Disclaimers: Don't own ANYTHING, just borrowing.
Warnings: Shounen Ai/Yaoi 2+1/2x1, 3+4; 5+S, OOC, Lots of fluff and sap, Romance, mild language, Duo's POV.
Notes: I don't know, it seemed like a good idea at the time getting a mission to care for Quatre's niece and Duo and Heero finding each other along the way. It sounded fun to me. Excuse errorz. Enjoy!
Argh. I know this part is REALLY late. Gomen nasai -_-; I wanted to get it in earlier, but my friend had a problem. She's bein' a baka. Anyway, I just thought that I'd finish this bit in time fr Thanksgiving for you ^_^.
There's a reviewer's thanks at the bottom. The feedback was great, arigato! It's so nice to know that people enjoyed this bit of work. I really couldn't have finished without the encouragement. Besides, it's fun to hear what you have to say, some are very humorous and make me laugh on gloomy days. Heehee. Some give me ideas, and some are great reflections and yeahyeah, okay. I'll stop. ^_^
Well, here's the last part, enjoy!
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First Kiss Delayed
Part 8: Tuesday, Ninmu Kanyou
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The next day I didn't wake up to soft sunlight or the sound of Heero's breath, instead I woke to the loud heavy rain knocking on the glass windows. A gray sky hovered over the city today. Sunlight was not permitted to shine.
I kissed Heero on the lips to start our day off. Mmm...I could do this any time I wanted to now. I remembered what he had asked me last night and was sadden knowing that today would be the last time Heero cooked breakfast for the three of us. I wouldn't hear the question 'what are we going to do today?'. I wouldn't see Rachael's bright face tomorrow morning only twenty four hours away...
"Duo...?"
"Hai, come on Heero, we have to help Rachael pack."
Heero looked down, I don't think he wanted her to leave either. She had grown on to both of us in only a week's time. Rachael was like a fungus. She was a fungus that spread quickly and clang tightly.
Listen to me, I'm comparing Rach to a *fungus*...but in a good way. If that's possible.
We rose from the bed and proceed to what we would usually did in the morning, even if was for a week it seemed like we had been living like this for much, much longer.
"Ohayo gojaimas Uncle Heero and Uncle Duo!" Rachael said in her usual cheery voice.
"Ohayo." we replied with a somewhat of an empty tone.
Heero set out a plate of waffles and pancakes while I poured us all a cup of milk.
"What's wrong Uncle Duo? You seem gloomy today, I thought that you and Uncle Heero getting together would make you happy..."
Heero sat down and I kissed him on the cheek, "I am happy."
About Heero and I at least. I'd always be happy about that. It's my dream come true.
BeepBeep
"I'll get it." Rachael walked over to the vidphone, "Moshi moshi? Ohayo gojaimas Mommy!"
I heard Rachael squeal. Heero was picking and nibbling at his food at his food.
"Oh yeah...I almost forgot..." we heard Rachael say softly into the phone, "Hai, 9:00 AM." The girl's bright face dimmed as she listened to her mother, "Hai...Hai...bye."
Click
"What did you mother say?" I asked, but I already knew the answer.
"I'm...I'm leaving today...at 9 AM, is that why you look so sad?" she wondered sincerely.
I nodded, "But we had fun, ne?"
"Hai." Rachael picked at her food like Heero. You know, I've noticed from the past week that the girl did many things like Heero. She ate similar to Heero, and learned and observed like him too.
But she could also be loud like me.
It's weird I tell ya.
We ate our breakfast slowly in silence. Apparently none of us were too thrilled about Rachael's departure. I tried to liven things up, but failed horribly. Take my word for it, I'm not even going to explain.
"I'm going to pack now..." Rachael said as I took the plates and rinsed them like I usually did, then Heero and I walked to Rachael's room.
"Need any help?" I asked. Rachael nodded and Heero and I gathered her belongings. Rachael packed all of her stuff into her bags and Heero took it out to the car.
"Do you have everything?"
Rachael was on the egde of her bed swinging her feet back and forth then nodded, "I think so..."
BeepBeep
I went into the living room and picked up the vidphone, "Moshi moshi?"
"Duo?"
"Oh, hey Quat, what's up?"
"Nothing fun I'll tell you that much. May I speak to Rachael?"
"Sure." I turned towards Rachael's room, "Rach, phone."
Rachael nodded and made her way to the vidphone, "Uncle Quatre!"
"Good morning Rachael. How are you?"
Rachael bit her lip, "Well, I don't really want to leave quite yet."
"I know. You didn't leave anything unfinished did you?" Quat asked, what does he mean by that?
Rachael shook her head, "No, I did everything that I needed to. Definite success."
I caught a glimpse of Quatre's warm smiles, "Good." he said, then his smile turned serious, "Rachael, I'm afraid I will not be able to see you off at the shuttle station today..."
Rachael's eyes widened a bit, "But why...? We hardly had any time to spend with you!"
"I'm sorry, it's just that I have something to take care of. Good news is, Uncle Trowa will be there if you'd like."
"Uncle Trowa? I would like that very much Uncle Quatre, though I really would like to see you both together." Rachael smiled, "But I understand if you cannot make it."
"Thank you, I'm really sorry. I'll have to say good bye over the vidphone."
The girl nodded, "Okay. I'll miss you Uncle Quatre."
"I'll miss you too. Come back and visit soon, alright? I'll tell Uncle Trowa to meet you at the shuttle station. Give my love to your mother and you for me."
"Mmhmm!" Rachael agreed, "Good bye Uncle Quatre!"
"Good bye Rachael."
Click
Damn. Quat makes good byes sound so easy, though I would expect him to make them more difficult that necessary. Sometimes at least. I guess since she sees him more often, it's not as hard.
"Alright Rach, double check your stuff, okay?" Rachael nodded and bounced off to her room.
BeepBeep
Argh. This is really getting annoying. Nevertheless, I picked up the vidphone. "Hai, Duo here, speak."
"Duo? It's Une. You sound terrible." Hmph. She should be the one to talk. And didn't see tell me that last Tuesday? "Your mission will be completed as soon as you drop Rachael off at the shuttle station."
"I know, at 9:00 AM, right?"
"Hai, then you are to report back to Preventors HQ, both of you."
"Aa." I replied.
"That's it."
"Ja ne."
Click
I walked into the master bedroom and found Heero, "Hee-chan, I think we should get our things too. We have to go back to HQ after we drop Rachael off."
"Aa..."
Heero and I packed our belongings and put them in the back seat.
I glanced down at my watch, it was 8:30 already. "We should get going or we'll miss your flight."
Deep down, I wished that she would miss her shuttle to L4.
"Hai." Rachael put on her Gundam shoes and we all headed for the car.
Gundam shoes...I wouldn't ever see them on her little feet again, I thought to myself as we walked out of the safehouse. They're so cute on her.
The drive was hard; one because of the heavy rain made it difficult to see, and the fact that Rachael was leaving. How many times have I said that? At first I only wanted the mission for Heero because he would be there with me, I didn't think I would actually take a liking for the child. I hadn't counted on making such a sad farewell either.
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"Mommy!" Rachael shouted and ran to her mother's arms.
"Hello Rachael, did you have a good time?"
"Hai!"
Iria stood up and hugged me, "Arigato. I really appreciated it Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Yuy."
"You're welcome, we had fun."
"Rachael, say good bye to your uncles."
Rachael hugged Heero first sadly on the verge of tears, "Uncle Heero!" she cried, "Arigato...I'm going to miss you."
"Sayonara...Rachael." he said just above a whisper.
"Remember what I said Uncle Heero," Rachael kissed Heero on the cheek, "Sayonara."
What did she say?
The girl released Heero, tears streaming down her cheeks and ran over to me, "Uncle Duo!" she was crying freely now.
"Don't cry Rachael."
"But I don't want to leave yet!"
"It's alright, you can always visit us whenever you want."
Rachael nodded. This goodbye was harder than I thought. Rachael could visit us anytime she wanted, demo...it wouldn't be the same.
"I'll miss you though...and I'll miss Uncle Heero's breakfast...and your random laughing." she said.
"We'll miss you too, we'll miss you alot...give us a call sometime, ne?"
The blonde reached into her pocket and handed me a folded piece of paper, "This is for you and Uncle Heero." she said, "You can open it now if you want."
"What is it?" Heero asked.
Rachael smiled, "It's a present."
I unfolded the paper with Heero who was looking over my shoulder; I must say I was rather surprised. It was a drawing. A colored drawing of the three of us: Heero, Rachael, and me. It was a typical 'family picture' that a seven year-old would draw. The one with a nice, bright, yellow sun in the left hand corner, blue sky with with lumpy clouds, and green grass with a small box and a triangle on top of it. Next to the house was us. Heero on the left, Rachael in the middle, and me on the right all holding hands with happy faces.
"I drew it when Uncle Heero was sick." Rachael said.
I couldn't help but smile, it wasn't the best work of art, but the meaning behind it was stronger than any painting I had ever seen.
I'm thinking passionate thoughts of a simple picture, that's how badly I want her to stay.
"It's very good, Rachael." I heard Heero say.
"Yeah, it is." The way we were drawn from her was precious. Really. I chuckled seeing Heero, it wasn't too far from the real him, you could tell from the extremely messy hair. "Thank you." I said.
"Rachael..." a deep yet muted voice called from behind me. I could recognize it from anywhere. Rachael's eyes grew wide, "Uncle Trowa!" she exclaimed then ran to the known figure. I turned around. Yep, my suspicions were correct.
The girl pounced on her other uncle, "Uncle Trowa! I almost thought you wouldn't come!" she said. A twing of jealousy built up in my chest from Rachael clinging to our former comrade. It's not that I was jealous that Rachael was hugging Trowa, it was from the fact that he could do it anytime he wanted. He and Quatre would always be first. I mean, the main purpose of visiting Earth is to see Uncle Quatre and Trowa THEN Unlce Duo and Heero.
But I shouldn't think like that.
Anyway, Rachael hugged her unibanged uncle tightly, "I'll miss you Uncle Trowa!"
"We'll all miss you Rachael."
