Love Thy Neighbor Part 4
"Stop!" Jay Johnson threw up his hands in frustration, "Take a fifteen minute break."
"Duo." he called as the dancers drifted off the floor.
Duo knew what the choreographer was going to say and he couldn't blame J.J. for being irritated. His concentration had been nonexistent during the Friday morning practice session. His timing was off and he had almost dropped Susan during a routine lift. "I'm sorry." he apologized, mopping his face with a towel.
J.J. took a bottle of water from the ice chest that served as a makeshift refrigerator, tossed it to Duo and motioned toward several metal chairs grouped in the corner.
Duo flopped down with an aggravated sigh. "There's no excuse for my sloppy work." he stated before taking a big gulp then regretted drinking too quickly as the icy water gave him a momentary headache.
"Your body is here," J.J. observed, "but I have no clue where your mind is. Is there anything you want to talk about?"
Duo took a cautious sip, leaned back and stretched out his legs. "No, it's nothing I can't handle but thanks for your concern."
J.J. took a moment to study Duo. The braided man definitely looked haggard around the edges and his eyes weren't as bright as usual. "How much sleep did you get last night?"
Duo finished his water, "Obviously not as much as I need." he admitted more to himself than J.J.
A sly grin crept over Jay's lips, "Love life keeping you up all night?"
Duo shook his head negatively, "I wish."
The dancers, engaging in quiet conversation, began to file back into the room. Duo glanced at his fellow performers, "No more mistakes." he promised. He tossed the empty bottle in a trashcan and started stretching to warm up his muscles.
J.J. ran his fingers through his black bangs and gave Duo an encouraging nod.
"Just be glad Mr. Patterson had a meeting this morning or he might having you hanging by yours balls."
Duo winced at the painful possibility of the "Slave Driver's" punishment then joined the dancers and took his position beside Susan.
"All right boys and girls let's see if we can get in an hour of productive rehearsal before lunch." J.J. announced as he cued up the prerecorded practice CD.
*********
During lunch Duo decided it wasn't fair to himself or the other entertainers to let his mind wander. He had to put his thoughts of Heero in proper perspective. "Don't put too much anticipation into a simply dinner." he warned against being overly hopeful of what might happen in the future.
*Don't set yourself up to get hurt if nothing comes of it.* his inner voice advised.
"But it's been so long..." Duo began then stopped himself from thinking about how lonely he had been since leaving Brooklyn.
He had been in a brief relationship--no--not a relationship--purely sexual--for a few weeks when he first arrived in New York City. But even though the sex was great there was no intimacy, no connection or caring.
After Duo and his fuck buddy parted company there had been an empty place in his heart but he had no right to expect Heero to fill that void. "Enjoy tonight and don't worry about tomorrow." he sighed as he walked back to the rehearsal hall.
*********
True to his word Duo stayed focused the entire afternoon. He put all his attention into each step, every bit of his energy into "Dancing into the Fire".
Was dancing into the fire what Duo might be doing by pursuing Heero? Could he risk fanning the flames of desire? Could Heero cool the smoldering embers in Duo's soul that threatened to erupt into a full blaze?
"I have to find out even if I do get burned." Duo decided, waiting for the bus back to his apartment.
*********
Punctually Heero arrived at apartment 202 and knocked. "Six o'clock, right on time." Duo thought, checking his appearance in the vanity mirror.
Duo had chosen black trousers and a red button-up silky shirt. The shirt was not a bright scarlet, he didn't want to look like an apple, but the color was muted and perfectly suited his skin tone. His hair was freshly washed and neatly braided.
The opened door revealed Heero casually dressed in navy trousers and an azure pullover sweater that brought out the blue in his eyes. A lightweight gray jacket was draped over his arm. His hair was not as tousled as the night Duo had unexpectedly dropped by but there was still a hint of unruly rebellion in the dark brown locks.
"Come in." Duo invited, moving aside to clear a path. A wafting scent of spicy aftershave lingered as Heero passed and Duo paused a moment to enjoy the heady fragrance.
"Would you like to sit down or do we have reservations?"
"No reservations." Heero replied taking a seat on the slip-covered sofa. "I thought the evening would be more enjoyable if we were informal. Do you have a favorite place you like to eat?"
