Yelling "You're a liability!" to him. Nice going, Yuy. Staring at his laptop screen, at nothing in particular, Heero Yuy heaved a deep sigh. Duo already left the room, going back to his exercise class, and it was as if he took every bit of energy with him, leaving the room dark and cold. Heero knew it was because of the policy of no heaters in any dorm -- as a soldier, you had to be prepared to be able to sleep in any circumstance possible --, and because of the little light coming through the small window next to the middle bunk.
Sure, he could reach forward and turn on the tiny tube light above his bed, but he didn't care. His schedule wasn't the same as Duo's, or with anyone for that matter, and he'd used this moment of free time to work on another evaluation report about his simulated tactics class. He also knew he was gritting his teeth; Duo Maxwell was infuriating for some reason, and grating on his nerves. Why? Why in whatever deity's name, the same deity whose existence he fought so hard to deny?
Because you're a fool, Yuy. Being able to strip a gun clean and putting it back together blindfolded under five minutes at the age of six isn't something to be proud of, remember? You don't even know how to get along with your classmates. "Because they're all a liability," he said out loud. As long as people didn't come close, didn't have interest in him, he didn't have to return the favor. People close to him would only worry him. He couldn't shake his previous training, indoctrinated by doctor J; an old man who saved him for the bitter streets of L1 after he had been wandering around for who knows long. Even he had lost track of time.
He was going to be a mobile suit pilot. He heard the rumors as well, that Zechs Marquise himself had plans on training him. He didn't care that people were comparing him to the abilities of the Lightning Count himself. It was his goal to become the best, to fight for what was right... no one differed very much from each other, right here at the Academy. Every student held up his own ideal, his own belief... and Heero's was the one of working alone. Oh yes, he would accept help if a mission was too much for him alone, he wasn't as foolish as Wufei to think he could do everything alone -- he realized the necessity of teamwork. Heero moved his fingers over the keyboard of his laptop, closing every program off.
Where did Duo Maxwell fit into this picture? Being assigned to a dorm meant nothing but that; they didn't have to work together as they didn't even share classes... yet. With the progress of the semester, the fall-out of the students increased. Elder students always liked to keep track of the drop-outs, placing bets on who was going to leave first. Heero had almost betted that the two new students, Duo and Quatre, were also gone within the first month of the semester. Wufei had said something about the blond Quatre being a wimp, and his opinion about Duo had just been as low. The proud warrior however, had to admit that both failed to comply with his harsh judgment, based on his first impression. Quatre was more and more demonstrating of his leading capacities, undoubtedly strengthened by his family background -- after dealing with so many business issues, he'd developed a sharp mind with an unfailing sense for opportunities, be it in a strategic defense plan or an infiltration mission.
And Duo. Why was he even on his mind? It was maddening and frustrating. It had started at the very first dinner they shared; the wink he received was etched into his very soul. Sure, it had been a gesture in jest, but it had settled the relationship between them: not serious. Heero wasn't taking Duo seriously, with his foot long braid -- a liability, even though it looked so good on him --, his gregarious nature, his ability to make friends wherever he was, the way he was standing out in the middle of a crowd, no matter how large.
Duo wasn't taking Heero seriously, or at least so he thought, because he was being reclusive and worked mostly alone. He had learned so many weapon tactics, but he hardly could handle a normal conversation, that had just proven itself, a few minutes ago. Still, feeling attracted -- what he certainly wasn't, of course not --, was another liability and a dangerous one on its own. Doctor J had told him to 'act upon his emotions', only after years and years of drilling and indoctrinating his views on liabilities and how to deal with it. What did the old man have in mind, back when he told him? Wasn't he negating the effects of his training, a harsh and excessive training, by telling him to 'act upon his emotions'? Wasn't it easier to stay this way and don't deal with those pesky feelings, that could made one feel miserable, ecstatic, sad, happy?
Heero closed the laptop, looking at the silver gray object. A farewell present of said Doctor, and a very powerful and optimized one indeed. It was far more better than any laptop here at the Academy, but didn't look like one; no one had said anything about him having one. Most of the students were walking around with a laptop of their own... Quatre had one, Duo didn't... and there he was, back at Duo again. Was Duo... would he think of him too? I will mourn your death... He snorted, not wanting to keep thinking about it. Duo Maxwell would probably mourn the death of a titmouse.
