A second chapter. Please, someone review? I'd appreciate it? Umm.. Duo makes an appearance in this chapter, and.. yes!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story. Not even the empty review box that's not apart of this story.
After a few minutes of bliss, my eyes pop open, and stare at the ceiling. I shouldn't take naps. It throws off my sleeping schedule, and I'd be up 'til 3.
Gruffly, I sat up, and rubbed my face vigorously, before running my digits through my messy, un-kempt hair. The feeling, for some reason, sent chills all the way down my spine. That happens sometimes, when I do that. It's weird, but I like it, in a weird way.
I pulled myself up from my soft bed, and exited my room quietly, and went to the front door, getting my discarded backpack from my crap that's still piled up a few feet from the door. My backpack is almost always with me, so it just comes as a second nature to have it always with me. I usually just forget that it's even around. Which may or may not be a good thing at times.
Hauling the alleged " heavy " object to my room by the strap, I tossed it across the ground next to my bed, and closed the door quietly behind me, but obviously not quiet enough, as I heard Quatre's yell that it was only about 45 minutes until dinner. Turning up my music, and changing it to a more awakening CD, I sat down on my bed-my refuge, if you want to get specific-and ripped my backpack up next to me, unzipping it, and letting the papers and books, and whatnot barf out messily onto my bed. Not only did I need to do my homework, but I also needed to reorganize my backpack. I usually reorganize it every other day, as there just isn't enough time in changing classes to keep things tidy.
Spreading the objects across my comforter, I slid my now limp backpack to the ground, and start getting to work.
By the time I'm almost finished with my homework, it's time for dinner, and Trowa has been home for quite awhile.
I was forced to crawl out of my sanctuary by the calls of Quatre, re-enforcement of Trowa, and the ache of my empty organ called the stomach.
Sitting down at the table, we passed around the bowls full of food, dishing the contents onto our plates. Once the hot ceramics were put down onto the table safely, and we had started eating, light conversation passed between my brother and his friend. I idly listened in, tuning out once in a while.
"Did you notice the new schedules coming up?" I heard Trowa say absently.
Quatre made an 'Mm'ing sound, and swallowed his food, politely. "The new professor is teaching Trig. I was wondering who Mr. Cruvay was going to put in Mrs. Repouis' place, once she left this coming semester."
"The new teacher apparently just moved into town yesterday, or the day prior. We're also supposed to be expecting at least two more professors, but the names are pending. No one's positive about anything right now."
I tune out again, and finish my meal in silence. When I finish, I get up, and take my plate to the sink, before going to the trash can, and attempting almost vainly, to pull out the full bag. The chores are simple here. If Quatre makes dinner, Trowa does dishes. And vice versa. I take out the trash. Though usually Quatre helps Trowa out, and Trowa helps Quatre out, so it only sucks to be me around here. Hauling trash down to the ground floor was /not/ anyone's even vague idea of fun.
Leaning my back against a counter, I put a foot on the actual trashcan, and pulled out the bag; the can skidding across the floor, and making a rather loud thud. Tying the ends into a knot, I slung the semi-sticky bag over my shoulder, and nodded to the two at the table, before slipping on my shoes, and heading out the door. I hurried down the hall, to the elevators, and pressed the 'down' button with my free hand.
I set the bag down, while waiting, and involuntarily shivered. I left my jacket at home, and my plain long sleeve shirt wasn't helping that much. Though it was a lot better than running around naked, I suppose.
A mechanical ding-sounding wannabe echoed through the hall, and I hopped on, sliding the bag over the crack, before hitting the 'g' button. A sudden jerk announced the beginnings of the ride down, and I waited impatiently for the elevator ride to end.
Another jerk announced the arrival to my destination, and I put the bag back over my shoulder, and hurried over to the garbage bin. Putting the garbage in, I all but ran to the stairs-I wasn't in the mood to ride the elevator again-and took two at a time up. I slowed down my pace, and went down the corridor to our apartment again, and entered.
After shifting a quick glance to my brother, who was giving a small smile, and Quatre, who was laughing quietly, while the two did the dishes together, I shook my head briefly, and headed to my room, to finish what I had started before dinner.
I woke with a start, my eyes flying open, my hand involuntarily grabbing the pillow that was nowhere near my head. Groggily I blinked my eyes open, trying to recess what had just occurred.