"There's a nice cafe on Fifth and Commerce then there is the Salty Dog on Ninth Street, they have great seafood. Both places are within walking distance if you don't want to share a cab."
Heero left the choice to Duo. "I think walking would be fun unless you want to go further uptown."
"I'm in the mood for tuna steak and salad, if that's all right?"
"Then the Salty Dog is fine." Heero smiled, genuinely pleased with Duo's decision.
"Would you like a beer or Pepsi before we leave? I'm afraid I don't have much else to offer."
Heero locked his eyes on Duo with a degree of seriousness that made him wonder if he'd said something wrong. "You have a lot to offer," Heero declared never lessening his somber sight, "don't ever apologize for who you are."
Duo stared. Even though he knew that Heero was a straightforward person, his directness was still startling. But even more surprising was how quickly Heero's expression softened and his eyes lost their intensity.
"I shouldn't have said that." Heero's voice was low and his shoulder slumped in a clearly regrettable posture. "I don't know you well enough to tell you how to act."
Duo sat down beside Heero. "You didn't mean any harm."
Duo needed to assure Heero that he understood what had prompted the statement. He might not have a lot of money or matching furniture but Duo did have a good sense of self-worth that wasn't defined by possessions.
"Let's skip the drinks and go get something to eat." he suggested, "We both need to relax and unwind."
*********
Bright blue neon letters that spelled "Salty Dog Bar and Grill" glowed in the large plate glass window. A bar constructed from dark wood that had been scarred and pitted by many years of use took up the front area. Glass shelves, attached to a mirrored wall behind the bar, supported a variety of bottles.
Eight or nine chrome barstools were bolted to the worn wooden floor. Five men occupied the middle stools, each enjoying drinks, salted peanuts and "talking trash" with the bartender. Arranged in the rear section, eight round tables were equally scratched but the chair cushions had recently been reupholstered in hunter green pseudo-leather.
The diner was moderately crowded considering it was the dinner hour. Duo lead Heero to a back table away from the front door and the noisy bar.
A row of four ceiling fans created a whoosh of air overhead but their rapid rotation did little to keep the odor of smoke, the smell of beer or the general murmur of conversation from reaching Duo and Heero's location.
"If it's too smoky in here we can go somewhere else." Duo raised his voice above the clinking of glasses and dishes and the cook calling for a pick up on a completed order.
"This is an interesting atmosphere." Heero observed, "I did say I wanted to be informal."
"Well this is as informal as it gets." Duo replied as a twenty-something waitress dressed in blue jeans and a pink tee shirt with "PRINCESS" printed in silver glitter placed two sets of flatware wrapped in paper napkins on the table. Plastic laminated menus were handed out.
According to her nametag, Ronda asked in a thick New York accent. "Can I get you two something to drink?"
Duo ordered Bud Light...had to watch his weight or the only dancing he'd be doing would be the lead hippopotamus in the Lion King. Heero requested a gin and tonic.
Heero scooted sideways in his chair so he could take in the afore mentioned atmosphere. To his left a young couple sat close together talking and touching and sharing a plate of French fires smothered in ketchup.
Two older ladies were seated on Heero's right. They were dressed in pastel spring shades, had on too much makeup and wore enough gold jewelry to make it dangerous to stand beside them in a lightning storm.
Laugher rose from the bar, no doubt the result of an off-color joke. One burly man wearing a New York Fire Department jacket puffed on a cigar, downed the last of a beer and loudly commented on the odds that the Yankee's baseball team would have a winning season.
Duo sat quietly, observing Heero's curiosity. He reckoned that working for an upscale architectural firm didn't give Heero a chance to mingle with the "common folk". Duo imagined that dinner was usually at a higher-class restaurant with fine china plates, crystal stemware and clothe napkins.
But then he remembered that Heero had come from humble beginnings. He had gone to college on a partial swimming scholarship and worked while he attended classes. Perhaps Heero was more out of his element in fancy restaurants rather than the neighborhood eatery? Maybe they had more in common than he first believed and maybe, just maybe, they could become friends?
