Disclaimer:
Thai: No cat this time . . . ( I miss her! *Cries loudly, sitting on the floor as tears shoot from eyes in all directions.*
Duo: There, there! Don't cry! We're on chapter 3, remember?!
Thai: Good point . . . but still . . . COSMIC!!!!
Duo: *Whispers* A note to the audience, Cosmic is the name of Thai, the authors cat. She's 12 years old, black and white and BITES like a demon! I mean, I would know . . .
Heero: Duo . . .
Duo: Yeah?
Heero/Thai: Shuddup!
Thai: Anywayz *sniff* I apologize to my fellow brits for *sniff* setting the stereotypical mood in the first flashback, itz just that it suits what's goin' on, we know it doesn't rain ALL the time here, right guyz?
Fellow brits: RIGHT!
Starz.
Chapter 3.
A shadowed figure huddled and bent over, scurried down the dark, damp streets of the busy, cold city. Winter had set in and as he crossed the flooded street, Duo sniffed, cursing under his breath as a red double Decker drove past, engulfing him in a giant tidal wave of mucky rain water.
He was stuck walking as his car was broken and Chloe was driving her own to the hospital for Paige's check up. Despite the fact that he was drenched, he was happy. The Maxwell curse hadn't struck! Two of the people he loved the most were still alive and with him. Although, the man that captured his heart the first time had long since disappeared into the void that was the universe,
"Oh, Heero . . ." He murmured as he walked into his usual coffee bar, ordering his usual drink and sitting at his usual table. Long ago, in the days of the war and the Gundams, he would've been reluctant to have fallen into a routine, but now, he didn't mind.
Every day he got up, had breakfast with his family, kissed his loving wife and gorgeous daughter goodbye before heading out for a quick coffee and then onto work. The preventers had been looking for an agent to work England and Duo had jumped at the chance after his engagement to Chloe Stevenson, a former nurse from the war.
As he sipped gingerly at his coffee, his thoughts drifted to how they had met. BUT, that was a different story. He had the day off work today though, an old friend was stopping by and he was eager to see him after such a long time. As he entered the cosy place, Duo jumped up from his seat, waving madly,
"Hey Quat! Over here!" Duo cried,
"Hello Duo! It's been SO long!" The small blonde gushed as he approached, a pair of large security guards closely behind,
"I know! It's been what? How many years since M . . ."
"8, roughly."
"So, 8 years, hmmm."
The pair talked and gossiped for a considerable time before Duos pocket began to shake and ring, vibrating against his thigh,
"Hello!" He chuckled as the small object shook against his limb, "I wasn't expecting that!" He continued to Quatre before finally answering the infernal machine, "Yeah?" He huffed at the unfamiliar number,
"Hello, Mr Maxwell?"
"Yeah . . .?"
"Hello, my name is Samantha Richardson, I work at the hospital (you pick one, I don't care which one, there's LOADS in London), I'm afraid that there's been an accident."
"Accident? What kind of accident?"
Quatre wrinkled his face in confusion and concern,
"Yes, I'm afraid that your, wife and daughter? They were involved in a car accident."
"Oh . . . god . . . is t, I mean, are they alright?"
"You're daughter is fine, but I'm afraid that your wife is in a serious condition, you'll need to get here right away."
"Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can! Thanks!" He hung up the phone and looked desperately at his friend, "Quatre, please, I need a ride, could you give me a lift to the hospital?"
"Sure! Let's go!"
Upon arriving at the hospital, Duo dashed into the small, private room where his wife lay. She was cold and pale, stretched out on the bleach white bed, hooked to machines with wires and tubes. He let a small gasp tumbled from his lips as a nurse quietly entered, placing a blonde child in his arms. A small plaster covered a mark on her face, but other than that, she was fine,
"A driver fell asleep at the wheel." The doctor said as he entered, "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid that her chances aren't good."
Duo nodded numbly, promising himself that he wouldn't cry,
"Can she hear me?"
"Yes." The doctor whispered, "She's conscious."
Duo stepped forwards, still folding the child in his arms,
"Chlo'?" He whispered,
"Hey . . . ya . . ." She whimpered,
"Oh, shhh, if it hurts, don't talk."
"But . . . I want . . . to . . ."