Realization dawned on me slowly, and I stiffly sat up from my folded over position on my bed. My lights were still on, and my books were neatly underneath my body, bright red imprints no doubtedly marring my heated skin.
Sorely picking up each book from under my legs, I piled them onto one another, and set them on the floor, next to my backpack. Apparently I /had/ finished organizing; I just fell asleep before I had put them down.
Slowly standing, I slogged over to the light switch and turned off my lights, as the little electric alarm clock by my bed glowed out the digits 2:47AM. I was too tired to change into decent bedclothes, and lay down on my bed softly, and correctly this time, sleep ruling over my mind after a few more minutes of quietness.
The second time I woke, it was due to the alarm clock blaring, 5:00AM blinking furiously. Drowsily, I hit the off button, and sat up, rubbing my eyes.
My back and shoulders were screaming in pain from sleeping so oddly for half of the night, and I couldn't help but wince, and shift to an easier position for my muscles. No luck, there wasn't any.
After a few minutes of mental persuasion, I stood up, and tried stretching slowly. It helped, but hurt like hell.
Moving over to my chest of drawers, I opened two drawers, and pulled out an outfit for today. Oh, look. Variety. Jeans and a long sleeve green sweater-shirt. The shirt was a bit big, the sleeves almost going past my fingers, but I didn't care that much-it helped keep my hands warm, in these cold winter days.
Stepping out of my room, I left to the now-vacant bathroom that we sometimes had to share. There were two bathrooms in the apartment, but you know how it goes. Two bathrooms, three guys. Do the math.
I took a shower hurriedly, and got dressed, trying to not step on the wet areas of the bathroom tile so my jeans wouldn't get wet /before/ I left the apartment.
Hopping out into the hallway, I tried to stop as many drips that were slowly sliding their way down my face and neck from my still-wet hair. I never bother styling it. I'm not vain.
I went to my room, and got a pair of socks from one of my drawers, and pulled out my sneakers. If I had been vain, I can tell you right now I would not ever wear those sneakers, as they were /yellow/ of all colors. But… I just don't care what people think of me. And they keep my feet warm, and un-frost bitten.
After that, I not so gently jammed my books and whatnot in my backpack, and left my dark room.
Once I was in the foyer area, I nodded a tired hello to Quatre, who was obnoxiously perky, in his happy little morning person way. His classes didn't start for a while now, and Trowa always leaves insanely early. Well, not always. But he does leave pretty early.
"You're leaving early today." Quatre pointed out.
I nodded again. "I usually do, remember? I go to Howard's store and get coffee." I say, while biting back a yawn.
He looks reflective for a moment. "Oh, yeah."
I grab my coat from a coat-rack. Someone must have picked it up for me. Must have been Quatre from the look he's trying to pin me with.
I ignore it, and half-wave behind me, as I leave the cozy, warm, and lit up apartment, and go to the hall, where it's cold, desolate, and dark. And damn cold. I put my backpack on the floor, and pull on my coat as fast as I possibly can, fighting the urge to shiver. I clamp my teeth down to prevent my teeth from chattering. Zipping up my jacket, I pick up my backpack, and walk in long, quick strides down the stairs, and to the sidewalk.
In the morning, it's almost my ritual to go over to Howard's convenience store, get a cup of coffee, and once in awhile, if I'm hungry, a biscuit. There's no better coffee than that of a convenience store. Or maybe I'm just raised cheap.
After a 15-minute brisk walk that left me hot and cold at the same time, I opened the door of the mini-mart-esque store, and nodded a polite hello to Howard. He grinned and half-waved. He understood my morning thoughts, and grogginess.
I make a beeline to the coffee counter, and make a large, hot cup of coffee, only adding minimum creamer and sugar. I go over to the counter, and fish out a buck eighty-nine. Howard lets me usually have a discount, just because I hang out there a lot. The whole, 'friends in high places' bit.
I lean my forearms against the counter, heavily, and take a few sips, almost feeling awake instantly. The hot drink slid down my throat, warming my insides with a burning feeling.
"Howard, how do you get up early enough to do everything you do here? Do you ever sleep?" I ask, almost interestedly.
He shrugged, half-heartedly, still smiling. "I do have a coffee counter in here, you know."
