Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Orphan Stage ❯ Stage Open ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Gundam Wing Characters, blah blah blah

Pairings: 1x2, 3+4, 5+?

Warning: hmm none yet… there will be yaoi and more warnings later on in the story.

Summary: Duo Maxwell is put into a protection program after his father gets out of jail and goes missing. Duo finds himself in a situation where he can finally find his brother that was adopted ten years ago.

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Stage Open

The first thing that came to my mind as I walked into my new home city was 'Wow'! Not only was this city rich but it was huge as well! Most of the buildings are newer than fifteen years old, with all the newest architecture designs. The city was amazing, but my apartment is what made me hold my breath. It was 'big'. The bedroom was about the size of one of the orphanage rooms that held about six kids. And I would be getting it all to myself! Sure, it wasn't really 'that' large, but the thought of me living in it alone made it seem all the bigger. The kitchen was nice, new, clean! The living room had a couch and television set already up for me, complimentary of the good tax payers who helped me get here!

As soon as I had stepped off the plane into this town I was greeted by a tall man with black hair spiked up high above his head. He wore dark sunglasses that hid his eyes and so far I had yet to see him take those damn things off. The man introduced himself as Agent Kemp. He was currently showing me around my apartment with a big smile on his face. My reaction to the place must have been funny to him. I guess he was used to this city and lived in a huge house like all the rest of the residences here. Being a cop and around the age of thirty, he probably wasn't too bad off. And his sunglasses, they looked pretty expensive. I had seen a pair like that in a window at the shopping mall once. Would have stolen them too if it weren't for Sister Helen's tight grip on my hand. I've been known to 'accidentally' take things, and she didn't trust me after the incident where I had taken her cross right off her neck without her knowing. It was kinda a habit of mine, I would try and see how much I could take off of someone before they knew their possessions were missing. Right now, I was contemplating whether or not I could take his sunglasses off him without him realizing. I didn't really try though, him being a cop and all.

On the drive to the apartment I saw some pretty huge houses. But like every city, there is the poor part of town, which my apartment was in, not that I saw it as poor. Market shops aligned the streets and people walked around rushing to get from one place to the other. The one thing I noticed right away was how clean it was. Trash didn't litter the floor like where I came from. Bums weren't sitting on every corner beggin for dope money. I hadn't seen one prostitute! Amazing.

There were a ton of apartment complexes in the middle of the city, and I was staying in one of those. I found it rather amusing when I had looked at a map of Vanibin City. It kinda reminded me of a doughnut, with rich expensive homes surrounding the circle of markets, apartments, shops, and schools. Italy the boot, Vanibin City the giant doughnut!! '

Yeah, I had done my research. I figured that I would be placed in High school which was closest to where I was to be livin. The High school was called Lowe High School. I couldn't wait, well ok, I was kinda scared shitless.

Agent Kemp motioned for me to sit down at the small wooden kitchen table. We talked for awhile about the high school I was to be attending. Kemp was a pretty nice guy, I got along with him immediately. He told me that I would have no problem getting alone with everyone, which I didn't really believe much but hoped he was right. I had only changed school's once, and that was when I was taken to the orphanage. It was a little scary to think of changing in the middle of the school year, and in High School! Ugh!

"Now Duo…" Kemp's light voice changed to seriousness and he looked at me straight in the eye. "If we get anything suspicious, or find out that your father may know your location… you are going to have to leave."

I bit my lip and turned my eyes towards the floor. I 'really' did not want to leave, not until I found out something about my brother. I just hoped that I wouldn't accidentally give myself away, I always talk a lot and it might be a good idea if I learned to control my tongue a little. Silence would be a good thing, but I don't think I could transform from 'hyper energetic super talkative person' to 'shy quiet person' in one day.

"Aa… I know! Don't worry bout me I'll be fine! Aaaaand I will keep my mouth shut!" I chirped happily. He just kinda looked at me weird as if he knew I was forcing myself to look happy. In the end he didn't say anything more. He bid I have a good day and left me with the keys saying he already had a copy and would check on me once in a while. Nice guy, Kemp was.

The house was now empty, and quiet. With just me standing there by the door looking at it. I felt strange, I was alone for the first time in my life. No one to tell me what to do, no one to nag me. I should be happy right? Wrong, I felt lonely, even only after the first few minutes of being here. Shivering, I walked into my bedroom, with its big bed and fluffy comforter. Quickly, I jumped into the bed and curled underneath the covers. The warmth of the big blankets made me fall quickly to sleep. I felt safe, curled up in a tiny ball.