"Chloe Maxwell!" Duo grinned, "Don't defy me!"
"Duo . . ." She smiled weakly, "You'll make a great daddy to her . . . I'll be watching over you bo . . . oth . . . k?"
Duo nodded once again, afraid to talk, finally he spoke up,
"I love you." He murmured,
"I love you too."
The red headed woman slowly closed sapphire eyes to the world, her breathing evened out and machines began to sound alarms. Duo looked around frantically, but, as the former Shinigami, he knew it was her time.
He sprang into a seated position, breathing heavily, covered in sweat,
"Oh man . . . phew . . ." He panted, wiping his brow, "Never thought I'd ever live THAT day again." He sighed slumping back into his pillows. A soft knock came at the door, "Uh, come in?"
Paige popped her head around the heavy wooden door, grinning,
"Did I wake you?"
"Nope! Course not! What's up? Couldn't sleep?"
"Uh huh!" She nodded, entering slowly,
"Why? Thinkin' bout Trow-wa?"
"Dad!" Paige fumed, "Not funny!"
"Hmmmm, y'know he's gay, right?"
"Yes."
"Good and he's the same age as me, right?"
"Of course!"
"Just checking."
Paige sat on the side of the bed and leant forwards, looking her father in the face,
"Dad, is something goin' on between you and that Heero guy?"
"Uh, what makes you say that?"
"I dunno, you just seem . . . close . . . that's all."
"Heh. We're just great buddies, from the war, y'know!?"
"Oh . . .?"
"Yup!"
"Quatre told me something different."
Duo froze,
"What did Quatre tell you, honey?"
"Well . . . that you guys used to be . . . uh, well . . . lovers? And that you broke up at the end of the war."
Duo fell silent,
"And what did you say?"
"Not much. Why didn't you tell me when I just asked? Do you think I would be upset? Ashamed? I'm not narrow minded, father!" She snapped, her voice rising,
"Ok, alright, Paige, calm down, I was a little, scared that you might think your old man was a freak!"
"Never!" She smiled, "I know that you're not a freak and no matter what you choose to be, I'll stand by you!" She winked slightly, "Besides, he's a nice guy and you deserve nice!"
She hugged her father tightly,
"Oh? And why do I deserve nice?"
"Because you've had a hard life! Don't pretend you haven't just because I'm around! You need someone who treats you right!"
Duo smiled, still holding the girl to him. Finally he let her sit back on her feet, kneeling next to him,
"You'd better be off to bed!" He said stubbornly, "Just because I end up relying on a, doesn't mean I'm not still in charge!"
"But, daddy!"
"No buts, off ya go!"
"Ugh. Fine." She smirked, "See you in the morning!" She said as she hopped down and ran off out the door.
Duo leant back, settling in the mound of pillows, his thoughts drifting towards Heero. They'd arranged to go out for dinner tomorrow evening, now all they had to do was explain their absence, Duo was hoping that Quatre would understand, well, of course he would, but make some excuse for them, that or perhaps Trowa . . . now that Paige wasn't a problem, he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders, she would be safe here with everyone else for a few hours. He had always been an over protective parent, he couldn't help it really. Living on L2 during the rough times and his years in the war had made him a tad paranoid and protection of the only thing in his life worth living for has been a top of his list.
The next day went by pretty slowly. Duo hung out by the pool with Trowa, still with his uni-bang which was now accompanied by a content smile.
Also at the pool were the three teenagers. Relena's son, David lay by the side whilst Yan and Paige sat on the edge, play fighting. Yan was slightly older than Paige, bout 2 years he reckoned,
"Yan must be about 17 years old . . . hmmm; I bet Wufei's getting inpatient, how old was he when he married Meiran?" Duo murmured to Trowa,
"He just turned 17, and I don't really think Wufei cares." Trowa said with a sigh,
"What do you mean?"
"Well . . . Yan's very active, at work, I think that his parents undertsnad that he doesn't have much time for school work and girls. Besides, his school is an all boys school. Paige is probably the first girl he's ever actually had a real conversation with in a LONG time."
"Man, what a boring life!" Duo chuckled,
"Hmmm."
"What was that?" He asked, raising an eyebrow,
"Just thinking."
"About?"
