Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The 6th Gundam Pilot? ❯ Puppy dog Tails & Kitty Ears ( Chapter 7 )

Series: Gundam Wing

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5+OC

Rating: R (Language, sexual situations, fluffiness and anything else I see fit to add)

Disclaimers: I don't own Gundam Wing or any of the characters. I'm not making any money from this. Besides the only thing I actually own is a cat… and you can't have him! He's just waaay to cute! Oh, and I don't own aspirin, kool-aid, Ms. Kitty or uh anything else with a brand name that might have been mentioned.

Review Thankies:

Sakura-Mako - Me so glad you like it! 5+OC or 6+OC? *shrugs* I dunno, well yes I do. And you will too… I think… soon enough.

:) - lol yep everyone loves the Wu-man! You better run pretty fast, he looks ticked! ^_^

stray cat - No laughing allowed! *grins* Hope you like this Chapter!

Hannio - Yessssss! My story has made it to another favorites list! *cheers* "Wow" is a good thing! *Sounds of Talia cheering in the background* Eh, she's glad she has another fan.

Natasha - I said all ideas are welcome! I meant it too. I want you guys to know how much a really appreciate all the feedback. Any ideas thrown my way I will try to toss into the story if possible ^_^ OH! *whispers* I really like your fics! Keep up your good work!

Gundamsquirrel - No problem doing that. I'll keep writing until I run out of ideas or my brain explodes… whichever occurs first ^_^

The Black Gatomon - *hangs head* I know Quatre is OOC. But that's why I put it in the story description thingy. I do think though that since the war is technically supposed to be over and he trusts all of the Maganacs that he wouldn't be so worried about them and one of the pilots. Lol and I know he's not always so happy all the time, I just can't help it! He depresses me when he's sad so I have to make him happy in my story!

Chris - I haven't quit don't worry ^_^ Working on Chapter 10 now actually! I'm just working up to the whole romantically involved part don't worry. It'll get there sometime, I just don't want to rush it and have you all go… 'Where the hell did that come from?!' As for the other Gundam Pilots being gay… Sorry. I'm a BIG yaoi fan, but I haven't worked up my courage to write it so it's just kind of mentioned in passing. I can't help that I think Duo and Heero or Quatre and Trowa are cute together. You'll just have to forgive me…

Cmdeegan - Glad you're enjoying my fic! I'm working really hard on it so I don't plan to stop. You're sort of right though, it's becoming big enough to be a book… ^_^

Author Notes: Yea, I totally want the puppy in this chapter! Oh, I thought I should warn you all. I am planning to revise/rewrite a couple of the earlier chapters. There are a few parts that jump around more than I would like. So it might take a bit longer for Chapter 8 to be posted. I've already started writing it… I'm afraid it may turn out a bit angsty though, heh.

Also, WOW! I can't believe I got so many reviews! You guys are so awesome! I nearly fell out of my chair when I checked my e-mail and there were a bunch of little "Review Alerts" in there. I'm trying to read and review some of my reviewers' stories since turn-about is fair play ^_^

Oh yes and Wufei would like everyone to know that he doesn't condone this chapter at all. In fact he's tried to beat me with a stick for even writing it several times.

If you would like to receive an e-mail alerting you when I post the next chapter, please e-mail me at scoobydoobubbles@hotmail.com ^_^

/…/ is a memory

'…' Is a thought

--…-- is a written statement

~*~*~*~

Halfway home Talia began to get a bit worried. They were all going to be pretty upset when she told them where she'd spent the night. Perhaps it would be best to return bearing gifts! She found a little strip mall and went to work finding gifts. While squandering her money in hopes of less yelling occurring, she found a headband. But it wasn't just any headband. It had cute little kitty ears attached! She paid for her gifts and hid the headband at the bottom of one of the bags once back in the car.

She had not even parked Quatre's car before Wufei came storming out the front door already yelling, he looked like he'd just gotten out of the shower. His hair wasn't tied back and he had no shirt on. It only caused her to smile, which made him yell something along the lines of, "Oh! You think it's funny!" Grabbing the bags of gifts she pulled herself out of the car. It was rather difficult since Wufei was right there next to it scolding her. Shaking her head, she dropped the bags and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a hug. It efficiently shut him up and she giggled, running her fingers through his loose wet hair. "I missed you too Wufei. You can yell at me inside, and more quietly please. My head really hurts." She released him, not noticing the flush on his face. However, as she reached for her bags he picked them up and hauled them back to the house ahead of her.

