Do or die. It's come down to this.
I'll never get used to it. How can the average teenager tolerate rising for school in the wee hours of morning every single day? Well, it's not like I really have a choice in the matter. Today would be it. I can't run forever. And I couldn't run any longer. Sitting up in my tangled mess of bed linens, I raised my arms above my head to indulge in a stretch, and release a yawn. I intended to crawl out of bed, but somehow I ended up entwining my foot with a sheet, which sent me stumbling to the floor. Definitely not one of my most graceful moments. Gathering what was left of my pride after that little mishap, I stood on wobbly legs, languidly scratching my side as I wandered into the bathroom.
Taking a good long look in the mirror, I cringed. I had work to do. Pulling loose the rest of my hair as I turned the shower faucet, I ducked under the spray. My eyes were still partially lidded as I waited for the coolness of the water to bring me to my senses. Scrubbing the suds through my mess of hair, I vaguely recalled that I'd been a poor informant-since I hadn't contacted Une since I'd arrived. I shrugged. At the time, I don't think I possibly could have cared less.
It was miserably cold in my apartment, I noted distastefully, as I stepped out of the shower, icy air engulfing my body. Shaking the remaining water from my hair, I bolted from the bathroom, eager to get dressed, and not caring whether or not I was roaming about my house completely nude. Hey, it is my house, and since when was I the modest type?
After digging through the closet, I pulled on a pair of black jeans and I nearly toppled over as I pulled whatever clean shirt I could find over my head. Aware I was cutting it close as far as time goes, I hastily wove the familiar strands together to form a braid, and scooping my jacket into my arms, I snatched my shoes from against the door and headed out.
Now, if you've ever attempted to tie your shoes while descending a stairwell [which I don't recommend by the way] you can recognize my dilemma. Hopping down the steps while fighting with a shoelace, I managed to avoid careening to my end on the concrete below [hardly, I might add] and fumbling with the keys, I slid quickly into the driver's seat of my car. Checking my clock, I almost released a cry of frustration, as I jammed the keys into the ignition. As soon as the engine roared to life, so did the music I'd been listening to the afternoon before. Well, I guess out of habit, I'd already put it in gear, as the car lurched back while I fumbled hastily with the radio dials. When I finally glanced up to check my mirror, I jumped, and slammed my foot on the brake hard.
Before my reflexes kicked in, I managed to catch Heero's eyes widen in disbelief, as his features contorted in surprise. Momentum finally kicked in, and I felt my body jolt forward, my head connecting with the roof of the car. I immediately froze as he caught sight of my bent frame behind the wheel, and I winced as his face then twisted into a sneer. I looked back at him, shoulders hunched forward over the wheel guiltily. I must have looked like a criminal caught in the act. Studying him in the mirror, I froze under his piercing glare, and I don't know how long this lasted. Hanging my head for a minute and lacing my fingers around the steering wheel, I barely glimpsed his departing figure. Damn it! Today already had the makings of disaster.
When I finally arrived at school, I found my footsteps slowing to my particular classroom. I hadn't really thought of a proper excuse to deliver, and after that little episode, my thoughts were hopelessly jumbled. Shifting my textbooks to my other had, I braced myself as I saw the instructor heading into the classroom [apparently pushing the thirty-five zone on campus had bought me some time] He paused as he saw me approach, and waited patiently to meet me at the door. Round two, I thought to myself.
"Duo", he began calmly, ushering me off to the side. I braced myself for the lecture, and the third degree, which I knew well enough, was coming.
"I'd like to know why you haven't been at school for the past couple days", he said slowly, gesturing with added emphasis.
I gave a soft smirk and replied, "Would you believe I got lost"?
His features tensed, and he gave me a disapproving stare. Cocking my head to the side animatedly, I return his glare, though I think it appeared more mocking. I heard the bell sound suddenly, as he lowered his head in defeat, raising a hand to his temple.
"I don't have time for this". He sighed. "Go and take your seat".
Pressing my fingers to my forehead in salute [which almost earned me another disapproving sigh] I gave my best genteel smile, and ducked into the classroom. And someone wasn't happy to see me.
