31 days theme exchange: "A small dose of bitterness is a desirable thing"

[tarigwaemir]

A small dose of bitterness is a desirable thing

Heero watched the broadcast with a slight scowl of concentration. Occasionally, he would murmur inaudibly to himself, but Duo was an expert lip-reader and didn't miss a word.

Who negotiated this trade agreement? How idiotic. How do they expect to retain political autonomy without economic independence? Why can't they listen to Quatre?

Duo elbowed him and muttered, "Stop complaining. We're much better off than before."

Heero sighed unhappily and folded his arms across his chest. "This wasn't what we fought for."

"No, it's exactly what we fought for. The chance for negotiation, to be treated as equals, not as inferiors. Five years ago, the Alliance wouldn't have bargained, it would have taken without asking."

Heero glanced up to where the sharp blue earth crescent could be seen despite the artificial lights of the colony sky. "If they're not careful, we'll be right back where we began."

Duo rested his chin on Heero's shoulder and looked up as well. "Well, I'm not worrying."

"Optimist."

"No. I just know that if things go wrong, we can always beat some sense back into their heads." He winked.

Heero rested his head against Duo's for a brief moment then shook him off. "Let's get going."

END

Edit: Revised with suggestions from sub_divided

Comments

[sub-divided.livejournal.com]

I like the idea that what they've achieved isn't utopia, but equal relations. The that wasn't what we fought for conversation is great.

But man, the ending. It's so SAPPY. XD

[troisroyaumes]

XD I reveal my 1x2 fandom roots! Too sappy, do you think? I was writing along and then realized that if I didn't want the fic to turn into a political screed, I should end it quickly and resorted to fluff to do so. (There's such a fine line between an effective ending and a gimmicky one. >_<;;)

[sub-divided.livejournal.com]

Maybe. XD My sap-tolerance is lower than most people's, but at the same time I don't think that's the only reason I am finding it very hard to picture Duo ever saying anything like that. Maybe something more along the lines of scrapily giving the world hell (together! he says with a sharp grin) if things start going south.

[troisroyaumes]

Hmm...that's a good point. I'll have tweak it around a little. ^_^ Thanks for the suggestion!