" Duo put his empty beer bottle on the bar looking sheepish, "I'm sorry Trowa, I guess I have been going on a bit." Trowa smiled and nodded, "Do you want another beer, Duo?"

"A-huh!" Duo replied and Trowa signaled the barman to get the same again. "So what's new in your life Trow? It must be at least a year since we last saw each other!"

"At least," Trowa agreed, "well, about two months ago we were called out by a young man whose cat had got stuck up a tree. Anyway he was gorgeous ... the man, not the cat!" Trowa winked at Duo and Duo laughed. Trowa continued, "He was about your height, blonde hair and blue green eyes and when I handed him the cat, he pressed a piece of paper into my hand with his name and phone number on." Trowa paused and Duo leaned closer, "Don't keep me in suspense Trowa! What happened?" Trowa smiled, "Well, his name's Quatre and we have seen each other practically every night since then!"

*********

Heero lay awake in bed, it felt like a great weight had finally been lifted from his mind but still sleep eluded him. Quatre sighed and snuggled into his embrace, which he tightened. Heero realised that he had been a fool to cut one of the closest friends he had out of his life. "I missed you," he whispered into Quatre's ear. Quatre turned, opening his eyes, "I missed you too."

"I'll make it up to you I promise," Heero told him. Quatre smiled and squeezed his arm, "You already have Heero, now go back to sleep!" Heero smiled back but he still felt guilty, Quatre had always supported him and had a knack for knowing when he needed to be left alone or when he needed company. Quatre had even got a new man in his life, Trowa. "Now why does that name sound familiar?" he mused as he placed a chaste kiss on Quatre's lips, whispering, "Goodnight and thank you."

*********

Zechs woke up a couple of hours later and read Heero's note. He felt cold and numb inside. He had to get out of the house, go somewhere, anywhere as long as it didn't remind him of Heero. He quickly pulled some clothes on, grabbed some shoes and rushed out into the cool night air.

*********

About half an hour later, Zechs found himself on a bridge looking down at the reflections of the city's lights in the river below. He started climbing up the guardrail, he wasn't thinking clearly, all he knew was that he wanted an end to this cold, empty feeling inside. Just as he was about to swing his leg over he felt a hand on his shoulder and a rich, vibrant voice said, "Is there any chance I can change your mind?" Zechs turned to see a well-dressed young man with auburn hair and blue eyes staring at him. "Wh...what?" Zechs asked confused. "I asked if there was anything I could do to change your mind?" Treize repeated as he reached up to brush the bangs out of Zechs' eyes. "Change my mind?" Zechs echoed. "Yes," Treize replied as he took hold of Zechs' hand and helped him down to the pavement. When Zechs realised where he was, he whispered, "Oh I see." Treize looked at the vulnerable young man in front of him and said, "Look I don't know what made you come here tonight but I'm a good listener." Zechs looked at him, his eyes filling with tears but didn't answer. "Please ... I know it is asking a lot for you to trust a complete stranger," Treize continued. Zechs shook his head saying, "This is crazy especially as I don't even know your name but I think I do trust you!"

"It's not crazy," Treize replied, "but it is rude of me not to introduce myself, my name is Treize," then he looked expectantly at Zechs. "Zechs," came the reply. "Zechs, will you let me walk you home?" Zechs nodded. Treize smiled then shouted, "Artemis!" and a large black Labrador came bounding up. The dog went straight to Zechs, asking to be stroked. Zechs smiled weakly and began to scratch behind her ears. Treize laughed saying, "You'll be there all day, Artemis can stand any amount of fuss!" before reaching over to clip her lead to her collar and drag her away. Artemis gave Treize a dirty look and Treize laughed again. Then Treize took Zechs' hand in his and they started to walk back along the bridge.

*********

Trowa and Duo were really drunk and when the last bar threw them out, Trowa announced that he wanted Duo to meet Quatre *now*! "I don't think that's such a hot idea, Trow," Duo told him, a bit unsteady on his feet. "But I have a key!" Trowa said holding it up close to Duo's nose for him to see. "Okay then," Duo laughed, "take me to the love of your life!" and then they both collapsed in a helpless fit of giggles.

*********

About an hour later, they were standing outside Quatre's house. It took three attempts for Trowa to get the key in the lock but finally he opened it. They crept upstairs to Quatre's bedroom. Trowa flicked on the light and said, "Surprise Quatre, I want you to meet my friend ..." Duo's name dying on his lips as he registered the sleeping form next to Quatre. Quatre sat up rubbing his eyes and exclaimed, "Trowa?!! What are you doing here?" Duo stood rooted to the spot suddenly feeling very sober and slightly sick. "Quatre is having an affair?! Oh poor Trowa, this is awful!" flashed through Duo's mind before the cover was thrown off the person next to Quatre to reveal a very sleepy Heero. "Nooooooo!" Duo screamed and rushed out of the room and down the stairs trying to get out of the house as fast as possible. Heero's eyes widened in shock, "Duo?! What's going on here?" he asked. "I could ask you the same thing," Trowa said. Heero looked at him, the pieces finally falling into place. "Oh! Trowa, it's not what it looks like!" Heero told him quickly. Trowa smiled, "Actually I don't mind if it *is* what it looks like, as long as I get to play next time!" he said as he gave Heero's lean boxer short clad body an appreciative glance. "Now can you see why I love this man?" Quatre squealed as he jumped out of the bed into Trowa's waiting arms. Heero's mind was racing as he pulled on his jeans and shoes, wondering how everything had gone so wrong. He would never intentionally hurt Duo, he had to find him and explain, he just hoped Duo would listen. "Trowa, where would Duo be heading?" Heero asked. "Towards the river I expect, he lives near the river," Trowa answered. "Thanks," Heero replied as he shot out of the door. "Good luck," Quatre called out to him.

*********

Duo stopped running and started walking home. He was trying desperately not to cry. "God, I am so stupid, I mean why would he want me anyway? I mean it was just one kiss, not a declaration of undying love! It's just that I thought he was special. God, I am so stupid!" he told himself as the tears started rolling down his face.

*********

Heero ran as fast as he could towards the river praying, "Oh God, please let him understand, I *need* him to trust me." He spotted a lone figure ahead with an unmistakable rope of chestnut hair and soon caught up with it. "Duo stop," Heero said putting his hand on Duo's shoulder. "Why?" Duo asked. "Because it's not what you think!" Heero told him. Duo turned round to face him, "It isn't?" he asked, hope in his voice. "No!" Heero said as he wiped Duo's tears away, "Meeting you yesterday was the best thing to happen to me in a long time, Duo Maxwell and I was hoping that I could get to know you better." Duo smiled, "Really?" Heero pulled him into a fierce hug, "Yes, really! Look I know we have a lot to talk about and there's so much I want to tell you but first ..." Heero pulled away just enough so that he could claim Duo's lips with his own. "Mmmmmm, I could get used to this!" Duo murmured and Heero smiled as their lips met once more.

~owari~