Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Pieces of a Puzzle ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 7 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: siberianknight 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.19.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.0K | Visits: 369 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.19.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.0K | Visits: 369 | Status: Completed
Author's Notes: I apologize for taking two weeks on this one. I had most of it written by Sunday, but not finished. Then I rewrote most of it because I didn't like the way it was going. So, here finally is chapter seven. I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed this story, and I would love to hear more from everyone. ^_^
Warnings: Language, angst (Duo and Heero)
Status: COMPLETE
Duo sat nervously across from Aya,who was flipping thoughtfully through a file. Every now and then she would make a sound as if finding something either interesting or bad. Duo just knew that this was going to go badly, because, for someone who was as personable as Duo, he didn’t quite know how to handle himself in a situation such as this one.
Aya finally looked up at Duo and smiled. “So, Duo-kun, how long have you practiced with a sword?”
“Uhm ... I -- well, for about four months.” Aya frowned and glanced down at the papers in her lap. Duo could feel the sweat forming on his brow; this was it ... he and Heero were going to be separated and it was all because Duo couldn’t help but tell the complete and utter truth.
“Okay, I’m now going to ask you a few personal questions ... if you would please answer them to the best of your ability.”
“‘The best of my ability??’ What the hell does that mean?!” Duo frantically tried to calm down his racing mind. He had no idea what she meant by ‘personal’ questions.’
“All right, so, tell me did you ever steal anything?”
Duo’s mouth dropped open. He couldn’t believe that this tiny snip of a woman had just asked the dumbest question possible. “Yes. I have ... of course it was because --”
Aya smiled as she cut him off. “It’s okay. Just a ‘yes’ will do.” Duo frowned fiercely, he had known this was going to happen; she wasn’t going to listen to a word of his explanations. She was probably from one of those snotty noble families. “How long ago was it that you stole anything?”
Duo swallowed. He could lie, but that went against every fiber within him. “Last week. It was food.”
“I don’t need to know what it was.” Aya began writing in a small spiral notepad. Duo’s angry was nearing the breaking point. So help him, if he was separated from Heero, Duo was going to completely blame this Aya woman, and she would pay dearly for her deed. “In three words or less, please describe yourself.”
“Happy, friendly, and honest.” Duo was clinching his teeth as he spoke; he noticed that Aya wrote something down about his behavior.
Aya took a deep breath and looked Duo in the eyes. With an air of disdain, she easily destroyed every descriptory word which Duo had used. “Honest? You steal ... I for one wouldn’t call that honest.”
“But --!?” Duo was going to plead with her if he had to, he didn’t care about his pride anymore.
Aya stopped him short. “Please, I’m not through ... yet. You say that you’re happy and friendly, but at this moment your being very aggressive and pushy. You aren’t anything like what you say you are.”
“But I am! I swear! You won’t let me explain anything!”
“I’m doing what I was asked and trained to do, Duo-kun. I’m sorry if you don’t agree with my methods.”
“You’re right ... I don’t agree with your methods!” Duo stood and glared down at Aya. “I’m a good person, goddammit! And I’m a fucking good swordsman too! I care about people, and I believe that I would make a good shinigami.”
Aya rose from her seat and looked up into the burning indigo eyes of Duo. A grin started to spread across her face. “I’m glad to hear that you feel that way.”
“Huh?” Duo was confused by Aya’s swift change. A sense of dominance and aggressiveness that wasn’t present before had appeared when she spoke. “I don’t like wimpy shinigami. They only die when they’re out in the field. You on the other hand seem to be able to take care of yourself. I approve.”
“What?”
Aya laughed softly and gently patted Duo on the arm. “It’s okay. I was only testing you. I knew you grew up in Rukongai ... so of course you had to steal to survive -- especially since you have spiritual energy.” Aya signed one of the forms and then walked to the door. “Aren’t you coming too? You do want to become a shinigami ... right?”
“Uh ... yeah.” Duo ran after Aya. He had passed. He had actually passed because of his rude mouth and brashness. They entered Zechs Marquise’s office where Duo was greeted and approved entry into the academy.
Duo ran to find Heero, who was sitting on a bench in the quad area of the campus. “Guess what!?” Duo panted as he came to a halt before Heero.
“You got in.” Heero smiled gently and stood. He lovingly brushed Duo’s hair from his eyes and kissed his cheek. “I knew you would.” Duo wrapped his arms tightly around Heero and gave him a fierce hug.
“I love you Heero. And I’m glad we’ll still be together -- and out of that shit-hole.”
“I’m thankful too.”
-----
Six Months Later
Duo stormed into his and Heero’s dorm room. “Fucking bastards.” He growled as he ineffectively attempted to untie the sash holding up his grey-blue pants. Heero shoved Duo’s hands away and easily untied the knot. “They think that because they’re from the top districts in Rukongai that they’re better than me. Who the fuck do they think they are anyway!? They’re still people just like us, for Christ's sake!”
“Just ignore them.” Heero gently helped Duo finish undressing and then handed him a knee length kimono. “If you do that, it’ll take the fun out of picking on you.”
“You don’t get picked on. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s because you act like them.” Duo sat down on his bed and stared down at his feet. “I’m tired of being looked down upon, Heero. I just want them to acknowledge the fact that I can fight as good as they can.”
Heero sat next to Duo, and lovingly wrapped his arm around Duo’s waist. “But you’re better than they are. You’re the second top student.”
“I know. I don’t care about that. I just am tired of them treating me like garbage. And why the hell don’t you get picked on!?” Duo glared angrily at Heero, who tried not to laugh at the look on his lover’s face.
“I don’t get picked on because I don’t try to talk to them. I ignore them and go about my studies.”
Duo sighed heavily. “I guess you’re right. I’ll do the same.”
“Duo, we’ve got each other. If you get lonely just come and talk to me.”
“Heero, I love you -- with all my heart and soul, but ... I want to make some other friends too. Because they’re different from you, and I can talk to them about different things.”
Heero’s heart sunk a little in his chest. It bothered him that he wasn’t enough for Duo, but at the same time, he knew that he had no right to tell Duo he couldn’t have any friends. “I see.”
