Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Orphan Stage ❯ Stage Hall ( Chapter 9 )

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

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

Warning: Yaoi, angst.

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 Hall

"I don't want toooooo!" I whimpered as Heero dragged me down the street. "Heero! We can go later! Ne? Ne?" I whined as I saw the police station come into view. After school I was feeling a lot better compared to earlier before, when my emotion of the day was depression slash stress. The police station was not on my favorite things to do list, I 'sooo' did not want any bad news to spoil my mood. But, no, Heero just had to drag me the ten block walk and now here we were standing in front of the red brick building.

"You said you were going today, so you should go today." He stated, pushing me towards the entrance.

Great, well I had no choice now. I glanced one last time at Heero who was lounging on a bench outside, grr, stupid Heero. Though it was kinda nice of him to make sure I went. Knowing me, I probably would have held it off for a couple of days.

Inside it was pretty busy, people being directed here and there. Walking through the crowd I made my way towards someone whom I assumed was a secretary and asked her if I could see Kemp. She just looked at me weird and said some three digit door number. Her eyes were transfixed on my braid as I walked by. I was already used to people giving it weird looks so I just smiled at her widely before turning around making sure my braid swung high.

As I searched the back hall, I noticed that there were pictures hanging up of old and new officers. Walking further, I came upon one with Kemp in it. He was probably around his early twenties when the photo was taken, he stood next to some man whom had his arm slung carelessly over his shoulder.

The cool thing though, was that Kemp wasn't wearing his sunglasses! His bright green eyes stared happily at the camera. Man… why does he cover them up? His eyes were beautiful! Well, I could think of a few people whose eyes were better…. preferably a person sitting outside right now… cough.

Finally, I came to the right door, a window right next to it showed Kemp sitting behind a small desk going through piles of paperwork. He looked up as I walked in, jumping to his feet quickly when realizing it was me. "Duo!" He said, "Where've ya been? Every time I went to your apartment you were out!"

I grinned sheepishly at him before plopping down onto a spare chair. "Sorry, sorry… I've been pretty busy." Heh, yeah, a little too busy. He chuckled at me before sitting back down in his big black chair. "So, whadya want me here for?" I asked, feeling a little uneasy all of a sudden.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair, hands absently playing with his shirt collar. "Duo…" He bit his bottom lip in nervousness, obviously having a hard time getting out what he wanted to tell me. I knew I wasn't going to like it. "We found a lead." He said, successfully making my eyes bulge widely.

"You mean… you know where Hall is?" I asked excitedly.

He lowered his head, "Well… I guess I should tell you the details." Leaning over, he pulled out a file from one of the desk drawers, opening it up to peer at the contents. "About three days ago there was a report of a stolen car. Witnesses description of the thief was similar to that of Hall Phelps, your father." By the serious tone in his voice I knew he was working me up for the bad news. "Yesterday… there was a report of an abandoned car similar to that of what had been stolen."

He paused for a while as if afraid to continue. "And?" I asked impatiently.

"The car was found twenty miles out of town." My mouth dropped open and I stared at him in mute horror. "We sent someone out there to investigate, we'll find out if it was the same vehicle stolen sometime today."

So… there was still a chance that it was a different vehicle… and that it wasn't Hall who stole it… but still… twenty miles out of town! The orphanage was a good three hundred some miles away… there was no way that he would… travel all this way… but…

"Duo…" Kemp was looking at me, worry spread across his features. "We wont know for sure until we get the results… so don't worry about it until then, alright?"

Yeah, sure, like that would be possible. I just knew my day was going to be ruined!

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About ten minutes later I found myself back outside the police station, standing over a sleeping Heero. His head was tilted to the side, leaning on his arm that was propped up on the bench. He looked so funny, and I really didn't want to wake him up… hmm maybe I could have some fun with him.

Poke… I pushed my finger against his cheek lightly. He didn't stir at all. Hmm… weird. Taking my hand I pressed it against his soft cold cheek. Eek, he must be getting cold sitting out here in the chilly wind. The rain had stopped earlier in the morning, but the clouds were still filling the sky with their gloominess.

