Pairing: 1x2
Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Drug use

Disclaimer: Sunrise/Bandai
Thanks to Alex for wonderful beta support!

Summary: Howard cleanses the sins of his past, by making it his mission to bring two strangers together.

Rocket Man
by Artemis

This was the last step in his grief. If he could spend the summer here, going through his parents' belongings, then he could conquer anything -- even his guilt.

Howard Smith eased into a chair at the diner counter, a cup of hot, black coffee appearing instantly before him.

"The usual?" Maggie asked.

"Yeah, that'd be great," Howard said in his raspy voice.

He came to Maggie's Magpie Diner most mornings for breakfast, and sometimes for supper, too. He liked Maggie Dressler more than he could say, more than he had ever let on. He supposed by eating here so often, he hoped she would catch on, make the first move, but he was a middle-aged bachelor with not much to offer except for a small resort business on the shore of Deep Lake.

Renting out cottages to summer vacationers, and the occasional ice fisherman, was his idea of a relaxing life. Even during high season, this tiny north woods community barely woke enough to yawn and to stretch. With summer temperatures rarely reaching 80 degrees, and motorboats strictly forbidden on the lake, only those seeking solitude and a communion with nature ventured this far north.

"There you go, hon," Maggie said, setting a plate of eggs over easy, hash browns, rye toast and bacon before him.

Howard felt special when Maggie called him "hon," but she said it to most of her customers, male and female alike. One of these days he'd work up the nerve...

"Did you hear the Maxwell boy is back?" Mrs. Stohlman said from her seat at the other end of the counter.

Maggie walked over, coffee pot in hand. "Is that right?"

Howard cut into his eggs with a fork and took a bite. His ears perked at the prospect of gossip. He knew the Maxwell place. It was a sizeable private home on the other side of the lake, but normally he paid no mind to it.

"Don't know if he's staying or just cleaning out the place," Mrs. Stohlman said.

"It'd be nice if he stayed," Maggie said, warming the older woman's coffee. "It's too lovely a house to sit empty year 'round."

"Terrible what happened. For city folk, they were such nice people," Mrs. Stohlman said.

"You know, I bumped into her at the antiques barn just weeks before the accident. She was buying a cedar chest," Maggie said, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Howard's interest piqued. "What happened?"

"Didn't you hear? They were killed in a terrible car wreck. Oh, when was it?" Maggie looked to Mrs. Stohlman.

"End of last summer. Labor Day weekend, I think."

Maggie nodded. "That's right. Guess that'd explain why you don't remember it, Howie. You were in your busy season."

He thought about that a moment and nodded. It made sense, considering how preoccupied he got with the renters. He remembered meeting the Maxwells once or twice.

"Dorothea and..." He couldn't remember the husband's name and looked to Maggie for help.

"Solo," Maggie said. "Heard they wrote Broadway plays."

"Is that right?" he asked.

"Won awards, too," Mrs. Stohlman added. "Very wealthy."

"And the boy?" Howard asked.

"Duo," Maggie said, her eyes misting over as she seemed to picture him in her mind. "He has a career of his own, but it must be on hold now, considering..."

Howard turned back to his breakfast, shaking his head. It was never pleasant when reality found its way to Deep Lake.

All five of his cottages were rented out for the summer. Most folks didn't stay the entire three months, but only a few days passed when a cottage was vacant waiting for the next occupant. The renters were often young families, but sometimes couples both young and old, and then there was that fellow, Heero Yuy, who always came alone. Heero had started coming to Deep Lake for the ice fishing, and then suddenly switched to summers, using his entire allotment of four weeks' vacation in one shot. He fished and read, but most of all he seemed to like to be alone, rarely interacting with townsfolk or the other vacationers.

Howard was the exception to this rule. As the owner of the resort cottages, Howard had occasion to interact with Heero. He found the young man pleasant and very intelligent, and over the years had formed a friendship with him.

Heero arrived mid-morning on a Saturday, having left the city before dawn. His Volkswagen hatchback was packed with fishing equipment, clothes, linens, books, bathroom supplies and ten boxes of his favorite cereal which the local grocer did not stock. He would buy food and other necessities as needed in town.

As usual, Howard was perched on the front porch of his house which doubled as the resort's office.

"Right on time," Howard called out.

Heero grinned as he closed the car's door. "Seems I need to leave earlier every year to beat the Saturday morning traffic."

"Yeah, that city living must be tough."

Heero shrugged. "Gotta live where there's work." He stepped onto the porch and leaned back against the railing, not wanting to sit again so soon after the long drive. "Looks like nothing has changed."

"Disappointed?"

"No. I look forward to the sameness."

Howard nodded. He had noticed that Heero liked routine, and imagined his life in the city probably followed a routine as well. Maybe that's why he never brought anyone with him. He was a bit set in his ways despite his youthful age. It would upset the apple cart to have to deal with another person's wants and needs.

At the grocer's later that week, Howard filled his cart with coffee, eggs, tomato soup, toilet paper, and soap. He made his way to the butcher's counter and ordered up a pound of ground chuck and some skinless, all beef hotdogs.

"Business looks good," Howard said to Jim, his long-time friend and butcher.

Jim weighed and packaged the meats in white butcher paper. "Normally, I'm glad of it, but my stock boy was arrested for drunk driving and had his license taken away. I count on him to make my deliveries. Don't know how I'll manage."

"That's a real shame. No one else you can hire?"

"All the local kids are working over at the new beach pavilion at White Lake, or they're not old enough to own a car, let alone drive one."

"I could make a delivery for you on occasion."

"Thanks, Howard, but you've got your own business to run."

"Yeah, that's true, but you're in a pickle. How long does it take to make those deliveries?"

"It depends on where they're going. Like now I've got an order that needs to go out to the Maxwell place 'round the other side of the lake. That's a good twenty minute drive out there."

Howard tugged at his goatee. "Can I keep the tip?"

"You bet. And I'll even pay you for the mileage."

Two cardboard boxes filled with groceries were placed in the back seat of Howard's car. He stopped home long enough to put away his own purchases, and then headed out to the Maxwell place. He couldn't believe his luck having a chance to drive out there and meet the Maxwell boy. Maggie would be all ears next time he stopped in at the diner. She'd lean over the counter in front of him, anxious to soak up every detail to add to the town's gossip mill. And in the process, she'd be giving Howard a spectacular view of her cleavage. Yep, this favor for a friend would pay off nicely.

Compared to the resort community where Howard and others had cottages, the far side of the lake was sparsely populated. There were about a dozen private homes sprinkled along the lakeshore.

The entrance to the driveway was marked with red reflectors and an iron post with the words, "Dorothea's Pines." He was in the right place, and followed the curving, gravel driveway back the quarter mile to the house. The woodframe structure looked every bit meant for the north woods, except it was too damn large. Howard was certain he could fit all five of his rental cottages inside it. Why city folk needed such large accommodations was beyond him.

He pulled up in front, and got the boxes out, setting them on the front porch. He rang the doorbell and waited. There was no response, and so he rang again, and after another minute, knocked.

"It's Howard Smith. I've got your grocery order from Jim's."

He was about to give up and leave the boxes where they were when he heard the deadbolt unlock, and then the door slowly opened. He stared dumbfounded as a handsome young man with large blue eyes stared out at him.

"You the Maxwell boy?"

The young man's brow tightened. "Yeah, I'm Duo Maxwell."

"I've got your groceries. Can I bring them in for you?"

Duo looked down at the boxes as he seemed to consider the offer. "No," he said softly. "I can do it."

"You sure? They're kind of heavy. I don't mind carrying them for you."

The young man looked at him, and Howard could see the wheels turning again. It was as if these questions held the weight of the world.

"No, thanks." There was a slight hesitation, and then Duo reached into his pocket and handed over a five dollar bill. "I appreciate it though."

Howard took the tip and nodded. "Okay then." He went back to his car and drove home, his brain itching from the strange encounter.

When the man drove off, Duo opened the door fully and brought the boxes inside. They were heavy, but he managed just fine. He closed and locked the door behind him and then slumped to the floor. He was grateful that the grocery store made deliveries, so he didn't have to go into town, but even that brief interaction with the delivery man had been difficult.

His hands began to shake again, and he eased himself up to go into the bathroom for his pills. Maybe coming here on his own had been a mistake.

Howard held the cup of coffee between his hands, staring into the opaque liquid. He was in a funk. It had been nineteen hours since his encounter with the Maxwell boy and he had yet to tell anyone. It was as if what he had seen had been too painful, and too personal to share. Any plans to jump into the fray of the diner's gossip circle had vaporized the moment that door had opened and he had stared into those sad, large eyes.

He had never seen anything like it. No, that wasn't true. The look on Duo Maxwell's face bothered him because he had seen it before, during the war, on the faces of the orphans. But they had been children, and Duo had to be at least eighteen or nineteen years old. Still...

"Cat got your tongue?" Maggie asked as she nudged his arm.

His coffee sloshed in his cup, and he looked up to see her pretty brown eyes looking worriedly at him. He smiled weakly. Maybe he would feel better if he talked about it. Gossip be damned.

"I went out to the Maxwell place yesterday."

"Were you snooping around you old dog?"

"I was delivering groceries for Jim."

"Oh, that's right. Katie's boy got in a bit of trouble with the police. So, Jim talked you into making his deliveries?"

"Just the one." Howard went quiet again, and he could feel Maggie's eyes on him.

"So... Did you see him?"

He nodded.

"And?"

"Rather not say."

Maggie leaned back against the counter behind her, and waited for Howard to meet her eyes. "We've known each other too long, Howard Smith, for you to keep secrets."

He grinned, knowing that he was already keeping the secret of his feelings for her. What was one more? But with her eyes focused on him, he was a goner. She could tell him to stand on his head in the middle of town and he'd do it.

He glanced both ways down the counter, checking for anyone within ear shot. The only customers were seated in a booth across the room.

"I don't want you repeating this to Mrs. Stohlman," he said.

Maggie nodded. "All right."

"The boy is haunted."

"What?" Maggie asked with a giggle. "That's the silliest thing I've ever heard."

"I'm not talking about ghosts. I'm talking about a haunted look like he's shell-shocked."

"Oh," Maggie said softly, her glossy pink lips forming the word sympathetically. "Did he say anything?"

"Only what was necessary to get me out of there. He wouldn't let me in the place. It was obvious he wants to be left alone." Howard watched as Maggie's eyes turned a little distant as though she was picturing something sad. "Mind telling me about the accident?"

She blinked, and tilted her head to one side, looking exhausted even though it was only ten o'clock in the morning. "I guess I can understand why he'd look that way. Duo was driving the car when the accident happened. It must be terrible living with that guilt."

Howard's eyes grew wide. "Was it his fault?"

"Not according to the papers," she said, shaking her head. "But I'm sure he doesn't see it that way."

The cook's bell chimed, signaling an order was ready. Maggie turned from him and grabbed the plates of pancakes.

Howard took one last sip of his coffee and got up from his spot at the counter, putting several bills under his cup to cover his breakfast and the tip.

As he headed for the door, Maggie crossed paths with him once again. "Hey, is that nice young man, Heero, renting from you this summer?"

Howard nodded. "You know him?"

"Of course, he's a customer."

Howard was surprised, seeing how his impression of Heero was of a very quiet, solitary young man.

"He arrived on Saturday."

"Oh, that's wonderful. Next time I see him, I'll have to ask if he's gotten a boyfriend yet."

"A boyfriend?" Howard asked with a laugh.

"Well, yes," Maggie said, taking Howard by the arm and gently propelling him toward the door. "I hope you're okay with that..." She lowered her voice, conspiratorially. "I mean, didn't you notice that he's gay?"

Howard coughed and sputtered in surprise. "N-no, I didn't notice."

"Well, now you know."

He was out the door and stepping onto the sidewalk with the diner's door closing behind him before he could respond. It seemed that he didn't know much about anything when it came to the seasonal tenants of Deep Lake.

Howard leaned back in his chair and looked out over the lake. It was quiet tonight, except for the sound of him opening another can of Bud. He stared across the lake, admiring how the last hints of daylight reflected on the water. He saw a light come on, and squinted, calculating the source. It was at the Maxwell place.

He shivered at the image of Duo Maxwell staring at him with those troubled eyes. It was a terrible shame for a young person to choose such isolation and to live with the burden of his parents' deaths. Howard wondered if he could befriend the young man somehow. If he could get the boy to talk maybe it would make things all right. As if helping the Maxwells' son would ease his own guilt of walking away from all those orphaned faces in the war.

Twenty years on, and he still hadn't forgiven himself for that. How difficult would it have been to have found temporary shelter and food for those kids? God, he wished he had thought it through back then, but he had been so young and so overwhelmed by trying to keep himself alive.

He tightened his grip on the beer can and gritted his teeth. Maybe that was why he had never made a move on Maggie. He had too much damn baggage.

"Howard... You out there?"

The voice startled him. He looked over his shoulder in the direction it had come from. "Heero?"

"Yeah." The young man came out of the near darkness from around the side of Howard's house. "Sorry to bother you, but I forgot to ask if your boat would be available in the morning?"

"You going fishing early?"

"I'd like to."

Howard smiled, liking the sound of that. "Sure, no one else has asked. I've got two boats now. Take your pick." He nodded toward the short pier where two white rowboats were tethered and still visible in the evening light.

"Thanks. Thought I'd head out at dawn."

The lake was quite large, but no more than twenty feet at its' deepest. Still, the fishing was good, and if Heero took the boat out to the middle he'd have the isolation he enjoyed. Howard swallowed at the thought. Here was another young man that for all intents and purposes was alone.

"Would you like a beer?"

"No, thanks. I need to get to bed if I'm going fishing in the morning."

"Well, good night then."

"Good night," Heero said, and disappeared again into the darkness.

The next morning Howard took a hot cup of coffee with him onto his deck. He started and ended each day here. He leaned on the railing, taking a sip and staring out at the water. Usually its peacefulness and beauty made him feel light and happy, but this morning he was out of sorts. It was that damn Maxwell boy. He couldn't get him off his mind.

