Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ What Once Was Lost ❯ Remembering Duo ( Chapter 2 )
[ A - All Readers ]
By: RayneCarnver 
Jessica tucked the white blanket around the sleeping twins, the song she was humming slowly fading away. She quietly walked through the hallway, past the kitchenette and practically collapsed onto the large white couch in the front room. She grabbed the remote and clicked the tv on. After a few minutes of flipping channels, she dropped the remote next to her and laid her head on the back of the couch. She closed her eyes as the cat rubbed against her hand. She lightly pet the lounging animal as she drifted off to sleep.
A loud knocking on the apartment door caused her to snap back to reality. She jumped up, turned the tv off as she passed it and rushed to the door to stop the banging from waking up the twins. Just as the knocking began again, she flung the door open.
Outside of the apartment, two men stood, one grinning at her. The shorter of the two, who wore a grin nicely, was blonde and tan. He had large, friendly eyes that seemed to laugh. The other man was tall and thin, with his brown bangs hanging over his face, hiding one of his bright green eyes.
“Good evening,” the blonde one said in a light clear voice. “Is this the residence of the owner of Generin’s Mechanics?” Jessica nodded. The blonde’s grin got larger. “May we come in? We have some things that might interest you.”
“I don’t want to buy anything,” Jessica began to close the door. The tall man’s hand shot out and prevented the door from closing. Jessica looked up at him, wide eyed.
“We’re not selling anything,” the tall man said quietly. “We come on urgent business. Please.” Jessica sighed and nodded, opening the door.
When the men were settled on the large couch, Jessica sat in a matching white chair across the room. Greg’ry jumped up and settled on the arm of the chair, watching the strangers with sharp eyes.
“How much do you know about your employees,” the blonde asked after a moment.
“I know many of them,” Jessica said, stroking the cat’s fine fur. “I went to school with them.”
“What do you know of Markus Andrews?”
“Oh, everything!” Jessica laughed. “He’s my husband.” The men raised their eyebrows and exchanged a glance. Jessica continued. “My father began Generin’s when he moved here with my mother. My parents died a few years ago, they left the garage to my husband and me.” The men nodded.
“Mrs Andrews, we checked some of your husband’s records and there’s a distinct lack of information.” The taller man said quietly.
“Yes, I know,” Jessica responded, looking at the glass coffee table that sat between them. “He showed up here ten years ago, didn’t remember his past or anything. My father took him in. Mark was a very skilled at mechanics, so he’s in charge of the garage.”
The blonde’s eyes got large. “Mrs Andrews, my name is Quatre Winner, this is Trowa Barton. We believe we know your husband’s past.” Jessica’s eyes went round.
“Mr Winner, Mr Barton,” she said, her voice pinched with excitement. “My husband will be home within a half an hour. It would probably be better to continue this when he is here. It is him we are talking about.”
Quatre nodded and smiled at the woman across from him. Jessica offered the pair drinks, which they refused, and anxiously waited for her husband to get home.
After all the years of wondering, they’ll finally know. But at what cost?
Mark slowly opened the door to the apartment. The twins were asleep and there was a good chance that Jessica was also. He stepped in, pulled his keys from the door and stopped as he saw the two men sitting in the front room.
“Jess?” Mark said cautiously. Jessica appeared from the kitchen, a smile lighting up her face. Mark gave her a questioning look.
“Mark, these men have something you will find very interesting,” she said as she grabbed him by the wrist. She pushed him into the white chair across from the couch and sat on the armrest opposite of the cat.
“Mr Andrews,” Quatre began. “I’m Quatre and this is Trowa. Do you recognize us or our names?” Mark slowly shook his head, slipping his hand in Jessica’s. “We believe we know you’re past.” Mark’s eyes grew round, he looked up at Jessica.
“They showed up about fifteen minutes ago,” she squeezed his hand. “I do believe your past found us.”
“Mr Andrews,” Quatre pulled something from his jacket pocket and handed it to Mark. “Does that look familiar at all?” Mark looked at the photo. It was of a mischievous teenager, a grin spread across his face, a dark streak of oil across his chin. Down his back was a long braid, that seemed a yard long. His entirely black clothes stained, a priest’s collar at his throat. He held a wrench up as if ready to throw it at another, more serious looking teen behind him. The other boy was clad in a loose shirt and tight spandex pants.
“That looks like you when you showed up, sort of,” Jessica pointed at the braided boy. “Except half your hair was charred off and your eyes weren’t that purple.” Quatre gasped and nudged Trowa, who nodded in return.
“Mr Andrews, what day did you appear here?” Quatre dared to ask.
“Exactly ten years ago next month.” Mark said, handing back the picture, forcing his hand not to shake. “The eighteenth to be exact.”
“How old were you?”
Mark shrugged, but Jessica answered. “We think he was about seventeen, a year older than me.” She wrapped an arm around her husband’s shoulders. There was a moment of silence.
“Quatre,” Mark said quietly. “Who am I?”
“Well, Mr Andrews,” Quatre said softly. “We believe you are a friend of ours that disappeared in a large explosion ten years ago.”
“That doesn’t really answer my question,” Mark said quickly. “Who am I?”
“Duo Maxwell, pilot of the gundam Deathscythe-Hell, mechanic, and all around demolition man.”
Mark leaned over, covering his face with his hands for a moment. Jessica rubbed his back lightly, eyes filled with worry. Mark suddenly stood and began walking around the room. The sunlight that filtered in seemed to dim for a moment.
“Daddy!” a small voice shrieked happily. Mark turned on his heels to see his son running towards him, arms outstretched. Mark scooped down and picked the child up, tossing him up a bit before catching him. The child laughed and hugged his father around his neck tightly. Mark turned to face the men and grinned at them. The grin sent shivers down their spines and they looked wide eyed at each other.
“I have one thing to ask,” Mark said. Quatre and Trowa nodded slightly.
“How’s Heero?”
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.03.2003 | Updated On: 11.03.2003 | Pages: 2 | Words: 8.2K | Visits: 216 | Status: Completed
Jessica tucked the white blanket around the sleeping twins, the song she was humming slowly fading away. She quietly walked through the hallway, past the kitchenette and practically collapsed onto the large white couch in the front room. She grabbed the remote and clicked the tv on. After a few minutes of flipping channels, she dropped the remote next to her and laid her head on the back of the couch. She closed her eyes as the cat rubbed against her hand. She lightly pet the lounging animal as she drifted off to sleep.
A loud knocking on the apartment door caused her to snap back to reality. She jumped up, turned the tv off as she passed it and rushed to the door to stop the banging from waking up the twins. Just as the knocking began again, she flung the door open.
Outside of the apartment, two men stood, one grinning at her. The shorter of the two, who wore a grin nicely, was blonde and tan. He had large, friendly eyes that seemed to laugh. The other man was tall and thin, with his brown bangs hanging over his face, hiding one of his bright green eyes.
“Good evening,” the blonde one said in a light clear voice. “Is this the residence of the owner of Generin’s Mechanics?” Jessica nodded. The blonde’s grin got larger. “May we come in? We have some things that might interest you.”
“I don’t want to buy anything,” Jessica began to close the door. The tall man’s hand shot out and prevented the door from closing. Jessica looked up at him, wide eyed.
“We’re not selling anything,” the tall man said quietly. “We come on urgent business. Please.” Jessica sighed and nodded, opening the door.
When the men were settled on the large couch, Jessica sat in a matching white chair across the room. Greg’ry jumped up and settled on the arm of the chair, watching the strangers with sharp eyes.
“How much do you know about your employees,” the blonde asked after a moment.
“I know many of them,” Jessica said, stroking the cat’s fine fur. “I went to school with them.”
“What do you know of Markus Andrews?”
“Oh, everything!” Jessica laughed. “He’s my husband.” The men raised their eyebrows and exchanged a glance. Jessica continued. “My father began Generin’s when he moved here with my mother. My parents died a few years ago, they left the garage to my husband and me.” The men nodded.
“Mrs Andrews, we checked some of your husband’s records and there’s a distinct lack of information.” The taller man said quietly.
“Yes, I know,” Jessica responded, looking at the glass coffee table that sat between them. “He showed up here ten years ago, didn’t remember his past or anything. My father took him in. Mark was a very skilled at mechanics, so he’s in charge of the garage.”
The blonde’s eyes got large. “Mrs Andrews, my name is Quatre Winner, this is Trowa Barton. We believe we know your husband’s past.” Jessica’s eyes went round.
“Mr Winner, Mr Barton,” she said, her voice pinched with excitement. “My husband will be home within a half an hour. It would probably be better to continue this when he is here. It is him we are talking about.”
Quatre nodded and smiled at the woman across from him. Jessica offered the pair drinks, which they refused, and anxiously waited for her husband to get home.
After all the years of wondering, they’ll finally know. But at what cost?
Mark slowly opened the door to the apartment. The twins were asleep and there was a good chance that Jessica was also. He stepped in, pulled his keys from the door and stopped as he saw the two men sitting in the front room.
“Jess?” Mark said cautiously. Jessica appeared from the kitchen, a smile lighting up her face. Mark gave her a questioning look.
“Mark, these men have something you will find very interesting,” she said as she grabbed him by the wrist. She pushed him into the white chair across from the couch and sat on the armrest opposite of the cat.
“Mr Andrews,” Quatre began. “I’m Quatre and this is Trowa. Do you recognize us or our names?” Mark slowly shook his head, slipping his hand in Jessica’s. “We believe we know you’re past.” Mark’s eyes grew round, he looked up at Jessica.
“They showed up about fifteen minutes ago,” she squeezed his hand. “I do believe your past found us.”
“Mr Andrews,” Quatre pulled something from his jacket pocket and handed it to Mark. “Does that look familiar at all?” Mark looked at the photo. It was of a mischievous teenager, a grin spread across his face, a dark streak of oil across his chin. Down his back was a long braid, that seemed a yard long. His entirely black clothes stained, a priest’s collar at his throat. He held a wrench up as if ready to throw it at another, more serious looking teen behind him. The other boy was clad in a loose shirt and tight spandex pants.
“That looks like you when you showed up, sort of,” Jessica pointed at the braided boy. “Except half your hair was charred off and your eyes weren’t that purple.” Quatre gasped and nudged Trowa, who nodded in return.
“Mr Andrews, what day did you appear here?” Quatre dared to ask.
“Exactly ten years ago next month.” Mark said, handing back the picture, forcing his hand not to shake. “The eighteenth to be exact.”
“How old were you?”
Mark shrugged, but Jessica answered. “We think he was about seventeen, a year older than me.” She wrapped an arm around her husband’s shoulders. There was a moment of silence.
“Quatre,” Mark said quietly. “Who am I?”
“Well, Mr Andrews,” Quatre said softly. “We believe you are a friend of ours that disappeared in a large explosion ten years ago.”
“That doesn’t really answer my question,” Mark said quickly. “Who am I?”
“Duo Maxwell, pilot of the gundam Deathscythe-Hell, mechanic, and all around demolition man.”
Mark leaned over, covering his face with his hands for a moment. Jessica rubbed his back lightly, eyes filled with worry. Mark suddenly stood and began walking around the room. The sunlight that filtered in seemed to dim for a moment.
“Daddy!” a small voice shrieked happily. Mark turned on his heels to see his son running towards him, arms outstretched. Mark scooped down and picked the child up, tossing him up a bit before catching him. The child laughed and hugged his father around his neck tightly. Mark turned to face the men and grinned at them. The grin sent shivers down their spines and they looked wide eyed at each other.
“I have one thing to ask,” Mark said. Quatre and Trowa nodded slightly.
“How’s Heero?”
