Disclaimer: Just letting the demons play.

A/N: as mentioned in another story, I have many Gundam stories languishing on the sidelines so I've decided to post them and get some feedback to see if I'm wasting my time with them. So if you would be so kind as to read and let me know what you think, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy!

Artists

Chapter 1

"Thank you, Mr. Yuy, it was a pleasure meeting with you and I'm sure we can work together to publish a beautiful book of your work."

Heero nodded and smiled as he shook hands, glad he had Relena with him to deal with the pleasantries.

"And it was such a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Saito. I look forward to your call. And good luck with your daughter's recital. I'm sure she'll do splendidly."

"Thank you, Miss. Relena, that's sweet of you to say."

Heero turned away slightly, letting his eyes roam over the expansive office space as Relena and the publisher started talking animatedly about music. He liked the overall color scheme but wrinkled his nose at the large painting on the wall. I doubt the same person who chose the colors chose that garish painting. And what's with all the flowers? Are they even real?

As he continued to occupy himself his eyes fell upon two people emerging from a nearby office. The first man was small, mousy, but he had a kind face and Heero instantly wished he were dealing with that man instead of the one flirting with Relena.

As Heeo moved his attention to the second man, everything around him faded away. The only thing he saw was a tall, elegant gentleman with honey colored skin and shiny ebony hair that was pulled back tightly. He wore gold rimmed glasses and his clothes were simple, but even from his distance, Heero could see they were fine quality. The tan pants looked tailored and the black turtleneck fit his torso perfectly, being fitted without looking tight. Who is that? He must be a writer. Maybe I should ask Mr. Saito if he knows----

"And no matter how many times I've set him up, he just won't settle down."

"Artists are very sensitive souls."

Relena and the publisher turned to look at Heero. The publisher's face was full of pity while Relena's was more frustrated. Maybe not. Heero rolled his eyes and turned away from the meddling duo and started to wander in a vague, meandering way towards the two men. If she set me up with someone who looked like him it would be a different story.

Just as Heero was getting close enough to interrupt their conversation, the two men smiled, shook hands and his ebony haired vision disappeared around a corner. Without thinking Heero went after him, but as he turned the corner he saw an elevator door closing, taking the mysterious man with it. Damn it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So what were you and Mr. Saito speaking about?"

"Hmm? Oh, nothing much. Just casual pleasantries."

Heero kept his gaze out the car widow as Relean drove them back to his apartment, missing her dubious look as he recalled the recent conversation with Saito.

"There was a man just a moment ago. Tall, dark hair, glasses. Apparently meeting with someone in your office."

"Hmmm…..oh, it's possible you saw Chang Wufei. Was he with a short man in a grey suit?"

Heero thought about what the other man was wearing and seemed to recall a drab color.

"Yes."

"Definitely Chang. He's one of our most gifted and popular writers."

"I thought I recognized him. I'd love to meet him. Do you think he'd be interested in a gallery opening?"

Mr. Saito brightened up and Heero thought his smile would split his face.

"Mr. Chang loves art of all kinds. I think he'd enjoy it immensely."

"Good. I'll send you the tickets and you'll give them to him. And no need to say who they're from. It's just a token of my appreciation of his work."

Heero smiled at Mr. Saito's eagerness to keep his name a secret. That poor man has no adventure in his life. He probably thinks this is great intrigue. Then again, maybe it will be.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Heero was barely listening to the overdressed woman before him. He smiled and nodded as she chattered on, but what he really wanted to hear was the sound of the voice of the man across the room. He came. And gods, he looks even better. Heero admired the man dressed in black pants and a fitted navy button up shirt that was tucked and unbuttoned just enough. And better yet, he was alone. I've got to get over there.

Heero bowed and abruptly excused himself and headed in a straight, determined line.

"So what do you think?"

Wufei swallowed the wine in his mouth and answered the deep voice beside him while keeping his gaze on the photo before him. He didn't like the pretentious art crowd at the gallery so he was trying not to leave himself open to conversation. Why did Sally have to be late?

"I like his earlier work better. They're more expressive. Emotional."

It was then Wufei turned to the person standing next to him, a polite smile on his face which immediately fell when he saw the sparkling cerulean eyes and crooked smirk.

"Unfortunately I agree with you." Heero saw the lips slightly part in a silent gasp and the honey colored cheeks acquire a rosy tint and his smile grew. "Heero Yuy. And you are?"

"Feeling very sheepish." Wufei let out a shaky laugh. "Um, Chang Wufei. And believe it or not I am an admirer of yours."