Before I fell completely into slumber my last thought was of my 'fate'. Maybe my life was finally going on a good course. Maybe there really was a thing such as fate, and I would find my brother. I doubted it a little, well actually a lot, but I really wished it were true. Wished that my life wasn't really meant to be nothing.

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The next morning I woke up to the bright sunlight streaming in through the big windows. Yawning loudly, I uncurled myself from my little ball. I hadn't really slept that well that night. I think I woke up a couple times, scared, thinking 'where am I?' Maybe the mattress was a little too soft for my liking. Maxwell orphanage only had discount mattresses that were hard but easy to clean. Come to think of it, I don't think I have ever slept in a bed as nice as this in my whole existence. There was a lot to get used to in this new life of mine.

Walking out of the bedroom, I noticed once again the quietness of my apartment. 'My apartment', it was mine, yet it felt so… not like home. "Hmph, I'll have to go and buy something to make this place a little more me!" I smirked, thinking of the look on Agent Kemps face if I were to paint the apartment black.

Opening up my fridge I noticed it was completely empty. "Great! Just when I need it most." I hadn't eaten anything the day before, being a jumbled emotional mess. I was excited one minute, scared the next, angry for being scared, then back to excited for most of the day. Food had not agreed with me then, but today I started school! And I needed the energy, bad.

I got dressed in black jeans and a black t-shirt and walked out into the warm spring breeze. Across the street there was a small corner store where I got my breakfast, a doughnut. My first meal in this doughnut shaped town! It was pretty stale and I ended up throwing it away half way through. I was feeling pretty queasy as I took the five minute walk to my new High School. People seemed to be staring at me, though I think it was just my imagination. I kept getting the feeling that someone was watching me, you know, when the hairs on the back of your neck are standing up, or when you start to get all self conscience about how your walking when you know someone's looking. Yeah, I guess I looked kinda funny walkin all stiff legged and looking around with wide eyes.

I near 'damn' turned around to look behind me at least ten times to make sure I wasn't being followed. I was back to being scared again. There was no way Hall would be able to find me, at least not this quickly. So there was nothing to worry about, right? Well, I wish I could have agreed with myself on that one. I couldn't help thinking of the possibility that he was here, watching me, and waiting for me to go down some alley alone and…

"GYAAAAA" Someone place their hand on my shoulder making me yell out in fright. Spinning around quickly, I got into a crouch with my fists raised. Guess I looked pretty stupid cause my 'supposed attacker' started laughing and clutching his stomach. "KEMP! Why the hell did you go and sneak up on me like that?!" I growled. My face was now pretty red from my embarrassment and his laughing wasn't helping.

"S-sorry Duo… just…" He took a deep breath and wiped the moisture from his eyes before continuing. "Thought I'd take ya to school, but you had already left. Didn't mean to scare ya." He grinned at me. "So where'd you learn a stance like that?"

I blushed again and started walking again, "None of you business!"

One time, I had gotten into a fight and was beaten up pretty bad by a group on bullies. That was me, always causin trouble. But I always ended up the one bleedin. The bully gang had left me beaten and blue on the side of the street, I can remember thinking that there was no way I would be able to get myself home. But I didn't have to worry much longer, an old Chinese man had walked by and picked me up. He took me in and cleaned up my cuts. Real nice of the old geezer!

Somehow or another, the old man made a deal with me, if I would work for him at his shop he would teach me a little about self defense and martial arts. It turned out he didn't really teach me a little, he ended up teaching me a lot. I learned how to manipulate my small size to my advantage, learned the 'art of ancient Chinese karate', or so the man said. I think I took his teachings for granite. I had never even told him thanks, for all that he had done for me. Never told him I enjoyed his company and he goes and dies before I ever could. It scared me to think that a man that strong could go and die that quickly. I promised him at his grave that I would become someone one day, someone he would be proud of.

After that, I always told people how I felt directly. Life was too short, and there was so many people that I wanted to give my thanks. Sister Helen and Father Maxwell especially, they had put up with me, the 'unadoptable maniac child.'

Funny how I had forgotten those times until now. The old man hadn't really crossed my mind in a long time and I had never really used much of what he had taught me. For after one fight, the bullies always left me alone for good. I hoped I hadn't gone soft after his death. I would hate to waste the gift he had given me. Hmm… maybe I should join some Martial Arts club at the school. They still have those don't they?