Trying to dislodge the thought, his eyes settled on a tiny boat in the middle of the lake. He recognized the fisherman in the green cap. So, Heero had gotten up and gone fishing like he said he would. Now there was a reliable soul. If Heero said he'd be fishing by dawn, by god, he was. And if he said he'd be arriving on Saturday the 12th by 9 a.m., by god, he did.

Howard smiled and let his eyes drift further across the lake, not surprisingly finding their way to the Maxwell place. He could see the glint of the house's windows in the morning sun. From this line of vision, it looked as though Heero was directly in front of the house. The rowboat could drift and easily end up on the Maxwells' shore.

"Hmm," Howard said, peering over his coffee cup.

The simple visualization of Heero reaching that shoreline sparked an idea. Here were two young men needing companionship more than either one cared to admit. They seemed close in age -- Heero in his early to mid-twenties, and the Maxwell boy easily eighteen. But how could he get them to meet? And what were the odds that Duo was also gay?

He chuckled with the thrill of the challenge. He did his best work under pressure, and making it his mission to bring these two together would definitely be work.

He'd maneuvered around the question all through lunch. He hoped that Maggie would just come out and tell him if the Maxwell boy was gay, like she had about Heero Yuy. But now he was finishing his raspberry pie and he still didn't know. It was time to be blunt.

"So," he said, his voice low to keep it from carrying. "You think that Maxwell boy is gay?"

Maggie stopped mid-motion as she cleared his lunch plate away and blinked at him. "Why do you ask?"

"No particular reason."

She set the plate down. "Oh, there's always a reason to ask something like that, now spit it out."

"Do you know or don't you know?" he asked, a bit more insistently.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Never pegged you for a bigot."

"Hey, don't call me that!" He looked around the diner, wondering if anyone had overheard. "I don't have a problem with people being gay."

"Then what is it? You attracted to Duo?"

Howard's eyes grew wide. "Whoa, you're reading too much into this. I'm just asking is all."

She looked him over in that special way of hers. It was like getting an MRI without the claustrophobic feeling.

"I don't know," she said, picking up the plate again and walking it over to the dirty dish bin.

"You don't know what?"

"If he's gay." She came back and stood before him, putting her hands on her hips. "Last time I saw him he was sixteen." The sharp appraisal was back in her eyes. "You're up to something. I can smell it."

He swallowed. Should he tell her? Should he enlist Maggie's help in his plan or was it too early for that?

"You make the best pie in three counties," he said, getting up from the counter, pretending the question didn't matter anymore.

Her fingers drummed on her hips. "All I know," she said, stopping him in his tracks, "There were rumors that the night of the accident, Duo and Solo were arguing about it."

"About him being gay?" Howard asked, tentatively.

Maggie nodded. "Solo Maxwell was not the easiest guy to know."

Howard thought about that a moment. He had read articles about the playwright and how some actors found him difficult to work with, but did anyway, because his plays were brilliant.

"Thanks, Maggie," he said, leaving his money next to his empty pie plate.

Since he was already in town, Howard continued down the block to Jim's Grocery. The insight that Maggie had given fueled his mission to bring the Maxwell boy some happiness. And who better to pair him with than the down-to-earth Heero Yuy?

"Got any deliveries going out to the Maxwell place today?" Howard asked while sampling the beef sticks at the butcher counter.

"I was going to give you a call," Jim said. "The kid must eat a lot of cereal, 'cause he needs a gallon of milk."

"That's it?"

Jim shrugged. "The delivery charge is the same no matter how much he orders."

Howard grabbed the milk and headed back to the resort. He parked the car at his house and walked over to Heero's cottage, knocking on the door. When there was no answer he went around back and found Heero reading a book lakeside.

"Hey, Heero," he said, announcing his presence.

The young man turned in his lawn chair, holding up his hand to cover his eyes against the noon day sun. "Hi," he said and then chuckled. "You turning a new leaf?"

Howard held out the plastic bottle in front of him, realizing how strange it must look for him to be carrying it. "It's not for me. It needs to be delivered to the Maxwell place."

"Oh," Heero said, continuing to stare at him in the bright sun. "Did you want to sit down? I can grab another chair."

"No, I need to get this delivered." Suddenly he realized the next part of his plan was a little fuzzy. "Normally, I don't make deliveries for Jim, but I'm doing it as a favor."

Heero nodded. "You'd better get going then or it'll get warm."

"Right." Where was his brain today? Usually he could spin a tale with no effort. "Yeah, I should go," he said, but his feet wouldn't move. He just stared at Heero who was having a hard time looking at him twisted around as he was in his chair and with the sun in his eyes.

"Is there something else you wanted?"

"Oh, uh... I was just thinking that I really don't have time to be driving over to the Maxwell place. It's on the other side of the lake." Howard nodded toward the lake, and Heero turned to look. "It's that big house almost directly across."

Heero closed his book and got up. "Are you trying to ask me to deliver this milk for you?"

"I always knew you were a smart boy." Howard chuckled.

Heero shook his head. "Why didn't you just say so? I don't mind. I was just thinking I need a break from reading."

Howard smiled inwardly. He hoped it would be one hell of a break.

Heero had never bothered with this side of the lake before. There were no public fishing piers or hiking trails to bring him here, but Howard's directions were easy to follow. He found the Maxwell house in no time.

Strange that Howard couldn't make this delivery himself, or even bother to explain why. But Heero liked Howard, and if the man needed this simple favor, then it wouldn't hurt to see it through.

He stepped onto the stone porch with the jug of milk in one hand, and rang the doorbell twice in immediate succession. While he waited he looked at the clay pots filled with white geraniums on either side of the door. Several of the blooms were old and dried, detracting from the plants' beauty and the prospect of new growth. He hated to see plants unattended, and with the kind of money it seemed the Maxwells' had, it frustrated him all the more that they couldn't hire a gardener.

He lent over and snapped two dead heads off just as the door opened. He stood up straight, flowers in one hand and milk in the other.

"What are you doing?" the young man asked.

"Um..." Heero hesitated as his eyes met the unwavering blue gaze before him. "I'm delivering your milk." He raised the gallon container up for emphasis.

The milk was snatched from him rather unceremoniously. "I don't like you touching my flowers."

Heero blinked. "I was just..." The door closed with a whoosh, and Heero felt as though he had just been slapped. "What the?"

Stunned, Heero got back in his car and drove the twenty minutes back to Howard's Cottages. By the time he got there he was fuming mad. Rich people were such snobs.

"How'd it go?" Howard asked, as Heero got out of the car. It seemed like Howard had been waiting for his return. "Did you see him?"

"I gave the milk directly to him, like you said."

"What'd you think?"

Heero's brow knit. "I think that guy needs to pick up his own milk next time."

Howard took a step back, seeming to react to the intensity of Heero's words. "Was he a little gruff?"

"If slamming the door in my face is gruff, then yeah, he was."

"Hmm," Howard said, scratching his head. "It's to be expected, I guess. He lost his parents in a car crash last year. Don't know much about it, but he was driving the car when it happened."

Heero nodded in simple acknowledgement and went into his cottage, walking to the back door, and opening it onto the view of the lake. This was what he loved, being in the midst of this beautiful scenery -- alone. He had never been good at deciphering people and their complicated emotions. He never knew what to say or how to react. Like today, he probably should have rang that doorbell again and told that guy he was doing him a favor by cleaning up his geraniums.

He stared across the water and before he could stop himself his eyes had searched out the Maxwell house among the pine trees. He didn't want to know about that guy's problems, but now that he did, he realized the intense gaze that had met him at the door had been filled with pain.

He shuddered remembering it.

It had been foolish to think that when Heero Yuy had laid eyes on Duo Maxwell for the first time that sparks would fly. Well, now that Howard thought about it, sparks had flown, just not in the way he had hoped. He could accept that the first attempt had failed. It had been a reconnaissance mission, and he had learned a lot from it. Duo Maxwell was not going to let just anyone walk into his house, at least not just anyone male.

Phase two of the mission would require a woman's touch. It was time to enlist Maggie's help.

It was the day after the milk delivery debacle, and Howard had the feeling that Heero was still licking his wounds. But it was nothing that a little male bonding couldn't fix. So, he invited the young man to join him for a mid-day snack at the Magpie Diner.

Over a piece of pie, Howard began to weave his magic...

"We've made two deliveries for Jim to the Maxwell place," he said as he watched Maggie set freshly washed glasses behind the counter.

She looked up at him and then to Heero, and grinned. "You boys are sure being a help."

"Jim's in a real pinch," Howard said.

Maggie grabbed the coffee pot and leaned on the counter in front of Heero, filling his cup. "Sweetie, how'd Howie ever talk you into doing his favors for him?"

"Seemed easy enough, 'til I got there."

"What happened?" Maggie looked concerned, and Howard couldn't tell if it was for Heero or the Maxwell boy, or both.

"The guy doesn't want company," Heero said, taking a sip of his coffee. "He slammed the door in my face."

"Goodness," Maggie said, setting the coffee pot down. "I suppose sometimes a body just needs to be alone."

"See, that's where he's gone wrong. When you're down, you need company. Need someone to cheer you up," Howard said.

Maggie stood up, putting her hands on her hips, and looking at him like he had three heads. "What do you know about it?"

"I lost good friends in the war," he said, surprised at his own openness. "Back then, no one talked about it. Men don't know how to support each other."

Her look softened. She put her elbows on the counter and reached her hand over to pat his arm. He felt his face grow warm as she smiled at him.

"I'm sorry, hon. I'm always barking at you, forgetting you have a softer side. That's real sweet."

Howard tried to keep his eyes on hers, but he couldn't help shifting them just a bit to enjoy the endless cleavage on display. "Uh... yeah," he said, feeling awkward now.

She nodded and stood up again. "What kind of neighbors are we? We're gossiping about the Maxwell boy's loss, and no one goes out there to see how he's doing." Her eyes slid down the counter to the freshly baked cherry pie sitting under glass. "I think I'll take him that pie."

"That's a great idea, Maggie," Howard said, smiling.

"And as long as you're in such an amenable mood, you should come with me," she said.

"And Heero," Howard said, the mission still foremost in his mind.

"Why me?" Heero asked.

"To put things right," Howard said. "Like Maggie said, he's a neighbor."

"His place is three quarters of a mile across the lake."

Maggie looked between Heero and Howard and then grinned. "You old dog," she said, playfully slapping Howard's hand.

There was a twinkle in her eye, and Howard knew she had connected the dots.

"What time should we pick you up?" Howard asked.

"Now would be best," Maggie said, looking at her watch. "It's a couple hours 'til the supper crowd."

She untied her apron and tucked it under the counter. After a quick word with the cook, she grabbed her purse and the pie and was standing at the door waiting.

Howard pushed Heero along.

"You go without me," Heero said, looking unhappy. "I'm heading back to my cottage."

"It's best if we all go," Maggie said, pushing the door open with a bump of her hip. "It won't take long and you'll have set things right. Just think how good you'll feel."

"That's right, Heero. And I'll feel bad if things aren't smoothed over, since you made that delivery for me."

Heero shook his head, but followed them to Howard's car. Now Howard wished he would've thought this through better. Heero wasn't dressed for matchmaking. Oh, his appearance was tidy in his white t-shirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes, but a splash of color would've been more interesting. Surely, Duo's star status meant that he was often surrounded by glamorous society types. What chance did Heero have of getting noticed, other than being the only eligible gay man for hundreds of miles?

At the Maxwell place, Maggie wasted no time getting out of the car and heading for the front door, pie in hand. Howard followed quickly, and when he turned to see if Heero was in tow, found the young man checking his reflection in the car's window. Howard grinned. Maybe that door slamming in Heero's face had been a good thing? There was nothing like a challenge to get a young man's engine running.

The men let Maggie lead. She walked up to the front door, ringing the bell, while they instinctively remained at the foot of the steps. It took a moment, but the door opened.

"Hi, I'm Maggie Dressler. I run the Magpie Diner in town. I knew your mother. Well, only a little, but I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks," Duo said.

"Mind if we come in?" she asked.

"I'm kind of busy right now."

"Oh, we won't stay long," Maggie said, stepping forward, causing Duo to take a step back and allowing for the door to open fully.

Howard chuckled at Maggie's masterful technique. He'd have to remember to compliment her on it later. For now, he hurried up the stairs, with Heero close behind, and walked into the house.

"Nice place," Howard said, getting his first good look around.

The house was even larger than it appeared from the outside. The main room had a double-wide fireplace, cathedral ceiling and was decorated in autumn colors. A grand piano set in front of a row of floor to ceiling windows at the back of the house with a spectacular view of the pine trees and lake.

"I wasn't expecting visitors," Duo said, tucking a piece of hair behind his ear.

"We probably should've called," Maggie said. "But I had this freshly baked pie and thought it'd be nice to share it with you."

Duo looked shy and uncomfortable. He was dressed in tight fitting, faded blue jeans, and an oversized red sweatshirt, and his feet were bare. Maybe he looked more sleepy than shy, like he'd been napping.

"You've met Howard and Heero, right?" Maggie asked.

Duo's eyes settled on Heero. "The flower guy. We haven't been properly introduced."

"Heero Yuy," Heero said, extending his hand and meeting Duo's gaze.

Duo looked between the hand and Heero's eyes, hesitating just long enough for Heero to drop his hand back to his side.

"How about if I make us some coffee to go with the pie?" Maggie asked, her tone now sounding a little nervous.

"I can do that," Duo said.

"No, no. We barged in on you. Just point me in the direction of the kitchen."

"Through that door."

Maggie was gone in a flash, leaving the three men staring at each other.

"So... you like to fish?" Howard asked.

"I haven't fished since I was a kid."

"Heero here is a great fisherman," Howard said.

"Um, Howard!" Maggie called, poking her head out from the kitchen. "Could you help me in here?"

"I can do that," Duo said, taking a step toward the kitchen.

Howard rushed past Duo. "Nope, you stay put. I can help!"

Duo looked a bit dazed. "What was that about?"

"They want to be of help."

Duo turned to Heero, appraising him once again. "I didn't ask for help."