I smirk lightly, and nod my head. Just as I was doing that, though, the door burst open, right as a wind was blowing in. I flinched inwardly, as the door was quickly slammed shut by the same person who had opened it.
Peeling off a snow-covered, once black cap-and I presumed with that, that it had started to snow again-a chestnut braid flew out from underneath it, and smacking a black pea coat clad back.
"Shit, it's cold. I had forgotten how damn cold it gets up here." An almost alto voice cried out.
I arched an eyebrow at the boy who had just disturbed our warmth. He was relatively pale, but most people are around here. Black denim jeans came out from under the coat, and black boots to go with the whole ensemble. Almost violet eyes glared angrily at the weather outside.
"Oi, Duo! Glad you came back!" Howard called over to him, raising his arm in the air in a sort-of-wave.
I instantly recognized the boy from yesterday, from his attire. Definatly not from the look he was giving. He seemed a lot more full of life, today.
A devilish grin was tossed across his face, as he, also, went to the coffee counter.
"Of course! Do you think I'd leave you with only one small taste of Duo? Hell no! Once you've met me, you're stuck!" He called out from pouring his small cup, before pouring an /obscene/ amount of sugar in, and creamer. Topping it off with a lid, and a smirk, he moved right over to the counter, and leaned heavily on it, the same was I was, before I stood up, and leaned against the wall on my side.
He was kind of … weird. And loud.
Howard must have seen me closing away from the boy, before turning toward me, after putting Duo's money in the register drawer, and pronouncing loudly, "This is Heero! He comes here almost as much as me!" He laughed at this, before continuing. "Heero, this is Duo. He just moved here from California."
"Color me surprised," I muttered sardonically.
Duo turned frighteningly fast, a smirk playing upon his lips. He had an almost psychotic look to him at that moment. And it looked eerily familiar. I frowned.
"Nice to meet you, Heero!" He said.
I defensively felt myself hardening. I didn't want to trust this person. I nodded slightly at him.
"Ah, Heero doesn't talk that much. Maybe you can be his mouth for him, Duo." Howard said, slyly. Shit. He really wasn't trying to get me to be more social, was he? Damn him. Damn him and his old, conniving ways.
I snorted softly, but didn't miss the evil look that the two passed between them. This wasn't going to wind up very good for me.
Glaring stonily at Howard for trying to pull something so stupid on me, I pushed myself off of the wall, and still glaring at Howard, and briefly at Duo, I muttered something about school, being late, and promptly left.
As I exited the warm little shop, I cowered down, trying to fold myself into my jacket. The wind was exceptionally cold, and contrary to what I had thought, it wasn't snowing. I buried my empty hand into my sleeve, and trying to get the tips of my fingers covered from the wind. The hot cup was keeping the half of my fingers warm, almost scalding my hand. But it felt good.
Shoving my free hand into my pocket, I tensed up as I felt a hand gripping around my arm, someone jogging next to me to keep up.
"Oi! You go to Attlie, right?" Duo asked, grinning like a madman.
"Where else would I go?" I responded, gruffly, coming to the crossroads where I usually met up with Wufei.
"Hey, why are we stopping?" He asked, looking around curiously.
I rolled my eyes, and shrugged my arm out away from his grasp. "/I'm/ waiting for a friend."
"Really? What's his name? Is he as talkative as you? Does HE have the national forest stuck up his butt? Because you obviously have the local one up yours."
I never wanted to make anyone shut up more than this guy, ever. Not even Quatre. At least Quatre's polite when he's talking.
Wufei finally came jogging up, before looking questioningly at Duo, his small framed glasses slightly fogged up. I shook my head before Wufei could ask who Duo was, and turned, walking, toward the school.
"Hey!" I heard Duo yell behind us, annoyed at being left. I could hear him walking toward us, and grimaced.
He wormed his way in between Wufei and I, before grinning at Wufei. Does this guy have any other facial expressions? Or… Nevermind.
"Heero's being rude, and apparently doesn't hold with him the common gesture of introduction. I'm Duo, and I'm new in town." Duo stated, after giving me one hell of a look.
Wufei stared blankly at Duo, but still managed to keep pace, and not trip. "Chang Wufei," He said. I think his brain was running on the same tracks of thought that mine had been earlier. About this guy and his talking, anyway.
