Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Designed Memories ❯ Having a laugh ( Chapter 5 )

CH: 5 Having a laugh

 

I went back to work, busting my ass trying to keep up with the other guys, to no avail of course. It was nice working alone though, not to have anyone question me about what happened or what any of it meant, not as though Charlie would have asked had he been here. He was quite good at not getting involved in shit he didn't have too.

 

The guys took off after reaching the 25th floor, despite how Mickey hollered at us, towards the end of the week the workflow always tapered down. The guys told me to meet them at O'Brien's as they left laughing at my struggling ass that was only on the 20th floor. I busted my ass for another few hours and was finishing up the 23rd floor.

 

“Man why does it feel like I'm forgetting something?” I questioned myself aloud as I took down the support lines getting ready to pack up and head to the 24th floor. I'd only took down half the lines when I stopped. “Fuck! Jaster!”

 

I dropped from the safety line hitting the ground testing the strength of the floor I'd recently bolted in, thankfully it held fast. I didn't bother with any of the equipment leaving it in the mess it was. Hell I'd be in the same place tomorrow anyway. I impatiently took the lift to the ground floor running like a lunatic to the large generators flipping the switches and shutting them down. I noted my leaving time was around 9pm and ran my ass to the train knowing I couldn't miss it. I felt like such a shit.

 

Jaster would be bored as hell in my place. It was a fuckin box and I had nothing for entertainment. No television, no stereo, a few books on mechanics, physics, and engineering, and a small crappy ass radio that picked up static. I didn't spend a lot of time home so there was no reason to have anything to entertain me there. That's what the bar was for.

 

Luckily I made the train and stood at the door vigorously tapping my foot. Should have built this shitty ass train to go faster. I could have run home by the time the stupid rust bucket made it to my stop. I'd been meaning to get my own means of transportation, but it seemed all my money went to fines and booze, not to mention acquiring a license was not as easy done as said.

 

I trucked it to my apartment, fumbling my keys as I got to the door, swinging it open like a frantic mother learning her child was injured. I let out a relieved sigh seeing Jaster laying half on my futon and half on the floor doing homework of some sort. His bright blue eyes looked up to me.

 

“Hey Uncle Duo! Long day?”

 

“Yeah you could say that.” I replied to his shining smiling face apparently having no idea that I'd complete forgot about him.

 

“Yeah.” He was back to looking at his homework. “Dad said you'd probably be late since he was leaving early and you'd have to pick up his slack and most likely forget that I was coming. That's why I brought my homework.” He was back to smiling up at me.

 

My relief turned to defeat as I guiltily dragged my feet towards the fridge pulling out a beer to slate my ungodly thirst. Goddamn Charlie for knowing me too well and for not being around so I could punch him one. Pissed me off he could get me even when he wasn't around. The bastard.

 

I took a seat next to Jaster. “Whacha workin on there so intently?” I glanced over at the book that was laid in front of him.

 

“Algebra. It's complicated. Coach says I don't need any of that stuff once I go pro, but Dad says he doesn't want me to be stupid like Coach and know only one thing.”

 

I had to laugh. “Yeah that sounds like Charlie and Cliff, but you know Charlie is right on this one. Ya can't be a fuckin idiot ya know.”

 

“But you are and you seem to do fine.” Jaster was again beaming up at me like that was some kind of compliment.

 

“Where the hell did you hear that?” I was not so pleased, but kept most of the harsh edge from my voice.

 

“From Dad.”

 

“Well yer Dad's a fuckin idiot.” I grumbled. Though Cliff and Charlie both were Jaster's dad he was prone to calling Cliff coach and Charlie dad, which did help alleviate a lot of confusion.

 

“But I don't think its fair you know.” I looked over at Jaster's suddenly solemn tone as he carelessly doodled on the page of homework he was working at.

 

“What's not fair?” I found it hard to believe he was that upset about learning or me calling Charlie an idiot.

 

“That all the other colonies and Earth hate you so much.”