“Heero, don’t pout. I told you ... I love you, and you’re my closest friend -- nobody can ever replace you, I promise.” Duo tenderly pressed his mouth against Heero’s in a kiss, which he hoped would cement the truth in the words that he had spoken. Happy to be able to calm Duo down, Heero eagerly took control over the situation and pressed Duo down on the bed. Duo surrendered to Heero’s caresses and kisses, knowing that his lover would erase all the bad that had built up over the day.
“Duo,” Heero held Duo in his arms, he could tell that Duo was almost asleep, but he continued to speak. “If you’re patient with these people, eventually you’ll find friends. Don’t dwell on the words they hurl at you. I know you realize that, but -- I want you to be happy. I don’t like it when you’re upset.”
Duo yawned and snuggled against Heero. “I know all that, Hee-chan. I exploded because it built up ... that’s all. I’ll be happy Duo again tomorrow.” Heero kissed the mass of hair which had pulled loose from Duo’s braid. He loved the way it felt against his skin; he loved everything about the man in his arms ... even his emotional outbursts. Tomorrow he would try to get to the bottom of the insults and put a stop to them.
Duo sat under a tree in the quad; he was studying and didn’t notice the small black-haired girl who sat down next to him. “Do you have Satou-sensei?”
Duo looked over at the girl, a little surprised that a person was there and being civil to him. “For Demon Arts? No.”
“Oh. I was just wondering. I had him -- very hard instructor. Oh, I’m Hilde.” Hilde extended her hand to shake Duo’s.
“Duo. What level are you?”
“Oh, I just passed the third phase. Hopefully within the next few months I’ll be graduating.” Her smile was innocent and her eyes lit up happily as she looked at Duo.
“So -- um -- why are you talking to me?”
“Because you looked like an interesting person.” Hilde stood and began to pace before Duo. “The truth is, I thought you looked a little lonely, and so I decided to come and say ‘hello.’” She stopped and bent down to look directly into Duo’s eyes, Duo pulled back slightly. He wasn’t one to mind people invading his personal space, but for some reason he felt a bit uncomfortable with Hilde being that close to him.
“Ah, I see. Well, thanks.”
“Most people say mean things about you. I’ve heard them. Just ignore those snobs. Once you graduate things’ll change. I promise!” Hilde crossed her heart and held her first two fingers up in a promise. “There’s a party that a good friend of mine is holding. Would you like to come with me?”
“Well ... I -- uhm -- I dunno.” Duo sighed and gazed at his books. If he went, he would feel badly because Heero wasn’t with him, but if he didn’t ... he’d probably be bored to tears. He knew that Heero was going to be late tonight because he had a meeting with his sword mastery teacher; therefor, it was perfectly logical that Duo could do whatever he wanted to do. “Okay, I’ll come.”
Hilde clapped her hands together with glee. “Excellent. I’ll meet you here under this tree at around seven.” She waved as she turned to walk away. “See ya!”
Duo watched Hilde leave. He realized that just maybe, he was going to make a few friends that night.
-----
Duo left a short note for Heero, just in case he got back to the dorm before Duo. He had been sitting under the tree since five minutes before seven. It was now almost seven-thirty. “This must have been a joke. They’re probably laughing their heads off.” Duo rose from his seat and began to walk back to the dorm; however, the sound of a person running caused him to turn. Hilde was running up to him from across the quad.
“Duo! Where’re you going!?” Hilde panted when she reached Duo. “I’m -- sosorry -- I’m -- late.”
Duo smiled, and put out his hand to steady Hilde. “Hey, catch your breath before you explain.”
Hilde took a deep breath and straightened herself. “I was helping one of my teachers and lost track of time. That’s why I’m late. I’m so sorry.”
Duo was relieved to know that it hadn’t been a prank. “It’s cool. Are you ready to go?”
“Yup.” Hilde smiled and hooked her arm through Duo’s. They arrived at Aya’s small house which was located only a few blocks from campus. Duo was amazed at how many people actually fit inside the house. While he was looking at all the people, he felt a tug on his sleeve. “There’s Aya. Lemme introduce you.” Hilde smiled and dragged Duo across the crowded room. “Aya!” Hilde waved enthusiastically at her friend.
“Hilde! I’m glad you could make it!” The two girls hugged and then Duo was introduced to Aya. “Oh, we met already. I was the one who interviewed him. And I hear you’re doing excellent in your studies.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Aya laughed. “You don’t have to be formal here. Most of the people you see in this room are students like you. I’m not actually an instructor at the academy. I’m a prospective member of the eleventh gotei. I have to prove my strength to them in a few weeks for a formal acceptance.”
Duo nodded his head. He was very impressed that Aya had been invited to the strongest gotei. Someone began to sing and several others joined in; the singing helped Duo to relax and enjoy himself.
Several hours after Duo and Hilde had arrived at the party, the two were sitting outside on the porch talking and drinking some sake. “Do you ever wonder what you were like when you lived as a mortal?” Hilde mused as she gazed at the stars.
“Yes, actually I have. I often wonder too where my family might be. Are they in heaven? Or did they end up in Soul Society like myself.” Duo poured some sake into his dish and sipped it slowly.
“Yeah. Did you ever wonder if those that we loved on Earth may be here too? Like soul-mates?” Hilde’s eyes were glazed over from the alcohol, but there was a light twinkling in them that made Duo become curious.
“Soul mates? I never really thought about that.”
“Yeah, you know, one died a horrible death, but never wanted to leave the other person. So they stayed behind as a Plus. Then a shinigami performed the konsou* and they ended up here. Well the other person died, lonely and longing for their loved one. They became a Plus as well, and then ... well you get where I’m going ... right?”
“Yeah.” Duo began to think that maybe he and Heero were that -- soul mates. However, that didn’t necessarily mean that their story was like what Hilde was saying. “Sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into that.”
“I have. I wonder if I have a soul mate.” Hilde looked at Duo who was playing with an errant beetle. She watched as he allowed the beetle to crawl onto his hand and over his fingers. A blush slowly formed on her small face as she stared at his hands. “Duo, I was wondering if maybe we could study together sometime?”
