Chapter 9 / 37
Written by Jessi Maxwell - send C&C to Megami_no_Remon@hotmail.com
Duo woke up and stretched languidly, yawning hugely as he sat up, brushing his hair from his face. He looked around for his brush and began tackling the task of taming his mane. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Zechs spoke.
"Good morning, Duo," came the silky purr of Zechs' voice.
Duo blinked and looked at him, giving him a sheepish grin. "Oh...hey, g'mornin."
"I have a request. A couple, actually."
"What would that be?" Duo asked, eyeing Zechs warily.
Zechs laughed. "Relax, Duo. I merely would like a shower and some clothes, maybe a real meal. You can take whatever precautionary measures you like. A bit of fresh air and sunshine would be nice too."
Duo grinned slightly, feeling slightly foolish for his nervous attitude. // And why should I be nervous anyways? It was probably just a... dunno. Spur of the moment thing. // "Eh, sure, I think I can arrange that. Mind waitin' here while I clear it with the chief? Not my place and all that."
"Of course."
Duo finished brushing his hair and stood up, stretching before heading out the door. He meandered his way upstairs and peered into rooms until he found Quatre sitting in his office. "Heya, Q, mornin'."
"Duo!" Quatre responded with a smile. "What's up?"
"Well, my captive wants a shower, food, clothes, and some fresh air. Think any of that will be a problem? I'll be armed and I know you've got security everywhere in this place if he wanted to try anything."
Quatre thought for a moment. "Do you think he'll try anything?"
Duo thought about it before answering honestly. "Nah, I don't. I really believe he's on the up an' up. And I can't blame him for any of that...he's been laid up for a couple weeks."
"Alright, then, no problem. I trust you, and if you trust him, so will I. I'll have my people get some clothes and make breakfast."
"Eh, Q, you rock," Duo said with a smile before bouncing out of the room and heading back to the saferoom. Zechs was sitting patiently in his chair, flipping through a book.
"Heya, Zechsy, all systems are go. C'mon, let's get you cleaned up proper. Then I'll rebandage your arm, we can eat, and then go for a walk outside. Will that make you feel better?"
"Tremendously." Zechs stood up and headed towards the door. Duo had grabbed himself a change of clothes, as well as his pistol.
Duo flashed Zechs an apologetic grin as he tapped the gun. "Eh, I don't think you'll try anything ya shouldn't, but...can't be too careful."
"Of course, I understand. I hardly will abuse my rights to privileges. I'd hate to lose them. It'd make my time here much less pleasant."
"Good deal. Alright, out the door. Let's go." Duo escorted Zechs out of the saferoom. Zechs looked around casually as he was led to a spacious bathroom
"Mm...nice place. Someone has some money." Zechs noted as he headed for the shower. It was a huge, square glass-doored affair, easily able to fit ten people. White marble tiles covered the walls and floor.
"Er...yeah, that'd be our gracious host. Ya might get to meet him at breakfast if the mood strikes him." As he spoke, Duo helped Zechs to unbandage his arm. Zechs winced slightly as he examined it. "Eh...you okay?"
"Much better than I was. Its healing, I can tell...but it's still a bit sore. I shouldn't need the sling soon."
"Hey, that's great. An- what are you doing?!" Duo asked in some semblance of alarm. Zechs chuckled.
"I don't know about you, but I prefer to take showers without my clothing on. I'm stripping."
"O...oh, right." Duo grinned sheepishly, looking away. He didn't dare turn around, of course, considering he was watching his prisoner, but he didn't have to watch him directly either.
However, Zechs didn't try anything untoward, simply got into the shower.
Duo rapidly got bored with his surveillance of the wall and shot a look at the foggy shower doors. He swallowed hard when he saw the silhouette of Zechs' bared body - and once he had caught that image, he couldn’t look away. // Good gods...he's *perfect*...// Duo continued to stare absently as he pulled his hair into his customary braid.
By the time Zechs finished his shower, Duo had gotten himself dressed, fixed his hair, and gotten himself generally ready for the day. Duo hid his blush and turned his head while Zechs toweled off and got dressed.
Zechs was both amused and curious as to Duo's wary treatment of him. // He acts as though I am a wild beast and intend to devour him at the least hint of his guard being let down. // "It's alright. I'm clothed enough to not offend your apparently delicate sensibilities, Mr. Maxwell."
Duo blinked at Zechs "Delicate sensibilities? Naw, I just don't want to be rude, s'all..."
Zechs smirked as Duo headed over and began rebandaging his arm. "You're still disturbed that I tried to kiss you."
Duo flushed deeply and muttered something to himself. "Er...its...nothing personal or anything. There ya are. Good as new. Let's head out to breakfast, shall we?"
Judging by how desperate Duo seemed to be to change the subject, Zechs nodded in agreement and allowed it. "Of course. Lead the way."