Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ And the Two Shall be as One ❯ Chapter 3

Title: And the Two Shall Be as One

Author: ShitaeTenshi (shitaetenshi@hotmail.com)

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing

General Warnings: AU, some OOC (trying to keep that to a minimum), angst, sap, supernatural and just about everything else

Summary: It's the beginning of Duo, Trowa and Quatre's fourth, and final, year at OZ University, located in the picturesque town of Sanq. But a shadow lies over the three friends as they return, a shadow that formed during their break, a shadow that stretches back to a past life none of them remember.

Rating: R

Spoilers: Urm, not really sure

Pairings: 2+3+4, 1+5, 2xH at beginning of fic, eventual 1+2+3+4+5, 2+H, 1x2x1, possibly others as well

Quick Key

“blah” speaking

`blah' thoughts

 

—

 

“Morning guys,” Duo called around a mouthful of toast as Trowa and Quatre entered the small kitchen. He pushed off of the counter he'd been leaning against, getting out of their way.

 

“Morning Duo,” Quatre absently returned the greeting, digging out his mug while the automatic coffee maker shut off.

 

“Any plans today Duo?” Trowa fished out a small frying pan, placing it on an open burner before going to the fridge. He expertly cracked three eggs, only pausing to ask if anyone else wanted some. The other two politely declined.

 

Duo gulped down his juice, washing down the toast before answering. “Figured I'd get my books today then swing by an' see if Hilde's back.”

 

Quatre shot him a sharp look, catching the slight change in his voice. “Things alright between the two of you?” He slid around Trowa, getting the milk for his coffee. “They seemed fine at the end of last semester.”

 

“I … ah … didn't exactly see her as often as she wanted.” He swirled the cup, watching the designs in the liquid. “Didn't help that she'd stop by right after … well…”

 

“One of the dreams,” Quatre finished for him. “I hope you can fix things; you both suit eachother.”

 

Duo half-grinned, “Thanks Quatre.” He popped the last piece of toast in, drowning it as he drained the remainder of his juice. Quickly rinsing it out and putting it back he headed out of the kitchen. “Catch you later guys! Morning Wufei!” Duo vanished down the hallway, the outside door slamming shut just as Wufei entered the kitchen.

 

He glanced over his shoulder as he leaned against the doorjam. “Is this … typical?”

 

Quatre laughed as he stirred his coffee. “For Duo to be up and chipper this early, yes. No matter how little sleep he gets he's always up early. And cheerful.”

 

Trowa spooned out his scrambled eggs, carefully placing them onto his plate. “We've tried. Numerous times.”

 

A strained silence overcame the room as Wufei watched the two friends have their breakfast. Quatre finally broke the silence.

 

“What's bothering you Wufei?” He watched the Chinese man from over the rim of his mug, his eyes unreadable.

 

Wufei met the gaze, his own eyes equally undecipherable. “The three of you seem rather … welcoming to someone you only met yesterday.”

 

“We're sharing a house,” Trowa pointed out, one shoulder rotating in a half-shrug. “Why make it difficult?”

 

“Duo and I are rather outgoing anyways,” Quatre added. “And it does help when you're new somewhere.”

 

Trowa chuckled, remembering back. “Duo grabbed you by the cuff of your shirt when he first met you, didn't he.”

 

Quatre ducked his head, hiding a faint blush of embarrassment. “Well, yes. But it worked out.” He finished his coffee, face going serious as he placed down his mug. “When our other housemate arrives we'll have a meeting. We'll need to come up with a cleaning schedule and a list of house rules. It's to…”

 

“Stop any disputes before they can happen.” Wufei nodded in agreement. “I have no objections.”

 

“Good!” Quatre beamed at him, placing his rinsed mug back in the cupboard. “For right now, pots and pans are communal; you use it, you wash it. Mugs are personal but cups are free for anyone to use. Food, unless labeled, is also for everyone. We often get an interesting mixture of “free food”.”

 

Grinning wryly, Trowa scrubbed the pan he'd used. “That's an understatement. Last year you could find miso soup next to burrito's and pancake batter.”

 

Wufei couldn't stop the chuckle at that mental image. `The bonds they've forged are strong. Maybe strong enough.' A faint psychic thread attempted to reach the house, howling in frustration as it encountered Wufei's barrier. He smiled, not missing Quatre's sharp glance. `You'll have to try harder than that,' he mentally snarled, preparing to fight the intruder. The distant presence withdrew for now.

 

—

 

Humming to himself, Duo balanced his short stack of books on one hand as he rang the doorbell.

 

“Just a minute!” Bare feet slapped against a hardwood floor as the occupant ran for the door. Duo smothered a grin as Hilde yanked the door open, her tank top falling off one shoulder and her hair everywhere. “Dou!” She skidded to a stop, blinking in shock. “Come in. I'm still in the middle of unpacking; wasn't expecting anyone.” She moved to one side, giving Duo just enough room to brush past. “Didn't think I'd see you so soon.” She leaned against the closed door, head cocked to one side as she watched him.