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.03.2003 | Updated On: 11.03.2003 | Pages: 2 | Words: 8.2K | Visits: 216 | Status: Completed
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x Ðà àð ðGood€thing€you€had€your€cell,€isnð ðt€it.ð ð€Trowa€ grinned.€€Quatre€glared€at€him,€ignoring€the€fact€that€heÐ ð ;
@ Ðdidnð ðt€want€to€bring€his€phone.€€Trowa€made€him.Ð ¸ Ðà àð ðMr€Winner?ð ð€a€voice€caught€them€off€guard.€€They€both€spun €around€to€see€a€tall€man,€well€built,Ð € Ð
Ðwearing€black€pants€and€a€white€button€shirt.€€His€large€blue€eyes€s hining€at€them,€a€pen€secured€behind€his€ear.€Ð H
˜ ÐHis€dark€brown€hair€hung€into€his€face€with€long€bangs€but€short€bac k.€€In€his€hand€he€held€a€clipboard.Ð ` Ðà àð ðThatð ðs€me,ð ð€Quatre€said,€his€voice€suddenly€cau tious.€€He€and€Trowa€exchanged€looks,€both€their€eyesÐ Ø (
Ðwide.€€Ð ð
Ðà àð ðYeah,€Mr€Winner,€your€carð ðs€almost€fixed.ð ð€€The €man€said,€grinning,€ignoring€the€looks.€€He€handed€theÐ h&ced il; Ðclipboard€to€Quatre.€€ð ðJust€sign€where€it€says€to.ð ð€€Ð 0€ Ðà àð ðCan€I€borrow€your€pen,€Mr...ð ð€Quatre€asked.€€Ð øH
Ðà àð ðAndrews,ð ð€The€man€said,€pulling€his€pen€out€from€behind€hi s€ear€and€tossing€it€to€the€pilot.€€ð ðMarkÐ À ÐAndrews.ð ð€€Quatre€caught€the€pen€out€of€the€air€and€signe d€the€paper.€€He€handed€the€clipboard€back.€€Ð ˆØ Ðà àð ðYour€carð ðll€be€done€in€about€a€half€an€hour,ð ð€A ndrews€said€as€he€walked€back€into€the€garage.€€QuatreÐ P ; Ðand€Trowa€turned€toward€each€other.Ð h Ѐà àð ðWeð ðre€staying€here,ð ð€they€said€simultaneously.€ Ð à0 ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>Ð pÀ ÐJessica€tucked€the€white€blanket€around€the€sleeping€twins,€the€song €she€was€humming€slowly€fading€away.€€SheÐ 8ˆ Ðquietly€walked€through€the€hallway,€past€the€kitchenette€and€practic ally€collapsed€onto€the€large€white€couch€in€theÐ P Ðfront€room.€€She€grabbed€the€remote€and€clicked€the€tv€on.€€After€a€ few€minutes€of€flipping€channels,€she€droppedÐ È Ðthe€remote€next€to€her€and€laid€her€head€on€the€back€of€the€couch.€€ She€closed€her€eyes€as€the€cat€rubbed€againstÐ à Ðher€hand.€€She€lightly€pet€the€lounging€animal€as€she€drifted€off€to €sleep.€€Ð X¨ Ðà àA€loud€knocking€on€the€apartment€door€caus ed€her€to€snap€back€to€reality.€€She€jumped€up,€turned€the€tvÐ p Ðoff€as€she€passed€it€and€rushed€to€the€door€to€stop€the€banging€from €waking€up€the€twins.€€Just€as€the€knockingÐ è 8 Ðbegan€again,€she€flung€the€door€open.€Ð ° Ðà àOutside€of€the€apartment,€two€men€stood,€o ne€grinning€at€her.€€The€shorter€of€the€two,€who€wore€a€grinÐ x È! Ðnicely,€was€blonde€and€tan.€€He€had€large,€friendly€eyes€that€seemed €to€laugh.€€The€other€man€was€tall€and€thin,Ð @ " Ðwith€his€brown€bangs€hanging€over€his€face,€hiding€one€of€his€bright €green€eyes.€Ð X# Ðà àð ðGood€evening,ð ð€the€blonde€one€said€in€a€light€clear€voice. €€ð ðIs€this€the€residence€of€the€owner€ofÐ Ð $ ÐGenerinð ðs€Mechanics?ð ð€€Jessica€nodded.€€The€bl ondeð ðs€grin€got€larger.€€ð ðMay€we€come€in?€€We€have€some€thingsÐ ˜!è % Ðthat€might€interest€you.ð ðÐ `"° & Ðà àð ðI€donð ðt€want€to€buy€anything,ð ð€Jessica€began€to €close€the€door.€€The€tall€manð ðs€hand€shot€out€andÐ (#x ' Ðprevented€the€door€from€closing.€€Jessica€looked€up€at€him,€wide€eye d.Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àð ðWeð ðre€not€selling€anything,ð ð€the€tall€man€said€ quietly.€€ð ðWe€come€on€urgent€business.€€Please.ð ð€€JessicaÐ ¸$ ) Ðsighed€and€nodded,€opening€the€door.Ð €%Ð * Ðà àWhen€the€men€were€settled€on€the€large€cou ch,€Jessica€sat€in€a€matching€white€chair€across€the€room.€Ð H& amp;˜!+ ÐGregð ðry€jumped€up€and€settled€on€the€arm€of€the€chair,€wa tching€the€strangers€with€sharp€eyes.Ð '`", Ðà àð ðHow€much€do€you€know€about€your€employees,ð ð€the€blonde€ask ed€after€a€moment.Ð Ø'(#- Ðà àð ðI€know€many€of€them,ð ð€Jessica€said,€stroking€the€catð ðs€fine€fur.€€ð ðI€went€to€school€with€them.ð ð€€Ð (ð#. Ðà àð ðWhat€do€you€know€of€Markus€Andrews?ð ðÐ h)¸ ;$/ Ðà àð ðOh,€everything!ð ð€Jessica€laughed.€€ð ðHeð ðs€my€husband.ð ð€€The€men€raised€their€eyebrow s€and€exchanged€aÐ 0*€%0 Ðglance.€€Jessica€continued.€€ð ðMy€father€began€Generinð ðs€when€he€moved€here€with€my€mothe r.€€My€parents€died€aÐ ø*H&1 Ðfew€years€ago,€they€left€the€garage€to€my€husband€and€me.ð ð ;€€The€men€nodded.Ð À+'2 Ðà àð ðMrs€Andrews,€we€checked€some€of€your€husbandð ðs€records€and €thereð ðs€a€distinct€lack€of€information.ð ð€Ð ˆ,Ø'3 ÐThe€taller€man€said€quietly.€€Ð P- (4 Ðà àð ðYes,€I€know,ð ð€Jessica€responded,€looking€at€the€glass€coff ee€table€that€sat€between€them.€€ð ðHe€showed€upÐ .h)5 Ðhere€ten€years€ago,€didnð ðt€remember€his€past€or€anything. €€My€father€took€him€in.€€Mark€was€a€very€skilled€atÐ ° Ðmechanics,€so€heð ðs€in€charge€of€the€garage.ð ð€€ Ð xÈ Ðà àThe€blondeð ðs€eyes€got€large.€€& eth; ðMrs€Andrews,€my€name€is€Quatre€Winner,€this€is€Trowa€Barton.€€WeÐ @ Ðbelieve€we€know€your€husbandð ðs€past.ð ð€€Jessica ð ðs€eyes€went€round.€€Ð X Ðà àð ðMr€Winner,€Mr€Barton,ð ð€she€said,€her€voice€pinched€with€ex citement.€€ð ðMy€husband€will€be€home€withinÐ Ð Ða€half€an€hour.€€It€would€probably€be€better€to€continue€this€when€h e€is€here.€€It€is€him€we€are€talking€about.ð ð€€Ð ˜&e grave; Ðà àQuatre€nodded€and€smiled€at€the€woman€acro ss€from€him.€€Jessica€offered€the€pair€drinks,€which€theyÐ ` &d eg; Ðrefused,€and€anxiously€waited€for€her€husband€to€get€home.Ð (
x Ðà àAfter€all€the€years€of€wondering,€theyð ; ðll€finally€know.€€But€at€what€cost?Ð ð
@ ÐÌÔ_ Ô<*><*><*><* ><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> ;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&l t;*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&Ocir c;_ ÔÐ € Ð
Ðà àMark€slowly€opened€the€door€to€the€apartme nt.€€The€twins€were€asleep€and€there€was€a€good€chance€thatÐ H< br /> ˜ ÐJessica€was€also.€€He€stepped€in,€pulled€his€keys€from€the€door€and€ stopped€as€he€saw€the€two€men€sitting€in€theÐ ` Ðfront€room.Ð Ø(
Ðà àð ðJess?ð ð€Mark€said€cautiously.€€Jessica€appeared€from€the€ki tchen,€a€smile€lighting€up€her€face.€€Mark€gaveÐ ð Ðher€a€questioning€look.Ð h¸ Ðà àð ðMark,€these€men€have€something€you€will€find€very€interesting,ð ð€she€said€as€she€grabbed€him€by€theÐ 0€ Ðwrist.€€She€pushed€him€into€the€white€chair€across€from€the€couch€an d€sat€on€the€armrest€opposite€of€the€cat.€€Ð øH
Ðà àð ðMr€Andrews,ð ð€Quatre€began.€€ð ðIð ðm€Quatre€and€this€is€Trowa.€€Do€you€recognize€us€or€our€ names?ð ð€Ð À ÐMark€slowly€shook€his€head,€slipping€his€hand€in€Jessicað ð s.€€ð ðWe€believe€we€know€youð ðre€past.ð ð€€Markð &e th;s€eyes€grewÐ ˆØ Ðround,€he€looked€up€at€Jessica.Ð P Ðà àð ðThey€showed€up€about€fifteen€minutes€ago,ð ð€she€squeezed€hi s€hand.€€ð ðI€do€believe€your€past€found€us.ð ðÐ h Ðà àð ðMr€Andrews,ð ð€Quatre€pulled€something€from€his€jacket€pocke t€and€handed€it€to€Mark.€€ð ðDoes€that€lookÐ à0 Ðfamiliar€at€all?ð ð€€Mark€looked€at€the€photo.€€It€was€of€a €mischievous€teenager,€a€grin€spread€across€his€face,€a€darkÐ & uml;ø Ðstreak€of€oil€across€his€chin.€€Down€his€back€was€a€long€braid,€that €seemed€a€yard€long.€€His€entirely€black€clothesÐ pÀ Ðstained,€a€priestð ðs€collar€at€his€throat.€€He€held€a€wren ch€up€as€if€ready€to€throw€it€at€another,€more€serious€lookingÐ 8ˆ Ðteen€behind€him.€€The€other€boy€was€clad€in€a€loose€shirt€and€tight€ spandex€pants.€€Ð P Ðà àð ðThat€looks€like€you€when€you€showed€up,€sort€of,ð ð€Jessica€ pointed€at€the€braided€boy.€€ð ðExcept€half€yourÐ È Ðhair€was€charred€off€and€your€eyes€werenð ðt€that€purple.&e th; ð€€Quatre€gasped€and€nudged€Trowa,€who€nodded€in€return.€€Ð à Ðà àð ðMr€Andrews,€what€day€did€you€appear€here?ð ð€Quatre€dared€to €ask.Ð X¨ Ðà àð ðExactly€ten€years€ago€next€month.ð ð€Mark€said,€handing€back €the€picture,€forcing€his€hand€not€to€shake.Ð p Ðð ðThe€eighteenth€to€be€exact.ð ðÐ è 8 Ðà àð ðHow€old€were€you?ð ð€€Ð ° Ðà àMark€shrugged,€but€Jessica€answered.€€ð ; ðWe€think€he€was€about€seventeen,€a€year€older€than€me.ð ð€€S heÐ x È! Ðwrapped€an€arm€around€her€husbandð ðs€shoulders.€€There€was €a€moment€of€silence.€€Ð @ " Ðà àð ðQuatre,ð ð€Mark€said€quietly.€€ð ðWho€am€I?ð ðÐ X# Ðà àð ðWell,€Mr€Andrews,ð ð€Quatre€said€softly.