Author: Merula
Pairings: 1x2
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Yaoi, AU...
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not mine.
Asked by dtesedale
Tamed Drabble
Heero finished in the stable just as the storm broke. He headed quickly for the inn, glad that he'd already secured a room for the night. The taproom was full of people, but Heero managed to find a table in a quiet corner, managed to catch the eye of one of the serving girls.
The food wasn't anything special, but it was warm and filled his stomach. He kept an eye on the window, watched the rain beat against the glass. The last time he'd seen a storm like this had been over a month ago, while he was staying in that inn with Duo.
Maxwell, he reminded himself. Not Duo. That had been a dangerous time. He'd found himself looking for a reason to stay when the storm had finally passed-
Rely only on yourself. His father's words echoed in his ears. Alone is better.
"Hey," a familiar voice said, nearly in his ear and Heero spun around to find Maxwell behind him. He was soaked with rainwater and looked as if he'd been up for days, but Heero couldn't help the way his chest contracted at the sight of the other man. "Mind if I share your table? There aren't any seats left."
That was true enough. Heero nodded and Maxwell sat down. Heero pushed the plate of cornbread over and looked for the serving girl.
"Thanks," Maxwell said after the girl had come and gone. "It's pouring out there, isn't it?"
"Yes," Heero nodded, glad that they seemed to be sticking to neutral topics. "It hit right as I left the stable."
"I thought that was your horse I saw in there." Maxwell was eating quickly as if he was half-starved. "I had to turn a bounty in once I got here. Damn man made me chase him across half the state."
No wonder he looked tired, Heero thought. "Bet you'll be glad to rest."
"Oh yeah." Maxwell smiled wearily. "Innkeeper told me that the place was full up, but the stable master said I could bed down with the horses. As long as the roof doesn't leak, I'll be happy."
Heero bit down hard on the words that first sprung to his lips- an offer to share his room. What was he doing? Granted, the first night they'd spent together had been- well, one of the best nights he'd ever had- and the last few they'd spent in the inn had been nearly as good. But all that time in between, when Maxwell had chased him- caught him- used him-
And then let him go again- and Heero had let him-
He still didn't understand it.
Maxwell had finished eating. He was leaning on one hand, his eyes closed, nearly falling onto his empty plate. He looked exhausted.
Heero sighed. He got to his feet and hooked an arm around Maxwell's. "Come on," he said and urged the other man to his feet. "Let's get you to bed." Maxwell rose obediently enough, letting Heero lead him through the taproom.
"Stable?" Maxwell blinked as they got to the stairs.
"I have a room. You can share with me." Heero wondered what the hell he was doing, letting Maxwell into his room. But-
Maxwell was asleep the moment Heero got him to the bed. Heero pulled his boots off and tossed the blanket over the sleeping bounty hunter. Then he took his own boots off, blew out the light and crawled into the bed.
Maxwell was a soft warmth next to him. Heero closed his eyes and hoped that he didn't regret his generosity in the morning.
He pulled Duo close and fell asleep.
OWARI
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