By the time we had gotten to the school grounds, I was beyond ready to hit something, or someone. I missed the companionable silence that Wufei and I held. I liked my quietness, I liked only making actions that were necessary to get the job done.
Duo did nothing of this. All the way to school, he was talking, bouncing, trying to get us to talk. Only once did Wufei talk, and that was to scream at Duo to shut up. I felt oddly proud when he did that. But still pretty pissed.
As we entered the building, I nodded a farewell to Wufei, since we only shared so many classes, and first period was not one that we shared. I was ready to dump Duo in the halls, when he bit his lip and looked nervously around.
"Saa… Heero, do you mind telling me where the main office is?" He asked, looking rather lost.
I was about to tell him to go find it himself, but Mrs. Noin, the vice principle magically knew that I was about to do this, and stood over us, smiling.
"Ah, Heero! I see you've found our newest student! I'm glad that you two have made friends so quickly! You'll do well to escort Mr. Maxwell to the main office, and to all of his classes." She said, almost victoriously.
"But, Mrs. Noin-" I interjected. What about my own damn classes?
"Ah, ah, ah," She wagged a finger at me. "Do as your told. And anyway, most of your classes, he'll be taking.
"Oh, dear. It looks like some of the students got a hold of some toothpaste. I have to go take care of that," She said, dejectedly, glancing over our heads to some students who were having toothpaste fights. "Duo, it was good to meet you, and I hope you enjoy your stay here."
Mrs. Noin hurried off to calm the students down, and I turned to glower and the sheepishly smiling Duo.
Rolling my eyes, I roughly grabbed his coat-covered arm, and dragged him down the hall.
By the end of the school day, I was fairly angry and annoyed. This Duo kid was one of the biggest nuisances ever. He kept talking, and people kept talking back to him. He was a regular little social bug, and forced me to endure it. I am not a people person. I don't want to be a people person, either, for the record.
When the final bell rang, I vanished from him, and all but ran to the apartment, after informing Wufei that I had to help Quatre make dinner.
Usually I stopped by to talk to Howard on the way back, but I didn't feel like risking meeting up with Duo again.
When I got to the complex, and up the stairs, I was sore and tired. Sore from the odd sleeping I had done that night. And I wasn't sure why I was tired.
I opened the door-which was rather odd, because it should have been locked,--and kicked off my jacket and shoes at the door. Again.
I looked up, and surprisingly met the gaze of my older brother.
"Going to put those up?" He asked, rhetorically.
Rolling my eyes, I put away my backpack, jacket and shoes. As if it mattered.
"Oi, Heero," Quatre called out from the kitchen.
I wondered briefly why they both were home. Usually Quatre or Trowa had evening classes.
"We're expecting company over tonight. One of our new professors." Quatre continued. He said something quietly to Trowa, who had just entered the kitchen, but I couldn't make it out.
"Sucking up to the new teachers? That's pretty low." I don't know why I was compelled to utter this. Maybe it was from hanging around that idiot all day.
Quatre stared at me through the little window in the kitchen. Trowa recovered first. "No. Some of the students were assigned to make the professors feel more at home in town."
I nodded slowly, still trying to figure out just why I said what I did, before trekking into my room.
When Quatre called me out to greet our guest, I was engrossed in a book, and upset to have been disturbed, but I came out anyway.
A man stood a few feet into the apartment, incredibly long platinum blond hair hanging just at the beginning of his thighs. Bangs fell heavily into bright blue eyes, a smile gracing his face politely, as he took off his jacket. He was wearing.. well, what I figured professors would not wear. A pair of black jeans and a white business shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and the buttons only buttoned to the second to last button down at his collar.
"Heero, this is Milliardo Peacecraft, one of our new professors this coming semester." Trowa said. He looked a little uncomfortable from speaking so much. Not that I blamed him.
I put out a hand in his direction, and nodded in a polite-sort of greeting. "Nice to meet you."
"You, too, Heero. I don't know if you've met my cousin yet, but I think he's struggling with his shoes outside your door, if you'd like to say hi." He said kindly, after shaking my hand firmly.
Right after Milliardo had said what he did, Duo almost fell through our doorway, before catching himself on the doorframe. "Oi! Heero! I didn't know you were related to these people!" He said, almost shocked.