The semester continued, and the pressure of the classes and the related work and assignments almost doubled. Students were groaning, working until late at night to get every report and evaluation done. Heero was the only one working ahead of his class; even after Duo had asked him to accompany him to a debate night or just an evening together with the guys in one of the recreation rooms. Even Trowa and Wufei had dark circles under their eyes; the latest week was spiced up with two nocturnal drills and every student who didn't make it into their mobile suit in time, was expelled. Zechs Marquise had personally attended the second drill, declaring this was a top priority war simulation; anyone failing it had no business at a military academy.
He didn't admit it out loud, but even Heero was looking forward to the one and only weekend of this semester. Having some time to himself without watching the clock or being on his guard the whole time would do him some good. He wasn't really surprised hearing Quatre inviting Duo over to spend the weekend with him at one of his many sisters, who apparently had a mansion a few hours from the Academy. It did surprise him when Duo declined friendly though determinedly, and he arched an eyebrow. Trowa was packing for a weekend away with his sister Catherine who worked at a circus that was traveling past the facility, and Wufei almost finished gathering his belongings. Heero wasn't sure what Wufei was going to do the whole weekend, as he suddenly realized it was him and Duo only in this particular dorm. Many students were taking the opportunity to get away for this weekend, meeting up mostly with family or friends. Why wouldn't Duo get out as well, especially with such an offer as Quatre had in mind? The Winner heir didn't seem fazed with Duo's refusal, and continued to pack until he was finished as well.
"See you all on Sunday night," Quatre said and waved at the two others. "Behave, won't you?"
"Get lost, man," Duo answered, laughing as he threw a pair of socks at Quatre's head. He ducked long before it could hit him and he laughed as well. "See you!"
Quatre wasn't gone for a second or Duo leaned over the edge of his bed, hanging upside down in Heero's view. "Hey buddy, it's just you and me now," he grinned.
"There are many others unable to travel or not in the opportunity to leave for this weekend. We're hardly alone."
"Don't start on me now, Heero," Duo said, smiling widely. "It's our first real free weekend! No drills, no exercises, no assignments for two whole days!"
"May I remind you that working ahead on cla.."
"No, you may not," Duo laughed. He rolled over, jumping off the bed and landing on his feet in front of Heero. "During this weekend, students are allowed off-territory as long as they return before curfew. What do you think -- let's get on a bus and go to town!"
"I don't have any business in town," Heero answered, as his mind processed the proposition. Getting on a bus with Duo, sitting next to him even though they always spiraled towards each other at dinner time -- he couldn't even remember Duo not sitting next to him while eating. Spending time with Duo... fraternizing between students, becoming friends... act upon your emotions.. "I can't," he said.
"You're so fucking lame, Yuy," Duo said, sounding impatient. "I don't bite, I don't kill... you, in any case. We only had one good talk, and I had to leave because you started discussion about religion while I had to be on the tracks in a few minutes time. We can get to know each other better, what do you say?"
"I'm not lame," Heero protested. "Not everyone is as fast as you in the department of socializing..."
"True, I forgot," Duo cut him off. "I'm a liability. I'm sorry I don't rank high on your classification list of your fellow students. You know what? I don't even want to go with you to town any more. Sit here on your bunk and shrivel away for all I care, Heero. I'm tired of being treated as something that's just not there."
"Duo..." Heero started, but Duo had already left the room, and as always, taken the light and energy with him. Amazed and oddly... hurt, he remained sitting on the bed.
With more than half of the students gone for the weekend, the staff was also diminished. Everyone seemed to have forgotten the normal rules of conduct, behaving and interacting rather familiarly with each other, something that irked Heero. He was more irritated and annoyed with him than everything else; he'd missed a great opportunity just because of his own stupidity. How could someone be so intriguing and infuriating at the same time, and why was he thinking about him so much in the first place? As if the other did the same... he snorted while walking with his tray to the conveyor belt for the dirty dishes. He had to get rid of Duo Maxwell in his mind; not only was he a liability, he was also distracting.