 

Shit, I had to run some damage control and fast because Jaster was sounding like he was going to let out the water works; the kid was uber sensitive about things sometimes. “Ha, I don't know where you get an idea like that. It's nothing…”

 

“I'm not stupid Duo. The ESUN Times is always saying bad things and our quarterback Heitzman said that when he went to L1 with his family on vacation last week everyone was using your name as an insult and when his parents defended you they were kicked out of their hotel and pretty much shunned by the entire colony.” Jaster's eyes glistened as they found mine. “Why do people hate you so much Uncle Duo?”

 

It was almost painful facing him in such a state, but I'd dealt with a lot of shit my entire life. I think I was built to take emotional blows. I plastered on a smile and tousled Jaster's soft blond locks. “None of that matters Jast. The only thing that's important is how you guys feel about me. Let the entire universe hate me, what does it matter when I got you, Cliff, Charlie, the rest of the Steel Dogs and L2 on my side. If it makes them feel better to hate me, let `em hate me. I got all I want right here.” I finished my beer and lay back on the wooden floor realizing I still had my helmet on. I guess I really was an idiot. I snickered to myself.

 

I grunted slightly as the weight fell on top of me. “I wish I could be as strong as you Uncle Duo.” Jaster laid his head on my chest gripping my waist tightly. It suddenly hit me. It all made sense. Charlie didn't care if Jaster wanted to marry me or said he loved me, it was just that Jaster was confusing respect and idolization with romantic love. Some how or other I had become Jaster's role model and apparently Cliff and Charlie approved of it.

 

A loud grumble filled the room coming from the vicinity of Jaster. I smirked. “You hungry kid?”

 

“Yeah” He said meekly.

 

“Right then, well I got shit to eat here. Mind heading to O'Brien's?” I spent way too much time at that place.

 

“Yeah!” Jaster was instantly up. “Anything's better than math!”

 

He yanked me up by the arms trying to rush me out of the apartment. I took off my helmet throwing it back in the apartment as Jaster pushed me out locking the door behind him. Cliff, Charlie and Jaster all had a key to my apartment for themselves incase I lost mine which had been known to happen and Lania wasn't so happy about having to let my ass in during the wee hours of the morning. Not that Charlie or Cliff were, but they weren't as violent as Lania could be.

 

Jaster nearly dragged me the entire way to the bar, busting through the door and running to the table where a good chunk of the crew was and already looking mighty wasted. I was in need of catching up. They all greeted Jaster with love, how could they not, the kid was great.

 

“What the hell was Sandman thinking entrusting you to Pitbull?! Guy can't even take care of himself.”

 

“Yeah, yeah, how bout ya piss off Tank.” I grunted stepping up putting my hand on the back of the seat Jaster sat in next to Ty. To the left of Ty at the head of the table was Maleek, then, Joey. Across from Jaster Adam, to the left of him Young, at the opposite head from Maleek was Renold, to his left Yoshi and back to Jaster. It was a full house.

 

“Grab a chair Pitbull, stay awhile or I guess you can sit in Jaster's lap since I know you miss Sandman soo much.”

 

“Psht, your one to talk there 6-Inch, hell if J-Rod doesn't come to work it's like you lost your soul mate.” Tank shot the bar brimming with laughter as I grabbed a chair from a half empty table, the couple offering it to me enjoying the display of our rowdy group. The place itself was pretty packed, but it usually was on the weekends. Of course we were the loudest group in the place, but we called it home so fuck em all.

 

Yoshi scooted to the side scrunching us together letting me slip into the double table of the group. “Give me beer!” I announced.

 

“I got somethin better for ya, specially after how hard ya worked all day or I mean whined like a needy bitch.” Yoshi laughed

 

“Ha, yeah yer one to talk, all you know is needy bitches 6-Inch.”

 

“Yeah fuck off douche.” Yoshi snorted pushing a miscellaneous shot to me. I drank it greedily not caring what it was, immediately knowing once the liquor hit my throat.

 

“Ah, ain't nothin better than some whiskey.” I sighed. “Oh shit, whacha wanna eat there Jast.” I rubbed his head remembering the actual reason I was there.

 

“Nice Pitbull, Sandman's gonna love to hear how you got drunk and starved his kid.”

 

“Shut up Jinks, I just forgot for a second.”

 

“Ha, yeah yer gonna forget his ass at the bus stop `accidentally' aren't ya?” Joey laughed actually doing the finger quotes.

