Title: The Tow [part 2 / 4]
Author: [info]ralphiere
Pairing: Heero/Duo
Warnings: language, angst
Disclaimer: I don't own them, thank you!
Notes: Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel is an actual club in Providence, RI - it's a good time ^^

Thanks to bleedtoblue for the beta!



The Tow


Heero felt bad as he walked back along the dark sidewalks towards his garage, but feeling bad didn't slow his footsteps. He'd pretty much dumped Duo in the foyer, giving a quick introduction, and bolted before he could dig himself deeper. He had no idea what he'd been thinking, flirting with Duo like that, it was unlike him to behave so recklessly. Sure Duo was gorgeous, and yes Heero was a bit lonely, but that didn't give him free reign to flirt with a customer. He was happy to escape into the darkness, but once he could see the lone streetlight calling to him like a beacon the panicky feeling started to abate. What the fuck was I thinking? That's right, I wasn't thinking at all ...

It hadn't been easy for Heero to grow up in such a small town, and he was kicking himself for not adhering to his own rules. The population in Valley Falls had never risen above 500 during the 25 years he'd lived there, just a small blip on the map in a cluster of rural mountain towns. They didn't even have the luxuries of a real town, having only auxiliary fire and police departments to maintain order and sharing a school system with two other towns as well. The kids were used to being bussed twenty miles to a school where the graduating class rarely numbered more than 15. Heero had lived here all his life, knew how to walk the walk, yet he'd always felt alienated from the collective mindset of upstanding Christians. He'd come to terms early on that he was a sinner, and there was no way he'd ever be absolved of his sins - homosexuality was far from accepted around these parts even in this day and age. Not that he'd tried to hide it, not really, but he wasn't out there waving flags and fighting for his right to marry - he was a realist.

Rolling up the door to the garage, Heero flipped on the interior lights and got ready to work. Working always cleared his mind, and right now there was a lot going on in there that needed clearing. He willed the anxious feeling in his stomach away as he put Duo's car in neutral and pushed it inside. Just leaning into the car to steer was enough to make his stomach flip - Duo was everywhere. This is the last thing I need right now.

Heero had actually been irritated when the call had come in from AAA. It had been a real bitch of a day spent under the hood of a shit box that in Heero's opinion didn't deserved to be fixed. The asshole that owned it had once shared a sweaty moment in the backseat of said shit box with Heero, and since then didn't squander a single opportunity to call him 'faggot'. That was six years ago and Heero had spent the entire day trying to convince himself that he didn't deserve to be continuously reminded of his adolescent mistakes. He'd love nothing more than to tell the asshole to take his fucking car and shove it up his ass, but pickings had been beyond slim lately and even Heero's pride understood the need for his next meal. By the time he was talking to the operator from AAA his jaw ached from clenching and he just wanted to drink himself to sleep. He took the call for the money, trying to be thankful for the work, but now he was wondering if it had been more of a curse than a godsend.

He popped the trunk and adjusted the light to keep from casting a shadow so he could see what he was doing. Focus on the job, focus on the job. It was hard to focus on the job when the image of Duo perched on the wall at the side of the road kept popping up in his head. Heero wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but that man definitely wasn't it. If lusting after other men was considered a sin, then Duo Maxwell was sin incarnate - there was no other way around it. When Duo had jumped down and started walking towards him Heero tried desperately not to stare at the way he filled his jeans, or the way his long braid would appear from behind his hips with the sway of his walk. Instead he tried to focus on the writing across the man's t-shirt. Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. Heero had no idea what it was, but just one look in the eyes of the man wearing it made him think that he was no stranger to heartbreak.

He knew that he'd been less than sociable when Duo slid into his seat, not that he was usually a chatty guy, but he usually had it in him to converse enough to make the customer comfortable. With Duo so close to him in the cab of the truck it had been hard to think beyond the masculine smell of heat and sunshine coming off the other man's skin. When he did manage to catch Duo unawares, he forgot how to breathe with such a man so close.

Sliding underneath the car he chastised himself for thinking like a love struck girl as he kept playing the afternoon over in his head. Yes Duo was gorgeous, yes he seemed available, and yes he'd caught Duo giving him appraising glances thus strongly suggesting that he was interested in men, but Duo was a customer who was moving to a town over an hour away. He was a teacher, an intellectual, and Heero couldn't imagine what that kind of guy could possibly find in a grease monkey who owned a garage in the sticks.