It was too early for Duo to wish for more than friendship. He didn't even know if Heero would be comfortable with more. But there was vibes between them. Heero was sending out some kind of signals or was it Duo's imagination?
Ronda interrupted Duo's contemplations concerning his and Heero's possible connection as she sat down their drinks and asked if they were ready to order.
"I'll have tossed salad with Ranch dressing, tuna steak, cold slaw, a baked potato and iced tea." Duo stated.
Heero, who hadn't bothered to look at his menu, copied Duo's order except for Italian dressing on his salad. He handed Ronda the menus and took a sip of his drink. "I'm taking your word that the tuna steak is good."
Duo smiled, it was the first time since he and Heero sat down that he felt at ease. After the problems at rehearsal all he wanted to do was relax, enjoy a leisurely meal and Heero's company. "No only is the tuna steak great but the deserts are incredible." he promised.
"Desert?" Heero ginned, "You certainly have an appetite."
"Dancing makes you hungry." Duo proclaimed in his own defense.
Heero raised his glass in an impromptu toast, "Then here's to food to satisfy our stomachs, drinks to numb our minds and laugher to lighten our hearts."
*********
Duo was right, the tuna steak was delicious. The conversation was also engaging. Heero had worried that he and Duo might not have enough to talk about and there is nothing more uncomfortable than silently staring across the table while you eat.
Duo talked about his family. His father was employed as a mechanic for a car dealership. His mother worked at home as a bookkeeper for a florist. He had an older brother named Robert and younger twin sisters, Lily and Rose.
"That's right Mom named my sisters after flowers." Duo grinned at Heero's raised eyebrows. "I guess she figured it fit since she did the books for a flower shop."
Then it was Heero's turn to share. "My parents divorced when I was ten. I lived at home with my mother and older sister, Jena. My father traveled a lot as a sales representative for a software company but I saw him on weekends."
"It must have been hard not having your parents together." Duo stated.
Heero shrugged, "It was better than listening to them fight all the time."
*********
It was 7:30 when Heero finished his last bite of baked potato. "That was an excellent meal." he praised Duo's choice of the Salty Dog's cuisine.
Duo wiped his lips to removed the last traces of tartar sauce, "Ready for desert?"
"I don't think I have room." Heero answered honestly.
"But the strawberry cheesecake here is sinful, can't I tempt you?"
*You mean can I tempt you with something more than food.* Duo's inner voice whispered inside his head.
Duo ignored his brain's lustful prodding before another part of his anatomy also became too insistent. "How about coffee and sharing the cheesecake?"
Ronda cleared the table then brought two cups of coffee, a generous slice of cheesecake and two forks. Heero was amused as he watched Duo add milk until his coffee turned a light caramel color. "You like a little coffee with your cream?" he teased.
"I got in the habit when I was younger. Mom used to let us have coffee as long as it wasn't too strong. At least I don't use enough sugar to rot your teeth." he added as Heero stirred in his second spoonful of the grainy sweet substance.
*********
The Salty Dog's blue neon blended with yellow streetlights. Traffic flowed steadily along the avenue. Even at 8:15 the sidewalk bustled with activity. The assorted citizens resembled a stream of ants merging left and right and from between parked cars.
Duo and Heero stopped at the intersection of Ninth and High Street until the "WALK" sign flashed then joined the scurrying crowd as cars, trucks, cabs, a bus belching diesel fumes and a loudly idling motorcycle impatiently waited for the light to go from red to green. Blocks away a siren wailed then faded until it melted into traffic's continuous clamor
A left turn on the other side put Duo and Heero in a homeward direction. Even though Duo could have easily been caught up in the city's hurried hustle and bustle he opted for a leisurely stroll.
Heero fell in step using the slower pace to his advantage, firstly to allow his stomach to properly digest his dinner overindulgence but, more importantly, to share more time with Duo.
The architect and the dancer meandered through the maze of pedestrians, paused to window shop, commented on the new spring fashions and even investigated the intriguing "toys" in the "After Dark" sex store.
Halfway home they passed the "Blue Note Jazz Club". The sultry sounds of piano, bass guitar and saxophone mixed with a hint of flute and an echo of drums, drifted out onto the street. Pale amber light shone through the window and bathed Duo in its golden luster as he demonstrated a series of graceful dance steps.