 

“I'm gonna accidentally remember how to drop your ass in a second J-Rod.” I shot back as I stood up. “Whacha want?” I asked placing a hand on Jaster's shoulder.

 

“Ummm. Can I get a Burger and fries?” He paused and I moved to make his order when his hand grabbed onto my arm. “And some chicken wings, an order of onion rings, bacon and eggs with a side of sausage and hash browns. Oh and a salad, Dad says I need to eat healthy.”

 

The table was a hush of shock and a few snickers, while I just stared at Jaster. Kid was gonna break the bank with his appetite. I wondered where all that poundage went because I was pretty sure he was nothing but a mass of muscle.

 

“Anything else?” I asked incredulously.

 

“Oh yeah, a glass of milk and apple juice.” He smiled like this was all normal.

 

I shrugged. “You got it, any of you fuck offs want anything?”

 

“Couple pitchers of beer.” Maleek said filling the silence giving everyone the chance to laugh out loud since no one wanted to hurt Jaster's feelings cause the wrath of Charlie was known far and wide.

 

“Sure, why the hell not.” I snorted as I went to the bar and placed the large ass order for Jaster; got 4 pitchers of beer and a couple more shots of whiskey I did on the spot for myself. I brought Jaster his drinks first then got the pitchers of beer for the rest of us.

 

Adam got the next round as Jaster's food started coming and he ate it like a starving child, which of course led our conversation to food. One would think it would be a normal conversation, but one wouldn't be with us if that were the case.

 

“You know there are only three food groups for me.” The attention of the table went to Adam. “Chicken wings, cheese and pudding.”

 

The table was silent all eyes on Adam. I couldn't hold back and belted out a hearty chuckle that engulfed the table urging the rest to join me.

 

“What the fuck?” My voice high with laughter. “Chicken wings I'll give you, cheese maybe, but pudding.” I paused to laugh. “How the hell is pudding a food group?”

 

“How is it not?”

 

I was struck speechless faced with Adam's seriousness and was again nearly falling over with laughter. I was nudged a few times by Yoshi, who was laughing a bit and mostly vigorously adjusting his junk. My laughter died as I gawked at him.

 

“Dude, seriously. Yer beyond adjustment there and into slappin the clown man.” Yoshi's face instantly reddened, though no one was paying attention to the two of us as most were still in debate with Adam over the food groups, but he was adamant about sticking to three.

 

Yoshi muttered something that I couldn't make out over the loud asses talking around the table.

 

“What?” I leaned closer to him.

 

“I said I let Dixie shave my balls.” Yoshi spat out in a hushed voice. He really didn't know me well if he thought I was gonna keep that shit quiet. Course first I had to stop laughing. I really thought I was going to die, my hand beating on the table my eyes filling with water and my stomach aching from the unyielding laughter.

 

“Shit Pitbull you gotta let me in on that.” Tank urged me to pass on the info.

 

“6-Inch….” I had to take a pause and try to get myself together. “Aw, man 6-Inch let his girl shave his sack!”

 

The tables nearly caved as hands slapped them, laughter must have been billowing out of the closed up bar as loud as we were roaring. I was pretty sure everyone on L2 now knew where O'Brien's was. Poor, poor Yoshi, should have kept that too himself.

 

“You let your girl shave your sack, are you fuckin crazy?” Joey was just the start.

 

“I don't know man, she asked and it seemed like a good idea.”

 

“So what ya gotta little Mohawk down there now?” And Adam went for the kill.

 

“Yeah, fuckin little is right, prolly took her two swipes.”

 

“Shut up J-Rod. You're the only one here who doesn't have shit no girlfriend and no sex, so what does that say about your dick!” Of course all eyes were on Joey.

 

“Shit, if I wanted it I could get it. I just got taste. And don't be worry bout my dick. I'm built like a soup can man. I may not bottom out, but I'll scrape the shit out of the sides.”

 

The tables were in an uproar again. I was sure no one in the bar was going to be able to talk over all of us laughing. Even Jaster was red in the face from laughing so hard.

 

“You should have had your girl shave Campbell's on your sack. Give your can a label 6-Inch.” I somehow got out in a pause of laughter starting us all down the path of rioting again.