Duo glanced over at Hilde and grinned. “I’d like that.”
Heero was lying in bed and reading when Duo returned to the dorm. “It’s two o’clock in the morning, Duo. Where were you?” Heero glared over the top of the book at Duo. He had been in a good mood until around midnight, he had then began to worry. Heero would have gone out to look for Duo, except that he had no idea where Duo was. So, he had waited and waited.
“Sorry.” Duo plopped down onto his side of the bed. They had pushed the two twin beds together to make a large bed. Not that they ever used the whole bed to sleep, Duo was normally snuggled so close to Heero that they only used one side.
“Well ...?” Heero waited impatiently.
“Oh, yeah ... I was at a party.”
Heero shut his book with an angry slam. “I know that. What I’m asking is what kind of party was it and who were you with.”
Duo looked up at Heero, he couldn’t believe what Heero had just said to him. This was the first time ever that Heero had openly shown jealousy. “Heero, I was at a party with a new friend. That’s all. I didn’t do anything except for talk and drink and eat.”
Heero leaned over and sniffed Duo’s breath. “You’ve been drinking alcohol.”
“Yes Heero, I’ve been drinking. Oh my God, I’m the worst partner ever. I drank alcohol!” Duo stressed every word angrily. Heero had no right to be this jealous, especially since Duo had done absolutely nothing.
“Hrm.” Heero stood and walked to the bathroom, the door slammed behind him.
“Fine if he wants to be pissy about it, I’m just going to go to sleep.” Duo stripped his clothes and tossed them in the floor. He then snuggled under the covers and quickly fell asleep.
Heero sat on the toilet, thinking about the anger and relief which were warring within him. He knew deep in his heart that Duo would never do anything, but at the same time a deep hurt plucked at the corner of his mind. Heero was unsure as to why he felt so angry with Duo, after all, Duo had only done exactly what Heero had wanted him to do. Duo had made friends. This didn’t stop the hurt and jealousy from rearing their ugly heads in Heero’s mind.
After a few moments, Heero emerged from the bathroom to find Duo sound asleep. Heero shed himself of his clothes and climbed into the bed next to Duo. He wrapped his arm around Duo and kissed his shoulder. “I love you Duo, and I’m sorry I got upset.” A snort was all he received in answer to his apology. Heero smirked and snuggled against Duo.
-----
Over the next two months, Duo made several new friends, but the closest one was Hilde. Whenever Duo wasn’t with Heero, he was with her. In fact, the two spent so much time together a rumor that they were dating had began to circulate throughout the campus. Oddly enough, this rumor helped Duo’s reputation and a few of the groups which had previously shunned him began to accept him.
It was study night for Duo and Hilde, and they were in the library because it had been raining all day. Hilde was gazing out the large windows at the rain droplets running down the panes. “I wish it would stop raining. The only good thing about rain is the pretty plants it feeds.”
Duo smiled. “Hilde, we need to study. I’ve got a test tomorrow.”
“I know. Sorry.” Hilde leaned over the table and looked at the book in front of Duo. “This is easy stuff.”
“Yeah, I know, but the teacher said that she wasn’t going to question us on everything. Just random things -- and some of this is pretty hard.”
“Well, I think the easiest way to remember is to first, read aloud ... that keeps you from getting bored and ignoring what you read. Then you write down the things that you don’t know that well. Then you go back and read those parts in the book -- aloud of course.”
“Interesting. I’ll try that.” Duo smiled brightly at his friend, who smiled back in turn. Hilde pulled a small black book out of her tote bag and opened it. “What’s that?”
“Oh, it’s my journal. Aya was keeping one and told me about it. I thought it sounded like a good idea.”
“Really?” Duo was honestly intrigued. He had never actually known someone who had kept a journal or diary. “Is it daily or just random thoughts?”
“Both, actually. In the first few pages I wrote about myself and my most memorable moments from my life, then I began writing down random thoughts, feelings, and moments that happened that day. You know ... you should keep one. That way when you’re old and gray you can open it and look through it. It’ll also give your children something to remember you by.” Duo’s chuckle held a hint of irony within its rich depths. Unless someone had changed the way things work, Duo and Heero were never going to have children. “Why do you laugh at that? I think you’d make a wonderful father.”
“Thank you, Hilde.” Duo smiled and wished for a brief moment that there was a way to produce a child between two men, but that thought flitted away quietly. “I think I'll keep a journal. I’ve been kind of doing that already. I draw in it mostly, but sometimes I write thoughts down in it.”
“See. You should.” Hilde looked at the window again, the rain had stopped. “Let’s go outside!” She grabbed Duo’s hand with enthusiasm and dragged him outside. The two splashed through the mud puddles as if they were small children again. Duo couldn’t remember a time when he had this much fun. Always in Rukongai, things were so stressful that even the times he would play as a child, reality would always crush his euphoria.
They were running through the puddles when Hilde slipped and began to fall. Duo reached out to catch her, and Hilde held onto Duo. He righted her, and yet she still held onto his arms. “Duo ...” Her voice was soft and unsure. Duo could hear his heart beating loudly in his ears. He was praying that she was just going to leave the feeling alone, and let go of him. “I -- I like you.” Hilde quickly pressed her lips against Duo’s, who was so stunned that he didn’t resist at first.
After only a second, Duo realized what was happening and pushed Hilde away. A figure behind her caught his attention. Duo looked up from Hilde’s face, Heero was standing at the corner of the library with a horrified expression on his face. “Heero!” Duo called out, but he was already running away. “Shit.” Duo ran to catch up with Heero, and left Hilde behind.
Duo searched everywhere and couldn’t find Heero. It was as if he had vanished. Duo sat down on a rock and held his head in his hands. “Why didn’t I tell her? I should’ve noticed that she liked me before that. I’m so stupid.”
“Duo?” Trowa was walking up to Duo, Quatre tucked lovingly at his side.
Duo looked up at his friend and closed his eyes tightly. “I screwed up. Heero’s gone. I don’t know where he went.”
