Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Angel Heart ❯ Chapter 8-In the Twinkling of an eye ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Title: Angel Heart
Author: Eternal Spark aka Sparky aka Carol Edwards
Pairings: 6x3, 1x4, 5+2/5x2, RxOcc
Disclaimers: Don't own. Won't sell. Can't…cause they ain't mine.
Warning: Alternative Universe, Drama, Language, NCS, Angst, Consensual sex as the story progresses.
Achived: if you want, but please ask first.
Hosted at: Dreamer's Isle - www.geocities.com/dreamersisle, Fanfiction.net and a couple of others
Comments: You better or I will kill you!! *Grabbing a stunned Heero for back up*
Email: dreamersisle@yahoo.com
Notes: Okay Wu and Du believers! ^_^;;; I know…I know. I promised this to you guys a while ago. Life stinks and then you have people that believe in you and you bust your butt until you finish what you started. I really hate to admit it but this is my favorite chapter and yes it is going to be long as hell. It was worth every page, pencil and eraser. Now about this chapter: Hijinks at it best! But there is also SAP!! Lots and lots of SAP!! Honey bees ain't got nothing on me. Giggle! Silverfox (I miss you, imouto!!) returns as my co-plottress and the lovely Cassima as my beta! Life doesn't get any better than this. This chapter is dedicated pannypunk!
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Angel Heart
Chapter 8: In the twinkling of an eye
The company inside the cab was getting unbearable. Pissed off because he had just missed Quatre, Heero was happy to obtain Duo's address from Quatre's bodyguard. Now they were on their way to Duo's house which Heero knew was terrifying Wufei. It was bad enough Wufei wouldn't admit his feelings but to be going to said “home of secret love interest” was driving Heero nuts. Each stop sign or changing traffic light darkened Wufei's mood even further.
“Yuy, when we get out of this car, I'm gonna kick your ass so far, your breath will smell like shoes for a week!”
Heero just shook his head and looked out at the window, praying he would catch Quatre in time to apologize.
~****~
Aquamarine eyes focus on the staircase as Duo causally came down his stairway clothed in a black silk muscle shirt, baggy white pants that hung low on his slim hips and white polo sneakers. His long chestnut hair was braided in his typical style and hung low down his back. Quatre had to whistle at the beautiful boy. Duo just blushed as he yelled to his brother he was leaving, grabbing a black jacket out from the hall closet.
Treize grinned yelling, “Have fun, you two.”
“Well….” Quatre began, closing the door behind Duo and locking it shut, “The guys were just at my house. This is going to be so much fun. They haven't the foggiest idea what we're planning.”
“So how are we going to get there?”
Quatre grinned as he pulled keys from his pocket-BMW keys. “In style. How else?”
Duo choked in shock. “Quat-chan! You can't keep spoiling me like this!”
“No?” The pout on Quatre's face was priceless.
Duo's heart melted in spite of himself and the silliest smile bloomed on his face. “But since you're doing it…”
The two boys laughed so hard as they walked down the walkway. Quatre led Duo to his car, being the perfect gentleman and closing Duo's side before he came around and jumped in the driver's side.
“Um…Quatre-kun?”
“Eh?” Quatre replied as he started up the bimmer.
“You really think Wufei likes me?”
Quatre pulled out and started down the road with ease and precision. He answered Duo when they got on the highway. “Hai! He's got that look in his eyes whenever you're around, Duo. Even when someone just mentions your name, Wufei reacts. Then there is the fact that he blushed a lot when I talk about you.” Quatre looked out of the corner of his eye, smiling at the rosy hue on Duo's checks. Wufei was such an idiot that it wasn't funny. Shaking his head, Quatre just stepped on the gas and zoomed down the road unaffected at the speed limit or the screaming passenger as he zoomed by. His thoughts were getting jumbled again. H knew he loved Heero…but…Duo….
The air felt so good to Duo as the wind was blowing his braid behind him, flapping it from side to side. “There are so many things he doesn't know about me. What if he tries to touch my hand, Quat, or tries to kiss me?” That thought just made Duo blush more.
The BMW was going eighty miles per hour down a 45 mph road. Quatre was just humming to himself, quietly listening to Duo. “Look…just because of a past, that doesn't mean that he shouldn't like you. It made you who you are today. And even if he doesn't, he's the jerk. But you have nothing to worry about anyway. He'll like you because that just the way he is. Duo? Are you listening?”
Duo was fiddling his thumbs in his lap, afraid to look up. “You sound so confident.” He shook his head. “Relationships and me don't mix.”
Loud laughter forced Duo to look up. Quatre grinned, eyes still on the road. “That's how I am. When it comes to other people's problems, I'm great at solutions. My own though, that's a different matter.”
Duo noticed the change in mood and Quatre's eyes were glittering a little. “But Heero loves you, Quatre. He was always staring at you in class. Kind of like the way I stared at Wufei…”his thoughts went off track as he shook his head, “…but we're talking about you! Heero is highly intelligent just like Wufei and Fei so nice and his hair…”
Duo closed his mouth. Thoughts of Heero kept making him think of Wufei. He was supposed to be helping Quatre's odd mood.
Quatre giggled at the love struck boy. “He is. I'm still wondering why I didn't fall for Wufei first instead of Heero.” He laughed a bit at that fact. Must have been fate when he saw the handsome boy on the final inspection on their house. From that point, Quatre couldn't get Heero out of his mind. He had lost, lost to a pair of beautiful Prussian eyes and messy chocolate hair. “Seems like fate to me.” Quatre mused, “Now about that gorgeous ebony mane of his-You do know how he complains about girls primping, but he takes about three hours in the bathroom to fix that hair.”
Snickers filled the car, each boy visually seeing Wufei's beauty habits and other things their ebony haired friend did as they continued on down the road.
~***~
“What?”