Inside she found all five pilots waiting for her explanation. Instead of giving it though she grabbed the bags from Wufei's grip and put on her most innocent grin. "I brought presents!" Wufei glowered at her and she put down the bags hesitantly. "Erm, uh," She looked to the others for support but only found them to be patiently waiting for her to spill the beans. "Fine!" She yelled and if possible the room seemed to get even quieter. It seemed like she could hear her own gulp before she squeaked out, "I stayed the night at Zechs' last night." It took a moment for the statement to wash over the others before all hell broke loose. Everyone, save Trowa (who was simply given her a disapproving look), was yelling at her.

After a few minutes of complete chaos Duo started waving his hands in the air, "Wait! WAIT!" And all was quiet again. "Alright Talia, explain." She sighed, and explained the whole situation. "I didn't tell him anything. He knows nothing more now than he did before. Other than the fact that Heero and Trowa clean house. But that's it. And he was actually a gentleman, he seemed to truly believe we could be friends."

It took a while longer of telling the complete story multiple times before everyone was satisfied. Though she was told drinking was not to be done, especially not alone and that she really WAS grounded. She had made sure to leave out the more personal and embarrassing parts. Then Duo started rummaging through the bags. "What'd you get?"

"Presents so you guys wouldn't yell at me so much. But you all totally ruined the plan." She grumbled, pushing Duo back and retrieving her sacks. She pulled out a chess set and handed it to Trowa who looked over it approvingly before stating, "You understand that this doesn't make up for your mistake. Next time call one of us."

"Yea, you try calling someone when you can't see the hand in front of your face. Besides it doesn't seem like I'll be going anywhere for awhile." She sighed, they really were like a bunch of over-protective brothers.

She pulled out a new memory card for Heero's laptop, a can of Silly String and new hair ties for Duo, and fluffy slippers for Quatre. He was always complaining about cold feet. Everyone accepted their gifts with some form of gratitude except Wufei. He received a pair of black silk boxers. They had red dragon that wrapped from one leg around the back and down the other. His face turned a dark shade of red as he mumbled something about "women having no sense of humility" before he stalked upstairs.

"I thought he'd like those!" Talia exclaimed turning to the other laughing pilots.

~*~*~*~

Wufei crammed the silky boxers into a drawer upstairs and slammed it shut. Everyone got something decent but she had to get him something that should only be given by a wife. In his hurry to get the offending garment put away he hadn't even gotten a chance to yell at her. She'd completely ruined it outside, hugging him! He snatched the teddy bear he gotten her off the bed and tossed it into the closet where she wouldn't find it. Who did she think she was thinking she could just go hugging him whenever she wanted! He was still grumbling when she came in to grab clean clothes. Without turning to look at her he growled, "You could have picked a better person to stay with for a night." That twinge attacked him full strength.

"Perhaps. But he was actually pretty nice. He even made me breakfast this morning," She chirped completely ignoring his tone of voice. He whirled around to face her and she jumped slightly at the sudden movement. She was defending him?

"You stayed for breakfast? So he's your new best buddy? It's ok now to have sleepovers with a man who tried to kill you and your friends numerous times?" He spat out, fully aware that most of it was coming from that feeling of jealousy that wouldn't go away.

"So what! I wouldn't have even been out last night if you weren't such an asshole. Maybe I need to make some new friends. At least he didn't call me ugly!" She was screaming at him now. The last part caught him by surprise and he moved out of the way as she stomped out of the bedroom. It finally registered what she'd said and he yelled out the door, "I didn't call you ugly!" His response was the sound of the bathroom door slamming.

~*~*~*~

After Talia's shower she was still grumbling some choice words she intended to yell at Wufei. She pulled on a pair of baggy jeans, a Ms. Kitty T-shirt and put on her newly acquired headband with kitty ears. Her head was feeling much better but the yelling hadn't helped at all. Heading downstairs she found the aspirin and poured a glass of cherry kool-aid to take the pills with. Trowa came in with grease on his hands.

"Working on Heavyarms?" She asked amicably after gulping down the sweet concoction. He nodded, washing his hands in the kitchen sink. "You seem a bit perturbed." He decided not to mention how silly the headband looked.

"Oh, Wufei's just being himself. You know how wonderfully we get along." She rolled her eyes for added effect and he smirked.

"I think it's only an act. He was actually quite worried about you. Heero nearly had to tie him to a chair to keep him from going to look for you last night. He was worried sick."

"Really? No way. You're lying aren't you?" She crept over to him poking her face around to look him in the eye.

"I'm serious Talia. I just don't think he knows how to act around you. He doesn't even want to admit that he cares." Well, this was a turn of events. She was listening to Trowa dish out the good stuff on Wufei. And it looked like Wufei wasn't really such a meanie after all. 'Of course,' She reminded herself, 'I already knew that.' Seeing the evil gleam in her eye the tall boy straightened and dried his hands, "What are you planning to do?"

