Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Masquerade ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter Four

Duo couldn't take it anymore. He banged his fist on the button, surprised that the cockpit flew open.

"You're a damned fool, Heero! She could have died!" he screamed at Heero, who was smiling to himself. Duo tensed, and was about to hit him when a motion caught his eye.

Sage felt herself falling.. falling.. She waited for the hard splash of pain, but none came. Instead she heard a soft voice in her ear as she was caught.

"I've got you." It said, and then Sage blacked out.

When she awoke, she saw Quatre by her bedside, quietly watching her. As she opened her eyes weakly he stood up so quick he knocked his chair over.

"You're awake!" His smile of relief made her feel instantly better. "You blacked out for 3 days… We were afraid you weren't going to make it.." he smiled shyly at her, his hand on hers.

Sage sat up. "Where you the one who caught me?" Her hand tightened on his, and she looked up at him, so kind and loving.

"Yeah.. I was watching, and when you fell just sort of.. well.. raced out to catch you…" He blushed softly, avoiding her eyes.

She paused a moment, then smiled up at him. "Thanks." She gave his hand a soft squeeze, then stood up. A faintness took over her head, and she felt ready to fall again. Quatre caught her, and as she sat she felt him sit with her.

"First day on your new feet?" He asked, smiling wryly.

"Yeah. Something like that. Why didn't Heero shut off the machine?" she looked angry for a moment.

"He said he hadn't seen, but Duo had a totally different story. I think he's jealous and angry that he couldn't alone handle the problem of Oz." Quatre watched her, his eyes riveted on her face, searching her eyes fretfully.

"I guess I owe Duo a big thank you too." She smiled softly, and then stood again, slower this time. As she gathered her bearings, she looked down at Quatre, sitting and looking at his hands. Why does my heart flutter whenever he comes near? What is wrong with me???? She took a deep breath and shook her head. I don't fall in love. He was the one who brought me here after all. But do I really hate him for it? Her thoughts muddled, she said goodbye to Quatre and walked to the dining room.

"You're awake..." said Trowa; in the happiest monotone he could muster. Sage didn't mind, because it was rare for Trowa to sound excited about anything, and a smile would have been worth a million dollars.

And smile he did, however slight, as he passed her a plate of pancakes. Heero looked up at her from his laptop, expression blank and eyes dark. Sage returned the glare, with equal hatred, and Heero snorted and looked back to his work. Quatre slid in next to her, but she noticed Duo was gone.

"Hey-where's Duo?" Sage asked, looking around.

"He said he was going for a walk, but I think hes brooding in that one coffee shop he likes so much..." Trowa replied as he cleared his dish away.

Sage stood. "I'm going to have a look around.. I'll be back before one." But before she could walk out the door, Quatre stopped her. Handle towards her, he handed her a revolver.

"Be careful! You never know when this might come in handy…" His worried smile melted her heart, and she nodded as she spun the revolver handle around her finger and put it into her jacket pocket.

It was cold outside, and Sage pulled her windbreaker around herself and zipped it up. As she stepped into the street, she noticed just how quiet this city was. Hardly anyone was around, and for a fleeting instant, she thought she saw a braid go flying around the corner. Sage walked across the street, and saw a small, cozy coffee shop around the corner where she saw Duo go. I guess this is it… Sage stepped inside, and ordered a small latté. In the corner, sipping his own coffee, she saw Duo. He was wearing his usual black outfit, but today he was wearing his hat pulled low over his eyes. Sage grabbed her latté and headed off in his direction.

He didn't look awfully happy, she could only see his mouth, which was down in a little frown, and he was staring into his coffee as if it was some sort of illusion that he had to make sure was real.

"Hey.." Sage put her hand on his shoulder.

Duo whirled around. "W-what are you doing here?! Don't you know what could happen to you??? Ugh who let you go out of the base…?" He sounded relieved that she was at least walking about, though. Sage pulled out her gun to show him, smiled, and sat down next to him.

"I can take care of myself." She grinned softly and Duo looked away, frowning again. "What the heck is wrong with you?" She whipped off his hat, and looked at him with a confused look on her face.

His eyes were big as they looked at her, and he sighed. "I guess I was worried.. I'm sorry. I could have done something. I was up there with Heero after all."

Sage gave him a small smile and touched his cheek gently with one finger. "It would have happened anyways, and thank you…." She saw him go red, and he tried to snatch his hat back.

"Hey! Give it!" Sage stood up and made a face at him before running out of the door.

Sage heard Duo behind her, and as he was a little bit taller than her and had longer legs, she could hear him gaining.

"Argh! You little-" He yelled after her as she turned sharply into an alley. Sage yelped as she found herself on a one-way path to Duo. She turned, but wasn't quick enough. He darted after her, pinned her arms to her sides, grabbed his hat and put it in his pocket. Sage turned around, breathless from the running, eyes bright. Duo grinned at her, and she suddenly lost herself in his eyes. It felt only right to kiss him.