Duo closed his eyes as Heero pressed his body closer, trying to think of anything but the position they were in. He refused to take the blame for this one -- how was he supposed to know the light switch would turn on more than the light? The gas was quick to disperse through the room and Duo had barely registered its presence before he hit the floor. Obviously Heero hadn't been any more perceptive.

Heero's lips grazed Duo's neck as he flexed his back and Duo couldn't stop the shiver that coursed through him. "Those twisted bastards," Duo muttered, shifting his weight and trying in vain to pull away. His shoulders were starting to ache, his cheek brushing against Heero's when he looked up to where their hands were secured above their heads.

"Please, hold still," Heero breathed against Duo's ear. A shiver was the least of his problems as his body started to respond. Shit. He struggled to move away, but it was futile.

The mission was supposed to be easy. Go in, get the files, get out. But then again, the building was supposed to be empty. The last thing Duo expected was to come to wearing Heero like warm body armor. They were bound face to face, their arms wound behind the other's head and stretched to the I-beam at the ceiling. From what Duo could see, and feel, they were secured with a thick, plastic coated wire and due to the fact that Heero couldn't snap it he knew it was made out of something pretty fucking strong. Fighting for balance while cursing his bound ankles, Duo shifted his weight, becoming increasingly aware of the way the wire was drawn tight between his legs ... and Heero's legs.

"I am holding still," Duo argued, as he shifted his weight again. He tried to stay focused on the fact that they were literally in a bind, but even that wasn't enough to deter his thoughts over the fact that he was pressed up against Heero Yuy. Maybe he was the twisted bastard? Giving up, he rested his forehead on Heero's shoulder and stifled a groan when Heero moved slightly against him. There was no hiding his growing erection -- between the tying up and the man he was tied to it was a lost cause.

Despite pleading to any and every deity he could think of to will away his erection, Duo knew the moment Heero registered his state. He felt Heero tense against him and he swore he could feel Heero's pulse quicken. "Duo? Are you ... okay?"

"I'm fine," Duo croaked, squeezing his eyes shut. Heero shifted again and this time Duo did groan out loud. "I'm sorry, Buddy. I guess I can't hide my perverted nature any longer."

"You were hiding it before?" Heero asked gruffly.

With every word spoken Heero's warm breath teased Duo's neck and all Duo could think of was how close the man's mouth was to his skin. That thought alone sent more blood rushing to his cock, closing any distance they might have had between their groins. Even as he willed himself to stay still, he couldn't help moving enough to create friction. Heero sucked his breath between his teeth, but didn't flinch away. This just made Duo harder. Why did it have to be Heero, of all people, he'd be tied to?

"I was hoping I was hiding it enough to not embarrass myself like this," Duo whispered hoarsely. He was trying to behave, he really was, but he couldn't manage to hold still. He inhaled the scent of Heero's skin, sweat and pure masculinity, as he shifted his hips. "I'm sorry."

For a moment they just stood there, pressed together helplessly. Duo was painfully aware of Heero's body against him. The heat, the strength, the ... Duo's eyes snapped open as he registered the changes. He pushed his hips forward and Heero groaned softly against his neck. "I'm sorry," Duo whispered again, his mind racing with the implications. Heero Yuy had a hard-on.

"We need to get out of this." Heero ground out, as he lifted his head and looked up to where they were secured to the I-beam. Duo could hear the irritation in his partner's voice, but he swore he heard something more. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking.

Duo looked up to see Heero wrap his hands around the wire and pull. Tendons stood out along his arm as his muscles flexed, and Duo bit his lip to suppress any and all noises that were threatening to escape. Heero's arms were shaking with the strain and just when Duo was about to tell him it was pointless the wire snapped and they fell to the floor. Unfortunately Heero landed on top of him, forcing all the air out of his lungs. Duo gasped for breath as he instinctively wrapped his bound hands around Heero's neck pulling him closer.

"Are you okay?" Heero asked, rolling and pulling Duo on top of him instead. Heero seemed to care a lot about how he was feeling all of a sudden. Duo groaned, letting his legs fall between Heero's bent knees, and trying to catch his breath. Despite the impact, Duo was still achingly hard and with their groins pressed together he realized that Heero was, too.

"Fine," Duo muttered, letting his head drop against Heero's shoulder. God, this was beyond embarrassing. "You?"

"We need to get out of here." Heero said, ignoring Duo's question. His voice sounded tight in his throat as Duo pressed more intimately against him. Unable to resist, Duo pivoted his hips making Heero gasp softly.

"I'm open to suggestions as long as it's not you and I doing the tandem bunny hop down fifteen flights of stairs." Grind, shift. He should be focused on their situation. He should be focused on escape. Sadly, Duo couldn't think beyond the sensation between his legs. Too bad his little head couldn't stop obsessing over the fact that he may never get Heero Yuy in this position again. His cheek was pressed against Heero's and he was thankful it was almost impossible to look Heero in the eye without popping something out of joint. "Can you get your hands free?"

Duo could feel Heero tense up beneath him as he tried to free his hands. After a few moments Heero shook his head slightly. "I don't have the leverage. We need to get back on our feet. There might be something we can use to cut through the wire."