€€ð ðWe€believe€you€are€a€friend€of€ours€that€disappeared€in€a€largeÐ Ð $ Ðexplosion€ten€years€ago.ð ðÐ ˜!è % Ðà àð ðThat€doesnð ðt€really€answer€my€question,ð ð€Mark€s aid€quickly.€€ð ðWho€am€I?ð ðÐ `"° & Ðà àð ðDuo€Maxwell,€pilot€of€the€gundam€Deathscythe„Hell,€mechanic,€and€all€ around€demolition€man.ð ðÐ (#x ' Ðà àMark€leaned€over,€covering€his€face€with€h is€hands€for€a€moment.€€Jessica€rubbed€his€back€lightly,€eyesÐ ð#@ ( Ðfilled€with€worry.€€Mark€suddenly€stood€and€began€walking€around€the €room.€€The€sunlight€that€filtered€in€seemedÐ ¸$ ) Ðto€dim€for€a€moment.Ð €%Ð * Ðà àð ðDaddy!ð ð€a€small€voice€shrieked€happily.€€Mark€turned€on€hi s€heels€to€see€his€son€running€towards€him,Ð H&˜!+ Ðarms€outstretched.€€Mark€scooped€down€and€picked€the€child€up,€tossi ng€him€up€a€bit€before€catching€him.€€TheÐ '`", Ðchild€laughed€and€hugged€his€father€around€his€neck€tightly.€€Mark€t urned€to€face€the€men€and€grinned€at€them.€Ð Ø'(#- ÐThe€grin€sent€shivers€down€their€spines€and€they€looked€wide€eyed€at €each€other.€€Ð (ð#. Ðà àð ðI€have€one€thing€to€ask,ð ð€Mark€said.€€Quatre€and€Trowa€nod ded€slightly.Ð h)¸$/ Ðà àð ðHowð ðs€Heero?ð ðÐ 0*€%0 Ð<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><* ><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> ;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&E TH; ø*H&1 ÐQuatre€watched,€eyes€shining,€as€Duo€pushed€himself€from€the€table€a nd€sighed.Ð À+'2 Ðà àð ðJess,€you€really€out€did€yourself€today,ð ð€Duo€grinned€at€h is€wife.€€Jessica€raised€an€eyebrow€at€him€andÐ ˆ,Ø'3 Ðlaughed.Ð P- (4 Ðà àð ðNot€for€you€thatð ðs€sure.ð ðÐ .h)5 Ðà àð ðEh?ð ðÐ ° Ðà àð ðYou€the€only€idiot€here,€Mark?ð ð€The€woman€laughed.€€ð ðMr€Winner€hereð ðs€a€famous€diplomat€andÐ x&Egr ave; Ðextremely€rich€man.€€Unlike€you.ð ð€€She€winked€at€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€over€her€glasses.€&E TH; @ Ðà àð ðJust€call€me€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ & Ocirc;,€Mrs€Andrews.ð ðÐ X Ðà àð ðAnd€you€call€me€Jessica,€or€Jess,€whichever€you€prefer.ð ð&E TH; Ð Ðà àð ðAnð ð€call€me€Cissy!ð ð€The€girl€child€yelled,€thro wing€her€hands€in€the€air€happily.€€The€adults€laughed€asÐ ˜&e grave; Ðthe€child€grinned€up€at€them.Ð ` ° Ðà àð ðSo,€ten€years€later,ð ð€Duo€laughed.€€ð ðI€have€two€children,€a€wife,€a€different€name,€a€different€life.ð ðÐ (
x Ðà àð ðBut€I€donð ðt€see€very€much€change,ð ð€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€cut€him€off€with€his€quie t€voice.Ð ð
@ Ðà àð ðAside€the€braid€and€the€less€violet€eyes,ð ð€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€smiled€at€his€friend.Ð ¸ Ðà àJessica€stood€and€began€cleaning€off€the€s mall€round€table.€€She€hummed€to€herself€happily,€brown€eyesÐ € Ð
Ðshining.Ð H
˜ Ðà àð ðWhatð ðs€that€song?ð ð€Ô_ Ô QuatreÔ_ Ô€blinked€at€her.€€ð ðIt€sounds€very€familiar.ð ðÐ ` Ðà àð ðItð ðs€the€song€that€was€on€the€radio€when€Mark„er„€Duo€appe ared€at€the€garage,ð ð€She€grinned€at€herÐ Ø(< br />
Ðhusband.€€He€patted€her€butt€as€she€passed.€€She€laughed€and€raised€ an€eyebrow€at€him.Ð ð
Ðà àð ðDuo,ð ð€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€observed.€€ð ðYou€definitely€have€not€changed.ð ðÐ h¸ Ðà àð ðHa!ð ð€Duo€laughed,€folding€his€hands€behind€his€head€as€Jes sica€sat€back€down€next€to€him.€€TheyÐ 0€ Ðgrinned€at€each€other.€€ð ðDamn,€woman,€you€failed!€€I€havenð ðt€changed€a€fucking€thin g!ð ð€€Jessicað ðs€jaw€hit€theÐ øH
Ðground€as€she€smacked€her€husbands€arm,€glancing€pointedly€at€the€tw ins€next€to€her.€€Duo€laughed,€holding€hisÐ À Ðnow€bruised€arm,€and€pride.Ð ˆØ Ðà àð ðWell,€you€two,ð ð€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€said€pushing€away€from€the€table.€€ð ðItð ðs€time€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€and€I€continued€on€ourÐ P Ðvacation.ð ðÐ h Ðà àð ðAw,€come€on€Ô_ ÔQuatÔ_ &Oci rc;,ð ð€Duo€moaned€like€a€child.€€ð ðYou€Ô_ Ôguysð ðveÔ_ Ô€only€been€here€for€one€day.ð ðÐ à0 Ðà àð ðYes,€I€know,ð ð€the€Arabian€laughed.€€ð ðBut€Ið ðm€sure€you€and€Jessica€have€a€lot€to€talk€about€now. €€Plus,Ð ¨ø ÐÔ_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€and€I€ need€to€get€going.€€Weð ðre€behind€schedule.€€Ô_ ÔHeeroð ðllÔ_ Ô€notice€if€we€don&et h; ðt€get€back€soon€enough.ð ð€€Duoð ðsÐ pÀ Ðgrin€disappeared€for€a€moment.Ð 8ˆ Ðà àð ðYouð ðre€not€going€to€tell€him€you€guys€found€me,€are€you?&e th; ð€He€looked€at€his€friends€with€wide€pleadingÐ P Ðeyes.à àÐ È Ðà àð ðNot€if€you€donð ðt€want€us€to,ð ð€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€said€as€he€slowly€stood.Ð à Ðà àð ðÔ# †
Xî X ò
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Xî ÔI€want€to€tell€him€myself,€face„to„face.ð ð Ð X¨ Ðà àÔ_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€and€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€nodded€simultaneously.€€They€reached€for€their€thin€jackets€and €moved€towards€theÐ p Ðdoor.€€They€thanked€Jessica€for€the€wonderful€dinner,€which€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€said€was€a€welcome€c hange€from€the€elaborateÐ è 8 Ðdinners€of€diplomats.€€ð ðAnd,ð ð€he€added€with€a€smile.€€ð ðThe€pathetic€cooking€of€the€other€pilots.ð ðÐ &d eg; Ðà àð ðWell,€this€sure€has€been€a€great€surprise,ð ð€Jessica€said€a s€they€stood€in€the€doorway€to€the€apartment.€Ð x È! ÐThey€exchanged€embraces€and€handshakes.€€Ô_ Ô ;SimionÔ_ Ô€and€Chrissy€stood,€wide€eyed,€staring€a t€the€adults.€€Slowly,Ð @ " ÐÔ_ ÔSimionÔ_ Ô€reach ed€up€and€tugged€at€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ôð ðs€pants€lightly.€€Ô_ ÔQuatre&Oci rc;_ Ô€looked€down,€surprised.Ð X# Ðà àð ðCan€we€call€you€Uncle€Ô_ ÔQuattyÔ_ Ô?ð ð€the€small€boy€asked€softly.€€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€knelt€down€and€hugged€both€th eÐ Ð $ Ðtwins.Ð ˜!è % Ðà àð ðÔ# † ôC ò ò
ôCy # ÔI€would€be€honored.ð ð€€Ð ` "° & Ðà àð ðAnd€we€can€call€him,ð ð€Chrissy€pointed€at€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô.€€ð ðAuntie€Ô_ ÔTroÔ_ Ô„&O circ;_ ÔTroÔ_ Ô?ð ð€€&Oc irc;_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€turned€a€pale€sh ade€of€redÐ (#x ' Ðas€the€others€laughed€hysterically.Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àð ðOf€course€you€can,€Chrissy!ð ð€Duo€laughed.€€The€twins€looke d€up€at€him,€eyes€shining€then€ran€offÐ ¸$ ) Ðgiggling.€€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ &Oc irc;€glared€at€Duo,€who€just€grinned€back.Ð €%Ð * Ðà àð ðWell,ð ð€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€said,€grabbing€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ôð ðs€arm.€€ð ðItð ðs€was€great€to€find€you,€Duo.€€And€even€better€to€meet& ETH; H&˜!+ Ðyou€Jessica.€€You€have€our€numbers,€Ið ðm€sure€you€have€a€l ot€to€talk€about.€€Good„bye!ð ð€€The€pilots€were€out€theÐ '`", Ðdoor€and€down€the€balcony€staircase€before€Jessica€or€Duo€could€even €respond.€€The€couple€blinked€at€each€otherÐ Ø'(#- Ðthen€shrugged.€€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€was€right,€they€had€to€talk.€€Later.Ð (ð#. ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>€Ð 0*€%0 Ðà àð ðThe€twins€are€finally€asleep,ð ð€Jessica€said€thankfully€as€ she€dragged€herself€into€the€master€bedroom.€Ð ø*H&1 ÐShe€moaned€as€she€saw€the€clockð ðs€illuminated€numbers.€€M idnight.Ð À+'2 Ðà àð ðThey€donð ðt€know€how€good€they€have€it,ð ð€she€sig hed€as€she€fell€onto€the€bed,€arms€sprawled€out,€oneÐ ˆ,Ø ;'3 Ðlanding€on€Mark.€€ð ðThey€donð ðt€have€to€make€decisions,€pay€rent,€run€a€busines s,€get€their€own€food€or€anything.ð ðÐ P- (4 Ðà àð ðThey€donð ðt€have€to€figure€out€two€lives.ð ð€€Mark €added€flatly,€placing€his€book€down€on€his€lap.€€Ô_ &Oci rc;HeÐ .h)5 ÐÑ OY Ñâ
âÑ °° Ñâ
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Ñreached€out€and€ran€his€fingertips€lightly€across€the€skin€on€J essicað ðs€arm.€€She€squirmed€and€crawled€up€next€toÐ ° Ðher€husband.€€She€gave€his€cheek€a€kiss€and€sat€against€him.€Ð xÈ Ðà àð ðNot€many€have€to,€Ið ðm€afraid.ð ð€€She€smiled€at€M ark.€€ð ðSo,€anything€I€should€know?ð ðÐ @ Ðà àð ðHmm?ð ðÐ X Ðà àð ðAbout€Duo€Maxwell?ð ðÐ Ð Ðà àð ðOh,€Ô_ ÔhehÔ_ Ô,ð ð€Mark€adjusted€his€position€and€put€his€book€on€the€night€stand€next €to€him.€€He€turned€towardsÐ ˜è Ðhis€wife.€€ð ðMight€be€some€things€you€want€to€know.ð ðÐ ` &de g; Ðà àð ðLike€what?ð ð€Jessica€asked€quietly,€confused€by€the€sudden€ shy€look€on€his€face.Ð (
