Author: Karen, The Huntress

Pairings: 1x2

Warnings: Shounen ai, romance.

Archive: Shades and Echoes

Rating: PG-13

Feedback: Always appreciated.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or its characters.

Author's Notes: Hello. Here is a story for Valentine's Day. Please enjoy your reading. Take care. Karen, The Huntress.

Smooth Jazz at Midnight

A unique energy pulses through New Orleans. Whether it is the Mississippi River's raw power or the Creole influence that spices up the food and the music the city has always influenced people to lay aside their worries. So what better place for Heero to take Duo on their first official date than the "City That Care Forgot".

Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell met at work and what began as a friendship quickly developed into a closer connection. Occasional dinners at one or the other's apartment, watching television or going to the movies soon turned to staying overnight then the entire weekend. Finally they realized that they were spending more time together than apart so they took the next logical step and rented a house.

As committed as Heero and Duo were to each other they were still reluctant to go public with their relationship. While there was not an official "company policy" concerning same-sex couples, crude comments from coworkers had made it clear that such interactions would not be readily accepted.

Even though Heero was in complete accord with Duo concerning their privacy he wanted to do something special for his partner. Duo had been willing to risk condemnation and had offered his support in spite of how the world might react. He had given his heart without reservation and because of his unconditional love Heero had been become a better person.

Thursday morning as Duo and Heero were taking a few extra minutes to snuggle in bed Heero said, "When we get home this evening I want you to pack a bag for the weekend."

Duo's eyes widened at the unexpected statement. "This weekend," he repeated, "all right what's going on?"

Heero leaned over for a tender kiss, "It's a surprise. We have a flight out Friday after work."

"But..."

"You will find out tomorrow." Heero declared then jumped out of bed before Duo could ask any more questions.

Duo found it extremely difficult to concentrate all day Friday. He would catch himself watching the clock and sighing as the hands seemed to creep around at a snail's pace. Mercifully he finished his workload by 4:30 and his boss let him go early.

"You about ready?" Duo asked leaning his shoulder against the frame of Heero's office door.

"Anxious?" Heero teased neatly tucking the last file folder in its place.

Duo discreetly checked the corridor in both directions then closed the door behind him, "Anxious for a lot of things." he grinned before flopping down on his partner's lap and capturing Heero's mouth in a persuasive lip lock.

Heero returned the kiss then eased back to gaze into the most beautiful eyes that he had ever seen. "Let me shut down the computer and we will get out of here."

As Heero drove to the airport Duo tried to imagine where they could be going. "Ah come on give me a hint." he whined sticking out his bottom lip for emphasis.

Heero cast a sideways glance at his lover, observed the pout and almost gave in. "No," he thought, "any hint would ruin the surprise." Then pretending not to notice Duo's overdone protruding lip he replied, "A few more minutes."

Duo knew Heero well enough to recognize his "wild horses couldn't drag it out of me" glare. "I'm going to get you for this." he promised in all sincerity.

Heero grinned. "I'll be looking forward to it."

Finally the airport exit came into view and Duo knew that his wait was just about over. Heero parked in the long-term lot, collected his parking permit and put it on the dashboard in plain sight. Meanwhile Duo extracted their bags from the trunk and placed them on a luggage caddy.

Since Heero had already purchased their tickets, he and Duo checked in all their bags, except one carryon, then went directly to the departure lounge. As Heero turned in their boarding passes Duo stood at the large window surveying the various planes that were already parked at the gates.

By process of elimination Duo narrowed the destination choices. He knew that they were taking a domestic flight because they didn't need their passports so Air France and Virgin Atlantic was marked off his mental list.

Studying his reflection that was tinted by the sunset's reddish hue Duo finally gave up his figuring and wondering. "As long as I am with Heero anywhere will be perfect." he told himself as Heero stepped up beside and took his hand.

Seeing the faraway gaze in his partner's eyes Heero couldn't resist the temptation any longer, "What would you say to dinner in the French Quarter tonight?" he whispered next to Duo's ear.

Duo pivoted so quickly that his braid whipped over his shoulder. [1]"Vieux Carré!" he gasped with excitement. "New Orleans." he added with equal enthusiasm.

If it was possible for Duo's eyes to get any wider his violet orbs were doing their best to double in size. Heero smiled, pleased with the positive reaction from his lover.

"New Orleans." Duo repeated with such a thrilled tone that his voice literally rang with the joy. "Heero Yuy I love you." he whispered lowly so no one but his precious partner could hear.

Resting his head on Heero's shoulder Duo gazed out the window as the plane soared through the twilight sky. "I can't believe that we are going to New Orleans."

Heero squeezed Duo's hand and crooked his head until Duo's silky bangs tickled under his chin. "I wanted to do sometime special and I know how much you love jazz."