Fool. It was past curfew, and Duo still hadn't returned... at least, not to the dorm. He could be anywhere on the premises, as long as he registered himself at the entrance. Failing to comply with the curfew was reason to be expelled, and even Duo didn't risk that. So where was he? Heero turned around in his bed, knowing that this hour was extremely early to be in bed, even for him. He hadn't felt like watching TV with the others in one of the large recreation rooms, and there was only so much studying one could do in a day. His usual laps around the large football field didn't help much either... and tomorrow was another day off. Had Duo been able to slip into his life unnoticed, and making himself noticed when he was present and when he was gone? Fool. Heero wasn't so sure if he was aiming that towards him or Duo, and sucked in a breath of surprise when the door went open.
Duo entered the room, uncaring if he made any noise or not. He was mostly as silent as Trowa, who was able to walk soundlessly, really -- he'd given everyone of them a heart attack by popping up next to them without making a single sound. Duo moved through the room, shrugging off his coat.
"I know you're not sleeping, Heero," he said, to which he only burrowed his head deeper into the pillows. "Heero..."
"What is it?" he muttered.
"I owe you an apology," Duo said, crouching next to his bed to look at him. "I was overstepping my boundaries. I shouldn't have attacked you today. I'm sorry."
Off all things expected, this certainly wasn't... the thing Heero had been waiting for. Had he been waiting for something? They were soldiers, killing machines in training, told to follow orders... not human. No, not human.
"Why?"
"I don't know what came over me. I was a little upset, I guess, and..."
"No, why? Why do you fight?"
Duo frowned a little, but nodded the very second. "I fight for peace, and as long as I fight, no one else has to do it. L2 doesn't have any defense. The children... they're on the streets, without shoes, without a bed, without a home. Home is destroyed. I want to bring peace back on the colony, and make sure that prosperity will return."
His eyes... Duo hadn't turned the light on when he entered the dorm, and his face was only light by whatever moonlight the small window was allowing to pass through. Still, his eyes were as clear as daylight and Heero could see the honesty, the sincerity and the genuinely interest in them; Duo was real... as real as he could ever hope to be.
"Why do you fight?"
He closed his eyes, having anticipated the same question to be asked of him. "I fight for peace as well, and to make up for my mistakes. I was trained to be part of a rebel group, a long time ago. I didn't know anything about politics, about factions... and at one of my missions, innocent victims... a young girl..."
A silence fell.
"I also know how burnt human flesh smells," he said softly.
"I'm sorry."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, Heero. That's something no one should have to go through, especially at a young age."
"What about you? You had to be very young too, to know..."
"Yes, too young," Duo interrupted him, albeit friendly. "You know... every human here, on Earth and on the colonies, every human fights for peace, in his or her own way. Relena Peacecraft by talking, Heero Yuy by piloting a mobile suit, Duo Maxwell by stealthily sneaking..."
"The instructors are certainly very much enamored with your ability to get into everything undetected."
"And Zechs Marquise himself is planning on training you personally because you're the ace of every mobile suit pilot alive, at that tender age of yours."
He suddenly chuckled, and Duo laughed for a moment. "Hey! You laughed! I should post that on the message boards!"
"Quit it," Heero said, but his words weren't stinging. "You make a joke out of everything."
"No I don't," Duo answered, smile tugging at his lips. "The way we fight doesn't matter. It's the way we conquer that matters.. and that's hardly one on his own."
Heero turned his head more towards Duo, noticing that the other was very close. His eyes were vibrant, lively and sad at the same time. There was suffering behind it, loss... and a maturity he hadn't seen before.
"I owe you an apology too."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do. I didn't act properly around you. I judged you on my very first impression of you and never bothered to review my opinion of you... I said things intentionally to hurt you, or to provoke you, just to get a reaction out of you. The whole thing with being a liability.. you aren't. You're the top of your class, you..."
"We can't go against everything we've been taught at a young age, Heero," Duo interrupted him again. "You've been raised with certain ideas and beliefs, and you only act upon them. Something that deep inside of you takes time to change. As long as you believe something with your whole heart and know it's all right, then it's worth it."
"I don't know if it's all right," Heero pondered, lowering his eyes a little. "My instructor always told me to act upon my emotions..." The rest of his words were cut off, not by Duo interrupting him, but by Duo kissing him.