Treize snickered at the two teenagers before him. He felt so bad for them as he tried to keep a straight face. The Chinese boy looked too cute for words. His ebony eyebrows were scrunched up, looking like a pissed off elf from a fairy tale. This was the one his brother had a crush on. Good taste, Duo! By the look of things, the blonde boy had the shaggy haired one running on a wild goose chase. Treize had overheard the discussion while Duo was cooking earlier. It would be fun to see how this was going to turn out.
“Well lads, Duo and Quatre left for Newstar around fifteen minutes ago. I suggest you meet them there.”
“Thank you, sir. Sorry to disturb you.” Heero turned around as Treize softly closed his door. Treize leaned against the door not moving from his spot while shaking his head. Those boys just wasted 15 bucks on a two cabs.
Wufei growled, folding his arms over each other as he looked down the road. He did not even want to look at Heero. “Now what, oh brilliant leader?”
Heero rolled his eyes. “Well Fei, we have no choice. Gotta go to Newstar.”
“You owe me big time, Heero. I don't believe this shit!”
From his window, Treize watched as the two boys hailed another cab. Persistence was the key to any relationship.
~***~
What do rides, junk food and a touch of magic equal to? Well to Quatre, it could only mean one thing: complete happiness. You had to feel it and Quatre couldn't help himself from not feeling it. While he was pulling the roof back up on his bimmer, he peeked back at Duo who was looking around like the energizer bunny. There were people of every nationality in the parking lot, like colors of the rainbow brought to life. All were coming together for a purpose. Families, friends, and couples all wanting a taste of magic to last them a lifetime.
It is said that if you grab the ring on the Ferris wheel, and make a wish that it would come true. Duo vowed to find his ring and obtain his gift of enchantment. He wished with all his heart. In his dream, his lover and him sat together on top of a Ferris wheel, staring at the stars, committing themselves to each other. He would be in the dream lover's arms, finding the peace and tranquility that he longed for so long. Theirs would be a love without bounds and just looking into those dark eyes, everything would be alright.
His daydream was so vivid and Duo didn't hear Quatre walk up behind after the blonde had checked all the car doors, making sure they were locked.
Quatre smiled, appreciating their identical heights. Yes. This was going to be fun. “Come on. Let's go get stamped, Duo.”
~***~
The walk from the parking lot didn't take long and Duo stood with Quatre on line just as Heero and Wufei arrived at the Newstar amusement park. The cab honked farewell, and the two boys turned, walking through the parking lot.
“When I get my hands on that brat…”
“Calm down, Fei. We know they're here so we just have to look for them.”
“Great!” Wufei yelled, throwing his hands up in the air with his dark eyes darkening in his anger. “Just great, Heero. Wonderland is huge. They could be anywhere!”
Heero just crossed his arms, one finger raised and tapped against his chin. “Not really. They've only had a fifteen minute lead on us.”
Wufei could only roll his eyes at his idiot brother in law. “But Quat's driving!”
“Oh yeah! I forgot about that.”
Slapping a hand against his forehead, Wufei grumbled as he grabbed Heero by the collar and pulled him along. “Let's go, you love sick idiot!”
~***~
The lines were long since Quatre didn't call in advance for tickets but that wasn't a problem. As long as he hung out with Duo, nothing was a problem. He was too busy thinking of ways to get even with Heero to think of anything else. “We have to play the part to a tee, Duo. Understand?”
“Yes, Quat. I understand.” Duo's patience was wearing thin waiting for the line to move. How long did it take for someone to pay for a ticket and get stamped? Man! You would think they were going to see the president or something.
An announcement sounded over the loud speaker stating Angela Vega, one of the singers from the Pokemon album, would be there tonight in the Starlight stage for the season opening. One lucky couple was going to get first row seats, go on stage to sing with the lovely star and be treated like a king for the entire day.
Duo's eyes popped out. “THE ANGELA VEGA?!?! OH MY GOD!!! Quatre, we have to go to that concert! She is like one of my favorite singers!!”
With Duo bouncing up and down on Quatre like that, how could he resist? He looked to the side a minute and saw Heero and Wufei getting on their line. A smirk crept up on his face. Duo didn't even see the guys because he was too busy bouncing with excitement.
“We're almost there! We're almost there!” Duo exclaimed.
Quatre continued smirking, totally agreeing with him but in a totally different way.
~***~
The time was six pm. Heero and Wufei had wasted most of the day running after two idiots that were probably in the park already. Wufei sighed wishing he had never picked up the phone this morning. Looking to the side to see if the line was actually moving, a peculiar head of platinum blonde caught his eye. “Hey! Isn't that Quatre?”
Heero looked over to side, staring in the direction Wufei was looking in. He smiled and was totally relieved the two bandits didn't get in yet. “Come on, Fei. I've got to apologize to Quat.”
The frown on Wufei's face did not look pretty. “I'd rather kill him.”
“Fei?!?!?”
~***~
Quatre wanted to laugh at Duo's impatience and smirked, grinning internally in anticipation. “Just a little closer, Heero-kun. Just a little closer….” The blonde moistened his lips, tasting the strawberry lip-gloss with the tip of his tongue. His arm slinked around Duo's waist as he drew closer to Duo. “I'm so happy we're the same height, Duo.”
“Huh?” Duo still was wondering what was going through that boy's head. A bunch of kids ran by him, stamp already on their hands, giggling to finish their fun. Ah, the joy of youth. Then he growled in frustration. “I wish this line would hurry up already!”
“So impatient, Duo-kun. But did you hear me just now?”
“About us being the same height? Yeah, why?”
“Because of this…”
Duo didn't even get a chance to answer. Soft pink lips were on his mouth, tasting so gentle, and yet were so sweet and exotic. Duo could hear voices approaching from behind yet the firm hand on the mid of his back stopped him, keeping him still to enjoy the taste just a little longer. The hand slipped slowly down his back causing shivers to run up his spine. Just when he thought the hand was going lower, the touch arched away from his body leaving Duo's lips red and swollen.