The ex-Heavy Arms pilot and young girl said their good byes as Heero and I watched. It appears that whoever Rachael met, she was never forgotten, but always loved. Must be great.
"Rachael, come along now, we have to leave." Iria called entering the shuttle.
"Hai." she looked up and pecked me and Tro-man on the cheek like with Heero, "Sayonara, Uncle Duo, Uncle Trowa, and Uncle Heero..." she turned around and ran into the space shuttle.
"Sayonara, Rachael." I said as she left.
Heero and I watched Rachael depart from the shuttle station. She looked out the window and waved to us sadly smiling. I didn't want her to go. I wanted her to stay here with Heero and me on earth. Over the past week was a different experience for the both of us. We learned so much about things we never knew. Heero and his encounters with the new things that he had digested and I taking care of someone for a change.
The best was finally finding each other.
And we had the girl to thank.
Thank her for the effort she put into us. For pushing us closer. For being a good 'niece'.
I smiled sadly and waved back. I really was sad to see her go. We might not ever see her again, and even if we did, Heero and I knew that she wouldn't be the same. She wouldn't be a little girl anymore.
The little blonde girl with Gundam shoes, cute smile, and warm heart.
I sound...so...sappy...
"I'm gonna miss her Hee-chan."
"Hai, me too."
The emerald eyed one chuckled lightly, "I see she's gotten to you too."
"Hn."
"But I guess it's good to have someone so innocent as her in our life." Trowa stated. Yeah, I know what he meant. And now she was leaving.
"Let's go Hee-chan." I said wrapping an arm loosely around the cobalt eyed boy. Heero nodded, "See ya, Tro."
Trowa smirked, "She's definitely gotten to you."
I cocked an eyebrow as Heero and I walked out of the station. Gotten to us? Exactly what way is he implying?
Heero and I were quiet on our way to the Preventers HQ, when we arrived, I kissed Heero in the car before we entered the building. Heero kissed back, both of us not wanting to part or take a step into the building. When we finally stopped to take a breath, we just sat in the car, neither of us moving for a while.
"Ninmu kanyou..." Heero whispered, but it was a sad whisper.
"Hai, mission complete."
It didn't feel like I had completed anything.
It's as if when Rachael left, she took a part of us too.
As you can see, it might take me a while to get over her departure.
I finally opened the door and got out. I took Heero's bag from the back seat and carried it inside with me, Heero followed me into the building knowing that our cubicles were right across from each other.
My box...I hadn't been in my box for a whole week...
And I wasn't even missing it.
~!~!~!~!~
I entered my cubicle still holding Heero's belongings and sat down.
"Duo...?" Heero asked.
"Aa?"
"What now?"
"I don't know..."
There we were; all depressed, me sitting in my box, and Heero right outside the entrance. I don't even know if it was really necessary to be depressed and everything, but we were.
Why was I so sad that Rachael left? I mean, shouldn't I be happy that the munchkin is going back home and Heero and I can live happily? Alone without a little girl to watch out for? Isn't that how it's suppose to be? Shouldn't we be relieved instead of saddened and depressed?
Suddenly Une appeared, "Maxwell, I'll be needing that mission report by this afternoon." she said.
I waved an unconcerned hand, "Yeah, yeah."
I hate mission reports.
"Yuy, can I see you in my office?" Une asked as she passed through the boxes much like last week, but this time I wasn't going with him.
"Hai." he replied and walked to Une's office.
I put my hands behind my head and leaned back in my chair, what WERE we going to do now?
~!~!~!~!~
Moments later Heero came back and opened the drawer to his desk. I heard a familiar metallic click.
I poked my head out of my box, "Where are you going?" I asked.
"I have a solo mission."
"Top secret, or will you tell me?"
Heero looked at me seriously, "I'm assigned to be Relena's body guard tonight when she makes her speech." he replied.
"Relena? She's still here? You're leaving now?"
"Hai."
Great. Not only has Rachael left, but HEERO'S leaving too...
And when I thought everything was going to get better.
Just my luck.
"How long?" I asked.
"That's unknown." I walked into Heero's box and put his stuff on the desk.
I encircled my arms around his slender waist, "Just be careful alright?" I told him, Heero nodded. I bent down and gently kissed him, Heero wrapped his arms around my neck.
"Maxwell??? Yuy???"
Heero and I pulled apart only to see what disturbed us.
"Wufei?"
"I never thought that it would work..." an Asian boy whispered barely, probably so we wouldn't hear, but if I could catch the words, I'm sure as hell Heero did too. "Do you know what this means, Maxwell?" he asked with a louder tone.
I shook my head, "No."
"It means that I owe Sally a month's pay! The injustice!" He shouted, then calmed himself, "In any case, congradulation, it's about time. Just keep all of that romantic stuff out of the office." with that Wufei left. Heero pouted and I cocked an eyebrow. What did he mean 'it's about time' and 'I never thought that it would work'? I shrugged as we resumed kissing. I didn't want Heero to leave me too, especially when I needed someone now, but a mission is a mission.
I broke the kiss with Heero, "Don't be gone too long, ne?" I smiled. Heero nodded and left the cubicle. I watched his back side until he turned and I couldn't see him anymore. I went back into my box to write a damn mission report.
Can someone tell me why I'm so sad???
~!~!~!~!~
It took forever until lunch hour came, and when it did, everybody took their lunch break except for me. I kept looking at the empty office across from mine, I wanted Heero to be there, but he wasn't...
"Why so down Duo?"
I looked up from my chair only to see Lucrezia Noin, "It's nothing..."
Noin snorted, "When Duo Maxwell decides that he's going to miss his lunch break, there is DEFINITELY something wrong. Wanna talk about it?"
I shook my head, "Not really..."
"Alright, so I take it you won't even have a bite to eat with me?"
"I'm not all that hungry, but thanks anyway." I replied politely turning her down, "Besides, they *never* have what I want down there in that cafeteria."
They don't. It's all gloppy shit that plops down on your plate. It's disgusting. I hate the cafeteria food. They only have one dish that I actually like, and it's NEVER EVER EVER served unless I'm away on a mission or something. They probably served it all last week while I was gone.
Damn.
This day was no fun.
"Suit yourself. I'll see you later." Noin said walking away.
I couldn't help but think that last week at this time Rachael, Heero, and I were at the mall eating ice cream...
~!~!~!~!~
"Duo?" a tentative voice asked. I turned my head only to see a familiar blonde. The figure's eyes reminded me so much of Rachael's aqua ones. They were almost the same shade.
"Yeah, Quat?"
"Noin told me that you we're taking you lunch break, is everything alright?"
I nodded, "Everything's cool."
"Duo, you know that you can tell me anything, don't you?"
I nodded.
"Well?"
I sighed, "Heero and I didn't want Rach to leave is all."
I heard a sound come from Quatre. Surprisingly, it was a chuckle, "I know what you mean. She's apart of you now Duo. Like she is of Trowa and me. She's an amazing girl."
"Yeah." I replied.
"How are you and...Heero doing?"
"Good."
Quatre gave somewhat of a pout, "Good? That's it? The Duo Maxwell I know consist of many words and elaborates on nearly everything he says. What is along the lines of 'good' if I may ask...?" he said knowingly. I inwardly chuckled, I'm glad that I have friends like Quatre.
I was silent for a moment. Then I told him, "We kissed..."
Quatre's eyes lit up, "Honto ni???"
I nodded and my lips twitched into something of a tiny smile as I remembered yesterday. Damn. Yesterday seemed so far away. As if it was a wonderful dream. A wonderful dream with a happy ending. But the following morning was a gloomy beginning. Then I was embraced with a hug from the other boy.
"Duo! I'm so happy for you!" Quatre said.
"Yeah." I'm glad to see that my mood hasn't effected everyone. That wouldn't be good, and I would feel guilty. I should stop thinking about Rachael's departure and get over it. She's great kid, but she isn't ours. Ours. I never thought there would be an 'our'.
"So what are you guys going to do now?" he asked.
...
...
...
...
My tiny smile dissolved as well as my decision to get over the girl.
"I don't know..."
Quatre's smile faltered a bit too, "Oh..." all in the same moment, his smile was replaced with a hopeful one, "Don't worry, everything will work out, Duo. It always has."
"I hope so."
~!~!~!~!~
When the day was over at 6 PM, I walked around the city exploring the roads all over again, alone in the pouring rain which never stopped that day. I watched as happy couples and families passed by me, the three of us were like that when we were together. Laughing, smiling, and just having a good time.
Happy.
I passed the mall we went to last Tuesday. Then the hotel Relena was staying at. I wondered what Heero was up to. Chances are, he was probably up in Miss Relena's room helping her decide what to wear. I sighed.
Next I walked passed the deserted fair. It was empty and closed, I could see the tip of the majestic carousel and the ferris wheel was still up. I shut my eyes and remembered Heero and me on the very top of the wheel when I gave Heero a teddy bear. He was so content, not to mention cute. Maybe if I had kissed him up there, things would be more joyful. And the whereabouts of our relationship wouldn't be so foggy. But like Quatre had said, everything will work out. I guess it didn't matter where I kissed him (even if the park was really perfect). At least we finally did it. Great, how sad is this? I'm tearing apart the past. If I keep this up, I'll ruin it for myself. Not fun. Think happy Heero thoughts, I told myself.
I love him to the point that it hurts.
Who would have thought?
Sure, I've loved...if you want to call relationships in my past that, though...it was never like this. It's like the love I felt for them and love
But everything will work out.
I sighed and looked up, I didn't even realize that I had already passed the ice skating rink and arcade. We had fun there. I really enjoyed that. And the look on Heero and Rachael's faces, they did too. I kept walking.
I was sure to avoid the safehouse.
By the time I passed the park it was about 11:45 PM, the park was where our first kiss was. I decided to take a walk through there. Everything was so dark. I sat on a swing where Heero had sat just yesterday...yesterday seemed so far away in the past...so very, very far away.
I said that already didn't I?
I got out of the swing and walked up to the highest tower.