Kemp was looking at me funny again as we rounded the final corner of my destination. I turned to him and smiled. "You don't need to come any further, I think I can handle it from here Mr. Babysitter."

He smirked, probably glad to see me looking normal again. "Aa… You know my number, call if you need anything. I have a day off tomorrow if you want me to show you around or something." With that said, he left me by one of the tall black gates in front of the school. I walked to the entrance and looked in the schools grounds. My breath hitched a little as I stared in awe at the massive building.

"Geez, how many students go to this school?" I didn't realize I had said that out loud until I heard a small voice from behind me.

"Too many." I turned quickly around and stared into the face of a short girl with short dark blue hair. She smiled at me as she stuck out her hand. "Hey, I'm Hilde! You new here?"

Putting on one of my best smiles I took her hand. "Duo Maxwell, yeah I'm new… do you think you could show me to the office?" I think I saw a hint of a blush on her cheeks when I smiled at her. She nodded her head and led me through the walkway leading to the big gray building.

There was grass everywhere and trees spread out along the school grounds, with benches along the curvy paths. It looked beautiful, and I couldn't wait for lunch when I could go out and lay on the grass with the cool breeze.

I was led to the front of the building and was about to follow Hilde inside when something caught my attention. Sitting under one of the huge trees were three of the 'Hottest' guys I had ever seen. I stared with my mouth hanging open for a moment checking them out.

One was laying down on the grass with a book on his stomach and head leaning against the back of the tree. His light brown hair was flipped over to one side in a weird hairstyle. It suited him though, as did his emerald green eyes that were currently moving back and forth between the pages of the book. His outfit seemed a little odd to me, seeing how hot it was outside, he wore jeans and a blue turtle neck. 'Eeek. How can he stand the heat?' I shouldn't be complaining though, seeing as I was wearing all black.

There was one I recognized as being Chinese in heritage, he was sitting cross legged with his eyes closed and face to the sky. Anyone would guess that he was sleeping, but it looked more like a meditative state to me. He wore loose white pants and a blue tank top that showed off his muscular arms. 'Must work out.' I thought to myself.

The third one made me raise my eyebrow a little as I studied him. The Japanese boy was sitting with his arms across his chest and was looking around at his surroundings with an icy stare. His messy brown hair hid part of his cobalt blue eyes that looked like they could scare away a heard of buffalo with one glare. His body was nicely toned and I smirked when I took in his 'oh so revealing' green tank top.

'Eh? What the hell is wrong with me? Why the hell was I checking out three 'guys?' I shook my head to clear my thoughts and looked back to Hilde who was smirking evilly at me. "W-what?" I mumbled as I quickly stepped into the building with her not far behind.

"So I see you've seen the famous trio?" Her smirk grew as she saw my face turning red.

I don't even know why I was blushing! I was just looking at them, right? Didn't mean I liked what I saw, right? Gah, who am I kidding, I even admitted to myself they were gorgeous. Doesn't mean I'm gay or anything… I like girls, always have! Well, now that I think about it…. Gah, gotta get my mind back on track now! I don't have time to worry about my sexual preference!

I cleared my throat and asked the question that had been on my mind all day, "Hilde, do you know a freshman with blond hair and blue eyes? Kinda short… well, I think he's short… well he could be tall. And really skinny with… well I don't really know if he is skinny."

She looked at me kinda funny and shook her head. "Hmm, cant really say, I don't know too many freshman. Their classes are on the other side of the school, so I don't really run into many of them. Umm, there are a lot of people like that here though… I know a couple sophomores, maybe three juniors, hmm there is only really one freshman I know that looks like that."

"Oh." I sighed, feeling depressed. This was going to be harder than I thought. There had to be a couple thousand kids here, or more!

As Hilde led me to the office, she told me a little more about the school. There was a whole separate building in the back where all the athletics were. The main building was made up of four parts each three stories high with the cafeteria in the center. The office was pretty big, with several secretaries talking on the phones and teachers scolding students waiting for the principle.

I said goodbye to Hilde after promising to eat lunch with her and was directed into one of the offices. A scary lady introduced herself as 'Principle Une' and told me some useless stuff about the school. The only thing she said that really caught my attention was, "Now Duo, we were informed about your situation and I assure you that while on the campus you will be completely safe."

Now being 'safe' didn't sound like such a bad thing, but the fact that all my teachers probably knew my situation did not make me feel good. I didn't need pity, or someone to feel sorry for me. I just hoped that they didn't treat me different, that was the last thing I needed.

