Collateral Damage Epilogue
Nassau, Bahamas
Three months later:
A sane distance from the tourist district.
In a mundane neighborhood on an everyday street, Heero and Duo brought a modest bungalow with a veranda facing the azure ocean.
Before bidding farewell to the USA, the Ford Escape with a bullet-busted taillight was sold to augment their travel funds. Currently settled on Mariner's Lane, the ex-fugitives motored around in a previously owned red Mini Cooper with a Union Jack painted on the roof.
*********
Even though Heero had no unrealistic expectations of an easy transition, he strived to forget the past and concentrate on his and Duo's future.
Lifestyle adjustments were achieved in varying gradations of progress. The Glock still kept a nightly watch by the bed and paranoiac vigilance was practiced in public. However when susceptible sleep unleashed subliminal Hounds of Hell and he'd jerk awake from their nightmarish pursuit in a sweat-soaked panic, Duo was always there to offer solace.
Regrettably Heero might never feel secure enough to lower his guard completely but Duo's unconditional love freed him from keeping up the pretense he was shatterproof and allowed the healing process to begin.
While living with the infamous mercenaries Heero spent his free time in the motor pool's maintenance bay. Ironically his aptitude for engine repair and fine-tuning now provided honest employment as a mechanic at Oceanside Auto Sales and Service. Not only was the "grease under the fingernails" work satisfying but restoring rather than destroying bolstered his sense of worth.
Likewise Duo's evolution was accomplished in gradual degrees. Street-hardened instincts, utterly focused on self-preservation, were reconfigured to include his trusted partner. Whenever spectral echoes of forsaken promises murmured in his mind or, like a Judas kiss, memories of Solo resurfaced without warning to betray his heart, Heero's enduring devotion provided a safe haven where Duo could be vulnerable.
All of Duo's demon might never be vanquished but Heero's unconditional love granted the assurance he wouldn't face an uncertain future alone.
Birth certificate validating his age, Duo enrolled in the Youth Center Alternative School to complete his senior year curriculum. He also qualified for his much-coveted driver's license. Working part time at the Blooms & Buds Florist Shoppe he discovered a knack for flower arranging which further enhanced his self-esteem.
During their ninety days together as housemates, friends and lovers Heero and Duo discovered average was actually a pleasant way to live. Heero purchased an inoperative motorcycle and was rebuilding it, part by part, the backyard storage shed. Duo perfected a recipe for spinach and Ricotta lasagna with homemade Alfredo sauce. Heero was teaching Duo to play chess and Duo was teaching Heero how to cheat a Five Card Stud Poker.
*********
Saturday evening on the veranda.
Barefoot, in khaki shorts and green tank top, with a paperback copy of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" rising and falling on his chest, Heero lazed on a chase lounge. Eyes shut he'd been lulled into a perfect state of contentment by the eternal heartbeat of waves swishing over white sand.
A shrill squeak prodded blue eyes open. Both hands occupied by icy bottles of exclusively Bahamas-brewed Kalik beer, Duo bumped his hip against the screen door then snaked through the rapidly shrinking breach. Another whine closed the door with a soft thud.
Appreciatively accepting a beer Heero stated. "Gotta oil that door."
Dressed solely in stonewashed denim shorts-low-rider waistband baring his navel and frayed hems scarcely preserving his modesty-Duo snorted "Been talkin' 'bout that door for two weeks." He smirked cheekily. "I'm gonna fetch a tube of lube and slick up those damn hinges so you'll quit bitchin'."
"Maybe there's something else I'd rather slick up." Heero declared with a saucy wink.
Duo leaned over for a beer-flavored kiss. "Anything to please, lover." was whispered huskily.
As a salt-scented breeze coaxed melodies, tuned to the key of G, from tubular brass wind chimes swaying in the rafters, Duo braced his bare bronzed shoulder on a support post to sip beer and watch squawking gulls swoop above frothy surges of seawater. The casual pose afforded Heero a pleasurable view of his scantily clad lover.