Heero lowered his eyebrow at my entrance, [which was even more menacing if you can believe it] yet the icy glare never vanished. I suddenly felt my guilt return, and I was almost desperately afraid he would sense it. Yet he revealed nothing as I shrank into the seat next to him. Moments later, the Instructor appeared, and began to take roll.
I'm pretty sure that's where I'd drifted off. I hadn't much of an ear for history, especially since I felt extremely uncomfortable, and I couldn't get a good look at his expression through the corner of my eye, and turning my head would be obvious. So I contented myself to focus my eyes strait ahead.
In fact, I'd let my mind wander so much; I came to just as I realized the instructor was rambling on about our first group project, and jarring myself, I'd realized that the class had already paired off. I sank a bit further into my seat as the instructor's words broke through my thoughts.
"Is there anyone who does not have a partner"? He questioned.
I slowly raised my hand, and nearly jumped as I noticed Heero's hand carefully do the same.
The professor smiled just then as he looked down at us.
"Problem solved". He declared.
I swallowed thickly. And to my surprise, a soft voice to my side responded in mild protest.
"I do not feel comfortable being paired up with someone, who nearly ran me over with his vehicle," he muttered.
I felt agitation seize me.
"Well maybe if you were watching were you were going"...I objected.
"Well maybe if you didn't have that mop of hair obstructing your view" ...Heero returned.
I jumped from my seat in debate, and an argument quickly ensued. I vaguely recall the teacher demanding our silence, I guess I had raised my voice a bit loud, since muffled snickers were erupting from the back of the room. I refused to find my situation humorous. But then, was it me or did Heero look somewhat amused? I must of hit my head harder than I thought.
//
How I made it through that day I couldn't guess. Yet I managed to catch sight of Heero as I was making my way to my car. He didn't seem to be paying much attention to his surroundings and he exited to parking lot, until I called over to him with a smirk playing on my face.
"Want a ride"? I questioned, grinning smoothly.
He turned toward me, contempt clearly evident.
"They actually gave you a license"? He questioned.
Nearly countering in defense, I almost failed to notice him approach the vehicle, and tug the passenger door open as he ducked silently inside.
I stood frozen for a moment. I was well aware that I hadn't really expected him to accept the offer, and now I found myself a bit shaken. Sucking in a deep breath, I climbed behind to wheel, and stuck the key in the ignition. The radio started up again, and as I backed out, I noticed him grimace.
"This, is your idea of music"? He exclaimed with a gesture.
I guess we didn't share similar tastes. I smiled in defiance, and proceeded to tap my fingers against the wheel in time with the beat as I pushed the speed limit once again, making my way down the street. School zone, hah. Fuck it.
I saw him tense, as I sped through a red light.
"You drive like a maniac"...he affirmed.
A devious grin crossed my face, as I swerved the car swiftly to the side, causing him to lurch forward unexpectedly, which earned me another glare. I couldn't help wanting to laugh out loud just then.
//
Needless to say, he was relieved to get home in one piece, for no sooner did I come to a stop in his driveway, the door flung wide and he bailed. Unable to resist, I chuckled softly as I followed him up the stairs. Before I really knew what was happening, the door was shut, and I was on the other side. My brow furrowed just then, I wasn't sure if I liked the memory, but weakness wasn't a trait I was apt at showing, so I tried my best to shrug it off, as he sank down into his desk chair once more. Ignoring the silence, I meandered my way into the kitchen, and jumped onto the counter, my legs dangling off the side.
I didn't want to focus on the tension and the silence, so I barely noticed as my legs involuntarily began to tap back and forth against the side of the wall. I guess I have a way of inventing distractions for myself. I wasn't aware of it until I felt a stern set of eyes upon me. Surrendering my best smile, I paused in my rhythm, and glanced up to meet his gaze.
"Is that bothering you"? I questioned.
When he gave no reply, I proceeded to tap my feet at an even faster rate. Perhaps I was pushing the envelope, or maybe I just wanted to see what would happen. But I was suddenly shocked. Was it my imagination, or did a faint smile form at the corner of his mouth?