x Ðà àð ðYou€remember€the€other€guy€in€the€picture?ð ðÐ & eth;
@ Ðà àð ðÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô,ð ð€Jessica€said€after€a€moment.€€ð ðIsnð ðt€that€his€name?€€That€is€what€I€think€you€called€him. ð ðÐ ¸ Ðà àð ðYeah,ð ð€Mark€nodded€biting€his€lip.€€He€hesitated€for€a€mom ent.€€ð ðÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô€and€I€h ad€this€thing€together.€€IÐ € Ð
Ðguess€thatð ðs€the€only€thing€I€can€call€it.ð ð€€J essicað ðs€eyes€went€wide€and€her€jaw€dropped€a€bit.Ð H
˜ Ðà àð ðWhat?ð ð€she€said,€as€if€unsure€what€he€just€said.Ð ` Ðà àð ðYeah,€I€was€gay.€€Key€word€being€was,€though.ð ðÐ Ø(
Ðà àð ðBut€people€donð ðt€just€go€from€chasing€guys€to€chasing€wome n.ð ðÐ ð
Ðà àð ðWeð ðll€just€say€that€Ô_ ÔHeero&Ocir c;_ Ô€and€I€had€both€lived€as€far€from€a€normal€life€as€y ou€can€think€of.€€We€grew€upÐ h¸ Ðpiloting€war€machines,€learning€to€kill,€not€feel.€€The€only€people€ that€could€understand€was€the€other€pilots,€andÐ 0€ ÐÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô€was€th e€first€one€who€showed€sympathy.€€Other€than€Ô_ ÔQu atreÔ_ Ô,€of€course.ð ð€€Jessica€nodded€sl owly,€trying€to€getÐ øH
Ðher€mind€to€accept€the€idea€of€her€husband...€She€repressed€a€shiver .Ð À Ðà àð ðAnything€else?ð ð€€Jessica€asked€as€if€she€didnð ðt €really€want€to€know,€but€her€curiosity€was€sparked.Ð ˆØ ; Ðà àð ðBesides€that€no€matter€who€I€am,€Mark€Andrews€or€Duo€Maxwell,€youð ; ðre€still€my€wife€and€I€love€youÐ P Ðmore€than€I€have€loved€anyone€else.ð ð€€He€pulled€her€close €for€a€quick€kiss.Ð h Ðà àð ðOh,€by€the€way,ð ð€Jessica€said,€with€a€grin€of€mischief€on€ her€face.€€She€handed€Mark€something€that€sheÐ à0 Ðpulled€out€of€her€pocket.€€ð ðYour€good€friend€Mr€Winner€left€that€under€his€plate.ð ð€€Ma rk€unfolded€the€paper,€on€itÐ ¨ø Ðwas€the€phone€numbers€and€addresses€of€each€of€the€other€Ô_ Ôpilots,Ô_ Ô€and€the€picture€of€Duo €and€Ô_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô.€€He€suc ked€in€aÐ pÀ Ðbreath.Ð 8ˆ Ðà àð ðDo€I€have€to€decide€who€I€want€to€be€now?ð ðÐ P Ðà àð ðI€think€you€may,ð ð€Jessica€said€softly.Ð &Egrav e; Ðà àAbout€ten€minutes€later,€Jessica€slipped€u nder€the€blanket€and€turned€off€her€light.€€She€curled€up€againstÐ à Ðher€husband€and€breathed€deeply,€breathing€in€his€scent.€€She€ran€he r€fingernails€across€his€naked€abdomen.€Ð X¨ ÐNeither€of€them€had€spoken€for€a€few€minutes.Ð p Ðà àð ðAre€you€afraid€to€ask€me€what€you€should€do€because€you€think€Ið ðll€be€bias?ð ð€Jessica€said€after€a€fewÐ è ; 8 Ðminutes€of€trying€to€ignore€the€air€of€slight€fear€and€anxiousness€s urrounding€him.€€He€made€a€small€gruntingÐ ° Ðsound,€slightly€annoyed€that€she€knew€what€he€was€thinking€about.€€E specially€since€it€was€about€her.Ð x È! Ðà àð ðWell,€youð ðre€getting€my€opinion€because€I€have€air€in€my€b ody€to€give€it€to€you,ð ð€she€said€jokingly.€€ð ðIÐ @ " Ðthink€you€should€combine€the€lives.€€You€lived€as€Duo€Maxwell€for€so €long,€but€you€are€also€Mark€and€Daddy€toÐ X# Ðthe€children.€€You€cannot€let€either€go.€€But€itð ðs€your€l ife,€not€mine.ð ð€€She€rolled€over€to€the€other€side€of€the€bed&ET H; Ð $ Ðand€refused€to€say€another€word€on€the€subject.Ð ˜!&egra ve; % Ðà àMark€laid€awake€for€hours,€just€thinking.€ €Jess€was€right,€but€it€wasnð ðt€that€easy.€€Or€it€didnð ð ;t€seem€to€be.Ð `"° & ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àWhen€Jessica€awoke€the€next€day,€Mark€was€ gone.€€€She€rolled€over€and€squinted€at€the€clock.€€Ten€toÐ &ce dil;$ ) Ðnoon.€€She€blinked€for€a€moment,€before€grabbing€her€glasses€and€spr ang€out€of€bed.€€She€quickly€walked€to€theÐ €%Ð * Ðtwinsð ð€room€and€blinked€at€the€perfectly€clean€room€and€m ade€beds.€€She€turned€and€sped€to€the€kitchen.€€SheÐ H&˜!+ Ðfound€a€small€yellow€note€lying€on€the€table,€in€Markð ðs€p recise€handwriting.€€Ð '`", Ðà àð ðJess,€your€mom€came€over€and€took€the€kids€out.€€Sheð ðll€be €back€with€them€around€the€time€I€get€home.€Ð Ø'(#- ÐEnjoy€your€day€to€yourself.€€Much€love,€Mark.ð ð€€Jessica€s miled€to€herself€as€she€placed€the€note€back€on€the€table.€€Ð & nbsp;(ð#. Ðà àð ðOh,€Ið ðll€enjoy€my€day,€Ô_ ÔGreg&et h; ðryÔ_ Ô,ð ð€she€said€to€the€cat,€w ho€appeared€out€of€nowhere€and€rubbed€against€herÐ h)¸$/ Ðleg.€€ð ðBut€first,€a€shower.ð ð€€She€turned€towards€the€bathroom,€le aving€the€cat€in€the€middle€of€the€kitchen,€givingÐ 0*€%0 Ðher€a€curious€look.Ð ø*H&1 Ðà àA€few€hours€later,€as€the€sky€began€to€dar ken€as€a€storm€approached€the€city,€Jessica€pulled€her€car€intoÐ À+'2 Ðthe€cemetery.€€She€passed€the€familiar€large€black€iron€gates€and€on to€the€thin€road.€€She€drove€slowly€past€theÐ ˆ,Ø'3 Ðlarge€intricate€gravestones,€noting€all€the€names€that€were€familiar €to€her.€€She€brought€her€car€to€a€stop€and€sat€inÐ P- (4 Ðit€for€a€moment.€€She€looked€out€over€the€green€grass,€littered€with €graves€and€onto€the€fields€in€the€distance.€€SheÐ .h)5 Ðclimbed€out€of€the€car,€the€wind€immediately€grabbed€her€hair€and€cl othes,€as€if€trying€to€steal€her€soul€along€withÐ ° Ðthe€rest€of€the€dead.€€She€slowly€walked€up€the€small€hill€and€down€ towards€the€large€oak€tree€at€the€edge€of€theÐ xÈ Ðcemetery.€€She€wasnð ðt€surprised€to€see€the€thin€form€stan ding€in€front€of€her€parentsð ð€graves.€€She€slowlyÐ @ Ðapproached,€a€bouquet€of€white€roses€in€her€hands.Ð X Ðà àð ðI€knew€youð ðd€come€today,ð ð€Mark€said€as€Jessica€ approached.€€She€smiled€and€began€to€walk€faster.€€SheÐ Ð Ðput€her€arm€around€her€husbandð ðs€waist.€€He€wrapped€his€a rm€around€her€shoulder,€pulling€her€close.€€She€lightlyÐ ˜&egr ave; Ðthrew€the€bouquet€onto€the€double€grave.€€Mark€sighed.Ð ` ° Ðà àð ðYou€know€what€heð ðd€say,€donð ðt€you,ð ð€ €Jessica€stated€more€than€asked.€€Mark€smiled€weakly€at€her.Ð (
x Ðà àð ðYeah,€I€do,ð ð€he€said,€looking€at€the€right€side€of€the€sma ll€monument€to€his€parents€in€law.€€ð ðHeð ðd€sayÐ ð
@ Ðexactly€what€his€daughter€told€me€last€night.ð ð€€He€gave€h er€shoulders€a€squeeze.€€Ð ¸ Ðà àð ðGood,ð ð€Jessica€laughed.€€ð ðNow€we€know€you€werenð ðt€a€lost€cause€after€all!ð ð ;Ð € Ð
Ðà àð ðHe€wouldð ðve€said€that,€too,ð ð€Mark€said€as€they€ turned€from€the€graves.€€ð ðCourse,€he€wouldð ðve€said€itÐ H
˜ Ðwhile€he€knock€me€on€my€head.ð ð€€They€slowly€began€walking €to€the€car.€€Without€another€word,€or€a€glance€back,Ð ` Ðthey€climbed€into€the€small€sports€car€and€slowly€drove€away.€€Ð Ø(
ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>Ð h¸ Ðà àThe€loud€buzzing€of€the€alarm€rang€through €the€practically€empty€room.€€The€form€on€the€sagging€bedÐ 0€ Ðmoaned€lightly€and€rolled€over,€slamming€his€hand€on€the€alarm,€whic h€sat€on€the€window€sill.€€He€sat€up,€his€legsÐ øH
Ðhanging€awkwardly€over€the€side€of€the€bed,€his€short€brown€hair€dis heveled.€€He€pushed€himself€to€his€feet,Ð À Ðshivering€slightly€at€the€feeling€of€the€cold€floor.€€He€stretched€a nd€walked€over€to€the€large€pile€of€clothes€in€theÐ ˆØ Ðcorner€of€his€room.€€He€grabbed€the€first€pair€of€pants€he€could€fin d€and€slipped€them€over€his€boxers.€€He€grabbedÐ P Ða€shirt€and€pulled€it€over€his€head.€€He€tripped€over€to€the€mirror€ and€ran€his€fingers€through€his€hair.Ð h Ðà àð ðGod,€Ið ðm€getting€as€bad€as€Duo,ð ð€he€thought€as€ he€reached€for€the€doorknob.€€His€hand€stopped€in€midÐ à 0 Ðair€at€the€sudden€pang€of€sorrow.€€He€sucked€in€a€breath€and€pulled€ open€the€door.€€He€moved€quickly€through€hisÐ ¨ø Ðdimly€lit,€disorganized€apartment.€€He€threw€the€small€fridge€on€the €counter€open,€peering€in€at€the€half€emptyÐ pÀ Ðgallon€of€milk€and€a€totally€bruised€apple.€€He€sighed€and€slammed€t he€door€shut.€€It€just€seemed€to€be€gettingÐ 8ˆ Ðworse€as€the€years€went€on.€€He€placed€his€elbows€on€the€counter€and €bent€down,€holding€his€head€in€his€hands.Ð P Ðà àð ðTen€years,ð ð€he€murmured.€€ð ðTen€years€today.ð ð€€He€didnð ðt€move€for€a€few€mom ents,€willing€the€memoriesÐ È Ðof€the€smiling€purple€eyes€as€the€pilot€swore€heð ðd€be€car eful€and€would€be€back€before€dark.€€He€rememberedÐ à Ðwatching€the€braid€bounce€behind€the€black€clothed€body,€as€if€wavin g€good„bye.€€He€knew€he€shouldð ðve€made€himÐ X¨ Ðstay€home.€€He€knew€it.€€And€now,€ten€years€later,€he€was€a€wreck.&E TH; p Ðà àA€sudden€knock€on€the€door,€dragging€him€f rom€his€memories.€€He€walked€slowly€to€the€door,€halfwayÐ &egra ve; 8 Ðconsidering€not€answering€it.€€He€slowly€opened€the€door,€fumbling€w ith€the€chain€lock.€€He€blinked,€blinded€byÐ ° Ðthe€bright€light€of€the€sun€that€shot€into€the€apartment€through€the €half€opened€door.€€In€front€of€him€stood€a€youngÐ x È! Ðcouple,€around€his€age.€€The€man€looked€somewhat€familiar,€tall,€dar k€hair,€dark€blue€eyes.€€The€woman€was€short,Ð @ " Ðher€long€brown€hair€pulled€back€in€a€braid,€staring€at€him€with€dark €brown€eyes€through€thin€framed€glasses.€€Ð X# Ðà àð ðÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô€Ô _ ÔYuyÔ_ Ô,ð ð€The€man€s aid,€smiling€a€familiar€smile,€with€a€familiar€voice.€€ð ðIð ðm€back,€and€youð ðll€neverÐ Ð $ Ðguess€whatð ðs€happened€in€the€last€ten€years.ð ð& ETH; ˜!è % Ðà à€Ý ‚/ ÿ Ý&ograv e;òÔ ÿ ÔÝ Ý&Yacut e; ‚/ ÿÿÿ Ýóóòò&O circ; ÿ ÿ ÔÝ ÝÝ ‚/ ÿÿÿ ÝóóòòÔ ÿ ÿ ÔÝ ÝòŽò