"Okay," Duo agreed, not moving. How could Heero be oblivious to the heat growing below their belts? Press, pivot. He felt Heero shudder beneath him and grinned against Heero's neck. Not so oblivious after all.

He moved again, grinding himself against Heero's sizable erection, now knowing at least that part of his fantasy had been true. He could feel sweat making his clothes stick to his skin, the heat from their close bodies making his heart pound. So what if he was a pervert? A totally lascivious human being? He just couldn't stop himself. He brushed his lips over the exposed skin on Heero's neck. It wasn't until he darted his tongue out to taste that Heero bucked and rolled them to their sides. Duo was pretty sure if they hadn't been tied together he would've flown across the room.

"What are you doing?" Heero asked in a strained whisper. He moved his arm enough to pillow his head on it, leaving Duo's cheek pressed against his.

Duo chuckled, his exhaled breath flowing over Heero's ear. "What do you think?" He pushed his knee between Heero's legs. He could feel Heero's cock twitch beneath his pants, egging him on. "Doesn't seem like you're adverse to the idea."

"Why?" Heero asked, as he pressed closer.

"Because friction is fun?" Duo's breath hitched as Heero started to move against him. "Or it could just be the position we're in?"

"It turns you on to be tied up?" Heero murmured, pressing his face into the crook of Duo's neck. They were moving together now as they spoke in gasps, almost as if having a conversation made the mutual frottage less noteworthy.

"Depends who with," Duo purred into Heero's ear before drawing the lobe between his teeth.

The situation was so incredibly intense that he could feel his orgasm quickly building. He wished he could draw back enough now to see Heero's face, left to wonder what it looked like when he was aroused. Heero gasped, starting to move more frantically, as he opened his mouth and suckled at the sensitive skin where Duo's shoulder met his neck. The fact that Heero's hot, wet mouth was on him was more than enough to get him off as he shuddered helplessly against Heero and came in his pants. Heero was close to follow.

Before they could contemplate what had happened they heard the sounds of footsteps coming down the corridor. They were still breathing heavily and Duo hoped whoever it was would think it was exertion from trying to escape rather that what had just transpired. Thank god he had on dark pants.

He was not a coward. Or so Heero kept telling himself as he ducked into the bathroom when he heard Duo's voice coming down the hall. He wasn't a coward; he just had an uncontrollable urge to wash his hands. But if he were, who could blame him? He and Duo had been friends. Best friends. For years, even. And Heero couldn't get what had happened between them out of his mind. He was becoming obsessed.

After the failure of their last mission, Heero had been filled with so many conflicting emotions he couldn't get his head straight. He was left unbalanced. Sure there had been the usual anger and self-depreciation over such a monumental failure. The mission should've been so simple even a rookie could've succeeded; yet they'd been ambushed so easily. Add to that the fact that they'd both been so easily waylaid by such primal urges was completely and totally unacceptable. Those points alone were enough to put him to shame, but the fact that he'd gotten off like that, with Duo no less ... Heero growled as he jerked paper towels out of the dispenser and angrily dried his hands. It had been three days since their debriefing and that had been the last time he'd managed to be in the same room with Duo, let alone spoken to him.

Listening at the closed men's room door, Heero was awarded with silence. Breathing a sigh of relief, he ducked into the hall and made his way quickly to his office. Closing the door behind him, he went so far as to lock it. What the hell was wrong with him? Dropping into his chair he felt uncharacteristically defeated as he eyed the blinking message button on his phone. He knew who the message was from, the same person who had been sending him e-mails daily since their return.

Hey. Was thinking we need to talk. Get back to me, okay?

How could he talk to Duo when he couldn't even look him in the eye? Heero groaned as fleeting images teased his mind. The soft skin of Duo's neck, the way their arms were intertwined in bondage, the flushed look of Duo's face when they were finally separated. His body responded quickly to the memories and that confused him even more. Was he into guys? Was he just into Duo? He forced himself to think back over the years since the war and tried to remember if he'd ever noticed Duo like that before. Biting his lip he realized he didn't want to know the answer.

Heero knew he couldn't avoid Duo forever. Not only did they have to work together, but, damn it, they were friends. Or at least he hoped they still were. It was no secret that Duo was into men, but he'd never done anything to make Heero feel uncomfortable or question the nature of their friendship. They were guys -- they went out drinking, shot hoops, spent time working on cars. They never talked about who the other might be dating, they never talked about what they were feeling ... they were guys for fuck's sake!

Rubbing a hand roughly across his face, Heero groaned out loud. If Duo had ever asked him about who he was dating would he have told him the truth? Would he have told Duo that he just didn't date, that he just didn't trust anyone that close to him? Would he have admitted that he'd rather go to the firing range with Duo and play with guns than take someone he barely knew home with him? Would he have ever admitted that maybe he was a little bit lonely? Hell, he could barely remember the last time he'd gone to dinner with anyone, let alone had sex. No wonder he was so quick to respond to Duo's body.