"Well . . . they do, make a cute couple!"
"Oh god Tro! When did you become a match maker?!"
"Never, they just . . . go well together, kinda like you and Heero."
"Don't start! We're sorting that out, anyways; my little girl doesn't need to get involved with someone who lives where?"
"Uh, earth I think."
"Exactly! We live on L2! There's no way I'm going back to earth!"
"Duo, calm down, I was only saying that they make a cute couple, that's all! Not announcing their marriage or anything!"
Before Duo could answer, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He whirled his head around and glowered, only to lift the expression to discover Heero,
"Fancy a swim?"
"Sure. Speak to ya later, Trowa."
"Uh huh." Trowa said, closing his eyes and finally enjoying some piece,
"Hey . . . wanna play volley ball?" Duo whispered,
"With two of us?"
"I was thinking four?" He suggested, "C'mon, they're kids, we'll kick their asses with OUR reflexes!"
"Alright."
"HEY!" Duo cried, canon balling into the water, "Wanna play?" He asked, holding up the white ball,
"Sure!" Paige jumped down into the water, "C'mon guys!"
"I'll sit THIS one out!" David snapped, "Like I'm going to get wet because of YOU people!"
"I'll play." Yan said with a slight nod.
Duo sighed, glancing at Heero who had somewhat of a childish look on his face. He rubbed his palms together and smirked, this was going to be fun!
- - - To be continued . . .
Thai: Well . . . hehe, uhm, Kali, I work at a pharmacy . . . the white coat is the uniform, so, I'm afraid that I'll have to report this . . . *scribbles it down*
Duo: If I were you, if would hide!
Thai: Hehe hehe!
Heero: Some ppl are just SO rude! Thanks for reviewing everyone!
Thai: No cat this time . . . ( I miss her! *Cries loudly, sitting on the floor as tears shoot from eyes in all directions.*
Duo: There, there! Don't cry! We're on chapter 3, remember?!
Thai: Good point . . . but still . . . COSMIC!!!!
Duo: *Whispers* A note to the audience, Cosmic is the name of Thai, the authors cat. She's 12 years old, black and white and BITES like a demon! I mean, I would know . . .
Heero: Duo . . .
Duo: Yeah?
Heero/Thai: Shuddup!
Thai: Anywayz *sniff* I apologize to my fellow brits for *sniff* setting the stereotypical mood in the first flashback, itz just that it suits what's goin' on, we know it doesn't rain ALL the time here, right guyz?
Fellow brits: RIGHT!
Starz.
Chapter 3.
A shadowed figure huddled and bent over, scurried down the dark, damp streets of the busy, cold city. Winter had set in and as he crossed the flooded street, Duo sniffed, cursing under his breath as a red double Decker drove past, engulfing him in a giant tidal wave of mucky rain water.
He was stuck walking as his car was broken and Chloe was driving her own to the hospital for Paige's check up. Despite the fact that he was drenched, he was happy. The Maxwell curse hadn't struck! Two of the people he loved the most were still alive and with him. Although, the man that captured his heart the first time had long since disappeared into the void that was the universe,
"Oh, Heero . . ." He murmured as he walked into his usual coffee bar, ordering his usual drink and sitting at his usual table. Long ago, in the days of the war and the Gundams, he would've been reluctant to have fallen into a routine, but now, he didn't mind.
Every day he got up, had breakfast with his family, kissed his loving wife and gorgeous daughter goodbye before heading out for a quick coffee and then onto work. The preventers had been looking for an agent to work England and Duo had jumped at the chance after his engagement to Chloe Stevenson, a former nurse from the war.
As he sipped gingerly at his coffee, his thoughts drifted to how they had met. BUT, that was a different story. He had the day off work today though, an old friend was stopping by and he was eager to see him after such a long time. As he entered the cosy place, Duo jumped up from his seat, waving madly,
"Hey Quat! Over here!" Duo cried,
"Hello Duo! It's been SO long!" The small blonde gushed as he approached, a pair of large security guards closely behind,
"I know! It's been what? How many years since M . . ."
"8, roughly."
"So, 8 years, hmmm."