Duo nodded, "But why now?"

"Now...forever." Heero answered, "We could fly around the world and that would be but a down payment for all you have done for me."

Duo raised up centering his beautiful sight on his reason for living. "Your love is payment in full. Falling asleep beside you and waking up in your arms is all that I require. Just being with you is all I need to make my life complete."

"Then should I tell the pilot to turn around?" Heero teased.

A sly grin graced Duo's fair face and a spark of mischief flashed in his exquisite eyes, "The weather is not going to be the only hot thing in New Orleans tonight." he purred huskily, "And the jazz will not be cool enough to put out the fire."

After checking into their suite Heero decided that a shower and a change of cloths was in order, however, Duo had other ideas concerning the quick cleanup. Slick soap and wet bodies made for a very erotic combination and Heero soon found himself being besieged by his steamy lover.

It was well passed nine p.m. before two sated but satisfied lovers stepped out into the center of New Orleans nightlife. The sidewalks bustled with people. The air was perfumed with jasmine and the spicy scent of Creole cooking. Melodious strains, deep bass and the softer tones of a saxophone, wafted down the [2] banquettes. Horse drawn carriages clipped-clopped in a metered measure keeping time with the rhythmic beat.

Dinner was enjoyed in an intimate cafe nestled under a balcony bedecked with hanging flower baskets and guarded by graceful wrought iron railings. Although crayfish the size of your fist and black beans and rice were not Heero's favorite dishes he ate them with gusto as his and Duo's passion session had certainly amplified his appetite.

"HOT!" Heero hissed chasing down a mouthful of the spicy delight with a sturdy sip of ruby wine.

Duo leaned across the table letting his fingers bush lightly over Heero's hand. "As I promised before lover," he cooed as he seductively slipped his tongue over his luscious lips, "the night is going to get hotter."

Heero did indeed feel his temperature rise. Felt a warmth that start in his head, pounded down his temples and continued the trek until it gathered in the torrid tide swelling in his groin.

Right then as Duo played the tempter employing every trick to beguile the senses and the humid night air crept around like a cat, Heero knew that between his lustful lover's ardor and the city's spellbinding beauty that he had no hope of resisting the carefully crafted enticements.

Eleven o'clock. Duo led Heero beneath brightly adorned awnings, passed endless shop windows displaying all manner of treasures. Duo stopped before one such shop where magic potions and spells were sold.

A simple silver cross dangling from a delicately woven chain seemed out of place among the odd assortment of mysterious items. But New Orleans had always adhered to a blend of beliefs...a mixture of mystic and heavenly attitudes that to an outsider seemed as strange as the cemeteries with their graves above the ground.

Heero followed Duo's gaze to the cross that was exquisite in its simplicity. "Let me buy it for you." he insisted inclining his head at the sacred symbol.

"But you have already done so much." Duo protested even though he again saw that look of determination in Heero's liquid cobalt eyes.

The cross gleamed in stark contrast against Duo's black shirt sparkling as brightly as his eyes. Hand in hand he and Heero strolled down the street amongst the pressing throngs but even in the tangle mass of humanity it was as if they were the only two people in the entire city.

Midnight. Smooth sounds of jazz invited the lovers into a cozy club situated on a side street. Several ceiling fans rotated slowly barely stirring the smoky haze. The scent of whiskey and cigarettes hung heavy in the sultry air.

Seated at a small corner table Duo and Heero were bathed in an aura of indigo tinted candlelight that gave a sense of anonymity to the absolutely enamored pair. This time they made no attempt to hide the emotional engagement of their eyes or the subtle tilt of their bodies that clearly indicated that they were more than mere acquaintances.

A quartet...piano, bass, flute and guitar...whispered sweetly with one intuitive melody. "Dance with me." Duo issued the invitation as the music tugged at his heartstrings.

Each musician's metamorphic interpretation was singularly his own but also in one accord with his fellow performers. It was the same interaction as Duo and Heero swayed to the external tune and the internal song of soul mates.

"Thank you." Duo whispered, his breathy words feathering along Heero's cheek. "Thank you for this wonderful weekend and for your steadfast kindness."

Heero pulled his lover closer tightening his hold around Duo's slender waist. "Thank you for your tenderness and for never letting a day go by without showing me how much you care. I love you Duo Maxwell."

"I love you Heero Yuy and I always will."

Alone in their private world Heero and Duo danced. For that moment the city ceased to exist. Entwined in each other's arms the music faded into the background and was replaced by the harmony of two hearts in tune.

ADIEU

OWARI

[1] Vieux Carré: French meaning Old Square, which refers to the French Quarter.
[2] Banquettes: French--narrow sidewalks.

 

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