She jumped slightly, having been off in her own little world for the moment. Then tried to look completely innocent, "Who me? Nothing. I'm just going to go uh, apologize to Wufei for yelling earlier. And for not being home last night. That's all." She grinned and took off running for the stairs, "Thanks Tro!" He shook his head as she proceeded to take the steps two at a time.

~*~*~*~

Talia found Wufei sitting at the desk busy writing something. He had pulled back his hair and put on a shirt at some point. She moved behind him and leaned over his shoulder to look at what he was writing. "Do you mind? I'm busy."

"No I don't mind. Whatcha writing?"

He turned his head only to find her face less than an inch from his. His eyes widened slightly, "It's none of your business." He noticed the headband. "You look like a fool with those cat ears."

She grinned and pulled back over his shoulder, refusing to let him get to her. "What? Do you think I need a tail to go with them?" He snorted in disgust at her childish antics and tried to turn back to the desk. However, Talia had other ideas and she snatched the tie holding back his hair. She whirled it around her finger, "You know, you're not being any fun Wuffie."

"Onna! It's Wufei and give me that back!" He jumped out of his chair reaching for the dangling hair tie.

Talia put it behind her back, thoroughly enjoying this game. It wasn't often that she could get him to do much more than insult her for one reason or another. "Nope." She waited a moment until he was closing in and reaching an arm around to get the stolen object, "I think you look sexy with your hair down."

Oh yeah! That had the desired effect! Wufei turned a bright shade of red and completely froze in his tracks. She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, "It's so soft Wufei." He stared at her with wide eyes, to shocked to move. She pushed a few strands of hair behind his ear making sure to brush her finger over it. To her surprise his eyes closed for a moment only to snap open as he suddenly jumped back. He snatched the hair tie from her other hand and whirled around to sit at the desk once more as he tied his hair back. Grinning evilly she moved behind him, unwilling to allow him to ignore her. She leaned over his shoulder once more as his hands went back to the tabletop. This time however she gently rubbed her cheek against his and made a sound much like a cat purring. "You look so cute when you blush." She straightened herself and practically danced out the door. Somewhere in the back of her mind she was thankful she'd come out of that little stunt with all her limbs and life intact.

~*~*~*~

Wufei had nearly been given a heart attack by her actions. He couldn't figure her out. First she came in here looking like an idiot, just trying to provoke him. Then she was complimenting him and flirting. Not that it was actually unpleasant but a woman that was no more than a friend shouldn't do it. She had acted like they were together, romantically together even. He could hear her and Duo downstairs laughing already. 'So it was just some big joke then?' However his conclusion was squashed as two pairs of feet came stomping up the stairs and Duo's head popped in complete with that damned cat-eared headband on his head. The black haired pilot made a mental note to burn the headband to cinders as soon as possible. The braided baka sauntered in followed by a giggling and slightly panting Talia. "Don't I look awesome in these Wu-man?"

The girl had made her way across the room and was leaning on Wufei's shoulder, "Tell him what you told me. He won't take them off." She managed to get out between giggles. He gaze shifted between the two as if they'd grown second heads for a moment before bellowing out in frustration, "Maxwell!! You are not a woman! Take that stupid thing off!"

Not waiting for the braided boys' reaction he ripped them off his head. Then to his own surprise he handed them back to Talia who immediately placed it back on her head while chirping, "I told you I looked cuter in them. Even Wufei thinks so! Right?" She looked at him expectantly but he refused to answer and turned away. The girl and the unfazed Duo took the hint for once and both bolted from the room as Quatre called out, "Lunch time!!"

~*~*~*~

Sometime after lunch Duo and Talia decided it would be nice to go for a walk. Although she was "grounded to the house" as long as she was accompanied she was allowed to go. She grumbled something about "bunch of overprotective numbskulls" before they left. Duo was immediately prodding her about her sudden change in behavior towards Wufei. "What was up with that? Seemed like you were trying to make him blush or something. And what's up with him being on your side?"

She grinned, "I forgot! I never told you whom I liked! Wufei!"

Duo gaped at her and managed to trip on a pebble on the dirt path. As he caught his balance he grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake before knocking on her forehead lightly with a fist. "Anybody home in there? Wu-man? I've seen more charismatic boulders. Not to mention you two are constantly at each other's throats. And the fact that he doesn't exactly have a high opinion of the female sex. And I bet he's never even kissed a girl, let alone done anything with one."