When the knob to his locked door jiggled he knew who it was before the knocking started. "Heero, I know you're in there. Listen, you can't avoid me forever. This is so unfair!"

"Since when is life fair?" Heero muttered as he got up and unlocked the door, turning without bothering to open it. He heard Duo come in behind him, returning to his chair as the door clicked shut.

"I feel like crap enough without you avoiding me," Duo said softly.

Heero turned to find him leaning against the closed door, his arms crossed protectively over his chest. He forced himself to make eye contact, his chest tightening painfully when he saw the genuine sadness in his friend's face. What could he say? I can't stop thinking about what happened and it's starting to mess with my head?

"I'm sorry," Heero snapped, feeling bad when he saw Duo flinch. He sighed loudly and turned his gaze to the floor. This was Duo. This was his friend. He didn't need to be an asshole. When he spoke again his voice was filled with the turmoil he was feeling. "I'm sorry, Duo."

"Me, too." Duo moved and snagged an empty chair, setting it backwards in front of Heero, and straddling it. "I know what happened freaked you out. God!" Duo groaned, hanging limply over the back of the chair. "Please don't tell me I fucked up so bad that we can't get over this. You're my best friend and I don't think I could handle that."

"It wasn't just you." Heero sighed again. He wanted to be mad at Duo, but just couldn't do it. "What happened?"

Duo straightened up and shrugged, a sad smile on his face. "I'm a perv?" Duo was suddenly on his feet and for a second Heero was afraid he'd walk out, but he only started pacing nervously across the small office. "I don't know what happened. The way we were tied up, so close and personal, sort of short-circuited my better judgment I guess. I was trying to ignore it, but then when I felt you ... I thought you wanted it, too."

Heero couldn't see Duo's face as he moved about the office with his head bowed and his bangs hiding his eyes. He didn't know what he'd expected Duo to say, but somehow this excuse left Heero feeling dissatisfied. God, this was all so confusing! It would've been so much easier if Duo had been angry, sharing the blame and pointing the finger. The fact that Duo was taking full blame made him feel horrible.

Duo looked up, his eyes filled with insecurity, but Heero couldn't manage to find his voice. "I let my hormones control me, Heero, and I take full responsibility for fucking up. I took advantage of our situation, and I took advantage of you."

"You didn't take advantage of me." Heero stood and closed the distance between them. "I just didn't expect what happened to, well, happen. I've never ..." Heero clenched his jaw in frustration. He was so far out of his comfort zone. "You were the first guy that ever made me ... react like that. I don't know what to think."

Duo's eyes widened slightly and Heero swore he could see faint color tingeing his cheeks at the admission. "I didn't know."

"It's not like we've ever talked about it." Heero shrugged, moving to look out the window. He could feel Duo's eyes on him and desperately wished he knew how to handle this better. "I take full responsibility for my actions."

"We can just pretend it never happened?" Duo asked, his tone a mixture of hope and despair.

"Can we?" Heero turned around and looked Duo in the eye. "Because I don't think I can."

Duo's startled look was bordering on panic and Heero realized how he must've taken it and he quickly tried to explain. "We're still friends, Duo, that hasn't changed. I just don't think we can go back to being just friends."

"What are you saying?" Duo's brow creased and Heero swore he could see Duo's heart pounding beneath his shirt.

Leaning against the windowsill, Heero crossed his arms and closed his eyes. Maybe he was a coward. "I can't stop thinking about how it felt doing that ... with you. I don't usually trust anyone enough to get that close, but I trust you. You're my friend, Duo, and I trust you. I ..." Heero opened his eyes and forced himself to look into Duo's face to verbalize what he had worked out in his head. "I want that again."

"Have your feelings for me changed?" Heero had never heard Duo's tone so guarded. Had his feelings changed?

"I don't think so." Heero answered honestly, he was pretty sure he felt the same.

"So... you want to be my friend and have sex with me?" Duo spoke slowly as he appeared to puzzle out what Heero was saying.

"That is, if you want to have something like that with me," Heero added, feeling his face heat up when he saw Duo's pole axed expression. This was why guys didn't discuss their feelings! "Forget it, I --"

"Okay." Duo grinned.

"That's it, 'okay'?" Heero frowned slightly.

"Being fuck buddies would be cool with me."

"Fuck buddies?"

Duo laughed, sounding more like himself than he'd been since he'd walked into Heero's office. "Sure, or friends with benefits if you'd like that better. We can still hang out, do the things we like, and then let off a little steam."

"You make it sound like we'd be using each other," Heero said, trying to grasp the concept.

"Not if we're both willing." Heero saw a flash of something in Duo's eyes and almost asked if Duo were truly willing, but before he could Duo was cupping his face and kissing him. Duo pulled away and turned towards the door. "Up to having a beer after work?"

"Sure," Heero replied hoarsely.

"Great, see you then."

Duo was gone before Heero could say anything else. What the hell had he just agreed to?

Keeping his head down, Duo forced himself not to run to the stairwell as his head spun. What the hell had he just agreed to? Taking the stairs two at a time, he ran up the four flights of stairs to his floor and walked briskly toward his office. He wondered if everyone could tell how flustered he felt as he ignored the people he passed and escaped into his office.

