Authors Notes: Ok. This story has kind of lost my interest, seeing as it's at the height of the plot... *mutters* I dunno. But it obviously hasn't lost YOUR interest, judging by the reviews. This is taking so long, cuz I am so lazy. So I'm not going to promise that it'll be fast, but I'll definetely finish it. I realised I messed up the chapters. Stupid me. I had you left wondering what Duo's encounter with Relena was about. Well it has been added. See for yourself. Haha....HAHAHAA!!!! *coughs* Sorry.
Rating: Pg-13 (It may become R in the chapters to come)
Starring: Duo Maxwell, Heero Yuy, along with the other Gundam Pilots
Pairings: 2+1, 4+3
Other: Yes, you heard right. This story contains shounen ai/male-male/homosexual relationships. Although these encounters are not the focus of the story, they happen. And if that frightens, appals or disturbs you, you need not read any further. This story also contains blood sucking, occasional (or more than occasional) fighting/violent scenes and mild cursing (That's MY definition of mild, by the way.). You have been warned.
Disclaimer: You've heard it before, so I won't bore you with the details again. Gundam Wing is not mine, and sadly enough, probably never will be, otherwise it would be re-released and be chock-full of shounen-ai scenes & yaoi. That is all. ^_~
I came to not long after, because I could see the vampire's form illuminated by the streetlight. It was still standing over me, arms crossed and an eternal sneer plastered to its pasty face. When did it get so dark out so fast? I lifted my head slowly and instantly had my regrets as a fresh wave of pain ripped through it. I stared dazedly up at the starry sky for a moment before remembering my situation. The vamp had moved without my notice.
I felt it's rough grip on my braid as it forced my head up. We were face to face, and I'm talkin in an exceedingly literal sense. I could see the minuscule flecks of hazel marring the disturbingly creepy yellow in its slitted eyes. I could smell it's foul raspy breath in my face. But worst of all was the stench of rotting human flesh. It was sickening, and I swear I could have retched when I felt the clammy on my shoulder. Its claws were slowly puncturing my skin, whether intentionally or not. I swallowed my words.
"Shinigami…" It rasped. "The God of Death. Is that right, Duo?"
I blinked my eyes a couple times. How did all of the undead and their little underground culture know my name? It was unnerving. I was unsure if that was their tactic, but whatever the Hell it was, it scared me. It shook me roughly, demanding I acknowledge it.
"I am not going to kill you…" It seemed to consider slowly. "No…that pleasure will not be mine. But I can assure you…. Shinigami" it hissed, "that your life belongs us, and we will take it."
It left me to consider this, as it dropped my head to hit the concrete for the third time that week. When I looked up, it had fled. Wow, that was weird. How many run-ins with death is a guy supposed to take every week? What did it mean? But most importantly, why didn't it kill me? I mean, sure, I was thankful and all. But something about the vampire's restrained homicidal tendencies worried me… I dragged myself to my feet and began trudging the long way back to the student house. It gave me plenty of time to consider the unnatural behaviour of the vamps and Relena's obnoxious little drop-in. What a day, I thought miserably.
The streets were quiet; there were no cars or people. All there was was the chilly October wind rattling the brittle bare branches of the bushes at the side of the sidewalk. That…and the haunting words of Relena echoing in my head. If someone had told me ahead of time that something Relena had said would bother me more than the vampire informing me of a conspiracy to kill me, I likely would have laughed. But it was true. I ignored the dull ache in the back of my head, and pressed on.
After a great deal of pondering, I decided to test Relena's theory; sort of like an experiment. Who new? Maybe she was right. It made horrifying sense. Heero must like me more when I'm reserved, so that's how it would have to be. No more bugging him, teasing him, and blabbering on to him while he was working. No wonder he hadn't made a move for me, I was so annoying! Well tonight, Heero would see that new me.
When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. At the sound of the door swinging open, Heero had arisen from the chair in front of the laptop and rushed to my side. I saw a look of unease settle on his face. It wouldn't have been incredibly evident to most people who don't constantly study Heero's mannerisms, but I consider myself somewhat of a Heero-ologist.
"Duo… Why did you leave? Is there a problem?" His voice was still monotonous as usual, so I savoured the meaning in the words themselves instead.
