A Reason for Living Epilogue
A New Beginning
"Come in." Une responded to a knock at the door.
The Commander had been in Montreux for only a few hours. She was thankful her agents had returned in relatively good condition but she was curious as to why Heero Yuy had requested a private meeting.
"You're supposed to be on medical leave." Une stated.
Agent 01 closed the door behind him. Without a word he handed Une a plain white envelope. "What's this?" she wondered running her finger over the unsealed flap.
"My resignation." Heero supplied the necessary information not wasting any words on further clarification.
Une's brown eyes widened at the agent's unexpected announcement. "Sit down." she motioned to a chair at the conference table.
Obediently the Japanese agent followed what was, perhaps, his last order from the International Preventer Bureau Commander. Une slip a folded sheet of paper from the envelope. Silently she read over the page's brief contents. Exactly like her very efficient agent, the letter of resignation was precise and to the point.
Finally Une took off her glasses, laid them and the letter on the table then leaned forward not bothering to hide her confusion. "You gave no reason for your request to be released from duty." she stated then took a long moment to study Heero's unreadable expression.
"My reason is personal." Heero replied with the same undecipherable tone in his voice.
"I think you owe me some form of explanation." Une insisted.
For the first time since sitting down, Heero seemed uneasy. Uncharacteristically he lowered his eyes away from the Commander's concerned sight. His fingers opened and closed in nervous aggregation then clenched into two white-knuckled fists.
Heero's behavior, so opposite of his usual confident demeanor, was as disturbing as his intensions to leave the Bureau. Une, too, was experiencing an alteration in her sense of control. As surprising to herself as to Agent 01 she reached across and lightly laid her hand on Heero's arm. "Talk to me."
Suddenly the expertly trained, unemotional field operative resurfaced. Heero straighten in his seat and locked his cobalt eyes on the IPB Chief Officer. The abrupt change in Heero's deportment caused Une to withdraw her hand.
"I have conflicts in my private life that would interfere with my ability to properly do my job. I feel that my mission performance would be compromised and thus would endanger my fellow agents and myself." Heero answered without a hint of hesitation in either his tone or his body language.
Une leaned back in her chair and folded her hands on the tabletop. "Have you thought this through? Resigning is a drastic step." she replaced her glasses and reverted back into her strict role of Commander. "I want you to take the remainder of your leave and think about what you will be giving up."
"More time won't make any difference," Heero stated firmly, "I've already made up my mind."
Une's practical nature took over in the argument to get Heero Yuy to change his mind. "The Bureau has invested a lot of time in your training, not to mention a considerable monetary output."
Heero's determination in the battle of wills was not about to wavier. "I will uphold the secrecy contact I signed when I joined the Bureau but I will not stay." he declared. Heero stood and turned towards the office door. "It has been an honor to serve under your command."
The sliding back of Une's chair caused Heero to pause just before reaching for the doorknob. He could sense the Commander moving around the table and coming up behind him.
"Heero, wait...please." Une had never made a request of her agent and she hoped that 01 would be shocked enough to at least hear her out.
Heero pivoted in place and gave Commander Une the respect she had earned from her many years of Bureau service. "Yes, Commander."
"I have a proposal that will benefit both you and the Bureau. What would you say to accepting a position as a training instructor?" Before Heero could answered Une added logical persuasion to her offer. "You would be able to share your extensive knowledge and experience with the trainees and the Bureau would retain a damn fine agent."
A mixture of surprise and relief ran across Heero's face. Without a second thought he nodded his acceptance to the solution to what seemed like an insurmountable problem. "When do I start?"
Une was also relieved by Agent 01's positive reply. "Finish your R & R, you've certainly earned the rest. When the doctor gives you a clean bill of health I'll put the paperwork in order."
Une extended her hand, Heero shook it gratefully. "01." She called as Heero stepped into the hall.
"Yes, Commander."
"Give my best regards to Mr. Maxwell." she said, knowing full well that Duo was Heero's "personal reason" for no longer wanting to be a field operative.
*********
International Preventer Bureau employees were not permitted to accept gifts or rewards for their duty, no matter who was grateful for whatever reasons. But when Treize Khushrenada decided to show his gratitude to the agents who saved his company, he used his considerable influence to persuade Commander Une to blend the rules.
Feeling quite hospitable indeed, the owner of Khushrenada Electronics offered Heero, Quatre, Trowa and Wufei an all-expense paid trip to anywhere in the world they wished to go. Herr Khushrenada's appreciative generosity was also extended to Duo Maxwell. In addition to the free travel arrangements, a promotion along with the matching salary increase was liberally bestowed on his loyal employee.