After talking with Hilde, I had concluded that friends weren't going to be a problem. Hilde seemed to like me, which made me more confident. Hell, I never had a problem making friends before, don't know why I've been pullin my hair out over this! But if the teachers start treating me different, then people start talking. And I really don't want to be considered a teachers pet.

Une escorted me to my first class about ten minutes in. By the looks I got from the students, I could tell that the Principle usually wasn't the one to escort kids to classes. I introduced myself quickly and tried to hide the smile that was playing on my lips as I took in all the girls staring at me.

"Mr. Maxwell, you can have a seat by Mr. Barton." Noin, the teacher said with a smile. Now you can guess I was pretty shocked when I found out that 'Mr. Barton' was none other than the hot weird hairdo guy, who was still wearing that blue turtle neck.

As I sat down next to him he nodded his head slightly, "Trowa Barton."

Well, so the guy doesn't like to talk, at least he was showing some friendliness. "Nice ta meet ya!" I chirped and settled into the uncomfortable chair. You'd at least think that they would be able to afford decent furniture in a place like this!

Figures my first class was Art, the thing I suck at! And what is my first assignment you ask? Why, none other than draw your neighbor. I know I was smiling inside as I turned my desk to face Trowa's. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to get to know the guy… and try not to give away that I was a little attracted to him.

"So how long have you been at this school?" It sounded like a good start of a conversation, really it did! But this guy was a little hard to get through.

"Three years."

I bit my lip and tried to concentrate on Trowa's eyebrows on my paper. I have to admit, I really am not good at art. Why was I put into this class anyway? Must have been a cruel joke by Agent Kemp.

"Aa… My first day," as if any line could be lamer. "Actually I've only been in this town for about a day. Got here last night. Ugh, it was torture trying to sleep last night! Ya know when you first sleep in a bed for the first time you always get that uncomfortable feeling…" I think I babbled like that for most of the class. I was really surprised though when Trowa actually started to make some comments. I guess he was warming up to me! Ah, the powers of my Maxwell charm!

"So what is there to do around here for fun?" I asked while finishing up my drawing. I compared it to him and decided it looked nothing like him. But hey, it was my first day and I tried! That's all that counts, ne? I hope the teacher thought so too.

"You kidding?" He raised an eyebrow at me and smirked. "This town has everything… which is why there is nothing to do." I laughed at that, I couldn't believe this guy had actually made a joke, or a tiny tiny joke. But one none the less.

At the end of class we showed each other our drawings. I was impressed, he did an amazing job of me… it actually looked like me! It kinda made me a little reluctant to show him mine. I wished I hadn't shown him, his eyebrow raised a little and he started to make a little choking noise that I think was a laugh.

Crossing my arms, I spit out my tongue. Yeah childish, but that was me. "Its not th~at bad!"

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Turns out, Trowa was in my next class also, math. I smirked inside. Math was my best subject, I'd definitely beat him in this subject. I heard from some people that the math teacher was really strict, which made me cringe inside. There were always the scary teachers in every school.

I was introduced to the class once again but to my disappointment someone was already sitting in the seat next to Trowa. It was the Chinese boy, the second hot guy from the court yard.

I was directed to sit next to a pretty girl with long blond hair. She was perfect looking, it kinda made me sick. For the beginning of the class period I stared at her nails, trying to decide if they were real or not. I knew that they most likely weren't real, but still couldn't figure out how she made them look like they were. Must be majorly rich. She of course introduced herself as Relena Peacecraft daughter of a the Mayor of Vanibin City. Yeah she was defiantly rich. I had to hold back my laugh, wondering if she always introduced herself like that.

Turns out we didn't really do much in math but listen to the lecture on stuff I already knew. I was getting pretty bored so I put my head on the desk to rest my eyes. Well, my resting eyes made me fall asleep and the next thing I know I'm being shaken. Now, being in my current mindset, that freaked the hell out of me. I ended up jumping up out of my chair and on top of my desk with wide eyes trying to figure out where I was. The rest of the class seemed as startled as I was.

I finally got back to my senses and made fast to cover up my mistake. I yawned from atop the desk and scratched the back of my head, "Oh, its just you." I said, staring at the teacher through my yawns. He looked pretty pissed, and the rest of the class was trying hard to hold back their laughter. I smirked before putting on my best apologizing smile. "I'm sorry teach, guess I couldn't get to sleep last night."

He flinched slightly.