Yes, he'd been trying to talk to Heero for days, but he'd only meant to apologize and hopefully salvage the friendship they'd had. Sure, he'd admit that right after the mission he'd entertained the fantasy that Heero was suddenly into him. Hell, who wouldn't lust over a guy who was not only gorgeous, but dark and dangerous to boot? But after days of Heero avoiding him, Duo had watched that fantasy shrivel and die as he started to mourn the loss of his friend. Did Heero think Duo hadn't seen him ducking down corridors and into supply closets just so they wouldn't meet in the hall?

As the days passed it became painfully obvious that Heero was disgusted with what had happened between them, leaving Duo with no other choice but to apologize for being a lecher. Was it painful? Hell, yeah it was, but Duo was willing to grovel if need be if it meant getting Heero back. It had taken all the courage he had to go to Heero's office after days of phone messages and e-mails had been ignored and now he was left feeling totally off kilter. What the fuck had just happened?

Closing his door, he leaned against it and slid down to the floor. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he closed his eyes and tried to breathe. He'd just agreed to be Heero's fuck buddy? Wait, rewind a bit. Heero Yuy wanted to be his fuck buddy. Duo was currently living one of his favorite masturbatory fantasies and instead of being thrilled he was feeling incredibly guilty.

"You should've been honest with him," Duo said softly to himself, repeatedly hitting the back of his head against the door. Yeah, right, like he was being honest with himself? So what if he'd been in love with Heero since he'd first set eyes on him? So what if every guy he'd ever dated was tossed to the curb because they couldn't live up to the imaginary relationship he frequently had with Heero in his head? He'd settled for friendship because he thought that was all he could have and that had come with a lot of inner turmoil. How the fuck was he going to handle having sex with the man and still keep his feelings secret?

But you'll be having sex with him, right? Duo groaned out loud -- men really were pigs -- he was no exception. He opened his eyes, stared down at his hands, and forced himself to think rationally. He could: A-- tell Heero how he truly felt and risk losing everything. B-- tell Heero he changed his mind and hope they could still be friends, giving up any chance he could possibly have to get closer to Heero. C-- settle for fuck buddy and count himself lucky. He'd take C.

Standing up he looked at the clock and hoped he could manage to get something productive done in the two hours before quitting time. He sat at his desk and immediately opened Spider Solitaire.

Duo didn't know how long he'd been watching the winning fireworks play across his screen when his office door opened. He'd pretty much lost count of how many games he'd won after the third, amazed as always at how easily Spider Solitaire sucked up time.

"Almost done?" Heero was leaning in his doorway, looking at his monitor with amusement. Duo glanced at him and grinned. Heero looked like he always did and that put him immediately at ease.

"Yeah, just let me close my system down." Duo quickly closed out his windows and shut down before standing up and grabbing his jacket. "Why do Friday afternoons always drag?"

"Spite." Heero smirked, stepping out into the hall. "Where are we going? O'Leary's?"

"I was thinking we'd go to Muldoon's because they have more pool tables, but O'Leary's is fine." Duo stuffed his hands into his pockets as they walked down the hall. He resisted the urge to look at Heero, trying desperately to act normal. Heero seemed relaxed and Duo could admit to how lonely he'd been when Heero had been avoiding him.

"Either's fine with me."

"Muldoon's then, they have better bar nibbles."

The parking garage was congested with cars as people made a mass exodus towards their weekends. As always, Heero and Duo went towards their own cars, driving separately towards the bar. Duo had to admit to himself that he was a little disappointed Heero hadn't suggested they go together, but then again that would mean their relationship had changed. Duo didn't know how he felt about this.

Driving painfully slow, Duo followed Heero out of the garage and through rush hour traffic towards Muldoon's. He'd be lying if he tried to convince himself he wasn't nervous, but he was also hoping to gain a better understanding of what was going on inside Heero's head. Of course he'd spent the last few years trying to figure out what was going on inside Heero's head and he had yet to succeed.

Finally they turned into the parking lot of the bar and Duo slid his car into the spot next to Heero's. Unknotting his tie, he tossed it onto the passenger seat and got out to find Heero leaning against the hood of his car. Heero's tie was also gone and the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up to his elbows. Duo tried not to notice how Heero's forearms flexed, just as he always did, only this time his mind whispered that maybe later he'd get to touch.

The bar was already filling up as people got out of work. Duo made his way to the bar and bought the first round, pleased to see Heero finding an empty pool table. So far everything had the feel of a normal Friday night and Duo tried to relax.

"Loser buys the second round," Duo announced as he handed Heero his beer and reached for a cue. He took a sip of beer as he watched Heero racking the balls and let the worry he'd been carrying fall away. Duo knew at that moment that even if they never ended up in bed together he could be happy just like this. Mostly.

Heero lifted the ball rack and set it aside, motion with his free hand for Duo to break as he took a long swallow from his beer. Duo grinned, set his beer aside, and leaned against the table as he set up the break. The cue ball struck with enough force for the perfect break, sinking one ball in the corner pocket.