Quatre Winner and Trowa Barton chose the French Riviera for their romantic destination. Sunny beaches and Mediterranean-kissed nights were the perfect prescription to put the stressful mission behind them.
Chang Wufei wished to return to China and spend time with his Clan. It had been a year since he had seen Hong Kong, translated as fragrant harbor. He deeply missed the sight of Victoria Peak silhouetted against the clear, blue sky and longed to visit his family in Kowloon (Nine Dragons).
After lengthy consideration, Heero and Duo decided on the Bahamas. When Treize learned of their plans, he insisted they stay at his house in Nassau that was nestled among palm trees on a private beach. "Just the right place for the restoration of Agent Yuy's health." Treize declared with great pleasure.
Knowing Heero's reputation for not always following orders, Une wondered whether 01's recovery should be under a staff physician's supervision. But his injuries were not serious, three cracked ribs and nine stitches on his upper arm. The numerous scrapes had healed and the bruises had faded to barely noticeable discolorations. And since Heero was on official leave Une couldn't really dictate the terms of his rest and relaxation.
Duo pointed out that he was certainly able to monitor Heero's health so Une finally agreed to the travel arrangements with one stipulation, the debriefing reports that all her agents hated writing up were to be completed in a reasonable length of time. However, the IPB Commander wasn't going to hold her breath waiting.
Lastly, Treize decided that time away from the rigors of running his company was necessary for both his and Zechs' well being. Zechs had always been prone to alcohol addiction and his drinking had reached dangerous levels under the strain caused by Paul Carter's threats to harm Treize. A prudent period of recuperation, in an undisclosed location, would go a long way to heal the lovers' minds, bodies and spirits.
Treize would never know of Zechs' sacrifice of one more part of himself. Zechs' killing Carter, ironically done in the name of love, would only be revisited when Zechs laid beside his lover in the midnight darkness and silently wept for both their sake's.
*********
The cloudless, azure sky touched the furthest horizon. Turquoise surf stoked the pure white sand with a repetitive rhythm as old as time. The balmy air was perfumed with tropical flowers and flavored with the tangy taste of salt spray.
Dressed only in pale blue lounging trousers, that left little to the imagination when the sun shone through the gauzy material, Duo leaned on the railing encircling the bungalow's veranda. A sheen of coconut scented sunscreen glistened on Duo's bronzed skin. The gentle breeze blowing off the ocean ruffled his bangs and feathered his unbraided ponytail as he quietly watched the wave's frothy bubbles wash in and slide back out to sea.
Heero, wearing a tan cotton kimono, sat behind Duo in a rattan chase lounge. As Agent 01 reluctantly filled out his post-assignment reports he cursed under his breath over what he considered to be poppycock.
Before he and Duo left Montreux, Heero had addressed every point, answered every question and accounted for his time and expenses, so why was it so damn necessary to spend his vacation writing up papers that would be tucked away in a dusty file cabinet never to see the light of day again?
And if the pointless reports weren't difficult enough to deal with, Duo's teasingly transparent outfit was a constant interruption of Heero's concentration. Sunlight filtering through the veranda's thatched roof shimmered over Duo's muscular shoulders, trailed along his hair in russet bands and traced sensual patterns over the sheer fabric that clung to his trim buttocks like gossamer butterfly wings.
Duo could sense Heero's acute interest even if he couldn't see the gleam in 01's cobalt eyes. Duo smiled to himself, pleased that he was the cause of the Japanese agent's distracted inability to keep to his task.
Finally Duo took mercy on Heero's divided attention that was prolonging his distasteful chore. With a soft swish of fabric, Duo joined Heero. "How's the paperwork coming along?" he inquired, pouring a glass of red wine.
Heero sighed, "Not too good. Come here and rescue me."
Duo carefully settled on the chase lounge beside Heero being mindful of his mending ribs. Leaning back so he could see passed the roof, Duo contently observed a lone seagull gracefully gliding on the warm updrafts. The gull's shrill cry carried on the breeze then faded into the sound of breaking waves and the music from bamboo wind chimes suspended from the ceiling.
The lonesome song brought about contemplative thoughts. Over the past months Duo's convictions concerning right and wrong had been turned upside down. His confidence in people had been challenged. His naive belief in the sanctity of human life had been ruined and his ability to trust was damaged almost beyond repair.
