Heero looked at the boy that held his arm. Duo was looking positively gleeful and he
wondered why. There had been nothing that had happened to bring that sparkle to his eyes
that Heero could see... But if Chari was right, the fact that Heero was going with him of
his volition would be enough to have that effect on the boy. It gave him a feeling of
power...and of responsibility. Heero vowed to himself that he wouldn’t spoil
Duo’s happiness, no matter what he had to put up with. This dance thing meant more to
the American than he had let on, there was no way that Heero was going to do a nything to
ruin it for the boy.
"Hellan?"
"Mmm?"
"I do have an ulterior motive for accompanying you today."
"What’s that?"
"I need something to wear to the dance."
"You should have told me! I could have made it up and-"
"What do you mean?"
"Um...er..."
"Did you make that dress?"
"Yes."
Heero stared at Duo, who was blushing. He had made the dress? But how? Heero knew the
basics of sewing in case he absolutely needed to repair clothing in case of an emergency,
but he found no pleasure in it and anything more intricate was beyond him. Where had Duo
gotten the skill to make something as complicated as a medieval style dress?
"How did you...?"
Duo looked down at his feet, blushing deeper. "Well, you see...It’s awfully hard
to find the clothes I like so I learned to make them. The dress included a lot of elements
from the sisters’ habits and stuff, which I learned how to make when I was at the
church."
Heero placed a hand on Duo’s shoulder, knowing how much those memories pained him.
Then he realized that since Duo was in his Hellan guise, he could give into the urge to
hold him. So he drew the other boy into his arms, tucking Duo’s head underneath his
chin. Heero felt Duo’s hands sliding around him to cling to him while he fought his
tears. He just held the shaking boy close, stroking his back soothingly and letting Duo
get himself calmed down. They stood like that for close on twenty minutes; even though
Duo’s shaking had stopped, he seemed loathe to leave the circle of Heero’s arms.
Not that Heero had any problem with this... He was reveling in the feel of Duo’s
lithely muscled body so close to his own... those sensuous lips brushing against his
neck... the hot wash of Duo’s breath against his skin...
‘You could kiss him, you know...’
‘Not you again! I don’t want to take advantage of him. He needs comfort
now.’
‘You’re lying. You do want to take advantage of him, just not in such a public
area.’
‘Oh, shut up.’
‘We’re wearing you down! But doesn’t it feel nice to have him in your arms
like this?’
‘Yes.’ ‘Don’t you wish you had done it sooner?’
‘Yes.’
‘Aren’t you glad that you’re going to the dance with him?’
‘Yes.’
‘Aren’t you glad that Chari’s probably rigged the votes?’
‘Yes.’
‘It’s no fun when you agree all the time!’
Heero smirked.
* * *
Duo sighed. He was in heaven...Heero was holding him
and he didn’t want it ever to end. Just the feel of that strong body pressed tightly
against his was enough to make him giddy. Add to that the sensation of strong hands
stroking his back and the beat of Heero’s pulse beneath his lips and you had a recipe
for pure bliss. He had the feeling that they had been standing together for an awfully
long time and very reluctantly pulled away. Heero seemed loathe to break their embrace as
well...
‘You’re just imagining things, Maxwell...’
"Okedokey! Now to find an outfit for you and jewelry for me! Here mappy, mappy,
mappy..."
Heero was giving him an odd look, but Duo just grinned. There was no spoiling his mood
now! Duo prowled through the mall until he found a map. "Aha! Here’s a map! Now,
let’s see... jewelry... mmm... A14 looks like the best bet. Now for your outfit, my
dear Heero-chan...lessee...nope, nope, umm... there! B10! Ok! Let’s go!"
He grabbed Heero’s arm and literally dragged the boy through the mall until they
reached their destination. The first was the store wherein he hoped to find a suitable
outfit for his Heero. Duo snickered at the thought as he pulled the boy’s unresisting
form past the doors. Inwardly, he was somewhat amazed that Heero hadn’t decked him,
girl disguise or no, but figured that the Japanese pilot had his own reasons for
everything. Heero was just probably plotting revenge for when they were alone. He decided
to concentrate on the task at hand; namely, getting Heero an outfit to go to the dance.