Nutritious food eaten on a regular schedule had returned Duo to a healthy weight. Swimming and jogging toned his muscles to an athletic physique. Better quality shampoo and conditioner restored his braided hair's silky texture and sunshine supplied the cinnamon highlights.
*********
A great red Dragon's eye, the descending sun radiated shimmering auras. Inspired by the outworldly imagery Duo envisioned the solar giant dissolving into the watery horizon, sizzling and sputtering and bellowing out clouds of steam.
Silhouetted in the fiery sunset, crimson light glimmered over twin hoop earrings. A final gulp of beer offered a glimpse of the Celtic Cross tattoo then, empty bottle dangling lackadaisically, elbows rested on the railing. This bowed posture strained the denim shorts' already threadbare fabric which resulted in a tantalizing exposal of firm ass cheeks.
Of course the shameless exhibitionistic behavior was a blatant attempt at temptation. Neither naïve nor prudish, Heero took the bait. Book and bottle were set aside. Soundless in predatory pursuit, bare feet transported the randy stalker through shadowy purple twilight.
There was no time to react before strong arms encircled Duo's waist and a distinct bulge nudged his enticing buttocks. "Got you."
Duo managed to pivot in the restricted confines. Face to face, erections pressed together and both hands cupped over his partner's equally firm ass, "Bet you can think of a better use for that lube." was suggested with a feral grin.
Heero answered with a kiss so fiery heat flared in Duo's groin.
*********
Sprawled on the bed Duo relished every sensation as roaming hands, fondling fingertips and gifted lips paid homage to his naked body. In the same state of nudity and arousal, Heero marked his lover's inner thigh with a love bite then flicked his tongue across a full blown hard-on.
"FUCK!" Duo exclaimed in response to the teasing.
Heero raised up to gaze into violet eyes gazed over with lust. "Patience, lover."
"Just 'cause ya got a voracious libido don't mean I gotta be patient." was announced with an edge of irritation to Duo's voice.
Without argument Heero fished the aforementioned lube from under the pillow, flipped the lid with his thumb and slathered a generous amount on both hands. Once slick fingers prepared his partner for their much-desired passion session, Duo's legs were spread further apart for easier access which caused him to whimper in anticipation.
While a hand tunneled around Duo's engorged length and began stroking from base to tip and back again, Heero aligned his well-lubricated distended penis and pushed pass the stretched anal muscles until he was fully seated. Rocking his hips, with well-practiced precision, he instigated the rhythmic dance of desire.
Absolutely enthralled in an euphoric daze of sensual satisfaction, as wave after wave of pleasure wash over every inch of Duo's hypersensitive body, he clawed up fistfuls of damp sheets, begged for divine intervention and cursed the devil for making him hunger after hell rather than heaven.
Teetering on the brink of climax, Duo sucked in hard breath, shuddered and surrendered his seed in milky spurts. Two more thrusts, a ragged groan was forced through clenched teeth as Heero followed his lover into orgasmic Nirvana.
Reluctant to be parted, Heero held his position as long as his arms would cooperate before sliding back enough to uncouple. Pushing sweat-plastered bangs from Duo's eyes, he leaned down for a chaste kiss. "You know I've fallen in love with you." was stated rather than asked.
Duo smiled, a beautiful, sated smile, and Heero thought his heart would burst. "You know I love you, too."
Untangling his mussed braid, Duo scooted over so Heero could recline beside him. To ward off a chill, top sheet and blanket were tugged over bodies drenched in the scent of sex.
"Want to take a shower?" Heero wondered after a few minutes of snuggling.
Duo yawned. "Rather sleep. Anyway I like your sexy smell."
*********
Outside thousands of stars twinkled in the ebony sky. The nearly full moon reflected in silvery stripes on breakers set in motion by timeless tides. Gulls quit their squawking and a chorus of crickets chirped in singsong harmony.
In a mundane neighborhood, on an everyday street, Heero and Duo shared an ordinary life of hopes and dreams in a modest bungalow with a veranda facing the azure ocean.
They were ecstatically happy.
OWARI
Thank you for reading!!!
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