When I arrived, I sat down and thought about what had happened between me and Heero. If it was really right to kiss him, if we should have accepted the mission in the first place. He never said that he loved me, but then again...
Neither did I.
Even if I truly did from the bottom of hell to the top of heaven and throughout the universe...
Why must I doubt and contradict everything that I say???
I stayed in the park for an hour then left for Preventers to get my car. I felt kinda stupid, why didn't I drive to all the places in the first place? This depressing state has effected the function of my mind boggled brain. Fun.
Not.
It only took thirty minutes to walk back to the Head Quaters. Soaked from the rain, I got into my car and drove away to my apartment that had been abandoned for a short while.
My apartment, I remember the time Heero walked in when I was brushing my teeth and when I reached over him to get the remote control. I walked in with the bag I had packed for the mission. The apartment was so cold, it didn't feel like...home. As I walked into the bathroom, I stripped myself of my clothes and stepped into the shower turning on the cold water all the way.
My shower wasn't as soothing as it would have been last week, instead of feeling good, it stung and...it hurt. Why haven't I felt this way before? Despite that, I stayed in the water for an hour and a half just thinking...
~!~!~!~!~
I wrapped a towel around my waist and reached for my brush which normally would have been on my counter...
"Where is it?" I asked no one, "It must be in my bag..." I went to the bedroom and retrieved the small bag.
Nope. Not only was my brush not there, but neither were my pictures.
"K'so...I must have left them at the safehouse...!"
I debated with myself whether or not I should go get it since it was just a brush...my FAVORITE brush. I ended up combing my hair with my hands, even if I didn't need the brush, I sure as hell needed the pictures, it was the only thing left of Rachael and Heero that I had.
Eh, I could get them in the morning.
............or so I told myself.
I threw myself on the bed and closed my eyes.
Two hours later I was still up thinking about the pictures. I looked over at my alarm clock, it was almost 3 in the morning and I still had the safehouse key...
I heaved myself up and started my car.
~!~!~!~!~
I turned on the lights in the safehouse living room, I so badly wanted Heero or Rachael to be there, but it was just me. Just me all alone in the small house, I cursed myself for coming, it wouldn't help anything...
I walked over to the couch and saw my Korean series, Heero and I never finished it and it's likely that we never will. I walked into Rachael's room. I could smell her blond locks of hair and feel the warmth that radiated from her smile. I missed her since she got on that damn shuttle.
How could a week pass by so fast?
Well, as they say: time flies when you're having fun.
Next time, if there is a next time, I'll be sure not to have a great time so it will last longer.
Okay, that's just a terrible solution.
KnockKnock
I jumped, who could be at the door at this time?
I opened the wooden barrier between the unexpected visitor and me.
My eyes grew wide.
"Heero???"
Well this was a surprise.
And a good one mind you.
Heehee, I think I'm feeling better already...even if my facial expression doesn't say it.
I stood in front of the door shocked. Heero was standing outside drenched with water only wearing a thin tanktop and goddamned spandex. Goodness, the poor thing is going to catch a cold or something.
"Duo........." he said softly, almost as if he couldn't believe it was really me standing in front of him.
"Heero, you're all wet, you're going to get sick again..." I pulled Heero inside and helped him undress from his wet clothes. "What are you doing here?"
"I-I forgot my laptop..." Heero said uneasily, "What about you?"
"I left my brush and pictures somewhere here..."
"Why couldn't you wait until morning?" he asked.
"Why couldn't you?"
"...I was after I realized that I had forgotten it, and I tried to sleep." Heero paused and looked down, "But couldn't." he shook his head, "That's not the real reason that I came back here for." Heero took in a breath. I figured he was just going to tell me straight out, "I...I really wanted to come back here to see you and Rachael..."
"...me too." Heero was down to his spandex which were his only dry attire. I suppose, since after all, they *are* spandex. I grabbed a blanket for him and we sat on the couch.
"Duo...I miss not being here with Rachael, even if it's only been less than a day..."
"Same here." I replied.
"but...I missed you more..." Heero said latching on to me, I hugged Heero and kissed the top of his wet hair.
"I missed you too..." I replied. My voice had a twing of affectionate mockery, not that I'm makin' fun of Hee-chan or anything, it's just that his 'I miss you' seemed much more than it really was. Switching the subject I asked, "How was your mission?"
Heero glared, "Relena gets on my nerves."
I chuckled aloud for the first time today. I kissed Heero on his forehead, "What about me?"
Heero shook his head, "I like being with you." he said and rested his head on my shoulder. Aw, he's so sweet. "Duo?"
"Hm?"
"She found out about us."
She found out about us?
How could she do that?
*WE* us found out about us yesterday.
It seemed as if the whole world was spying on us.
And we weren't even celebraties.
"She did?" I wondered. I wanna hear this bit of conversation.
Heero nodded, "She yelled at me too."
I frowned at the thought of someone yelling at Heero.
She yelled at him? Why? What for?
"What did she say Heero?"
"She said that I was better with her."
"Did she?"
Heero nodded again, "She said that she could give me everything. Everything I could ever want."
This is just perfect. She's trying to brain wash *my* Heero.
"What did you tell her?" I asked remaining calm.
Heero sighed, "At first, I didn't say anything, but she wouldn't stop yelling and griping at me about how she and I could be the 'perfect couple', how we 'belonged together', what 'mistake' I'm making." Heero glared.
"At first you didn't say anything, what about after?"
The Japanese boy was silent for a second, "...I told her that she could never give me everything I wanted, " he paused, "and that she did not know what I wanted. She told me I could have anything. I said 'alright, give me everything'." Heero's glare deepened, "'Name it,' she said, 'anything, and it will be yours.'"
I cocked an eyebrow. He agreed???
Heero looked at me, "'Anything?' I replied. She nodded."
Get to the point! Please! You're driving me crazy Hee-chan!
Hmm...even more than usual. Fun.
"'Give me everything Relena. Give me everything and anything that I could ever want'." Heero said, "'Give me Duo Maxwell.'" he smiled just a bit, "'WHAT?!' she screeched. I repeated me words, 'Give me Duo Maxwell, that's all I want.'"
My heart filled with joy as I absorbed what he was saying. Who ever knew that Heero Yuy was capable to say such emotional words as those? Such sweet words that erase all pain that ever existed. Sweet words on my behalf though. He's an angel. I know it.
But can an angel possibly admit their love to the devil?
And could a devil accept such innocence?
"What did she say to that?" I asked.
"She wouldn't accept just as I predicted. And do you want to know what I said back to her endless whines?"
"What's that Hee-chan?"
Heero smirked, "Omae o korosu bitch."
Woah. That made my day.
I held back the urge to laugh and grinned instead, "Did you really Heero Yuy?"
"Hai, she didn't mention anything about it the rest of the night."
"Go Hee-chan!" I cheered. I smiled a true smile and Heero did the same. I bent down and caught his lips. Of course he accepted. When we seperated, I decided to change the topic. Screw Relena.
"Did you have fun this week?"
"Hai."
"Yeah, what did you like best?" I asked. Talking to Heero made me feel alot less depressed, Gods I love him.
Heero reached up and blew in my face then kissed me, "That."
He's so cute.
I kissed him back. Then I got up and walked over to the kitchen. Flicking on the light I saw papers on the table.
"What the hell...?" I took a closer look at the documents.
They were papers to lease the safe house...
"Nani?" Heero asked walking over towards me.
There was a note next to the papers.
/Duo, I'm sure you feel a comfort in this house, lease it and live happily. Everything will work out.
-Quatre/
The note read. I didn't know what he meant when he said to buy the house and live happily. I pulled Heero into a random kiss because he was just there, I felt him melt into my arms. I'm tellin' ya, it give me the best feeling inside when he does that.
"Duo...?" he asked half-lidded.
"Aa?"
"Can I ask you something...important?"
"Hai."
".........do you.....l-love me...?"
Wow.
What a question for him to ask.
Wow.
I just said that didn't I? But...
Wow.
"Duo?"
Who would have known that Heero would make the first move? Oh hell, who can blame him? I wasn't doing anything. I'm such a baka! I chuckled to myself and looked into Heero's eyes, "Hee-chan, you have NO idea."
Heero smiled then wrapped his arms around my neck and leaned into my ear. For some time he was quiet, then he whispered, "Ai-ai shiteru..........." he drew away and waited for me to say something. At least I think that's why. But...
Aw, how sweet, he said 'ai shiteru'.
Ai shiteru??? Ai shiteru!
Woah, woah, woah. Stop, rewind. Did he really say that?
What came out of my mouth was the stupidest reply I have ever said.
"......wha?" I swear I sounded like some dead toned, blood-shot eyed, stoned *IDIOT* on New Year's eve.
"Baka." he said with amusment and leaned up towards my ear a second time, "Ai shiteru........" he whispered again, I'm assuming it was again.
That was *EXTREMELY* out of character of him, I nearly fainted. Luckily I didn't. I collected my thoughts and realized that Heero just told me that he loved me. I hadn't heard wrong. He loves me! He loves me! I knew it all along, but he *said* that he loved me!
I held him and kissed him again and again and again, he didn't know how long I've been waiting for this, "Ai shiteru, zutto..." I replied, Heero looked up at me with his gorgeous prussian eyes.
"Zutto?" he asked.
I kissed him passionately, "Hai...ai shiteru zutto."
"Ai shiteru zutto." Heero said.
I smiled at the boy, I knew it. He loved me from the start.
My Heero loved me.
And I loved him.
"Duo, it's late..." Heero whispered.
"Hai, let's go to bed." I took Heero's hand and walked to the bedroom, it was just as we left it.
Heero and I slid into bed and I kissed him yet another time, "Oyasumi, koi."
"Oyasumi."
Thirty minutes later passed and neither of us could sleep both from the excitement of our admitted love and axiety not knowig what to do now.
Heero shifted in my arms, "Are you going to do it?"
"Do what?"
"Buy the safe house..."
"I don't know..."
We lay there in silence. I was thinking about it, maybe it wouldn't be so cold, maybe it would remind me of memories, maybe Heero would--
Realization hit me like a ton of acme bricks.
