Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Tease Me ❯ Tease Me 6(b) ( Chapter 7 )

Tease Me - part 6 continued.

The lithe teen winced, feeling his bones creak, but retained his grasp none-the-less. "Duo, listen to me."

"Let go."

"It's not worth it, you know what'll happen if you get into another fight." He reasoned to the murderous expression.

"I'm telling you one last time Barton. Let go."

His friend shook his head, hissing in pain." "I'm not letting you throw yourself out of school over those, 'cos that's exactly what Une'll do if you hurt them."

An agonised spasm flashed over his normally stoic face. "Please Duo stop! This isn't you."

A flicker of uncertainty wavered over the braided teen, his hollow gaze beginning to fill with confusion and his energy slowly drained. Trowa's ragged gasps filled the classroom as Duo followed the direction of his arm, finding it crushing Trowa's wrist in a death-grip. Immediately he let go, crashing into desks as he jumped back.

"Oh shit! Tro, I'm so sorry, I didn't- I mean, I couldn't stop-"

His green-eyed friend rubbed his aching wrist tenderly, a glance cutting Duo off.

"You need help Duo, you're loosing control too easily over the simplest of things, you're gonna end up killing someone."

The shorter boy nodded apologetically. "I will, I'm sorry."

He flinched at Trowa's expression when he tried to bend his hand. "Is it broken? You can still play flute, can't you?"

A small smile answered him. "Yeah, it's just bruised, that's all."

"Oh." Duo shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting with his braid. The bustle from outside grew louder and Trowa stood up.

"C'mon, we've to go now."

The latter sighed reluctantly. "Alright."

He followed the graceful form of Trowa quietly out the door, barrelling through the cluster of students waiting for their next class. "Y'know I'm sorry Tro?"

"I do. Now go to class." He shoved Duo good-naturedly in the direction, disappearing quickly into the crowd. Duo scratched his head, brow furrowed in concentration. I really am loosin' control. Hilde didn't do anything but talk about it and Gambit. His mouth twitched grimly. …And I took it out on one of my best friends. His feet moved mechanically, taking his to the art room through the packed corridors. AND I still have to talk to Gambit. He shrugged, shaking his head wearily. I'm a terrible friend.

xXxXx

"The thing is, that while they may be amazingly strong and save the city, does nobody question the fact that there's a middle-aged man running around in bright spandex. Really, why did they ever think that the 'underwear on the outside' fad was cool? And was their city the sole place where evil acts occur?"

Duo slapped a slab of clay down on his workbench, kneading it with his palms.

"Y'know Wu, I never really thought of it that way."

"And have you ever noticed how the sidekicks, mostly when they're girls, get smaller capes? When there are women super-heroes, they don't even get capes! I'm sensing an inequality in the workplace!"

"Sure Wu." Duo replied listlessly.

Wufei cocked his head to the side, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

"All superheroes are gay." He tried experimentally. There was no reaction. A smirk crept on to his face.

"Guys with long hair are pansies."

"Yeah." Came Duos weak reply.

Wufei shook his head, punching Duo lightly on the arm, and smearing him with a thin coat of wet clay in the process.

"Maxwell, what's wrong with you?"

An uncharacteristically melancholic mood overtook the shorter teen between the loud thwacks coming from him punching the clay with vague interest.

"I don't know Wu. I'm trying to be me, but it ain't workin'." He tilted his head to his shoulder, scratching his cheek seen as both hands were covered in a gooey mess. "People just don't like it…" he mumbled.

Wufei nodded knowingly. "Christine doesn't count, she never did."

"No, not just Christine. It's- I…"

The sweep of a trench coat was visible through the slit of glass on the door and Duo trailed off.

…it could be…

"Hang on Wu."

His hand shot up, catching the teacher's eye.

"Locker, sir? For art stuff" he added. The man nodded back and Duo bolted from the room. The door slammed loudly behind him causing an echo to ricochet in the hall, and conveniently enough, the passing student to stop walking. Ruby eyes swivelled around, expectancy boiling in their depths for the approaching figure. Duo paused hesitantly infront of him.

"Hey Gambit."

A nod answered him.

"Oh… okay."

A large gap of silence followed, taken up by Duo staring awkwardly at his feet.

"I didn't mean to say nothing, I really didn't. I thought - I meant to…"

Even though speaking his mind was something Duo came out of the womb doing. It currently had deserted him and he was left to face his wary friend with pure determination. He inhaled deeply, calming his frantic thoughts. His next words came out quickly and more coherent.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I didn't say anything this morning but for some reason, I froze. Yeah, we do have something in common and I don't want you to think I hate you or anything…" he smiled to himself "… even if your gift is so much better than mine. But I am sorry."

He looked up, finding a laid back expression. Gambit slapped him in a friendly gesture on the shoulder.

"It's all water under de bridge, cher. Tink nothin' of it."