 

I felt the tug on my arm calming myself as I dealt with Jaster. “What up kid?”

 

“Can I get dessert?”

 

“Yeah course ya can.” I was riding the high of laughter that was still surrounding us.

 

“I want a double Sunday!”

 

“That it?” I knew better than to assume he was done.

 

“Yep!” He beamed.

 

“Aight you jackoff's want anything?”

 

“I think we all need a shot on Soup Can over there.” Adam laughed.

 

“Aw shit, looks like J-Rod's been replaced by the Soup Can!” I had a feeling no matter what the case, that adjoining of words would never be the same nor would I ever be able to say it again without laughing.

 

Young was suddenly on his feet across from me catching our attention. “Yuy's here.” He said hauntingly.

 

Our united attention turned to the bar where Young was looking all nervously. He wasn't lying. Right smack in the middle of the bar was a Preventer uniform and there was no doubt in my mind just by the silhouette of his backs it was none other The Stoic Soldier, aka Yuy.

 

The sigh I let lose perked up immediately as I got an idea. “Hey guys, come on now, finish up them pitchers, I think we need another round and I need to get my little Jasta boy here a double Sunday.”

 

“I don't know what yer thinkin Pitbull, but Sandman ain't here so I'm all for it.”

 

“You the man Jinks.” I gave him a wink as the guys topped off their drinks and pushed me the empty pitchers. It was just luck that we needed refills, but as it is so overly said; don't look a gift horse in the mouth, which makes absolutely no sense. First off it's a horse so what does it matter if I look in its mouth. Plus it's a gift, if I want to look in its mouth I will. It's mine anyway. Stupid fuckin sayings that make no sense. And who the fuck is gifting fuckin horses anyway? The hell am I gonna do with a horse.

 

Such were my thoughts as I approached, stealthy coming up behind Yuy, who was leaning on the bar. Oh he was making this too easy. I smirked back at the table of friends who were all looking on at the show; even Maleek turned his chair to the side making sure he got a view. Strategically I raised the pitchers and turned to the bar. The two in my right hand connected followed by the two in my left, giving the back of Yuy's head a nice quadruple tap. I turned to him in utter shock as if I had no idea who I was dealing with. While I was turning to `check' on my victim, I made precise contact with his glass causing the contents to spill down the front of him.

 

It took all of me to keep my act up as I looked at him in complete horror. “Oh shit dude, I'm so fuckin sorry man. I wasn't paying attention let me…” I moved to grab him with my right hand smacking him in the side of the head with the pitchers that I was still holding.

 

“Oh shit, my bad. Let me put the pitchers down.” I said acting like a buffoon. “Hey L.T. can ya hook a brotha up.” I said giving him the double guns. “Oh yeah and little Jasty wants a double Sunday.”

 

“Not a problem Pitbull. You gonna buy this guy a drink too.” L.T. gave a nod to Yuy, with a large grin on his face knowing our bunch way to well. Course L.T. worked on and off whenever he felt like so he knew the hell out of the Steel Dogs.

 

“Oh yeah that reminds me, I need some shots too for the guys…uhhhh I think we are on whiskey tonight.”

 

“And?” L.T played along.

 

“And what?” I was talking loud just to make sure the guys got to listen in.

 

“What about him?” L.T. nodded to my left.

 

“What about who…” I glanced to my left. “Oh hey, whad up Yu? What the hell are you doin here?” I glanced down at his black uniform, the moisture down the front of him only making it all that darker. “Wow dude, maybe you need to be cut off.” I turned to L.T. “Man, looks like dude can't hold his liquor; you should cut his ass off bro.”

 

I faked a cough feeling myself about to lose it, but somehow held fast as L.T. handed me the shots. “Dude, don't give me the beer till I get back. Drunky over here might take it.” I said in all seriousness to L.T. nodding my head towards Yuy as `Drunky.'

 

“Yeah Pitbull. I'll be sure not to do that.” L.T. said with sarcasm nodding to Yuy to just blow me off as if I was the plastered one.