Maybe he'd be interested in a good time? A one night stand? But Heero knew he couldn't be. He wasn't looking for an easy fuck; he was looking for somebody who could share moments with him. In this town? The thought depressed him. Pushing Duo out of his mind, Heero tried to find what was wrong with the car - the faster he fixed it the faster this dilemma would just disappear and he'd have his mundane life back.

It took him forty-five minutes to come to terms with the fact that he'd didn't have the part on hand, and indeed had to order it in the morning. He tried in vain to try to work around it, and eventually gave up trying less letting his frustration get the best of him. It was time to have a few beers and try to get Duo Maxwell out of his head for as long as possible. Having made a decision, Heero started shutting lights and closing up shop. Duo's was the only car currently at the garage, so it didn't take long to secure things. Just as he was opening the door on the tow truck to engage the locks he heard the faint ringing of a phone.

"What the hell?" Heero muttered out loud, climbing into the cab and trying to find the source of the noise. It only took him a moment to find a small, black cell phone on the passenger floor that could only belong to Duo. He sat upright in the seat and stared at the phone in the palm of his hand. His pulsed quickened at the thought of seeing Duo again, and he felt disgusted at the flare of anticipation he felt. Fix his car, send him on his way. He knew that was the smart thing to do, but seeing Duo's car was going to be here for a little while longer ...

Ignoring all common sense, Heero climbed out of his truck and slipped the phone into the pocket of his jeans. He was just going to go to the Inn and return it, that's all. Duo was probably in his room and he'd just leave the phone with Betty. No harm done. Heero would just change his shirt because it had grease on it, not because he was trying to impress anyone. It wasn't like he'd take a shower or anything before walking back to the Inn and attempting to return the cell phone to its owner.

It was a little past eight when Heero knocked lightly on the door and let himself in. "Betty?"

"In the kitchen Heero," Betty called from the back of the house. Heero figured she must've fed Duo before he retired for the night, so it made sense that she was probably still cleaning up.

He felt at home as he walked through the living room towards the kitchen. When he was young, Betty used to keep an eye on him from time to time when his mother was working. Her own kids had grown and moved away, but Betty never failed to make Heero feel like he was part of her own. She was pretty much the closest thing to family he had left. He pushed open the swinging door into the kitchen when his greeting got caught in his throat. What he expected was Betty doing some last minute clean up as she wound up her night - the last thing he expected to find was Duo up to his elbows in soapy water helping her with the dishes.

"Did you get the car fixed?" Duo asked over his shoulder as he rinsed a plate and handed it to Betty to dry.

Heero shook his head, willing the surprised expression from his face. "No. I actually need to order a part in the morning - I didn't have what I needed in stock."

"Bummer." Duo shrugged. He pulled the plug in the drain and rinsed the suds off his hands before reaching for a towel. "No big deal though, I resigned myself to get there when I get there."

"Heero, can I get you some apple pie?" Betty was already taking out a plate and setting in on the counter. "I even have some coffee ice cream left, your favorite."

"Thank you." He knew it was pointless to argue with her. Once he saw the slice of pie touch the plate his stomach rumbled and he realized he hadn't had dinner. "You really don't need to bother-"

"No bother." Betty was already scooping ice cream out of the carton and in a moment she'd ushered Heero to sit at the table and was setting the pie in front of him. "Come sit Duo, I'll pour you guys some coffee."

It looked like Duo had already learned the drill as he sat across from Heero. "I appreciate you looking at my car tonight, and coming over to give me an update."

Why am I here again? "Actually, I found your cell phone on the floor in my truck and figured you'd need it." Heero stood and fished the phone out of his pocket. If he had doubts of Duo's interest before, he didn't now as he noticed Duo sizing him up with a playful grin. "It was ringing, but I didn't answer it."

"I wouldn't have cared if you did," Duo said, the playful glint leaving his eye. "It probably would've made my life much easier if you had, actually."

"I'm sorry?" Heero was confused; having no idea what Duo was talking about.

"My ex seems to be having difficulty understanding the concept of me leaving." Duo suddenly looked tired, and it tugged slightly at Heero's heart.

"She didn't agree with the break up?" Heero kept his tone neutral, not knowing how the man would take the question.

The playful look returned as Duo smirked. "He can't see far enough around his ego to understand that his cheating isn't going to be forgiven." Duo leaned in and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "But you knew it was a he, didn't you?"