"Solids," Duo said, skirting around the table as he studied the balls. "Five in the corner." Duo motioned with his cue before he leaned in and made the shot. He turned to grin at Heero over his shoulder, only to find Heero looking at his ass. Well, this was a first and far from usual. When Heero met his gaze Duo saw a spark in his eye that was definitely not usual. "If you keep staring at my ass you're going to miss me kicking yours."

Duo expected Heero to look embarrassed with his teasing, but was caught off guard when Heero grinned crookedly. "I can multi-task."

Trying to hide his shock, Duo turned his attention back to the pool table. He was the one who flirted! He was supposed to be the one with the upper hand here! Who was this guy and what did he do with Heero? "Three in the side pocket." He swore under his breath when he missed the shot. He could not lose.

They played three games and Duo lost all three. He just couldn't focus knowing Heero was looking at him so -- ... intensely. He was flattered by the attention, no mistake there, but the way Heero was looking at him was making every nerve ending in his body aroused. Heero's blue eyes were more alive than Duo had ever seen them and having their full attention focused solely on him was a bit overwhelming. Oh, they were talking as they played, discussing work and mutual friends, but there was always that undercurrent of something new. Or maybe Duo's imagination was getting the better of him.

"Give up?" Heero asked with a smirk before draining the last of his beer. He leaned against his cue and raised his eyebrow. Duo wanted to say 'no fucking way', but there was an unasked question in the way Heero was looking at him and his need to know the question was greater than his need to win.

"For now." Duo put his cue back in the rack. "I guess I owe you another beer."

"Want to get a six-pack and go back to my place?" Heero's tone was casual, but Duo didn't miss the flash of insecurity in Heero's eyes.

Duo grinned wickedly and leaned in, speaking softly. "Are you hitting on me?"

There was no mistaking the color rising in Heero's cheeks and Duo felt his equilibrium return. He could tell Heero didn't know what to say and Duo hadn't really intended to embarrass him. His grin softened into a genuine smile as he reached out and touched Heero's hand. "A six-pack and your place sounds great."

Duo waited for Heero to lead the way and followed him out of the bar. Night had fallen while they were inside and there was a chill to the air reminding Duo that winter wasn't far away. Heero went to his car, so Duo automatically went to his, shivering slightly from the temperature change as he unlocked the car. He moved to open his door when he felt heat behind him as Heero leaned over his shoulder.

"You don't have to do this," Heero said softly, his breath ticking Duo's ear. His voice sounded unsure, a stark contrast to the way his eyes had followed him all night.

Duo wanted to assure him that he knew he didn't have to do it, that it was exactly what he wanted to do, but was suddenly at a loss for words. Instead he leaned backwards against Heero's broad chest, reaching behind him and slid his hand along the back of Heero's neck. He heard Heero's sharp intake of breath and after a brief moment he felt Heero's arm snake around his waist and hold him.

"You should know by now that I don't offer things unless I mean it." Duo rested his hand on top of Heero's, feeling Heero's heart pound against his back.

"I know." Heero let go and stepped back. When Duo turned to look, Heero was already getting into his car.

"I'll pick up the six-pack and meet you there," Duo said loud enough to be heard. He saw Heero nod before he backed out and pulled away.

Heero felt like a nervous teenager as he paced around his apartment waiting for Duo. He'd thought about changing out of his work clothes, but decided against it, not knowing if he'd appear too eager. Duo had been to his apartment before, to have dinner, or to watch a movie. Duo was the one person that knew him, really knew him, and he shouldn't feel nervous. Right?

"Yeah, I was never trying to get Duo into bed before," Heero said to no one, running his hand through his hair. He couldn't stop thinking about the way Duo looked bent over the pool table, the way his ass looked when the material of his pants stretched taut, or the way his back flexed when he drew his cue back to shoot. They'd played pool hundreds of times over the years so why was this the first time that he noticed Duo looked damned sexy doing it?

This was a bad idea. He was just about to call Duo's cell phone and tell him to forget about it when he knocked on the door. Duo opened the door without invitation, holding up a brown paper bag in offering. "Sorry it took me so long, there was a huge line at the liquor store."

Heero took the offered bag and carried it into the kitchen. "I think the Tyler/Burns fight is showing on HBO tonight."

"Sweet." Duo snagged two bottles of beer out of the bag before Heero could even set it down. "I wanted to see that."

Heero pulled the remaining bottles out of the bag and stuck them in the fridge. Before he closed the door Duo was handing him an opened bottle with a grin. "Thanks." Heero returned the grin, nudging Duo towards the living room.

They both sprawled on the couch like they usually did. Heero manned the remote, putting on HBO to find a pre-fight, and propping his feet up on the coffee table. Conversation flowed easily, like it usually did, and Heero's nervousness disappeared. When Heero drained his beer, Duo took the empties, and went to replenish them.

Duo returned, plopped down on the couch next to Heero, and leaned into Heero's side, stretching his legs out on the couch. After hesitating a moment, Heero slid his arm around Duo's shoulder and pulled him close.

"This is nice," Duo murmured, resting his head back on Heero's shoulder.