"Sometimes that's the best kind to get." Heero wasn't sure where that wisdom had come from, but it seemed to set things at ease.

He watched as Duo walked over to a couch and plopped down, the young man's long braid swishing behind him. Not knowing what else to do, Heero followed, sitting across from him on a matching couch. He was unhappy that Howard and Maggie had left them alone, and he kept looking to the kitchen in hopes of their quick return.

"What makes you so great?" Duo asked.

Heero's attention snapped back. "What?"

"That guy said you're a great fisherman."

"Oh, that. He was joking."

Duo leaned back in the couch, looking like the oversized cushions might swallow him whole. "But you do fish?"

"Yeah."

Heero knew he should say something more, talk about what type of fish he caught or explain his method of lure selection, but he felt a little tongue-tied looking into that guy's eyes. They conveyed every twitch of emotion, making Heero uncomfortable and intrigued all at once.

At last, Maggie and Howard returned with coffee and pie, and a tray full of cups, plates and forks. The treats were set on the coffee table between the couches. Once everyone was served, Maggie sat next to Duo, and Howard settled into a large easy chair.

"You've outdone yourself, Maggie," Howard said.

"You say that about all my pies."

"That's because every one of them deserves a blue ribbon."

She shook her head and laughed. "Silly man."

"What do you think, Duo? I'll wager it's the best pie you've ever had," Howard said.

Duo was staring at his plate. Only one bite had been taken.

"Don't you like cherry pie, hon?" Maggie asked, patting Duo's knee.

"I like it fine," he said, quietly.

His voice was almost inaudible, and Maggie leaned in closer to get a look at his face. "Are you all right?"

"This... this tastes like mom's pie," he said, looking up with shining, sad eyes.

"Oh, hon."

Duo set his plate down and got up. "Excuse me," he said, and quickly left the room.

Maggie, Howard and Heero stared at one another.

"Heero, you should go talk to him," Howard said.

"Me?" Heero asked, surprised.

"I'll talk to him," Maggie said, getting up. "It's my pie that made him sad."

Maggie followed Duo out onto the deck. He was leaning on the railing, his elbows set there, and his eyes fixed on the water before him. He looked older in profile than he did face on. The hint of baby fat that still clung to his cheeks was less noticeable from this angle.

"Your mother told me once that she wasn't good at making pies," she said, standing next to him.

"I always wondered why there weren't any dirty dishes after she made one."

"I'm sorry, hon. I just assumed you knew that she bought her pies from me." Maggie put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

"It's okay. It's nice knowing I can still get one of her pies." He looked at her and smiled.

Maggie relaxed a little at that smile. "You're welcome to come to my diner anytime. Or we can make a delivery." When Duo looked over his shoulder toward the house, Maggie laughed. "They're good guys. You should let them help. It looks like you could use some extra muscle around here." She nodded towards a fallen tree that was partially covering the deck.

"I haven't gotten around to worrying about that yet."

"Well, I'm sure if you asked --"

"No," Duo said, shaking his head and turning his eyes back to the lake. "I appreciate the offer, but I really just need to be alone."

Maggie frowned. "It must be difficult coming back here... without them."

"Yeah," Duo said with a small nod.

She put her hand over his, and felt it tremble. Their eyes met briefly, and then he pulled his hand away. Had it been shaking?

"Are you going to be all right by yourself?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure. I've been living on my own for years." He turned and headed back into the house.

She stared after him a moment. Her heart swelled with the thought that pies were not enough to make him well again.

"We can't just go out there with a chainsaw and expect he'll let us in," Heero said, watching as Howard loaded the chainsaw into the trunk. "If I saw us coming with one of these, I'd bolt the door."

"That tree is a hazard," Howard said, slamming the trunk closed. "Doesn't matter if we're not invited. Maggie wants us to take care of this."

Heero remembered the previous day and the way Maggie had looked after speaking privately to Duo. Her mood had changed. She had gone sad, adopting the same pitiful look that clouded the Maxwell guy's face. And now she was insistent that Howard and Heero go back out there and get things in order.

The fact that this project would take the better part of a day, eating up Heero's vacation, didn't bother him so much. What did bother him was the fact that he felt speechless around Duo. Not that Heero was a great conversationalist, but he knew a thing or two, and usually wasn't shy about sharing that knowledge. But when he was near that guy, Heero couldn't make up his mind what to say. Or maybe he was afraid that once he started talking he wouldn't be able to stop? Duo Maxwell made him feel conflicted... to the core.

"Isn't there a tree service he can call?" Heero asked.

"It's your good deed for the day. Now get in the car."

Heero's brow furrowed. Why was Howard so insistent? And Maggie, too. Hell, he should go fishing and forget about the whole thing, tree removal be damned. But instead, he was getting into the passenger seat of Howard's car and buckling up. Good thing he'd brought hiking boots, and the blue plaid shirt he was wearing put him in the mood to do the work of a lumberjack. Okay, he'd spend the day in some hard labor and then get a good night's sleep.

The door opened before they rang the bell.

"Hello there," Howard said, his voice pitched slightly higher from being caught off guard.

"Hi," Duo said, stepping onto the front porch. "Maggie said you were on your way."

"Did she? Well, that was nice of her to call," Howard said.

Duo's eyes swept over them, seeming to inspect his helpers. "Follow me," he said, coming down from the porch and going around the side of the house.

Howard nodded for Heero to go on ahead while he grabbed the chainsaw. Heero followed Duo, several paces behind, and found the view extraordinary. Duo was dressed in those tight jeans again, but this time with black combat boots and a black, long sleeved t-shirt that fit his torso like a glove. The outfit left little to the imagination, and then there was that braid wickedly brushing across Duo's ass as he walked. Heero swallowed hard. Duo had to be the most attractive guy he had ever met.

They walked under the fallen pine tree that was leaning on the deck, and then stopped to wait for Howard.

"When did this happen?" Heero asked, staring at the fifty feet of timber.

"This spring, I guess. I haven't been here since..." Duo's words faded, and he turned away toward the lake. "You could be fishing."

Heero followed his gaze and nodded. "Yeah, but today I'm more interested in being a good neighbor."

Duo turned back around quickly, his eyes flashing surprise at Heero's words. His mouth opened, lips curving into a cocky smile that seemed ready to smart off, but then suddenly snapped shut as Howard joined them.

"Next time you're carrying this damn thing," Howard said, practically dropping the chainsaw on the ground.

"You said you wanted to carry it," Heero said.

"Yeah, well, I'm getting too old for this." Howard bent backward, trying to soothe the strain on his back.

"There's no need for you guys to do this," Duo said. "I tried to tell Maggie that."

Howard tugged hard on the deck's railing, and looked up under where the tree had landed. "The rail's cracked. You'll need to fix it after the tree is removed."

Duo sighed. "Well, don't hurt yourselves. If you need anything, I'll be inside."

"Don't you want to supervise the work?" Howard asked.

Duo smiled, and flicked a look at Heero. "It's tempting."

But he didn't stay, and when the back door closed behind him, Howard turned to Heero with a bright smile on his face. "Did you see that?"

"What?" Heero asked.

"The way he looked at you just now."

Heero had noticed, but why did that matter to Howard? Was the guy an old pervert? "What are you up to?"

"What would I be up to?"

Heero's eyes narrowed. "I'm not sure."

"Well, then let's get to work." Howard handed over a pair of gloves and a small hatchet.

Heero put on the gloves and eyed the tree as his mind wandered back to the look Duo had given him. His cheeks warmed. Could it be that Duo was attracted to him?

For an hour, the two men worked together, clearing branches and beginning the slow task of cutting and removing the fallen tree. And then, Duo came back out onto the deck, signaling for them to cut the chainsaw's motor.

"Is the noise getting to you?" Howard asked.

"Maggie's on the phone for you."

"Oh?" Howard gave Heero a puzzled look. "Guess I better see what she wants." Howard removed his gloves and went inside.

Duo leaned on the railing, looking down at Heero. The sun was bright behind Duo, and Heero had to raise his hand to his eyes to see him. They stared at one another, neither saying a word. Heero thought about all the things he could say to get the conversation started, like how nice the pine tree smelled as they cut into it, and how quickly the day had gotten hot. But instead, he just stared, content not to say anything as he watched a pendant dangle from a silver chain around Duo's neck.

Duo tilted his head and his braid slid over his shoulder, dangling down with the pendant. Heero wondered what the guy was thinking, why he was staring at him like that, but he'd have to answer the same question. He was doing just as much staring.

The stomp of Howard's boots on the deck straightened Duo's posture, and turned him away from Heero.

"Is everything okay?" Duo asked.

"One of my renters is having a problem. I need to head back."

Heero's eyes widened. He didn't want to head back yet. "What kind of problem?"

"The refrigerator's on the fritz." Howard scratched his head, looking at all the work left to be done. "You think you can do this on your own, Heero? I hate to leave you, but it's gotta get done."

Heero tried to hide his grin. "Yeah, I can do it. I don't mind."

Howard turned to Duo. "I don't think I'll be back today. Could you give him a lift?"

"Uh, I guess so," Duo said with a nod.

"Good." Howard came down the deck's stairs and gave Heero one last look. "Be careful with this thing," he said, patting Heero on the back. "I'll talk to you later."

"Yeah." Heero could've sworn he saw a look of glee in Howard's eyes. He supposed the man was happy to get out of the hard labor.

Once Howard was out of sight, Duo leaned over the railing again. "Thirsty?"

More than you know, Heero thought as he blinked up at him. He didn't trust his voice, so he just nodded. Duo went back into the house, returning a moment later with bottled water. He squatted down and handed it through the wooden slats of the railing.

Heero removed his glove, and reached for the bottle. His fingers brushed Duo's as the bottle was handed over, and he looked up shyly through his bangs to find Duo looking at him.

"Thanks," Heero said.

Duo nodded, watching him a moment longer, and then got up. He went into the house, leaving Heero to make headway on the project.

Heero blew out a breath before gulping the cold water. Damn, that guy was attractive.

Duo exhaled fully as he closed the door behind him. Wow, he had never been so intensely attracted to anyone before in his life. Heero had a ruggedness about him that scorched Duo's insides, and an absent-minded beauty that was mesmerizing. If it wouldn't have been so awkward, Duo might have stayed out on the deck, staring at Heero all day. And this was the same guy that had picked his geraniums? Duo guessed he had been so mad that day that he hadn't let Heero's looks register. He had just wanted the guy off his porch and away from his mother's geraniums.

Damn, this attraction was inconvenient.

Every few minutes, Heero glanced toward the back door. He wanted to see that guy again, wanted to get beyond being tongue-tied and actually talk to him. It helped that Duo seemed in a much better mood than the previous times Heero had seen him. Maybe that was due to Maggie's influence. She had a way with people, and had even talked Duo into letting them take care of his tree problem. So, Heero labored on for a man he didn't rightly know, but it felt good.

A couple of hours passed, and Heero was thirsty and wondering why Duo hadn't checked on him. He hesitated going to the back door and knocking, but he really needed something to drink if he was going to continue with this project.

He went up on the deck and knocked on the glass door. There was no response and he couldn't see Duo about, so he decided to go inside.

"Duo?" he called as he stepped into the kitchen.

He poked his head into the main room to find it unoccupied. He called Duo's name once more, and then went back into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. God, it really was getting hot out there. Maybe he should quit for the day and start fresh in the morning?

After drinking the water, he decided he needed to pee and ventured further into the house, occasionally calling Duo's name. Though there was no response, he managed to find a bathroom. With that taken care of he thought it best to find Duo and discuss continuing the work the next day. Duo was not in the living room where stacks of sheet music and photos lay haphazardly on the coffee table and floor.

It felt strange walking through the house unescorted. Obviously, the Maxwells had money and influence. The house was grand and tastefully furnished and there were photographs of famous people, and posters of Broadway plays framed on the walls.

He supposed it was possible that Duo had gone out, maybe into town, but it seemed odd that he would leave without telling him. So, Heero peeked into each room on the first floor, knocking on doors before opening them, and calling Duo's name. Then he looked up the oak staircase. Sunlight streamed in through large windows at the top of the landing, inviting Heero upstairs. He started his ascent slowly.

"Duo?"

The stairs were well-crafted and did not creak as he made his way. On the landing, Heero looked both ways down the hall. Duo had to be here somewhere. He noticed one door was open, and decided to try that first.

He stepped into the doorway, tapping lightly with his knuckles, and froze. Duo was sitting in front of an open cedar chest. Clothes and boxes were spread around him, his head in his hands.

"Are you all right?" When Duo did not respond, Heero stepped closer. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I came in for a glass of water..."

Duo suddenly looked up, blinking tear-filled eyes at him. "Oh."

"I don't mean to interrupt, but I got concerned when I couldn't find you."

Duo wiped at his eyes with the sleeve of his black shirt and gave a crooked grin. "You were concerned?"

"Yeah, wandering through your house and all."

Duo shook his head as though he was clearing away cobwebs. "What time is it?"

"Almost twelve."

"Man, I lost track of time." Duo set aside a white silk scarf and got up. "I was going through my mother's things. She was a clothes horse." He tried to smile again, but it never quite reached his eyes.

"I shouldn't have interrupted you, I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's no bother. I need a break." Duo stretched his arms over his head, and walked to Heero, putting a hand on Heero's shoulder. "Let me fix you lunch. You're doing all that work for me, it's the least I can do for you."

Heero grinned as warmth rushed through his shoulder from the touch. "Okay."

Duo led the way back downstairs to the kitchen, giving Heero another spectacular view of his behind.

"How about a sandwich?" Duo asked, as he opened the refrigerator and stared at its contents.

"Sounds good."

Duo rummaged through bins and came out with an armful of condiments, deli meats, and bread. He set them on the kitchen counter.

"What'll it be? Shaved ham or roast beef?"

Heero looked at the offerings and his mouth watered. He had eaten a bowl of cereal several hours before, but obviously it hadn't been enough to keep him going all day.

"Roast beef with cheddar cheese sounds good."

"On white?" Duo asked.