Duo grinned in relief and began walking along the empty corridor with Gambit.

"An' if you don' mind me askin', wat is your full gift, eh?"

The braided teen shook his head. "To be honest, I couldn't tell you exactly what it is but most of it is strength. I'm abnormally strong." He repeated bluntly. "I can punch through doors, make a big dent in concrete walls, fight off a lot of people," he ticked them off on his fingers, "completely lose my temper and I think I can lift a car but I haven't really tried. That's about it. And when I do lose my temper, my eyes - they go all purple."

"Dat's a fair warnin'. I can blow tings up by chargin' an object wit energy, so I use my cards." He patted his pocket, winking. "Nobody suspects de cards."

"Or the Spanish Inquisition." Duo added out of habit.

Gambit frowned, waiting politely for an explanation from his companion. The latter opened his mouth in surprise, yet again left speechless, then shrugged.

"I gotta show you some Monty Python, you don't know what you're missing."

"Monty Python? I'll look out for dat."

"I've a few, if you want to borrow some. Except Christine's stolen them again so it might be awhile." The last bit was muttered bitterly.

"Speakin' of Christine, I saw her dis mornin'."

"So I heard." Duo replied curtly, not entirely wanting to talk about the demon child again.

"Well, she had a bruise on her face, said it was from you. Did you hit her?"

"Look, I don't know what she said to you but she's a liar! A manipulative liar hat wants to make my life hell!" he shouted. He scratched his arm, continuing in more subdued tones. "And yes, I did hit her. But she was really asking for it, you've no idea how bad she was. And when I get home, I'll probably be kicked out for that and everything else I've ever done." He spat. "I hate her."

"Hey, don' worry about leavin' home. I got dat sorted."

Duo looked up, and up, in surprise. "You've got what sorted?"

Gambit grinned. "I said I'd deal wit you an' dat it wouldn't be a good idea if she said anythin' t' your parents." He nodded to himself. "Yes, dat was it. I've done my good deed for de day."

Duos eyes were nearly hanging from his sockets, jaw dragging the floor in amazed awe. "How… but…how? How did you stop her from telling? She never does anything she's told, even when threatened?!"

"A master never reveals his secrets," he admonished, wagging a finger in mock solemnity, "But I tink it was my electric personality, nobody can resist. I don' tink she resisted too hard anyway."

Duos eyes narrowed and he nonchalantly picked at drying lumps of clay on his hand.

"Resisted too hard in what?" he asked as innocently as possible."

"Ah, nothin' Mon Cher. She jus' kissed me, tryin' t' get her own way or somethin'."

"Oh."

Gambit yawned, apparently ignoring Duos attempt at a brave reply. "I should probably tell her I'm not interested."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, she's fifteen, I'm three years older dan her - I could get in a lot of trouble. Not dat I'd be wantin' t' put myself in de line of danger anyway, I like t' play it safe."

This had already peaked Duos interest. "Play it safe, how exactly?"

Gambit stopped, looking around the corridor in confusion. They all looked the same.

"Y'know wat Cher: I like you, so don' go hittin' her - even if she's askin' for it." He held a hand up before Duo began to speak. "Dere's only so much I can stop her, an' I don't want you leavin' on account of her behaviour."

A small smile flickered on to Duos face.

He likes me.

"You're a good friend, cher. An' au'revoir, mus' go t' class now."

The smile vanished.

… as a friend…

xXxXxXxXx

Trowa sat at his computer, surfing through the various sites prohibited by school policy. It was mostly for fun though, the teacher never caught him but did their best to. They knew about his illegal activities, or at least they thought they did - they only knew the tip of the iceberg. He always deleted his trail and made it impossible for them to track him anyway- just as a principle.

He sat in the corner, having the best view of the teacher … just incase… and Duo sat two seats beside him. He glanced over at his friend who seemed more interested in stealing glimpses of the red-haired teen at the opposite end of the room rather than using his IT (1) class to its best advantage.

Trowa turned his attention back to the site he'd dragged up. The school colours blinked at him as the banner floated across the screen. It was an amateur job, he could've done better, but they'd never ask. He clicked on to the 'events' link and small images popped up of several assemblies and occasions from the past year or so. There was always the one of him and Quatre, the first and only time they'd been forced to perform a duet infront of seven hundred plus people. Quatre was fine, his violin playing sweetly to the quiet auditorium. He never had much trouble being infront of large crowds either. It was the microphone placed infront of Trowa that was the problem. Nerves were already at an all time high because of the huge audience, and coupled with the added effect of the clip that held the mic wire down popping off and nearly hitting him in the eye - it was devastating. Oh yes, he laughed through the entire duet, and then got detention afterwards.(2) So having experienced something that traumatising, it was only natural to take revenge - albeit, every week for the last year and a half … so what if it's petty. He right-clicked on the mouse, making sure he had the image copied, then set to work on gaining access to the site for some changes.