"Yeah," Heero agreed. It was nice.

The fight started and the commentary began. If they had been sitting ringside they would've been heckling, as they really had nothing nice to say. The moves seemed too choreographed, the aggression lacking, and the blood not flowing freely enough.

"Did you see that? It was like he met the guy's fist halfway!" Duo yelled, motioning towards the screen. "I could've totally knocked that guy out in the first thirty seconds!"

Heero chuckled. "The first fifteen."

Duo looked up at Heero with a smile and before Heero realized what he was doing, he was kissing the smile off Duo's face. Duo's turned, touching Heero's cheek lightly as their lips parted and their tongues met. Heero wasn't sure how Duo ended up straddling his lap, but he was far from complaining as he ran his hands beneath Duo's shirt and felt firm muscles beneath hot skin.

Heero couldn't remember the last person he'd kissed, but he knew it had been nothing like this. Every stroke of Duo's tongue went straight to his groin and from the way Duo was pressed up against him he could only guess the same went for Duo. Trailing his fingers down Duo's back, he cupped Duo's ass in his hands, pulling him closer. Duo gasped against Heero's opened mouth.

"Give me a second," Duo panted, pressing their foreheads together. "I don't want it to be over before we start."

Moving his hands, Heero threaded his fingers into Duo's hair, holding them together. "Sorry."

"Never be sorry," Duo whispered, kissing the tip of Heero's nose. "Do you want to stay here or --"

Heero stood before Duo could finish the sentence, pleased when Duo wrapped his legs around his waist and let Heero carry him into the bedroom. He set Duo in the middle of the bed and stretched out next to him. Kissing, their clothes were slowly tossed aside as their hands explored. Heero had never been with a man before, never knew he had the inclination, yet touching Duo was like something important had clicked into place. He realized he preferred the hard, flat planes of Duo's body to the soft, round curves of the women he'd been with. He wanted to experience it all, but it was so hard to focus as Duo pressed their cocks together, wrapping a firm hand around both and stroking.

He didn't know if more was expected of him, he wanted to ask what Duo wanted, but before he could open his mouth Duo's heavy lidded eyes met his. "Just let go."

Their mouths met, frantically kissing, as they both thrust into Duo's closed hand. The sensations of Duo's hard cock and Duo's calloused hand rubbing against his erection where more than he could take. With a moan deep in his throat Heero came between their bodies. Just as he felt his orgasm fade, he felt Duo spurting against his stomach with a groan. They held still for a few moments catching their breaths before they rolled away from each other onto their backs.

"Kleenex?" Duo asked, waving his clean hand in the air. Heero was amused to see Duo's eyes were shut as he waited.

"Yeah," Heero sighed, stretching to grab the box off the nightstand. Pulling a couple out of the box, he stuck them in Duo's hand before pulling out a few more and starting to clean up his stomach.

Duo opened his eyes and offered a smile in thanks. Heero had expected to feel awkward, but he didn't as he returned the smile, sitting up, and tossing the wadded up tissues towards the trash.

"We missed the end of the fight," Duo said, standing and stretching his arms over his head. Heero watched his body move, amazed that he was able to openly look at the man.

"I'm sure we didn't miss much." Heero watched Duo find his clothes and start getting dressed. Part of him wanted Duo to stay, wishing for the closeness they'd had sitting together on the couch, but felt it was somehow against the fuck buddy creed. There was so much he didn't understand.

Duo pulled his t-shirt over his head, pulling his braid out and letting it drop down his back. "We can catch the highlights on YouTube."

Heero forced himself to get up and grab a pair of sweats out of his bureau. The least he could do was walk Duo out. He followed Duo into the living room, neither of them talking as Duo put his shoes on. Duo finished and looked at Heero, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants. "Thanks for having me over."

What was he supposed to say? He shrugged slightly. "It was ... nice."

"Yeah, it was." Duo grinned. Heero thought he looked a little sad. Was he doing something wrong? Before he could say anything, Duo brushed a quick kiss across his lips. "See you."

Duo was out the door before he could say anything in return.

Duo ran down the stairs and didn't stop running until he'd reached his car. He hadn't expected it to crash so fast from the high of the experience. Did his heart ache painfully in his chest? Yes. Had it almost killed him to leave Heero behind? Most definitely. Was it worth it? Yeah, it was.

He was home before he even realized he was driving, Heero had messed him up that bad. When he'd suggested they be fuck buddies he hadn't anticipated Heero being so tender, he hadn't expected to see such emotion in his friend's eyes as they touched. Duo had agreed to be friends with benefits, but he could've never fathomed how easily he'd lose his heart completely.

By the time he walked into his apartment he'd told himself that he couldn't do that again. He couldn't have sex with Heero without it meaning anything. His heart wouldn't be able to survive it. It had been so fucking hard to fake nonchalance as he got dressed and walked out. He didn't think he could fake it again.

After showering, he slid naked between the sheets, having convinced himself he'd talk to Heero the next day and tell him this wouldn't work out. He hoped that Heero would understand.