"Yeah, thanks."

Heero watched Duo's hands as he made the sandwich, piling on the thinly sliced roast beef, and cutting a thick wedge of cheddar cheese.

"Mustard or mayo?" Duo asked.

"Neither."

Duo cocked his head. "Really? How about a slice of tomato? Or I think I've got pickles..."

"No, it's fine just like this."

Duo plated the sandwich, and then got a bag of potato chips out of the pantry. "What can I get you to drink? I've got Coke, milk, water... or I could make coffee."

"Water is fine, thanks." Heero said, putting a handful of chips on his plate.

Duo grabbed a tall glass out of a cabinet, and filled it with ice and water. "Have a seat." He nodded to the kitchen table by the window. "I'll join you in a sec," he said, starting to make a sandwich for himself.

Heero sat down and took a bite of his lunch. It always tasted better when someone else made your sandwich. He liked that Duo had cut it on a diagonal, making two triangles.

"How's the tree coming along?" Duo asked.

"A couple more hours ought to do it." Heero took a long drink of his water.

"You know Howard long?"

"I've been renting from him about five years now," Heero said, getting up to go to the sink to refill his glass.

As Heero walked past, Duo turned to put the bread back in the fridge and bumped into him. "Sorry," Duo said with a chuckle. "Wasn't paying attention."

"It's okay."

They stood nearly toe-to-toe as Duo had only stepped back a little after the soft collision. Heero felt his body warm being this close, being able to look into Duo's eyes from little more than a hand span away. Those eyes were blue like Morning Glories in shade, and sad like a lost child's. But it wouldn't do to just stand here, staring at each other, so Heero stepped aside, only to have Duo place his hand on his forearm.

"Thank you," Duo said. His voice was gentle, almost cautious.

"I'm glad to help."

A small smile curved on Duo's lips and then he leaned in, closing the distance between them. Heero sucked in a breath, surprised, but he wanted to feel those lips on his. So, Heero met Duo halfway. At first, their lips merely met, pressing firmly together, but then Duo's started to move on his. Heero felt the other young man's body inch closer, the bread squishing between their bellies. The sound of the plastic bag rumpling made Duo laugh, and he pulled back, his cheeks blushing.

"Sorry, got carried away," he said, ducking his head and gathering up the other food on the counter, and returning it to the fridge.

Heero stared after him, his lips tingling from the touch. He didn't know what to say or do. Was Duo apologizing for the kiss? Had it been a mistake? Heero watched, bewildered, as Duo grabbed his sandwich and sat down at the table. He looked up at Heero and pushed a chair out with his foot.

"Come on, sit down," Duo said.

Heero refilled his glass with water and then sat down at the table to finish his sandwich. Duo started talking then, non-stop, all about the house, when his parents had built it, and the summers he had enjoyed here on the lake. It was nervous chatter, no doubt about it, but Heero let him go on, nodding appropriately and occasionally interjecting a comment or two. Duo was animated, and clever with his words almost like what he was saying was rehearsed. But Heero listened attentively, hoping for clues, and another chance to kiss him.

They finished lunch, and Duo cleared their plates, and then wandered back into the living room with Heero in tow.

"I don't think I'll finish the tree today," Heero said.

"Oh? Well, it's a big job." Duo walked over to the grand piano and leaned against it. "Will you come back tomorrow?"

"I can, if you want... Do you play?" Heero asked.

Duo smiled and cocked his head, eyeing Heero suspiciously. "You mean you don't know?"

Heero shook his head. "Know what?"

Duo chuckled and sat down on the piano bench, lifting the cover from the keys. He placed his hands on the ivories, hesitating just a moment, and then playing a few notes. The sound resonated in the large room. He looked over his shoulder at Heero. "What do you do... for a living?"

"I'm an engineer for NASA."

Duo smiled. "What sort of an engineer?"

"Space aeronautical engineer."

Duo's smile grew wider. "Fascinating. So, you build rockets?"

"I design them. Other people build them."

Duo's hands moved on the keys, playing a melody that Heero didn't know, but was pleasant to the ear.

"And what do you do, Duo?"

Again, that silly smile spread across Duo's lips. "You really don't know. I like that." His hands kept moving, now striking different chords as though he was re-learning the instrument. "I play the piano," Duo said, finally.

"And your parents? Were they musical?"

Duo's hands froze, almost like a hiccup, and then began to play again. "Yeah," he said softly.

Heero realized that was the wrong thing to ask. He remembered hearing about the accident, and wanted desperately to change the subject, and get Duo yammering again.

"What are you playing?"

Duo sighed. "Nothing."

Duo's tone was suddenly cold, and Heero thought he saw a slight tremor in Duo's hands. In a heartbeat the mood in the room had changed, and Heero got the feeling that he had overstayed his welcome.

"Maybe I should go now," he said.

Duo stopped playing and looked up at him. "Yeah, I think you should."

Heero blinked. He didn't have a car, and Duo had promised to take him home. But right now he didn't think he should ask for any favors. "I'll give Howard a call. I'm sure he'll come get me."

"Oh, that's right," Duo said, giving another sigh. "I'll take you back."

"No, that's all right --"

"I said I would." Duo got up from the piano. "Come on."

Heero followed dutifully as they walked though the house to the attached garage. There were three cars parked inside, each one nicer than the next.

"Mine's the blue Jaguar," Duo said, opening a lockbox and grabbing a set of keys.

They walked over to the car. Heero opened the passenger side door, but hesitated to get in when Duo didn't move around to the driver's side. Duo stared at the car, his hands now truly shaking.

"What is it?" Heero asked, worry spiking in him.

Duo swallowed and looked into Heero's eyes. "I can't drive you home."

"That's okay, I'll call --"

"No," Duo said, holding out the keys. "Just take it."

"I can't take your car."

The look in Duo's eyes became fierce. "Please... I'll get it later."

"But --"

"Just drive it yourself! Okay?"

Heero's eyes widened at the intensity of Duo's words. "Okay, okay."

The keys were dropped in his hand. Duo stormed out of the garage, hitting the automatic garage door opener as he fled. Heero stared after him, his heart pounding as his mind turned over the scene. What the hell had just happened? Was this Maxwell guy nuts?

Heero shook his head. He didn't want to drive this expensive car back to his cottage, but he really didn't think it would be a good idea to go back into the house to call Howard. And he certainly didn't want to walk home.

"Damn it," he said, slamming the passenger door shut.

He walked around and settled himself in the driver's seat. The black leather welcomed his lean body, and he suddenly felt lucky. He started the car, hearing its smooth hum and grinned, quickly forgetting his nervousness. He pulled out of the garage and started down the long, gravel drive, and was tempted to take the car the long way around the lake, but decided not to risk it. The Jaguar handled beautifully, and he couldn't help but wonder how Duo would look behind the wheel, or for that matter, bent over the hood.

"Fuck," Heero said, as he arrived back home, shaking the image off. He parked the car as close to his cottage as possible, and went inside.

Early that evening, Heero went out onto his deck, and looked down the row of cottages to see Howard firing up his grill. He decided it'd be good to talk, and walked down the shoreline to visit with his friend.

"Hey," Howard said. "You alone?"

"Yes," Heero said, coming up on the deck. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I saw the Jag."

"Oh, yeah." Heero leaned back against the deck's railing. "Duo preferred that I drive myself home."

Howard blinked as he waved a paper plate over the coals to quicken the flames. "Should I ask?"

"Why not? I know you're dying to."

Howard chuckled. "Anything you want to tell me about?"

Heero's mind flashed on many things -- the tremble of Duo's hands, the sadness in his eyes, the unfinished work on the pine, and that kiss, especially that kiss. But he chose not to mention any of them.

"I don't think he likes to drive," Heero said.

"Impossible. How can anyone not like to drive a Jaguar?"

Heero smiled. "Yeah, it's a sweet ride."

Howard unwrapped some butcher paper to reveal bratwurst. "I've got plenty. Want to join me?"

"Thanks. I'd like that."

Howard grilled the brats, and served them up on buns with raw onions and mustard, and cold cans of beer. They sat staring out at the lake, and as the sun began to set, Heero noticed light at the Maxwell place.

"So, something happen between you two?" Howard asked.

Heero shot Howard a surprised look. "Like what?"

"Oh, I don't know... anything."

Heero's brow tightened. Howard was being way too persistent with his questions. "What do you mean by 'something'?"

"Oh, you know... anything."

"No, I don't know." Heero set down his beer. "What are you up to?"

"Hmm?" Howard took a bite of his brat.

"That whole 'let's help out a neighbor' routine is suspicious."

"You don't think I'd help someone out?" Howard asked.

"Well, you didn't really. You got me over there and left as fast as you could."

"There was an emergency. It couldn't be helped."

Heero smirked. "Did you get that stove fixed?"

"Yep, but it took me most of the --"

"Ha! You told me you needed to fix a refrigerator!" Heero got up from his chair, his cheeks burning with the discovery of his friend's trickery.

"Well, Heero, it was just a miscommunication. I thought it was a refrigerator..."

Heero's eyes narrowed. "Tell me what's going on."

Howard's gaze turned to the lake.

"Why all the maneuvering?" Heero asked, anger rising in his veins.

"Shh," Howard said, holding up his hand. "Don't you hear it?"

"Hear what?" Heero asked, knowing this was probably just one more trick to distract him.

"Ah... there." Howard smiled. "It's a piano."

Heero blinked and turned toward the lake. He quieted his pounding heart and listened. Yes, he could hear a piano, too.

"The Maxwell boy is playing again. That's a good sign," Howard said. He looked up at Heero. "It's because of you."

This time Heero held up his hand to silence Howard. "What's he playing? It sounds familiar."

Howard turned an ear toward the music and listened for nearly a minute. "It's 'Rocket Man'."

Heero's eyes widened. "'Rocket Man'?"

"Yeah, by Elton John. Great song."

Heero was frozen, entranced by the melody. There was only the music, the piano creating the song, but he knew it well enough for the words to come back to him...

Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids
In fact it's cold as hell
And there's no one there to raise them if you did
And all this science I don't understand
It's just my job five days a week
A rocket man, a rocket man

And I think it's gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

Damn, was Duo playing that song for him? It couldn't be.

Howard tapped Heero's arm gently and smiled. "Sounds like you made an impression."

A shiver raced through Heero. He wanted to believe it, but it had to be a coincidence. "He's just thinking about rockets, because I mentioned I worked for NASA."

"That boy hasn't played the piano since the accident. He meets you, and now he's playing again... and of all the songs to choose. Oh, yeah, it's for you."

"Stop saying that."

"Why? Isn't it nice that he's interested?"

"Interested?" Heero shook his head. "I knew you were up to something."

"What's wrong with wanting to bring two people together?"

"What makes you think I'd be interested in a guy? Or him in me?"

Howard laughed. "Maggie Dressler's got your number, and everyone else's in this town."

Had Maggie let his secret slip? Or was it that obvious that he was gay? He knew now that Duo was, but he didn't want his hormones getting away on him.

"That guy has issues," Heero said, trying to quell his own racing hopes.

Howard gave a snort. "I think you should go back over there."

"I can't do that."

"He's practically begging you." Howard nodded to the Maxwell house and the music that was spilling over the lake.

"Stop playing matchmaker. I like my life the way it is." Heero stepped off the deck, heading back to his cottage.

"Whatever you did, you helped him, Heero. It'd be a shame not to follow through."

Heero's back stiffened at Howard's words, but he didn't turn back or respond. It was no one's business. He'd done fine on his own, and he certainly didn't want Duo's problems.

Heero stared out over the lake before going inside. The music had stopped, but in his mind he could still see Duo's hands on the keys -- the long, pale fingers gliding over them. Not delicately, but with such a knowing touch that it chilled him to think of them now. How would those fingers, those hands feel on him, playing him?

He shook his head. It wasn't like him to be foolish, to feel such longing. He was happiest hunched over blueprints or staring at a computer screen while working out schematics, and testing theories. He didn't have time for attraction, at least not in his regular life. But here, on vacation, maybe it was okay to pursue such things.

He turned to his cottage with the intention of going in and reading until he fell asleep, but he hesitated. He felt restless, and for the first time in years didn't want to be alone. The realization surprised him, but only long enough to set him in motion toward town. The three-quarter mile walk would do him good, and give him a chance to sort things out.

The diner was surprisingly busy for seven o'clock. Usually folks around here ate supper early and were home before dark -- one of the quirky things that made Deep Lake so different from the city.

Heero settled on a stool at the counter and grabbed a menu out of habit. He looked it over, but wasn't hungry, and set it back in its metal holder. He was about to leave when Maggie swung by.

"What can I get you, hon?" she asked as she leaned her hip against the counter.

For a split second, Heero thought he might say, "I could use some answers," but instead he said, "I'm not hungry. I just ate."

Maggie nodded, appraising him gently. "Got room for pie?"

"There's always room for that."

"Good," she said with a smile. "Today, I've got banana cream and strawberry rhubarb."

"Banana cream."

"Coffee?"

"Yes."

She gave him a long look before heading off. In less than a minute, the slice of pie and cup of coffee were set before him. "You must be tired from all that work today."

He nodded and took a bite of the pie. It was a lovely blend of textures and tastes on his tongue, and for a moment he thought these sensations could wipe away his troubles.

The longer he sat there, eating his pie, and washing it down with the rich, dark coffee, the more he knew he had to talk to Maggie. If she truly had everyone's 'number' in town, then maybe she'd have some answers. He didn't like that Duo Maxwell had stirred things up in him. He preferred routine, and these feelings had the potential of taking him way off course.

When she came by to re-fill his cup, he caught her eye. "What do you know about that guy?"

She paused, but seemed to know instinctively who he was talking about. "Oh, more than my fair share thanks to my niece over in White Lake. She's a big fan."

"So... he is somebody?"

Maggie chuckled. "We're all 'somebody,' hon. But yeah, he is."

Just then an order came up, and Maggie stepped away. Heero's heart was beating a little fast. He was uncomfortable asking these questions, especially with so many people around. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. He should finish his pie and head home. A good night's sleep would clear this up.