Taking both of my hands I pressed them to the sides of his chilled cheeks, trying to warm them up. He still didn't move. Hands still touching the sides of his face, I moved in to be eye level with him. "Heero…" I whispered, face now only a couple inches from his. Heh, maybe I could scare him. Taking my lip I pulled half into my mouth and stuck out the other in a weird angle. My eyes crossed and I scrunched up my nose in attempt to make a weird face. "HMPHA!" I mumbled between my slightly parted lips.

Heero's eyes snapped open and the next thing I knew I was on my back with his arm wrapped around my neck. Wow, that was a rush. My loud laugh filled the outside silence as Heero glared angrily at me.

"S-sorry Heero man… Just wanted to scare ya a little." I spit out, still trying to calm down from my giggle fit.

He growled slightly before taking my hand to help me to my feet. "What did they say?" He asked as we started the long walk home.

I groaned as I thought back to the discussion Kemp and I had. I really didn't want to tell Heero… I don't think he would be thrilled to hear that I might have to move… soon.

Avoiding his gaze, I walked in silence, my thoughts occupied on what I was going to say to Heero.

"Umm, Well you see…" I paused for a while, still not sure of what to tell him.

"Spit it out Duo." He said sharply, looking at me sternly.

I sighed… Heero was one damn curious person! "I… they… just found some information on Hall… and its not really good information."

He looked at me funny, seeing that I was avoiding what was 'really' going on. "You don't want to tell me." He said. He was giving me a way out and that just kinda made the tables turn. Since he had stated that I didn't want to tell him… it kinda made me want to tell him and show him that I 'did' want to tell him. Yes, I am a very confusing person sometimes.

"They think that Hall… might be near." I said, mumbling the words a little so that there was a chance he wouldn't hear me.

He stopped walking, making me look back to see him, eyes staring down at the pavement. "Are you going to have to leave?" He asked, his face held a weird expression and his voice sounded a little… worried.

"I don't know really… Kemp said they'll find out soon… if it is serious…"

He started walking again, silently keeping a few feet in front of me, all I could see was his back, shacking slightly as he picked up his pace.

"Heero… slow down!" I yelled, speeding my legs up. "Heero!" He was now fully running, trying to get away from me. Why? What was wrong? I must have said something stupid again.

My legs carried me quickly after him but he was way ahead of me now and there was no way I would be able to catch up. Out of breath, I finally stopped. Eyes closed, hands on chest as I breathed heavily. Why did he run from me? I could feel a pain in my chest as I thought of him being mad at me. Was he angry because I might have to leave? God… why did I ever tell him? It could have just been some stupid fluke and Hall could be found somewhere else. Kemp didn't exactly 'say' that I would have to leave because of this… Agh… who am I kidding… if it is Hall… if the car matches the description… I'll be gone.

Heero… maybe he's mad because… because he doesn't want me to leave. He said so himself… he… he might be sad to see me go. I don't know what I would do… having to leave him would be hard. Why had I never thought about it until now? I don't know what I would do without him… he's helped me so much this past week… when did I become so dependant on him? When did I always want to be around him and… why?

Sighing, I sat down on the sidewalk curb. My rasp breath could be seen in the cool evenings air. Sitting there, cursing myself for being stupid, I didn't even notice the pink car that pulled up until a blond head poked out of the window.

"Duo! What are you doing out here?" I looked up to see Relena's head, slanted slightly to the side as she questioned me. Her blond eyebrows were arched up slightly in surprise.

Looking around the streets I noticed that… I didn't recognize anything! In other words, I was probably lost. "Eh… I don't really know… I just kinda wandered over here." I explained, watching her as she stepped out of the passenger side door.

"Well, I just cant leave you here… come along." She said while gesturing for me to get into the car. She made me feel like a dog, obeying it's masters command. What's worse is I didn't complain, just followed her orders like some stupid mutt. Well, it didn't look like I had much choice since I was lost, plus it was better than freezing out here in the cold.

As I hopped into the hideous colored car, I noticed a formal looking man sitting in the drivers seat. He didn't even look my way as I entered which gave me the impression that he probably wasn't her parent. Did she actually have her own chauffer? Well, I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. She was, after all, one of the richest people at our school.

