Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reputations ❯ part 7 ( Chapter 7 )

REPUTATIONS

PART SEVEN

* EIGHT YEARS AGO *

"Take that you fucking jerk!"

A few rocks were thrown in the air, making their way past a dark alley. They crashed on a dirty metal trash-container, and were soon followed by a few more rocks.

"Yeah, ya dirty punks! Get the hell outta here! This is our turf!"

"Fuck off!"

"Lets chase them!"

"No one passes through our turf!"

"Shut the hell up - street rats!" A small voice shouted back in anger. "We'll pass here if we wanna!"

The shout had come from a little boy, merely eight years of age. He was standing by another boy, older than himself, and they were both looking up at the bunch of street kids standing in the other side of the alleyway, looking mean and dirty.

"Hahahaha! The little boy thinks he can put up a fight!" A few mocking voices laughed. "Go back to yer mama you dirty rat!"

At that remark, anger flared in the boy's wide violet eyes. His fists clenched and his jaw muscles tensed. He growled in anger.

A few more mocking laughs were heard at the boy's reaction and the little boy's eyes narrowed in pure hatred. "You're gonna regret this!!!" He shouted and prepared to launch forward into a fight.

A hand suddenly rested on his shoulder and pulled him back.

The boy whirled around, anger swirling in his intense violet eyes. He glared up at the taller boy standing behind him.

"Let. Go."

"Forget it. It's not that important." The other boy said calmly, looking down at his friend with calm golden-green eyes.

"But Solo!"

"Listen, kid, just leave it alone and lets get outta here."

"No way! I'm not gonna let them say these things about us!"

"Lets! Go! It isn't worth it." The blond boy insisted.

The small longhaired boy looked up defiantly at his blond friend, his little face pouting angrily. He looked back at the bunch of smirking kids standing across of them, and then back at his best friend, lips pouting. "They were mean!"

Solo chuckled at the little angry boy. "Yeah, they were, but it's no good reason to pick a fight."

"You're just scared of mister Sprat!" The boy called angrily. "Before we came to the orphanage you would kick their ass! You're just scared! And you're gonna let them make fun of us! I don't want them too! I'll teach them not to call us bad names!" He shouted between quick breaths and tears, and hurried to stomp over to the other gang.

Solo's hand stopped him. "Duo,"

Little Duo whirled around, glaring up at his friend.

Solo just kept looking down at him, face calm. He shook his head slightly, indicating that it was a bad idea.

Duo jerked away from his grasp, face angry. He turned to send another look at the awaiting gang, his violet eyes swirling with barely suppressed anger. At last, he sighed and bowed his head, shoulders slumped.

Solo smiled. "Good boy."

* * *

They made their way quietly through the streets, heading back to the orphanage. It was late afternoon, and they were just on their way back from school, when that gang decided to pick a fight with them. Their own small gang, once a famous and proud group, was now gone. Only a few of them remained in touch, but it was hard, since they were all sent to different orphanages around the country.

Solo, he and two other boys were at the same orphanage, but the rest were gone. That meant that other gangs now took over the streets, and their enemies finally had the chance to go after them. It was dangerous to even walk down the street, in the fear of getting into a serious fight. Things like that day's incident happened often, gangs trying to provoke them into fighting, but if Solo was around, he would never let them get into a fight. Duo didn't really understand why. Solo used to have a lot of pride and was respected by many. Now, now he always avoided fighting and thus appeared weak.

"You could have kicked their asses..." Duo muttered as they walked home.

"And get into trouble?"

"Who cares! They had it coming! Besides, if you're so fucking scared, I could have shown them they shouldn't mess with us!"

The blond boy snorted. "Humph! What can an eight-year-old possibly do to a bunch of crazy, fucked-up, gang members?"

Duo sighed and let his gaze down sadly. He shrugged. "I just don't like when people say bad things about you..."

"If I don't mind, why should you?" He reached down to tap lightly on his friend's little head. "It's not worth picking a fight. If we get into trouble again, they'll kick us out. And you don't want to be back on the streets, right?"

"I rather be on the streets than in that STUPID place! I HATE the orphanage! I hate EVERYBODY there! All they do is boss us around and treat us like we're fucking scum! I hate how all the kids at school think I'm a freak! I hate when they call me a weirdo! I hate it!"