Damnit. He caught himself looking again, and had nearly been caught by Gambit too. It was annoying, to put it mildly. He clicked on his favourites, choosing his usual chat room dominated by him and his friends, and began chatting with his online buddies, hoping at least it would be a distraction. He looked around the classroom, checking for anyone else to talk to, but logged on anyway.

ShinRules: Hey, I'm bored. Anyone there?

ShinRules: … anyone?

ShinRules: … … … at all?

694eva: yeahyeah, I'm here! Don't get your hair in a knot.

ShinRules: What's up T? Get laid yet? :D

694eva: …! Does my name not give anything away?

ShinRules: Nope. Should it? innocent face

694eva: I can see your face from here, it's not innocent.

ShinRules: face that couldn't care less So sue me… and again, info?

694eva: Nothing. Talking to Cajun.

ShinRules: Who?

Cajun: Me.

ShinRules: …who?

Cajun: Right beside 694eva

Duo craned his neck over the tops of the computers. Tony gave a brief wave in his direction and elbowed Gambit in the ribs. A little too convenient.

ShinRules: okay, now I know.

Cajun: yeah, Cher. Is this all you do in class?

694eva: yup

Ebbi04: yes

ShinRules: yeah!

Ebbi04: Apart from Heavyarms.

694eva: … well yeah…

Cajun: who?

ShinRules: you know him. Had a traumatising run in with the school awhile back, takes it on himself to get revenge. It's kinda funny, you wouldn't think it of him either.

Cajun: Alright, still not too sure but I could guess.

Ebbi04: But no names here, there could be trouble.

Cajun: sounds reasonable.

Heavyarms: Am I being talked about behind my back again. scrolls up… yes

ShinRules: it's only to spread your amazing name smiles

Heavyarms: … sure…

Heavyarms: … I've to get back to work now, I'll see you at the usual spot.

ShinRules: yeah!! Work that stuff!!

Heavyarms: Bye.

ShinRules: sighs there goes the best goddamn man ever. Bless his cotton socks.

Cajun: you know he wears cotton socks? Isn't that a little obsessive?

694eva: of course, that's our Shinigami. High-five man! holds out hand

ShinRules: don't make me… oh I see you're looking at me like that, I don't like that tone of, um, vision… fine. rolls eyes High five back.

694eva: yeah! Hand stings though…

ShinRules: … ha, don't mess with me! Hey Cajun, you staying with me today?"

Cajun: if it's not a problem

ShinRules: nope, I'll catch up with you later to explain the rules

Cajun: …?

ShinRules: I'll explain! Don't worry. Now methinks I'll try find some random material of gravitational proportions.

Cajun: What?!

694eva: Huh?

Ebbi04: ditto

694eva: seriously you make no sense

Heavyarms: He means 'gravitation'. He likes drooling over Yuki, sometimes Suichi or both.

ShinRules: Hey, I thought you left. Are you spying on me?

Heavyarms: yes

ShinRules: I'm feeling very hurt by this

Heavyarms: you don't look it

ShinRules: : p, well I am : p : p : p

Heavyarms: I get the point

ShinRules: : p

Ebbi04: real mature

Heavyarms: bye

ShinRules: really? Or is this another fake?

Cajun: you drool over manga?

694eva: he's a perverted one, our Shini, ain't you boy?

ShinRules: Heavyarms? And to 694eva : p … I'm going…

ShinRules: …Now!

Ebbi04: noticeably quieter

694eva: very, I like it

Ebbi04: Cajun, you okay? You're very quiet

ShinRules: I resent the above. Cajun, catch up with you in a few

Cajun: I'm the popular one today, I feel loved :D

Duo grinned at the closing comment before logging out and searching for his favourite sites. He was definitely looking forward to his meeting with Trowa and Heero for their usual weekly game, and to introduce Gambit to it too. It'd be a lot fairer now that there're two per team, but then again, he was never good at teamwork. It'd be something that'd keep him upbeat till lunch. Nothing beats an adrenaline rush.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I'm finished!!!!!!! Stupid computer is messed up, happy happy dance(courtesy of ChibiDark Angel who's sitting beside me), ergo I'm happy that I finished!!

1 - Information Technology. Computers!

2 - That happened to me, minus the detention

Koku: Sorry for the really big delay, my computer is getting sick on me again and the Internet keeps shutting down on me. I've been meaning to mail you but I can't get into my mail either so it may be awhile… anywho, thanks for sticking with this

Sweet Roses: My ear got infected from wearing a safety pin, only because I forgot to disinfect it though. (Oh yes, I am the genius). Glad that you can relate and like I said, my mail/some Internet is down, otherwise you'd all be in for some top class waffle courtesy of The Scourge. wags finger not too menacingly

Kico Yushimi: I was a tad surprised that you liked both this and Hijinks but thank you very much, it made me very happy does happy dance… okay, must write now…