The store was almost a costume store, apparently the medieval look was really in for the
proms and such that were all going on. He spotted a flash of midnight blue and once more
dragged Heero after him. Duo stopped in front of the tunic. It was midnight blue with
accents of silver. His mind began working on the coordinating shirt and hose that would
match...a light blue shirt and matching midnight blue hose... He was gleefully imagining
just how nice Heero’s legs would look... Then he saw the price.
"Gack!"
"Are you alright, Hellan-chan?"
"Um...yeah. How the Hell do they expect high school students to be able to afford
these things!"
"Most get their parents to pay for it."
"Oh yeah. Well, we’re SOL here...I know I don’t have this kinda money and I
can’t imagine that you do either."
"So what do we do?"
Duo thought for a moment. An idea occurred to him...but would Heero let him...? "I
could make you an outfit..."
* * *
Heero stared at Duo for a few long minutes. Was he
serious?
"How long would it take you?"
"Um... not that long..."
"I’ll let you get away with putting yourself out this time... but just this
once. So what do you need?"
"Well, I need your measurements...[3] I know the patterns, so I just need the
fabric."
"Alright, let’s do it.[4] We’ll stop at a fabric shop after we get your
jewelry."
"Ok!" Duo skipped out of the store, once again dragging Heero with him. Heero
didn’t mind in the slightest, he enjoyed seeing the other boy in such high spirits.
He frowned, there had to be some way he could make it up to Duo. Perhaps Duo would let him
buy him something... They entered the jewelry shop and Duo bounced over to the gold
section. Heero saw him eye a few things wistfully before turning away and decided then and
there that he would buy Duo the perfect set of jewelry for the dress. He wandered over to
a smaller section of the store and spotted the very thing. A necklace and matching
earrings of gold and bright red garnet, they were even in the old style that would match
the dress. He smiled slightly and bought the set, returning to Duo after the purchase was
made.
"Hellan-chan, I think we’ve finished here."
"Wha? Oh, you mean you’re sick of looking at jewelry, huh?"
"No, I think we’ve found what we were looking for. Let’s get some
lunch."
Duo looked confused, but followed him out and to the food court. Heero grinned and dragged
the boy the same as he’d been dragged before.
"So, what do you want to eat?"
"Huh? Oh, um...a burger and some fries."
"Typical American."
"You know it! Grease and salt and some more grease!"
Heero shook his head and left Duo to get his burger while he found some more nutritious
and better tasting food. They met back up at the condiments stand [5], which also had
napkins and straws. Duo grinned and moved at almost super speed to snag a table just
before another couple. He turned to Heero, his grin assuming its usual proportions. Heero
was just glad to see that Duo was acting more like himself for the first time during this
entire mission. Duo made a face at Heero’s choice of lunch.
"Don’t you ever get sick of rice?"
"Don’t you ever get sick of burgers?"
"Touché!"
"Hellan-chan, you are incorrigible."
"So don’t incorrige me!"
Heero groaned at the old pun and made as if to deck the boy. Duo laughingly ducked.
"Just for that, I might not give you your present."
"You got me a present?!"
Heero handed him the bag and Duo’s eyes widened as he saw what it contained.
"Oh...Heero! They’re perfect! Oh...THANK YOU!"
Heero suddenly found himself holding the ecstatic boy in his arms. Duo was scattering
small kisses all over his face, finally stopping at his nose. Heero blinked. Those
tempting lips were so close...
"Thank you, Heero. No one’s ever..." he buried his head against
Heero’s shoulder, "Arigato, my dear, dear Heero-chan."
Heero was blushing and he knew it. He wanted nothing more than to hold Duo forever like
this, he now knew that Duo hadn’t just been playing around. Duo really did care for
him, perhaps even loved him as Chari had said. Heero felt the need to laugh or do
something crazy just to get rid of this tingling sensation, this energy. He let his
fingers stroke along the line of Duo’s neck and tickled his ears. There was an
indignant squawk and Duo looked at him accusingly.
"Your burger’s getting cold."