The only think I knew, was that I was mildly pissed off.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story. Not even the empty review box that's not apart of this story.
After a few minutes of bliss, my eyes pop open, and stare at the ceiling. I shouldn't take naps. It throws off my sleeping schedule, and I'd be up 'til 3.
Gruffly, I sat up, and rubbed my face vigorously, before running my digits through my messy, un-kempt hair. The feeling, for some reason, sent chills all the way down my spine. That happens sometimes, when I do that. It's weird, but I like it, in a weird way.
I pulled myself up from my soft bed, and exited my room quietly, and went to the front door, getting my discarded backpack from my crap that's still piled up a few feet from the door. My backpack is almost always with me, so it just comes as a second nature to have it always with me. I usually just forget that it's even around. Which may or may not be a good thing at times.
Hauling the alleged " heavy " object to my room by the strap, I tossed it across the ground next to my bed, and closed the door quietly behind me, but obviously not quiet enough, as I heard Quatre's yell that it was only about 45 minutes until dinner. Turning up my music, and changing it to a more awakening CD, I sat down on my bed-my refuge, if you want to get specific-and ripped my backpack up next to me, unzipping it, and letting the papers and books, and whatnot barf out messily onto my bed. Not only did I need to do my homework, but I also needed to reorganize my backpack. I usually reorganize it every other day, as there just isn't enough time in changing classes to keep things tidy.
Spreading the objects across my comforter, I slid my now limp backpack to the ground, and start getting to work.
By the time I'm almost finished with my homework, it's time for dinner, and Trowa has been home for quite awhile.
I was forced to crawl out of my sanctuary by the calls of Quatre, re-enforcement of Trowa, and the ache of my empty organ called the stomach.
Sitting down at the table, we passed around the bowls full of food, dishing the contents onto our plates. Once the hot ceramics were put down onto the table safely, and we had started eating, light conversation passed between my brother and his friend. I idly listened in, tuning out once in a while.
"Did you notice the new schedules coming up?" I heard Trowa say absently.
Quatre made an 'Mm'ing sound, and swallowed his food, politely. "The new professor is teaching Trig. I was wondering who Mr. Cruvay was going to put in Mrs. Repouis' place, once she left this coming semester."
"The new teacher apparently just moved into town yesterday, or the day prior. We're also supposed to be expecting at least two more professors, but the names are pending. No one's positive about anything right now."
I tune out again, and finish my meal in silence. When I finish, I get up, and take my plate to the sink, before going to the trash can, and attempting almost vainly, to pull out the full bag. The chores are simple here. If Quatre makes dinner, Trowa does dishes. And vice versa. I take out the trash. Though usually Quatre helps Trowa out, and Trowa helps Quatre out, so it only sucks to be me around here. Hauling trash down to the ground floor was /not/ anyone's even vague idea of fun.
Leaning my back against a counter, I put a foot on the actual trashcan, and pulled out the bag; the can skidding across the floor, and making a rather loud thud. Tying the ends into a knot, I slung the semi-sticky bag over my shoulder, and nodded to the two at the table, before slipping on my shoes, and heading out the door. I hurried down the hall, to the elevators, and pressed the 'down' button with my free hand.
I set the bag down, while waiting, and involuntarily shivered. I left my jacket at home, and my plain long sleeve shirt wasn't helping that much. Though it was a lot better than running around naked, I suppose.
A mechanical ding-sounding wannabe echoed through the hall, and I hopped on, sliding the bag over the crack, before hitting the 'g' button. A sudden jerk announced the beginnings of the ride down, and I waited impatiently for the elevator ride to end.
Another jerk announced the arrival to my destination, and I put the bag back over my shoulder, and hurried over to the garbage bin. Putting the garbage in, I all but ran to the stairs-I wasn't in the mood to ride the elevator again-and took two at a time up. I slowed down my pace, and went down the corridor to our apartment again, and entered.
After shifting a quick glance to my brother, who was giving a small smile, and Quatre, who was laughing quietly, while the two did the dishes together, I shook my head briefly, and headed to my room, to finish what I had started before dinner.
I woke with a start, my eyes flying open, my hand involuntarily grabbing the pillow that was nowhere near my head. Groggily I blinked my eyes open, trying to recess what had just occurred.