“Oh. I’m sure after he calms down, he’ll be back. What happened anyway?”
“A girl kissed me in front of him.”
Quatre gasped quietly. “No wonder he ran. I’m sure he knows you wouldn’t cheat on him ... right?”
“I guess. He’s been suspicious of me ever since I started hanging out with people other than him.” Duo picked at the moss which was growing on the rock. He knew that Heero would come back, but not to make up ... to yell at him then leave again.
Trowa grunted. He looked in the direction from which he and Quatre had walked. “Let me go to him. I’m removed from the situation, so maybe he’ll listen to me.”
“Trowa ... I don’t know where he’s at.” Duo commented a bit exasperated.
“I know where he is. You forget I knew him before you did.” Trowa turned to Quatre and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. “Stay with Duo, please. I’ll be back soon.”
“Good luck.” Quatre sat next to Duo. “How well do you know this girl?”
“She’s my friend. Apparently she has a crush on me ... and I was too blind to see it.” Duo’s sigh sounded as if the world had crashed down around him, which to him ... it had.
“Duo-kun, Trowa has told me much about you and Heero, and I think that the two of you still have a chance. Just trust in Heero’s feelings.”
“I’m trying. I am.” Duo couldn’t hold back the tears of frustration and self-loathing any longer. He allowed Quatre to see him cry. Quatre calmly wrapped his arms around Duo’s quivering body and held him for as long as Duo needed.
“Heero!? I know you’re in here! Come out!” Trowa ducked under the entrance to the small cave. This cave, which was near the 72nd district of south Rukongai**, had been Heero’s hiding place whenever he had become upset.
“Leave me alone!” Heero’s angry voice echoed through the small den. “I don’t want to talk right now.”
“Heero, Duo wants to talk to you.” Trowa walked up to Heero, who was sitting on the cold ground, hugging his legs to his chest.
“I don’t care.”
“Yes you do!” Trowa pulled Heero up to his feet. “Punch me if you want. You are not going to mess up this relationship you have. It’s the only good thing in your life!”
“I have school. That’s all I need.” An angry fist met with Heero’s face, as Trowa glared at the stupid man before him.
“All you need, huh? Fine then. I’ll relay that to Duo. You want to kill him ... then go ahead. But I’ll tell you this -- it’d be a hell of a lot less painful for him if you were to disembowel him instead.” Trowa shoved Heero against the stone wall and left.
Heero sat back down and stared into the black space. Duo had kissed the girl. He had cheated on him. This was not something so easily forgotten or forgiven, and Heero wasn’t ready to face Duo yet. Heero wasn’t even certain if he ever could face Duo again. The image of his so-called friend, Hilde’s mouth on Duo’s was enough to have made Heero retch several times already. However, Trowa had been right, if Heero wanted to kill Duo, ignoring him would be the worst way to do so. Heero stood and decided to face Duo, and ask what had happened.
Duo dried his eyes on his sleeve. “Feel a little better?” Quatre handed him a handkerchief so he could blow his nose.
“No. I feel like shit, Quatre.” A noise of a twig breaking caused the two boys to look up. Duo’s heart sank as he gazed at the person who stood before them.
“Hilde ... what --?”
Hilde threw herself onto Duo and held him fiercely. “Duo, please don’t be mad ...” She was crying, Duo couldn’t believe that she was crying.
“Hilde ...” Duo wasn’t sure what to say to the girl, and so he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. After a few minutes, her tears began to subside. Quatre gave Duo an unspoken signal to tell Hilde about his feelings. “Um, Hilde ... look, I know you said that you like me. But the truth is, that I like you only as a friend. I’m sorry.”
Hilde rose from Duo’s arms and looked him in the eyes. “Oh.” She turned her head from Duo, and sniffed loudly. “It’s okay. I understand. ... I just thought that I felt something when you caught me. Who was that you ran after?”
“That was my ... roommate, Heero.” Quatre didn’t try to hide the shocked expression on his face. He couldn’t believe that Duo wouldn’t tell this girl the truth.
“Duo ...” Quatre tried to get him to tell the truth just with the tone in his voice, but it didn’t work. Duo began to ramble something about how he was supposed to have met up with Heero after their study session for dinner. Quatre sighed heavily, Trowa was going to have to beat both boys over the head to fix this problem.
“I still want to be friends, Duo. I’m sorry again. Just forget I ever said anything.” Hilde smiled and then turned to leave. “I’ll see ya!”
After she was out of range, Quatre turned angrily to Duo. “Why didn’t you tell her that you and Heero are lovers?!”
“I didn’t want to hurt her anymore than she already was. She’ll find out eventually.”
“I think you just made things worse, if you don’t tell her, then she’s going to find out some other way. And it may be more painful for her and cause problems for you and Heero.”
“I know ... I know. I’ll tell her -- I promise.”
Quatre sat with Duo until Trowa returned. “What did he say?” Quatre worriedly chewed on his lower lip as he awaited Trowa’s answer.
“Not much. He’s too upset right now.” Trowa laid a comforting hand on Duo’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’ll come around soon.” The concerned expression on Trowa’s face disturbed Quatre. He knew that Heero wasn’t going to make up with Duo so easily, and Trowa knew it as well.
“It’s okay. I’ll just go back to our room and wait. He’ll come back ... he has to -- his clothes are all there.” Duo hopped off the rock and began to walk away from Trowa and Quatre. His shoulders slumped slightly and his steps were lethargic; anyone could tell that he was hurting inside, even if he refused to show it on his face.
“Trowa,” Quatre stood and gazed up into his lover’s face. “What did Heero really say?”
“That he doesn’t care about Duo. And he doesn’t need him.” Quatre shut his eyes tightly against the cold words. Funny how a small kiss initiated by someone else could mess up a beautiful relationship such as what Heero and Duo had held.
*The cleansing of a Plus, it's the actions which sends the soul to Soul Society. Is only preformed by shinigami.
**There are about 80 districts in each of the four areas (North, South, East, and West) of the Rukongai. The higher the number the worse the district is. If you're familiar with Bleach, then you would know that 72 is not as bad as that which Renji and Rukia grew up in, but still bad.