Maybe it was the biggest hint Quat had ever tried to leave me and I'm totally over looking it.
I'm such a *BAKA*!
I grinned, I knew what to do all I needed was the approval. Time to work.
"It would be weird to live in a house like this with only one person, don't cha think Hee-chan..." I said cutting my thoughts short, "Unless..." my voice faded.
"Unless what?" Heero asked curiously.
"...unless you stay with me."
Heero didn't say anything for a long time, I was actually thinking that he had the urge to fall asleep on me, "Heero?"
"Duo, I want to stay with you forever..." he barely whispered.
That was what I wanted to hear.
I kissed him.
And dammit, I like kissing him!
I rose from the bed, "Where are you going?" Heero asked getting up to follow me.
"To sign the papers."
Heero smiled.
Everything will work out.
And ya know what else?
He's so cute.
~!~!~!~!~
The next day, everyone knew about us getting together. Oh my Shinigami. I walked into my box and there were balloons everywhere with 'congrats' scribbled on it. People we didn't know were plaguing us with personal questions. Somehow, a yaoi 2x1 fan club was formed in the office snapping pictures of us every time we touched each other. Crazy new hentai minded college school girl graduates. Not that I minded the attention...
I think Heero was alittle uncomfortable with all the things happening. Heehee, guess who he ran to when he was scared of that mob of fan girls chasing him.
That's right, me!
But ya know what was the creepiest thing of all?
The cafeteria had my favorite lunch up and ready for me.
Things were goin' my way.
~!~!~!~!~!~
A week later while at home, Heero and I received a letter from Rachael...
/Konnichi wa, Uncle Duo and Uncle Heero!
How are you? Everything is fine up here. Uncle Quatre told me that you two had bought the safehouse. I think that's great! I miss you both. I have something for you, it's in the evelope. I would have given it to you sooner, but it took a long time to get, but I finally got it!
Some many things have happened since I arrived home. It's weird. Remember that annoying boy who followed me around at the arcade? Well, he turns out to be one of my classmates. I used to dislike him, but we're very good friends now. He says that he wants to marry me, but I think I'm too young to get married. Sometimes I think he's really strange the way he acts. I mean, why would he tell me that he wants to marry me if he has his own girlfriend? Oh well. I'll have time to figure it out when I'm older.
Boys nowadays sure are crazy.
Speaking of crazy, Uncle Duo and Uncle Heero...I suppose I'll have to tell you some time. I have a 'confession' to make. I don't know if you know or not, but...I was deliberately sent to Earth for you guys to take care of me. True my mother needed to help the Preventers at the time, but Uncle Quatre suggested that they put me to some use for as Aunt Sally and all the others say 'hook you up'. I agreed to help thus making it a personal mission for myself. In other words I was sent to get you together.
I believe that the mission was a success, I just hope you aren't disappointed with me and that this doesn't affect our relationship as uncles and niece. I really did have fun and I really do miss you. I cried on the shuttle until I got home.
Mother says that I could visit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even next summer since we will be going to Earth to visit Uncle Quatre, but only if it's all right with you both first.
Well, Mother is calling me to eat dinner. I can't wait until I see you again! Don't forget to get that thing out of the envelope.
~Rachael
P.S. Pilots 01 and 02, you're my lifetime heroes./
She knew all a long. She knew about us, our feelings, and our identities. I smiled to myself, so she was *supposed* to get us together. It was her *mission*. Even if I never said it before, deep down I knew it. Heero and I were *set up* then knocked down by her falling in the exact places she wanted. I knew it.
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!
And I'm glad she did it.
"I knew it." I said.
"Me too."
From reading that letter, all traces of Rachael not coming back as the little girl that Heero and I both adored was discarded in the pile of horrid nightmare and forgotten memories that would never haunt us. From then on, we knew she would return to us as the same child. She would see us in the near future as a wonderful young lady and she would still be Rachael.
Everything will work out.
And we'll see Rachael again.
I retrieved the envelope and we pulled out a rectangular piece of what felt like photo paper.
"I can't believe it."
"Neither can I."
It was a picture of our first kiss in the park. It was a lovely picture I had to say. Our eyes were closed, the sun was setting in the background providing perfect lighting. The fortress and it's height gave off an excellent scenic view of the park and everything. And Heero was enchanting as usual, maybe even more. Perhaps that's just in my eyes though.
I smiled.
Our first kiss was delayed, but our lives were on schedule...
~!~!~!~!~
owari
~!~!~!~!~
That's it. That's the ending. I actually finished something! Okay, how many people predicted that Rachael knew and set them up? All of you right? I hope the ending didn't disappoint you, though I think the beginning of this part was kinda boring, I dunno. Maybe it's cause I wrote it. But hey, it's finally finished, ne?
Hmm...I've noticed that some people are reluctant that this has ended. Well, I'll be happy to write a sequel containing another relative of Quatre and Rachael as well. I have a plot and the first part, tell me if anyone's interested and I'll post it for ya!
Well, hope you enjoyed!
~!~!~!~!~
Happy Thanksgiving and arigato minna-san!
Gpilot04: Heehee. I try to make it cute for you guys since some stuff is just too depressing -_-; ^_^ Wah! You think it's the best? Arigato! *glomps back*; Moon Faery: Heehee. I hope this part answered all of your questions. Naughty Tro-chan. He has Quat, ne? He don't need Duo. Hee-chan does!; Moku: Sorry for the long wait of chp, but it's here and now it's over. So you don't have to wait anymore. Heehee. Gettin' to read the story all together is so much fun don't cha think? And could Moku be Mokuren from PSME?; samptra: Awwwww...don't cry? Why did you cry? *hands samptra-chan a tissue* There. All better. ^_^;Loden: Don't catch a cold! Are chills good or bad in this case? ^_^; Rei: Heehee, I'll try for a sequel, but it may take some time. Glad you liked reading it ^_^. One word: arigato!; Darla-La Mosca Tete: Yep, they sure did. And I hope you enjoyed it!; Serafina: Heehee, I'm glad that you like Rachael, she's just like a mini one of us readers ^_^!; LB: Hope you liked the ending LB, Hee-chan and snakes, heehee just another method of *slight* Heero torture. Shh! Don't tell! Pacers??? Don't worry, they'll get better, then they'll have to face the Mavs!; Sugar Goose: Thanks for supporting this fic all the way like you said in your first review, I really appreciated that ^_^. Arcana is so fun though! And Vincent *shivers*, I can't get over him! Mmm...Mikhael and Harley...; Eternal-Sleeper: Then should I say 'Eternal-Sleeper*S*'? Anyway, aw, so sorry that you had to suffer 3 days without the net. I know how you feel, it sux. My friend has suffered about a week now and she's still counting. Little Miss Hyper went to London with Stoic lady??? How was your trip? I'm sure Stoic lady is more fun than you think, ne?; Yume Maxwell-Yuy: Heehee, AIM was fun, ne? But sorry that I had to sign off so soon -_-; stupid school...; joyeuse femme en pain d'epices: Hope I gave you a good enough serve for your craving of 2x1. Arigato!; Tori Sakana: Snakes are so fun! So happy that you think Rachael is cute. Empty-head children...sometimes I think I should fall under that category ^_^.; JAY: Liked where the ficcy was going, huh? Well I hope it ended where you like it too. Arigato!; Nivella: I kept them together so you wouldn't cry ^_^.; Foxfire: Gotta love a sensitive Heero, ne? So glad that you love snakes. So many people don't -_-; Including the Heero in my fics, but Duo always makes it better! Garden snakes probably do have teeth...just not like razor sharp fangs. So do you think a sequel is in or out of the question?; Teira: Light-hearted, yes that's definitely what FKD is cause quite frankly, sometimes don't you get tired of sad, depressing, and gory stuff? I believe that everyone needs a break from the world, ya know? Well, I hope you enjoyed the ending!; shinigami angel: I update! *pouts* But I do wish that I could do them sooner for everyone *smiles*.; Koyuuno The Wonder Inu: Inu...dog...I love dogs...^_^. Eh, I had to bring that up. I'm glad you like Rachael and the story. 1x2 is fun too ^_^, I still read them...just not as much -_-; hmm...I think I want to read one now since you mentioned it...; Elle-Fa Te2x1: Wah... thanks for sticking with this the whole way ^_^, very encouraging to finish, and I did. Hope you liked his part as well. Oi, when's your next update for your page? *looks at Elle-Fa Te2x1 hopefully*; moonbunny317: Hey! If you watch Indiana Jones, you have a life. He's so cool. Don't you think Heero's phobia is kawaii though?; Rain Tenshi: That Rachael. Who does she think she is telling her uncles to do such things! J/k. ^_^; diane: lol, your reviews are so fun to read. *darts eyes* Now why would Duo want to escape the evil chore of responsiblity??? *grins* No idea. Oh, you can't have a park without a pond of some sort ^_^. Aw...I'm sorry that you don't like snakes. You don't know what you're missing. They're so sweet. Not that I'm critizing your opinion mind you. Everyone's entitled to their own thoughts. Aw, no matter how cold Hee-chan is, I think I speak for all when I say he is never unloveable. And we have Duo to prove that ^_^. Heehee, have you even had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ice cream popsicle? That was something! Go America! I'm with ya there (can't forget Korea though). Swings are my fav too. My bro and I go on them anytime we can. Even the baby one. Yep. Click. Did this part answer your question? Well, I hope that it answered all of your other questions too ^_^.; Moonlit Eyes1x2x1: School...and homework. You can't forget the evil homework that comes first. *glares* My stack just gets higher and higher -_-; you don't want it to end? Don't cry! 'Everything will work out'!; Sakura Yuy: Hey Saku-chan! I read and reviewed your fic, it was so fun and sweet. You must update quickly! Anyway, I'll see ya there then, ne?; Hakumei: Heero and Crock Hunter...heehee...*snickers*. Well, hope this part was satisfyin' for ya. ^_^.; CobaltPrincess: Yepyepyep. Glad to know you are enjoying this. And heehee, they kissed in this part too! I'm just happy to know what you think ^_^.
Arigato!
Ja ne!