 

Dropping his books on the only free table space, Duo carelessly shrugged. “Figured I'd surprise you,” he threw over a shoulder, surveying the chaos. “Did you bring everything?” he joked, laughing.

 

“Ha ha.” Hilde slapped the back of his head, walking to the kitchen. “What brings you here?”

 

“I, ah, wanted to apologize for the summer.” Duo sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

 

Placing her carton down, she turned to face him. “Really. This better be one heck of an apology.” She folded her arms, one hip braced against the oven door.

 

Immediately dropping to his knees, Duo clasped his hands together, his face pleading. “Most beauteous and generous of all women, please find it within your kind heart to forgive this lowly, unworthy and insignificant male. He has no excuse for his behavior and finds even words fail him at the sight of your glorious countenance.” He nestled his still clasped hands under his chin, eyes as pitiful as he could make them as he stared up at her.

 

She never stood a chance. Hilde tried vainly to keep from laughing as she gazed down at Duo who hadn't moved once he finished. Her eyes started twinkling under his constant assault, lips twitching as she fought to keep them straight. With a full-body laugh she lost it, doubling over as the mirth spilled out. “Alright already, apology accepted! Please stop that!”

 

Duo's attitude changed in a flash, grinning wildly as he sprang up. The two spent the remainder of the day getting Hilde settled into her apartment, taking a brief break for lunch.

 

—

 

The shadowy figure of a man paced within a darkened room, his steps crisp with suppressed rage. He stopped mid-step, his foot poised in the air. Slowly the foot lowered as the head raised, the man staring at some unseen object. As suddenly as he stopped, he turned, leaving the dark room.

 

—

 

Dusk had fallen by the time Duo made it back to three Pearl Street. An unknown vehicle, presumably the fifth housemate's, seemed to glare balefully at him as he bounded up the side steps. Still giddy from his visit with Hilde, Duo stuck out his tongue at it, grinning when the car seemed to jerk back in surprise. He turned to continue up the steps when he froze, turning to face the car once more.

 

An ordinary car, slightly sportier than most students could afford, sat in the house's parking lot.

 

“Okay Maxwell,” Duo muttered, rubbing his eyes, “you have got to find out what's goin' on.” The car remained unpersonified as he stared at it a third time.

 

The side door slapped open, preventing any further observations. “So you're joining us for dinner tonight I see.” Trowa stood in the doorway, light spilling out around him. “Come on, it's getting cold.”

 

Duo grinned in thanks as he climbed the remaining steps. “Take it I've got dish duty then.” Trowa just snorted. “I'll take that as a yes. So who's our final housemate?”

 

“Heero Yuy. He arrived about half an hour after you left.” Trowa closed the door, automatically locking it. “There's … something strange about him.”

 

“Oh?” Duo glanced up momentarily, spooning sauce onto his plate, practically drowning the noodles. “Whadda ya mean?”

 

Trowa shook his head, frustrated he couldn't pin down just what it was. “I don't know but Quatre sensed it too. Just like with Wufei.”

 

“Thought there was something off about him,” Duo muttered, grabbing a fork. “Glad it's not just me. What did Quat suggest?”

 

“Wait and see.” Trowa sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Everyone is in the study room. We'll have the meeting while you eat.” The two headed out of the kitchen towards the side room, dubbed the study room when the three had first learned of its acoustic dampening abilities. Trowa pushed the door open, the voices of the others, especially their last housemate, now audible.

 

The blood froze in Duo's veins when he heard that voice, exactly the same from his nightmares. Then one small difference filtered through, thawing him with relief. Yes, the voices were similar, almost identical. But this person … sounded warmer. Duo absently wondered if their hands would be warm, quickly shaking his head to clear the image. `Focus, Maxwell.'

 

“Come on Duo,” Quatre interrupted the conversation, jumping up to help his friend. “We've been waiting for almost an hour now.” His face grew concerned as he drew closer. “Did something happen?” Worry radiated from his eyes.

 

Forcing some cheer into his voice Duo shook his head. “Nah, nothing to worry about. I probably just overdid it helping Hil. You must be Heero!” Duo grinned as the only unknown person turned to face him. “Pleased to metcha! Sorry I can't shake yer hand but …” He shrugged, indicating his plate, not feeling all that guilty.

 

Heero nodded gravely, his face strangely serious. For a second Duo was reminded of the car's expression but the moment passed. Then a portion of his mind clicked as he sat down. `I've felt this before; last night, when I knew Wufei was talkin' to someone. This is the guy he was talkin' to. But Tro just said he got here this morning. Curiouser and curiouser I believe is the expression.' He brought his wandering mind to task, focusing on their yearly meeting.

 

—

 

A/N

And part three is up! WooHoo! Just to warn people, I don't know how often I'll be able to update this; two full-time jobs, apartment to keep up, friends to see, other hobbies to do, I'm sure most of you get the picture. But don't despair! When I start a fic I have a definite ending in mind so no fic will languish unfinished forever (it will just feel like it). As always, reviews are welcome, especially critiques, any flames will be used to make smores.