Hey Jealousy Part 9
I don't have time to think more than: 'what the hell is he doing here?' before Duo is out of the car.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Duo demands and I nearly laugh out loud at the expression on Zechs' face. I get out of the car and move to stand beside Duo. He's nearly bursting with agitation. I haven't seen him this upset in a long time.
"You haven't replied to any of my emails. I was getting worried." Zechs casts a look at me, as if he thinks I've been hurting Duo somehow.
Now the anger starts to rise and I wonder what's taken it so long even as I take a deep breath to try and lock it down. Why didn't it start when Duo got out of the car? When I saw him on the doorstep? Before we left the mere sight of Zechs would infuriate me.
Now it's just his assumption that he thinks I'd mistreat Duo that makes me mad- though he's right to worry. I nearly have...
"Maybe I didn't feel like answering." Duo snaps and I put a hand on his braid. "Maybe I felt you were presuming on our friendship a little too much."
"Friends watch out for each other." Zechs points out, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Friends don't push things after one of them has said no."
"Duo- all I was doing was letting you know there was an alternative."
"Well, I don't need one."
"But you might've wanted one."
"And now you know I don't. So go away."
"I just got here."
Duo rolls his eyes. "You know it's not a good idea for you to be here."
Zechs looks at me again and then back at Duo. "Why? Is Heero going to attack me for being worried about you? Are you?' he addresses the last question to me.
"I don't think so," I say and am amazed to find that it's true. I'm angry yes, but I don't want to hurt him. I want to pull Duo away from him and into the house, but the urge is... less. Are Sally's drugs working?
Duo blinks at me, and I can see the hope in his face. "Heero? You really don't?"
I look at him and then back at Zechs. "Not yet."
Much to my surprise, Zechs laughs. "Then I'll leave before you do- and I'll call Sally on my way. She and Quatre sent me here you know. They felt the time had come for a little test."
We both blink at him as he heads for his car, waving his hand at us in farewell.
"Damn it," Duo mutters as Zechs gets into his car. "He's going to be insufferable after this."
"More than likely."
Duo turns back to me. "You really feeling...?"
"I'm mad." I make a fist and clench it. "But... it's not out of control." I meet his eyes and smile. "I think you got madder than I did."
"I was scared." Duo admits. "I thought Zechs would make you mad and then you'd see that as a reason to- well, leave me."
I reach out and pull him close. His nearness soothes the anger down further still. "It really is better," I tell him and his smile is dazzling.
"Good enough to go home?" He asks and I nod.
"I think so."
His arms close around me tight. "I'm so glad."
I am too- though the back of my mind whispers that this might be a temporary solution. I shove the thought down. Duo needs me. I can't fail him now.
"Let's go home."
OWARI
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