“Gomen! Quatre-kun! I'm sorry about the…” Heero choked on his words, his eyes white from a cross between pain and shock.
Quatre just moved back, brushing Duo's lower lip with his thumb. He bit his lip, slightly dizzy. They were wonderful. He would have continued kissing Duo if Heero's voice hadn't broken him out of his trance and back to the game. “Eh? Oh hi Heero.” Quatre looked between Heero's and Wufei's shocked faces. “What are you doing here? You and Wufei on a date too?”
Duo looked at Quatre stunned. He touched his lips in disbelief. It had been very long time since he was last kissed. That was not just a friendly kiss either. He turned to Wufei, who was standing there, taken back by what he just saw.
Wufei was shocked alright or rather in shock. One eye was twitching up a storm. “Q-Q-Quatre?!”
If Quatre regretted his actions, he showed no indication of it. “What's wrong, Wufei?”
Wufei wanted to punch the smile off that face. How dare he kiss Duo before he did?! He couldn't let the guys know though. Pride covered his mood as he grumbled. “Nothing, you brat. NO! Heero and I are not on a date.”
“Really?” questioned Quatre. “That's too bad. Could have been a double date.”
Wufei sputtered while Duo walked up to the counter to get his ticket. He jumped when the loud speakers thrummed to life playing “WONDERLAND” across the park. Newstar staff surrounded him, popping out of nowhere, while grabbing his hands in congratulations.
Quatre turned in shock. He had given Duo the money to get the tickets when they got on the line. He didn't expect to win a contest. The Winner streak of luck was on his side again. Duo just looked so cute, a rosy blush settling across his cheeks as he turned to look at Quatre in total shock. A special stamp was place on both Quatre and Duo's hand and then the park's staff went back to their post giving Duo special instructions to be at the stage at 8:30 pm.
Duo just stood there stupid but excited. “I don't believe this. It's a miracle.” Nothing could have been better and then he saw it. “GASP! Quat-kun! Look!!!”
Blinking, Quatre thought Duo was talking about the merry go round that was directly in front of them. He thought wrong.
“Not the merry go round, Quat. There! The Coaster!”
Quatre almost had a heart attack. He had to rub his eyes before he believed what he was seeing. The mechanic monstrosity looked like it was from the darkest imagination of hell. Human hands could not have made that demon of beams and steel. But how could Quatre say no when Duo was jumping up and down like an idiot wanting that thing to be his first ride.
“I have to go on that first!” Duo ignored Wufei and Heero as he grabbed Quatre and ran like a maniac into the park entrance, swearing to get on every single ride before the night was over.
Sweatdropping and staring at the disappearing figures, Wufei's level of “pisstivity” was at an all-time high to the point that he couldn't move. “Can't believe it. I can't fuckin believe this!” His anger turned on Heero! It was his fault anyway. “Quatre likes Duo, Heero!”
Heero was still stuck on stupid. “He can't. Quatre is supposed to like me?!” This was not real. Heero pinched himself, still not believing. “Are we in the twilight zone or something?”
This was only making Wufei angrier. He grabbed Heero by the collar, determined to not leave Quatre and Duo alone for one second.
~***~
They had finally got to the counter, paid for their ticket and were now finally free to roam the party at their leisure. But something really didn't make sense to Wufei. This whole day was like one big game. “Heero, I don't know but either we're really really dense or those brats are playing us like fools!”
Heero blinked at Wufei, whose face was still red from his earlier shock finally caught on. It had to be the only explanation for Quatre's strange behavior.
“And knowing our dear Quatre…”
“I'm way ahead of you, Fei. I betcha it was just to get revenge on me. Sigh. That boy. Well, two can play this game, huh Fei-kun?”
Wufei moved back a step. He didn't like the smile on Heero's face.
~**************************************************************** ****************~
After riding the merry go round twice, getting a quick shot picture at the entrance and assuring Duo that they had to wait for four hours before they were developed, Quatre was starting to get antsy. Heero and Wufei were still in the area and hot on their trail. Every place they stopped, Heero and Wufei were not too far behind. The two had just popped out of the arcade and were now standing in the same line Quatre and Duo were a few minutes ago for lemonade.
“Shit!” Quatre thought, “Wufei's not fooled.” Quatre turned to Duo, who was talking to some kids, giggling along with them while they stood in line for the twirl a whirl ride. Duo looked so innocent. Quatre sighed. He had an idea what to do but he had to get Wufei's attention or else it wouldn't work. The ride stopped and he grabbed the braided boy's hand gently pulling him along as Duo sipped his drink. “Okay Duo, what ride?”
Duo innocently pointed to the coaster.
Quatre growled as he mentally cringed. He had tried to get Duo away from that damn coaster. Sighing in resignation, Quatre pulled Duo straight towards the outrageous line of the dreaded “Viper.” Mind you, the line was twice the size of the park itself. They would be there all day but the moment they got on one of the park's staffers stopped them, looked at their special wristbands and ushered them to the special line.
All Quatre could do was swallow hard at his impending doom. Could things get any worse?
It did.
Wufei and Heero had decided to get on the same line. Quatre had totally forgot that Wufei and Heero were legacies for the park and they had special privileges also. Perfect. “Good.” Quatre thought. He turned towards Duo, mentally apologizing and whispering something into the longhaired boy's ear. Duo turned and Quatre's right hand gently caressing the side of his face as Duo leaned in. Lips merged yet again, touching so gently as tongues slowly intertwined around themselves, dual essences mingling over, under and back again.
Blood spurted from Wufei's nose, while he pointed to Quatre's and Duo's “French lesson.” “I am not doing that with you, Heero!”
Giggling within the kiss, Quatre enjoyed Duo's soft moans, drawing more sounds from the boy while playing with his hair. MMM! Quatre was in heaven. “Think that fooled them, Duo?”