The feeling of warm lips against his own, chafed lips, tasting faintly like alcohol, mixed with the unmistakable scents and smells of a garage, motor oil, mobile suit fuel, and something resembling blood, fire, life... before he realized it, he parted his lips to respond to the kiss, but it was over as soon as it started.
"I'd say your instructor was right," Duo said, a twinkle in his eyes, "but I probably shouldn't have done it. Are you going to kill me now? I'll defend myself, you know."
Heero knew his eyes were wide open, but he wasn't seeing Duo as he used to see him. The joking response didn't even grate him on his nerves; it was as if he was seeing right through him. There was no jester. There was no clown, no one screaming for attention. There was only Duo, strong, independent Duo, covering his own feelings with his ability to laugh about things, to make everyone feel better by cracking a joke, by taking away people's pain and discomfort by smiling.
"Duo," he simply said. A soft smile spread across Duo's face, heaving a little sigh of relief.
"Go to bed," he said immediately after, not scolding, not barking, just "Go to bed". Duo nodded, understanding, and stretched, getting undressed in the shadows and climbing up on his bed in complete darkness. Not another word was spoken.
Even though it was disappointing, Duo wasn't really surprised that Heero didn't mention anything about the kiss the next morning. He seemed to be asleep when Duo got up to dress himself, preparing to attend the early church service. Sunday mornings were for most of the students the only opportunity to sleep in, but Heero never stayed long in bed, no matter what the occasion. Duo grimaced a little, thinking that Heero probably pretended to be asleep, as to avoid talking about the kiss... even though he seemed to like it.
Deciding not to dwell upon it, Duo left the room, reminding himself that one of Heero's theories about other people being a liability wasn't that bad after all... maybe it's better not to grow too close. He couldn't help but grin; it just wasn't in his nature to shy away from people and to be as aloof and reclusive as Heero. He was Duo Maxwell, one of the many cadets in training, but one of the few who would make it through the complete semester, even if it was the last thing he'd ever do -- he'd promised and he always kept his promises.
Evening rolled around far too soon, with everyone returning to the Academy, lamenting that their only free weekend was over. Duo caught up with Quatre, who surprised him with a chocolate bar that his sisters had given to him to 'share with his nice friend'. Munching on the sweet goodness, Quatre told amicably about how he'd spend his weekend. "It's back to strict discipline and structure with us," he winked at Duo. "Did something interesting happen here while the rest of us was gone?"
"Nah, nothing in particular," Duo answered him airily, seeing as Trowa was in the room, unpacking... and even if they weren't all in the same room, Duo doubted he'd share the experience of his kiss with Heero. He knew the Winner heir would be happy for him, not scolding him about 'fraternizing with students' or something like that, but... well, what was there to be happy about? He only had given Heero one small kiss and the boy was nowhere to be found. Probably scared out of his wits. Quatre tilted his head a little, looking at Duo curiously, but decided not to press the subject.
"After the mid-semester exams, Marquise's going to select those he wants to train personally," he said. "Who do you think he's going to choose from our class?"
"Heero, without a doubt," Trowa supplied, closing his empty suitcase and stuffing it under the bed. "He's scoring straight A's on every simulation."
"We don't get real mobile suit training until either Noin or Marquise deems you fit for it," Duo chimed in. "The mid-semester exams serve to determine your future career -- from their results, they advise you what to study and what field of training you need."
"Exactly," Quatre said, looking pensive. "Their advice is correct in almost 90 of all the cases. They hardly steer any student in the wrong direction."
"So, Heero will be chosen for the mobile suit training..."
"Along with the top five of every class..."
"And there'll be even a higher rate of drop-outs... mobile suit training, combat and engineering is one of the toughest educations."
"What about you, Duo?"
The question, coming from Trowa, almost startled him. "What... what about me?"
"Yeah, you," the taller boy repeated.
"I think, based on my achievements with the simulations and classes, I'm going to be selected as well. I'm going to try to get as far with the mobile suit training as possible."