Realization dawned on me slowly, and I stiffly sat up from my folded over position on my bed. My lights were still on, and my books were neatly underneath my body, bright red imprints no doubtedly marring my heated skin.
Sorely picking up each book from under my legs, I piled them onto one another, and set them on the floor, next to my backpack. Apparently I /had/ finished organizing; I just fell asleep before I had put them down.
Slowly standing, I slogged over to the light switch and turned off my lights, as the little electric alarm clock by my bed glowed out the digits 2:47AM. I was too tired to change into decent bedclothes, and lay down on my bed softly, and correctly this time, sleep ruling over my mind after a few more minutes of quietness.
The second time I woke, it was due to the alarm clock blaring, 5:00AM blinking furiously. Drowsily, I hit the off button, and sat up, rubbing my eyes.
My back and shoulders were screaming in pain from sleeping so oddly for half of the night, and I couldn't help but wince, and shift to an easier position for my muscles. No luck, there wasn't any.
After a few minutes of mental persuasion, I stood up, and tried stretching slowly. It helped, but hurt like hell.
Moving over to my chest of drawers, I opened two drawers, and pulled out an outfit for today. Oh, look. Variety. Jeans and a long sleeve green sweater-shirt. The shirt was a bit big, the sleeves almost going past my fingers, but I didn't care that much-it helped keep my hands warm, in these cold winter days.
Stepping out of my room, I left to the now-vacant bathroom that we sometimes had to share. There were two bathrooms in the apartment, but you know how it goes. Two bathrooms, three guys. Do the math.
I took a shower hurriedly, and got dressed, trying to not step on the wet areas of the bathroom tile so my jeans wouldn't get wet /before/ I left the apartment.
Hopping out into the hallway, I tried to stop as many drips that were slowly sliding their way down my face and neck from my still-wet hair. I never bother styling it. I'm not vain.
I went to my room, and got a pair of socks from one of my drawers, and pulled out my sneakers. If I had been vain, I can tell you right now I would not ever wear those sneakers, as they were /yellow/ of all colors. But… I just don't care what people think of me. And they keep my feet warm, and un-frost bitten.
After that, I not so gently jammed my books and whatnot in my backpack, and left my dark room.
Once I was in the foyer area, I nodded a tired hello to Quatre, who was obnoxiously perky, in his happy little morning person way. His classes didn't start for a while now, and Trowa always leaves insanely early. Well, not always. But he does leave pretty early.
"You're leaving early today." Quatre pointed out.
I nodded again. "I usually do, remember? I go to Howard's store and get coffee." I say, while biting back a yawn.
He looks reflective for a moment. "Oh, yeah."
I grab my coat from a coat-rack. Someone must have picked it up for me. Must have been Quatre from the look he's trying to pin me with.
I ignore it, and half-wave behind me, as I leave the cozy, warm, and lit up apartment, and go to the hall, where it's cold, desolate, and dark. And damn cold. I put my backpack on the floor, and pull on my coat as fast as I possibly can, fighting the urge to shiver. I clamp my teeth down to prevent my teeth from chattering. Zipping up my jacket, I pick up my backpack, and walk in long, quick strides down the stairs, and to the sidewalk.
In the morning, it's almost my ritual to go over to Howard's convenience store, get a cup of coffee, and once in awhile, if I'm hungry, a biscuit. There's no better coffee than that of a convenience store. Or maybe I'm just raised cheap.
After a 15-minute brisk walk that left me hot and cold at the same time, I opened the door of the mini-mart-esque store, and nodded a polite hello to Howard. He grinned and half-waved. He understood my morning thoughts, and grogginess.
I make a beeline to the coffee counter, and make a large, hot cup of coffee, only adding minimum creamer and sugar. I go over to the counter, and fish out a buck eighty-nine. Howard lets me usually have a discount, just because I hang out there a lot. The whole, 'friends in high places' bit.
I lean my forearms against the counter, heavily, and take a few sips, almost feeling awake instantly. The hot drink slid down my throat, warming my insides with a burning feeling.
"Howard, how do you get up early enough to do everything you do here? Do you ever sleep?" I ask, almost interestedly.
He shrugged, half-heartedly, still smiling. "I do have a coffee counter in here, you know."