Duo looked at him for a moment then grinned again. Then the American kissed him on the
nose once more before returning to the decimation of his lunch. Heero was still fighting
the urge to grin idiotically, there had been real emotion in those whispered words. Duo
had meant it when he’d called him ‘my dear, dear Heero-chan’ and Heero had
never thought that anything would ever stir this feeling inside of him [6]. It was only
now that he realized that he cared for Duo much more than he’d thought, perhaps
even...but that was best left until later, when he and Duo could talk...among other
things... He finished his lunch without really tasting it and grinned at Duo’s
wistful glance towards the ice cream stand.
"You want some ice cream, Hellan-chan?"
"Really?"
Heero nodded.
Duo’s eyes shone. "I’d like a scoop of double chocolate fudge on a waffle
cone!"
"Only one?"
"Well...and a scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough?"
"That’s more like it. I’ll be right back."
* * *
Duo was nearly wriggling with glee. Heero had bought
him a present! He knew that his response had been a little strong, but Heero hadn’t
seemed to mind. He had even offered to buy Duo ice cream! Duo was happy. Now they would
get some fabric and he would take Heero’s measurements and then sew him up the best
outfit he could! He vowed to himself that Heero’s outfit would be the best at the
dance. Heero returned with the ice cream and they set off for the fabric store, both
having little problem with finishing before the store was reached. Heero had managed to
get ice cream on his nose and Duo couldn’t resist the urge to lick it off. Heero
blinked, then ran a finger along Duo’s lips to wipe away the remaining chocolate ice
cream. Duo caught his breath and turned quickly before he gave in and kissed the other
pilot. He tried to distract himself with choosing fabric for Heero’s outfit. The
tunic at the store was his basis and he gathered the materials needed for his vision.
Heero just followed him silently, seeming to be amused by his running commentary.
"Nope... bleah! Who’d ever wear a color like that! No, no...
maybe...(etc.)"
They returned to the school and Duo’s room with the purchases. Duo pulled out his
measuring tape and motioned for Heero to stand still. He found it difficult to refrain
from unnecessary touching, but somehow managed...
‘I’m really gonna need a cold shower after this...’
"Alright, you’re all measured. I’ll get started on this right away."
"Duo," he looked up when Heero touched his shoulder, "don’t stay up
too late."
"Hai! G’night, Heero-chan!"
"Oyasumi, Hellan-chan."
Duo sighed as Heero left the room, then turned to the fabric. He began cutting it and
reflected that this was probably the only chance that he would ever have to do such a
thing for his beloved. Duo then concentrated on the task of putting together the best
outfit at the dance. ‘Gods, I love him so much... I wouldn’t do this for anyone
else.’
* * *
Heero left Duo’s rooms and headed towards his own.
He had a feeling that Duo would be up most of the night, but there was no way that Heero
could stop him so he didn’t even try. He smiled a little as he remembered the scene
outside the fabric shop. Duo had licked the ice cream off his nose and - though he had
been sorely tempted to lick the chocolate off the other boy’s lips - he had
restrained himself to just wipe it off with a finger. Duo’s eyes had widened and a
blush had risen on those fair cheeks. When Duo had turned around, Heero had licked the ice
cream off his finger, it was the closest he figured he would get to those soft lips any
time soon. Heero found it somewhat amusing that Duo seemed as wary of making a wrong move
as he was. Now that Heero was sure of the American’s feelings, he was unsure how to
proceed. He was so lost in thought that he bumped into someone in the hallway. It was
Chari.
"Heero-kun! You look like you’re thinking very deeply on something."
"I am."
He looked around and seeing that no one was around, dragged the girl into the study room
closest to them. Chari looked very startled.
"Heero-kun, what the Hell-"
"I need your advice."
She looked at him narrowly then smiled. "So, you found out that I was right after
all."
"Yes. Now I don’t know what to do. I know that Hellan loves me and I care for
her, but I’m not sure how to let her know. I don’t want her to think that
I’m just humoring her or something like that."
"Well, I have an idea. But I can’t tell you the specifics."
"I know that you’re rigging the voting."
"To be honest, it didn’t take much to rig. Hellan’s a big favorite."
"I’ve noticed."
"Look, just show up at the dance and I’ll take care of the rest."
"Alright." She grinned and left the room. Heero returned to his rooms deep in
thought again. What could the girl be planning?