Duo couldn't response. He was too busy trying to stop his head from spinning.
Heero just yelled at Wufei, grabbing him by the collar and started cutting the line.
Quatre was snickering up a storm, listening to the angry hordes behind him. But his snickering ceased the closer he and Duo got to the ride. “I hope dinner doesn't make a reappearance.”
Duo looked at Quatre worried. The boy was looking a tad ill. “Quat, you don't look so good. You don't have to go….”
“Naah! I'm not going to let you go on alone. S'what friends are for, right?” He was greeted by one of Duo's special smiles and that was answer enough as Quatre gladly gave one in return.
Duo took the initiative this time, kissing Quatre lightly on the lips and pulled Quatre's arm to draw the boy closer to himself.
Quatre looked stunned. He didn't even care about the woman yelling at Heero and Wufei behind him, who was still cutting the line to get to them. Duo kissed him this time. Sighing, he leaned closer, folding his arms around Duo in a tight hug. “Oh well.” Blushing a bit, Quatre whispered in Duo's ear telling him to look at Wufei arguing with the same woman they heard behind him. It seemed the plan was working better than Quatre thought. Sighing softly, he thought of their next ride. “I think we should try the tunnel of love next.”
Duo giggled, watching Wufei scream “ONNA” at the irate woman while Hero pulled him away before security was called. “The secret of the roller coaster for a beginner, Quatre, is to sit in the middle. This is so you don't see the drop.”
“Will you hurry up, Wufei? They're getting away!”
Quatre ignored Heero's outburst, letting go of Duo to ask him a question. “You want the middle?”
By that time, Wufei had growled at the onna and caught up with Heero. They were now standing right behind Quarte and Duo.
Quatre was still blinking in shock to Duo's response, rolling the double meanings of his answer within his mind.
Wufei, on the other hand, had just come on the end of the conversation, staring in confusion. “Huh? Middle?!?”
The blush on Wufei's face betrayed his thoughts and just added to Quatre's fire. “Ecchi!” Quatre exclaimed. “He meant the roller coaster!”
Wufei was jealous. Duo could see it as plain as day. His violet eyes glowed with wonder for the Chinese lad, about to turn the meter up a notch with his next statement. “Yup! I like the middle of a roller coaster…among other things.” Duo let that hang in the air causing stunned faces to look back at him. He just smiled, letting the guys interpret the hidden meanings any way they wanted.
Quatre just stuck out his tongue catching on to Duo's mischievous tone. “You were thinking naughty thoughts, weren't you Wufei. Too bad.” He then turned, hugging Duo's arm while leaning his head unto Duo's shoulder. “He's my boyfriend now. You snooze, you lose.”
The words were like a punch in the stomach. All the air went out of him as Wufei blinked confused between Duo and Quatre. Then those ominous words set in full force within his mind. “WHAT? BOYFRIEND?!?”
Duo smiled, twirling a piece of chestnut around his finger watching Wufei's face turn colors before his eyes. Boy was the Chinese boy mad.
It still didn't compute in Wufei's mind. He glared at Quatre. Why the hell was he doing this to him? “But you like Heero?!” Wufei yelled. “Why the hell are you going out with Duo?”
“Because I want to!” Quatre retaliated.
Fei's eyes turned dark as night. “You fuckin player! Quatre, I don't know what's going on but once I figure out what's going on in that damn scherzo brain of yours, I'm gonna kill…”
“Kill?” The hardness in Quatre's voice caused everyone within his or her sight to stop and stare. Quatre didn't even care who looked as long as he said his peace. “Why should you kill me for appreciating him? No one else does.”
Wufei stopping in mid rant while Duo yelled, “Yeah! I deserve some appreciation!”
Letting go of Duo's arm, Quatre walked over to stand directly in front of Wufei and looked him straight in the eye. “You want him, Wufei?”
Duo stared at Wufei intensely. Wufei just turned redder and redder, unable to response to the pressure or by the beauty of the intense violet eyes. He was about to say something when Duo cut him off, grinning like a maniac. “Whoops! Time's up! Gotta go!” Duo then ran like a little kid in a candy store since the last two seats on the ride were available and Duo ran to get them.
Quatre grinned, turning into genki-mode, giving both Wufei and Heero a victory sign. “You'll have to beat me for him.” He then hopped into the coaster next to Duo not giving a damn about his phobia as they both waved goodbye while the coaster began its trek up the metal slope.
Heero was still confused but Wufei was worse, staring as the coaster shot forward, increasing speed. “N-No way…”
“Now…I am confused.”
Fists curled so tight they looked ready to draw blood. Never in his life had Wufei felt so angry towards a friend. Quatre may have teased him but never like this. It was never to the point of competition. “You don't get it, Heero?”
“Hell no?! I'm still stuck on the boyfriend part!”
Wufei couldn't even look at Heero. “Let me explain. Those two are going out with each other until we tell them. In other words, we have to give them a reason not to go out!!” Revenge tickled through his mind. He really wanted to beat the shit out of Quatre.
Heero, on the other hand, blew his anger on Wufei instead of rationalizing the situation. “What? Wufei, I have no problem explaining myself. You, on the other hand…You better tell Duo or else!”
“Me?” Wufei yelled, allowing people to pass by them in line, “You started this bullshit! Pissing off that little asshole of a master mind off!”
“It was an accident! I didn't mean to hang up the phone on Quatre! But this is beyond Quatre. I can handle that! But this little confrontation boils down to you! You have let Duo know how you feel!”
“What? What makes you think I do, Heero?” Wufei was tired of people making him do things their way. His fucking father was worse! No one forces Chang Wufei to do anything unless he wanted to, whether it was for his own good or not. “What make you think I do? I just don't like to see people used and Quatre is using Duo to the highest level to get back at you!”
Heero folded his arms over his chest in disbelief. “But if you would have simply asked Duo when I asked you this wouldn't have happened!”
