Author's Note: Sorry for the outrageous delay. Between migraines, work, and family chaos, it seems like I never get time alone for writing. It's SO hard to write with anyone in the room. I can't concentrate! Plus, this chapter did NOT want to end. I finally had to cut it and use a big chunk for the next one, or risk posting the Endless Chapter from Hell. At any rate, hope this meets with your approval. And I will try to keep my updates more timely from now on.
"My grandfather passed away last winter, and it feels like the old farmstead will never be the same. He loved this place so very much. I can't help but feel at fault for his death. I'd gone calling on Sarah. (Granddad was very happy that I'd finally found a young woman who interested me!) While I was there, a blizzard moved in, and Sarah's father insisted I stay the night. When I fought my way home through the waist-deep drifts the next morning, I found the door ajar, the house as cold as a tomb, and grandfather and Thunder missing. I hoped maybe he'd just gone to a neighbor's house; maybe someone had checked on him early in the storm and convinced him to go where there would be other people. But my desperate hope was in vain. When I didn't find him at the nearest farm, I searched everywhere; or at least everywhere I could. The storm left all of Smoky Hills buried under a deep cover of snow, and bitter cold temperatures ensured it lasted. We didn't find the bodies until a few days later, when things thawed enough for a search. They were huddled together up on Washington Hill, under the shelter of an old pine...frozen solid...him and Thunder. I'll bet that old dog took after a varmint, and granddad chased after him; he loved that damned hound..."
--excerpt from the private journal of Samuel Barton
Smoky Hills Part 45
First Dates
Duo had changed clothes no less than three times before Quatre finally snagged his wrist as he headed back up the stairs.
"You look fine!" Quatre asserted. "Better than fine. You look great."
Duo looked down at his black slacks and dark blue shirt. "But--I think the maroon might've been a little dressier."
"Dressy shmessy," Quatre growled, imitating Duo's tendency to play with words when he was being facetious. "It had those stupid little round buttons on the cuffs. This shirt looks way more--manly. Yes, manly." He was partly tired of being asked to evaluate Duo's frantically-assembled outfits, and partly dying to get his roommate out of the house so he could carry out his own plans.
As soon as Duo and Heero were gone, Quatre intended to take a ride out to the Barton farm to see Trowa. He had a ready made excuse--telling the green-eyed man about Rashid's new restoration technique for damaged documents. It seemed like the perfect 'in.'
He hadn't mentioned his plan to Duo, because he didn't want to deal with either Duo's teasing, or the incessant questions he was liable to ask.
"Manly?" Duo questioned, looking down at the dark, silky shirt. "I don't think so." He smoothed a sleeve.
"Well, it's not in a class with flannel for sheer lumberjack manliness," Quatre teased. "But it's a masculine color and cut, and it's obviously a dressy shirt. I totally think you should stick with it and scrap the maroon. And the black. You'd look hot in all black, but not nearly as classy--promise."
The sound of a car door shutting drew both their attention.
"Plus, you're out of time," Quatre threw in quickly. "Go grab a jacket and I'll answer the door."
Duo let out something between a yelp and a cheer, and dashed back up to his room to grab his leather jacket.
Quatre heaved a sigh of sheer relief and went to the door, opening it right on the heels of Heero's knock. His intended greeting flew right out the window when he saw how totally hot Duo's date looked.
"Wow."
Heero blinked at him, and then followed his gaze down the form-fitting shirt and flattering slacks. "Oh." He blushed slightly as he looked up from under his bangs. "So, I look okay?"
"Better than okay," Quatre admitted reluctantly. "Duo will be--" He shook his head, and fixed a stern gaze on the Japanese man. "You said you wouldn't take advantage and I'll hold you to that."
Heero looked outright puzzled, but he nodded. "I have no intention of rushing Duo into anything physical."
"Yeah, well--dressed like that, you might have to fend him off," Quatre said bluntly.
"Oh." Heero managed a smirk. "Should I go home and see if Trowa's got a gunny sack out in the barn I could wear?"
Quatre couldn't help smiling back. "It might be better for Duo's libido," he suggested. "But no. You look fine."