I smirk lightly, and nod my head. Just as I was doing that, though, the door burst open, right as a wind was blowing in. I flinched inwardly, as the door was quickly slammed shut by the same person who had opened it.
Peeling off a snow-covered, once black cap-and I presumed with that, that it had started to snow again-a chestnut braid flew out from underneath it, and smacking a black pea coat clad back.
"Shit, it's cold. I had forgotten how damn cold it gets up here." An almost alto voice cried out.
I arched an eyebrow at the boy who had just disturbed our warmth. He was relatively pale, but most people are around here. Black denim jeans came out from under the coat, and black boots to go with the whole ensemble. Almost violet eyes glared angrily at the weather outside.
"Oi, Duo! Glad you came back!" Howard called over to him, raising his arm in the air in a sort-of-wave.
I instantly recognized the boy from yesterday, from his attire. Definatly not from the look he was giving. He seemed a lot more full of life, today.
A devilish grin was tossed across his face, as he, also, went to the coffee counter.
"Of course! Do you think I'd leave you with only one small taste of Duo? Hell no! Once you've met me, you're stuck!" He called out from pouring his small cup, before pouring an /obscene/ amount of sugar in, and creamer. Topping it off with a lid, and a smirk, he moved right over to the counter, and leaned heavily on it, the same was I was, before I stood up, and leaned against the wall on my side.
He was kind of … weird. And loud.
Howard must have seen me closing away from the boy, before turning toward me, after putting Duo's money in the register drawer, and pronouncing loudly, "This is Heero! He comes here almost as much as me!" He laughed at this, before continuing. "Heero, this is Duo. He just moved here from California."
"Color me surprised," I muttered sardonically.
Duo turned frighteningly fast, a smirk playing upon his lips. He had an almost psychotic look to him at that moment. And it looked eerily familiar. I frowned.
"Nice to meet you, Heero!" He said.
I defensively felt myself hardening. I didn't want to trust this person. I nodded slightly at him.
"Ah, Heero doesn't talk that much. Maybe you can be his mouth for him, Duo." Howard said, slyly. Shit. He really wasn't trying to get me to be more social, was he? Damn him. Damn him and his old, conniving ways.
I snorted softly, but didn't miss the evil look that the two passed between them. This wasn't going to wind up very good for me.
Glaring stonily at Howard for trying to pull something so stupid on me, I pushed myself off of the wall, and still glaring at Howard, and briefly at Duo, I muttered something about school, being late, and promptly left.
As I exited the warm little shop, I cowered down, trying to fold myself into my jacket. The wind was exceptionally cold, and contrary to what I had thought, it wasn't snowing. I buried my empty hand into my sleeve, and trying to get the tips of my fingers covered from the wind. The hot cup was keeping the half of my fingers warm, almost scalding my hand. But it felt good.
Shoving my free hand into my pocket, I tensed up as I felt a hand gripping around my arm, someone jogging next to me to keep up.
"Oi! You go to Attlie, right?" Duo asked, grinning like a madman.
"Where else would I go?" I responded, gruffly, coming to the crossroads where I usually met up with Wufei.
"Hey, why are we stopping?" He asked, looking around curiously.
I rolled my eyes, and shrugged my arm out away from his grasp. "/I'm/ waiting for a friend."
"Really? What's his name? Is he as talkative as you? Does HE have the national forest stuck up his butt? Because you obviously have the local one up yours."
I never wanted to make anyone shut up more than this guy, ever. Not even Quatre. At least Quatre's polite when he's talking.
Wufei finally came jogging up, before looking questioningly at Duo, his small framed glasses slightly fogged up. I shook my head before Wufei could ask who Duo was, and turned, walking, toward the school.
"Hey!" I heard Duo yell behind us, annoyed at being left. I could hear him walking toward us, and grimaced.
He wormed his way in between Wufei and I, before grinning at Wufei. Does this guy have any other facial expressions? Or… Nevermind.
"Heero's being rude, and apparently doesn't hold with him the common gesture of introduction. I'm Duo, and I'm new in town." Duo stated, after giving me one hell of a look.
Wufei stared blankly at Duo, but still managed to keep pace, and not trip. "Chang Wufei," He said. I think his brain was running on the same tracks of thought that mine had been earlier. About this guy and his talking, anyway.