6:32 p.m.
I'll never get used to it. How can the average teenager tolerate rising for school in the wee hours of morning every single day? Well, it's not like I really have a choice in the matter. Today would be it. I can't run forever. And I couldn't run any longer. Sitting up in my tangled mess of bed linens, I raised my arms above my head to indulge in a stretch, and release a yawn. I intended to crawl out of bed, but somehow I ended up entwining my foot with a sheet, which sent me stumbling to the floor. Definitely not one of my most graceful moments. Gathering what was left of my pride after that little mishap, I stood on wobbly legs, languidly scratching my side as I wandered into the bathroom.
Taking a good long look in the mirror, I cringed. I had work to do. Pulling loose the rest of my hair as I turned the shower faucet, I ducked under the spray. My eyes were still partially lidded as I waited for the coolness of the water to bring me to my senses. Scrubbing the suds through my mess of hair, I vaguely recalled that I'd been a poor informant-since I hadn't contacted Une since I'd arrived. I shrugged. At the time, I don't think I possibly could have cared less.
It was miserably cold in my apartment, I noted distastefully, as I stepped out of the shower, icy air engulfing my body. Shaking the remaining water from my hair, I bolted from the bathroom, eager to get dressed, and not caring whether or not I was roaming about my house completely nude. Hey, it is my house, and since when was I the modest type?
After digging through the closet, I pulled on a pair of black jeans and I nearly toppled over as I pulled whatever clean shirt I could find over my head. Aware I was cutting it close as far as time goes, I hastily wove the familiar strands together to form a braid, and scooping my jacket into my arms, I snatched my shoes from against the door and headed out.
Now, if you've ever attempted to tie your shoes while descending a stairwell [which I don't recommend by the way] you can recognize my dilemma. Hopping down the steps while fighting with a shoelace, I managed to avoid careening to my end on the concrete below [hardly, I might add] and fumbling with the keys, I slid quickly into the driver's seat of my car. Checking my clock, I almost released a cry of frustration, as I jammed the keys into the ignition. As soon as the engine roared to life, so did the music I'd been listening to the afternoon before. Well, I guess out of habit, I'd already put it in gear, as the car lurched back while I fumbled hastily with the radio dials. When I finally glanced up to check my mirror, I jumped, and slammed my foot on the brake hard.
Before my reflexes kicked in, I managed to catch Heero's eyes widen in disbelief, as his features contorted in surprise. Momentum finally kicked in, and I felt my body jolt forward, my head connecting with the roof of the car. I immediately froze as he caught sight of my bent frame behind the wheel, and I winced as his face then twisted into a sneer. I looked back at him, shoulders hunched forward over the wheel guiltily. I must have looked like a criminal caught in the act. Studying him in the mirror, I froze under his piercing glare, and I don't know how long this lasted. Hanging my head for a minute and lacing my fingers around the steering wheel, I barely glimpsed his departing figure. Damn it! Today already had the makings of disaster.
When I finally arrived at school, I found my footsteps slowing to my particular classroom. I hadn't really thought of a proper excuse to deliver, and after that little episode, my thoughts were hopelessly jumbled. Shifting my textbooks to my other had, I braced myself as I saw the instructor heading into the classroom [apparently pushing the thirty-five zone on campus had bought me some time] He paused as he saw me approach, and waited patiently to meet me at the door. Round two, I thought to myself.
"Duo", he began calmly, ushering me off to the side. I braced myself for the lecture, and the third degree, which I knew well enough, was coming.
"I'd like to know why you haven't been at school for the past couple days", he said slowly, gesturing with added emphasis.
I gave a soft smirk and replied, "Would you believe I got lost"?
His features tensed, and he gave me a disapproving stare. Cocking my head to the side animatedly, I return his glare, though I think it appeared more mocking. I heard the bell sound suddenly, as he lowered his head in defeat, raising a hand to his temple.
"I don't have time for this". He sighed. "Go and take your seat".
Pressing my fingers to my forehead in salute [which almost earned me another disapproving sigh] I gave my best genteel smile, and ducked into the classroom. And someone wasn't happy to see me.