They both turned at the patter of feet on the stairs as Duo hurried down to join them, tugging his well-worn leather jacket on over his shirt. "I hope this is okay--"
He paused as he saw Heero and Quatre in the doorway. "Wow--'Ro," he murmured appreciatively.
Heero was too busy undressing Duo with his eyes to respond, until Quatre firmly elbowed him in the side. "Oh! Right! Hi, Duo," he blurted hastily. "You look--great."
"Yeah? Well you don't look so bad yourself," Duo purred, walking closer and unabashedly ogling his date. "I mean, I liked the way you looked that first time you came into the post office. But this--this is just really awesome icing on the cake. You clean up amazing!"
"And you don't?" Heero countered.
Quatre rolled his eyes. "Yes, you both look good enough to eat. Now why don't you get on your way before you miss dinner altogether, hm? Some of us have things of our own to do this evening."
Duo paused, glancing almost apologetically at his boss as he realized Quatre would be spending the evening alone, while he waltzed off with a gorgeous new boyfriend. "You gonna be okay?" he asked quietly. "I mean--"
Quatre clapped a hand over his mouth and glared. "Duo Maxwell, you are not trying to apologize for having a date, are you? I'll kick your butt!" He pushed Duo away, smiling and shaking his head. "You go have a great time. I have plenty to occupy myself, and contrary to popular belief, I don't require your constant company."
"That's good," Heero spoke up, daring to tease the blonde. "Because I plan to steal as much of his time as you're willing to give up."
Duo blushed and slipped an arm around Heero's waist, giving him a welcoming squeeze. "That is so sweet."
"Yes, yes," Quatre sighed. "You're both adorable as hell...now would you go?"
Duo gave him a suspicious look, sensing that he had ulterior motives. "You're in a big hurry to see us off, Quat. Got plans, do you?"
"As a matter of fact, I do. Among other things, I have some calls to make, and I wanted to finalize the menu for the cookout and--"
"Oh God!" Duo yelped. "You're reverting to type, Quat. Do you hear yourself? 'Finalize the menu?' You're starting to sound Winner-ish again."
"I am not!" Quatre retorted, blushing in spite of himself. "I can't help my choice of words, Duo. It's just the way I talk."
"It's fancy," Duo noted. "You've got to just dumb it down a bit. Say you have to make a shopping list or something--not 'finalize the menu.' Okay?"
Heero took a firm grip on Duo's arm, tugging him towards the door. "Leave Quatre alone, Duo," he urged. "Let's just go have a nice evening. Your roommate can make a shopping list, finalize a menu, or dye his hair black for all I care. But I'd like to get you to the restaurant before we starve to death."
Duo smirked back over his shoulder at Quatre as he exited the house with Heero. "Don't wait up, honeybunch!"
"You know I will, lamby-pie!"
Heero sighed as he ushered Duo down the steps towards his car. "Are you two always like that?"
"This from the guy whose brother never lets up," Duo scoffed. "You and Tro' are the same way."
Heero smiled in spite of himself. "I guess we are." He opened the car door for Duo, and the braided man hesitated, giving him a sideways glance before sliding in.
When Heero got in the driver's side, Duo looked over with a cross between a smirk and a scowl. "You know, I'm not a girl, Yuy."
Heero snorted. "I hope not, or this date will be a big waste of time."
"So, ya don't hafta open doors for me, or stuff like that."
Heero rolled his eyes. "It's a habit, Duo. I've been driving Trowa around so much, it got to be second nature to open the door while he was using crutches." He gave the other man a flat, stern look. "I have no intention of treating you like a girl. I was just being helpful."
"Okay then," Duo said with a nod. "Just makin' sure we understand each other."
"We do."
They pulled out of the driveway onto the road, and Duo settled more comfortably into the seat, watching the familiar scenery slide past.
"Y'know some day Quat and I will have to take you to Sal's diner and introduce you around."
Heero gave a small smile. "I'd like that."
"Seriously?" Duo asked, his expression turning a bit pensive. "I mean--you know what folks are like in this town. Guilt by association and all--"
"I thought we already discussed this," Heero said calmly. "I don't care what anyone in this town thinks--except for you, and maybe Quatre."