"Uh…Not much." I sighed. "Although, if I recall correctly, I was just attacked on two separate occasions by vamps who new my name somehow. And both said something about Shinigami. But of course, I could be mistaken. After all, I did hit my head several times." I began sarcastically. I saved my spite, however, recalling the new, quieter me, and proceeded to quietly give Heero the details, as I fidgeted with my hands. I told him everything, except for the incident with Relena…
I explained it all reasonably and didn't add in any jokes or sarcastic comments after that. I stuck to the facts. If Heero was a no-nonsense person, I guess I'd have to change if I ever wanted to get with him. I looked up at him seriously. That was harder than I thought.
"That's not good…" He muttered. "Are you sure that's all that's bothering you?" He asked, frowning. Oh God, it was tempting. But maybe Relena was right. I pressed my lips into a thin line and closed my eyes, before answering.
"No, Heero. I'm good." I forced a hesitant smile, and rose from the corner of the bed where I had been perched. I strode towards the bathroom, grabbing my boxers and t-shirt out from under my pillow. I closed the door carefully, and undressed. I leaned towards the mirror to examine my shoulder, where the vampire's claws had penetrated my skin. I ran my finger over the abrasions. It didn't look serious. Slowly, I stepped into my boxers and pulled the t-shirt over my head. I took one last reluctant look in the mirror.
It wasn't me. Without my usual grin…it just didn't look like me anymore. I felt horrified for a second when I realised how dreary I appeared when I didn't have a smirk plastered on my face. For a moment I heard Relena's haunting words in my head again, and I stood up abruptly and tugged open the door resolutely. If that's the way Heero likes me, that's how it's gonna have to be.
I stepped out of the bathroom, and skipped my usual routine of pestering Heero, who was seated at his laptop once again. Instead, I crawled strait into bed. I wasn't tired, but I couldn't think of anything else to do. I curled up in a ball and tugged the covers up to my chin. I was a bit worn out from all of the running and fighting that day, but I couldn't seem to get to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, an alarming collage of images flooded the darkness behind my eyelids. Relena's arrogant grin, the vampire at the hospital window, the shadow looming over me, digging it's claws into me…and Heero's exquisite face. They all seemed to hover, mocking me.
~You're always talking so much. You think that doesn't bother him?~
~Your life belongs us, and we will take it…~
But there was one more voice, a voice I loved. But the words it spoke stabbed my heart like a dagger.
~Not now, Duo.~,
~Shut up, would you, Duo?~,
~Can't you ever be quiet? I'm working!~
My eyes flew open, and I rubbed at them furiously, trying to clear the images from my mind. I listened to the rhythmic clatter of keys raptly, letting them replace the voices that had flooded my head. Heero was still working away, and the pale glow was cast across his profile. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to touch him. I wanted him to pay attention to me!
Finally I could take it no longer. I arose from the bed, straightened my shirt, and tiptoed towards the door. I didn't want to disturb Heero. I slipped out of the room, and closed the door with little more than a faint click. I shuffled down the hallway feeling a bit uncomfortable in my pyjamas, but if I had grabbed a pair of pants, Heero would ask questions; questions I wasn't ready to answer.
The halls were mostly silent, except for a distant buzzing of someone's radio, muffled chatter from a couple rooms, and the sound of my sock-clad feet padding on the tile. My eyes scanned the numbers on each dorm room rapidly. 266, 266, I chanted silently. Damn, must be the next floor. I made my way up the stairwell at the end of the hall. It was very dim, save for the neon glow of the fire-exit sign below, which hummed slightly. My thoughts were on other matters, when I felt myself collide with another form and nearly fell down the stairs.
My hand flashed out, and I managed to grip the rail. Once I had regained balance, I looked up to see the offender. It was a taller, disturbingly handsome boy, with dark hair and a pale complexion. He grinned, bearing a set of perfect white teeth. Perfect, except for the two extra pointy ones. I felt a flutter of panic in my stomach.
"Sweet dreams, Duo," He chuckled softly, and brushed past me, down the stairs.
I was baffled. Was that a threat, or was he just teasing me? I knew for sure that he was a vampire, but once again, I was left unharmed. I tried to keep up a show of nonchalance as I reached the second floor. I moved quietly along the hallway and finally stopped in front of room 266. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Yeah, I know. No Quatre, Trowa or Wufei in this chapter. But next chapter, I promise there will be.
I PROMISE!!! Don't worry.
Plus, who's door do you think that is, ne? ^_~
PLEEEEEAAAASE review review!! I need support! I am a lowly gravelling weakling that THRIVES off your praise and encouragement! And suggestions, too! I like suggestions! TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! (even if you think it sux....) ^_~