* * *
Chari headed to her rooms nearly skipping. Heero had gotten a clue! She didn’t know how it had happened and she really didn’t care, but now she knew that Hellan had a real chance. As she passed her friend’s door, she saw the light on and heard the sound of the sewing machine...as well as a few muttered curses. Chari decided that now was not the time to chat with Hellan. She grinned to herself; everything was set up. She had rigged it so that Hellan and Heero would be voted the spring queen and king. She had also rigged a surprise that would fit the bill of letting Hellan know that Heero really cared for her. She couldn’t wait to see her face tomorrow night!
* * *
The morning of the dance dawned bright and cheerful.
Classes seemed to zoom by and everyone was buzzing with nervous energy. Finally it was
time. Duo had given Heero the finished outfit during lunch and had left before the
Japanese pilot could look at it. He hoped Heero liked it... He was finished with his own
preparations, including jewelry and makeup, and was nervously awaiting Heero’s
appearance. A knock on the door had him running to answer it before he even registered the
sound. Duo opened the door and was quite pleased to see that Heero looked as good in the
medieval wear as he’d thought. Heero seemed impressed with his appearance as well.
There was a moment of silence before Heero took his hand and raised to his lips in a
courtly gesture. Duo blushed.
"You look beautiful, Hellan-chan."
"Thank you. You don’t look half-bad yourself."
Heero’s mouth quirked and he held out his arm to Duo. He somewhat dazedly took it and
they headed to the converted gym. Duo barely noticed the stares they were getting, he was
too shocked by the appreciative gleam in Heero’s eyes when he looked at him. This was
the best night of his life...!
* * *
The next hour passed in a blur to Heero. Nothing
mattered except the lovely boy in his arms. He remembered the blush on Duo’s cheeks
when he’d kissed his hand and the surprise when he’d asked him to dance. Duo was
an excellent dancer and Heero silently reveled in the slim waist under his hands and the
grace with which his friend moved. He almost chuckled when the winners of the crowns were
announced and Duo looked shocked. Chari winked at him and Heero nodded back. The principle
had just finished placing the crowns on his and Duo’s heads when a murmur went
through the crowd of students. It was unintelligible at first, but slowly gained in
volume. Heero nearly laughed at Chari’s ‘surprise.’
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" was the chant.
Heero turned to Duo - who was blushing furiously - and tilted that gamin face up to meet
his eyes. He very deliberately lowered his lips to the other’s and slid his arms
around that lithe body. Duo seemed to melt into it and slid his arms around Heero’s
shoulders, linking his hands behind his neck and intertwining his fingers in Heero’s
hair. The catcalls and whistles disappeared as Heero slipped his tongue into Duo’s
willing mouth and they told each other, without words, of their need and of their love
[7]. The kiss grew deeper as their tongues sparred with one another and neither noticed
when the crowd went silent. Heero broke away reluctantly - there was only so long one
could go without oxygen - and stared into Duo’s flushed face and sparkling eyes.
Those eyes asked a question and he nodded. A smile of sunny radiance spread on Duo’s
face.
"Why don’t we discuss this without an audience?"
"Hai, Heero-chan."
Heero led Duo off the platform and out of the gym. Behind them, he could hear the cheers
of Chari and her confederates. He took Duo to his room and pulled him into his lap, Duo
was quite willing.
"So, what do you want to discuss?" Heero just kissed him again, letting his
hands roam over Duo’s face and neck, pulling him tightly against him.
"How about how soon we can get out of here?"
"Everyone is at the dance, we just have the last section to download."
"Hai. Let’s go."
"Right, meet me at my room."
Heero watched Duo leave his room and smiled. He got packed in record time and dressed in
his preferred skulking outfit. He slung the carisack over his shoulder and slunk over to
Duo’s room. The boy was just finishing packing when he arrived. Duo was back in his
traditional priest’s smock and black pants. Heero had never realized before just how
good he looked in them...
‘Later...’ he told his hormones.
Duo left a note on the table as they left. Heero figured it was probably for Chari. They
headed for the principle’s office to download the last part of the virus and erase
their files from the school’s computer. It went off without a hitch and Heero was
thankful. They snuck out to the parking lot and Duo hot-wired a motorcycle for their
getaway. They would have to stop once during the night, it was too far to the base to take
it all in one go. Heero grinned as he realized that this left him and Duo alone in a hotel
room for the night...
* * *