"Yes, but if you hang out with me--"
"I thought we already discussed that, too," Heero interrupted. "First off, I intend to do more than just hang out with you. And secondly, I don't care if the whole world knows it." He shook his head. "I'll admit, while the investigation into Solo's death is in progress, we should probably be discrete. But there's no reason Trowa and I can't be seen with you and Quatre." He raised an eyebrow. "Surely they allow friendships in this town?"
"Well, yeah--but in my case, folks are gonna speculate about any guy who spends too much time in my company."
Heero smirked, recalling Ralph's suspicions about Quatre. "Yes, they probably will," he acknowledged. "But considering what I've seen of the IQs around here, they probably won't figure it out much before the turn of the next century."
Duo chuckled. "You can't judge everyone by Ralph, Otto and Trant. We do have some smart folks; and nice ones, too." He launched into a description of his more personable and colorful customers, like Mrs. Heinz and her fussy neighbor, keeping Heero entertained most of the way to the restaurant.
~*~
While Duo and Heero were off on their much-anticipated first date, Quatre gathered up the notes he'd made while talking to Rashid and headed out to the Barton farm.
Since he'd been there once before, delivering the express mail, he felt a lot less self-conscious about knocking on the door. And when Trowa's face lit up at the sight of him, the last of his uneasiness faded away.
"Hi."
"Yeah, hi," Trowa echoed, grinning widely. "What brings you all the way out here?" He paused, reviewing that sentence in his head, and gave a slight frown. "I mean--not that I'm not glad to see you. I am. Very." He caught himself sputtering and tried to get a grip. "Um--wanna come in?"
Feeling a bit more in control of the situation, Quatre nodded, hefting his armful of notebooks. "I've got information from Rashid."
Trowa pushed the two curious dogs back and ushered Quatre into the house. "Don't mind the hounds," he said as they crowded around the blonde. "They're gentle."
"Yes, I remember," Quatre laughed, holding the papers above licking range. "Is there somewhere I can set this down?"
"Sure. Kitchen--that way," Trowa told him.
They made their way to the most-used room in the house, and Quatre laid down his books on the checkered tablecloth. "This is a nice place--very homey."
"It's getting there," Trowa said with a sigh. "Took ages, and Heero did most of the work, but it's livable now. Would you like coffee or tea or something?"
"Tea would be great," Quatre replied, wondering if he should have brought along that coffee with a shot of whiskey Heero had mentioned.
While Trowa worked on preparing tea for them both, Quatre settled at the table and enjoyed the view of the slender, graceful man moving around the room.
"Is Rashid going to look at the books?" Trowa asked, making conversation as he worked.
"Yes. As a matter of fact, he's very eager to see them. He has a new restoration process he thinks might be of use on the water damaged ones."
Trowa glanced over his shoulder, catching Quatre's gaze drifting from his butt up to his face and hiding a smirk. "That's great," he said warmly. "I'd really like to be able to read them all eventually."
"If anyone can make that happen, it's Rashid," Quatre assured him, smiling disarmingly and hoping Trowa hadn't noticed the ogling.
Trowa set two mugs on the counter, waiting for the water to boil. "I don't want to get my hopes up too much," he told the blonde. "But I think some of the water damaged journals might give us a clue about Solo's death."
"Really? Why do you say that?"
"Well--" Trowa turned to face Quatre, leaning back against the counter. "My grandfather--Dekim Senior--knew this farm like the back of his hand. His last couple of journals have dozens of descriptions of the hills and the trails. And he made reference to there being some deep, dark secrets in this town."
"Wow."
Trowa turned back around shrugging. "Of course, that might be nothing more than the ravings of a delusional old man. He also claimed he'd seen the ghost of Ephraim Barton and his dog Thunder."
"No kidding?"
Trowa shook his head. "You'd have to read it to believe some of his ramblings. Pretty nutty stuff, some of it. But--" His voice trailed off as he recalled the kinship he'd felt to his grandfather while reading his journals.
"You believe him," Quatre said firmly.
Trowa turned sharply, blushing and ducking his head. "Will you think I'm crazy if I do?"
"Not at all," Quatre replied.
Trowa looked up shyly. "Thanks." He turned back to pour the water into the cups with the tea bags in them. "You might reconsider that after you've had a look at them."