 

“Good man.” I slightly bowed my head to L.T. as I grabbed the shots in-between my two hands and turned first towards Yuy making eye contact with him, seeing he was thoroughly unreadable. I glanced at the shots and turned back to the bar and then the other way.

 

“Not lettin that dude near my whiskey.” I grumbled loud enough that he would hear as I went back to the table. Maleek quickly turning his chair back, knowing I was going to be watched and I could feel Yuy's gaze burning into my back. He always prided himself as being cold and mechanical, but he was human. He was provoked just like anyone else.

 

I set the shots down surrounded by snickers, the smile creeping up on my face as I tried to choke it back down. “Come on guys let me get the beers.” I pleaded knowing I wouldn't be able to keep the act up if they started laughing.

 

I weaved my way back to the bar, Yuy eyeing me the whole time. I glanced at him then back to L.T., and again to Yuy. “Dude, I'm not giving you my beer. Sorry man, but as L.T. said you are cut off.” I did an up and down scan of Yuy. “That's just something you don't like to see at the bar. You need to know your limit and go home before you get like that when yer out. My Heero how you've let yourself go.” I tsked him like an elderly woman.

 

“Take your beers and go. I'll bring little Jaster his Sunday.” L.T. snorted pushing the pitchers to me. This time I turned to Yuy and pretended like I was going to spill them on him causing him to jump back. I gave a smirk.

 

“Ahh, had you goin.” Once I faced the table it was roaring, as was I. I made it back to my seat spilling the minimum amount of beer as a shot was pushed to me. We all held up the glasses.

 

“To Pitbull, making us laugh since the day he joined!” Adam said. I raised a fist in appreciation as we all took them back slamming the glasses on the table upside down.

 

“Man, Pitbull that was a fuckin performance.” Yoshi was laughing giving me a punch in the arm.

 

“Aw fuck I was dying the entire time, it was the turn when ya had that shots that got me.” Adam added.

 

“What the hell were ya sayin when you did that?”

 

“Heh, tellin that mo-fo he can't have my whiskey.” I grinned at Tank who rolled at my reply.

 

“Dude you got skills man that's all I gotta say.” J-Rod stood holding out his fist, which I of course tapped.

 

“How'd you do that without laughing?”

 

“Takes years of practice Jast.”

 

“You the man Uncle Duo!” Jaster said full of delight as his Sunday was set down.

 

“He's something alright.” L.T. said giving me a grin.

 

“You got that shit!” I gave myself props.

 

“The hell am I gonna do with you Dogs?” L.T. grumbled as he walked away.

 

“You gotta love us; we built this damn Dog house!” J-Rod yelled causing us all to start barking and howling. Yeah we were a rabid bunch of delinquents.

 

Hands slammed on the table grabbing our collective attentions. “How can you do such things? The only person you make a fool of is yourself. You think you `re funny, but your just immature and crude!”

 

I bit my lip trying to hold it back, alas I sucked at that. I laughed up at Young's angry little face. “Holy shit! Look at this! Looks like wittle Young's balls finally dropped!”

 

“Now he can go with 6-Inch and get em shaved!”

 

“The hell you talking bout J-Rod, you know the babe's still hairless!” Tank yelled over us each line increasing the laughter till it was all about us again. Course Young had been his usual sulking self, not interacting and only chuckling every now and again so it was no loss when he excused himself from our table.

 

“Aww Tank, you made him cry.” All of us were quiet for a moment before we roared again.

 

“Nice one Jaster, you are Sandman's boy!” Adam put in as we all congratulated Jaster on finding his inner Charlie.

 

“Hey isn't J-Rod Soup Can now?” Again Jaster had us in stitches.

 

“If I'm Soup Can then Young's gotta be Tomato Paste cause you know his shit would be that small ass not even a real can shit all like 6oz.”

 

“The hell you talkin his shit would be Tuna!”

 

“No you fuckin didn't 6-Inch!” I cackled.

 

The laugh didn't last long as the words left my mouth, though I was still looking over at Yoshi, the glass of beer nearly to my lips.

 

“What the hell do you want Yuy?” My tone not at all pleasant as my gaze fell on Young's old seat where Yuy now stood, the drunken act completely gone. I was a seasoned drinker. We were still just getting started as far as my tolerance was concerned