Legal stuf ... Bleach and Gundam Wing don't belong to me, they belong to Kubo Tite, Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino respectively.
geovisit();
Warnings: Language, angst (Duo and Heero)
Status: COMPLETE
Duo sat nervously across from Aya,who was flipping thoughtfully through a file. Every now and then she would make a sound as if finding something either interesting or bad. Duo just knew that this was going to go badly, because, for someone who was as personable as Duo, he didn’t quite know how to handle himself in a situation such as this one.
Aya finally looked up at Duo and smiled. “So, Duo-kun, how long have you practiced with a sword?”
“Uhm ... I -- well, for about four months.” Aya frowned and glanced down at the papers in her lap. Duo could feel the sweat forming on his brow; this was it ... he and Heero were going to be separated and it was all because Duo couldn’t help but tell the complete and utter truth.
“Okay, I’m now going to ask you a few personal questions ... if you would please answer them to the best of your ability.”
“‘The best of my ability??’ What the hell does that mean?!” Duo frantically tried to calm down his racing mind. He had no idea what she meant by ‘personal’ questions.’
“All right, so, tell me did you ever steal anything?”
Duo’s mouth dropped open. He couldn’t believe that this tiny snip of a woman had just asked the dumbest question possible. “Yes. I have ... of course it was because --”
Aya smiled as she cut him off. “It’s okay. Just a ‘yes’ will do.” Duo frowned fiercely, he had known this was going to happen; she wasn’t going to listen to a word of his explanations. She was probably from one of those snotty noble families. “How long ago was it that you stole anything?”
Duo swallowed. He could lie, but that went against every fiber within him. “Last week. It was food.”
“I don’t need to know what it was.” Aya began writing in a small spiral notepad. Duo’s angry was nearing the breaking point. So help him, if he was separated from Heero, Duo was going to completely blame this Aya woman, and she would pay dearly for her deed. “In three words or less, please describe yourself.”
“Happy, friendly, and honest.” Duo was clinching his teeth as he spoke; he noticed that Aya wrote something down about his behavior.
Aya took a deep breath and looked Duo in the eyes. With an air of disdain, she easily destroyed every descriptory word which Duo had used. “Honest? You steal ... I for one wouldn’t call that honest.”
“But --!?” Duo was going to plead with her if he had to, he didn’t care about his pride anymore.
Aya stopped him short. “Please, I’m not through ... yet. You say that you’re happy and friendly, but at this moment your being very aggressive and pushy. You aren’t anything like what you say you are.”
“But I am! I swear! You won’t let me explain anything!”
“I’m doing what I was asked and trained to do, Duo-kun. I’m sorry if you don’t agree with my methods.”
“You’re right ... I don’t agree with your methods!” Duo stood and glared down at Aya. “I’m a good person, goddammit! And I’m a fucking good swordsman too! I care about people, and I believe that I would make a good shinigami.”
Aya rose from her seat and looked up into the burning indigo eyes of Duo. A grin started to spread across her face. “I’m glad to hear that you feel that way.”
“Huh?” Duo was confused by Aya’s swift change. A sense of dominance and aggressiveness that wasn’t present before had appeared when she spoke. “I don’t like wimpy shinigami. They only die when they’re out in the field. You on the other hand seem to be able to take care of yourself. I approve.”
“What?”
Aya laughed softly and gently patted Duo on the arm. “It’s okay. I was only testing you. I knew you grew up in Rukongai ... so of course you had to steal to survive -- especially since you have spiritual energy.” Aya signed one of the forms and then walked to the door. “Aren’t you coming too? You do want to become a shinigami ... right?”
“Uh ... yeah.” Duo ran after Aya. He had passed. He had actually passed because of his rude mouth and brashness. They entered Zechs Marquise’s office where Duo was greeted and approved entry into the academy.
Duo ran to find Heero, who was sitting on a bench in the quad area of the campus. “Guess what!?” Duo panted as he came to a halt before Heero.
“You got in.” Heero smiled gently and stood. He lovingly brushed Duo’s hair from his eyes and kissed his cheek. “I knew you would.” Duo wrapped his arms tightly around Heero and gave him a fierce hug.
“I love you Heero. And I’m glad we’ll still be together -- and out of that shit-hole.”
“I’m thankful too.”
Six Months Later
Duo stormed into his and Heero’s dorm room. “Fucking bastards.” He growled as he ineffectively attempted to untie the sash holding up his grey-blue pants. Heero shoved Duo’s hands away and easily untied the knot. “They think that because they’re from the top districts in Rukongai that they’re better than me. Who the fuck do they think they are anyway!? They’re still people just like us, for Christ's sake!”
“Just ignore them.” Heero gently helped Duo finish undressing and then handed him a knee length kimono. “If you do that, it’ll take the fun out of picking on you.”
“You don’t get picked on. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s because you act like them.” Duo sat down on his bed and stared down at his feet. “I’m tired of being looked down upon, Heero. I just want them to acknowledge the fact that I can fight as good as they can.”
Heero sat next to Duo, and lovingly wrapped his arm around Duo’s waist. “But you’re better than they are. You’re the second top student.”
“I know. I don’t care about that. I just am tired of them treating me like garbage. And why the hell don’t you get picked on!?” Duo glared angrily at Heero, who tried not to laugh at the look on his lover’s face.
“I don’t get picked on because I don’t try to talk to them. I ignore them and go about my studies.”
Duo sighed heavily. “I guess you’re right. I’ll do the same.”
“Duo, we’ve got each other. If you get lonely just come and talk to me.”
“Heero, I love you -- with all my heart and soul, but ... I want to make some other friends too. Because they’re different from you, and I can talk to them about different things.”
Heero’s heart sunk a little in his chest. It bothered him that he wasn’t enough for Duo, but at the same time, he knew that he had no right to tell Duo he couldn’t have any friends. “I see.”