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ôC ò ò ôC Ô><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;€What€Once€Was€Lost...€Found<*><*><*><*><*> ;<*><*><*><*><*><Ð ° ÐÓ m ÓMarkð ðs€eyes€opened€slowly,€ as€if€refusing€to€let€sleep€slip€away€so€easily.€€He€sighed€and€gently€move d€the€handÐ xÈ Ðthat€wrapped€around€his€stomach€aside.€€He€hung€his€legs€over€the€si de€of€the€bed€and€pushed€himself€to€his€feet.€Ð @ ÐHe€moved€silently€across€the€white€carpet€and€to€the€closet,€pulled€ open€the€doors€and€leaned€back.€€He€reached€inÐ X Ðand€grabbed€a€pair€of€pants€that€hung€perfectly€from€a€hanger.€€He€p ulled€them€on€as€he€shook€a€shirt€from€aÐ Ð Ðdifferent€hanger,€grabbing€it€before€it€fell€to€the€ground.€€He€put€ on€the€shirt,€leaving€it€unbuttoned€as€he€searchedÐ ˜è Ðthe€room€for€his€shoes.€Ð ` ° Ðà àð ðWhat€are€you€doing?ð ð€€A€drowsy€voice€asked€from€the€bed.€€ Mark€turned€around€to€see€his€wife€watchingÐ (
x Ðhim€over€the€large€white€comforter.€€He€smiled.Ð ð @ Ðà àð ðGetting€ready€for€work.ð ðÐ ¸ Ðà àð ðCome€back€to€bed,ð ð€she€raised€one€of€her€eyebrows€at€him.€ Ð € Ð
Ðà àð ðCanð ðt,€I€actually€have€work,€you€know,€the€place€people€go €to€get€money,ð ð€he€laughed,€shaking€his€head.€Ð H
˜ ÐShe€pouted.Ð ` Ðà àð ðBut€you€own€the€place,€you€donð ðt€need€to€go€everyday!ð ðÐ Ø(
Ðà àð ðItð ðs€Thursday,€babe,€I€havenð ðt€gone€all€week,&e th; ð€he€said€as€he€walked€out€of€the€room.€€She€sighed€andÐ ð
Ðrolled€to€face€her€night€stand.€€She€grabbed€her€thin€oval€shaped€gl asses€and€climbed€out€of€the€covers.€€She€fixedÐ h¸ Ðher€tank€top€and€shorts€and€followed€her€husband€into€the€hallway.€& ETH; 0€ Ðà àMark€shut€the€bathroom€door€behind€himself €as€Jessica€passed€by.€€Almost€immediately€the€showerÐ ø H
Ðstarted.€€Jessica€stepped€into€the€small€kitchenette,€which€was€lit€ up€by€the€sun€filtering€through€the€thin€whiteÐ À Ðcurtains.€€She€glanced€at€the€clock€hanging€from€the€cabinet€next€to €the€sink.€Ð ˆØ Ðà àð ðNine,ð ð€Jessica€sighed.€€ð ðThatð ðs€the€latest€in€a€while.ð ð€€She€began€to€hu m€to€herself€as€she€turned€on€theÐ P Ðcoffee€maker.€€Suddenly€two€small€forms€were€in€the€door€way,€lookin g€up€at€her.€€She€turned€around,€jumpingÐ h Ðslightly€at€the€sight€of€the€children,€then€a€smile€crept€across€her €lips.Ð à0 Ðà àð ðMommy,ð ð€the€taller€of€the€two€children€said€softly.€€Jessi ca€knelt€down€in€front€of€them.€€ð ðMommy,€Ið ðmÐ ¨ø Ðhungry.ð ðÐ pÀ Ðà àð ðI€know,€I€am€too,ð ð€she€smiled€at€her€daughter.€€ð ðMy,€my!€€You€slept€in€didnð ðt€you€two.ð ðÐ 8ˆ Ðà àð ðWe€wen€to€beddy€late,€ð ðmember,€Momma?ð ð€the€girl €said€quickly.Ð P Ðà àð ðYes,€I€remember€now,€youð ðre€right€Chrissy,ð ð€Jes sica€laughed.€€ð ðWhat€do€you€two€want€for€breakfast?ð ðÐ È Ðà àð ðEggies!ð ð€The€twins€cried€happily€together€before€giggling€ loudly.€€Jessica€laughed€and€stood.Ð à Ðà àð ðYou€two€go€play,€okay?ð ðÐ X¨ Ðà àð ðYup,ð ð€Simion€grinned€up€at€his€mother€as€he€toddled€past€h er,€practically€dragging€his€sister€behind€him.€Ð p Ðà àÌà àA€few€mo ments€later,€as€Jessica€was€getting€ready€to€make€breakfast,€she€looked€out €the€window€over€theÐ ° Ðsink.€€Two€small€tan€birds€flew€past,€circling€around€each€other€in€ the€late€spring€air.€€She€grabbed€two€eggs€from€aÐ x È! Ðcarton€she€had€placed€on€the€counter.€€A€pair€of€hands€grabbed€her€w aist€and€pulled€her€back,€into€a€wet€Mark.€Ð @ " ÐShe€yelped€and€dropped€one€of€the€eggs,€which€splattered€on€the€tile €floor.Ð X# Ðà àð ðMark!ð ð€Jessica€gasped,€trying€to€get€her€breathing€to€retu rn€to€normal.€€He€laughed€and€kissed€the€side€ofÐ Ð $ Ðher€neck,€his€wet€bangs€brushing€her€shoulder.€€She€shivered€and€pus hed€him€away.€His€clothes€were€wet€from€himÐ ˜!è % Ðnot€drying€off€before€he€put€them€on.€€She€looked€at€the€egg€on€the€ floor.€€ð ðLook€what€you€did!€€Youð ðre€going€toÐ `"&d eg; & Ðhave€to€clean€that.ð ð€€She€raised€an€eyebrow€at€him.€€He€g rinned€at€her€and€shrugged,€reaching€for€the€paper€towels.€Ð (# x ' ÐA€large€grey€cat€crawled€in€to€the€kitchenette€and€began€licking€at€ the€yoke€on€the€floor.Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àð ðGregð ðry!ð ð€Jessica€yelled.€€She€pushed€the€cat€a way€with€her€foot.€€Ð ¸$ ) Ðà àð ðDamn€cat,€always€putting€his€nose€in€everything,ð ð€Mark€sai d€as€he€scooped€down€to€clean€up€the€egg,€aÐ €%Ð * Ðmound€of€dry€paper€towels€in€one€hand,€a€handful€of€wet€towels€in€th e€other.€€Jessica€kicked€his€side€lightly.€Ð H&˜!+ Ðà àð ðWatch€your€mouth,ð ð€she€scolded€lightly.€€Ð '` ", Ðà àð ðYouð ðre€turning€into€a€mom,€Jessy,ð ð€he€said€as€h e€stood,€throwing€the€dirty€paper€towels€away.Ð Ø'(#- Ðà àð ðGood,ð ð€she€smiled.€€ð ðIn€case€youð ðve€noticed,€youð ðve€spawned€and€I€am €the€poor€mother€of€them.€€Go€keepÐ (ð#. Ðthem€company,€theyð ðre€in€the€front€room.ð ð€€Mar k€laughed€as€he€strode€from€the€room.Ð h)¸$/ Ðà àJessica€watched€him€walk€away.€€ð ðIð ðve€come€to€a€conclusion,ð ð€she€said€to€the€cat ,€who€stood€in€theÐ 0*€%0 Ðdoorway,€yellow€eyes€watching€her.€€ð ðMen€are€pains€in€the€butt,€but€men€without€pasts€are€worse.ð &et h;Ð ø*H&1 Ð<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><* ><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> ;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&l t;*><*><*><*>Ð À+'2 ÐÔ_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€sighe d€and€leaned€against€the€side€of€the€building,€brushing€the€sweat€off€his€f orehead€with€a€whiteÐ ˆ,Ø'3 Ðhandkerchief.€€He€looked€at€his€companion€through€half€opened€eyes.& ETH; P- (4 Ðà àð ðI€donð ðt€know€how€you€talked€me€into€this,ð ð€he€g roaned.Ð .h)5 Ðà àð ðIt€wasnð ðt€very€hard,ð ð€Trowa€smiled€a€bit,€his€o ne€visible€eye€shining.Ð ° Ðà àð ðI€donð ðt€doubt€it,ð ð€Quatre€said,€pushing€himself €off€the€side€of€the€building.€€ð ðCourse,€you€lied.ð ðÐ xÈ Ðà àð ðI€did€not!ð ðÐ @ Ðà àð ðYes,€you€did.€€You€said€ð ðweð ðll€have€a€nice€rela xing€weekend€together€away€from€all€the€troubles€of€ourÐ X Ðlivesð ð.€€Has€that€happened?ð ðÐ Ð ; Ðà àð ðWell...€no,€no€it€hasnð ðt.ð ðÐ ˜&egra ve; Ðà àð ðExactly,ð ð€Quatre€said,€looking€inside€the€large€garage,€wa tching€two€men€work€on€their€car.€€ð ðI€canð ðtÐ ` ° Ðbelieve,€five€miles€from€anywhere€and€the€car€breaks€down.ð &et h;Ð (
x Ðà àð ðGood€thing€you€had€your€cell,€isnð ðt€it.ð ð€Trowa€ grinned.€€Quatre€glared€at€him,€ignoring€the€fact€that€heÐ ð ;
@ Ðdidnð ðt€want€to€bring€his€phone.€€Trowa€made€him.Ð ¸ Ðà àð ðMr€Winner?ð ð€a€voice€caught€them€off€guard.€€They€both€spun €around€to€see€a€tall€man,€well€built,Ð € Ð
Ðwearing€black€pants€and€a€white€button€shirt.€€His€large€blue€eyes€s hining€at€them,€a€pen€secured€behind€his€ear.€Ð H
˜ ÐHis€dark€brown€hair€hung€into€his€face€with€long€bangs€but€short€bac k.€€In€his€hand€he€held€a€clipboard.Ð ` Ðà àð ðThatð ðs€me,ð ð€Quatre€said,€his€voice€suddenly€cau tious.€€He€and€Trowa€exchanged€looks,€both€their€eyesÐ Ø (
Ðwide.€€Ð ð
Ðà àð ðYeah,€Mr€Winner,€your€carð ðs€almost€fixed.ð ð€€The €man€said,€grinning,€ignoring€the€looks.€€He€handed€theÐ h&ced il; Ðclipboard€to€Quatre.€€ð ðJust€sign€where€it€says€to.ð ð€€Ð 0€ Ðà àð ðCan€I€borrow€your€pen,€Mr...ð ð€Quatre€asked.€€Ð øH