"I think you're wrong, kiddo. I think you're WAYYYYY wrong. The orphanage gives you a chance to find a family. To live like everybody else. The streets isn't the place for us."

"It's a place for me! I dunnwanna stinking family! I want to be with you!" The stubborn boy continued.

Solo chuckled again, ruffling the boy's hair in affection. He looked down at him with loving eyes. "Having a foster family doesn't mean we can't see each other anymore."

"But you're my family!" Duo whined, looking up at him with big ol' puppy-eyes. "I don't want anyone else..."

Solo smiled kindly at the little boy, and then reached down to pet his hair. His smile soon turned into a mischievous grin. "Race ya!" He called and began running.

Duo's eyes widened in surprise. "Hey! No fair! Wait uuuuuuup!" He whined as he too began running.

* * *

"Will we always be together, Solo?" Duo asked quietly while Solo carefully brushed his long and wet hair. They were both sitting on Duo's bed in the orphanage, in a room they shared with five other kids. It was late at evening and the two boys were after supper and a shower, preparing to go to bed.

"Sure." Solo answered quietly, still brushing the boy's long hair.

"Even if we go to separate families?" The boy asked sadly, bowing his head slightly. "I heard Sprat is planning to give me away soon..."

There was a while of silence, and Solo's brushing became slower.

Duo sighed sadly and reached a hand to scratch his nose, frowning in thought. "I won't let them take me away from you. I'll come back as soon as they turn their backs!"

Solo chuckled and shook his head. "There's no need to do that, kiddo."

"But I don't wanna stop being your friend!"

"You won't." The blond boy promised. He put the brush down on the bed and began to braid the boy's hair, careful not to hurt him by pulling too hard. He smiled slightly and petted the boy's long and sweet hair. "Friends are forever."

A small smile returned to the boy's face. "They are?"

"Hm hmm." Solo hummed in conformation. "Sometimes," He continued, putting another fold into the thick chestnut braid. "Sometimes even more than family."

"How come?" The little boy asked, frowning. "Isn't family the most important thing?"

"What I meant to say, kiddo, is that friends can be like family."

At that, the small child whirled around, violet eyes sparkling with joy. "Then we're family, right?" He asked, grinning.

Solo smiled back and nodded his head. "Even better, we're best buds. Best friends. Not always you get to be good friends with your family."

"And best buds look after each other, right? And they ALWAYS stay together."

Solo nodded his head, eyes shining with pride. "You're right kid, and THAT'S what REALLY important."

Duo smiled at him, looking up at him admiringly. "Friends are forever."

Solo smiled back and ruffled his hair. "Forever."

* PRESENT TIME *

"Duo,"

At the sound of Heero's quiet voice, Duo looked at the boy sitting across of him, and winced. Heero had never looked more vulnerable in his life. Or at least according to what Duo had seen. His eyes shone with doubt and plea, his whole expression nearly desperate.

"I need to know Duo. I need to know what I'm getting into. I need to know what... what I am to you." Heero continued, voice wavering a bit.

Duo took a deep breath and bowed his head. He looked down at his sweaty palms, resting on his lap, and sighed deeply. Heero seemed to be so sure about who and what he was. He was aware of his sexuality and he didn't seem to have anything against it. He had accepted it as a fact and that was it.

But that acceptance had cost him greatly. It gave him a reputation of a fag and hence condemned him to a life of social banishment and torment. No wonder he had to know where Duo was standing, he didn't want to get hurt again. There was enough pain in his life as it is.

And Duo would be the last one to bring him more pain.

No. He wanted to be his friend, perhaps even more. He wanted to be with Heero. He wanted to help him, he wanted to be near him, he wanted to laugh, cry and share everything with him. He had made that choice a long time ago and he wasn't about to take it back. No. He had wanted Heero as his friend, and friends are forever.

Forever.

Lovers were forever too. And he wanted Heero and he to be lovers. He wanted it so bad that it hurt physically.

Slowly, Duo looked up at Heero, face a little uncertain.