So…now Heero was blaming this on him? The bastard! Wufei need air before he punched someone. “I'm going to ride something else. You tell Quatre you like him and if that doesn't work come find me so we can leave!” He stomped off, trying to disappear into the masses, wanting to disappear from everything.
It wasn't going to be that easy though. Heero wasn't going to let him get away so easily. Wufei growled, feeling a familiar hand on his collar. It was embarrassing as he felt Heero try to tug him back on line. All Wufei wanted was to be left alone. He could feel the pain bubble over, trying to escape. He didn't want to go back to that place, a void filled with sorrow and love lost. He whirled around, tears escaping from his eyes in a long time. “LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE OR BY THE GODS I'LL BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF YOU, HEERO!”
Heero faltered a step as Wufei punched him in his chest to get him out the way and ran. He groaned in pain, bending over with his chest hurting from the strength of that blow. He didn't expect that. Damn! They had injured Fei's pride and Heero knew that was one thing you didn't mess with. Wufei did not like to be made a fool of. He sighed, rubbing his chest. Fei should have been on the football team instead of the martial arts team. Boy he had a punch. Heero looked up finally, determination set on his face at his decision. “If you don't have the guts to tell him, I will.”
~***********~
Duo was grinning ear to ear, as he and Quatre exited the ride. The Viper was the bomb! He could still hear Quatre screaming in his ear as the coaster zoomed upside down and did loop de loops! They grabbed each other's hand, giving the other strength. Duo loved it but Quatre…
Poor Quatre was shivering, still clinging to Duo's arm though the ride ended five minutes ago. “That was a blast! It wasn't that bad, was it?”
Quatre still held on to his arm, walking very slowly hiding his face into Duo's shirt.
“Quat-kun?” Something was wrong. “Quat-kun, are you okay?”
“I don't like carnivals.” Quatre's voice was so soft and agitated.
Duo had to stop to try to get Quatre to look up at him. “Why?”
Shaking his head, Quatre slowly released his hands from Duo's shirt. “Ah no reason. Just terrified of coasters to be honest.”
There was more to this than Quatre was letting on. The blonde teenager was sweating and still shaking in Duo's arms. “I'm sorry, Quat. I didn't' know. If I've know you had a phobia with coasters, I would have never suggested the Viper.” Duo pulled the blonde boy into a tight embrace, trying to slow Quatre's racing heart. His cheek caressed Quatre's soft golden hair and he kissed the blonde's cheek. “I feel so bad. After everything you've done for me. Can I make it to you?”
But Quatre stared at the coaster in the distance. Aquamarine eyes were growing sadder and sadder by the seconds. The sun was starting to set as the light began to fade into the horizons. The brilliance of the carnival lights came on, creating pixies of color, dancing with human souls. Quatre could feel Duo's hand brushing his hair, trying to make him feel better. It was a miracle as the words flowed from his pale lips. “It's okay, Duo. I thought I was okay. I guess, you never forget about being forgotten.”
“Quatre?”
Shaking his head from the gloomy thoughts, Quatre looked up into Duo's face. So many emotions flicked in those violet orbs. Quatre couldn't take it. He grabbed Duo's hand, quickly averting his eyes. “Hungry?”
It was too late. Duo had already sensed the depression in Quatre's voice. He needed to reassure his best friend. “Quat-kun. I'll always be here for you. Please remember that.”
Quatre smiled. Duo always knew the right word to say without even realizing it. “Hai.”
“I think we need to cheer us both up.” Pushing Quatre away from him, he grabbed Quat's hand. “We need to go to the arcade!”
Quatre giggled, in spite of his dark mood a few minutes ago, nodding his head genkily in agreement. He had to tell Duo something, he trusted Duo with his life. “It's just that the last carnival I went to was when I was five. My parent had taken my brother Zechs and I for a treat. I was so happy, Duo because it was my first time at one…”
Duo listened attentively as Quatre continued, his face changing again. “But something happened. We got separated. My parents and I…they left the carnival without even noticing I was gone.”
Duo stopped in his tracks and gasped. How the hell could a couple of parents be that stupid?
Quatre laughed not wanting Duo to be upset for the stupidity of his parents. “I wound up in the coaster line much like that one by accident. I got stuck riding the blasted coaster seven times!”
“Quat-kun!” Duo yelled, not realizing he did it until it was too late.
Quatre blinked at him. “Eh?”
“So that why…I'll never ask you to ride anything again!! I promise!”
“Duo! It's okay! I'm fine. It's good to face your fears besides…you can face anything if you have someone to lean on with you.”
“Well, It was brave of you to do that for me, Quat. I'm truly touched. You faced a phobia. I'm proud of you. Now…” Duo nodded genkily, while elbowing Quatre in the side. “No more bad moods around me, ya hear. I only like you when you smile.”
“Nodding a bit, Quatre agreed.
Duo, on the other hand, wasn't finished giving his pledge. “So when your family lets you down, you can have mine. I usually don't share but for you, anything.”
That was good to hear. Quatre looked up at the blinking stars. Night had fallen over Newstar. The scene was striking, looking like something out of a fantasy book, just like Duo. There was a beauty of heart that surrounded his friend and Quatre was proud to be associated with such an angel. “Thanks. Same to you.”
~*****~
After much searching, Heero found the crazy pair sitting in front of the arcade. After the terrible argument with Wufei, he had to think about the whole situation. Heero didn't like what Quatre and Duo had done but they were justified in their actions. Wufei was nowhere to be seen and by the look of things, he didn't want to be found. It was best this way. Fei was too pissed off to think straight and the boy needed time to cool off. That was all his Chinese relative had asked. Making a few pit stops, Heero yelled Quatre's name. “Oi Quat!”