Now the only positive meaning in Duo's life was Heero Yuy but their future together was uncertain. Duo knew that Heero was in no position to make a commitment, that soon the IPB agent would be called back into service. It was only a matter of time before Heero would take his next assignment and although the mission might carry him halfway around the world, Duo knew Heero would never be far from his mind and heart.
Duo decided that what time he and Heero did have together would be put to proper use making memories that would ease the loneliness and quiet the dark dreaming that his severance from Heero would surely generate.
Heero laid his report forms and ink pen on the floor. "What's on your mind? You seem miles away."
"Nothing, just thinking." Duo lied not wanting to spoil the peaceful moment. He took another sip of wine and tried to relax.
"Tell me what you're thinking." Heero insisted.
Duo sat down his glass and offered Heero a sad gaze. "About how long we might have before your next assignment."
Heero eased up favoring his sore ribs and slipped his arm around Duo's bare shoulders. "I met with Commander Une before we left."
Duo eyes widened, "When did she arrive in Montreux?"
"The Commander flew in two days ago. I'm not going on any more missions. I offered my resignation but...."
"You did what!" Duo interrupted, "You can't resign. Being an IPB agent defines your life."
Duo's shocked sight softened and his tone lowered to almost a whisper. "If I'm the...reason," his voice trembled over the words, "I won't be the reason, I can't be."
Heero drew Duo closer. "I'm not leaving the Bureau entirely. I've agreed to become a training instructor but I will not be a field operative, the mission is not worth the risk."
Heero shifted until his eyes locked on Duo's fretted countenance. "For the first time in my life I have something to live for, someone to share my life. I asked you to wait but I don't want to wait. Stay with me, I won't be complete without you." He leaned nearer, brushed stray hair from Duo's misty eyes then let his hand linger on Duo's tanned face. "I'm yours if you'll have me."
Duo leaned into the touch. "I don't want to spend another moment alone. Yes, Heero Yuy I would be honored to stay with you."
"There's going to be an adjustment period," Heero warned, "I've guarded my emotions for so long I'm not sure how to let go."
Tears of elation pooled in Duo's eyes and a single salty droplet slid down his cheek. "We both need to learn how to trust again but together, with love as our guide, we can overcome any obstacle."
Heero Yuy always had an unshakable sense direction; he always instinctively followed the correct course. Agent 01 never acted without a precise plan but now the path to happiness was shrouded by the fog of uncertainty and like a frightened child he was helplessly wandering in search of a saving ray of light.
Duo Maxwell was Heero's light, his beacon and anchor. It didn't matter if he stumbled along the way, not as long as Duo was there to lift him up. Without hesitation Heero surrendered to Duo's guidance and trusted him to bring them safely home. "How do we begin?"
"Like this." Duo answered before cupping his hand behind Heero's head and guiding Heero's mouth to his mouth.
The wine-flavored kiss was tender. Empathy for Heero's pain was conveyed in that gentle caress of lips on lips.
Heero wrapped his arms around Duo and clung unashamedly. Melting into the kiss he gladly gave up his doubts and fearlessly let the wall around his heart crumble like a sandcastle swamped by the tide of love.
Duo ended the kiss with a satisfied sigh. "Please, let me show you how much I love you?"
Heero nodded "yes", stood up and held out his hand. Duo entwined his fingers and hand in hand the liberated agent and his civilian lover took their first step to becoming soul mates.
*********
The sun hovered above the horizon like a huge dragon's eye. The waning rays painted the sand pink and reflected in a thousand glittering pinpoints over the ocean. Shore birds and gulls gathered under the palm trees to watch the sunset dissolve into the tranquil water.
Heero stretched out on the bed. Duo straddled his hips and slowly untied the kimono's sash. As Duo opened the kimono, his fingertips brushed over Heero's stomach and the light contact caused Heero to shiver under the tingling touch.
The parting material revealed several layers of supportive bandages swathed around Heero's sensitive ribs but they barely concealed the ragged scar. "We need to be careful. I don't want to hurt you." Duo declared.
"I'm sure we can find a way around this minor hindrance." Heero nodded down at the encircling bands.
"I can be very creative." Duo replied huskily. The breathy statement produced another bout of completely involuntary chills that raised goose bumps all over Heero's body.
"Let me do all the work." Duo ordered then captured Heero's mouth with a more demanding kiss.
The kiss quickly turned into many kisses that trailed along Heero's chin then up to his ear where Duo used his lips to tug at the lobe. Soon tongue and teeth united for a volley of sensual assaults. Bracing his hands on the bed to keep his weight off of Heero's chest Duo licked and sucked his way down his lover's neck.