Duo's feet seemed to glide over the concrete. His legs and arms matched the music's rhythmic meter and his hips swayed to the pulsing beat. His braid also kept the sensual cadence as it brushed across his buttocks and swung from side to side. He closed his eyes, lost in the pure joy of dancing and became totally oblivious to any curious glances or the fact that several people had paused to watch.
Heero was also unaware of anything but Duo's complete abandonment to the music. Duo's serene smile and his effortless movements held Heero just as spellbound. And, strangely, Heero discovered that he, too, was swaying.
It was only after a young man with purple spiked hair and his "Gothic" girlfriend applauded did Duo open his eyes and realize that his impromptu performance had an audience.
A rosy blush warmed his cheeks and he managed to mumble, "Thank you." and give a quick bow before grinning back at Heero and nodding down the street. "Let's go." he whispered.
*********
"I can't believe I did that." Duo announced as they crossed the side street two blocks from the High Street Apartments. His face was still slightly tinted with an embarrassed shade of pink.
"You're very talented, " Heero declared, "I enjoyed the show."
Duo glanced sideways but didn't make direct eye contact. "There is a time and place for dancing and the middle of the street doesn't fit either criterion."
Heero couldn't resist the urge to tease. "Criterion." he repeated with a hint of good-natured sarcasm, "You're not only talented but smart, too."
Duo didn't miss a beat in his equally playful reply. "I studied more than dancing in school. You might be surprised what I could teach you."
A man and woman coming out the High Street Apartments' lobby entrance interrupted Heero's clever comeback. As he stepped aside to let them pass he backed into Duo who hadn't anticipated their sudden change of direction.
Unbalanced by the solid bump, Duo wobbled then arms flapped franticly as he tried to stay upright. Heero pivoted in place and slid an arm around Duo's waist just in time to check his backward momentum.
Duo grabbed onto the fleshly lifeline and pulled forward to regain his equilibrium. However, the overcompensation resulted in he and Heero ending up face to face with their noses merely inches apart.
For seemed like forever Duo and Heero looked into each other's eyes. Time stood still. The only sound was soft breathing; the only sensation was their hearts hammering in their chests.
Heero was the first one to recover from the quite surprising closeness. His blue eyes blinked as they struggled to refocus. Then his voice spoke of its own accord. "You have beautiful eyes." he whispered so lowly that only Duo could hear.
Duo remained still. He was afraid if he moved he'd discover that the entire evening had been a dream and he would wake up alone. But somewhere in his entranced senses Duo knew everything was real, that he was not dreaming.
On the street a horn honked. Heero and Duo jumped in unison breaking the engrossed gaze. Duo took a deep breath and reluctantly backed out of Heero's single-arm embrace. "I had a great time tonight." he declared, trying hard to control the quiver in his voice.
After a slight hesitation, Heero let his arm slip free. He swallowed and made a nervous noise in the back of his throat. "I did, too."
Duo turned toward the door. "I have rehearsal in the morning so I'd better get to bed." He took a tentative step. "Can I call you sometime?"
"Of course, we're friends aren't we?" Heero replied in a positive tone.
Duo smiled to ward off an underlying sadness as he realized that Heero might never want more than friendship. "Yeah, friends."
"Duo," Heero called just before Duo stepped inside, "do you have rehearsal on Sunday?"
"No that's my day off, why?"
"The firm I work for designed a house in the Hamptons and it's almost finished. I wanted to drive down and see how it turned out, would you like to go with me Sunday afternoon?"
"I'd like to go. What time should I be ready?"
"How about eleven o'clock? We could stop for lunch on the way."
"Eleven o'clock." Duo confirmed, "I'll see you then."
*********
Duo took the stairs instead of the elevator. Right then wasn't the best time to find himself in a tightly enclosed space with Heero. He unlocked his door and made his usual streetlight illuminated trek to the bedroom.
He undressed in the bathroom, his clothes destined for the laundry hamper since they smelled of smoke and the city's general pollution. As he unbuttoned his shirt a trace of Heero's spicy aftershave caressed his nose.
That night Duo slept in his red silky shirt.
TBC...
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