Warnings: Shounen Ai/Yaoi 2+1/2x1, 3+4; 5+S, OOC, Lots of fluff and sap, Romance, mild language, Duo's POV.
Notes: I don't know, it seemed like a good idea at the time getting a mission to care for Quatre's niece and Duo and Heero finding each other along the way. It sounded fun to me. Excuse errorz. Enjoy!
Argh. I know this part is REALLY late. Gomen nasai -_-; I wanted to get it in earlier, but my friend had a problem. She's bein' a baka. Anyway, I just thought that I'd finish this bit in time fr Thanksgiving for you ^_^.
There's a reviewer's thanks at the bottom. The feedback was great, arigato! It's so nice to know that people enjoyed this bit of work. I really couldn't have finished without the encouragement. Besides, it's fun to hear what you have to say, some are very humorous and make me laugh on gloomy days. Heehee. Some give me ideas, and some are great reflections and yeahyeah, okay. I'll stop. ^_^
Well, here's the last part, enjoy!
~!~!~!~!~
First Kiss Delayed
Part 8: Tuesday, Ninmu Kanyou
~!~!~!~!~
The next day I didn't wake up to soft sunlight or the sound of Heero's breath, instead I woke to the loud heavy rain knocking on the glass windows. A gray sky hovered over the city today. Sunlight was not permitted to shine.
I kissed Heero on the lips to start our day off. Mmm...I could do this any time I wanted to now. I remembered what he had asked me last night and was sadden knowing that today would be the last time Heero cooked breakfast for the three of us. I wouldn't hear the question 'what are we going to do today?'. I wouldn't see Rachael's bright face tomorrow morning only twenty four hours away...
"Duo...?"
"Hai, come on Heero, we have to help Rachael pack."
Heero looked down, I don't think he wanted her to leave either. She had grown on to both of us in only a week's time. Rachael was like a fungus. She was a fungus that spread quickly and clang tightly.
Listen to me, I'm comparing Rach to a *fungus*...but in a good way. If that's possible.
We rose from the bed and proceed to what we would usually did in the morning, even if was for a week it seemed like we had been living like this for much, much longer.
"Ohayo gojaimas Uncle Heero and Uncle Duo!" Rachael said in her usual cheery voice.
"Ohayo." we replied with a somewhat of an empty tone.
Heero set out a plate of waffles and pancakes while I poured us all a cup of milk.
"What's wrong Uncle Duo? You seem gloomy today, I thought that you and Uncle Heero getting together would make you happy..."
Heero sat down and I kissed him on the cheek, "I am happy."
About Heero and I at least. I'd always be happy about that. It's my dream come true.
BeepBeep
"I'll get it." Rachael walked over to the vidphone, "Moshi moshi? Ohayo gojaimas Mommy!"
I heard Rachael squeal. Heero was picking and nibbling at his food at his food.
"Oh yeah...I almost forgot..." we heard Rachael say softly into the phone, "Hai, 9:00 AM." The girl's bright face dimmed as she listened to her mother, "Hai...Hai...bye."
Click
"What did you mother say?" I asked, but I already knew the answer.
"I'm...I'm leaving today...at 9 AM, is that why you look so sad?" she wondered sincerely.
I nodded, "But we had fun, ne?"
"Hai." Rachael picked at her food like Heero. You know, I've noticed from the past week that the girl did many things like Heero. She ate similar to Heero, and learned and observed like him too.
But she could also be loud like me.
It's weird I tell ya.
We ate our breakfast slowly in silence. Apparently none of us were too thrilled about Rachael's departure. I tried to liven things up, but failed horribly. Take my word for it, I'm not even going to explain.
"I'm going to pack now..." Rachael said as I took the plates and rinsed them like I usually did, then Heero and I walked to Rachael's room.
"Need any help?" I asked. Rachael nodded and Heero and I gathered her belongings. Rachael packed all of her stuff into her bags and Heero took it out to the car.
"Do you have everything?"
Rachael was on the egde of her bed swinging her feet back and forth then nodded, "I think so..."
BeepBeep
I went into the living room and picked up the vidphone, "Moshi moshi?"
"Duo?"
"Oh, hey Quat, what's up?"
"Nothing fun I'll tell you that much. May I speak to Rachael?"
"Sure." I turned towards Rachael's room, "Rach, phone."
Rachael nodded and made her way to the vidphone, "Uncle Quatre!"
"Good morning Rachael. How are you?"
Rachael bit her lip, "Well, I don't really want to leave quite yet."
"I know. You didn't leave anything unfinished did you?" Quat asked, what does he mean by that?
Rachael shook her head, "No, I did everything that I needed to. Definite success."
I caught a glimpse of Quatre's warm smiles, "Good." he said, then his smile turned serious, "Rachael, I'm afraid I will not be able to see you off at the shuttle station today..."
Rachael's eyes widened a bit, "But why...? We hardly had any time to spend with you!"
"I'm sorry, it's just that I have something to take care of. Good news is, Uncle Trowa will be there if you'd like."
"Uncle Trowa? I would like that very much Uncle Quatre, though I really would like to see you both together." Rachael smiled, "But I understand if you cannot make it."
"Thank you, I'm really sorry. I'll have to say good bye over the vidphone."
The girl nodded, "Okay. I'll miss you Uncle Quatre."
"I'll miss you too. Come back and visit soon, alright? I'll tell Uncle Trowa to meet you at the shuttle station. Give my love to your mother and you for me."
"Mmhmm!" Rachael agreed, "Good bye Uncle Quatre!"
"Good bye Rachael."
Click
Damn. Quat makes good byes sound so easy, though I would expect him to make them more difficult that necessary. Sometimes at least. I guess since she sees him more often, it's not as hard.
"Alright Rach, double check your stuff, okay?" Rachael nodded and bounced off to her room.
BeepBeep
Argh. This is really getting annoying. Nevertheless, I picked up the vidphone. "Hai, Duo here, speak."
"Duo? It's Une. You sound terrible." Hmph. She should be the one to talk. And didn't see tell me that last Tuesday? "Your mission will be completed as soon as you drop Rachael off at the shuttle station."
"I know, at 9:00 AM, right?"
"Hai, then you are to report back to Preventors HQ, both of you."
"Aa." I replied.
"That's it."
"Ja ne."
Click
I walked into the master bedroom and found Heero, "Hee-chan, I think we should get our things too. We have to go back to HQ after we drop Rachael off."
"Aa..."
Heero and I packed our belongings and put them in the back seat.
I glanced down at my watch, it was 8:30 already. "We should get going or we'll miss your flight."
Deep down, I wished that she would miss her shuttle to L4.
"Hai." Rachael put on her Gundam shoes and we all headed for the car.
Gundam shoes...I wouldn't ever see them on her little feet again, I thought to myself as we walked out of the safehouse. They're so cute on her.
The drive was hard; one because of the heavy rain made it difficult to see, and the fact that Rachael was leaving. How many times have I said that? At first I only wanted the mission for Heero because he would be there with me, I didn't think I would actually take a liking for the child. I hadn't counted on making such a sad farewell either.
~!~!~!~!~
"Mommy!" Rachael shouted and ran to her mother's arms.
"Hello Rachael, did you have a good time?"
"Hai!"
Iria stood up and hugged me, "Arigato. I really appreciated it Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Yuy."
"You're welcome, we had fun."
"Rachael, say good bye to your uncles."
Rachael hugged Heero first sadly on the verge of tears, "Uncle Heero!" she cried, "Arigato...I'm going to miss you."
"Sayonara...Rachael." he said just above a whisper.
"Remember what I said Uncle Heero," Rachael kissed Heero on the cheek, "Sayonara."
What did she say?
The girl released Heero, tears streaming down her cheeks and ran over to me, "Uncle Duo!" she was crying freely now.
"Don't cry Rachael."
"But I don't want to leave yet!"
"It's alright, you can always visit us whenever you want."
Rachael nodded. This goodbye was harder than I thought. Rachael could visit us anytime she wanted, demo...it wouldn't be the same.
"I'll miss you though...and I'll miss Uncle Heero's breakfast...and your random laughing." she said.
"We'll miss you too, we'll miss you alot...give us a call sometime, ne?"
The blonde reached into her pocket and handed me a folded piece of paper, "This is for you and Uncle Heero." she said, "You can open it now if you want."
"What is it?" Heero asked.
Rachael smiled, "It's a present."
I unfolded the paper with Heero who was looking over my shoulder; I must say I was rather surprised. It was a drawing. A colored drawing of the three of us: Heero, Rachael, and me. It was a typical 'family picture' that a seven year-old would draw. The one with a nice, bright, yellow sun in the left hand corner, blue sky with with lumpy clouds, and green grass with a small box and a triangle on top of it. Next to the house was us. Heero on the left, Rachael in the middle, and me on the right all holding hands with happy faces.
"I drew it when Uncle Heero was sick." Rachael said.
I couldn't help but smile, it wasn't the best work of art, but the meaning behind it was stronger than any painting I had ever seen.
I'm thinking passionate thoughts of a simple picture, that's how badly I want her to stay.
"It's very good, Rachael." I heard Heero say.
"Yeah, it is." The way we were drawn from her was precious. Really. I chuckled seeing Heero, it wasn't too far from the real him, you could tell from the extremely messy hair. "Thank you." I said.
"Rachael..." a deep yet muted voice called from behind me. I could recognize it from anywhere. Rachael's eyes grew wide, "Uncle Trowa!" she exclaimed then ran to the known figure. I turned around. Yep, my suspicions were correct.
The girl pounced on her other uncle, "Uncle Trowa! I almost thought you wouldn't come!" she said. A twing of jealousy built up in my chest from Rachael clinging to our former comrade. It's not that I was jealous that Rachael was hugging Trowa, it was from the fact that he could do it anytime he wanted. He and Quatre would always be first. I mean, the main purpose of visiting Earth is to see Uncle Quatre and Trowa THEN Unlce Duo and Heero.
But I shouldn't think like that.
Anyway, Rachael hugged her unibanged uncle tightly, "I'll miss you Uncle Trowa!"