A couple more bites and he was done, and heading for the cash register. Even though Maggie was busy with customers at the counter, and another waitress was waiting on folks in the main part of the diner, Maggie always worked the register. She frowned at him as he handed over his money.

"Got plans tonight?" she asked.

"Just some reading."

She nodded, and hesitated handing back his change. "You really never heard of Duo Maxwell?"

"Nope," he said, a little impatient now.

"But you'd like to, right? Know about him, I mean."

"Yeah, I guess so." He hoped his voice sounded sufficiently nonchalant.

"Well," she said with a smile. "If you're not in a rush, you could do a little research on my office computer."

He resisted the urge to take her face in his hands and kiss her. Computer access was exactly what he needed. If Duo Maxwell was the slightest somebody, Heero could find him on the Internet.

"Thanks," he said.

Maggie's smile grew wider. She gave him his change and nodded for him to follow her through the diner to her office. She opened the door and turned on the overhead light. The room was small, part storeroom and part office. The desk was tidy with an inbox for unpaid invoices and another marked 'miscellaneous.'

She sat down at the desk, and booted the computer. "I'll trust you not to surf for porn."

He laughed, thinking it a joke, but when she raised an eyebrow at him, he knew she meant business. "No problem."

She left him alone then, without another word. He could see why Howard might conspire with Maggie. She was perceptive and discreet.

It didn't take Heero long to discover that Duo was a big somebody. He'd won a Grammy for "Best New Artist of the Year," and had sold millions of records. Page after page of search results reinforced Duo's popularity and notoriety as a pop music artist. Duo's parents were equally famous in the world of Broadway musicals. The Maxwell Family was a tour de force, and when Dorothea and Solo Maxwell had died in that tragic accident just nine months ago, the repercussions in the entertainment industry had been huge.

Heero felt overwhelmed and disappointed. There was no way that Maxwell guy would be interested in a dull, space aeronautical engineer. Duo Maxwell was used to a glamorous life and all the perks that came with fame, money and good looks. Heero didn't have a chance in hell.

He pushed back from the desk and sighed just as Maggie walked into the room.

"What is it?" she asked.

"He's too much somebody for me."

"Well, you're not nobody." She sat on the corner of the desk, setting her hands in her lap. "I guess his fame doesn't faze me, because I remember him as an awkward teenager. He's just like anyone else."

Heero doubted that very much. From what he'd read, and seen of Duo Maxwell, he was anything but ordinary. And the mood swings he'd witnessed were evidence of someone who was used to getting his way.

"Thanks for letting me use your computer," he said, getting up from the chair.

"You're done?"

"Yeah, I've read enough."

Maggie frowned. "So, in less than an hour, you think you've done enough research to know him?"

He blinked.

"Heero," Maggie said, putting her hand on his arm. "I think you like Duo."

"What if I do?"

"Then don't let what you've read on the web discourage you. I only meant for it to enlighten you a bit."

His mind flashed on the articles about the wild parties Duo attended, the accolades he received from the music industry, and the tension between Duo and his father, Solo. Heero knew he had barely scratched the surface of Duo's life, but even this glimpse was enough for him to know he didn't fit in.

"Maggie, don't worry about this. I'm just here to fish." He patted her hand on his arm, and walked out of the office.

He was heading down the street to his cottage when she came running up to him.

"Here," she said, breathless as she handed him a compact disc. "Listen to this."

He looked at the case. "Duo Maxwell?"

She smiled and shrugged. "I know. I'm as relentless as a pit bull's bite." She turned on her heel to head back up the hill.

"Hey," Heero said, waiting for Maggie to look back. "If I give this a listen, you owe me."

"You think it's that dangerous?"

He knew it was. He could see the movement of Duo's fingers even now.

"Name your price," she said.

"Ask Howard out."

Her breath caught, and then she laughed. "Whatever for?"

"You'd be doing us all a favor." And with that he turned and continued on his way.

Back at the cottage, Heero grabbed the portable CD player and headphones out of his backpack and sat down on the couch. He looked the jewel case over, admiring the artful photograph of Duo on the cover. Despite everything, or maybe in spite of everything, he liked Duo... very much.

He slipped the CD into the player, and put the headset on. A distant, warbling sound began, growing louder, closer. He was intrigued. Then, slow, measured notes came from the piano. He could see Duo there, in the studio. No, better yet, at the piano in his home on the lake -- the vulnerable, sad Duo playing the piano just for him.

The lights on the water come dancing
Will you come dancing with me?
Come into my arms and dance a light

Duo's voice was clear, and with the help of the headphones sounded as though he was singing in Heero's ears. It gave Heero goosebumps to think of Duo's lips so close. In Duo's world of parties and easy acquaintances did kisses have no meaning? Was the "thank you" kiss that had graced Heero's lips merely a reward, and nothing more?

The progressive melody had started slow and soft and now was gradually building. Heero liked it. Liked its honesty and simplicity, although he was certain it was more complex than his untrained ear could know. This Duo was mature and thoughtful, presenting his art, his song with the utmost care. It was a beautiful thing indeed, and he could see why Duo had been honored with a Grammy.

The next song began:

Can you know me?
All the colors of my life running together
See what they have become
A wonderful sunset

Obviously, Maggie Dressler knew what she was doing, giving Heero this disc. She had the sense not to argue with him over the information he had read on the web, no doubt suspecting much of it was true. But she had the cleverness to let Duo speak for himself. Certainly these songs were not the sum of the man, but they were a part of him captured in a moment of time.

Hearing the singer sing, and imagining those fingers moving across the keys, Heero decided he wanted to know more. And knowing more would require primary research.

Duo stared out over the water. Lights from the opposite shore reflected on the calm surface of the lake. It had been nearly three hours since he'd played that song. What had he been thinking? That Heero would come to him when he heard it, carried over the water by a siren song?

Playing like that, letting the music move through him, even music created by another, had brought Duo to tears. It had been nine months since he had played more than a few notes. Nine months of hell and wondering if he would ever play again. If he would ever feel music pour out of him, ease him, send him wherever he longed to go.

Heero calmed him. Heero's intense, inquisitive eyes and his polite manner calmed Duo. It was as if they held a quiet understanding between them. Like souls speaking to one another on their own frequency. Duo couldn't hear it with his ears, but he felt it inside him, saw it being communicated when he had stared so guilelessly at Heero by the fallen pine tree.

"What makes you so different, Heero Yuy?" Duo whispered.

A soft breeze stirred his bangs, and he decided to give up the wait. Heero wasn't coming tonight. Even if he had heard the song, he wasn't coming. But Duo held out hope that Heero would come...

in time.

The knock on the front door surprised Howard. It was barely eight a.m., but he'd been up for over an hour. He scratched his head and opened the door.

"Maggie!"

She blinked at him, her long eyelashes seeming to flutter playfully. "Morning. Can I come in?"

"Uh, sure," he said, stepping back to give her way.

She had a plate covered with a tea towel. A warm, doughy scent rose to his nostrils.

"Mmm, smells good. Whatcha got there?"

"Donuts. Fresh made this morning. You got any coffee?"

He shook his head as if to be certain this wasn't a dream. "Sure."

Heero pulled onto the gravel driveway of Dorothea's Pines. He had driven with the car window down to cool his face. If he didn't know better, he would have sworn he was running a temperature, but it was nerves, plain and simple. He no longer knew what to think of Duo. Usually the more Heero researched something, the more comfortable he became, but with Duo Maxwell the opposite was true. He had been doing a slow burn for the young man, wanting him more by the hour, but in discovering Duo's fame, he had inadvertently thrown water on the flame.

He parked his VW in front of the house and got out, making sure his light blue denim shirt was tucked fully into his jeans. He had worn jeans and his hiking boots again. This visit was about work, but he still wanted to look presentable.

Standing on the front porch, he inhaled a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Seconds passed without a response. He rang the bell again, and looked at his watch. It was 9 a.m. He had told Duo he would be back this morning to finish working on the tree. It was just like a celebrity to keep him waiting. Frustrated, Heero leaned on the bell, making it ring several times in a row. He smiled at this trick, and hoped it would rouse Duo from bed. But still, there was no response.

Heero sighed. He had driven all the way out here to finish that project, and now he had to decide whether to give up or charge ahead. He could go around back and start work, the chainsaw and gloves had been left there, but that would take more nerve than Heero could muster. So, he rang the bell one more time, and pounded on the heavy, oak door.

At last he heard the deadbolt turn. The door opened to reveal Duo towel drying his hair. Heero gaped.

"You been out here long?" Duo asked, swinging the door wide open.

He was wearing snug white shorts and a black, unbuttoned cotton shirt. His hair was loose, and he was patting it dry with a white bath towel.

"No, not long." Heero had been at the door a good five minutes, but with Duo standing there like that he couldn't marshal any animosity.

Duo smirked as he eyed Heero's car. "Keeping my Jag?"

"Oh, uh, I thought it'd be easier this way. I can drive you over to pick it up later."

Duo nodded. "Yeah, guess that makes sense. Come on in."

Duo turned from the door, heading into the house. His bare legs looked long and pale in the white, skimpy shorts. He smelled of the shower, fresh like cucumbers and still a little damp.

"You eat breakfast?" he asked, looking over his shoulder.

Heero followed him into the kitchen. "Yeah, cereal."

"Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure," Heero said automatically. It'd make him jittery, but he wasn't ready to be out of Duo's presence just yet.

He sat at the kitchen table and watched Duo toss the bath towel to the floor and then move about, preparing the coffee. Duo's hair was even longer damp and unbound. The dark wavy lengths hung to the bottom curve of his ass. It must have taken a lifetime to grow that long.

"People always ask about it," Duo said, seeming to realize Heero was staring. He reached into the cupboard for some mugs, and set them on the counter. "Habit, I guess. I haven't cut it in years."

"I like it."

Duo looked at him and smiled. "Really?"

Heero's cheeks warmed. "I mean, you shouldn't worry about what people say."

"I don't... usually." Duo poured their coffee and sat down, placing a mug in front of Heero. "Wasn't sure you'd be back."

"I said I would."

"Yeah, but it's not like you have to do this."

Heero took a sip. "I finish what I start."

A small smile curved over Duo's lips. "Somehow I knew that about you."

There was something intimate about sitting here, sharing coffee and chit-chat with the morning sun spilling through the window. They had only known each other a nanosecond, but it felt like planets aligning for a perfect trajectory into orbit.

Duo blew on the surface of his coffee, and then slowly raised the mug to his lips. He was incredibly sexy in the subtlest of ways. His hair was nearly dry now, and was beginning to stray and fall forward over his shoulders. It looked soft and well cared for, but not in the least feminine. It seemed right that Duo had long hair, free like the spirit that created that beautiful music.

"I heard a piano playing last night," Heero said.

Duo set down his mug. "Is that right?"

The question rolled off Duo's tongue, playfully daring Heero to discover the music's origin. Heero stared across the table into that beautiful face, and his heartbeat quickened.

"It sounded like it was coming from here."

Duo's deeply colored eyes looked at him curiously. He seemed hesitant to speak, but his gaze never wavered. Heero suddenly felt unsure. Maybe he had been wrong about that song. Maybe he had been dreaming.

"Weren't you playing last night?"

Duo nodded, slowly. "What if I told you I was playing for you?"

No longer trusting his grip, Heero swallowed and set his mug on the table. "Were you?"

"Yes." Duo smiled. "Surprised?"

"I --" Heero was tongue-tied again, like he'd been when they first met.

"Why so nervous? Hasn't anyone ever played for you before?"

He wanted to laugh. Of course, not, he thought. I'm a scientist, a geek. No one, except in my wildest dreams, would ever play for me.

Duo reached his hand across the table, gently resting it on Heero's forearm. "A penny for your thoughts."

Heero could feel the warmth of Duo's touch seep through the shirt to his skin. An image of the tender kiss they had shared the previous day flashed in his mind, and he wanted more.

"You're not yourself today," Duo said, squeezing Heero's arm.

"I'm a little confused."

"Oh?" Duo's brow furrowed. "And what would have a space aeronautical engineer confused?"

Everything about you, Heero thought.

"Come on," Duo said with a smile. "I'm all ears."

Heero looked at the hand on his arm and took a deep breath. He had to say something, but he was afraid the wrong words would pull that beautiful hand away from him. "I've never met anyone like you."

"That makes two of us," Duo said, giving Heero's arm another gentle squeeze. "But why is that confusing?"

"You're different every day."

Duo leaned forward, looking up into Heero's face. "You mean, I'm in a better mood today."

"No --"

"Oh, yes," Duo laughed. "You don't have to pretend. I know I pushed you out of here in a hurry yesterday."

"I upset you."

Duo patted Heero's arm. "No, you just reminded me about something. I've got some stuff I'm trying to sort out in my life."

"About your parents?"

"Yeah," Duo said, his hand retreating. "I guess I'm not the easiest guy to be around these days."

"It's all right. You've got a lot on your mind."

Duo nodded, but his gaze cooled, growing cautious again.

"I can take you to get your car now," Heero said, stumbling to keep the conversation going. "Or I can get started on that tree."

"You know, don't you?" Duo asked, suddenly.

"Know what?"

"About me." He put his hands on the edge of the table, looking ready to bolt. "That's what changed. You're not so innocent anymore."

The words slapped Heero as surely as an open hand. "I'm not sure what --"

"Oh, you know all right." Duo got up from the table, clearing away their mugs and dumping the excess coffee into the sink.

"Okay, I know," Heero admitted with confusion swirling inside him. "But what's wrong with knowing who you are?"

Duo turned to him, his hands curled into fists at his sides. "Why did you need to know?"

"Because I was curious, and people kept implying you were somebody."

"Somebody?" Duo snorted. "Yeah, I'm the guy who killed his parents." He turned away and hit the counter with his fists.

Heero got up, his eyes widening from the display. "Duo, it was an accident."

Duo stood still and quiet, but his body was coiled with tension.

"It must be difficult, living in the public eye," Heero said, stepping closer.