Ðà àð ðAndrews,ð ð€The€man€said,€pulling€his€pen€out€from€behind€hi s€ear€and€tossing€it€to€the€pilot.€€ð ðMarkÐ À ÐAndrews.ð ð€€Quatre€caught€the€pen€out€of€the€air€and€signe d€the€paper.€€He€handed€the€clipboard€back.€€Ð ˆØ Ðà àð ðYour€carð ðll€be€done€in€about€a€half€an€hour,ð ð€A ndrews€said€as€he€walked€back€into€the€garage.€€QuatreÐ P ; Ðand€Trowa€turned€toward€each€other.Ð h Ѐà àð ðWeð ðre€staying€here,ð ð€they€said€simultaneously.€ Ð à0 ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>Ð pÀ ÐJessica€tucked€the€white€blanket€around€the€sleeping€twins,€the€song €she€was€humming€slowly€fading€away.€€SheÐ 8ˆ Ðquietly€walked€through€the€hallway,€past€the€kitchenette€and€practic ally€collapsed€onto€the€large€white€couch€in€theÐ P Ðfront€room.€€She€grabbed€the€remote€and€clicked€the€tv€on.€€After€a€ few€minutes€of€flipping€channels,€she€droppedÐ È Ðthe€remote€next€to€her€and€laid€her€head€on€the€back€of€the€couch.€€ She€closed€her€eyes€as€the€cat€rubbed€againstÐ à Ðher€hand.€€She€lightly€pet€the€lounging€animal€as€she€drifted€off€to €sleep.€€Ð X¨ Ðà àA€loud€knocking€on€the€apartment€door€caus ed€her€to€snap€back€to€reality.€€She€jumped€up,€turned€the€tvÐ p Ðoff€as€she€passed€it€and€rushed€to€the€door€to€stop€the€banging€from €waking€up€the€twins.€€Just€as€the€knockingÐ è 8 Ðbegan€again,€she€flung€the€door€open.€Ð ° Ðà àOutside€of€the€apartment,€two€men€stood,€o ne€grinning€at€her.€€The€shorter€of€the€two,€who€wore€a€grinÐ x È! Ðnicely,€was€blonde€and€tan.€€He€had€large,€friendly€eyes€that€seemed €to€laugh.€€The€other€man€was€tall€and€thin,Ð @ " Ðwith€his€brown€bangs€hanging€over€his€face,€hiding€one€of€his€bright €green€eyes.€Ð X# Ðà àð ðGood€evening,ð ð€the€blonde€one€said€in€a€light€clear€voice. €€ð ðIs€this€the€residence€of€the€owner€ofÐ Ð $ ÐGenerinð ðs€Mechanics?ð ð€€Jessica€nodded.€€The€bl ondeð ðs€grin€got€larger.€€ð ðMay€we€come€in?€€We€have€some€thingsÐ ˜!è % Ðthat€might€interest€you.ð ðÐ `"° & Ðà àð ðI€donð ðt€want€to€buy€anything,ð ð€Jessica€began€to €close€the€door.€€The€tall€manð ðs€hand€shot€out€andÐ (#x ' Ðprevented€the€door€from€closing.€€Jessica€looked€up€at€him,€wide€eye d.Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àð ðWeð ðre€not€selling€anything,ð ð€the€tall€man€said€ quietly.€€ð ðWe€come€on€urgent€business.€€Please.ð ð€€JessicaÐ ¸$ ) Ðsighed€and€nodded,€opening€the€door.Ð €%Ð * Ðà àWhen€the€men€were€settled€on€the€large€cou ch,€Jessica€sat€in€a€matching€white€chair€across€the€room.€Ð H& amp;˜!+ ÐGregð ðry€jumped€up€and€settled€on€the€arm€of€the€chair,€wa tching€the€strangers€with€sharp€eyes.Ð '`", Ðà àð ðHow€much€do€you€know€about€your€employees,ð ð€the€blonde€ask ed€after€a€moment.Ð Ø'(#- Ðà àð ðI€know€many€of€them,ð ð€Jessica€said,€stroking€the€catð ðs€fine€fur.€€ð ðI€went€to€school€with€them.ð ð€€Ð (ð#. Ðà àð ðWhat€do€you€know€of€Markus€Andrews?ð ðÐ h)¸ ;$/ Ðà àð ðOh,€everything!ð ð€Jessica€laughed.€€ð ðHeð ðs€my€husband.ð ð€€The€men€raised€their€eyebrow s€and€exchanged€aÐ 0*€%0 Ðglance.€€Jessica€continued.€€ð ðMy€father€began€Generinð ðs€when€he€moved€here€with€my€mothe r.€€My€parents€died€aÐ ø*H&1 Ðfew€years€ago,€they€left€the€garage€to€my€husband€and€me.ð ð ;€€The€men€nodded.Ð À+'2 Ðà àð ðMrs€Andrews,€we€checked€some€of€your€husbandð ðs€records€and €thereð ðs€a€distinct€lack€of€information.ð ð€Ð ˆ,Ø'3 ÐThe€taller€man€said€quietly.€€Ð P- (4 Ðà àð ðYes,€I€know,ð ð€Jessica€responded,€looking€at€the€glass€coff ee€table€that€sat€between€them.€€ð ðHe€showed€upÐ .h)5 Ðhere€ten€years€ago,€didnð ðt€remember€his€past€or€anything. €€My€father€took€him€in.€€Mark€was€a€very€skilled€atÐ ° Ðmechanics,€so€heð ðs€in€charge€of€the€garage.ð ð€€ Ð xÈ Ðà àThe€blondeð ðs€eyes€got€large.€€& eth; ðMrs€Andrews,€my€name€is€Quatre€Winner,€this€is€Trowa€Barton.€€WeÐ @ Ðbelieve€we€know€your€husbandð ðs€past.ð ð€€Jessica ð ðs€eyes€went€round.€€Ð X Ðà àð ðMr€Winner,€Mr€Barton,ð ð€she€said,€her€voice€pinched€with€ex citement.€€ð ðMy€husband€will€be€home€withinÐ Ð Ða€half€an€hour.€€It€would€probably€be€better€to€continue€this€when€h e€is€here.€€It€is€him€we€are€talking€about.ð ð€€Ð ˜&e grave; Ðà àQuatre€nodded€and€smiled€at€the€woman€acro ss€from€him.€€Jessica€offered€the€pair€drinks,€which€theyÐ ` &d eg; Ðrefused,€and€anxiously€waited€for€her€husband€to€get€home.Ð (
x Ðà àAfter€all€the€years€of€wondering,€theyð ; ðll€finally€know.€€But€at€what€cost?Ð ð
@ ÐÌÔ_ Ô<*><*><*><* ><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> ;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&l t;*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&Ocir c;_ ÔÐ € Ð
Ðà àMark€slowly€opened€the€door€to€the€apartme nt.€€The€twins€were€asleep€and€there€was€a€good€chance€thatÐ H< br /> ˜ ÐJessica€was€also.€€He€stepped€in,€pulled€his€keys€from€the€door€and€ stopped€as€he€saw€the€two€men€sitting€in€theÐ ` Ðfront€room.Ð Ø(
Ðà àð ðJess?ð ð€Mark€said€cautiously.€€Jessica€appeared€from€the€ki tchen,€a€smile€lighting€up€her€face.€€Mark€gaveÐ ð Ðher€a€questioning€look.Ð h¸ Ðà àð ðMark,€these€men€have€something€you€will€find€very€interesting,ð ð€she€said€as€she€grabbed€him€by€theÐ 0€ Ðwrist.€€She€pushed€him€into€the€white€chair€across€from€the€couch€an d€sat€on€the€armrest€opposite€of€the€cat.€€Ð øH
Ðà àð ðMr€Andrews,ð ð€Quatre€began.€€ð ðIð ðm€Quatre€and€this€is€Trowa.€€Do€you€recognize€us€or€our€ names?ð ð€Ð À ÐMark€slowly€shook€his€head,€slipping€his€hand€in€Jessicað ð s.€€ð ðWe€believe€we€know€youð ðre€past.ð ð€€Markð &e th;s€eyes€grewÐ ˆØ Ðround,€he€looked€up€at€Jessica.Ð P Ðà àð ðThey€showed€up€about€fifteen€minutes€ago,ð ð€she€squeezed€hi s€hand.€€ð ðI€do€believe€your€past€found€us.ð ðÐ h Ðà àð ðMr€Andrews,ð ð€Quatre€pulled€something€from€his€jacket€pocke t€and€handed€it€to€Mark.€€ð ðDoes€that€lookÐ à0 Ðfamiliar€at€all?ð ð€€Mark€looked€at€the€photo.€€It€was€of€a €mischievous€teenager,€a€grin€spread€across€his€face,€a€darkÐ & uml;ø Ðstreak€of€oil€across€his€chin.€€Down€his€back€was€a€long€braid,€that €seemed€a€yard€long.€€His€entirely€black€clothesÐ pÀ Ðstained,€a€priestð ðs€collar€at€his€throat.€€He€held€a€wren ch€up€as€if€ready€to€throw€it€at€another,€more€serious€lookingÐ 8ˆ Ðteen€behind€him.€€The€other€boy€was€clad€in€a€loose€shirt€and€tight€ spandex€pants.€€Ð P Ðà àð ðThat€looks€like€you€when€you€showed€up,€sort€of,ð ð€Jessica€ pointed€at€the€braided€boy.€€ð ðExcept€half€yourÐ È Ðhair€was€charred€off€and€your€eyes€werenð ðt€that€purple.&e th; ð€€Quatre€gasped€and€nudged€Trowa,€who€nodded€in€return.€€Ð à Ðà àð ðMr€Andrews,€what€day€did€you€appear€here?ð ð€Quatre€dared€to €ask.Ð X¨ Ðà àð ðExactly€ten€years€ago€next€month.ð ð€Mark€said,€handing€back €the€picture,€forcing€his€hand€not€to€shake.Ð p Ðð ðThe€eighteenth€to€be€exact.ð ðÐ è 8 Ðà àð ðHow€old€were€you?ð ð€€Ð ° Ðà àMark€shrugged,€but€Jessica€answered.€€ð ; ðWe€think€he€was€about€seventeen,€a€year€older€than€me.ð ð€€S heÐ x È! Ðwrapped€an€arm€around€her€husbandð ðs€shoulders.€€There€was €a€moment€of€silence.€€Ð @ " Ðà àð ðQuatre,ð ð€Mark€said€quietly.€€ð ðWho€am€I?ð ðÐ X# Ðà àð ðWell,€Mr€Andrews,ð ð€Quatre€said€softly.€€ð ðWe€believe€you€are€a€friend€of€ours€that€disappeared€in€a€largeÐ Ð $ Ðexplosion€ten€years€ago.ð ðÐ ˜!è % Ðà àð ðThat€doesnð ðt€really€answer€my€question,ð ð€Mark€s aid€quickly.€€ð ðWho€am€I?ð ðÐ `"° & Ðà àð ðDuo€Maxwell,€pilot€of€the€gundam€Deathscythe„Hell,€mechanic,€and€all€ around€demolition€man.ð ðÐ (#x ' Ðà àMark€leaned€over,€covering€his€face€with€h is€hands€for€a€moment.€€Jessica€rubbed€his€back€lightly,€eyesÐ ð#@ ( Ðfilled€with€worry.€€Mark€suddenly€stood€and€began€walking€around€the €room.€€The€sunlight€that€filtered€in€seemedÐ ¸$ ) Ðto€dim€for€a€moment.Ð €%Ð * Ðà àð ðDaddy!ð ð€a€small€voice€shrieked€happily.€€Mark€turned€on€hi s€heels€to€see€his€son€running€towards€him,Ð H&˜!+ Ðarms€outstretched.€€Mark€scooped€down€and€picked€the€child€up,€tossi ng€him€up€a€bit€before€catching€him.€€TheÐ '`", Ðchild€laughed€and€hugged€his€father€around€his€neck€tightly.€€Mark€t urned€to€face€the€men€and€grinned€at€them.€Ð Ø'(#- ÐThe€grin€sent€shivers€down€their€spines€and€they€looked€wide€eyed€at €each€other.