"We'll all miss you Rachael."
The ex-Heavy Arms pilot and young girl said their good byes as Heero and I watched. It appears that whoever Rachael met, she was never forgotten, but always loved. Must be great.
"Rachael, come along now, we have to leave." Iria called entering the shuttle.
"Hai." she looked up and pecked me and Tro-man on the cheek like with Heero, "Sayonara, Uncle Duo, Uncle Trowa, and Uncle Heero..." she turned around and ran into the space shuttle.
"Sayonara, Rachael." I said as she left.
Heero and I watched Rachael depart from the shuttle station. She looked out the window and waved to us sadly smiling. I didn't want her to go. I wanted her to stay here with Heero and me on earth. Over the past week was a different experience for the both of us. We learned so much about things we never knew. Heero and his encounters with the new things that he had digested and I taking care of someone for a change.
The best was finally finding each other.
And we had the girl to thank.
Thank her for the effort she put into us. For pushing us closer. For being a good 'niece'.
I smiled sadly and waved back. I really was sad to see her go. We might not ever see her again, and even if we did, Heero and I knew that she wouldn't be the same. She wouldn't be a little girl anymore.
The little blonde girl with Gundam shoes, cute smile, and warm heart.
I sound...so...sappy...
"I'm gonna miss her Hee-chan."
"Hai, me too."
The emerald eyed one chuckled lightly, "I see she's gotten to you too."
"Hn."
"But I guess it's good to have someone so innocent as her in our life." Trowa stated. Yeah, I know what he meant. And now she was leaving.
"Let's go Hee-chan." I said wrapping an arm loosely around the cobalt eyed boy. Heero nodded, "See ya, Tro."
Trowa smirked, "She's definitely gotten to you."
I cocked an eyebrow as Heero and I walked out of the station. Gotten to us? Exactly what way is he implying?
Heero and I were quiet on our way to the Preventers HQ, when we arrived, I kissed Heero in the car before we entered the building. Heero kissed back, both of us not wanting to part or take a step into the building. When we finally stopped to take a breath, we just sat in the car, neither of us moving for a while.
"Ninmu kanyou..." Heero whispered, but it was a sad whisper.
"Hai, mission complete."
It didn't feel like I had completed anything.
It's as if when Rachael left, she took a part of us too.
As you can see, it might take me a while to get over her departure.
I finally opened the door and got out. I took Heero's bag from the back seat and carried it inside with me, Heero followed me into the building knowing that our cubicles were right across from each other.
My box...I hadn't been in my box for a whole week...
And I wasn't even missing it.
~!~!~!~!~
I entered my cubicle still holding Heero's belongings and sat down.
"Duo...?" Heero asked.
"Aa?"
"What now?"
"I don't know..."
There we were; all depressed, me sitting in my box, and Heero right outside the entrance. I don't even know if it was really necessary to be depressed and everything, but we were.
Why was I so sad that Rachael left? I mean, shouldn't I be happy that the munchkin is going back home and Heero and I can live happily? Alone without a little girl to watch out for? Isn't that how it's suppose to be? Shouldn't we be relieved instead of saddened and depressed?
Suddenly Une appeared, "Maxwell, I'll be needing that mission report by this afternoon." she said.
I waved an unconcerned hand, "Yeah, yeah."
I hate mission reports.
"Yuy, can I see you in my office?" Une asked as she passed through the boxes much like last week, but this time I wasn't going with him.
"Hai." he replied and walked to Une's office.
I put my hands behind my head and leaned back in my chair, what WERE we going to do now?
~!~!~!~!~
Moments later Heero came back and opened the drawer to his desk. I heard a familiar metallic click.
I poked my head out of my box, "Where are you going?" I asked.
"I have a solo mission."
"Top secret, or will you tell me?"
Heero looked at me seriously, "I'm assigned to be Relena's body guard tonight when she makes her speech." he replied.
"Relena? She's still here? You're leaving now?"
"Hai."
Great. Not only has Rachael left, but HEERO'S leaving too...
And when I thought everything was going to get better.
Just my luck.
"How long?" I asked.
"That's unknown." I walked into Heero's box and put his stuff on the desk.
I encircled my arms around his slender waist, "Just be careful alright?" I told him, Heero nodded. I bent down and gently kissed him, Heero wrapped his arms around my neck.
"Maxwell??? Yuy???"
Heero and I pulled apart only to see what disturbed us.
"Wufei?"
"I never thought that it would work..." an Asian boy whispered barely, probably so we wouldn't hear, but if I could catch the words, I'm sure as hell Heero did too. "Do you know what this means, Maxwell?" he asked with a louder tone.
I shook my head, "No."
"It means that I owe Sally a month's pay! The injustice!" He shouted, then calmed himself, "In any case, congradulation, it's about time. Just keep all of that romantic stuff out of the office." with that Wufei left. Heero pouted and I cocked an eyebrow. What did he mean 'it's about time' and 'I never thought that it would work'? I shrugged as we resumed kissing. I didn't want Heero to leave me too, especially when I needed someone now, but a mission is a mission.
I broke the kiss with Heero, "Don't be gone too long, ne?" I smiled. Heero nodded and left the cubicle. I watched his back side until he turned and I couldn't see him anymore. I went back into my box to write a damn mission report.
Can someone tell me why I'm so sad???
~!~!~!~!~
It took forever until lunch hour came, and when it did, everybody took their lunch break except for me. I kept looking at the empty office across from mine, I wanted Heero to be there, but he wasn't...
"Why so down Duo?"
I looked up from my chair only to see Lucrezia Noin, "It's nothing..."
Noin snorted, "When Duo Maxwell decides that he's going to miss his lunch break, there is DEFINITELY something wrong. Wanna talk about it?"
I shook my head, "Not really..."
"Alright, so I take it you won't even have a bite to eat with me?"
"I'm not all that hungry, but thanks anyway." I replied politely turning her down, "Besides, they *never* have what I want down there in that cafeteria."
They don't. It's all gloppy shit that plops down on your plate. It's disgusting. I hate the cafeteria food. They only have one dish that I actually like, and it's NEVER EVER EVER served unless I'm away on a mission or something. They probably served it all last week while I was gone.
Damn.
This day was no fun.
"Suit yourself. I'll see you later." Noin said walking away.
I couldn't help but think that last week at this time Rachael, Heero, and I were at the mall eating ice cream...
~!~!~!~!~
"Duo?" a tentative voice asked. I turned my head only to see a familiar blonde. The figure's eyes reminded me so much of Rachael's aqua ones. They were almost the same shade.
"Yeah, Quat?"
"Noin told me that you we're taking you lunch break, is everything alright?"
I nodded, "Everything's cool."
"Duo, you know that you can tell me anything, don't you?"
I nodded.
"Well?"
I sighed, "Heero and I didn't want Rach to leave is all."
I heard a sound come from Quatre. Surprisingly, it was a chuckle, "I know what you mean. She's apart of you now Duo. Like she is of Trowa and me. She's an amazing girl."
"Yeah." I replied.
"How are you and...Heero doing?"
"Good."
Quatre gave somewhat of a pout, "Good? That's it? The Duo Maxwell I know consist of many words and elaborates on nearly everything he says. What is along the lines of 'good' if I may ask...?" he said knowingly. I inwardly chuckled, I'm glad that I have friends like Quatre.
I was silent for a moment. Then I told him, "We kissed..."
Quatre's eyes lit up, "Honto ni???"
I nodded and my lips twitched into something of a tiny smile as I remembered yesterday. Damn. Yesterday seemed so far away. As if it was a wonderful dream. A wonderful dream with a happy ending. But the following morning was a gloomy beginning. Then I was embraced with a hug from the other boy.
"Duo! I'm so happy for you!" Quatre said.
"Yeah." I'm glad to see that my mood hasn't effected everyone. That wouldn't be good, and I would feel guilty. I should stop thinking about Rachael's departure and get over it. She's great kid, but she isn't ours. Ours. I never thought there would be an 'our'.
"So what are you guys going to do now?" he asked.
...
...
...
...
My tiny smile dissolved as well as my decision to get over the girl.
"I don't know..."
Quatre's smile faltered a bit too, "Oh..." all in the same moment, his smile was replaced with a hopeful one, "Don't worry, everything will work out, Duo. It always has."
"I hope so."
~!~!~!~!~
When the day was over at 6 PM, I walked around the city exploring the roads all over again, alone in the pouring rain which never stopped that day. I watched as happy couples and families passed by me, the three of us were like that when we were together. Laughing, smiling, and just having a good time.
Happy.
I passed the mall we went to last Tuesday. Then the hotel Relena was staying at. I wondered what Heero was up to. Chances are, he was probably up in Miss Relena's room helping her decide what to wear. I sighed.
Next I walked passed the deserted fair. It was empty and closed, I could see the tip of the majestic carousel and the ferris wheel was still up. I shut my eyes and remembered Heero and me on the very top of the wheel when I gave Heero a teddy bear. He was so content, not to mention cute. Maybe if I had kissed him up there, things would be more joyful. And the whereabouts of our relationship wouldn't be so foggy. But like Quatre had said, everything will work out. I guess it didn't matter where I kissed him (even if the park was really perfect). At least we finally did it. Great, how sad is this? I'm tearing apart the past. If I keep this up, I'll ruin it for myself. Not fun. Think happy Heero thoughts, I told myself.
I love him to the point that it hurts.
Who would have thought?
Sure, I've loved...if you want to call relationships in my past that, though...it was never like this. It's like the love I felt for them and love
But everything will work out.
I sighed and looked up, I didn't even realize that I had already passed the ice skating rink and arcade. We had fun there. I really enjoyed that. And the look on Heero and Rachael's faces, they did too. I kept walking.
I was sure to avoid the safehouse.
By the time I passed the park it was about 11:45 PM, the park was where our first kiss was. I decided to take a walk through there. Everything was so dark. I sat on a swing where Heero had sat just yesterday...yesterday seemed so far away in the past...so very, very far away.
I said that already didn't I?
I got out of the swing and walked up to the highest tower.
