Author: Karen, The Huntress
Rating: R
Warning: AU, language.
Pairing: 1x2
Feedback: Always appreciated.
Archive: DHML Archive
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or its characters.
Summary: A new neighbor sparks Duo's interest.
Love Thy Neighbor Prologue
Saturday morning offered the perfect opportunity to sleep in but, unfortunately, Duo's internal clock was still set on "workweek" time. He had managed to lounge in bed until 7:30 but by 8:30 he was heading to his balcony with a glass of orange juice, a bowl of Raisin Bran and the New York Times.
The seventh of May had ushered in milder temperatures but a chill still lingered in the early morning air making Duo glad he'd opted for a sweat suit rather than the tee shirt and shorts he had originally consider putting on after his shower. He had left his hip-length hair in a loose ponytail, after all Saturday was a casual day.
The sky was speckled with wisps of white clouds that played hide-and-seek with the orange sun. Duo's apartment on the second floor kept the traffic noise to a minimum but he could still hear the revering engines and the occasional honking of impatient horns from the busy avenue.
Opening the newspaper to the entertainment section, Duo smoothed out the page then anchor the corner with the cereal bowl against the intermittent breeze blowing up from the rear courtyard. Wanting to eat before the bran flakes turned to mush Duo leaned over the bowl, scooped up a raisin-laden spoonful then found himself thankful that no one could see him as a line of milk dribbled down his chin.
"Way to go, Maxwell." Duo grinned, using a paper napkin to dab away the leaking liquid. "You can do a complicated step combination but you can't feed your face without makin' a mess."
The following spoonfuls were delivered with a steadier hand and soon the bowl was empty except for a thin layer of bran-tinted milk in the bottom. With a triumphant sigh Duo settled back to finish his juice, catch up on the latest celebrity gossip and read the show reviews.
But tantalizing tidbits about Paris Hilton's latest romping partner or which superstar had been arrested for drunk driving weren't nearly as fascinating as the person that just strolled up to the courtside pool. Duo lowered the paper and discreetly peered over the balcony's railing at the man, yes most definitely a male, dressed in formfitting swim trunks and a tank top.
Even from Duo's lofty position he could clearly see the well-defined muscles that accented the man's shoulders and rippled along bulging biceps. Trim buttocks were neatly tucked into the trunk's stretchy material and Duo had no doubts that the frontal view would be as pleasing.
Leaning closer Duo's now not-so-discreet scrutiny to get look at the mystery man's face was defeated by the man's wind-blown brown hair that made Duo suddenly yearn for a first floor apartment. The modern day Adonis laid a towel on a chase lounge then stripped off the tank top to bare an equally muscular chest and abs of steel.
"Not only is he handsome," Duo muttered out loud, "but he has the balls to brave pool water that has to be colder than a whore's heart."
As if on cue the enticing stranger walked to the deep end and entered the water with a fluid motion that would put an Olympic diver to shame. Strong strokes propelled the swimmer with hardly a splash, leaving only faint ripples in his wake. Four or five laps had Duo fantasizing about stamina and endurance that didn't necessarily involve water sports except the ones played in the shower.
More laps, the newspaper slipped from Duo's fingers, fluttered across the balcony and became plastered against the French doors. "He has to live in the building or he couldn't use the pool." Duo reasoned.
*Unless he's visiting someone.* his mind added the unsavory afterthought.
Duo had stopped counting the completed circuits by the time the man swam to the pool's side. Instead of using the ladder he flattened his palms on the tiled edge and hoisted himself out of the water with ease. Now Duo was treated to that highly anticipated frontal view and he was not disappointed.
Cascading water shimmered in the mid-morning sun as each lucky droplet slipped over every inch of tanned skin. The man mopped back wet bangs and for a moment Duo caught a glimpse of striking blue eyes.
"You can't tell his eye color from here." Duo's mind was again playing the devil's advocate. He ignored the cerebral comments. "They're blue, I know they are."
The man seemed to remain oblivious to Duo's secret observations as he dried off and tugged the tank top over his damp chest. The towel was draped around his neck then he quickly disappeared around the building's corner.
Duo eased back into his chair with a frustrated puff of air that ruffled his bangs. "I've got to find out who he is but how?" he wondered aloud in his continuing conversation with himself. "Hilde is working today and if I use the Maxwell charm maybe I can get the information I need."
Duo quickly gathered up his breakfast bowl and glass, crumpled up the stray newspaper and went inside. He put on shoes, hurriedly braided his hair and headed downstairs to find out all he could about the attractive stranger who, if Duo had his way, wouldn't be a stranger for much longer.
TBC...
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