Trowa simply nodded, curiosity apparently satisfied, as he didn't ask anything else. Quatre had finished dressing himself, as every student was obligated to return before the dinner -- and, the first rule of anything pertaining to the Academy, was to wear one's uniform all the time. "I'm quite hungry, Duo, let's see what's on the menu!"
"Probably something easy to prepare," Duo grinned.
"Like those instant mashed potatoes, instant peas and instant beef?"
"You got it!"
On their way to the large mess hall, Duo suddenly waved enthusiastically to someone he spotted in the crowd. "Hilde! Hey, Hilde!"
The young girl raised her hand in response, showing a similar grin to his, and quickly made his way over to him, clasping his hand. "Duo! It's been ages!"
"Yeah, too bad life here doesn't leave much opportunity to catch up, huh?"
She shook her head, dark choppy bangs flying with the movement. "I've been studying hard all weekend, I'm falling behind on my sociology and politics class..."
Duo pulled her into a quick embrace, after making sure that no one of the hall monitors saw it. "I know you can get yourself together and pull your grades up," he said. "Don't give up, Hilde. This is a chance only given to us once..."
"I know," she murmured, "but still I'm thinking that there might be more of a career for me behind the scenes than on the battlefield itself."
"There's no shame in that," Duo said, ruffling her bangs before letting her go. "I'm sure we could use a whole network of nifty spies and secret agents when war breaks out."
She smiled. "Thanks, Duo. Don't you ever let my whining throw you off course, got that? I heard nothing but good things about you..."
"That's because I am good," he answered jokingly. "Now, let's have some dinner, shall we?"
"Separate sexes, Duo," Hilde reminded him as he went into the mess hall with her, Quatre following. "I have to go to my table. Don't forget to keep in touch by school mail, and I'll see you around soon!"
Quatre took a tray and passed it onto Duo. "Here... you have to have something to put your plate on."
"I wonder where Heero is," he mumbled, not really sure why he was mentioning it now. Quatre picked up a tray as well and joined the line. "Was he here the entire weekend?"
"Yeah," Duo answered half-heartedly.
"I'm sure he's sitting at our table as usual," Quatre answered reassuringly, craning his neck to see what was on the menu today. "Oh good, broccoli!"
Duo made a face at the thought of that particular vegetable, when Quatre turned around to look at him, blue eyes staring at him. "Don't worry, Duo. You mean more to him than you think."
"Whu-- what?" was his only intelligent answer, and Duo had to refrain himself from dropping his jaw to the floor. What did Quatre know? Why would he say such a thing?
While he was picking out one of the dishes -- beside broccoli there was also endive, vaguely resembling something snotty --, Quatre smiled softly. "Don't worry," he repeated, "I won't tell anyone, or will I ever judge either one of you for it."
"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about," Duo answered rudely, plopping a plate on his tray, not caring that the endive almost sloshes over the border.
"Shut up."
"I overstepped my boundaries," Quatre immediately replied, even lowering his eyes. "My apologies, Duo."
"Yeah yeah," he all but snarled, took up his tray and went to their usual table -- where indeed, Heero was already sitting at. He didn't want to think about his conversation with Quatre, the soft kiss he exchanged with Heero, and he quickly joined a discussion about the upcoming exams with the other students at the table.
With the free weekend over and the mid-semester exams in full swing, life at the Academy was taking its toll on the students. Dorm rooms were cleared out as those who failed assignments or couldn't handle the strict discipline and structure, left the majestic building to never return -- the Academy would never accept a student who previously flunked. Dorm AD-45 was one of the few who were still in their original occupation; even though Quatre had his eyes on one of the larger dorm rooms, he knew it was futile, as it wasn't permitted to change dorms, even though some of them were empty.
"It's not fair," he muttered and everyone knew it wasn't about the dorm -- something that trivial was hardly worth getting all worked up. Even Heero was looking a little pale, the continuous strain of the exams, tests and assignments affecting him as well. Duo, along with Trowa and sometimes Wufei, used the large exercise fields as to relief some of their stress; running an amount of laps around the field was perfect for clearing one's head. It didn't give Duo much opportunity to talk to Heero, and it stung him that Heero didn't make any move to try to talk to him.