He'd had such convictions. He'd had such resolve. He'd ended up having sex with Heero the next night.

"Do I have to leave right away?" Heero asked against the top of Duo's head, his arms wrapped snuggly around Duo to hold him in place.

"No ... you don't have to leave." Duo pressed his cheek against Heero's chest, listening to the man's slowing heartbeat. His body ached pleasantly from having let Heero fuck him. Closing his eyes he could still see the pleasure on Heero's face as their bodies had joined. If he let himself, he could almost believe it had meant more to Heero than just sex.

"It's just last night you got up so fast ... I thought it wasn't allowed." Heero shrugged. "It's nice like this."

Duo didn't know what to say. Last night he'd left because he didn't want to assume anything and it had hurt. He'd wanted to stay there, wrapped in Heero. He'd wanted to wake up in the morning in the same position. Tonight he never wanted Heero to leave and knew when Heero did it would hurt even more. What had he been thinking? There was no way he could keep doing this.

"It's nice to not feel lonely," Heero added softly, brushing his lips over the top of Duo's head.

"Everyone's lonely," Duo said, his tone harsher than he'd meant. He felt Heero tense up and tried to pull away. Heero wouldn't let him.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Nothing." Duo sighed. This time when he pulled away Heero let him go. "Maybe you should get going, I have to get up early."

Heero nodded, turning his face away. Duo suddenly felt like a total asshole, but didn't know what to say to fix it. All he had to share was the truth, but at the moment Heero was still more important to him than his own aching heart. He drew his legs up to his chest and watched Heero get dressed.

"Call me tomorrow, okay?" Heero looked at him, startled. Duo just smiled. "Okay?"

"Okay."

Heero didn't call. Duo told himself he didn't care.

"Harder!"

Heero gripped Duo's hips and slammed into him harder. Papers were being pushed off the desk, falling randomly to the floor. Duo arched his back, making his shirt ride up to expose more of his flat belly. Duo reached up and wrapped Heero's tie around his hand, pulling Heero closer until their lips touched. The mug of pens on the edge of the desk fell to the floor with a crash. Neither noticed.

"Harder, please ..." Duo whimpered against Heero's mouth, tightening his legs around Heero's waist.

Duo's cock was rubbing against Heero's stomach with every thrust. Just when Heero thought he couldn't hold back any longer, he felt Duo's cock jerk against him followed by the warm splatter of come. With a primal growl, Heero buried himself as deep as he could and let his orgasm take him. It took every ounce of strength Heero had left to keep his weight braced off the man beneath him.

"I hope the cleaning crew is gone," Heero said, forcing himself to straighten up. When he'd come to Duo's office, having sex wasn't what he'd had planned. Of course lately all it took was one look from Duo and he was hard and ready.

"I don't care." Duo stayed sprawled across his desk, his legs dangling over the edge. "That was totally worth getting caught."

"You're insatiable," Heero teased, pulling his pants and underwear up from around his ankles.

"Only for you, babe," Duo murmured softly. Heero saw the moment Duo had realized what he'd said as he flinched slightly. The flinch hurt.

Heero turned away as he tucked his shirt back into his pants. He could hear Duo getting up, the rustling of his clothes as he got dressed again. It had been almost a month since their agreement to become friends with benefits and things were just getting more and more awkward between them. They'd tried to keep up the fa?de of their friendship, but it was getting harder and harder to do the things they used to do. There was always such a strong undercurrent of wanting lurking beneath the surface. Oh the sex was incredible, but afterwards Heero knew that Duo wished he could be anywhere else but there with him. Everything had changed and Heero was lonelier than he'd been before. Yeah, it hurt.

"You don't have to wait for me," Duo said dismissively, his back towards Heero. "I need to clean up and there's something I need to finish before tomorrow."

Heero couldn't explain the anger that instantly sparked. His hands were fisted at his sides as he spoke through clenched teeth. "Whatever!"

Duo's shoulders tensed before he spun around, glaring. "What the fuck is your problem? You got what you wanted, now get the fuck out."

"I got what I wanted?" Heero asked incredulously. "Like you weren't the one on your knees as soon as I closed the door!"

"I'm a slut now?" Duo spat, his eyes blazing. "Fuck you, Yuy. Go find some other guy to use, I'm done."

Heero's head was spinning. Where the hell was this coming from? He frantically tried to think beyond his anger to what started this, but failed miserably. "Wait. I'm using you? You're the one who can't wait to go home after we're done. You're the one who kicks me out two minutes after you've come. I'm the one using you?"

"If you want that find a goddamned boyfriend!" Duo was almost screaming now. "You wanted someone to fuck and I gave you that. If you want someone to stick around and hold your hand afterwards find someone else."

Stunned, Heero left, slamming the door behind him. What the fuck had just happened?

Parking on the street in front of his building he realized he couldn't remember the drive home he'd been so wrapped up in his head. He wanted to be angry with Duo for lashing out, he wanted to feel like he'd been wrongly accused, but the more he thought about it the more he knew Duo was right. He'd asked for sex without strings attached and that was exactly what he'd gotten. It didn't take much for him to admit that over the last few weeks he could see how hard it was getting for Duo to withhold the strings.