"You mentioned my earlier work. How did you come across it?"

Heero assumed Wufei was like most people, coming across his earlier work only after discovering his more recent, mainstream work.

"When I first came to this city I stumbled upon this great little bookstore café and there was a picture on the wall that caught my eye."

Heero chuckled and turned back to look out over the crowd, drinking from his water bottle. So he's just like all the others.

"What's so funny?"

"On the QT, right?"

"Y…yes."

"Was it a picture of some angelic little blonde holding a flower?"

"No. Although I do know that picture as well."

Heero turned back to Wufei, his brows knit in confusion. Whenever someone mentioned his earlier work, or a publication did a piece on him and printed examples of his work, that picture was always there. He used to be very proud of the picture but the overwhelming attention it received tainted his feelings for it.

"The one that caught my eye was the picture of a man lying on a chaise, reading a book. He looks so peaceful and….I don't know…warm. Whenever I look at it I just want to crawl into the picture and join him."

Heero listened to the shy confession and suddenly felt an intense force drawing him to the man standing with him. I have never felt something so strong so instantly like this before. Not even with…. Heero's face softened and he offered a small smile, his voice suddenly wistful.

"Yeah, he has that affect on people."

"You mean the model?"

"He's a friend. I didn't use models back then."

"What made you change your policy?"

Heero scoffed and turned his attention back to the picture before them.

"Money."

He took another sip of water to wash the bad taste that still lingered from his decision. But I had to. I couldn't let his dream die. It was my fault for talking him into it to begin with.

"Upon suggestion of my friend and now publicist I began working with fashion magazines and the like. The result is what you see before you."

Wufei heard the bitterness in Heero's voice and wondered why, if he was as dissatisfied with his work as he seemed, did he continue? I understand the money thing. But surely he can afford to do his own thing now.

Wanting the focus off of him and back to his quarry, Heero changed the subject.

"So what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a writer."

"Ah, a fellow starving artist."

Wufei chuckled and raised his wine glass to Heero's bottle of water in salute.

"I do well enough."

"Well, I've shown you mine, now you have to show me yours."

Wufei's cheeks became warm and he stared at Heero with his cavalier smirk and sparkling eyes and knew he was in trouble. Where the hell is Sally?!

"E-excuse me?"

"Your writing."

"My….oh, yes."

Wufei let a nervous chuckle through and took a much needed sip of his wine, turning his attention forward to the artwork displayed. He had to find a polite way to escape Heero before he made a complete fool of himself. He could feel every fiber of his being calling out for the man next to him. What is wrong with me? I'm acting like some hormonal teenager!

"Heero, there you are! You're being rude to your other guests."

Heero rolled his eyes at the sound of the admonishing voice, turning away from the new arrival who immediately placed herself between Heero and Wufei, a brilliant smile in place.

"Hello, my name is Relena Peacecraft. I'm Heero's publicist."

"H-hello. Chang Wufei."

As relieved as he was for an opening to escape Heero, the friendly blonde woman was making him nervous, standing very close and smiling too broadly.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Chang. I hope you're enjoying the gallery."

Wufei took a step back and managed a polite smile now that he wasn't practically nose to nose with Relena.

"I am."

"Have you seen the statue exhibit yet?"

"No, I---"

"Oh, well then you simply must." Relena hooked her arm into Wufei's and the pair turned to face Heero who was scowling. "Sorry to steal him away, Heero, but I do believe that Ms. Fuji is waiting for you." Relena pointed to a tall, sleek beauty with long black hair dressed in a slinky black dress. Wufei had to keep from cringing. She looks like she wants to eat Heero alive.

"Relena, I told you not---"

Relena leaned into Heero and her cheery polite voice dropped and she whispered harshly, her smile fading in her impatience.

"And I've told you, it's all part of the game. I can only represent you so much. You must interact with buyers and critics."

Relena exhaled sharply and returned her attention to Wufei, her happy demeanor back in place.

"Shall we, Mr. Chang?"

Heero watched helplessly as Relena led Wufei away. Damn it, Relena. Heero sighed and just as he was about to turn and face the woman Relena had indicated, he felt a hand sliding over his shoulder. He started and turned to see green eyes fixed on him, accompanied by an almost feral smile.

"Ms. Kurasawa. How nice to see you again."

"Heero, how many times have I told you? Call me Fuji."

The woman stepped into Heero and regarded him with half lidded eyes, turning just before their lips would have touched and looked up at the photograph in front of them.

"You have such an eye for the human body, Heero." To emphasize her statement, she leaned back into Heero. Damn it, Relena!

To be continued….