When I arrived, I sat down and thought about what had happened between me and Heero. If it was really right to kiss him, if we should have accepted the mission in the first place. He never said that he loved me, but then again...
Neither did I.
Even if I truly did from the bottom of hell to the top of heaven and throughout the universe...
Why must I doubt and contradict everything that I say???
I stayed in the park for an hour then left for Preventers to get my car. I felt kinda stupid, why didn't I drive to all the places in the first place? This depressing state has effected the function of my mind boggled brain. Fun.
Not.
It only took thirty minutes to walk back to the Head Quaters. Soaked from the rain, I got into my car and drove away to my apartment that had been abandoned for a short while.
My apartment, I remember the time Heero walked in when I was brushing my teeth and when I reached over him to get the remote control. I walked in with the bag I had packed for the mission. The apartment was so cold, it didn't feel like...home. As I walked into the bathroom, I stripped myself of my clothes and stepped into the shower turning on the cold water all the way.
My shower wasn't as soothing as it would have been last week, instead of feeling good, it stung and...it hurt. Why haven't I felt this way before? Despite that, I stayed in the water for an hour and a half just thinking...
~!~!~!~!~
I wrapped a towel around my waist and reached for my brush which normally would have been on my counter...
"Where is it?" I asked no one, "It must be in my bag..." I went to the bedroom and retrieved the small bag.
Nope. Not only was my brush not there, but neither were my pictures.
"K'so...I must have left them at the safehouse...!"
I debated with myself whether or not I should go get it since it was just a brush...my FAVORITE brush. I ended up combing my hair with my hands, even if I didn't need the brush, I sure as hell needed the pictures, it was the only thing left of Rachael and Heero that I had.
Eh, I could get them in the morning.
............or so I told myself.
I threw myself on the bed and closed my eyes.
Two hours later I was still up thinking about the pictures. I looked over at my alarm clock, it was almost 3 in the morning and I still had the safehouse key...
I heaved myself up and started my car.
~!~!~!~!~
I turned on the lights in the safehouse living room, I so badly wanted Heero or Rachael to be there, but it was just me. Just me all alone in the small house, I cursed myself for coming, it wouldn't help anything...
I walked over to the couch and saw my Korean series, Heero and I never finished it and it's likely that we never will. I walked into Rachael's room. I could smell her blond locks of hair and feel the warmth that radiated from her smile. I missed her since she got on that damn shuttle.
How could a week pass by so fast?
Well, as they say: time flies when you're having fun.
Next time, if there is a next time, I'll be sure not to have a great time so it will last longer.
Okay, that's just a terrible solution.
KnockKnock
I jumped, who could be at the door at this time?
I opened the wooden barrier between the unexpected visitor and me.
My eyes grew wide.
"Heero???"
Well this was a surprise.
And a good one mind you.
Heehee, I think I'm feeling better already...even if my facial expression doesn't say it.
I stood in front of the door shocked. Heero was standing outside drenched with water only wearing a thin tanktop and goddamned spandex. Goodness, the poor thing is going to catch a cold or something.
"Duo........." he said softly, almost as if he couldn't believe it was really me standing in front of him.
"Heero, you're all wet, you're going to get sick again..." I pulled Heero inside and helped him undress from his wet clothes. "What are you doing here?"
"I-I forgot my laptop..." Heero said uneasily, "What about you?"
"I left my brush and pictures somewhere here..."
"Why couldn't you wait until morning?" he asked.
"Why couldn't you?"
"...I was after I realized that I had forgotten it, and I tried to sleep." Heero paused and looked down, "But couldn't." he shook his head, "That's not the real reason that I came back here for." Heero took in a breath. I figured he was just going to tell me straight out, "I...I really wanted to come back here to see you and Rachael..."
"...me too." Heero was down to his spandex which were his only dry attire. I suppose, since after all, they *are* spandex. I grabbed a blanket for him and we sat on the couch.
"Duo...I miss not being here with Rachael, even if it's only been less than a day..."
"Same here." I replied.
"but...I missed you more..." Heero said latching on to me, I hugged Heero and kissed the top of his wet hair.
"I missed you too..." I replied. My voice had a twing of affectionate mockery, not that I'm makin' fun of Hee-chan or anything, it's just that his 'I miss you' seemed much more than it really was. Switching the subject I asked, "How was your mission?"
Heero glared, "Relena gets on my nerves."
I chuckled aloud for the first time today. I kissed Heero on his forehead, "What about me?"
Heero shook his head, "I like being with you." he said and rested his head on my shoulder. Aw, he's so sweet. "Duo?"
"Hm?"
"She found out about us."
She found out about us?
How could she do that?
*WE* us found out about us yesterday.
It seemed as if the whole world was spying on us.
And we weren't even celebraties.
"She did?" I wondered. I wanna hear this bit of conversation.
Heero nodded, "She yelled at me too."
I frowned at the thought of someone yelling at Heero.
She yelled at him? Why? What for?
"What did she say Heero?"
"She said that I was better with her."
"Did she?"
Heero nodded again, "She said that she could give me everything. Everything I could ever want."
This is just perfect. She's trying to brain wash *my* Heero.
"What did you tell her?" I asked remaining calm.
Heero sighed, "At first, I didn't say anything, but she wouldn't stop yelling and griping at me about how she and I could be the 'perfect couple', how we 'belonged together', what 'mistake' I'm making." Heero glared.
"At first you didn't say anything, what about after?"
The Japanese boy was silent for a second, "...I told her that she could never give me everything I wanted, " he paused, "and that she did not know what I wanted. She told me I could have anything. I said 'alright, give me everything'." Heero's glare deepened, "'Name it,' she said, 'anything, and it will be yours.'"
I cocked an eyebrow. He agreed???
Heero looked at me, "'Anything?' I replied. She nodded."
Get to the point! Please! You're driving me crazy Hee-chan!
Hmm...even more than usual. Fun.
"'Give me everything Relena. Give me everything and anything that I could ever want'." Heero said, "'Give me Duo Maxwell.'" he smiled just a bit, "'WHAT?!' she screeched. I repeated me words, 'Give me Duo Maxwell, that's all I want.'"
My heart filled with joy as I absorbed what he was saying. Who ever knew that Heero Yuy was capable to say such emotional words as those? Such sweet words that erase all pain that ever existed. Sweet words on my behalf though. He's an angel. I know it.
But can an angel possibly admit their love to the devil?
And could a devil accept such innocence?
"What did she say to that?" I asked.
"She wouldn't accept just as I predicted. And do you want to know what I said back to her endless whines?"
"What's that Hee-chan?"
Heero smirked, "Omae o korosu bitch."
Woah. That made my day.
I held back the urge to laugh and grinned instead, "Did you really Heero Yuy?"
"Hai, she didn't mention anything about it the rest of the night."
"Go Hee-chan!" I cheered. I smiled a true smile and Heero did the same. I bent down and caught his lips. Of course he accepted. When we seperated, I decided to change the topic. Screw Relena.
"Did you have fun this week?"
"Hai."
"Yeah, what did you like best?" I asked. Talking to Heero made me feel alot less depressed, Gods I love him.
Heero reached up and blew in my face then kissed me, "That."
He's so cute.
I kissed him back. Then I got up and walked over to the kitchen. Flicking on the light I saw papers on the table.
"What the hell...?" I took a closer look at the documents.
They were papers to lease the safe house...
"Nani?" Heero asked walking over towards me.
There was a note next to the papers.
/Duo, I'm sure you feel a comfort in this house, lease it and live happily. Everything will work out.
-Quatre/
The note read. I didn't know what he meant when he said to buy the house and live happily. I pulled Heero into a random kiss because he was just there, I felt him melt into my arms. I'm tellin' ya, it give me the best feeling inside when he does that.
"Duo...?" he asked half-lidded.
"Aa?"
"Can I ask you something...important?"
"Hai."
".........do you.....l-love me...?"
Wow.
What a question for him to ask.
Wow.
I just said that didn't I? But...
Wow.
"Duo?"
Who would have known that Heero would make the first move? Oh hell, who can blame him? I wasn't doing anything. I'm such a baka! I chuckled to myself and looked into Heero's eyes, "Hee-chan, you have NO idea."
Heero smiled then wrapped his arms around my neck and leaned into my ear. For some time he was quiet, then he whispered, "Ai-ai shiteru..........." he drew away and waited for me to say something. At least I think that's why. But...
Aw, how sweet, he said 'ai shiteru'.
Ai shiteru??? Ai shiteru!
Woah, woah, woah. Stop, rewind. Did he really say that?
What came out of my mouth was the stupidest reply I have ever said.
"......wha?" I swear I sounded like some dead toned, blood-shot eyed, stoned *IDIOT* on New Year's eve.
"Baka." he said with amusment and leaned up towards my ear a second time, "Ai shiteru........" he whispered again, I'm assuming it was again.
That was *EXTREMELY* out of character of him, I nearly fainted. Luckily I didn't. I collected my thoughts and realized that Heero just told me that he loved me. I hadn't heard wrong. He loves me! He loves me! I knew it all along, but he *said* that he loved me!
I held him and kissed him again and again and again, he didn't know how long I've been waiting for this, "Ai shiteru, zutto..." I replied, Heero looked up at me with his gorgeous prussian eyes.
"Zutto?" he asked.
I kissed him passionately, "Hai...ai shiteru zutto."
"Ai shiteru zutto." Heero said.
I smiled at the boy, I knew it. He loved me from the start.
My Heero loved me.
And I loved him.
"Duo, it's late..." Heero whispered.
"Hai, let's go to bed." I took Heero's hand and walked to the bedroom, it was just as we left it.
Heero and I slid into bed and I kissed him yet another time, "Oyasumi, koi."
"Oyasumi."
Thirty minutes later passed and neither of us could sleep both from the excitement of our admitted love and axiety not knowig what to do now.
Heero shifted in my arms, "Are you going to do it?"
"Do what?"
"Buy the safe house..."
"I don't know..."
We lay there in silence. I was thinking about it, maybe it wouldn't be so cold, maybe it would remind me of memories, maybe Heero would--
Realization hit me like a ton of acme bricks.