Damn his reputation! Damn all of it to hell and back! Jack and The Gang were never real friends! They weren't forever. The Gang did not matter and it never should have. Jack was nothing like Solo had been. He should be ashamed for even thinking that he was. He was no substitute. He wasn't even a friend. None of the people in The Gang were his friends. No one in The Gang can offer him what Heero could. What Heero was offering. A key to his heart. To his soul. That wonderful and kind soul that has captured his heart from the very first day he had bumped into him in the hallway. He could see it then, in those magically ocean-blue eyes. And he could see it now, looking up into those same eyes.

Duo smiled warmly and raised his hands up to the table. He slowly reached towards Heero and gently took his hands in his.

Heero gasped, surprised, and looked down at their joint hands. He looked back at Duo in confusion. "Duo?"

Duo just continued smiling softly, and he curled his fingers around Heero's delicate hands. His gaze never left the stunned boy as he gently whispered:

"Everything, Heero. That's what you are to me."

Heero's mouth opened slightly and his eyes widened. "D-Duo..."

"Shhh, let me finish." He asked kindly, and squeezed Heero's hand gently. "I've been such a selfish jerk, Heero. I thought I knew what's good for me, but I didn't. I don't care about Jack, or Steve or Danny. They don't give a shit about me. Like you said, they take advantage of me. I don't need that. I'm not important to them, but... but I want to be important to you."

It took a while for the words to sink in. Heero just gaped at Duo, speechless.

"You... you are important to me, Duo." He whispered, voice choking with tears. "And I'm sorry I doubted you, but it's just that..."

"You're afraid." Duo finished the sentence for him and Heero bowed his head.

"I'm sorry... I really am, but..."

"It's okay, Heero. I wouldn't trust me either. Not after that stunt I pulled. But I promise I'll never hurt you again!"

"No! No... that's not it..." Heero hurried to explain. "God, Duo, you're long forgiven for that stunt. I mean... you're the... you're the only one who ever bothered... ever bothered to help, to ask, to notice... You took me into your home and I'm forever grateful for that. But..." He took a deep breath, trying to control the tears that were threatening to overwhelm him. He looked up at Duo, eyes shimmering with tears. "It's Him I'm afraid of."

Duo's eyes widened briefly and anger flared inside the violet pools. Just the mentioning of the bastard made his blood boil.

Heero bowed his head in shame, his eyes sliding shut.

A long and thick silence fell between them. The only sound around was the ticking of the large clock on the kitchen wall.

Time seemed to slow down, then stop, leaving the two boys in their misery.

Suddenly, Duo jumped up from his seat and landed his fist on the table, face covered in determination. "C'mon Heero, we're getting outta here."

Heero's head jerked up at the utter resolve in Duo's voice and he looked up at him, shocked. "Wha--- where? Why?"

"I'm getting you outta town, away from that God damned bastard." Duo announced, gathering his things from the table. He rummaged through his pockets, and then around the kitchen, looking for something. "We'll take Joe's old car." He explained as Heero followed him with his confused gaze.

"But... but where will we go?"

"I got a few friends in the city. Good friends. They'll help us."

"But..."

"Shit!" Duo cursed, and Heero flinched. Duo searched his pockets again, and then cursed for the second time. "She took the keys!" He stomped his foot on the floor and looked around. He bit his lip in thought. "God damn it! I left my keys in my locker! We'll have to go to school."

"School?!" Heero called in fright, jumping out his chair. "Do-- do we have to?"

Duo sighed, already preparing to leave. "Yeah, 'fraid so." He answered putting his jacket on.

"But--- but aren't you expelled?"

"Don't worry about it. Everyone will be in class. We'll be in and out of there before they'll even notice." He threw Heero a jacket. "C'mon, we gotta hurry, before Joe gets home."

Heero caught the jacket and looked down at it uncertainly, blue eyes shimmering with doubt.

* * *

"Stop being so nervous." Duo reproached quietly as they made their way through the hallways. "No one is around."

Ever since they walked through the school gate, Heero had been acting like a nervous animal, looking around like it knew its predator was watching. His whole body was tense, and he kept walking slowly behind Duo, keeping close in case there'll be any trouble. He was too busy looking around that he didn't notice Duo stopping in front of his locker and therefore he bumped into him. The sudden contact made him yelp and he jumped back, frightened.

At the sound of Heero's whimpering voice, Duo quickly turned, face worried. Once he saw Heero was okay, just a bit startled, he relaxed and allowed himself to breathe. He placed a hand on Heero's shoulder and looked him in the eye. "It's okay, Hee-chan. I'm here with you and nothing will happen. Trust me, okay?"