"You'll let me read them?" Quatre asked almost breathlessly.
"You want to?"
"Of course!" Quatre sat on the edge of his seat, leaning closer. "They sound fascinating--the collected memories of whole generations of Bartons! The ones you brought to the library were just incredible."
"There's a lot more," Trowa told him. "I just showed you the first couple of Ephraim's books and the damaged ones. But there are a bunch more--from Ephraim, his grandson Samuel, and then Dekim." His face darkened a little. "The only missing generation is Jacob, Ephraim's son. He went off to fight in the Civil War and died there."
Quatre frowned pensively. "Hey--Duo said something about him! When we were camping-- He said the ghost of Annabelle Barton was supposed to haunt these hills--that she was married to the Barton who fought and died in the Civil War."
"She was," Trowa confirmed, bringing over the tea and setting it on the table. "Ephraim wrote about her. She was married to Jacob." He settled into the seat opposite Quatre. "Duo was right about that."
"Yes, but I'll bet the rest is all bogus," Quatre said with a shake of his head. "The legend holds that she only married Jacob after her true love died, and that she was pregnant when he went off to war. She died in childbirth supposedly--hence the restless spirit."
"Jesus, Quat," Trowa murmured. "That's exactly what happened!"
"It is?"
"Yes. Jacob's best friend Aaron died in an accident," Trowa explained. "Actually Ephraim suspected Jacob was involved, and later found out they'd had some sort of fight that led to Aaron falling off some cliff or waterfall or something."
Quatre's eyes widened as he recalled the waterfall he and Duo had visited on their camping trip.
"Annabelle married Jacob, but then he took off to fight in the war. Ephraim figured his guilty conscience made him do it. But at any rate, when Annabelle died having Samuel, Ephraim ended up raising him." Trowa's green eyes gleamed with curiosity. "So there are ghost stories?"
"Apparently lots of them," Quatre said with a thoughtful frown. "Duo said the local kids used to check out the cemeteries on Halloween and claimed to see Annabelle's ghost. He's even seen things himself that he couldn't explain."
"I'd really like to talk to him about those stories," Trowa said eagerly. "Heero got me a book on the history of Smoky Hills--but it didn't include any of the legends or stories. It was pretty much just facts and land records and stuff. I'd like to know how much of what Ephraim wrote about was handed down through local folklore."
"Sounds like quite a bit," Quatre commented, trying to recall anything else Duo might have told him about the Barton farm. He picked up his cup and sipped the tea. "This is delicious."
"It's Heero's," Trowa said a bit guiltily. "He and Wufei used to--" He stopped abruptly, realizing that talking about his brother's ex was probably not a good idea--not when he was sitting with Duo's best friend. "Well, it's his favorite blend. Kind of hard to find--but he says it's worth the effort."
"I agree. Very tasty," Quatre said appreciatively, apparently overlooking Trowa's conversational stumble. "So--about the journals-- Rashid's new process is still in the experimental stages--but he's had some encouraging results."
"Experimental?" Trowa asked carefully. "There's no chance the process could ruin the journals, is there?"
"Well, actually, yes," Quatre said carefully. "It depends on the type of paper and ink used in them, as well as their condition to begin with. But in a couple of cases, Rashid's process pretty much dissolved the documents he was attempting to restore."
Trowa winced. "I'm not sure I want to risk that," he said with a frown. "I mean, sure the journals are unreadable while they're stuck shut with water damage. But at least I have them."
"I've thought of that," Quatre assured him. "Rashid would test the chemicals on a tiny piece of a page before risking an entire journal. And he'd test each and every one separately before proceeding--not assume they are all the same. He's very skilled, Trowa, or I'd never even suggest you risk your family's historical documents."
Trowa looked into the big, blue eyes and his thoughts immediately drifted away from the journals and onto more enticing ideas. "I--trust you," he said with difficulty, trying to keep the thread of the conversation going. "If you think we should let Rashid work on the journals, I'll go along with it."
Quatre impulsively reached across the table to take Trowa's hand. "I promise, I'll have Rashid use every precaution."
"Thanks."