€€Ð (ð#. Ðà àð ðI€have€one€thing€to€ask,ð ð€Mark€said.€€Quatre€and€Trowa€nod ded€slightly.Ð h)¸$/ Ðà àð ðHowð ðs€Heero?ð ðÐ 0*€%0 Ð<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><* ><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> ;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>&E TH; ø*H&1 ÐQuatre€watched,€eyes€shining,€as€Duo€pushed€himself€from€the€table€a nd€sighed.Ð À+'2 Ðà àð ðJess,€you€really€out€did€yourself€today,ð ð€Duo€grinned€at€h is€wife.€€Jessica€raised€an€eyebrow€at€him€andÐ ˆ,Ø'3 Ðlaughed.Ð P- (4 Ðà àð ðNot€for€you€thatð ðs€sure.ð ðÐ .h)5 Ðà àð ðEh?ð ðÐ ° Ðà àð ðYou€the€only€idiot€here,€Mark?ð ð€The€woman€laughed.€€ð ðMr€Winner€hereð ðs€a€famous€diplomat€andÐ x&Egr ave; Ðextremely€rich€man.€€Unlike€you.ð ð€€She€winked€at€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€over€her€glasses.€&E TH; @ Ðà àð ðJust€call€me€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ & Ocirc;,€Mrs€Andrews.ð ðÐ X Ðà àð ðAnd€you€call€me€Jessica,€or€Jess,€whichever€you€prefer.ð ð&E TH; Ð Ðà àð ðAnð ð€call€me€Cissy!ð ð€The€girl€child€yelled,€thro wing€her€hands€in€the€air€happily.€€The€adults€laughed€asÐ ˜&e grave; Ðthe€child€grinned€up€at€them.Ð ` ° Ðà àð ðSo,€ten€years€later,ð ð€Duo€laughed.€€ð ðI€have€two€children,€a€wife,€a€different€name,€a€different€life.ð ðÐ (
x Ðà àð ðBut€I€donð ðt€see€very€much€change,ð ð€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€cut€him€off€with€his€quie t€voice.Ð ð
@ Ðà àð ðAside€the€braid€and€the€less€violet€eyes,ð ð€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€smiled€at€his€friend.Ð ¸ Ðà àJessica€stood€and€began€cleaning€off€the€s mall€round€table.€€She€hummed€to€herself€happily,€brown€eyesÐ € Ð
Ðshining.Ð H
˜ Ðà àð ðWhatð ðs€that€song?ð ð€Ô_ Ô QuatreÔ_ Ô€blinked€at€her.€€ð ðIt€sounds€very€familiar.ð ðÐ ` Ðà àð ðItð ðs€the€song€that€was€on€the€radio€when€Mark„er„€Duo€appe ared€at€the€garage,ð ð€She€grinned€at€herÐ Ø(< br />
Ðhusband.€€He€patted€her€butt€as€she€passed.€€She€laughed€and€raised€ an€eyebrow€at€him.Ð ð
Ðà àð ðDuo,ð ð€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€observed.€€ð ðYou€definitely€have€not€changed.ð ðÐ h¸ Ðà àð ðHa!ð ð€Duo€laughed,€folding€his€hands€behind€his€head€as€Jes sica€sat€back€down€next€to€him.€€TheyÐ 0€ Ðgrinned€at€each€other.€€ð ðDamn,€woman,€you€failed!€€I€havenð ðt€changed€a€fucking€thin g!ð ð€€Jessicað ðs€jaw€hit€theÐ øH
Ðground€as€she€smacked€her€husbands€arm,€glancing€pointedly€at€the€tw ins€next€to€her.€€Duo€laughed,€holding€hisÐ À Ðnow€bruised€arm,€and€pride.Ð ˆØ Ðà àð ðWell,€you€two,ð ð€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€said€pushing€away€from€the€table.€€ð ðItð ðs€time€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€and€I€continued€on€ourÐ P Ðvacation.ð ðÐ h Ðà àð ðAw,€come€on€Ô_ ÔQuatÔ_ &Oci rc;,ð ð€Duo€moaned€like€a€child.€€ð ðYou€Ô_ Ôguysð ðveÔ_ Ô€only€been€here€for€one€day.ð ðÐ à0 Ðà àð ðYes,€I€know,ð ð€the€Arabian€laughed.€€ð ðBut€Ið ðm€sure€you€and€Jessica€have€a€lot€to€talk€about€now. €€Plus,Ð ¨ø ÐÔ_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€and€I€ need€to€get€going.€€Weð ðre€behind€schedule.€€Ô_ ÔHeeroð ðllÔ_ Ô€notice€if€we€don&et h; ðt€get€back€soon€enough.ð ð€€Duoð ðsÐ pÀ Ðgrin€disappeared€for€a€moment.Ð 8ˆ Ðà àð ðYouð ðre€not€going€to€tell€him€you€guys€found€me,€are€you?&e th; ð€He€looked€at€his€friends€with€wide€pleadingÐ P Ðeyes.à àÐ È Ðà àð ðNot€if€you€donð ðt€want€us€to,ð ð€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€said€as€he€slowly€stood.Ð à Ðà àð ðÔ# †
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Xî ÔI€want€to€tell€him€myself,€face„to„face.ð ð Ð X¨ Ðà àÔ_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€and€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€nodded€simultaneously.€€They€reached€for€their€thin€jackets€and €moved€towards€theÐ p Ðdoor.€€They€thanked€Jessica€for€the€wonderful€dinner,€which€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€said€was€a€welcome€c hange€from€the€elaborateÐ è 8 Ðdinners€of€diplomats.€€ð ðAnd,ð ð€he€added€with€a€smile.€€ð ðThe€pathetic€cooking€of€the€other€pilots.ð ðÐ &d eg; Ðà àð ðWell,€this€sure€has€been€a€great€surprise,ð ð€Jessica€said€a s€they€stood€in€the€doorway€to€the€apartment.€Ð x È! ÐThey€exchanged€embraces€and€handshakes.€€Ô_ Ô ;SimionÔ_ Ô€and€Chrissy€stood,€wide€eyed,€staring€a t€the€adults.€€Slowly,Ð @ " ÐÔ_ ÔSimionÔ_ Ô€reach ed€up€and€tugged€at€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ôð ðs€pants€lightly.€€Ô_ ÔQuatre&Oci rc;_ Ô€looked€down,€surprised.Ð X# Ðà àð ðCan€we€call€you€Uncle€Ô_ ÔQuattyÔ_ Ô?ð ð€the€small€boy€asked€softly.€€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€knelt€down€and€hugged€both€th eÐ Ð $ Ðtwins.Ð ˜!è % Ðà àð ðÔ# † ôC ò ò
ôCy # ÔI€would€be€honored.ð ð€€Ð ` "° & Ðà àð ðAnd€we€can€call€him,ð ð€Chrissy€pointed€at€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô.€€ð ðAuntie€Ô_ ÔTroÔ_ Ô„&O circ;_ ÔTroÔ_ Ô?ð ð€€&Oc irc;_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ô€turned€a€pale€sh ade€of€redÐ (#x ' Ðas€the€others€laughed€hysterically.Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àð ðOf€course€you€can,€Chrissy!ð ð€Duo€laughed.€€The€twins€looke d€up€at€him,€eyes€shining€then€ran€offÐ ¸$ ) Ðgiggling.€€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ &Oc irc;€glared€at€Duo,€who€just€grinned€back.Ð €%Ð * Ðà àð ðWell,ð ð€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€said,€grabbing€Ô_ ÔTrowaÔ_ Ôð ðs€arm.€€ð ðItð ðs€was€great€to€find€you,€Duo.€€And€even€better€to€meet& ETH; H&˜!+ Ðyou€Jessica.€€You€have€our€numbers,€Ið ðm€sure€you€have€a€l ot€to€talk€about.€€Good„bye!ð ð€€The€pilots€were€out€theÐ '`", Ðdoor€and€down€the€balcony€staircase€before€Jessica€or€Duo€could€even €respond.€€The€couple€blinked€at€each€otherÐ Ø'(#- Ðthen€shrugged.€€Ô_ ÔQuatreÔ_ Ô€was€right,€they€had€to€talk.€€Later.Ð (ð#. ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>€Ð 0*€%0 Ðà àð ðThe€twins€are€finally€asleep,ð ð€Jessica€said€thankfully€as€ she€dragged€herself€into€the€master€bedroom.€Ð ø*H&1 ÐShe€moaned€as€she€saw€the€clockð ðs€illuminated€numbers.€€M idnight.Ð À+'2 Ðà àð ðThey€donð ðt€know€how€good€they€have€it,ð ð€she€sig hed€as€she€fell€onto€the€bed,€arms€sprawled€out,€oneÐ ˆ,Ø ;'3 Ðlanding€on€Mark.€€ð ðThey€donð ðt€have€to€make€decisions,€pay€rent,€run€a€busines s,€get€their€own€food€or€anything.ð ðÐ P- (4 Ðà àð ðThey€donð ðt€have€to€figure€out€two€lives.ð ð€€Mark €added€flatly,€placing€his€book€down€on€his€lap.€€Ô_ &Oci rc;HeÐ .h)5 ÐÑ OY Ñâ
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Ñreached€out€and€ran€his€fingertips€lightly€across€the€skin€on€J essicað ðs€arm.€€She€squirmed€and€crawled€up€next€toÐ ° Ðher€husband.€€She€gave€his€cheek€a€kiss€and€sat€against€him.€Ð xÈ Ðà àð ðNot€many€have€to,€Ið ðm€afraid.ð ð€€She€smiled€at€M ark.€€ð ðSo,€anything€I€should€know?ð ðÐ @ Ðà àð ðHmm?ð ðÐ X Ðà àð ðAbout€Duo€Maxwell?ð ðÐ Ð Ðà àð ðOh,€Ô_ ÔhehÔ_ Ô,ð ð€Mark€adjusted€his€position€and€put€his€book€on€the€night€stand€next €to€him.€€He€turned€towardsÐ ˜è Ðhis€wife.€€ð ðMight€be€some€things€you€want€to€know.ð ðÐ ` &de g; Ðà àð ðLike€what?ð ð€Jessica€asked€quietly,€confused€by€the€sudden€ shy€look€on€his€face.Ð (
x Ðà àð ðYou€remember€the€other€guy€in€the€picture?ð ðÐ & eth;
@ Ðà àð ðÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô,ð ð€Jessica€said€after€a€moment.€€ð ðIsnð ðt€that€his€name?€€That€is€what€I€think€you€called€him. ð ðÐ ¸ Ðà àð ðYeah,ð ð€Mark€nodded€biting€his€lip.€€He€hesitated€for€a€mom ent.€€ð ðÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô€and€I€h ad€this€thing€together.€€IÐ € Ð
Ðguess€thatð ðs€the€only€thing€I€can€call€it.ð ð€€J essicað ðs€eyes€went€wide€and€her€jaw€dropped€a€bit.Ð H
˜ Ðà àð ðWhat?ð ð€she€said,€as€if€unsure€what€he€just€said.Ð ` Ðà àð ðYeah,€I€was€gay.€€Key€word€being€was,€though.ð ðÐ Ø(
Ðà àð ðBut€people€donð ðt€just€go€from€chasing€guys€to€chasing€wome n.ð ðÐ ð