"However did you manage to get here? This is a bad part of town, you know." I looked out the window, trying to find the 'bad' part of this section of the huge city. To me, it didn't look one bit like she had said. Bad, no way! There was barely any litter, no bums sitting on street corners… obviously Relena hasn't been to a slums neighborhood.

"Hmmm." That was the only thing I could think of to say, not that she was paying attention, nope, she was in her own little world talking to herself.

"I was worried about you… you didn't show up to yesterday's meeting!" She smiled at me prettily as she said this.

Meeting? What meeting? Hmmm.. think… think… oh yeah. The prom squadron. Oh well, didn't miss anything big there. Wasn't she suppose to be mad at me for not coming? She looked like she was happy I didn't go… despite her words. "Sorry, sorry… I've been a little… exhausted lately." Emotionally exhausted actually.

She actually 'almost' looked concerned for a moment before saying, "Oh that's alright, come to the one tomorrow morning. Oh! I have an idea! Why don't you come with me shopping! That always makes me feel better!"

Oh god no. Did exhaustion mean anything to her?

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An hour later found me walking too slowly through my apartment door. Arms soar, feet blistered and killing me, I limped over to my sofa. Mentally cursing myself for having such a hard time saying 'no'! That's all I had to say and I wouldn't have had to carry bag after bag of… ugh! Junk! I mean really, what does someone need a feather, fluffy lamp for? Isn't that a fire hazard?

I rubbed my hands against my temples, trying to will away my headache… Relena really can talk a lot when she's excited. Kinda makes me feel sorry for the people who have to listen to me blab on and on about stuff. Hmm… Maybe the God up there was giving me a piece of my own medicine.

Groaning loudly, I laid myself down and flipped on the television. I was just about to fall into a nice welcomed sleep, when the phone rang. My legs limped me over to the counter so I could answer. Maybe it was Heero? I turned it on fast and gave a quick 'hello?'

It was Kemp. Who else would it be? Shouldn't have gotten my hopes so high. Heero doesn't even know my phone number. Well… I take that back, he knows everything about me. And if he wants to know more, he can just look it up like the cool little computer nerd he is.

"Listen Duo, we got the results back about the car." Kemp said quickly, it sounded as if he was rushing. "It was the same car, and there was another sighting of Hall in a town five miles away." The phone almost fell from my limp fingers after he said this. My mind supplied only one word, shit.

"Duo? Duo are you alright?" He asked, worry lining his voice.

"Aa… just peachy." Actually I was just the opposite but I didn't want to say that.

Kemp hung up shortly after saying something about being busy and he would contact me soon. I wasn't paying attention to any of the other things he told me. I felt to numb to listen. To in shock, once again. How the hell did Hall find me so fast?

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The next day at school I didn't see Heero anywhere. I had looked through the halls first hour and second, looking for that mop of brown hair. I wished I could hack into the school system like Heero does and get his schedule. But, sadly, I did not come equipped with that skill. I really wanted to talk to him, to tell him about my bad news. Although, it would probably make him hate me.

Second hour had Relena questioning me worriedly, because I didn't show up for her meeting 'again'. Hmm… I wonder why I keep forgetting.

"Well, that's alright… here, I'll give you my address so you can come over on Saturday for our next meeting." Relena had said while shoving a piece of paper in my hand. I was a little confused as to why she kept wanting me to come. I mean, I've already missed two of her so called gatherings, shouldn't she have given up on me by now?

Quatre sat with us during lunch, but I didn't really get to talk to him much because of the Trowa monster sitting between him and me. Argh, why did my little brother have to go and get himself a boyfriend? It makes everything harder, ya know?

Luckily, I spotted him in the hallway on the way to my last class of the day.

"Duo!" The small blond greeted me with a big smile as I walked up to him.

"Hey Quat! How ya doin?" Falling into step beside him, we made out way through the mass of students.

"Duo… I'm sorry about Trowa… he just kinda…" His lip was pulled in, bitten by his teeth in nervousness.

"Don't worry about it, I know he is just probably worried." Big blue eyes looked at me in relief.