It was time to shower, and as Trowa and Wufei had gone before him, Duo was alone in the large tiled area, pushing at the buttons for one of the shower heads to start working. There was only one advantage to so many students already having left; he'd never had to wrestle himself through the crowd or fight for a place in the shower, at the lockers, in class... the downside was, that he also lost a few who he considered friends. That was life at the Academy -- and life in general. No time to dwell upon it, Duo figured. With the current political mess going on -- relations between the colonies and Earth were more fragile than ever, the rise of new factions who were using advanced armor and weapons --, life seemed to go faster by the second, and one had to make split second decisions; in war, in friends, in time.
Duo pulled out his braid and allowed the water to soak the mass of chestnut hair -- no one had picked upon him for wearing a braid or having that much and long hair in the first place; he had shown himself to be just as good a student and cadet, or even better, as anyone else. Using the neutral scented shampoo, Duo worked his fingers through his hair. Funny how he started thinking about Heero the moment he had a little time for himself. Would Heero think about him too? Would Heero have any eye for the nicer things in life in the first place? They clashed with their opinions on so many things...
Caught up in his thoughts, Duo turned off the shower and went to the dressing room, wrapping a towel around him, whistling a non-descriptive tune. He had thirty minutes before dinner, a piece of cake if he hurried...
"Duo."
The voice in the room was unmistakable. His hand froze as he reached for the bundle of clothes on the bench, just momentarily -- then he picked up his shirt.
"Heero. So nice to see you."
He didn't have any problems with Heero seeing him half-naked. Not only was he hardly self-conscious, sharing a rather small dorm with other boys made you care less about what the other might see of you. Tilting his head a little, he looked over at Heero, waiting for him to make the first move... and couldn't help but widen his eyes in surprise as the other did make the first move -- walking over to him, and standing so close that their bodies almost touched. Heero lifted up his hand, pressing his fingers against Duo's chest, and he sucked in his breath -- what the...? Lifting up a finger, Heero stared at the small silver chain with the crucifix dangling from it.
"Your God?"
He made a noncommittal sound. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I'm interested in you... your beliefs, Duo."
"We discussed this before."
"We can discuss it again."
Duo glanced at Heero, dressed in a sweaty tank top and biker shorts; he must've worked out at one of the many other exercise facilities.
"My God is not the one you think it is. Leave it, Heero. We've proven already that we differ too much of opinion about this."
"Which God is it, then? Tell me."
"I don't..."
"Please."
Duo frowned. He had never heard Heero use 'please' before... just never. "Fine... the God I believe in is the God of Death, because all I saw was death and destruction, from a very early age until now."
"The illness you survived, was the plague that swept over L2, right?"
"Right," Duo answered, a little sourly. It had been world news, so there was no sense in denying it.
"Did many people die? I mean... many people you knew?"
Solo. "Yes, they did. It's a part of the promise I made; to return to L2, to establish a better society..."
"Dreams and hopes..."
"Fantasies and illusions..."
"Wishes and utopias..."
"Kiss me, damn you..."
Chafed lips on his. Raw, rough... tentatively searching, nipping as if they were afraid of kissing, brushing past his lips as if they were uncertain. Duo made a little impatient sound, pressing forward, his lips fully on Heero's, capturing them for a full-fledged kiss.
The arm around his waist was another surprise, but certainly not unwelcome. Heero's hand slid over his back, fingers raking through the long strands of his hair, all the way down to the rim of his towel. His other hand went to Duo's cheek, cupping it, as he pressed himself closer -- need flaring, desire flowing, hunger exposed.
"Duo..."
"Don't..." Duo interrupted him, not giving him any chance to object, to protest. His own arms went around Heero's waist, pulling him closer. "Just kiss..."
"How..."
"Shhh..."
Touching each other, hands above their waist, Duo barely stifled a moan as he felt pure need oozing from his lips, the long buried wish for contact surfacing, and he parted his lips, offering everything he had to Heero, who hesitated only for a second before slipping his tongue into his mouth.
Duo's hand went up to Heero's hair, fingers tangling in the unruly strands, tugging a little. So many sensations were running through his body, he could barely contain himself and he felt Heero's fingers moving lower, slipping between the fabric of the towel and his semi-dry skin and delightful shivers went down his spine... and the loud buzzer rang.