Both Quatre and Duo turned towards the voice. Quatre beamed, his eyes a little watery from the discussion he had with Duo. He prayed Heero didn't want to kill him. “Hi, Heero. We were just going into the…” Quatre's words were cut short when Heero walked up and presented him a giant white teddy bear with round aquamarine eyes. All Quatre could do was look into the eyes at the giant stuffed creature. Heero, not taking no for an answer, grabbed Quatre's hands and pushed the bear into the shocked boy's arms and securing it on his lap. Quatre then watched as Heero bowed before him in apology.
“I'm sorry, Quat. I'm an idiot. Don't hate me.”
Hate him? Quatre didn't hate him. “I don't hate you, Heero…”
Heero smiled, but he then pulled a second gift from behind his back and handed Duo a black teddy bear with striking violet eyes. Duo stared at the bear and back at Heero in shock. Quatre just blushed; ready to tease Heero about flirting with his boyfriend when Heero proclaimed something to Duo.
“Duo. Wufei's a jerk but he's a jerk that is absolutely nuts about you.”
Duo blushed while Quatre blinked in confusion.
“I told him if he didn't tell you, I would.” Turning, Heero then spoke to Quatre. “I'm also nuts about Quatre. I've always been and I don't give a damn who knows.”
Time stopped while Quatre's mouth dropped wide open but that was not the end to Heero's bag of tricks. His aquamarine orbs widened when he saw Heero pull off his senior ring, grabbed Quatre's hand and placed said ring on his small ring finger. The act spoke of commitment.
Heero placed a tender kiss to Quatre's ring finger, lingering on the skin and kissing it gently while he glared into Quatre's eyes and exclaimed, “MINE!”
The white teddy bear dropped to the floor. Quatre couldn't tear his eyes away from the piercing Prussian stare and he looked ready to faint. Luckily for him, Heero grabbed him before he fell to the ground.
Duo laughed in amazement, clapping his hands or rather the black teddy's paws in happiness. “Go Heero!” The quiet football captain finally admitted his feelings! He felt so proud of Heero and Quatre didn't have to doubt anymore.
Quatre felt so guilty. All the plots in the world couldn't stand up to a sincere heart. Maybe Duo was right. Heero probably hung up by mistake and he pushed Duo's buttons to get his revenge. He felt lower than low. “I'm sorry I made you upset, Heero.” He bowed his head too embarrassed by his actions. “The real reason I did this was to get back at you. I also want Fei to stop being a spineless guppy and admit to Duo. I guess in my lunacy I screwed up somewhere.” Sighing, he stood back. “I'd better go find him so I can apologize…”
Heero stopped him before he made another step. “Quat, it wasn't all your fault. Wufei is really pissed off. I made it worse. When he's like that, it was best to leave him alone awhile so he can calm down. But I must admit, it just shows how much of an influence Duo has on him.” He turned to look at Duo who was still blushing from Heero's words. “Don't give up on him, Duo. He's just been through a lot…”
Both Duo and Quatre paused, looking at Heero suspiciously. The football jock stopped in mid sentence. So many secrets lied between the four boys. Even the quiet Wufei had a reason for attitude, hiding a past from his brother in law. The boy through he could hide his secrets from Heero but Heero already knew.
Quatre just shook his head, knowing that Wufei would murder him for frenching Duo.
“You're lucky I don't murder you.”
Quarte cringed, his face looking like a deer caught in headlight. He didn't mean for the words to come out, thinking his words were low enough for Heero not to hear. Fat chance. Sheepishly, he rubbed the back of his neck. “I know. I know. But Heero, Fei is such a hypocrite!”
Duo watched the two, feeling his guilt in the mix. Moments like these were not meant to separate, not when Quatre and Heero had finally gotten together again. Duo made the decision for them. “You two stay here. I'll find Wufei.”
“Huh?” Quatre looked up confused. “It's my fault. I should, Duo. Beside, it's your first time at the carnival. You could get lost.”
“Quatre, I'm a big boy. Besides, I can always get a map and there is one exit and entrance anyway. Trust me, I'll find Wufei.” Duo didn't even wait for their answer, bolting into the crowd with this ponytail whipping behind him. The teddy bear dropped to the ground, bouncing a few times before it settled to its side.
Yelling after the boy and knowing Duo just ignored him in his determination, Quatre just shook his head and sighed. Duo was too far to hear anyway. Quatre looked down on the ground, staring at the black teddy bear. He kneeled, gently picking up the stuff animal, dusting the excess dirt and gravel off its fur. The two bears looked identical, similar in style yet different colors. A mix match pair, it seemed. “He's adorable, Heero.” He poked at the black teddy's nose. “I'm going to name him Duo.”
Heero just smiled, leaning over a few inches to kiss Quatre on his forehead.
Quatre shivered in Heero's arm, hiding his blush within the black bear's fur. “Ne Heero, do you think I should grow my hair out?”
“No.” Heero replied, smiling into Quatre's hair. “I like you just the way you are.”
“Really?' Quatre smiled and looked down at the beautiful ring on his hand. The jewel sparkled as he tilted his hand, reflecting the lamplights. He should have listened to Duo's advice. Heero did love him.
~*****~
Duo walked everywhere, looking at the various sights, and other attractions. Wufei could be anywhere since the park was so huge but he was determine to set things right. He checked his watch. It was still early and Wonderland's lighting was beautiful. Tiny corners offset by darkness were now surrounded in gentle beams of light.
This must have been his miracle. Not too far the said boy in question, the one he was searching for was before his eyes. Wufei was leaning over a stand, playing a popgun game. He seemed to be on a winning streak because besides him stood a huge pile of little plushies. Judging from the height, there had to be at least forty or more little stuffed animals of every shape and form at Wufei's feet. Taking a deep breath, Duo slowly walked over towards the concentrating boy.
Wufei had just dumped another plushie at his feet when he raised his gun again to play another game.
“Saa…that's a lot of plushies.”
Wufei jerked, missing his target for the first time that night since he started after his confrontation with Heero. He blinked a moment, turning to face his interruption and into the surprised face of one Duo Maxwell.