Heero smiled sheepishly at his silly behavior and nodded his head. Of course he had nothing to fear. Duo will protect him. He had done it before, and he was now positive that he would do it again.

That thought made Heero smile and he relaxed even more, leaning against the locker near Duo's.

"God dammit... where is it?" Duo muttered as he rummaged through his messy locker.

Heero chuckled. "Baka. If you would have kept it tidy, you wouldn't be searching for a needle in a haystack."

"I don't do needles." Duo informed him sarcastically, shoving his head into the locker as he continued searching.

A few moments past, and Heero looked around, just to make sure no one was coming. Suddenly, he frowned in displeasure. He slowly turned his head to face Duo, ho was wstill inside the locker.

"Um, Duo?"

"Hmm?"

Heero blushed and bowed his head.

"What is it? Did you find it?" Duo called, still looking inside his messy locker.

Heero shook his bowed head, but since Duo wasn't looking, he couldn't see it. He sighed and then looked up at Duo again. "I have to go."

"Go where?" Duo asked casually.

Heero rolled his eyes. "You know... go."

Duo's head peeked out of the locker, a frown on his face. "Go..?" His eyes widened. "Oh! Go as in go!" He looked over his shoulder, and then back at Heero. "Well, um, no one is around, everyone's in class. Will it be okay if you go alone and I'll keep looking? We're running on a tight schedule here, so..."

Heero nodded sadly. "Yeah, okay. Will you be here?"

"If I can't find the key, yes. If I'll find it, meet me in the parking lot, okay?"

"Yeah, okay." Heero let out dejectedly. He began walking down the hall, shoulders slumped. He sent a look over his shoulder, seeing Duo cursing his locker as he continued searching. He sighed and tore his gaze away from the braided boy, making his way to the boy's room, looking around all the while, in case someone was coming.

* * *

After he was done, he went over to wash his hands. He looked up at his reflection, reflecting back from a mirror full of inscriptions people had written down on the large glass. He studied himself for a while, staring deeply into his own deep ocean-blue eyes, half covered by a mop of chocolate-brown hair. His right cheek was a little bruised, but the purple mark was now fading. He raised a hand and ran it through his messy hair, trying to tidy it a bit, but it fell back down again.

Heero smiled slightly at his reflection. He had never liked to look at himself in the mirror. He hated the way his body looked. This awful combination between a starving angel and a seducing demon. He had never felt beautiful. But Duo... Duo made him feel beautiful. Even if he wasn't so special and far from perfect, Duo made him feel that way. Special and perfect. Perfectly complete.

Heero's smile grew wider and he closed his eyes, listening to the sound of the water still running out of the faucet. He stood there, completely still, clearing his mind of all worries and fear. There was nothing to be afraid of anymore. Duo was with him. The braided boy was with him and he said he had no intention of leaving him. He was finally safe. Finally protected. Cared for. And even... loved?

Could he dare to think of it as love? Real love? The kind of loved he had lacked since he was a mere child?

Yes. He could hope for it. He had nearly given up his hope on love, but Duo had changed all that. One look into the boy's amazing violet-blue eyes, at the love and care that shone in them, the mere passion the boy possessed, that was enough to restore his hope.

All of a sudden, something touched him.

No. Someone touched him. From behind.

A hand came resting on his shoulder, fingers closing around his flesh in a crushing death-grip.

Heero's eyes snapped and he gasped, surprised.

Another hand came resting on his other shoulder, just as powerful.

Heero prepared to whirl around and see who it was, but he was then the hands did it for him, turning him around in one, swift and painful move. And before he knew what was happening, he was shoved violently against the sink, the ceramics digging into his lower back.

"ARGH!" He called in pain as he fell down to the floor, crashing on his bottom, his head hitting the sink again.

A pair of legs came to stand right in front of him, clad in torn black jeans. Heero slowly lifted his head up, glazed blue eyes lifting up to look at the one who had shoved him. Dread stirred awake inside of him as he looked higher and higher, until his stunned gaze locked with a pair of narrow black eyes and screaming red hair.

Jack.

"Close the doors." The red headed boy spat, not even bothering to look back at the other gang members standing at his side.