Ðà àð ðWeð ðll€just€say€that€Ô_ ÔHeero&Ocir c;_ Ô€and€I€had€both€lived€as€far€from€a€normal€life€as€y ou€can€think€of.€€We€grew€upÐ h¸ Ðpiloting€war€machines,€learning€to€kill,€not€feel.€€The€only€people€ that€could€understand€was€the€other€pilots,€andÐ 0€ ÐÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô€was€th e€first€one€who€showed€sympathy.€€Other€than€Ô_ ÔQu atreÔ_ Ô,€of€course.ð ð€€Jessica€nodded€sl owly,€trying€to€getÐ øH
Ðher€mind€to€accept€the€idea€of€her€husband...€She€repressed€a€shiver .Ð À Ðà àð ðAnything€else?ð ð€€Jessica€asked€as€if€she€didnð ðt €really€want€to€know,€but€her€curiosity€was€sparked.Ð ˆØ ; Ðà àð ðBesides€that€no€matter€who€I€am,€Mark€Andrews€or€Duo€Maxwell,€youð ; ðre€still€my€wife€and€I€love€youÐ P Ðmore€than€I€have€loved€anyone€else.ð ð€€He€pulled€her€close €for€a€quick€kiss.Ð h Ðà àð ðOh,€by€the€way,ð ð€Jessica€said,€with€a€grin€of€mischief€on€ her€face.€€She€handed€Mark€something€that€sheÐ à0 Ðpulled€out€of€her€pocket.€€ð ðYour€good€friend€Mr€Winner€left€that€under€his€plate.ð ð€€Ma rk€unfolded€the€paper,€on€itÐ ¨ø Ðwas€the€phone€numbers€and€addresses€of€each€of€the€other€Ô_ Ôpilots,Ô_ Ô€and€the€picture€of€Duo €and€Ô_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô.€€He€suc ked€in€aÐ pÀ Ðbreath.Ð 8ˆ Ðà àð ðDo€I€have€to€decide€who€I€want€to€be€now?ð ðÐ P Ðà àð ðI€think€you€may,ð ð€Jessica€said€softly.Ð &Egrav e; Ðà àAbout€ten€minutes€later,€Jessica€slipped€u nder€the€blanket€and€turned€off€her€light.€€She€curled€up€againstÐ à Ðher€husband€and€breathed€deeply,€breathing€in€his€scent.€€She€ran€he r€fingernails€across€his€naked€abdomen.€Ð X¨ ÐNeither€of€them€had€spoken€for€a€few€minutes.Ð p Ðà àð ðAre€you€afraid€to€ask€me€what€you€should€do€because€you€think€Ið ðll€be€bias?ð ð€Jessica€said€after€a€fewÐ è ; 8 Ðminutes€of€trying€to€ignore€the€air€of€slight€fear€and€anxiousness€s urrounding€him.€€He€made€a€small€gruntingÐ ° Ðsound,€slightly€annoyed€that€she€knew€what€he€was€thinking€about.€€E specially€since€it€was€about€her.Ð x È! Ðà àð ðWell,€youð ðre€getting€my€opinion€because€I€have€air€in€my€b ody€to€give€it€to€you,ð ð€she€said€jokingly.€€ð ðIÐ @ " Ðthink€you€should€combine€the€lives.€€You€lived€as€Duo€Maxwell€for€so €long,€but€you€are€also€Mark€and€Daddy€toÐ X# Ðthe€children.€€You€cannot€let€either€go.€€But€itð ðs€your€l ife,€not€mine.ð ð€€She€rolled€over€to€the€other€side€of€the€bed&ET H; Ð $ Ðand€refused€to€say€another€word€on€the€subject.Ð ˜!&egra ve; % Ðà àMark€laid€awake€for€hours,€just€thinking.€ €Jess€was€right,€but€it€wasnð ðt€that€easy.€€Or€it€didnð ð ;t€seem€to€be.Ð `"° & ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>Ð ð#@ ( Ðà àWhen€Jessica€awoke€the€next€day,€Mark€was€ gone.€€€She€rolled€over€and€squinted€at€the€clock.€€Ten€toÐ &ce dil;$ ) Ðnoon.€€She€blinked€for€a€moment,€before€grabbing€her€glasses€and€spr ang€out€of€bed.€€She€quickly€walked€to€theÐ €%Ð * Ðtwinsð ð€room€and€blinked€at€the€perfectly€clean€room€and€m ade€beds.€€She€turned€and€sped€to€the€kitchen.€€SheÐ H&˜!+ Ðfound€a€small€yellow€note€lying€on€the€table,€in€Markð ðs€p recise€handwriting.€€Ð '`", Ðà àð ðJess,€your€mom€came€over€and€took€the€kids€out.€€Sheð ðll€be €back€with€them€around€the€time€I€get€home.€Ð Ø'(#- ÐEnjoy€your€day€to€yourself.€€Much€love,€Mark.ð ð€€Jessica€s miled€to€herself€as€she€placed€the€note€back€on€the€table.€€Ð & nbsp;(ð#. Ðà àð ðOh,€Ið ðll€enjoy€my€day,€Ô_ ÔGreg&et h; ðryÔ_ Ô,ð ð€she€said€to€the€cat,€w ho€appeared€out€of€nowhere€and€rubbed€against€herÐ h)¸$/ Ðleg.€€ð ðBut€first,€a€shower.ð ð€€She€turned€towards€the€bathroom,€le aving€the€cat€in€the€middle€of€the€kitchen,€givingÐ 0*€%0 Ðher€a€curious€look.Ð ø*H&1 Ðà àA€few€hours€later,€as€the€sky€began€to€dar ken€as€a€storm€approached€the€city,€Jessica€pulled€her€car€intoÐ À+'2 Ðthe€cemetery.€€She€passed€the€familiar€large€black€iron€gates€and€on to€the€thin€road.€€She€drove€slowly€past€theÐ ˆ,Ø'3 Ðlarge€intricate€gravestones,€noting€all€the€names€that€were€familiar €to€her.€€She€brought€her€car€to€a€stop€and€sat€inÐ P- (4 Ðit€for€a€moment.€€She€looked€out€over€the€green€grass,€littered€with €graves€and€onto€the€fields€in€the€distance.€€SheÐ .h)5 Ðclimbed€out€of€the€car,€the€wind€immediately€grabbed€her€hair€and€cl othes,€as€if€trying€to€steal€her€soul€along€withÐ ° Ðthe€rest€of€the€dead.€€She€slowly€walked€up€the€small€hill€and€down€ towards€the€large€oak€tree€at€the€edge€of€theÐ xÈ Ðcemetery.€€She€wasnð ðt€surprised€to€see€the€thin€form€stan ding€in€front€of€her€parentsð ð€graves.€€She€slowlyÐ @ Ðapproached,€a€bouquet€of€white€roses€in€her€hands.Ð X Ðà àð ðI€knew€youð ðd€come€today,ð ð€Mark€said€as€Jessica€ approached.€€She€smiled€and€began€to€walk€faster.€€SheÐ Ð Ðput€her€arm€around€her€husbandð ðs€waist.€€He€wrapped€his€a rm€around€her€shoulder,€pulling€her€close.€€She€lightlyÐ ˜&egr ave; Ðthrew€the€bouquet€onto€the€double€grave.€€Mark€sighed.Ð ` ° Ðà àð ðYou€know€what€heð ðd€say,€donð ðt€you,ð ð€ €Jessica€stated€more€than€asked.€€Mark€smiled€weakly€at€her.Ð (
x Ðà àð ðYeah,€I€do,ð ð€he€said,€looking€at€the€right€side€of€the€sma ll€monument€to€his€parents€in€law.€€ð ðHeð ðd€sayÐ ð
@ Ðexactly€what€his€daughter€told€me€last€night.ð ð€€He€gave€h er€shoulders€a€squeeze.€€Ð ¸ Ðà àð ðGood,ð ð€Jessica€laughed.€€ð ðNow€we€know€you€werenð ðt€a€lost€cause€after€all!ð ð ;Ð € Ð
Ðà àð ðHe€wouldð ðve€said€that,€too,ð ð€Mark€said€as€they€ turned€from€the€graves.€€ð ðCourse,€he€wouldð ðve€said€itÐ H
˜ Ðwhile€he€knock€me€on€my€head.ð ð€€They€slowly€began€walking €to€the€car.€€Without€another€word,€or€a€glance€back,Ð ` Ðthey€climbed€into€the€small€sports€car€and€slowly€drove€away.€€Ð Ø(
ÐÌ<*><*><*><*><*><*><*& gt;<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>< ;*><*><*><*><*>Ð h¸ Ðà àThe€loud€buzzing€of€the€alarm€rang€through €the€practically€empty€room.€€The€form€on€the€sagging€bedÐ 0€ Ðmoaned€lightly€and€rolled€over,€slamming€his€hand€on€the€alarm,€whic h€sat€on€the€window€sill.€€He€sat€up,€his€legsÐ øH
Ðhanging€awkwardly€over€the€side€of€the€bed,€his€short€brown€hair€dis heveled.€€He€pushed€himself€to€his€feet,Ð À Ðshivering€slightly€at€the€feeling€of€the€cold€floor.€€He€stretched€a nd€walked€over€to€the€large€pile€of€clothes€in€theÐ ˆØ Ðcorner€of€his€room.€€He€grabbed€the€first€pair€of€pants€he€could€fin d€and€slipped€them€over€his€boxers.€€He€grabbedÐ P Ða€shirt€and€pulled€it€over€his€head.€€He€tripped€over€to€the€mirror€ and€ran€his€fingers€through€his€hair.Ð h Ðà àð ðGod,€Ið ðm€getting€as€bad€as€Duo,ð ð€he€thought€as€ he€reached€for€the€doorknob.€€His€hand€stopped€in€midÐ à 0 Ðair€at€the€sudden€pang€of€sorrow.€€He€sucked€in€a€breath€and€pulled€ open€the€door.€€He€moved€quickly€through€hisÐ ¨ø Ðdimly€lit,€disorganized€apartment.€€He€threw€the€small€fridge€on€the €counter€open,€peering€in€at€the€half€emptyÐ pÀ Ðgallon€of€milk€and€a€totally€bruised€apple.€€He€sighed€and€slammed€t he€door€shut.€€It€just€seemed€to€be€gettingÐ 8ˆ Ðworse€as€the€years€went€on.€€He€placed€his€elbows€on€the€counter€and €bent€down,€holding€his€head€in€his€hands.Ð P Ðà àð ðTen€years,ð ð€he€murmured.€€ð ðTen€years€today.ð ð€€He€didnð ðt€move€for€a€few€mom ents,€willing€the€memoriesÐ È Ðof€the€smiling€purple€eyes€as€the€pilot€swore€heð ðd€be€car eful€and€would€be€back€before€dark.€€He€rememberedÐ à Ðwatching€the€braid€bounce€behind€the€black€clothed€body,€as€if€wavin g€good„bye.€€He€knew€he€shouldð ðve€made€himÐ X¨ Ðstay€home.€€He€knew€it.€€And€now,€ten€years€later,€he€was€a€wreck.&E TH; p Ðà àA€sudden€knock€on€the€door,€dragging€him€f rom€his€memories.€€He€walked€slowly€to€the€door,€halfwayÐ &egra ve; 8 Ðconsidering€not€answering€it.€€He€slowly€opened€the€door,€fumbling€w ith€the€chain€lock.€€He€blinked,€blinded€byÐ ° Ðthe€bright€light€of€the€sun€that€shot€into€the€apartment€through€the €half€opened€door.€€In€front€of€him€stood€a€youngÐ x È! Ðcouple,€around€his€age.€€The€man€looked€somewhat€familiar,€tall,€dar k€hair,€dark€blue€eyes.€€The€woman€was€short,Ð @ " Ðher€long€brown€hair€pulled€back€in€a€braid,€staring€at€him€with€dark €brown€eyes€through€thin€framed€glasses.€€Ð X# Ðà àð ðÔ_ ÔHeeroÔ_ Ô€Ô _ ÔYuyÔ_ Ô,ð ð€The€man€s aid,€smiling€a€familiar€smile,€with€a€familiar€voice.€€ð ðIð ðm€back,€and€youð ðll€neverÐ Ð $ Ðguess€whatð ðs€happened€in€the€last€ten€years.ð ð& ETH; ˜!è % Ðà à€Ý ‚/ ÿ Ý&ograv e;òÔ ÿ ÔÝ Ý&Yacut e; ‚/ ÿÿÿ Ýóóòò&O circ; ÿ ÿ ÔÝ ÝÝ ‚/ ÿÿÿ ÝóóòòÔ ÿ ÿ ÔÝ ÝòŽò