"As a matter of fact," Quatre added. "I think it would be a bad idea to ship the journals to him. I don't want to risk loss or damage by putting them into the mail."
Trowa's eyes widened. "But you work for the Post Office! I'd think you'd trust the mail--"
"Actually, I know too much about what can happen to packages--not necessarily through mishandling, but due to automation and the way they're transported." Quatre smiled a bit sheepishly. "Something as precious as your journals should be safeguarded better than that. I was thinking of driving up to the museum with them--a weekend trip."
"Oh, no--I couldn't ask you to go all that way!" Trowa protested. Quatre had told him where the facility was located, and he knew it would be a long haul. "That's too much driving for one person."
A tinge of pink touched Quatre's cheeks, and he looked up from under silky lashes. "You could--come along--? We could drive out on a Saturday--get a hotel room, and drive back Sunday." As Trowa's eyes widened, Quatre's blush deepened and he ducked his head. "I mean--I'm not suggesting anything--improper. But it's a really long trip. You can't do it in one day."
Trowa squeezed the hand that was still holding his. "Quatre--I'd be perfectly willing to share a hotel room with you." He smiled wickedly, feeling daring. "Improper or otherwise."
Quatre looked up sharply, just in time for Trowa to lean across the table and press their lips together.
"Mmm," Quatre purred, totally forgetting about journals, tea, and weekend trips. It was much too nice focusing on the warm lips caressing his, and the teasing swipe of a tongue that prompted him to open his mouth and deepen the kiss.
Trowa pulled back first, face flushed and eyes gleaming. "Well--I've been wanting to do that for the longest damn time--"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"I've been wanting you to," Quatre confessed.
"Well, damn," Trowa sighed. "Sorry I waited so long." He swooped in again, eager to make up for lost time.
"Better late than never," Quatre assured him between kisses, as they eased their chairs closer so they could indulge a bit more.
~*~
While Trowa and Quatre were finally making progress on the romance front, Heero and Duo were enjoying a genuinely pleasant dinner.
The hostess had apparently guessed that they were more than a pair of friends out for a bite to eat, and she'd seated them on a glass-enclosed terrace overlooking a picturesque lake.
There were the obligatory water lilies and cattails, as well as the soft trilling of frogs and insects; there was even a pair of snow-white swans gliding elegantly across the smooth water as the sun was setting behind the trees.
"I had no idea there was such a nice place this close to home," Duo couldn't help commenting, as he was finishing off his meal.
"You really need to get out more," Heero teased.
"Yeah, well, now that I have incentive, maybe I'll do that," Duo teased back. His gaze drifted back to the lake, and his eyes widened. "Aw, look! The swans have babies!"
Sure enough, when Heero looked there were two little cygnets trailing along behind the adult swans.
He turned his gaze back to Duo's face, studying the rapt expression; the glimmer of the indigo eyes, the wistful smile on those kissable lips, and the glow of the smooth skin leading down to the collar of his shirt. "Goddamn, you're beautiful," he murmured.
Predictably enough, Duo blushed and glanced away self-consciously.
"Get used to hearing it," Heero advised, taking a sip from his drink.
"Might take awhile," Duo mumbled in reply. Then he realized that almost sounded coy, and he looked up quickly. "I mean--it's not that I'm fishing for compliments--"
"I know you aren't," Heero assured him. "That's probably your most attractive trait--that you genuinely have no idea how good looking you are." He shook his head. "On the one hand, I'm a little appalled you've been kept in the dark about it. But on the other, I guess I'm glad I'll get to be the one to enlighten you."
Duo smirked at the husky tone. "Are we still just talking about my looks?"
Heero just smiled enigmatically, thinking of the many things about which he'd like to enlighten Duo.
"Tease," Duo accused. "But whatever you do, don't stop."
"Not planning to."
Ever.
Heero's breath nearly caught in his throat at the stray thought. Was he really that serious about this--thinking in terms of forever? It was too soon, wasn't it? Their relationship was barely beginning, and there was no telling how, or even if, it would progress. Duo was so damned innocent about some things, and Heero was half afraid he'd scare him off if he got too serious too fast, and half afraid he wouldn't.
Fortunately, the waitress returned at that moment to bring the dessert menu, interrupting the troubling train of thought, and Heero breathed a sigh of relief as he turned his attention to selecting dessert.