My eyes narrowed… this guy knew… so all my teachers really did know! Just great! And what do you think the teacher did? Scold me? Nope! He goes back to his lesson like nothing ever happened! He didn't even tell me not to do it again, or say 'make sure you get more sleep Mr. Maxwell!' One thing I really did not need was to be treated differently.

Stupid, stupid Kemp! I'm gonna have a talk with him next time I see him. He had no right to tell anyone that I have a psycho father wanting to kill me. I thought that the less people who knew the better? What happens if one of the teachers rat on me… what if…

I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts. No one seemed to care much about what just happened, probably because it was my first day and they thought the teacher was going easy on me. I sighed and zoned out the rest of the lecture. This was not my day.

After two more boring classes it was finally lunch time. Hilde came running up to me, to my relief, I didn't think that I would be able to find her in the mass of people. She dragged me through one of the lines and I ended up with a plate full of noodles and weird yellow stuff. Then I was pulled to one of the tables near the back.

To my surprise, it was the table that the three guys from the court yard were sitting. Hilde quickly introduced everyone. Turns out the Chinese guy's name was Wufei Chang.

"Wufes is the captain of the karate club, ne?" Hilde grinned and Wufei just rolled his eyes. "This is Heero Yuy, he doesn't talk much, well, none of them do!" The Japanese boy's cobalt eyes looked into mine and I had to hide the shiver that ran down my spine.

"Nice ta meet ya, names Duo Maxwell." I smiled and ended up sitting next to Heero and his shiver worthy stares. Nothing could be better than this! My day was looking better already. Trowa was looking around the cafeteria like he was looking for someone. "Who ya looking for Tro?" I asked between mouthfuls of the yellow stuff which turned out to be mash potatoes with cheese mixed in.

I heard Hilde snicker. "He's lookin for his boyfriend."

My eyes widened in surprise. Boyfriend? This school definitely was different, same sex relationships were usually frowned upon where I lived. Maybe that's why I couldn't really accept the fact that I was attracted to guys, well specifically three guys, and they were all 'damn hot'!

Trowa blushed slightly, "Eh? Where? I wanna meet him." I asked, I decided to go along with Hilde and start teasing Trowa.

"Oh, You'll meet him. Trowa usually isn't anywhere without him. I swear they stick to each other like horny rabbits." Hilde chimed.

I laughed at the glare Trowa was now giving Hilde. Wufei only smirked slightly and nodded in agreement. Heero did absolutely nothing. Didn't even seem like he was paying much attention to anything going on. I'd have to ask Hilde what was up with him later.

"Oh and the best part…" Hilde grinned. "He's a freshman! Trowa likes his boys young!" She laughed loudly ignoring the death glare she was receiving.

"Quatre!" Just then, Trowa stood up and walked towards a small boy who had a huge backpack two sizes too large on. I figured that was the so called 'boyfriend'. He definitely looked like a freshman, I could only see the back of his head though. The boy was waving his hands around animatedly while talking to Trowa, who had an amused smile on his face. That was pretty weird, seeing him like that. Trowa seemed to be a totally different person now.

I watched them for awhile, a little envious. All of a sudden Trowa pointed in my direction and I saw the small boy turn his head towards our table.

Blond hair, blue eyes… Holy shit!

The next thing I know, I had run out of the cafeteria as fast as I could. I could hear Hilde's confused voice calling after me but I never turned back around. I finally stopped when I was outside, on the school grounds somewhere. My heart was beating fast and I clutched my hands to my knees trying to catch my breath.

I kept screaming at myself in my head. 'Why did you run you fool?' I guess I was scared, scared that he wouldn't recognize me. I would know those blue eyes anywhere, that blond hair that looks exactly the same, that smile… Dill.

I sat down against the tree and closed my eyes. My brother was here, at this school. I had found him! But what was I doing? What would I say to him? What if he doesn't even want to see me? My head was spinning with 'what ifs', and I admit, I was scared! 'Ten years… he's fifteen right now… and has a boyfriend! Damn, and he's got one hell of a boyfriend at that.'

The bell rang and I got up slowly, my mind still in a turmoil. I guess there wasn't anything wrong with watching him from far away for awhile. I don't know when I would feel ready to face him, If ever… Quatre… that's what Trowa called him. Funny how I have my mind all set to do something and end up chickening out.

But if he didn't recognize me… I think it would hurt me. I don't think I would be able to take it. I might go crazy, and that's the true reason for me being scared.

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Hope you enjoyed this chapter!