Maybe it was the biggest hint Quat had ever tried to leave me and I'm totally over looking it.
I'm such a *BAKA*!
I grinned, I knew what to do all I needed was the approval. Time to work.
"It would be weird to live in a house like this with only one person, don't cha think Hee-chan..." I said cutting my thoughts short, "Unless..." my voice faded.
"Unless what?" Heero asked curiously.
"...unless you stay with me."
Heero didn't say anything for a long time, I was actually thinking that he had the urge to fall asleep on me, "Heero?"
"Duo, I want to stay with you forever..." he barely whispered.
That was what I wanted to hear.
I kissed him.
And dammit, I like kissing him!
I rose from the bed, "Where are you going?" Heero asked getting up to follow me.
"To sign the papers."
Heero smiled.
Everything will work out.
And ya know what else?
He's so cute.
~!~!~!~!~
The next day, everyone knew about us getting together. Oh my Shinigami. I walked into my box and there were balloons everywhere with 'congrats' scribbled on it. People we didn't know were plaguing us with personal questions. Somehow, a yaoi 2x1 fan club was formed in the office snapping pictures of us every time we touched each other. Crazy new hentai minded college school girl graduates. Not that I minded the attention...
I think Heero was alittle uncomfortable with all the things happening. Heehee, guess who he ran to when he was scared of that mob of fan girls chasing him.
That's right, me!
But ya know what was the creepiest thing of all?
The cafeteria had my favorite lunch up and ready for me.
Things were goin' my way.
~!~!~!~!~!~
A week later while at home, Heero and I received a letter from Rachael...
/Konnichi wa, Uncle Duo and Uncle Heero!
How are you? Everything is fine up here. Uncle Quatre told me that you two had bought the safehouse. I think that's great! I miss you both. I have something for you, it's in the evelope. I would have given it to you sooner, but it took a long time to get, but I finally got it!
Some many things have happened since I arrived home. It's weird. Remember that annoying boy who followed me around at the arcade? Well, he turns out to be one of my classmates. I used to dislike him, but we're very good friends now. He says that he wants to marry me, but I think I'm too young to get married. Sometimes I think he's really strange the way he acts. I mean, why would he tell me that he wants to marry me if he has his own girlfriend? Oh well. I'll have time to figure it out when I'm older.
Boys nowadays sure are crazy.
Speaking of crazy, Uncle Duo and Uncle Heero...I suppose I'll have to tell you some time. I have a 'confession' to make. I don't know if you know or not, but...I was deliberately sent to Earth for you guys to take care of me. True my mother needed to help the Preventers at the time, but Uncle Quatre suggested that they put me to some use for as Aunt Sally and all the others say 'hook you up'. I agreed to help thus making it a personal mission for myself. In other words I was sent to get you together.
I believe that the mission was a success, I just hope you aren't disappointed with me and that this doesn't affect our relationship as uncles and niece. I really did have fun and I really do miss you. I cried on the shuttle until I got home.
Mother says that I could visit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even next summer since we will be going to Earth to visit Uncle Quatre, but only if it's all right with you both first.
Well, Mother is calling me to eat dinner. I can't wait until I see you again! Don't forget to get that thing out of the envelope.
~Rachael
P.S. Pilots 01 and 02, you're my lifetime heroes./
She knew all a long. She knew about us, our feelings, and our identities. I smiled to myself, so she was *supposed* to get us together. It was her *mission*. Even if I never said it before, deep down I knew it. Heero and I were *set up* then knocked down by her falling in the exact places she wanted. I knew it.
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!
And I'm glad she did it.
"I knew it." I said.
"Me too."
From reading that letter, all traces of Rachael not coming back as the little girl that Heero and I both adored was discarded in the pile of horrid nightmare and forgotten memories that would never haunt us. From then on, we knew she would return to us as the same child. She would see us in the near future as a wonderful young lady and she would still be Rachael.
Everything will work out.
And we'll see Rachael again.
I retrieved the envelope and we pulled out a rectangular piece of what felt like photo paper.
"I can't believe it."
"Neither can I."
It was a picture of our first kiss in the park. It was a lovely picture I had to say. Our eyes were closed, the sun was setting in the background providing perfect lighting. The fortress and it's height gave off an excellent scenic view of the park and everything. And Heero was enchanting as usual, maybe even more. Perhaps that's just in my eyes though.
I smiled.
Our first kiss was delayed, but our lives were on schedule...
~!~!~!~!~
owari
~!~!~!~!~
That's it. That's the ending. I actually finished something! Okay, how many people predicted that Rachael knew and set them up? All of you right? I hope the ending didn't disappoint you, though I think the beginning of this part was kinda boring, I dunno. Maybe it's cause I wrote it. But hey, it's finally finished, ne?
Hmm...I've noticed that some people are reluctant that this has ended. Well, I'll be happy to write a sequel containing another relative of Quatre and Rachael as well. I have a plot and the first part, tell me if anyone's interested and I'll post it for ya!
Well, hope you enjoyed!
~!~!~!~!~
Happy Thanksgiving and arigato minna-san!
Gpilot04: Heehee. I try to make it cute for you guys since some stuff is just too depressing -_-; ^_^ Wah! You think it's the best? Arigato! *glomps back*; Moon Faery: Heehee. I hope this part answered all of your questions. Naughty Tro-chan. He has Quat, ne? He don't need Duo. Hee-chan does!; Moku: Sorry for the long wait of chp, but it's here and now it's over. So you don't have to wait anymore. Heehee. Gettin' to read the story all together is so much fun don't cha think? And could Moku be Mokuren from PSME?; samptra: Awwwww...don't cry? Why did you cry? *hands samptra-chan a tissue* There. All better. ^_^;Loden: Don't catch a cold! Are chills good or bad in this case? ^_^; Rei: Heehee, I'll try for a sequel, but it may take some time. Glad you liked reading it ^_^. One word: arigato!; Darla-La Mosca Tete: Yep, they sure did. And I hope you enjoyed it!; Serafina: Heehee, I'm glad that you like Rachael, she's just like a mini one of us readers ^_^!; LB: Hope you liked the ending LB, Hee-chan and snakes, heehee just another method of *slight* Heero torture. Shh! Don't tell! Pacers??? Don't worry, they'll get better, then they'll have to face the Mavs!; Sugar Goose: Thanks for supporting this fic all the way like you said in your first review, I really appreciated that ^_^. Arcana is so fun though! And Vincent *shivers*, I can't get over him! Mmm...Mikhael and Harley...; Eternal-Sleeper: Then should I say 'Eternal-Sleeper*S*'? Anyway, aw, so sorry that you had to suffer 3 days without the net. I know how you feel, it sux. My friend has suffered about a week now and she's still counting. Little Miss Hyper went to London with Stoic lady??? How was your trip? I'm sure Stoic lady is more fun than you think, ne?; Yume Maxwell-Yuy: Heehee, AIM was fun, ne? But sorry that I had to sign off so soon -_-; stupid school...; joyeuse femme en pain d'epices: Hope I gave you a good enough serve for your craving of 2x1. Arigato!; Tori Sakana: Snakes are so fun! So happy that you think Rachael is cute. Empty-head children...sometimes I think I should fall under that category ^_^.; JAY: Liked where the ficcy was going, huh? Well I hope it ended where you like it too. Arigato!; Nivella: I kept them together so you wouldn't cry ^_^.; Foxfire: Gotta love a sensitive Heero, ne? So glad that you love snakes. So many people don't -_-; Including the Heero in my fics, but Duo always makes it better! Garden snakes probably do have teeth...just not like razor sharp fangs. So do you think a sequel is in or out of the question?; Teira: Light-hearted, yes that's definitely what FKD is cause quite frankly, sometimes don't you get tired of sad, depressing, and gory stuff? I believe that everyone needs a break from the world, ya know? Well, I hope you enjoyed the ending!; shinigami angel: I update! *pouts* But I do wish that I could do them sooner for everyone *smiles*.; Koyuuno The Wonder Inu: Inu...dog...I love dogs...^_^. Eh, I had to bring that up. I'm glad you like Rachael and the story. 1x2 is fun too ^_^, I still read them...just not as much -_-; hmm...I think I want to read one now since you mentioned it...; Elle-Fa Te2x1: Wah... thanks for sticking with this the whole way ^_^, very encouraging to finish, and I did. Hope you liked his part as well. Oi, when's your next update for your page? *looks at Elle-Fa Te2x1 hopefully*; moonbunny317: Hey! If you watch Indiana Jones, you have a life. He's so cool. Don't you think Heero's phobia is kawaii though?; Rain Tenshi: That Rachael. Who does she think she is telling her uncles to do such things! J/k. ^_^; diane: lol, your reviews are so fun to read. *darts eyes* Now why would Duo want to escape the evil chore of responsiblity??? *grins* No idea. Oh, you can't have a park without a pond of some sort ^_^. Aw...I'm sorry that you don't like snakes. You don't know what you're missing. They're so sweet. Not that I'm critizing your opinion mind you. Everyone's entitled to their own thoughts. Aw, no matter how cold Hee-chan is, I think I speak for all when I say he is never unloveable. And we have Duo to prove that ^_^. Heehee, have you even had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ice cream popsicle? That was something! Go America! I'm with ya there (can't forget Korea though). Swings are my fav too. My bro and I go on them anytime we can. Even the baby one. Yep. Click. Did this part answer your question? Well, I hope that it answered all of your other questions too ^_^.; Moonlit Eyes1x2x1: School...and homework. You can't forget the evil homework that comes first. *glares* My stack just gets higher and higher -_-; you don't want it to end? Don't cry! 'Everything will work out'!; Sakura Yuy: Hey Saku-chan! I read and reviewed your fic, it was so fun and sweet. You must update quickly! Anyway, I'll see ya there then, ne?; Hakumei: Heero and Crock Hunter...heehee...*snickers*. Well, hope this part was satisfyin' for ya. ^_^.; CobaltPrincess: Yepyepyep. Glad to know you are enjoying this. And heehee, they kissed in this part too! I'm just happy to know what you think ^_^.
Arigato!
Ja ne!