By the time we had gotten to the school grounds, I was beyond ready to hit something, or someone. I missed the companionable silence that Wufei and I held. I liked my quietness, I liked only making actions that were necessary to get the job done.
Duo did nothing of this. All the way to school, he was talking, bouncing, trying to get us to talk. Only once did Wufei talk, and that was to scream at Duo to shut up. I felt oddly proud when he did that. But still pretty pissed.
As we entered the building, I nodded a farewell to Wufei, since we only shared so many classes, and first period was not one that we shared. I was ready to dump Duo in the halls, when he bit his lip and looked nervously around.
"Saa… Heero, do you mind telling me where the main office is?" He asked, looking rather lost.
I was about to tell him to go find it himself, but Mrs. Noin, the vice principle magically knew that I was about to do this, and stood over us, smiling.
"Ah, Heero! I see you've found our newest student! I'm glad that you two have made friends so quickly! You'll do well to escort Mr. Maxwell to the main office, and to all of his classes." She said, almost victoriously.
"But, Mrs. Noin-" I interjected. What about my own damn classes?
"Ah, ah, ah," She wagged a finger at me. "Do as your told. And anyway, most of your classes, he'll be taking.
"Oh, dear. It looks like some of the students got a hold of some toothpaste. I have to go take care of that," She said, dejectedly, glancing over our heads to some students who were having toothpaste fights. "Duo, it was good to meet you, and I hope you enjoy your stay here."
Mrs. Noin hurried off to calm the students down, and I turned to glower and the sheepishly smiling Duo.
Rolling my eyes, I roughly grabbed his coat-covered arm, and dragged him down the hall.
By the end of the school day, I was fairly angry and annoyed. This Duo kid was one of the biggest nuisances ever. He kept talking, and people kept talking back to him. He was a regular little social bug, and forced me to endure it. I am not a people person. I don't want to be a people person, either, for the record.
When the final bell rang, I vanished from him, and all but ran to the apartment, after informing Wufei that I had to help Quatre make dinner.
Usually I stopped by to talk to Howard on the way back, but I didn't feel like risking meeting up with Duo again.
When I got to the complex, and up the stairs, I was sore and tired. Sore from the odd sleeping I had done that night. And I wasn't sure why I was tired.
I opened the door-which was rather odd, because it should have been locked,--and kicked off my jacket and shoes at the door. Again.
I looked up, and surprisingly met the gaze of my older brother.
"Going to put those up?" He asked, rhetorically.
Rolling my eyes, I put away my backpack, jacket and shoes. As if it mattered.
"Oi, Heero," Quatre called out from the kitchen.
I wondered briefly why they both were home. Usually Quatre or Trowa had evening classes.
"We're expecting company over tonight. One of our new professors." Quatre continued. He said something quietly to Trowa, who had just entered the kitchen, but I couldn't make it out.
"Sucking up to the new teachers? That's pretty low." I don't know why I was compelled to utter this. Maybe it was from hanging around that idiot all day.
Quatre stared at me through the little window in the kitchen. Trowa recovered first. "No. Some of the students were assigned to make the professors feel more at home in town."
I nodded slowly, still trying to figure out just why I said what I did, before trekking into my room.
When Quatre called me out to greet our guest, I was engrossed in a book, and upset to have been disturbed, but I came out anyway.
A man stood a few feet into the apartment, incredibly long platinum blond hair hanging just at the beginning of his thighs. Bangs fell heavily into bright blue eyes, a smile gracing his face politely, as he took off his jacket. He was wearing.. well, what I figured professors would not wear. A pair of black jeans and a white business shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and the buttons only buttoned to the second to last button down at his collar.
"Heero, this is Milliardo Peacecraft, one of our new professors this coming semester." Trowa said. He looked a little uncomfortable from speaking so much. Not that I blamed him.
I put out a hand in his direction, and nodded in a polite-sort of greeting. "Nice to meet you."
"You, too, Heero. I don't know if you've met my cousin yet, but I think he's struggling with his shoes outside your door, if you'd like to say hi." He said kindly, after shaking my hand firmly.
Right after Milliardo had said what he did, Duo almost fell through our doorway, before catching himself on the doorframe. "Oi! Heero! I didn't know you were related to these people!" He said, almost shocked.
The only think I knew, was that I was mildly pissed off.