The two men ended up splitting a slice of cheesecake, since both were rather full after the meal, and when the check was paid, they decided to go for a stroll along the footpath by the lake.
The trail wound between low shrubs and ornamental trees, before turning a corner into a more secluded loop, closer to the water and just out of sight of both the restaurant and the parking lot. Apparently it was a regular occurrence for patrons to walk by the shore, because someone had placed small solar-powered lights at regular intervals to help guide them. And while it wasn't quite dark out, it was dusky enough that the lights were beginning to flicker on.
"Damn, 'Ro--this is a really nice place," Duo commented. He gestured around them. "Someone put a lotta thought into this. Y'got the lake, which is pretty enough on its own. But then there's the way they planted stuff along the walkway."
Heero gave him a sort of bemused smile. "What way?"
Duo's eyes widened. "Don't you know what some of these plants are?" He pointed out a low, shrubby plant with spiky purple flowers. "That's Salvia. Bees and butterflies love it. Attracts all kinds of things. And the stuff further down there is a type of sage." He waved a hand at the hillside leading to the lake. "Pretty much everything around here is either attractive to birds and bugs, or has a fragrance to make it more inviting. It's like the stereotypical romantic setting--"
Heero's smile had widened, and Duo fell silent, looking quizzically at him. "What? Do I have food on my face or something?"
"No." Heero reached out suddenly to catch Duo's hands and pull him in for a lingering kiss. When he let him up for breath, he brushed the bangs back and looked deeply into the dark eyes. "D'you know how sexy you are when you talk about something that excites you?"
"I am?"
"Yes, you are. Your face lights up, and your eyes sparkle--you just glow--" He swooped in for another kiss, loving the way Duo melted into his embrace and wrapped his arms tightly around him in return.
It was several minutes before either one of them surrendered to the need to breathe. And by that time they were pressed up against each other, with one of Duo's legs hooked around the back of Heero's, while Heero had one between Duo's. The braided man's back was against a convenient tree trunk for support; otherwise they might have ended up horizontal by then.
"See what I mean about the plants?" Duo said with a smirk. "Sets a mood, doesn't it? The smells--the sounds--the lights from the fireflies--"
Heero gave a wry snort. "It's not the setting. It's you," he said flatly. "I'd want you just as much in a stinking alley, for fuck's sake!"
Duo laughed. "You say the most romantic things!" And he rewarded Heero with another kiss, grinding their hips together at the same time.
The intensely pleasurable friction drew a helpless groan from Heero, and he found his hands seeking purchase on Duo's ass, trying to bring them even closer together if that were possible.
"Oh God," Duo gasped, his hands on Heero's shoulders gripping nearly hard enough to hurt. "Feels so good."
No shit, was the thought that crossed Heero's mind, even as he was considering the best way to get rid of all the clothing between them. He'd actually braced one hand against the tree, and was sliding the other around to reach for the snap on Duo's pants, when the sound of a car door slamming in the not-too-distant parking lot brought him back to the here and now.
He broke the kiss and drew back enough so he wasn't pressing Duo against the tree any more. He also brought his hands up so they were against Duo's back, instead of his ass.
Duo gave him a quizzical look at the sudden pause. "'Ro?"
"Sorry," he rasped hoarsely, glancing aside to make sure they were still out of anyone's line of sight. "Didn't mean to get carried away there--"
"You weren't," Duo said without hesitation. "Did you hear me complaining?"
"No, but--"
Duo's eyes narrowed perceptively. "Listen. Quatre means well, but he's not my keeper--"
"Quatre's not the reason I stopped," Heero said firmly. "We're not exactly in a private place here, Duo. I don't know about you, but I'm not an exhibitionist."
"Oh." Duo blinked and looked around them. "Didn't think about that," he admitted. "I'm so used to being out in really remote places when I hike-- I kinda forgot there's a whole restaurant full of people only a few yards away." A mischievous sparkle glimmered in his eyes. "I meant what I said about the setting, though. There's something about being outside--"
Heero didn't know whether he was teasing or serious, so he decided to just play along. "There's also a lot to be said for a nice, comfy mattress."