"Oh shut up. He can be really sweet sometimes. And he only says things to make me angry because he doesn't want to admit his feelings," She paused, looking mildly concerned, "I think. I hope." She sighed and shook her head. "Anyway though, you're right! I was trying to make him blush! If I stand around and wait for him to do something I'll die alone as an old wrinkled bag of bones. So I'm gonna flirt my ass off." She laughed at the look of pure bewilderment on her best friend's face. "Of course, if he flat out tells me that he doesn't care about me or doesn't have feelings for me I'll stop. But as of yet, from what I've seen and what Trowa told me, he might actually like me!" She jumped up and clapped her hands together.

Still looking perplexed Duo smiled, "If you say so. I don't think I could handle him though; he's always in a bad mood. Not even the ears made him smile."

Their conversation was interrupted by a whimper from the bushes near the path they were on. Talia dropped to all fours and crawled towards the sound, "I think it's a dog." The bushes rustled and poofy tail poked out one side. She moved closer and parted the branches. "It's a puppy!" She squealed in delight. It was actually more of a black and brown puffball, but it's leg was caught in the remains of some kids' yo-yo string. She untangled the whimpering little creature and picked it up. It immediately began to squirm with happiness and lick her face. She handed it to Duo and he received the same treatment. "We're keeping her, er, he, it!" Duo turned the puppy over and proclaimed, "HE!"

~*~*~*~

"Snoopy!"

"Rambo!"

"Snoopy!"

"NO! RAMBO!"

Duo picked up the fluffy puppy and shook him lightly in front of Talia's face, "Does he REALLY look like a Rambo to you?" She snorted, "Well he sure as hell doesn't look like a Snoopy." The stuck their tongues out at each other until "Puppy" started to chew on Duo's toe. "OW!" The girl laughed and rolled to her side, "See! He's vicious like Rambo! Attempting to gnaw off your toe." The braided boy punched her in the shoulder before nursing his injured toe.

They were currently camped out in the backyard in a small tent. It had dawned upon them that the puppy might not go over to well. So they had kept it a secret and simply said they wanted to camp out for the night. "Puppy" was thoroughly enjoying all of the attention he was receiving from both his surrogate parents. They had been yelling at each other about names for quite a while when a new voice chimed in. "How about Fluffy? It would fit him." Both Duo and Talia whirled around to find Quatre squatting in the tent door. One hand held a tray with what looked like tea and cups on it, while the other was petting the little furball's head. "I just thought I would bring you something to drink. I didn't realize there was a reason behind you both staying out here."

The girl shifted uncomfortably before speaking, "We weren't sure if everyone would agree to keeping him. But I can't see a problem. Someone is almost always home, and we don't have nearly as many missions. There is definitely time for him and room." She felt like she was pleading. They had to persuade Quatre now that he knew. It didn't seem that the blonde need any persuading though as he set down the tray and picked up the little creature. "Puppy" immediately began to lick his chin and face. "I don't mind, I quite agree. In fact, I think it might do some good around here to have a pet. Animals have a way of helping people even if they don't know they need it." He smiled and put down the fluff ball. "I'll let you two continue the argument now." With that said he stood and left the two glaring combatants to their naming war.

At some point both teens had given up on the name and decided to just call the dog "Ralph". The puppy seemed pleased and it was just too late to argue anymore. They'd both drifted off to sleep with Duo cuddling Ralph and Talia cuddling her old worn out teddy bear.

~*~*~*~

/"Mommy?" The little blonde girl asked quietly. She clutched a teddy bear in one arm while the other reached up towards the woman before her. The woman looked down at her with contempt. "Don't you think you're a little old to be carrying that thing about with you?" The woman grabbed the bear and jerked it loose from the child's arms. "But Mommy, he's my friend. He'll be lonely without me." The woman snorted in disgust before depositing the bear in the trash bin. Without another word she stalked away from the now teary-eyed child./

Talia woke up, feeling somewhat sweaty. It had been so long since she'd dreamt of her mother. She wished she hadn't, there seemed to be no good memories. She felt a dull ache in her chest at the memory. Sitting up she found Ralph to be curled up under Duo's chin and the boy to be snoring softly. Not wanting to wake them she grabbed her bear protectively and crept from the tent and into the cool night air. She'd never been able to sleep after having those dreams. It was stupid really, just a stuffed bear being thrown away. But the coldness of her mother's eyes was worse than any nightmare her imagination might dream up.

She went inside and got a glass of water before making her way quietly upstairs. Wufei was asleep so she tried to be quiet. She wanted to get an old pair of socks for Ralph to play with. During the day she couldn't get them since it would look rather strange. Halfway across the room she stubbed her toe and yelped. It was enough to wake up the sleeping occupant in the room. He shot up in the bed and as his eyes focused he glared at her accusingly. "I thought you and Maxwell were having a slumber party outside tonight?"