Heero had grace enough to blush slightly as he nodded. "Is that why you're moving?"

Duo was quiet for a moment before answering, and once again Heero felt he'd put his foot in his mouth. "I think it was just the last straw actually. I started teaching because I wanted to make a difference in some kid's life. It was arrogant of me to think that seeing my face everyday would be enough to keep inner city kids away from drugs and crime. I hate to think of it as giving up, but it was just so hard to go back day after day." Duo shrugged, his expression faraway. Heero resisted the urge to reach out and touch his arm. "I'm hoping that this move will restore my faith in the future."

Heero didn't know what to say. He wanted to warn Duo that drugs and crime were still an issue out here in the sticks, along with racism and homophobia, but he didn't have the heart. "I think being out here will take some getting used to, but it'll work out."

"Thanks." Duo smiled and the worry smoothed from his face. He looked at his watch and his eyebrows rose in surprise. "It's only 8:30, I thought it was later than that. Is there a bar or something in town? I'm thinking I could use something a little stronger than coffee."

Before Heero could answer Betty reappeared and plucked away Heero's empty plate. "Of course there's a bar. Heero, why don't you take Duo down to Jack's? I'm thinking you could both use something a little stronger than coffee."

Thanks a lot, Betty. Heero looked at Betty for a moment trying to decide how to respond. The woman knew everything there was to know about Heero, and he wouldn't put it past her to do a little match making. Hell, she'd done it more times than he'd care to remember, but he couldn't be angry with her.

"I could use a beer." Heero stood up and cocked his head towards the door. "Thanks for the pie, Betty, delicious as usual."

"You should come to eat more often, you're getting too thin," Betty admonished, reaching out and squeezing Heero's hand affectionately. "Now off with you, I'm going to watch my show."

Heero led Duo outside and waited for the door to click shut before speaking. "She's addicted to those reality TV shows, I think she was looking for an excuse to be rid of us."

"I'm not complaining." Duo grinned and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Lead the way."

The night was quiet as Heero led them towards Jack's, but the silence that fell between them wasn't uncomfortable. There was no denying that Duo was attractive and awoke something in Heero that had been neglected for some time, but there was also something about the man that tugged at Heero's heart. The way Duo stared up at the bright band of the Milky Way stretched across the sky with awe, and the way he inhaled the smell of freshly cut grass with a sigh of contentment made Heero's stomach tighten. He knew that Duo would be gone as soon as his car was repaired, but Heero couldn't snuff the small spark of hope that kept flaring in his gut, no matter how hard he tried.

"I bet you're not used to it being this quiet."

"Not for a long time, but I've just realized I missed it." Duo turned to Heero with a warm smile before returning his gaze to the sky. "I didn't always live in Boston. When I was growing up my best friend's family owned a farm, and I used to spend my summers there. I'd forgotten how much I liked ... this." He waved his hand around, trying to get his point across, unable to find the words. "I was worried that I'd made the wrong choice, but I'm starting to think this was exactly what I needed."

"Being stuck without a car?" Heero couldn't resist teasing. For some reason Duo made him feel comfortable enough to let this side of him go.

Duo took his eyes off the sky and took his time looking Heero over. "Maybe that is exactly what I needed."

Heero was saved from his loss for words when they arrived at Jack's. He'd spent so much time inwardly chastising himself for flirting, but he couldn't control Duo flirting with him. Ignoring the pleasant flutter in his belly, Heero opened the door and followed Duo inside. It was Friday night and even though it wasn't quite 9 o'clock the bar was almost filled to capacity. There wasn't much to do around here, and this was the only bar that Valley Falls had to offer. Lifting his hand in greeting as he went, Heero skirted around the pool tables and found an open spot at the bar.

"First one's on me, what'll it be?" Heero slid into the stool, trying not to notice when Duo's knee brushed his as the other man sat down.

"Whatever's on tap is fine." Duo shifted in his seat, not seeming to mind when his knee pressed firmly against Heero's and stayed there. "I'm just happy to have a beer."

Heero motioned for the bartender and ordered two drafts before turning his attention back to Duo. Heero was painfully aware of the curious eyes on them, and hoped there wouldn't be any trouble from the lovely people he had to share the town with. He asked for so little really. Tommy was tending bar tonight, and that made Heero relax a bit - Tommy was as laid back as they come.