Duo chuckled, relaxing in his arms. "What? You don't want to experience sex in the great outdoors? Picking pine needles out of your butt?"
"Like you and Solo?" Heero said with a shake of his head. "That rock up on the bluff was not my idea of a good place to make out--"
"But you did it anyway," Duo reminded him cheekily.
"And I've probably still got bruises on my knees." Heero ran a finger down the slender nose, and leaned in to kiss it. "If you want a natural setting, I'll be happy to put on a tape of woodland sounds, spray some nice pine fragrance, and toss a few leaves onto the comforter--on my bed."
Duo grinned in delight. "And when would this be happening?"
Heero sobered a little. "When you're ready for it," he said gently.
Duo rolled his eyes. "Jesus, Yuy--I'm twenty-four--"
"I'm not talking about your age," Heero interrupted. "I'm talking about all that's going on in your life right now. And in mine. We don't need to rush things."
Duo sighed, leaning his head back against the tree. "I s'pose," he mumbled. "But you go talking about beds and mood-setting--" He shook his head. "You are a fucking tease, 'Ro."
"And you're not?"
A faint smirk broke through Duo's attempted scowl. "So yeah. Maybe I am. Sometimes. And maybe sometimes I really need physical contact--an' I'm not talking about contact sports, either." He looked squarely and seriously at Heero. "It feels really great to be held and touched and kissed. By you. An' I want more of it. A lot more."
"You'll get it," Heero promised. "Trust me on that. You have no idea how much I want to just--" He broke off and shook his head, biting his tongue to keep from blurting out all the things he'd like to do to the slender body in his arms.
Duo seemed to catch on anyway, and a pleased smile graced his lips. "I promise I'll let you know if you're going too fast for me--okay?"
Heero smirked. "I'm not entirely sure I can trust your judgment."
Duo gave him an affronted look. "You think I'm some kind of sex maniac, don't you?"
"I think you've led a very deprived life," Heero said with a grin.
"I have. And it pains me to think you'd let me stay deprived a moment longer," Duo said with a grin of his own.
Heero tightened his hold around Duo's waist, bringing them into closer contact again. "Then I guess I won't," he said in a husky voice. "I certainly can't take you home--unsatisfied, now can I?"
"Absolutely not," Duo agreed, leaning in for a kiss.
But before they could consider exactly how far they wanted to take things right then and there, the sound of voices leaving the restaurant and heading down the path interrupted their private moment.
"Sonofa--" Duo muttered under his breath, reaching to straighten his clothes at the same time as Heero did.
The Japanese man couldn't help chuckling at the frustrated look on his boyfriend's face. "Don't worry. We'll find a more private place next time."
"Damn right we will," Duo said peevishly, heading back up the path just as a family of four turned the corner. He smiled politely at them and nodded as they passed--the two children scurrying into the grass to try to catch fireflies, while the parents strolled along holding hands.
Heero said a polite "Good evening," before striding quickly after Duo, catching up near the start of the footpath, and reaching to take him by the hand. "Hey. Slow down."
Duo obeyed, but glanced down at their linked hands, and then in the direction the family had gone.
"I don't care if someone sees us holding hands," Heero reminded him. He tightened his grip and gave an affectionate smile. "But anything more than that is ours and ours alone--not for public viewing."
A reluctant smile touched Duo's lips. "God--you are so sappy sometimes."
"Only over you," Heero told him, reaching to cup his face in one hand.
Duo looked at the blue eyes, and saw a warmth that took him back to the night he'd brought Thor home with an injured paw. "Whoa--I was right," he said breathlessly.
"About what?"
Duo shook his head. "Nothing." He slipped an arm around Heero, basking in the satisfaction of having been on the receiving end of that look he'd once envied.
"Nothing?" Heero asked suspiciously as they headed towards the car.
"Nothing I can explain right now," Duo hedged. "It's been an absolutely perfect night, Yuy. Don't spoil the mood."
Heero smiled to himself, pleased that their date had met with Duo's approval. "It has been nice, hasn't it?" He glanced aside at his boyfriend. "So we can do it again soon?"
"Any time, Yuy," Duo assured him with a dazzling smile. "Any time."
TBC...
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