Heero's tried to relax and let the varied sensations flow over him but his body was rapidly being overwhelmed to the point of losing control. A low moan rose through his throat and Duo smiled as the sound vibrated against his lips.
Duo pushed the kimono off Heero's shoulders and took a moment to drink in the golden skin that was exposed. Fingertips teased Heero's nipples until the dark nubs were firm. While one hand fondled the left side, Duo's tongue encircled the other nipple then he blew on the wet spot to send additional chills over Heero's overheated body.
Heero tangled his hands in Duo's hair and pulled off the elastic band. Silky stands cascaded over both lovers and slid smoothly between Heero's fingers. A tug on Heero's underwear signaled for the completely captivated agent to raise his hips high enough to be divested of the last barrier to Duo's investigative intensions.
"Mmmmm, lover, you ARE happy to see me." Duo purred at the sight of Heero's rigid manhood. "Let's see if I can make you even more ecstatic."
Heero could only groan and close his eyes in anticipation of Duo's lustful declaration. His eyes popped open and he blew out a hiss of air as the tip of Duo's tongue tickled along the hardened shaft.
Heero used twin handfuls of hair to keep Duo's attention centered on the sensitive organ that begged for more. "Damn! Duo!" he exclaimed as his manhood was engulfed by Duo's very talented mouth.
Duo ignored the loud expletive and concentrated on his task. Base to tip and back again. Repeat until Heero turned into a trembling mass of breathless sounds alternating between whimpers and indistinguishable words.
Then when Heero's control was brought to the brink, Duo pulled back with a soft pop as his lips let go.
"No...please...." Heero beseeched his captor to grant him release.
Instead of complying with Heero's urgent pleading Duo carefully guided his leg over 01's hips and slid off the bed. "Duo?"
"Be patient for a minute." Duo replied as he searched through his suitcases. A glint of silver shone in the sunset's fading light that cast purple shadows on the bedroom walls and ceiling.
Before Duo climbed back on the bed he slowly lowered his trousers to add to Heero's already anxious expectation. As the thin fabric slipped down, Duo wiggled his hips in sensual circles designed to further entice his Japanese lover.
"Utsukushii" Heero whispered, "Beautiful" he repeated in English.
Duo straddled Heero and used his legs to brace his body just inches above Heero's full-blown erection. A generous dollop of lube was squeezed into his palm then rubbed between his hands to warm up the slick gel. Duo reached between his own legs and inserted one finger then a second into his anal opening.
After stretching and loosening the outer ring of muscles Duo used several strokes along Heero's length to make certain that the "soldier" stood at attention then raised up, centered his hips and began to cautiously lower himself on the enlarged member.
Heero's eyes wanted to slide shut but he forced them to watch until his manhood was totally sheathed in Duo's sweet heat. He couldn't tear his sight away from Duo's face and his toned body that was damp from exertion. Duo's head was thrown back and his lips were parted in soundless affirmation of their bond.
Duo rocked his hips, lifted up until Heero's manhood was halfway out then descended once again into the depths of pure ecstasy. The lovers soon settled into a regular rhythm, a metered stoking of the embers until a fire ignited between their bodies and burned deeply in their unified souls.
Heero gripped Duo's hips and encouraged him to accelerate the fiery pace then tunneled one hand around Duo's erection and expertly applied pressure to encourage his climax.
"Now lover, come for me." Heero hissed and with a final stroke drove Duo to a breathtaking release.
"Ahhhh." was all Duo could mutter in response to the shudders that ran up his legs and the shivers that gathered in his groin.
With a guttural grunt Heero also willingly gave up his control spilling his seed and claiming Duo forever.
They remained united until Heero softened enough so Duo could ease up without causing either one any pain.
Comforting night shadows folded around Duo and Heero as they shared the afterglow. The ocean kept to its timeless vigil and the ageless moon rose silently over the horizon. The haunting call of a nighthawk wafted on the fragrant breeze that billowed the curtains and cooled the impassioned lovers.
Duo pulled up the coverlet and snuggled in the steadfast security of Heero's embrace. "Tonight is a new beginning." he whispered.
As a stream of moonlight sparkled over Heero's bright blue eyes, he nodded against Duo's chest. "Our first night of eternity."
The bamboo wind chimes sang a lullaby and the serene lovers drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
~Love enkindles in my heart like fire that paints the dawn.
As I wake in your arms the stars melt into morning.~
OWARI
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