“Heero, don’t pout. I told you ... I love you, and you’re my closest friend -- nobody can ever replace you, I promise.” Duo tenderly pressed his mouth against Heero’s in a kiss, which he hoped would cement the truth in the words that he had spoken. Happy to be able to calm Duo down, Heero eagerly took control over the situation and pressed Duo down on the bed. Duo surrendered to Heero’s caresses and kisses, knowing that his lover would erase all the bad that had built up over the day.
“Duo,” Heero held Duo in his arms, he could tell that Duo was almost asleep, but he continued to speak. “If you’re patient with these people, eventually you’ll find friends. Don’t dwell on the words they hurl at you. I know you realize that, but -- I want you to be happy. I don’t like it when you’re upset.”
Duo yawned and snuggled against Heero. “I know all that, Hee-chan. I exploded because it built up ... that’s all. I’ll be happy Duo again tomorrow.” Heero kissed the mass of hair which had pulled loose from Duo’s braid. He loved the way it felt against his skin; he loved everything about the man in his arms ... even his emotional outbursts. Tomorrow he would try to get to the bottom of the insults and put a stop to them.
Duo sat under a tree in the quad; he was studying and didn’t notice the small black-haired girl who sat down next to him. “Do you have Satou-sensei?”
Duo looked over at the girl, a little surprised that a person was there and being civil to him. “For Demon Arts? No.”
“Oh. I was just wondering. I had him -- very hard instructor. Oh, I’m Hilde.” Hilde extended her hand to shake Duo’s.
“Duo. What level are you?”
“Oh, I just passed the third phase. Hopefully within the next few months I’ll be graduating.” Her smile was innocent and her eyes lit up happily as she looked at Duo.
“So -- um -- why are you talking to me?”
“Because you looked like an interesting person.” Hilde stood and began to pace before Duo. “The truth is, I thought you looked a little lonely, and so I decided to come and say ‘hello.’” She stopped and bent down to look directly into Duo’s eyes, Duo pulled back slightly. He wasn’t one to mind people invading his personal space, but for some reason he felt a bit uncomfortable with Hilde being that close to him.
“Ah, I see. Well, thanks.”
“Most people say mean things about you. I’ve heard them. Just ignore those snobs. Once you graduate things’ll change. I promise!” Hilde crossed her heart and held her first two fingers up in a promise. “There’s a party that a good friend of mine is holding. Would you like to come with me?”
“Well ... I -- uhm -- I dunno.” Duo sighed and gazed at his books. If he went, he would feel badly because Heero wasn’t with him, but if he didn’t ... he’d probably be bored to tears. He knew that Heero was going to be late tonight because he had a meeting with his sword mastery teacher; therefor, it was perfectly logical that Duo could do whatever he wanted to do. “Okay, I’ll come.”
Hilde clapped her hands together with glee. “Excellent. I’ll meet you here under this tree at around seven.” She waved as she turned to walk away. “See ya!”
Duo watched Hilde leave. He realized that just maybe, he was going to make a few friends that night.
Duo left a short note for Heero, just in case he got back to the dorm before Duo. He had been sitting under the tree since five minutes before seven. It was now almost seven-thirty. “This must have been a joke. They’re probably laughing their heads off.” Duo rose from his seat and began to walk back to the dorm; however, the sound of a person running caused him to turn. Hilde was running up to him from across the quad.
“Duo! Where’re you going!?” Hilde panted when she reached Duo. “I’m -- sosorry -- I’m -- late.”
Duo smiled, and put out his hand to steady Hilde. “Hey, catch your breath before you explain.”
Hilde took a deep breath and straightened herself. “I was helping one of my teachers and lost track of time. That’s why I’m late. I’m so sorry.”
Duo was relieved to know that it hadn’t been a prank. “It’s cool. Are you ready to go?”
“Yup.” Hilde smiled and hooked her arm through Duo’s. They arrived at Aya’s small house which was located only a few blocks from campus. Duo was amazed at how many people actually fit inside the house. While he was looking at all the people, he felt a tug on his sleeve. “There’s Aya. Lemme introduce you.” Hilde smiled and dragged Duo across the crowded room. “Aya!” Hilde waved enthusiastically at her friend.
“Hilde! I’m glad you could make it!” The two girls hugged and then Duo was introduced to Aya. “Oh, we met already. I was the one who interviewed him. And I hear you’re doing excellent in your studies.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Aya laughed. “You don’t have to be formal here. Most of the people you see in this room are students like you. I’m not actually an instructor at the academy. I’m a prospective member of the eleventh gotei. I have to prove my strength to them in a few weeks for a formal acceptance.”
Duo nodded his head. He was very impressed that Aya had been invited to the strongest gotei. Someone began to sing and several others joined in; the singing helped Duo to relax and enjoy himself.
Several hours after Duo and Hilde had arrived at the party, the two were sitting outside on the porch talking and drinking some sake. “Do you ever wonder what you were like when you lived as a mortal?” Hilde mused as she gazed at the stars.
“Yes, actually I have. I often wonder too where my family might be. Are they in heaven? Or did they end up in Soul Society like myself.” Duo poured some sake into his dish and sipped it slowly.
“Yeah. Did you ever wonder if those that we loved on Earth may be here too? Like soul-mates?” Hilde’s eyes were glazed over from the alcohol, but there was a light twinkling in them that made Duo become curious.
“Soul mates? I never really thought about that.”
“Yeah, you know, one died a horrible death, but never wanted to leave the other person. So they stayed behind as a Plus. Then a shinigami performed the konsou* and they ended up here. Well the other person died, lonely and longing for their loved one. They became a Plus as well, and then ... well you get where I’m going ... right?”
“Yeah.” Duo began to think that maybe he and Heero were that -- soul mates. However, that didn’t necessarily mean that their story was like what Hilde was saying. “Sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into that.”
“I have. I wonder if I have a soul mate.” Hilde looked at Duo who was playing with an errant beetle. She watched as he allowed the beetle to crawl onto his hand and over his fingers. A blush slowly formed on her small face as she stared at his hands. “Duo, I was wondering if maybe we could study together sometime?”
Duo glanced over at Hilde and grinned. “I’d like that.”