"I was worried you were gonna be mad." He admitted softly. A small smile played on his lips as he looked at me through the corner of his eyes. He was happy having me here, being able to talk to me again after so long, and I was thrilled that he accepted me so easily back into his life.

Smirking, I winked at him and said, "You're going to have to tell me how you and Tro met sometime." A blush appeared on his cheeks causing me to laugh out loud. "What? Is it that bad?" My teasing seemed to make it worse and now even his ears were red.

"You doing anything on Sunday?" He asked me, looking up at me with pleading eyes. How could I refuse? Well, its not like I was doing anything, I'm not one on planning my weekend out.

I agreed to meet him at a little restaurant that was supposedly a block away from where I lived. Hopefully I wouldn't get lost. Maybe Heero would come… oh, I forgot that he had disappeared off the face of the city. I wonder where he is hiding?

Gah! When I find him I am going to put a leash on him! Ugh… now I sound like some snobby girlfriend. When did I start worrying about where Heero was? Maybe it's because he always so hard to find.

Sighing, I ran my hand through my tangled bangs. I really wanted to see Heero… I missed him already. How did I come to feel so strongly about him? The thought of him hurting inside makes me want to scream. I hate it… hate this painful feeling that comes out when I think of him like that. Its all because of me, he's angry at me… I made him like that.

All I wanted to do was to fix it. But I didn't know how.

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Saturday rolled around and I had nothing to do, so I ended up at the bus station. Rather than sitting home and moping about Heero, I decided that going to Relena's… whatever it is, would be better. It might be nice getting to go into a huge mansion. Maybe I could get lost and go explore.

The bus ride was short and before I knew it I was walking down a familiar street. Though I wouldn't be able to tell you why it looked so familiar. Something about it stuck out… and then it hit me…

As I stood in front of the address given I noticed that pink mailbox. That was the same mail box that I passed on the way to Heero's! Which meant that his house was near!

Walking down a little further I finally spotted the gloomy building called a home. The creepy looking door came into view as I walked into the yard. Yup, this place still gives me the creeps! My hand came up and I hesitantly lifted the little gargoyle door knocker. Would I be able to see Heero? Would they even let me in? I could feel my palms sweating as I waited for someone to answer the door. It came about a minute later, the door flew open to reveal a chubby maid dressed in all black. Well of course she was dressed in black… what else would anyone here wear?

"What can I do for you?" She asked coldly. It was supposed to be a nice greeting, but it sounded more of a warning to get the hell out of there before she called the police.

Summoning up any amount of my courage I said, "I'm here to see… Heero."

Her eyes widened slightly before a scowl appeared on her face. "There is no one by that name here." The door started to close and I felt an little panicked. I needed to see Heero! They were going to let me see him!

"Don't lie to me." I stated coolly. She had pissed me off with her last statement, so I was able to get my voice to sound somewhat demanding. The nervousness I was feeling was overruled by the anger the woman was making me feel. How dare she act like he doesn't exist! This is his house, his money! Don't they know that?

She seemed flustered as I stared at her coldly, then opened the door for me to enter. "Last door on the left hallway." She said before disappearing into one of the doors, slamming it behind her.

I was left alone in the creepy corridor, my fears returning. Quickly, I made my way through the dim lighted hallway and to the door I remembered as Heero's. I only hoped he was down there.

Softly, I opened the door and peered down the cramped looking stairwell.

Shit… I had to go down that! Last time was bad enough, and I even had Heero with me. Taking a deep breath, I started the decent down, feeling my arms shaking as they grabbed onto the railing. It seemed to take forever to get down, probably because I was going at a snail pace.

By the time I reached the last step I was shivering and my eyes were widely staring into the darkness. I was scared, my hands were clutched too tightly on the rail, but the thought of seeing Heero is what got me to keep on going.

Heero's room was dark, the only thing I could see was the glow of a computer screen from across the room. I stood in place for awhile, wanting to calm myself before I figured out if he was there. As my eyes adjusted to the rooms little light, I was able to see a figure sitting in front of the computer. Head tilted back, face to the ceiling, he looked asleep. His arms were hanging limply to his sides, illuminated by the soft glow of the computer.