“Whoops. Sorry you missed.” Duo sheepishly replied.
Sighing, Wufei handed the popgun back over to the vendor who let out a sigh of relief. The poor man thought he would be out of business. The man had to admit but that kid had talent with a rifle. Wufei then looked down at his prizes and back up at Duo. “Yeah. Where's Quatre?”
Duo could sense the irritability in Wufei's voice. He knew he deserved it. He decided to take another approach; something to lightened the mood so he could apologize properly. There, on top of the massive plushie mountain, he spotted a dragon plushie. Grabbing it quickly from the pile and putting it in front of his face, he began to talk in a cutesty voice. “So many plushies and no one to give them to.”
Wufei blinked, one eyebrow rose in question at the long haired bishounen's antics.
“They all deserve good homes.”
Wufei gently took the plushie from Duo's hands and then turned looking away towards another game. “I was thinking about handling them out.”
“To the kids?” Duo questioned?
“Yeah.” Wufei muttered, unconsciously playing with the dragon. “Most of the kids that come here can't win at these stupid games because they're rigged. Kids only want the prizes anyway, so it solves two problems at once.”
Duo's heart nearly burst within his chest. His violet eyes glistened over in admiration for the boy before him. Luckily for him, Wufei wasn't looking at Duo while they talked. Duo grabbed the little dragon back from Wufei's hand to hide his flushing face. “Ne Wufei?”
“Huh?” Wufei replied, finally looking up.
“This dragon does not want to be handed out. He wants a nice and kind master.”
Wufei blinked at Duo. He looked down on his pile and back up at Duo. “You can have him.”
But Duo wasn't finished as he continued to speak through the dragon plushie, shaking his head from side to side. “But Dragon says he likes his other master also. The one that saved him for the evil game master.”
Wufei smirked at the vendor's expression, whom's one eyebrow raised in confusion.
“The one who smiles at him when they take class…”
Did he hear that right? Wufei finally looked seriously at Duo. Rather than respond, the Chinese lad took the dragon plushie back from Duo, joining the teenager in this game as he put the little plushie in his back pocket.
That just caused giggles to erupt as Duo smiled. The little dragon looked like it was riding comfortably in that back pocket. Duo turned around cutely, staring off at the ferris wheel.
Wufei studied Duo's profile for a moment. This one boy who made his heart beat triple time with every glance, or the way Duo and Quatre would act around each other. Their little game of cat and mouse. Cat? Wufei looked at his pile of rabbits, dogs, bears and other combinations. Nothing could compare to Duo until Wufei's dark gaze spotted a little cat plushie. He reached, picking up the fluffy pink kitten with large round eyes from the pile. Wufei looked the plushie and then back on Duo. With decision made, he set the kitten on top of Duo's head.
Duo blinked, looking up at the odd object on his head and blushed to his chestnut roots. One hand reached up, grabbing the toy off of his head and flushing even darker that he already was as he watched Wufei ask the vendor for a garbage bag for carrying his booty.
The vendor hastily threw Wufei a plastic bag and the teenager quickly scooped all the remaining plushies into it. “Come on!” Wufei replied, “Let's find Quatre.” Quick hands skillfully went to work as he tied off the end of his heavy load, tossing the weight over his shoulder. “Besides, I have a feeling those two are going to find a nice secluded place to boink.” Wufei then proceeded to walk, motioning Duo to follow.
Duo followed quietly behind, watching the little dragon riding in the pocket of the delicious derriere strutting in front of him. Couples passed, some hold hands while others, attached some way or another on their mate's body. It was only making Duo feel more conscious of the emotional distance between them. What was so hard with telling the person that you cared the most about your feelings? Why was he so terrified to admit to Wufei what he felt? Duo knew Wufei liked him. Quatre and Heero both confirmed that observation. Taking a deep breath, he walked on Wufei's left side and whispered in his ear as close as he could possibly could. “Is it right for a kitten to like a dragon?”
Wufei froze, blinking in his steps as he turned towards Duo. “Nani?”
“Is it right for a kitten to like a dragon?”
Eyes of deep chocolate stared hard into eyes of amethyst. Those eyes never strayed from his dark orbs. “I don't know. I guess…” Wufei dropped his garbage bag and pulled the dragon plushie from his back pocket.
Duo blushed as Wufei proceed to poke the muzzle of his dragon against the mouth of Duo's kitten. Why did that simple action cause a surge of passion within Duo's body cause him to gasp? He swayed, deeply watching Wufei slowly pull the dragon away and once again placing the toy back into his back pocket.
“I think it is.” Humming, a deep blush surfaced over Wufei's face to match Duo's. “Say…why…why are you and Quatre going out? You two are nothing alike. Quatre's vicious, mean an utter prankster…”
“Do you want the truth, Wufei?”
Wufei nodded in reply.
Duo then walked up very close to Wufei, staring deeply into the dark eyes he wanted to fall into. “Because a dragon was afraid to talk to a kitten. Kitty cat got lonely.”
Wufei stared at Duo feeling like the boy had just slapped him in the face. His jaw clenched in anger and he turned, looking away from Duo. He couldn't show Duo how bad it hurt for the lithe boy to say that to him. “So Kitty cat gave up?”
The words seemed to hit a nerve and Duo saw the pain pass across Wufei's eyes. Something had happened emotional to Duo concerning Quatre, something that he didn't quite understand. For the first time since he became friends with Wufei and Quatre, Duo was confused. Rather than answer Wufei directly, he doubled talked his way around the conversation. “I don't know. Kitty cat has a lot of thinking to do.”
That was not the words Wufei wanted to hear. Wufei grabbed his bag again, shifting it and hurrying ahead of Duo. He was pissed yet again. All that he could see before his eyes were the games Quatre and Duo played against him and Heero. The fuckin games again. Fuck the games! “I think I see them over there.”