Heero was lying in bed and reading when Duo returned to the dorm. “It’s two o’clock in the morning, Duo. Where were you?” Heero glared over the top of the book at Duo. He had been in a good mood until around midnight, he had then began to worry. Heero would have gone out to look for Duo, except that he had no idea where Duo was. So, he had waited and waited.
“Sorry.” Duo plopped down onto his side of the bed. They had pushed the two twin beds together to make a large bed. Not that they ever used the whole bed to sleep, Duo was normally snuggled so close to Heero that they only used one side.
“Well ...?” Heero waited impatiently.
“Oh, yeah ... I was at a party.”
Heero shut his book with an angry slam. “I know that. What I’m asking is what kind of party was it and who were you with.”
Duo looked up at Heero, he couldn’t believe what Heero had just said to him. This was the first time ever that Heero had openly shown jealousy. “Heero, I was at a party with a new friend. That’s all. I didn’t do anything except for talk and drink and eat.”
Heero leaned over and sniffed Duo’s breath. “You’ve been drinking alcohol.”
“Yes Heero, I’ve been drinking. Oh my God, I’m the worst partner ever. I drank alcohol!” Duo stressed every word angrily. Heero had no right to be this jealous, especially since Duo had done absolutely nothing.
“Hrm.” Heero stood and walked to the bathroom, the door slammed behind him.
“Fine if he wants to be pissy about it, I’m just going to go to sleep.” Duo stripped his clothes and tossed them in the floor. He then snuggled under the covers and quickly fell asleep.
Heero sat on the toilet, thinking about the anger and relief which were warring within him. He knew deep in his heart that Duo would never do anything, but at the same time a deep hurt plucked at the corner of his mind. Heero was unsure as to why he felt so angry with Duo, after all, Duo had only done exactly what Heero had wanted him to do. Duo had made friends. This didn’t stop the hurt and jealousy from rearing their ugly heads in Heero’s mind.
After a few moments, Heero emerged from the bathroom to find Duo sound asleep. Heero shed himself of his clothes and climbed into the bed next to Duo. He wrapped his arm around Duo and kissed his shoulder. “I love you Duo, and I’m sorry I got upset.” A snort was all he received in answer to his apology. Heero smirked and snuggled against Duo.
Over the next two months, Duo made several new friends, but the closest one was Hilde. Whenever Duo wasn’t with Heero, he was with her. In fact, the two spent so much time together a rumor that they were dating had began to circulate throughout the campus. Oddly enough, this rumor helped Duo’s reputation and a few of the groups which had previously shunned him began to accept him.
It was study night for Duo and Hilde, and they were in the library because it had been raining all day. Hilde was gazing out the large windows at the rain droplets running down the panes. “I wish it would stop raining. The only good thing about rain is the pretty plants it feeds.”
Duo smiled. “Hilde, we need to study. I’ve got a test tomorrow.”
“I know. Sorry.” Hilde leaned over the table and looked at the book in front of Duo. “This is easy stuff.”
“Yeah, I know, but the teacher said that she wasn’t going to question us on everything. Just random things -- and some of this is pretty hard.”
“Well, I think the easiest way to remember is to first, read aloud ... that keeps you from getting bored and ignoring what you read. Then you write down the things that you don’t know that well. Then you go back and read those parts in the book -- aloud of course.”
“Interesting. I’ll try that.” Duo smiled brightly at his friend, who smiled back in turn. Hilde pulled a small black book out of her tote bag and opened it. “What’s that?”
“Oh, it’s my journal. Aya was keeping one and told me about it. I thought it sounded like a good idea.”
“Really?” Duo was honestly intrigued. He had never actually known someone who had kept a journal or diary. “Is it daily or just random thoughts?”
“Both, actually. In the first few pages I wrote about myself and my most memorable moments from my life, then I began writing down random thoughts, feelings, and moments that happened that day. You know ... you should keep one. That way when you’re old and gray you can open it and look through it. It’ll also give your children something to remember you by.” Duo’s chuckle held a hint of irony within its rich depths. Unless someone had changed the way things work, Duo and Heero were never going to have children. “Why do you laugh at that? I think you’d make a wonderful father.”
“Thank you, Hilde.” Duo smiled and wished for a brief moment that there was a way to produce a child between two men, but that thought flitted away quietly. “I think I'll keep a journal. I’ve been kind of doing that already. I draw in it mostly, but sometimes I write thoughts down in it.”
“See. You should.” Hilde looked at the window again, the rain had stopped. “Let’s go outside!” She grabbed Duo’s hand with enthusiasm and dragged him outside. The two splashed through the mud puddles as if they were small children again. Duo couldn’t remember a time when he had this much fun. Always in Rukongai, things were so stressful that even the times he would play as a child, reality would always crush his euphoria.
They were running through the puddles when Hilde slipped and began to fall. Duo reached out to catch her, and Hilde held onto Duo. He righted her, and yet she still held onto his arms. “Duo ...” Her voice was soft and unsure. Duo could hear his heart beating loudly in his ears. He was praying that she was just going to leave the feeling alone, and let go of him. “I -- I like you.” Hilde quickly pressed her lips against Duo’s, who was so stunned that he didn’t resist at first.
After only a second, Duo realized what was happening and pushed Hilde away. A figure behind her caught his attention. Duo looked up from Hilde’s face, Heero was standing at the corner of the library with a horrified expression on his face. “Heero!” Duo called out, but he was already running away. “Shit.” Duo ran to catch up with Heero, and left Hilde behind.
Duo searched everywhere and couldn’t find Heero. It was as if he had vanished. Duo sat down on a rock and held his head in his hands. “Why didn’t I tell her? I should’ve noticed that she liked me before that. I’m so stupid.”
“Duo?” Trowa was walking up to Duo, Quatre tucked lovingly at his side.
Duo looked up at his friend and closed his eyes tightly. “I screwed up. Heero’s gone. I don’t know where he went.”
“Oh. I’m sure after he calms down, he’ll be back. What happened anyway?”
“A girl kissed me in front of him.”
Quatre gasped quietly. “No wonder he ran. I’m sure he knows you wouldn’t cheat on him ... right?”