Closing the distance, I stood not more than a foot from him, admiring his sleeping figure. I would have shaken him awake, but I learned my lesson last time when I scared him, so instead I softly called out his name.

"Duo?!" His head snapped up and he quickly looked in my direction. Eyes boring into me in surprise. He was on his feet quicker than I thought possible and standing before me with an outstretched hand. His fingers traced my cheek lightly, as if confirming that I was real, and not some illusion. "What are you doing here?" He asked, withdrawing his hand quickly, confusion set in his eyes.

"I… you… weren't at school… I was worried." I said. My eyes filling with sadness as he glared at me with a cold look on his face. He walked over, switching on a lamp and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Heero?" I asked, taking a step closer to him.

"What does it matter?" His emotionless voice sent a twinge of pain through my heart and I flinched at what he said next. "Your leaving soon anyway." The words were spit out so hatefully that it made me cringe and take a step back.

I couldn't hold back the sob that escaped my lips. I shouldn't have come here! Heero was… he was so angry. He didn't seem like the same person… because of the stupid police making me leave when there is trouble. I didn't mean to make him mad by having to move! I didn't want to go! I wanted to stay here… with Heero.

Who would be there to look out for me in my new home? Who would be there to warm me up when it is raining? To make me feel better on bad days? I couldn't stay here! And now I had pissed off the one person I needed right now!

This feeling… it hurts.

Heero stared at me as tears filled my eyes. God, I didn't want him to see me like this again. Why is it I always break down? I needed to be strong… but the thought of leaving Heero was too much for me.

"Heero… I'm sorry… I'm sor-ry. I cant, I don't want to… please don't be mad at me!" I looked up to the ceiling trying to hold my tears in so they would not spill. I could not cry… I would not cry…

I felt Heero approach me, silently pushing down at my chin so I would face him. His dark eyes no longer held their anger, they now looked painfully sad. Had I made him this way? Was I responsible for hurting him like this? Maybe he regrets ever meeting me… ever opening up enough to be hurt… and I might have to leave him. The thought was horrible enough, how would 'actually' leaving feel?

"I'm sorry." I sniffled, hand wiping at my eyes.

"No…" He leaned towards me and a small sad smile appeared on his face. Shocking me enough to make me freeze up where I stood. "I'm sorry Duo… I knew you might have to go… but I got… attached, anyway."

My eyes widened slightly as he moved forward, his face only and inch from mine. "Heero…" I whispered softly, he cut off my words by pressing his lips firmly against mine. My breath stopped and I froze in place, trying to comprehend what was happening. Heero was… why was he… what was he doing? Heero didn't… did he… like me like that? When did he start to? Why hadn't I noticed?

He pulled away slowly, looking at my stunned face with sad eyes. "I got too attached." The pain coming from his voice sent me back into reality. My violet eyes looked up to him with something like astonishment. I was amazed at what had just happened. My hand found its way up to gently press where his lips had been. Feeling the loss of Heero's warmth that had once been against me.

"Why… when…" Too many questions filled my mind and I couldn't figure out which ones to ask first.

He turned away, shoulders slumping as he attempted to walk towards the couch. My hand shot out, surprising even me, I clutched the edge of Heero's shirt desperately looking at him. My eyes searched for some answers to my questions, maybe something to give me an answer to what I was feeling. But all I could see was the pain flickering within him. The hurt caused from looking at me.

My hands clutched tighter and I pulled him close to me, wrapping my arms around him in a desperate embrace.

"I don't want to leave you." I whispered softly into his ear. A shiver ran through his body as my breath tickled his skin. His strong arms came up and wrapped themselves around me in return. Holding me tightly. Giving me the comfort I had learned to love.

"Then don't leave." He pleaded, burying his head into my hair.

I sighed, and pulled away to look up at him, eyes filling once again with tears. "I cant… I have no choice… and Hall is still somewhere… I'm sorry."

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I am soooo tired!!!!! Packing and unpacking sucks! I hate it! And trying to get a chapter out was also hard… agh exhaustion! Well, hope you didn't hate me too much for this chapter… please tell me what you thought of it!

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