"Holy fuck!" He exclaimed loudly, almost pushing Heero away, noting the same aghast expression on his face. "If we don't get to the mess hall within five minutes, we're expelled!"
"Fuck!" Heero all but yelled, tugging at his sweaty tank top. "We have to hurry!"
They hardly realized how they managed it, but barely five minutes later both boys found themselves joining the lines. Duo's braid was more than sloppily and Heero didn't really feel comfortable in his uniform without taking a shower before changing; they both looked rather ravished and it was only thanks to the inattentive hall monitors that they weren't written up for their less than stellar appearance.
Duo threw the plate in front of him as he sat down at the table, ignoring Wufei's rather disgusted look -- he was sure it was about their hurried looks and bad buttoned shirts than about anything else -- and glanced over at Trowa, who was occupied with reading some strategy book and eating at the same time. That left him only Quatre, who was smirking -- smirking! -- while he was eating, cutting his cauliflower in bite size pieces. Muttering under his breath, Duo hardly noticed Heero taking his usual seat next to him, until he felt his knee against his own. With a smile on his face, he started eating, stray strands from his braid slipping over his shoulder.
---------------------
Duo yawned behind his hand, lifting up his binder filled with sheets of homework and assignments to hide his expression. The instructor was late; something that wasn't appreciated concerning the students, but apparently the really good instructors were above the law here. His eyes darted around the classroom; 'quantum equations' was one of the very few classes he shared with Heero. He certainly wanted to have a follow-up to their steaming kisses from yesterday; not too mention that his dreams had been filled completely by the grade A student and pilot in training and his beautiful blue eyes. If he really allowed himself to daydream about it, Duo could still taste his lips...
"At ease, students," a deep, familiar voice boomed through the room and a wave of excitement spread through the students; it was no one but Zechs Marquise himself! Duo, and the rest of the students, sat immediately upright, face neutral. Was the Lightning Count going to announce who he had chosen, who would be
privileged to train under him?
"At ease," the man repeated, eyes scanning the room, his own look veiled by the large silver mask. "As you're all aware, the semester is closing to an end rapidly. You've taken the mid-semester exams, you're working on assignments that span the rest of the following weeks, and you're preparing for the final oral exams and tests that will determine whether you're allowed to return at the Academy next semester or not."
He looked somewhat content, Duo thought, as the man continued to scan the classroom. Scratch that... he looks more like a wolf about to devour some hapless prey.
"All and all, I'm pretty satisfied with your results so far," he continued. "This draft of students is rather promising, and I'm convinced that some of you will make it to the end."
No one heaved a sigh of relief, as Marquise had said "some of you", not "all of you". Nothing was certain at the Academy; no matter how promising you were: if you failed to comply with a rule you were expelled -- no exceptions. Duo's eyes flickered over to Heero, who sat as straight as a ruler.
"If I call your name, you have to leave the class and assemble at room YH-67," Marquise said, brusquely. "Yuy."
Heero immediately rose from his chair, saluting for the Lightning Count, before stepping away from his desk and leaving the room. With his name called, the rest of the students exchanged panicked glares; even Duo felt the pit of his stomach knot together. Why was Heero's name called out? Marquise had failed to mention why they had to assemble -- was this a drill, were they going to be expelled? Why would he call the best student at the whole fucking Academy?
Two other names were called, and Duo noticed his fingers curling. He never was one to be kept waiting; if there was bad news, he rather preferred to be confronted with it immediately than to sit through another minute of uncertainty.
"I'll call out the last one," Marquise finally stated. "Those whose name hasn't been called are to remain in this class and resume their lesson."
People were shuffling with their feet a little, restless by the increasing tension. The Lightning Count gave the students one other look over before announcing the last name.
"Maxwell," rang out through the class and Duo stiffened for a mere second, before forcing himself to get up, raising his hand as well in a military salute. He left the class, looking for YH-67; he vaguely recalled it to be one of the larger conference rooms. What was going on?
When he arrived at the designated room, he saw to his relief not only Heero, but also Trowa, Quatre and Wufei there, along with several others -- counting himself, their number came to a mere sixteen. There was simply no way that Marquise would expel them all -- after all, Duo knew that the others were the top of their respective classes. Shifting closer to Heero, he was about to ask him if he knew what was going on, when the door was slammed shut and Marquise strutted through the room, followed by Lucrezia Noin.