What had happened? Duo tried to keep in step with Wufei but the boy didn't even bother to look back at him. What did he do wrong? He only told Wufei the truth. He tried to keep up as best he could with Wufei's longer stride. He spotted Quatre & Heero still sitting by the karaoke bar where Duo had left them.
Heero had stopped in his chat session with Quatre and playing with the teddy bears with Quatre when he saw Wufei approaching them. “Yo Fei…What the hell?”
“Plushies!” Wufei growled. “You guys ready to go? I am.” Wufei continued walking right by them.
Quatre blinked at Wufei's strange behavior and asked Duo as the boy walked over to him. “Did you tell?”
“Tell him what?” Heero, Quatre and Duo jumped back from Wufei's outburst. Wufei was more pissed than ever. “That I thought your little joke was funny? Dragging me out of my house on a wild good chase, wasting fucking money, embarrassing myself in front of hundreds of people? You think I like being treated like that? Forget you Quatre! I don't care! All these damn games! I don't say things unless I mean them!”
Quatre didn't know why he did it but it was the last straw. Wufei felt the fist crash into his cheek as he was sent crashing to the ground with a loud thud. Heero and Duo both yelled “No!” as Quatre glared, breathing hard in heavy pants as his rage radiated over him. The blonde hair boy, who was always the bunt of a joke, retaliated. “It wasn't a joke!”
Quatre snarled, still glaring over Wufei's stunned form. “I'm sorry Wufei. I won't meddle in your love life ever again! Excuse me for trying to make you happy!”
Duo tried to touch him but Quatre shrugged off his hands.
“You want to be a lonely old miser?” Snapped, Quatre in his fury. “Fiine! But until you decide to be a damn man and admit what your feel to him, don't you even dare come near him!”
Damn! Heero looked out at the scene like he was outside a box. Wufei was sitting up, just rubbing the soreness from his cheek while Quatre was balling his fists so tight, Heero could have sworn blood was dripping down from the pale boy's palms.
Sadly, Duo shook his head from side to side, holding himself in a tight hug. “Don't! Please don't fight! I know how he feels, Quatre!” The tears were starting to bubble over his lids. Duo's head bowed in defeat. “I know exactly how he feels…”
Whatever anger Quatre felt, died with every tear and every word uttered from Duo's mouth. Soon his erratic breathing even and his aquamarines blinked at Duo's shivering form. “I'm sorry. It's just frustrating to see you two. He likes you, Duo. I know he does yet he won't admit it.” Something was wrong. Duo wouldn't look at him. “Duo?”
Looking back up, Duo looked at his friends. He had caused problems again. Why couldn't he find love? Did his father's curse hold true? He had to get away before he lost his mind. “You see…” He cried his voice cracking as he shakily took a step back. “That's why I can't have anyone…”
Before anyone could say a word Duo bolted running off in tears, not looking back though his heart was cracking.
“DUO!!!”
Wufei got up yelling at Quatre. “Now see what you did?!”
Quatre glared back at the idiot! “If you hadn't been such a damn moron and just told him!”
That just made Wufei snap back. “If you'd keep your nose out of my business this wouldn't have happened!”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP!”
Both Quatre and Wufei quieted and came face to face with an irate Heero. If you thought Wufei was bad when he became upset, Heero was worse. “Look! Shut the fuck up!! Someone better go after him! You two are idiots for arguing over this anyway!!!”
Both boys didn't even attempt to make a comment since Heero's glare was not one to be reckoned with.
Without a second thought, Quatre looked towards the direction Duo left and then took off after him.
It was weird but no one had checked the forecast for the day. Dark rain clouds were slowly covering the moon and the first drops of rain begun to fall to the earth. Heero had to drag Wufei into the doorway of the Karaoke bar before a torrent of water appeared. Wufei wouldn't look at Heero, totally ashamed.
Sighing Heero spoke his mind. “Look Fei. I'm staying out of this for now but that boy is in love with you. Not like, Fei…love. Even I can see that. I know you hate to be pressured but at time like this, I want you to be happy.”
Wufei shook his head not able to look up from the ground from guilt. “Why? Why can't I say it?”
“It's fear, man!” He looked over at Wufei. “Fei, I know about Meiran.”
Dark eyes grew huge as he turned to look up at Heero. Wufei could tell if his brother-n-law was lying and Heero was not lying about this. Wufei didn't understand. He never told anyone about Meiran. Only a few people knew about the deceased girl who was his wife. “Iya. It's ingrained character I think. I want to, Heero. I really do. But every time I try to…something stops me. Duo's words, his face, his expressive eyes…” Wufei reached up, clutching his head as though he had a headache. “I'm so sorry, Heero. I'm so sorry.”
Heero shook his head. Wufei shouldn't be apologizing to him. The dark teenager should be apologizing to the true person who was lost within the rain, the only person who could save Wufei from the Chinese boy's internal storm. Looking out into the rain, Heero whispered a silent prayer.
“Please Lord, bring Duo back for Wufei.”
TBC
~**************************************************************** *****************~
Author's Notes: Thank goodness this is finally done. So did you like it? Did you like the drama in this one chapter? I think the plushies scene is like one of my favorite scenes from this story. ^_^ Talk about given each other pet names.
Duo: ^_^ MEOW!!!
Wufei: So that makes me a dragon. I don't even want to know what Heero and Quatre are going to be.
Sparky: I'm already ahead of that, guys. You will find out their pet names in a future chapter.
Quatre: Yes. ^_^ Sparky-mama and Silver-sama had fun with this chapter and the next one. But they had fun with the entire story. They took romance to the next level!!
Sparky: We did not. We just love you guys so much!! See you next time.
Heero: Hey…but I didn't get to talk especially about Wufei's idiot attitude or the fact that I told Quatre I love him and…!
Duo, Wufei & Quarte: *Blinks not believe Heero is still speaking*
Sparky: Next time, Heero.
Heero: But…
Sparky: Heero…next time.
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