There could be no question that Duo was aware of the press coverage of his life, and probably had an idea of how Heero had reacted to reading those stories. Last night, those stories had mattered to Heero. He had believed most of them and had felt put off by Duo's wild and privileged life. But somehow standing here in the same room, and seeing Duo's distress, none of the things Heero had read mattered anymore.

He placed his hand on Duo's shoulder. The young man flinched, but didn't pull away.

"I was distracted," Duo said, softly. His back was to Heero, and his voice a mere whisper, but Heero could hear every syllable. "Father was relentless with his argument, and I didn't see the truck come over the center line until it was too late... I swerved..." Duo leaned forward on the counter, looking about to collapse.

Heero reached his arms around him, embracing Duo for support and comfort. "It's okay."

Duo turned in his arms, grasping Heero's shirt. "I should've swerved the other way." He buried his face in Heero's chest, his hands trembling.

Heero tightened the embrace. He didn't know what to say or do, but it seemed right to hold Duo this way.

Duo was quiet a long while, seeming to calm with the contact. At last he pulled back gently, looking into Heero's eyes. "He thought my being gay would hurt my career."

"What?" Heero asked, surprised.

Duo's words were raw with grief and guilt. "He said 'fuck whoever you want in private, but don't be seen with a man in public.'" Duo gave a small chuckle. "It sounds easy, but I don't want to live that way."

Heero nodded in understanding. "I'm not surprised."

"Huh?" Duo asked, blinking back the tears.

"I listened to your CD," Heero said, brushing a tear from Duo's cheek. "You create beautiful songs, because you're you, not what someone wants you to be."

Duo gasped, swallowing the tears. "You think so?"

"Yes."

Duo's cheeks were pink with emotion. "Heero..."

Impulsively, Heero covered Duo's mouth with his own, kissing him deeply. Duo's arms came around his neck, pulling him close. They stayed wrapped around each other in the warm kiss until Heero pulled back, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," he said, feeling as though he'd taken advantage of Duo.

Duo put his hand to Heero's cheek and smiled. "Sometimes it's best not to ask. Just do it if it feels right."

"You're vulnerable right now. I shouldn't --" Heero's words were cut off as Duo kissed him, opened-mouthed, making it hot and messy. Heero was breathless.

"Can you feel it?" Duo said, whispering in Heero's ear. "Just you and me, rocket man."

Those words and the warm breath in his ear fired Heero's synapses, pooling all his desire in his groin. He answered the invitation by taking Duo by the shoulders and kissing his lips hard. Heero was ready for a taste of that famous wild life. He wanted to strip the barrier of clothes away and feel every inch of Duo's creamy, pampered skin.

He pushed Duo against the counter, exploring his mouth with his tongue, and pressing their bodies together. Duo whimpered his need and tugged at Heero's shirt, pulling it from inside his jeans. Warm hands glided up his sides, over bare skin, sending a tingle through Heero's entire body. He had never reacted to anyone's touch this way before. No one had ever ignited such passion in him, as though Duo had discovered the secret formula to his libido.

Duo moaned into the kiss and wrapped a leg around Heero's thigh. Heero could feel Duo's erection, pressing against him, ready to burst out of the shorts. He wanted to rip those shorts off Duo, bend him over, and fuck him into next week.

Duo's hands skimmed Heero's shoulders to his neck, weaving fingers into his thick, dark hair. "Take me, Heero. Take me to the stars."

Heero's erection was hot and hard inside his jeans. "Yes," he said, kissing Duo, exploring him with his tongue.

His hands went to Duo's waistband, running along the fabric and brushing the bare skin just above it. The shorts were tight, and buttoned along the waist like a sailor's uniform pants. Heero's fingers worked the buttons deftly, opening the shorts and setting Duo's erection free. The hardness practically leapt into Heero's hand, and he grasped it, stroking it eagerly.

Duo moaned and arched into the touch while Heero devoured his mouth with an ardent kiss. Heero's cock throbbed painfully in his jeans, reminding him to hurry toward the goal. He released Duo's cock and hooked his fingers around the shorts' waistband, giving them a firm tug. With some effort, they slipped over Duo's bum, and then Duo wiggled them off, flinging them aside with his foot.

"Now to set you free," Duo said, smiling seductively.

His hands were at Heero's waist in an instant, unbuttoning and unzipping the fly of his jeans. Heero watched the fingers move over the denim, push it aside and dip inside his pants. Duo rubbed his erection with those long fingers, and Heero moaned helplessly, feeling his body sizzle from the touch. Duo laughed and nuzzled Heero's ear, giving it a little lick as his hands wriggled further inside the jeans. At last he began to push the jeans and briefs down, but just enough to set Heero's cock free and to allow his hands to reach Heero's ass. Duo squeezed, kneading the flesh like dough.

"You have a great ass," he said, purring into Heero's ear.

Heero grasped Duo's round cheeks and yanked him close. "And you're driving me crazy."

"Come on then," Duo said, kissing him and sucking Heero's lower lip into his mouth. He reached over to a green, glass bottle on the counter, and handed it to Heero with a smile. "This will do in a pinch."

Heero looked at it closely. "Olive oil?"

"Extra virgin."

The words were saucy and meant to imply something special, but certainly not that this was Duo's first time. But it was their first time together, and Heero could pretend that after this fuck Duo wouldn't want anyone else. Heero knew he should savor this moment and all its sensations, but his brain and his body were in a rush. Duo had a wickedly enticing grin on his face, and his half-naked body, covered with that mass of soft, chestnut hair was a feast for Heero's eyes.

A teaspoon of the rich oil was poured into Heero's right hand. He smeared it over his fingers and reached around Duo's backside. His fingers slipped into the crack, following it down to the small pucker. He rubbed over it, spreading the oil and then slowly pushed his middle finger all the way inside.

"Yes," Duo gasped, running his hands over Heero's chest, and taking his lips in a heated kiss.

Duo's body was warm against him, and his mouth tasted of cinnamon and coffee. Heero wanted to devour him, lick a wet path from Duo's cock to his sternum, and then to his lips and down again. But first, he needed this fuck. He had wanted Duo since that morning Duo had worn the tight jeans and had captivated him with that long, wordless stare. If ever a gaze had imprinted Heero with need it was that one, a need that had created an unshakable fantasy that was about to become reality.

"Now, Heero," Duo said, inching them back toward the kitchen table.

"Shouldn't we go somewhere more comfortable?"

Duo kissed him. "You're sweet, but I want you here... now."

The finger slipped from inside Duo, and in an instant he had hopped up on the table. Heero stood between Duo's legs, his hands on Duo's hips, and his mouth kissing him for all he was worth. If not for his great need, Heero could've stood here all morning kissing Duo like this, with Duo's hands tangled in his hair and their tongues exploring each other. It was the moment he had waited for, to strip everything bare, to forget the geraniums, the milk, the pine tree, and the sadness he had seen in Duo's eyes.

He reached back for the bottle, and Duo helped pour the oil onto Heero's cock. Duo's hands were on him, smoothing the oil over his hardness. Duo nipped and kissed Heero's chest and jaw, and wrapped his legs around Heero's waist.

Heero stepped closer, kissing Duo as his cock nudged his opening. The first press of hard flesh against Duo's bottom sent a charge through Heero. He guided his sex with his hand, pushing forward until the head was inside. His breath caught with the sensation, and he pushed further and completely. It was good, blindingly good to feel Duo surrounding him, taking him in. But Heero had to pull the reins on this and focus or when he got moving it would be over before it started.

He took a deep breath, slowly pulling out and then pushing back in. Duo arched and threw his head back, sending that voluminous hair spilling over the table. Heero moaned. His hands were firm on Duo's hips, holding him in place as he began to move in rhythm. Duo met each thrust, and the angle was perfect, the height of the table absolutely perfect for their first time, even if Heero had wanted things a bit softer for Duo. God, they hadn't even gotten all their clothes off, and only enough of Heero's to expose his chest and release his cock to make this union possible.

But the rush, the momentum was so great that Heero knew no matter how much he willed this to go on and on the heat was building too quickly. He let himself fall, let the warmth race up his groin and spread through his body as his buttocks tightened, and Duo's thighs held him close. It was a magnificent fever, prickling over his skin and taking him spilling to the edge of reason as he called out Duo's name and panted on his sweat-slicked skin.

Duo came a heartbeat later, splashing warmth between their bellies and thrusting hard one last time against Heero. He wrapped his arms around Heero's shoulders and held him close. "Heero..." he whispered, caressing the tousled hair.

Once Heero's heart rate had calmed he pulled back and gave Duo a languid kiss. "Did you see the stars?"

Duo smiled and rubbed his lips playfully over Heero's. "I saw the universe."

Heero cradled Duo, bringing him into a sitting position on the table, their bodies separating in the process. Duo pointed to the towel hanging on the refrigerator door, and Heero stepped away to retrieve it. He handed over the towel for Duo to wipe himself first.

"Hungry?" Duo asked, wiping the evidence of his orgasm from his belly.

"You're ready for more?"

"I'm talking about food, man." Duo laughed and swatted Heero with the towel.

With the air in the room still sizzling from sex, Heero righted his jeans and watched Duo jump off the table. Duo's black cotton shirt was pushed down to his elbows from their exertions, and he now let it fall completely off and to the floor. He leaned into Heero, his lips brushing Heero's jaw while his hands ran up Heero's chest to his shoulders.

"Mind if I borrow this?" Duo asked, kissing Heero's neck as he slipped the shirt off Heero's back.

"Tired of your own?" Heero laughed.

Duo grinned as he took the blue denim shirt and with one fluid motion slid it on, covering his nakedness. The shirt looked surprisingly big on Duo. Though he was of a slighter build, Duo definitely spent time working out. He looked damn sexy, rolling up the sleeves and fastening one button in the middle in a late showing of modesty.

Heero watched Duo grab a pan of brownies from the counter, noting the way the shirt tails brushed against his pale, bare thighs.

"How about getting us some milk?" Duo asked as he headed toward the living room.

Brownies after sex sounded fine with Heero. He opened the refrigerator and poured milk from the gallon jug into two tall glasses, and then followed Duo out of the kitchen. They settled on the big couch, side-by-side, twining their legs around each other.

"I made them this morning," Duo said as he scooped out a square and handed it to Heero.

Heero took a large bite and chewed. The brownie was rich and very chocolaty.

"Like it?"

Heero nodded as he finished chewing. "Really good. What did you put in them?"

"Just some chocolate chips." Duo popped a piece into his mouth, chewed it quickly and then took a swallow of milk.

They leaned back into the couch, eating the brownies, and easing into a conversation. They talked about high school, fishing, and favorite foods -- all things that Heero could relate to and in the process not feel so tongue-tied anymore.

Part of Heero would've been happy to sit back and listen, to let Duo go on, just so he could watch his expressive features and the endless gestures he made with his hands. Duo captivated him, especially the way his smile brightened the room, a smile that had been all but absent until today. The change was satisfying and curious, but Heero chose not to dwell on its meaning. Instead, he recognized that this shared happiness and laughter was a window into Duo's true self.

They laughed together as Duo recounted how he had capsized his family's rowboat in the middle of Deep Lake. Heero's side ached, laughing from Duo's description of the incident. Now he understood why Duo's interest in fishing had ended.

"If you're afraid of going out on the lake, I could take you," Heero said.

"I don't know." Duo shrugged, and then swept his hair forward over his shoulder and combed through it with his fingers.

Heero watched Duo's fingers plait the reddish brown hair. He was fascinated by the movement of the slender hands weaving the hair, almost mimicking the motion of playing an instrument. He imagined Duo's life was all about music, that the young man's thoughts and dreams were musical much like Heero's thoughts and dreams were mathematical.

"Will you play the piano for me again?"

Duo smiled. "Maybe. Will you tell me about the stars?"

"Maybe," Heero teased back.

As Duo finished the braid, he brushed the end over Heero's nose. "I need to tie this off." He got up, but was unsteady on his feet and fell into Heero's lap, laughing.

"You all right?" Heero asked, starting to laugh as well.

Duo nuzzled Heero's ear. "Mm-hmm. I wish I would've thought of this sooner." He wrapped his arms around Heero's bare shoulders and suckled gently on his ear lobe. "I like your body. It's so... athletic."

"I work out," Heero said, swallowing. He could feel himself getting hard, and knew that he would be desperate for Duo very quickly.

One of Duo's hands slipped down to Heero's bicep and squeezed. "Does NASA require all its scientists to be this buff?"

Heero laughed as he pictured the potpourri of individuals that made up his work group. "It's definitely not a requirement."

"Then you must turn a lot of heads," Duo said, tilting Heero's face up by the chin and kissing him softly on the lips. "Why don't you get comfortable?"

Duo got up from Heero's lap and padded out of the room, swerving a bit as he walked. Heero laughed thinking that Duo was putting on an act, and then got to work removing his boots and socks. He was definitely overdressed and wondered why he hadn't taken the rest of his clothes off sooner. But he had been comfortable sitting here, polishing off those brownies.

Moments later, Duo returned with his braid secured, and a tube of lubricant in hand. He settled on his knees between Heero's legs. "I was hoping you'd be butt naked by the time I got back." Duo reached for Heero's waistband and unfastened the fly of his jeans.

Duo's assertiveness pleased Heero, excited him, but he felt oddly laid back about it. He lifted his hips and let Duo do most of the work pulling off his jeans and briefs. Then Duo's mouth was on him, licking him to full hardness, and sucking him into his mouth.

"Ahh," Heero moaned as he arched into the delicious touch. He closed his eyes and drifted on the incredible pleasure. God, he couldn't remember a time he felt this good, and he giggled, actually giggled at his own happiness.

Duo must've laughed too, because Heero felt a vibration run along his cock and then he felt teeth lightly graze him. He opened his eyes to see Duo staring up at him.

"You're amazing," Heero said, taking Duo by the arms and pulling him up. He regretted the loss of that mouth on his dick, but then Duo settled on his lap, his thighs straddling Heero. He began to slowly grind their cocks together as he kissed Heero senseless.

"You seem a little tired," Duo said, reaching for the lube.