Heero looked in fright at the door, now being closed by one bully. He whirled his head back to look at Jack, fear and distress reflecting in his eyes.

"Ja--Jack..." He stammered, voice shaking.

"Shut up!" The taller boy roared and delivered a quick kick to Heero's midsection.

The Japanese boy cringed and hugged his abdomen, groaning in pain.

Suddenly, he was yanked up from the floor, Jack's hands grabbing him by the top of his shirt. He looked up in pure terror as the boy lifted him up in the air and then suddenly slammed him against the wall, using his own body to pin his slender form against it.

Heero swallowed hard, feeling the cold tile wall at his back, and the cold and solid ball of fear swirl inside his stomach. He shifted his gaze to the door, desperately begging it to open, for Duo to come and help him.

"Look at me you fuck!" Jack roared again, pulling him forward a bit and then slamming him against the wall again.

Heero winced in pain, but did as he was ordered to. Jack was still holding him by his shirt, right above his shoulders. He tried his best not to tremble as the boy pressed his body against him, pinning him tightly to the wall, his face mere millimeters from his. He swallowed as he was forced to look up into those cruel black eyes.

"Who the FUCK do you think you are, fagot?!" Jack's voice was harsh and quiet, but yet very VERY deadly. He slammed Heero's body into the wall again, smirking as he saw the boy close his eyes in pain. "LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!!!"

Heero flinched and opened his eyes, his whole body trembling. He looked briefly at the door, but before he had time to turn back to face his tormentor, Jack moved. With one swift and precise movement, Jack's hand went flying down to his pocket and he pulled out a knife, quickly pressing it to Heero's slim white neck.

"I said- Look. At. Me." He whispered dangerously, pressing the knife lightly against the soft and caving skin.

Heero tried not to swallow the lump in his throat, afraid that it will cause the knife to cut through. He looked down at the knife, gaze fearful.

"Look at me!"

The knife came closer, pressing hard enough to nearly draw blood.

"Jack..." One of the kids from behind called.

"Shut up Kevin!" Jack spat, whirling his head back to glare at the door. "Just mind your own fucking business!" He turned back to the frightened Heero, his smirk returning as he saw the tears that slid down the boy's pale cheeks. "Chk, you're pathetic, Yuy. But I should have expected a homo like you to cry like a girl!" He slammed the boy against the wall again.

Heero's head went flying back, hitting the wall and then falling back down again, into the blade. "Ah!" He called as he felt his skin break.

"Jack!" Kevin called again, clearly distressed by the situation.

"It's just a little cut." Jack dismissed his comment, and drew the knife a little closer. He leaned down towards Heero, looking down into wide and terrified blue eyes. "Just who the fuck do you think you are, slut?"

Heero winced at the utter hatred in his voice. He tried to look away from the boy, but he had no choice but to stare up at the face hovering above him.

"What the hell are you thinking in that little gay head of yours, huh?" He pressed his body harder against the trembling youth, grounding him against the wall. "Maxwell is one of ours. He doesn't need to be distracted by a little scum-ball like you. The dude's got potential, he's got a future with us. And you, faggot," He pressed the knife closer. "You. Are. Not. Taking. Him. Away."

"ARGH!" Heero called out as Jack came to stand on both his feet, preventing him from moving at all.

"I hate your kind. A bunch of useless sluts... doing nothing but seducing innocent men into your sick world." He let out a manically cackle. "Well, I'm not letting you get away with it. No member of our gang is gonna be turned into a fucking homo! You hear that!?"

"Ye... yes..." Heero panted, eyes searching the room frantically for a way out.

"You stay away from Maxwell! You dirty dick-sucking whore!" He pulled Heero away from the wall again and then quickly slammed him back into it. Heero fell down with a whimper. Jack kicked him again and Heero kissed the floor, crashing face down on the dirty bathroom floor.

"Now we're gonna teach you a lesson, boy." Jack snarled, towering above the fallen teen. He kicked him again, earning another choked whimper from the battered boy. "We're gonna teach all ya fagots not to mess with us." He promised, an insane gleam in his eyes. He kicked the boy again and placed his foot on his back, pressing him down to the ground. The dim light that filtered through the tall windows reflected on the bloody knife as Heero's blood dripped down to the floor.

Part 8

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