After the beers were set down in front of them, Heero took a long swallow before turning his attention to the man sitting next to him. "So, what was it like living in Boston."

Duo shook his head and smiled. "You already have me at a disadvantage, I think it's my turn to ask the questions." He took a sip of his beer, watching Heero over the rim of the glass, and set it down in front of him. "So, have you always lived here?"

"Yeah, although I have my days when I wonder why."

"You don't like it here?"

"It's not that I don't like it ..." Heero looked at his hands, trying to find the words to express himself. How could he possibly get Duo to understand his feelings of obligation, and how he resented them? Of feeling like an outsider amongst the people he's known since birth? "I-"

"I'm not trying to make you feel uncomfortable, Heero. You don't have to ans-"

"It's okay, I don't mind sharing. You're actually the first person to ever ask anything about me. Most people I come in contact with know more of my history than I'd like, or they just want to get the hell out of this godforsaken place. I almost don't know how to answer." Heero shrugged slightly and drained half his glass in one swallow. "My father owned the garage before me, and his father before him. I'm the third generation to try to make a living under the hood of a car in this town, and there are days I resent the choice being taken from me."

"But you have a choice, everyone has a choice." Duo looked somewhat baffled as he looked at Heero, not really comprehending what the man was saying. "You could just sell the garage and move on."

"To where? To do what?" Heero laughed sadly and shook his head. "My father died when I was 17 and someone needed to take care of my mother. I quit school and worked at the garage full time. There were days that I hated it, days I hated my father for dying and giving me no choice, but it was something I was good at. My mother died when I was 23, and the years she lived without my father weren't easy on her. I was a disgrace in her eyes - the only good she saw in me was that I was carrying on my 'father's legacy'." Heero drained the rest of his glass and set it on the bar, motioning for a refill. "I'm a high school drop out with an albatross around my neck - what choice do I have."

Heero immediately regretted sharing too much when he saw the sympathy in Duo's eyes. He didn't want Duo's pity; he just wanted ... What do I want? Maybe he just wanted to read something more in the physical attraction he felt. Maybe he just wanted to forget his lot in life for a little while. Maybe I'm just tired of being alone ...

"I'm sorry Duo, I didn't mean to go on like that, it's no big deal really." Heero stood and slapped some money on the bar for the beers; not caring that he'd just ordered another. "I just remembered something I have to do, sorry I can't stay for another round."

He'd made it halfway across the parking lot before a hand clamped around his bicep, spinning him around. The last expression he expected to see on Duo's face was anger, and Duo looked furious. Before he could pull away, Duo had dragged him into the alleyway and let him go.

"What the fuck is your problem, Heero?" Duo's eyes blazed in the darkness and Heero felt he'd done nothing to warrant such anger.

"My problem? You're the one who seems to have the problem." Heero felt his own anger rise, and tried to step around Duo to walk away. Instead of moving aside, Duo blocked his path. "Out of my way."

"I don't get you! I can see the way you look at me, I can feel it, but as soon as it gets personal you run away." Duo took a step closer, and Heero held his ground. "Am I that intimidating that you need to run?"

"Personal? You want to get personal?" Heero grabbed Duo by the shoulders and pressed him against the wall. He hated how he was acting, what he was doing, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. Keeping Duo in place with his body, Heero braced his hands on either side of Duo's head. "If you just want a quick fuck to waste some time while you're waiting to get the fuck out of this hick town why didn't you just say so. You didn't need to pretend to be interested."

The kiss was hot and rough, and Heero could feel Duo kissing him back with equal interest. It only took Duo wrapping his arms around Heero's neck and pulling him closer to catch Heero off guard. Tenderness was his undoing. Before he knew it he was sprawled on the ground with Duo towering over him.

"I don't want a quick fuck, and I wasn't trying to waste time." Duo's voice was low and dangerous as he backed slowly away. "I actually liked you, you bastard. Is it too hard to grasp that I might actually be trying to get to know you?"

Before Heero could even open his mouth to respond, Duo was gone, leaving him sitting in the dirt. He stood and brushed off the seat of his pants before turning and heading towards the garage. Part of him wanted to chase Duo and blacken his eye, part of him wanted to apologize, but the nagging knowledge that Duo would be gone tomorrow kept him from doing so. For the first time the street light in front of his garage brought a pang of loneliness to Heero's heart.

He wasn't looking forward to facing Duo in the morning.

++++

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