"No... just slowed down all of a sudden."

"Mmm... slow sounds good right now." Duo squeezed the lube into his hand and stroked Heero's cock, covering it fully. Then he positioned himself, and eased down on Heero, taking him in fully. "One slow fuck coming up."

Duo was beautiful riding him, uninhibited and unashamed of his need. Heero unbuttoned the denim shirt and pushed it back to see more of him. It fell off one of Duo's shoulders, exposing creamy skin and a pert rose nipple. Heero leaned in, taking the nipple into his mouth, licking it, sucking it, and pressing his hands to Duo's back.

Despite the languorous speed of this fuck, Heero's body was heating like a furnace. He met each of Duo's downward slides with a deep, upward thrust of his hips. Duo moaned each time, making Heero harder, and wishing he had the energy to take this out of slow motion.

Heero leaned back, cupping Duo's ass and letting his fingers wander to where his cock disappeared inside Duo. Every inch of him was inside, and every inch was being enjoyed by Duo's slow grind up and down.

They twined their fingers together, and Heero felt Duo tremble. Was he close to coming? Heero was close, but he needed just that something more to take him over the edge. And so, in a surprising show of strength he wrapped his arms around Duo and tipped him back onto the couch. Now, Duo was beneath him, grasping Heero's sides with sweat-slicked thighs, and taking Heero into him from a new angle. Heero's entire being was focused on the race to completion, fucking Duo, pumping into Duo. He thrust hard again and again, increasing the friction until his orgasm exploded from him.

He lay in a heap on top of Duo, breathing heavy in his ear. "Fuck... that... was great."

Duo shifted a little and kissed his face. "Another solar system explored."

Heero laughed. God, he couldn't remember laughing or fucking this much before in his life. He leaned up on his elbows and looked into Duo's eyes. "You don't mind that I took over?"

The sated smile that curled on Duo's lips wiped any doubts away. "I don't care who drives, just as long as we get there."

They laughed and kissed, and held each other. Then Heero noticed that Duo was trembling... like before? No, this time his body trembled.

"Are you cold?" Heero asked.

"After that are you kidding?"

"Then why are you shaking?"

"After shocks." Duo laughed, and gently pushed at Heero to move.

Heero rolled off, and watched as Duo slowly got up, wrapping the shirt around him.

"I'll get us something to drink," Duo said and padded toward the kitchen.

Heero dropped back onto the couch, exhausted. He couldn't even guess how long they'd been at it when he took the reins, but it seemed they had been fucking awhile. Strange how time was fuzzy in his head like his internal clock was off.

He looked to the window at the back of the house. The sun was no longer shining directly into the room. Could it be noon already? He hoped Duo didn't want that tree finished this afternoon. As soon as he came back with that drink, Heero was planning on curling himself around Duo and taking a long nap.

"Duo? You need help in there?"

There was no response. Maybe his voice hadn't been loud enough to carry or Duo was too busy to hear him. Either way, Heero was being a slug, and by all rights should have his ass up helping Duo, instead of expecting to be waited on. And now he realized he was hungry, too. Maybe he could have a sandwich with that cold drink?

With some effort, he hoisted himself into sitting position. Damn, he didn't feel like himself. He was lethargic and hungry and off. Off?

"Wait a minute..." Heero's eyes widened as he looked at the empty pan. The brownies. Shit, had Duo doped the brownies?

He shook his head. He didn't want to believe it, but all the symptoms were there -- moving in slow motion, laughing like idiots, and now a serious case of the munchies.

"Damn it."

He pushed himself off the couch and stood comfortable in his nakedness, but his mind a little fuzzy. He had never done drugs, not liking the idea of something controlling him. He had always prided himself on his ability to focus, to analyze any equation, and find the answers to the toughest problems. But those problems were about rocket fuel consumption and the impact of space junk on shuttlecraft, and not the likelihood of your new lover drugging you.

He wandered into the kitchen, but it was empty. "Duo?"

"Just a sec," Duo called from down the hall.

It seemed Duo was in the bathroom, so Heero opened the refrigerator to see what there was to eat. He pulled the sliced deli meat out to make a sandwich, and ate a piece as he was gathering up the mustard and bread. He set everything on the counter and then heard a noise from the bathroom. It sounded like plastic containers hitting the ceramic floor.

He poked his head into the corridor. "Need some help down there?"

"Nope," came the immediate response.

Heero's eyes narrowed. He was not the nosey sort, but something itched in his brain and he decided to investigate. He walked to the bathroom, and found the door half open. Duo was sitting on the floor, in that oversized denim shirt, gathering up pills he had dropped.

"What are you doing?" Heero asked.

Duo looked up, his eyes wide. "Isn't it obvious?"

Heero blinked. Duo's tone was curt, and his hands were moving quickly, scooping up the pills. "You're still shaking," Heero said, hesitantly.

"Yeah, so?" Duo did not look up this time.

"Why are you shaking?"

Duo sighed heavily, stopped what he was doing, and leveled an intensely pissed-off look at Heero. "Just go back to the living room and don't worry about it."

Heero didn't move. He didn't know what to make of this reappearance of Duo's more surly side.

"Are you deaf, man?" Duo asked impatiently.

Heero's brow furrowed. He did not like being talked to this way. "Did you put grass in the brownies?"

A devilish smile appeared on Duo's lips. "Yeah."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"Didn't think it was important," Duo said with a shrug.

"But the chocolate chips were important enough to mention?"

"The chips are what make it special," Duo said as he got up from the floor with his filled bottles. He set the bottles on the sink, his hands still trembling. "Give me a minute and I'll make us something to eat." He turned on the faucet and reached for a glass. "I've got a serious case of the munchies."

Heero's blood pressuring was rising. "That's it? You're not even going to apologize?"

Duo shook his head. "For what?"

Heero stared at him. Obviously drugs were part and parcel of Duo's life or he would understand the significance of this conversation.

Duo turned back to the sink, fished out some pills and popped them into his mouth, easing them down with water. He looked at Heero over his shoulder. "Give me a minute, okay?"

Heero watched Duo grip the edge of the sink like he was bracing himself, waiting for the fix to hit.

"What are those pills?" Heero's gut tightened.

"They're none of your business."

Duo's words sent a chill through Heero. This was the guy who had slammed the door in his face, and who hadn't shaken his hand when they were introduced. Maybe this was Duo's true self and not the fun-loving guy Heero had seen all too briefly.

"I don't need this," Heero said and turned, walking back down the hall and to the living room.

He expected Duo to follow him, and volley another remark. But he did not. Heero put on his jeans and boots, writing off the denim shirt as a casualty of war. It wasn't worth confronting Duo again for it. He hated confrontations, hated dealing with the complexity of human emotions, and walked out the front door with a mix of anger and disappointment roiling inside him.

Howard set down the cord of wood next to one of his rental cottages, and then stood up and stretched his back. Years of heavy lifting and bending were catching up with him, and one of these days he'd need to hire someone to do these chores for him.

He heard the roll of a car on gravel and turned to see Heero's Volkswagen pulling up. Howard scratched his head. He hadn't expected to see Heero until later that day, or maybe not at all. He watched as Heero got out of the car, shirtless, and slammed the car door.

"Sporting a new look?" Howard asked.

Heero looked up, surprised. "Uh, I lost my shirt."

"Lost it? Like in a bet?"

Heero shrugged and made a motion with his hand as if to shoosh Howard away like an annoying fly. "I'll talk to you later," he said and turned to head into his cottage.

"You finish that tree?" Howard called to him. "I didn't hear the chainsaw."

The question stopped Heero in his tracks. His shoulders tensed and he turned back. "I don't think I'll be going back there any time soon."

"Is that right?" Howard closed the distance between them, and lowered his sun glasses to take a good look at Heero. "I suppose that means you left my chainsaw at the Maxwell place?"

Heero nodded.

"And your shirt, too?"

Heero nodded again.

If he didn't know better, Howard would swear the young man had the disheveled look of sex. Did he dare hope that his mission was nearing completion? And that Heero and Duo had connected in that way? But if they had, things weren't looking good now.

"You don't have to tell me your personal business --"

"Good," Heero said and began to walk away.

"But sometimes it's good to bounce things off people. Get a load off your chest."

Heero sighed and looked back at him. "Like I said before, that guy has issues."

Howard cocked his head. "The Maxwell boy?"

"Yeah, Duo Maxwell."

"So... it didn't work out for you two?"

Heero's eyes narrowed dangerously, but Howard wasn't threatened.

"It's time for you to stop meddling," Heero said.

"Not sure what you mean." Howard tried to sound as innocent as possible, but he wasn't sure he could fool Heero.

"I'm not going back over there, so you can let it drop -- whatever it is you're doing."

Howard still had the problem of what was wrong with these two young men, and why his mission to bring them together had hit another snag. He let Heero go, let him disappear inside his cottage where he'd think he was safe. Howard would approach him later when Heero had calmed down and regrouped a little.

Heero plopped on his couch, putting his head in his hands. He felt like crap, and it wasn't entirely the fault of the brownies.

Maybe things had happened fast. Maybe this was all it was meant to be -- a couple of quick fucks on a warm morning and move on. And maybe, just maybe it hurt like hell. He didn't like what he had seen, didn't like that Duo used drugs and passed them off to people unawares. He also didn't like that Duo's moods shifted like the wind. At first, he had chalked it up to snobbery, then to caution, but now he wondered how much of the bad behavior was Duo's personality and how much of it was the drugs talking.

He had been right to not want to get involved, to see that Duo had issues. And yet he had barreled on ahead, not heedless, but certainly running on desire. In his line of work, Heero didn't often encounter beautiful, worldly people, except for the occasional V.I.P. who wanted a personal tour of the space launch facilities. The people in Heero's world wore lab coats, glasses, and khaki pants, not designer jeans, silk shirts, and Italian-made shoes.

But Duo wasn't that easy to peg. Yes, the articles that Heero had read placed Duo in a different league than himself, but up close, Duo was vulnerable. He had the trappings of that other world -- the clothes, the house, the cars, the drugs -- but Duo the young man was so much more. His eyes shone with oceans of feeling, and his music seemed to be born out of his very soul. This was the guy that Heero wanted to connect with, had connected with for a few hours. This was the guy lost to grief and drugs, and living in a world Heero could never understand.

It was best just to pull another shirt from the dresser drawer and be done with it.

For three days, Howard hoped for a chance to talk to Heero, but the young man had eluded him. Heero had gotten up each morning before dawn and gone fishing, and somehow managed to return when Howard was not around. Howard had seen him out on the lake, solitary as ever. But today, he timed things just right, and accosted Heero as he approached the pier in the rowboat.

"Catch anything?"

"Some small mouthed bass," Heero said, securing the boat.

Howard watched Heero gather his fish, pole, and tackle box. The young man barely looked up at him, seeming not to want this interaction.

"Gonna fry those up for supper?"

Heero glanced at him from under his heavy bangs. "Thinking about it."

"Maggie and I are just about to have hamburgers and corn on the cob. How 'bout cleaning those and joining us for a feast?"

"Uh, sure," Heero said, stepping up onto the pier.

"Great!"

Howard carried the fish, leading the way up to his house. Maggie was there, sitting in a wicker chair on the deck. He liked her sitting there in her white capris and sandals, and that paisley print blouse. Ever since that morning she had brought him fresh made donuts, they had been spending more time together -- outside of the diner. It was nice, damn nice, but he still hadn't worked up the courage to kiss her.

"You joining us for supper?" Maggie asked, smiling at Heero.

"As soon as I get these fish cleaned."

"Go on in and use the kitchen," Howard said, handing the fish back to Heero. Once Heero was inside, Howard sat next to Maggie and lowered his voice. "This is our chance to find out what happened."

Maggie laughed and shook her head. "Hon, I'd sure like to know, but it's none of our business."

"Since when ain't it?" he asked almost indignant that Maggie would suddenly not be interested. "Maybe we can help."

She gave him that sympathetic look of hers, the one that said, "you're a dear, but you're in way over your head."

"I really don't think there's anything to do," she said. "Mrs. Stohlman told me that a moving van was seen at the Maxwell place."

Howard's jaw dropped open. "A moving van!"

"Well, hon, it only makes sense for Duo to pack up and leave. As much as we'd like him to stay --"

"And I thought you were my ally in this."

Maggie smiled. "Of course, I am. But sometimes all you can do is set people on a course toward each other. They gotta do the rest."

Frustrated, Howard went back to tending the fire and put the hamburgers on. A few minutes later, Heero joined them with a plate of cleaned fish.

"You are a doll sharing your catch with us," Maggie said, admiring the filets.

"Just my contribution to the meal."

Heero handed the plate to Howard, and grabbed a beer from the small cooler before he sat down. Howard looked over his shoulder at Maggie, pleading with her to intervene.

She looked to the heavens as though seeking divine guidance, and then turned her attention back to her friends. "There's been some activity at the Maxwell place."

When Howard didn't hear a response from Heero, he chimed in. "Oh, yeah?"

"A moving van's been over there," Maggie said. "I suppose Duo is getting ready to sell the place. He's such a nice young man." Maggie leaned over and patted Heero's knee. "You were sweet to help with that big ol' tree."

"Got a ways to go on it, don't you, Heero?" Howard asked.

"He needs to call a tree service," Heero said, taking a gulp of beer.

"I know it was a big job, but was there a problem?" Maggie asked.

"The guy has issues," Heero said.

Howard gritted his teeth. "You know, you're gonna need to take that Jaguar back over there and get my chainsaw."

"Why can't that guy come get his own car?"

"And how would he do that?" Howard laughed. "Last time I checked folks can't drive two cars at once. Unless you brainiacs at NASA have figured something out that I don't know about."

Heero sighed.

"I did notice the Jaguar," Maggie said. "Mind telling me how you ended up with it?"

Howard paused in his fussing over the burgers long enough to watch Heero's reaction to the question. The young man was staring into his beer like he had lost his best friend. So, this thing, whatever it was, ran deep.