Climbing the stairs to his apartment he reached his door with a sense of dread. Heero didn't want to be alone with the hurt he was feeling. He let himself in and kicked the door shut behind him, not bothering to turn on lights as he walked through the darkness. He fell onto the couch when he reached it, curled up on his side and closed his eyes.

Images of Duo crowded his mind. Heero couldn't stop seeing the way Duo looked at him when they had sex. How his expression was filled with such warmth and emotion. It wasn't for the sex that Heero pursued Duo, it was for everything that went with it. Heero had learned to dread the moments after they'd finish, when Duo's expression would close off and he'd get up to leave. Now he could see how much this all had cost his best friend. How much this had cost both of them. But what could he do?

'Beg for forgiveness,' his mind whispered. 'Offer him your heart.' Heero opened his eyes, staring blindly into the dark. Getting rejected couldn't possibly hurt more than he hurt now.

Sitting up he switched the lamp on, squinting at the brightness. He felt slightly better having made a decision, anxious now to follow through. Looking down at his rumpled clothes he decided getting cleaned up should be his first move.

It took a long time before Duo's anger left. Now he was exhausted. He hadn't meant to go off like that, but something inside him had suddenly snapped and he just couldn't take it any longer. His heart couldn't take it any longer. He knew he agreed to be fuck buddies, but it had to end.

By the time he'd finished showering and put on sweats and a t-shirt he felt a little better. Sadly, once the anger left guilt took over. Duo wasn't blind, he saw how much his words had hurt Heero. Why did it have to end like this? Everything was ruined. Grabbing a beer out of the fridge, Duo curled up in the corner of the couch and tried to lose himself in mindless television.

He wasn't surprised when Heero showed up at his door.

"Go home, Heero," Duo said tiredly when he opened the door. "I don't want to fight."

"Then don't fight." Heero stepped inside anyway, crossing his arms stubbornly across his chest. "I didn't come to fight."

"What did you come for?" Duo went back to sit on the couch. He watched Heero shift his feet, looking uncomfortable, but didn't offer him a seat.

"I came to apologize," Heero said, his tone sincere. "My behavior was --"

"Save your apologies, Heero, it doesn't matter. I know I said we could be fuck buddies, but I just can't do it anymore. It has to end." Duo braced himself for an argument.

"You're right, it has to end." Heero's lips twitched, like he almost wanted to smile, and Duo felt ill. Him saying it had to end was one thing; Heero agreeing so easily was a whole different matter.

"Just like that?" Duo asked, a lump quickly forming in his throat.

Heero nodded, a smile actually forming on his face. The bastard! Duo wanted to kick him out, but just couldn't find his voice. "You're right, Duo, I don't want a fuck buddy, I want a boyfriend." He moved to kneel on the floor next to the couch and looked up into Duo's face. "I want you and all the strings that come with it."

"Strings?" Duo croaked out, trying to get his mind around what Heero was saying. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest that it hurt. Heero was looking at him with the tender expression he'd only seen while they were having sex. He saw it now and he saw the love that it held.

"I want to know what you're thinking ... what you're feeling. I want you to stick around and hold my hand after." Heero grinned. "I'm not saying it will be easy. I mean, I managed to mess up the whole fuck buddy thing royally, but maybe I'll be a better boyfriend."

Boyfriend? Duo swallowed hard. "I thought your feelings hadn't changed?"

"The beginning of ... what we have was confusing. I knew that I looked at you and wanted to touch you. I'd never wanted that with anyone else before, but when I thought about how I felt about you I knew it was the same as always. It took me a while to realize that I'd been in love with you all along."

"Love?" Duo reached out and touched Heero's face. "Just like that?"

Heero shrugged slightly. "I guess. I've never been in love before."

"You really want this? You want to stick around ... stay the night?"

"You won't be able to get rid of me." Heero turned and kissed Duo's palm.

"Will you still do that thing with your tongue?" Duo asked, a smile slowly spreading across his face. He'd never felt so relieved.

"Absolutely." Heero cupped Duo's face in his hands. "I'm sorry I was such a bastard."

Duo's leaned in and brushed a kiss across Heero's lips. "I'm sorry you were such a bastard, too."

Heero laughed and all the hurt Duo had been feeling disappeared in that instance. "We're bound to fight," Heero said, becoming serious. "I don't know anything about being a boyfriend, I'm sure I'll get some things wrong."

"I wouldn't want it to be perfect." Duo slid onto the floor onto Heero's lap, winding his arms behind Heero's neck. "If we never fought we'd never get to make up."

"Is that what we're doing now?" Heero asked, his voice rough with emotion.

"Mm hm." Duo was kissing along Heero's jaw, his knuckles brushing teasingly over Heero's hardening nipple. "We have a lot of making up to do."

Heero groaned deep in his throat. "You were right, friction is fun."

Duo's lips curved into a smile against Heero's skin. "And I intend to spend the next couple of hours providing proof." Pulling away slightly he looked into Heero's eyes, his expression growing serious. "I love you, too, you know."

"I know."