Heero lowered his eyebrow at my entrance, [which was even more menacing if you can believe it] yet the icy glare never vanished. I suddenly felt my guilt return, and I was almost desperately afraid he would sense it. Yet he revealed nothing as I shrank into the seat next to him. Moments later, the Instructor appeared, and began to take roll.
I'm pretty sure that's where I'd drifted off. I hadn't much of an ear for history, especially since I felt extremely uncomfortable, and I couldn't get a good look at his expression through the corner of my eye, and turning my head would be obvious. So I contented myself to focus my eyes strait ahead.
In fact, I'd let my mind wander so much; I came to just as I realized the instructor was rambling on about our first group project, and jarring myself, I'd realized that the class had already paired off. I sank a bit further into my seat as the instructor's words broke through my thoughts.
"Is there anyone who does not have a partner"? He questioned.
I slowly raised my hand, and nearly jumped as I noticed Heero's hand carefully do the same.
The professor smiled just then as he looked down at us.
"Problem solved". He declared.
I swallowed thickly. And to my surprise, a soft voice to my side responded in mild protest.
"I do not feel comfortable being paired up with someone, who nearly ran me over with his vehicle," he muttered.
I felt agitation seize me.
"Well maybe if you were watching were you were going"...I objected.
"Well maybe if you didn't have that mop of hair obstructing your view" ...Heero returned.
I jumped from my seat in debate, and an argument quickly ensued. I vaguely recall the teacher demanding our silence, I guess I had raised my voice a bit loud, since muffled snickers were erupting from the back of the room. I refused to find my situation humorous. But then, was it me or did Heero look somewhat amused? I must of hit my head harder than I thought.
//
How I made it through that day I couldn't guess. Yet I managed to catch sight of Heero as I was making my way to my car. He didn't seem to be paying much attention to his surroundings and he exited to parking lot, until I called over to him with a smirk playing on my face.
"Want a ride"? I questioned, grinning smoothly.
He turned toward me, contempt clearly evident.
"They actually gave you a license"? He questioned.
Nearly countering in defense, I almost failed to notice him approach the vehicle, and tug the passenger door open as he ducked silently inside.
I stood frozen for a moment. I was well aware that I hadn't really expected him to accept the offer, and now I found myself a bit shaken. Sucking in a deep breath, I climbed behind to wheel, and stuck the key in the ignition. The radio started up again, and as I backed out, I noticed him grimace.
"This, is your idea of music"? He exclaimed with a gesture.
I guess we didn't share similar tastes. I smiled in defiance, and proceeded to tap my fingers against the wheel in time with the beat as I pushed the speed limit once again, making my way down the street. School zone, hah. Fuck it.
I saw him tense, as I sped through a red light.
"You drive like a maniac"...he affirmed.
A devious grin crossed my face, as I swerved the car swiftly to the side, causing him to lurch forward unexpectedly, which earned me another glare. I couldn't help wanting to laugh out loud just then.
//
Needless to say, he was relieved to get home in one piece, for no sooner did I come to a stop in his driveway, the door flung wide and he bailed. Unable to resist, I chuckled softly as I followed him up the stairs. Before I really knew what was happening, the door was shut, and I was on the other side. My brow furrowed just then, I wasn't sure if I liked the memory, but weakness wasn't a trait I was apt at showing, so I tried my best to shrug it off, as he sank down into his desk chair once more. Ignoring the silence, I meandered my way into the kitchen, and jumped onto the counter, my legs dangling off the side.
I didn't want to focus on the tension and the silence, so I barely noticed as my legs involuntarily began to tap back and forth against the side of the wall. I guess I have a way of inventing distractions for myself. I wasn't aware of it until I felt a stern set of eyes upon me. Surrendering my best smile, I paused in my rhythm, and glanced up to meet his gaze.
"Is that bothering you"? I questioned.
When he gave no reply, I proceeded to tap my feet at an even faster rate. Perhaps I was pushing the envelope, or maybe I just wanted to see what would happen. But I was suddenly shocked. Was it my imagination, or did a faint smile form at the corner of his mouth?
6:32 p.m.