Maggie patted Heero's knee again. "I see it now. He broke your heart." Heero's head snapped up and his eyes flashed with the pain of Maggie's diagnosis. "It's okay," she said in her soft way. "These things happen. Want to talk about it? You've obviously had time to think on it with all the fishing you've been doing."

Heero looked over at Howard and then back to Maggie. "We... we made a connection, but I don't want to get involved with a drug user."

Maggie's eyes grew large. "Duo's doing drugs? I hardly knew the Maxwells, but that surprises me. Do you know what kind of drugs?"

"Marijuana, and some pills."

Howard gave a snort. "Hell, we've all done a little grass."

Maggie shot him a sharp look and then focused back on Heero. "Those pills... could they be prescription? I mean, what makes you think they're bad?"

"The way he was shaking before he took them."

Maggie's brow furrowed. "I'll bet a doctor prescribed them, but then, Elvis had a doctor prescribing his pills, too. Maybe I should go over there and check on him. Ask him about this straight out."

"Don't bother. I already did, and he told me it wasn't any of my business."

"That boy's hurting," Howard said, waving the tongs at Heero. "I could see it in his eyes. Maybe a doctor gave him those pills for stress."

"You could be right, hon. Duo could be on something, because of the accident."

Heero rubbed his forehead as though a headache was forming. "I don't know."

Howard knew he should leave it at that for now. The food was ready, and he encouraged everyone to get up and make their own plate. In moments, they settled at the table to enjoy the meal. Maggie, bless her heart, steered the conversation toward more pleasant matters. She had a gift for finding just the right thing to say.

Maggie and Howard kept the conversation going, not seeming to mind Heero's lack of participation. If anything, it seemed that they were trying to entertain him, make him feel better. He didn't like knowing that they felt sorry for him.

He nodded at the appropriate times to indicate he was listening, but his thoughts were elsewhere, across the lake. Heero had spent the better part of three days fishing, thinking and staring at Duo's house. He had glimpsed some activity there, but there was nothing to be done about it. He had concentrated on the way the sun reflected on the house's windows and imagined he could hear Duo playing the piano.

These four weeks on Deep Lake of fishing, reading and relaxing, sustained Heero for an entire year. He looked forward to it like a man craving a cold beer at the end of a hot day. His work was so focused on space and the vastness of the galaxy to be explored that he guarded this time centered in nature... on Earth. It wasn't entirely correct that he was a loner, or wanted to be alone. He genuinely liked the people he worked with, and even on occasion went out for drinks with them. But sometimes a man needed solitude to clear his mind, and re-charge.

He had never expected to find anyone out here. He had never looked or hoped for such a thing to happen. But then he met Duo. Heero had resisted the idea, resisted the immediate urge to get closer. He supposed it was inevitable after the stare down. A man only looks at another man like that when he wants something, and not just any something, but sex. And Duo had clobbered Heero with sex -- great, glorious, hard sex. It would've been wonderful to have explored that more, to have upset his vacation routine with long, lazy days of sex with Duo.

It hurt to have it begin and end so quickly, and to realize that it had meant something more. But tonight, with Howard and Maggie's insight, the first twinges of relief and hope were stirring again. Duo had been wrong to give him those brownies, but maybe it was more on the level of a college prank than a betrayal. Heero still wasn't sure about the pills, but now that he thought about it, they looked 'over the counter.' Combined with grief, the drugs could be part of the cause of Duo's erratic behavior.

A light touch on his hand brought him back to the meal.

"It's time for you to go," Maggie said, smiling sweetly as she touched his hand.

"Go?" he asked.

"You're thinking about Duo. You should go talk to him before it's too late and he's gone."

Maggie's way of reading people was uncanny, and he supposed honed from many years of standing behind that counter listening.

"And bring back my chainsaw while you're at it," Howard said, giving a wink.

It was a risk to drive the Jaguar and not know if he'd have a ride back. But what the hell, if he had to walk it would give him plenty of time to think. It was damn near dusk when he pulled up in front of the Maxwell place. No moving van in sight, just a sizeable rut along one edge of the driveway where a truck's tires had dug into the exposed ground.

He was glad that he'd changed out of his fishing clothes. Surprised actually that Maggie hadn't commented on his fishy smell at dinner. He had rushed home and put on a tan flannel shirt, jeans and athletic shoes. The choice of footwear was just in case he'd be walking back the several miles around the lake. He was grateful for his Boy Scout training.

There was a light on inside the Maxwell house, and Heero's heart quickened. As angry as he had been the last time he saw Duo, his body still crackled when he thought of him. The scientist in him kept trying to analyze this thing, this attraction. Why had the sex been so great? Why couldn't he stop thinking about Duo? Carnal desire seemed to override reason, but Heero felt this was more than simple lust, since there was nothing simple about Duo Maxwell.

He stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up at the door. How many times had he been in this very spot not knowing what to expect? He grinned, hoping that one more time wouldn't hurt him. This was a lot like space travel, after all. You planned and crunched the numbers thousands of times, but at the end of the day it all hinged on that moment when the rockets fired.

He held his breath and rang the doorbell. In seconds it opened with a whoosh to find a surprised and confused Duo standing there.

"Oh, I thought you were the movers," Duo said.

Duo looked impossibly beautiful even with a frown on his face. His hair was pulled into a tight ponytail, and he was wearing faded blue jeans, and a finely tailored beige linen vest. Once again, his feet were bare.

"I heard you were moving, and thought I'd bring your car back." Heero pulled the keys from his pocket and held them out.

Duo nodded as he took them, stuffing the jingling key ring into his front pocket, and then opening the door wider. "You'll be wanting this..."

Heero stepped up to the threshold and watched Duo walk over to an end table where his denim shirt lay neatly folded. He brought it back, handing it over.

The smell of detergent reached Heero's nostrils and he felt a twinge of disappointment that Duo had washed his scent away. "Look I --"

"Hey, let's not get into the whole thing," Duo said, holding up his hands. "We had a bit of fun, right?"

"Yeah," Heero said, softly.

Now Duo's hand was on the door, preparing to close it. Heero's heart thumped in his chest. He didn't want to say goodbye... just yet.

"It's none of my business, but I'm concerned about those pills you were taking."

Duo sighed. "You're right. It's none of your business. See ya, Heero." And the door began to close.

Heero stepped into the house, blocking the swing of the door with his foot. "Did a doctor prescribe them? Are you addicted?"

Duo barked a laugh. "What is this -- '60 Minutes'?"

"I want to know that you'll be okay."

"I'm okay. Now beat it." Duo pushed the door, but it didn't budge. "What's your deal, man? We had sex. It was great. That's it."

A grin twitched at Heero's lips. "You thought it was great?"

"Yeah, I said so, didn't I? But you don't have to get all clingy. I have plenty of people to look after me already."

"It doesn't look like it."

"Hey, just because I came up here alone doesn't mean there aren't hoards of people watching out for me night and day."

"And you're tired of it."

"I needed a break from them is all." Duo threw up his hands in frustration. "You know what it's like to need a break, right? That's why you come here every year to fish and be alone. Well, I thought it would do me good to face my ghosts -- on my own." He walked away then, heading toward the back of the house as if it no longer mattered what Heero did.

Heero watched him from just inside the door. He had the distinct impression that Duo was tired, not just of the so-called hoards who catered to him, but of making decisions. He was leaving this decision to Heero as though saying, "Have the sense to leave or the guts to stay."

Heero set the shirt down on the table and followed Duo's footsteps. All the furniture in the house was covered with white sheets. What exactly had the movers moved? It looked as though the house was being made dormant, not ready to sell.

"So," Heero said, as he came within a few yards of Duo. "Have you faced your ghosts?"

"No," Duo said. He was turned to the grand piano, the only item that remained uncovered. "I just packed them away." He placed his hands on the piano's body, leaning on it for support.

"When are you leaving?"

"In the morning," Duo said, quietly. His shoulders slumped forward, but Heero hesitated rushing to his side like he had in the kitchen days before.

Heero stared at Duo's back, stared at the long mane of hair hanging to his rump. Duo's body was in harmony with the instrument, standing next to it, leaning on it, as comfortably as hanging arm-in-arm with an old friend. Heero admired this co-dependence, one relying on the other to create music. He was in awe of Duo's talent.

"Would you play for me... again?"

Duo peered over his shoulder with an amused smile. "What would I play?"

Heero swallowed hard, his nerves as solid as they could be in this moment. "'Rocket Man'?"

Duo chuckled. "I might owe royalties if I play that again."

Heero laughed, too, and then held his breath as Duo pulled out the piano bench and sat down. The keyboard cover was lifted with care, but then Duo placed his hands on his thighs.

Heero stepped forward, closing the distance.

"There is something...," Duo said, flicking a glance at Heero and then turning his eyes back to the piano. "I call it 'Blue.'"

He laid his hands gently on the ivories. There was a moment's hesitation and then he depressed the keys, causing a beautiful sound to fill through the room. Then the uncertainty seemed to be gone, and Duo played a melody that was unfamiliar yet pleasing.

His hands and fingers moved with grace, and his entire being seemed caught up in the act of creating music. And then he began to sing...

Carried on summer's wings
Lighting the morning sky
He came into this plain
Bringing blue calm and space

Covered in soft denim
A warmth that is strong and young
His lips taste of blueberry and spice
I sought the solitude in his eyes.

The song ended all too soon with the last note of the piano hanging and fading on the air. Heero's cheeks were warm, embarrassed by this private performance, but also hopeful of its meaning.

"If I wrote poetry," Heero said, placing his hand on the piano. "That's what I'd say about you."

Duo grinned. "Funny, 'cause that song's about you. It's not finished, but that's the gist of it." Large blue eyes looked up at Heero, seeming a little unsure. "I hope you don't mind that I used you for inspiration. These days, I gotta take it where I can find it."

"And you found it in me?"

"Yeah." Duo stared at Heero a moment longer, and then turned his eyes to the piano. "I'm glad you came back -- even if it was only to return the Jag."

"That's not the only reason."

"Oh, and to get your shirt."

"As far as I'm concerned, you can keep the shirt."

Duo looked up, his eyes sharp. "Okay. So, you came for the sex."

Heero sighed. "The sex is great, but that's not all." He leaned against the piano, wanting that closeness with Duo. "I like you."

A smile lit across Duo's face. "Yeah? I like you, too." Duo scooted over on the piano bench, and nodded to the space beside him. Heero accepted the invitation and sat down.

"I may have overreacted about the brownies," Heero said.

"No, you didn't." Duo put his hand on Heero's knee. "I've been a prick, and not just to you. I'm not making excuses, but I get defensive about my life. My father gave me shit all the time."

Heero recalled reading about the argument between Duo and Solo Maxwell the night of the accident. It seemed a lifetime of disagreements had led to disaster.

"You don't need to explain," Heero said.

"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry for how I acted." Duo looked down, seeming embarrassed by his actions.

Heero took his face by the chin and tilted his head up, smiling as their eyes met. "I bet you make life interesting for everyone who knows you."

Duo laughed. "You make that sound like a good thing."

"Well, I like a challenge."

"Oh, yeah?" Duo leaned in, slowly, as though unsure of his reception, but Heero was eager to renew what they had begun.

Their lips met in a languid kiss, filled with nips and warmth. Heero slipped his arms around Duo, pulling the slender body close, and moaning as the kiss deepened. Duo's hands moved from his knee to around his back, tightening the embrace, but then broke the kiss, laying his chin on Heero's shoulder.

"The pills were prescribed by my doctor after the accident."

"It's okay, Duo."

"No, let me finish," Duo said, pulling back to look into Heero's eyes. "I want to get rid of them. That's why I'm leaving tomorrow. I found a program that will help."

"Good."

"And when I get back, I'd like to see you again." Duo kissed him. "I don't want this to be over. I want to see what other solar systems we might explore."

Heero smiled. "Then I'll map us a course."

"And you'll build me a rocket?"

"I told you, I only design them --"

Duo kissed him again. "Let's pretend you'll build me one," he said, licking Heero's ear. "And I'll ride your rocket to the stars."

Heero swallowed hard. "It seems it's already under construction."

Duo's hand slid to Heero's lap and squeezed the bulge. "Mmm, to my exact specifications. I'm sure it'll surpass the previous launches."

Heero groaned. "Hurry up or it'll be a premature launch."

Duo laughed, but heeded the advice and quickly divested himself of his clothing and Heero's.

"How's this?" Duo asked, standing in glorious nakedness.

"Beautiful." Heero's eyes raked over Duo's body, and then glanced at the lights.

Duo got the message and switched them off, leaving only the deepest shades of sunset to light their way.

Heero straddled the piano bench, and then Duo straddled him, wriggling on his lap. Heero's desire burned white hot.

"Time for blast-off," Heero said, holding his cock upright in launch position and waiting for Duo to engulf him.

"I'm yours, rocket man." Duo kissed him hard as he joined them, hanging on as Heero took him to the stars once again.

Across the lake, Howard and Maggie stood overlooking the water from his deck. Their eyes settled on the Maxwell house, visible only by the lights in the main room.

"Heero's been gone awhile," Howard said. "What do you suppose they're doing?"

"Talking," Maggie said, sounding hopeful. When the lights suddenly went out, she smiled. "Guess they're done talking."

Howard's grin turned into a full-blown smile, and then he and Maggie burst into laughter.

"Mission accomplished," he said, immensely proud of himself, and relieved.

"Not just yet," Maggie said, her smile turning wicked. She stood on her tiptoes and leaned into him, placing a soft kiss on his lips.

He was stunned. He'd spent days, weeks, and more imagining Maggie's lips on his, and here she'd done it for him. Yep, Maggie was a great conspirator, and an even better kisser.

"Now you can say it," she said, kissing his cheek.

"Say what?"

"You know, hon. About that mission of yours..."

He smiled. It had only taken twenty years, a youth's sad eyes, and the prospect of getting closer to Maggie to do it, but he had done it. He had found the best path to heal life's mistakes and miseries, and it started and ended with love -- Duo and Heero's love, and now his and Maggie's.

"Mission accomplished," Howard said, and this time, he was the one doing the kissing.

(Excerpted lyrics from "Rocket Man" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.)