"It's called camping out. And we are. I just had a bad dream and I can't get back to sleep."

"I see, so you felt the need to come up here and wake me up since you couldn't sleep?"

"Well, no, I mean, I just stubbed my toe. It's not like I meant to wake you up Wufei!"

She sounded half angry and half pleading and he almost smiled. She was back to being normal again! He noticed she was clutching onto that damn teddy bear and shook his head. "Don't you think you ought to get rid of that thing?" He asked pointing at it.

"No! And you can't make me either! He's mine!" The dream was still fresh in her mind and she felt like strangling him for even saying that. He gave her a half confused look before getting up from the bed. She watched him warily, clutching the stuffed animal to her. He shook his head slightly before opening the closet and pulling something out. "I wasn't going to make you. I just meant that your bear is falling apart. You should get a new one."

She opened her mouth to snap at him again but closed it when she was presented with a brand new bear. It had the biggest, saddest eyes she had ever seen. She gaped at Wufei for a few seconds before flinging her arms around his neck. "It's so cute! It's for me? Thank you so much Wufei!" She halted her celebration and abruptly pulled away from him with a suspicious look. "Why?"

The now bright red boy cleared his throat feeling uncomfortable with the question but feeling the need to be honest in his answer. "I was going to give it to you last night when Heero and I got home with the groceries. I think I wanted you to forgive me for upsetting you." He stared at his hands as he barely managed to choke out the words. The girl frowned at him, "I don't want it. You can't just give people things to make them forgive you. Gifts don't make everything all better."

His head snapped up and he jerked open a dresser drawer to pull out the dragon boxers. "Perhaps you should practice what you preach?" It was her turn to blush and she took the bear from his other hand. "Thank you then. But you were already forgiven. I shouldn't have gotten angry with you. If you don't think I'm attractive then it's your own opinion."

His eyes widened, 'So that's why she got pissed.' It all clicked in his mind at once. Out loud he asked, "Why does it matter what my opinion is anyway?"

She gave him a pitiful look accompanied with a tiny smile, "Because you're very important to me." She once more put her arms around his neck and hugged him. He felt his ego soar at the statement and hugged her back. So maybe all this hugging stuff wasn't so bad. But his little twinge wanted more from her answer and he asked quietly, "More important than Zechs? Or Duo? Or Trowa?" She started to giggle against his shoulder and then nodded.

"Definitely more important than Zechs. Duo is my best friend and Trowa is like a big brother but you see…" She paused and gathered all of her courage, "I don't like any of them like I like you." 'Whew, I said it. That was hard.' She released Wufei when she felt him tense immensely at the statement. He looked completely dumbfounded and in a state of shock. "Uh, well. I guess I'll go stare at those tent walls now. Sleep well Wufei."

She turned and tried to escape but he grabbed her arm. With a big gulp she turned around. He looked to have recovered at least a bit and he pulled her over to sit on the bed with him. "You said you couldn't sleep right?" She nodded. "I don't think I will be sleeping either. Why don't you stay and keep me company?" She gaped once more at him before grinning. "I would be more than happy to do that!"

He scooted back against the wall and then somewhat awkwardly drew her back against his chest. She snuggled against him and put an arm around his torso, squeezing lightly. His mind was mess. All of his carefully constructed defenses had been demolished by one sentence. Part of him had wanted to laugh at her, to look at her in contempt for telling him. But a bigger part had wanted to jump for joy and blurt out he cared about her as well. He'd of course settled on actions somewhere between the two. Lost in thought he failed to notice that he'd been gently massaging the girl's back. He looked down to find that she had apparently fallen back asleep. He sighed, this was going to be a long night.

~*~*~*~

Well, I had originally planned to have more puppy in this chapter but Wufei wanted a bigger part. I had to stop it somewhere!

Also, I wanted to PLEAD for reviews!! So maybe not plead but ask very nicely for them. *grins* I don't care if I only get one or two a chapter, but they would be very much appreciated. And you'll be thanked/have questions answered in when I post up the next chapter. I just want to know if anyone is enjoying this story or if I should just keep it to myself. Or you can just flame the hell out of me, or praise me, that would be nice *grins* Also, any ideas for future chapters are welcome!

Next time…

Will they be allowed to keep Ralph the puppy? Will Wufei reconstruct his defenses? *messenger comes running in* WHAT?! THEY'RE MOVING?! Oh eh hem, excuse me, disregard that. And a look into Talia's past (since we know what happened to the rest of the pilots ^_^)