"Welcome," he said, his voice void of any familiarity. "I'll get right down to business."
There was a silence in the room, as he swept his gaze again over the students present, before finally showing a small smile.
"Each one of you has been selected as the best and finest of your class, based on your performance at several levels: psychological and physical, not only taking your grades into account, but also your participation in extra curricular activities and your involvement with the Academy in general. You're the top sixteen of this year's draft -- however, much can change, still, and disappointments are easier to cause than to forget."
He pointed at Noin, who was holding thin, dark brown files. "Officer Noin will help me with this next part of your training, which will involve an important part of your career, no matter which discipline you'll be taking or studying. After all the simulations and theory it's about time you brought your knowledge into practice."
A wave of excitement rippled through the students; Heero even seemed to tense up more, an eager look on his face. This could mean nothing else but that the time had finally arrived to start training with real machines, real mobile suits, and not to act out simulations and scripted battles.
Noin stepped forward, files still resting on her arm. "I'll be giving you your mission orders. You'll be teaming up with someone else, also designated by me. Solo missions are for second and third years only. These missions are to be taken very seriously, as the execution thereof will consist two third of your final grade, determining whether you'll continue your training at the Academy or not. This isn't a drill, but not a 'real' mission either -- it's a special assignment to finish your first year here. Failure to comply with the mission, its specs or execution, will result into an automatic expel. The people involved in the mission you're about to receive are unaware, so any consequence is for yourself to face if you botch it, and will also result in an automatic expel. This is about working together on a mission, how you handle yourself and your teammate in a straining situation."
You could hear a pin drop in the room, and every student was standing upright, hands beside their bodies, each and every thought focusing on the mission and who they were going to be teamed up with.
Noin picked up the first of the files, slender fingers brushing the surface of the paper. "You can approach your instructor or even me for help, but keep in mind that these missions have to be executed as independent as possible -- with other words, with every time you ask me or another instructor for help, some points will be deducted. Don't come complain to me if you can't get along with the partner you've been teamed up with. Don't come complain to me if you think you're not going to make it, if something's bothering you or if anything of this makes you feel uncomfortable. The door of the Academy is always open for those who want to leave, and if you want to forfeit your chance to a glorious career, it's your choice. In wartime, you'll have to work with whatever crosses your path, and you'll have to form alliances with people you don't like or won't ever like. This is all about flexibility, your training, how you cope, how you handle. Don't disappoint us."
She started handing over the files, each and every cadet mumbling a stunned "Thank you" when accepting it. Her face softened a little, and a small smile even graced her lips as she continued: "If you have attended all your classes, if you trained well and paid attention to everything that has been taught here, you all should be able to accomplish your mission. We are very curious and looking forward to see how you're doing. Remember, after this the real training in the battlefield awaits, and you'll receive that either from me or from Zechs." She nodded at the masked man, who simply nodded back.
"Let me add," He suddenly took over, "that discussion of these missions is prohibited, unless with your teammate, of course. We will find out if someone blabbed, so be cautious. It's no use staying at a military Academy if you can't keep your mouth shut about mission details. Dismissed."
After a firm salute, the cadets left the conference room, files clutched to their chest. The most of them had already peeked at the top sheet which indicated the pairings. Some cadets were already searching each other out -- Duo saw Quatre walking next to Trowa. Quatre always walked beside Trowa -- to his amusement --, but from the look on Quatre's face, this time it was different. It was the mission; they must've been teamed up.
Duo flicked open his file and peeked at the top sheet as well. Yuy, H. For a second, he wasn't sure if he should jump in the air for joy or cower into a corner. They had kissed. There was something... 'more' brewing between them. They were cadets on the most prestigious military Academy of all Earth and the colonies. Duo didn't want to give that up... he had a promise to fulfill. He looked to the side; straight into Heero's eyes -- was he thinking the same? Would he kill that had started to bloom, or would he deny there was something to begin with?
"We're teamed up," he mouthed, and watched Heero mouth a number back to him -- the number of an empty dorm room.
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