“I guess. He’s been suspicious of me ever since I started hanging out with people other than him.” Duo picked at the moss which was growing on the rock. He knew that Heero would come back, but not to make up ... to yell at him then leave again.
Trowa grunted. He looked in the direction from which he and Quatre had walked. “Let me go to him. I’m removed from the situation, so maybe he’ll listen to me.”
“Trowa ... I don’t know where he’s at.” Duo commented a bit exasperated.
“I know where he is. You forget I knew him before you did.” Trowa turned to Quatre and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. “Stay with Duo, please. I’ll be back soon.”
“Good luck.” Quatre sat next to Duo. “How well do you know this girl?”
“She’s my friend. Apparently she has a crush on me ... and I was too blind to see it.” Duo’s sigh sounded as if the world had crashed down around him, which to him ... it had.
“Duo-kun, Trowa has told me much about you and Heero, and I think that the two of you still have a chance. Just trust in Heero’s feelings.”
“I’m trying. I am.” Duo couldn’t hold back the tears of frustration and self-loathing any longer. He allowed Quatre to see him cry. Quatre calmly wrapped his arms around Duo’s quivering body and held him for as long as Duo needed.
“Heero!? I know you’re in here! Come out!” Trowa ducked under the entrance to the small cave. This cave, which was near the 72nd district of south Rukongai**, had been Heero’s hiding place whenever he had become upset.
“Leave me alone!” Heero’s angry voice echoed through the small den. “I don’t want to talk right now.”
“Heero, Duo wants to talk to you.” Trowa walked up to Heero, who was sitting on the cold ground, hugging his legs to his chest.
“I don’t care.”
“Yes you do!” Trowa pulled Heero up to his feet. “Punch me if you want. You are not going to mess up this relationship you have. It’s the only good thing in your life!”
“I have school. That’s all I need.” An angry fist met with Heero’s face, as Trowa glared at the stupid man before him.
“All you need, huh? Fine then. I’ll relay that to Duo. You want to kill him ... then go ahead. But I’ll tell you this -- it’d be a hell of a lot less painful for him if you were to disembowel him instead.” Trowa shoved Heero against the stone wall and left.
Heero sat back down and stared into the black space. Duo had kissed the girl. He had cheated on him. This was not something so easily forgotten or forgiven, and Heero wasn’t ready to face Duo yet. Heero wasn’t even certain if he ever could face Duo again. The image of his so-called friend, Hilde’s mouth on Duo’s was enough to have made Heero retch several times already. However, Trowa had been right, if Heero wanted to kill Duo, ignoring him would be the worst way to do so. Heero stood and decided to face Duo, and ask what had happened.
Duo dried his eyes on his sleeve. “Feel a little better?” Quatre handed him a handkerchief so he could blow his nose.
“No. I feel like shit, Quatre.” A noise of a twig breaking caused the two boys to look up. Duo’s heart sank as he gazed at the person who stood before them.
“Hilde ... what --?”
Hilde threw herself onto Duo and held him fiercely. “Duo, please don’t be mad ...” She was crying, Duo couldn’t believe that she was crying.
“Hilde ...” Duo wasn’t sure what to say to the girl, and so he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. After a few minutes, her tears began to subside. Quatre gave Duo an unspoken signal to tell Hilde about his feelings. “Um, Hilde ... look, I know you said that you like me. But the truth is, that I like you only as a friend. I’m sorry.”
Hilde rose from Duo’s arms and looked him in the eyes. “Oh.” She turned her head from Duo, and sniffed loudly. “It’s okay. I understand. ... I just thought that I felt something when you caught me. Who was that you ran after?”
“That was my ... roommate, Heero.” Quatre didn’t try to hide the shocked expression on his face. He couldn’t believe that Duo wouldn’t tell this girl the truth.
“Duo ...” Quatre tried to get him to tell the truth just with the tone in his voice, but it didn’t work. Duo began to ramble something about how he was supposed to have met up with Heero after their study session for dinner. Quatre sighed heavily, Trowa was going to have to beat both boys over the head to fix this problem.
“I still want to be friends, Duo. I’m sorry again. Just forget I ever said anything.” Hilde smiled and then turned to leave. “I’ll see ya!”
After she was out of range, Quatre turned angrily to Duo. “Why didn’t you tell her that you and Heero are lovers?!”
“I didn’t want to hurt her anymore than she already was. She’ll find out eventually.”
“I think you just made things worse, if you don’t tell her, then she’s going to find out some other way. And it may be more painful for her and cause problems for you and Heero.”
“I know ... I know. I’ll tell her -- I promise.”
Quatre sat with Duo until Trowa returned. “What did he say?” Quatre worriedly chewed on his lower lip as he awaited Trowa’s answer.
“Not much. He’s too upset right now.” Trowa laid a comforting hand on Duo’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’ll come around soon.” The concerned expression on Trowa’s face disturbed Quatre. He knew that Heero wasn’t going to make up with Duo so easily, and Trowa knew it as well.
“It’s okay. I’ll just go back to our room and wait. He’ll come back ... he has to -- his clothes are all there.” Duo hopped off the rock and began to walk away from Trowa and Quatre. His shoulders slumped slightly and his steps were lethargic; anyone could tell that he was hurting inside, even if he refused to show it on his face.
“Trowa,” Quatre stood and gazed up into his lover’s face. “What did Heero really say?”
“That he doesn’t care about Duo. And he doesn’t need him.” Quatre shut his eyes tightly against the cold words. Funny how a small kiss initiated by someone else could mess up a beautiful relationship such as what Heero and Duo had held.
*The cleansing of a Plus, it's the actions which sends the soul to Soul Society. Is only preformed by shinigami.
**There are about 80 districts in each of the four areas (North, South, East, and West) of the Rukongai. The higher the number the worse the district is. If you're familiar with Bleach, then you would know that 72 is not as bad as that which Renji and Rukia grew up in, but still bad.
Legal stuf ... Bleach and Gundam Wing don't belong to me, they belong to Kubo Tite, Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino respectively.
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