The pair talked and gossiped for a considerable time before Duos pocket began to shake and ring, vibrating against his thigh,
"Hello!" He chuckled as the small object shook against his limb, "I wasn't expecting that!" He continued to Quatre before finally answering the infernal machine, "Yeah?" He huffed at the unfamiliar number,
"Hello, Mr Maxwell?"
"Yeah . . .?"
"Hello, my name is Samantha Richardson, I work at the hospital (you pick one, I don't care which one, there's LOADS in London), I'm afraid that there's been an accident."
"Accident? What kind of accident?"
Quatre wrinkled his face in confusion and concern,
"Yes, I'm afraid that your, wife and daughter? They were involved in a car accident."
"Oh . . . god . . . is t, I mean, are they alright?"
"You're daughter is fine, but I'm afraid that your wife is in a serious condition, you'll need to get here right away."
"Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can! Thanks!" He hung up the phone and looked desperately at his friend, "Quatre, please, I need a ride, could you give me a lift to the hospital?"
"Sure! Let's go!"
Upon arriving at the hospital, Duo dashed into the small, private room where his wife lay. She was cold and pale, stretched out on the bleach white bed, hooked to machines with wires and tubes. He let a small gasp tumbled from his lips as a nurse quietly entered, placing a blonde child in his arms. A small plaster covered a mark on her face, but other than that, she was fine,
"A driver fell asleep at the wheel." The doctor said as he entered, "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid that her chances aren't good."
Duo nodded numbly, promising himself that he wouldn't cry,
"Can she hear me?"
"Yes." The doctor whispered, "She's conscious."
Duo stepped forwards, still folding the child in his arms,
"Chlo'?" He whispered,
"Hey . . . ya . . ." She whimpered,
"Oh, shhh, if it hurts, don't talk."
"But . . . I want . . . to . . ."
"Chloe Maxwell!" Duo grinned, "Don't defy me!"
"Duo . . ." She smiled weakly, "You'll make a great daddy to her . . . I'll be watching over you bo . . . oth . . . k?"
Duo nodded once again, afraid to talk, finally he spoke up,
"I love you." He murmured,
"I love you too."
The red headed woman slowly closed sapphire eyes to the world, her breathing evened out and machines began to sound alarms. Duo looked around frantically, but, as the former Shinigami, he knew it was her time.
He sprang into a seated position, breathing heavily, covered in sweat,
"Oh man . . . phew . . ." He panted, wiping his brow, "Never thought I'd ever live THAT day again." He sighed slumping back into his pillows. A soft knock came at the door, "Uh, come in?"
Paige popped her head around the heavy wooden door, grinning,
"Did I wake you?"
"Nope! Course not! What's up? Couldn't sleep?"
"Uh huh!" She nodded, entering slowly,
"Why? Thinkin' bout Trow-wa?"
"Dad!" Paige fumed, "Not funny!"
"Hmmmm, y'know he's gay, right?"
"Yes."
"Good and he's the same age as me, right?"
"Of course!"
"Just checking."
Paige sat on the side of the bed and leant forwards, looking her father in the face,
"Dad, is something goin' on between you and that Heero guy?"
"Uh, what makes you say that?"
"I dunno, you just seem . . . close . . . that's all."
"Heh. We're just great buddies, from the war, y'know!?"
"Oh . . .?"
"Yup!"
"Quatre told me something different."
Duo froze,
"What did Quatre tell you, honey?"
"Well . . . that you guys used to be . . . uh, well . . . lovers? And that you broke up at the end of the war."
Duo fell silent,
"And what did you say?"
"Not much. Why didn't you tell me when I just asked? Do you think I would be upset? Ashamed? I'm not narrow minded, father!" She snapped, her voice rising,
"Ok, alright, Paige, calm down, I was a little, scared that you might think your old man was a freak!"
"Never!" She smiled, "I know that you're not a freak and no matter what you choose to be, I'll stand by you!" She winked slightly, "Besides, he's a nice guy and you deserve nice!"
She hugged her father tightly,
"Oh? And why do I deserve nice?"
"Because you've had a hard life! Don't pretend you haven't just because I'm around! You need someone who treats you right!"
Duo smiled, still holding the girl to him. Finally he let her sit back on her feet, kneeling next to him,
"You'd better be off to bed!" He said stubbornly, "Just because I end up relying on a, doesn't mean I'm not still in charge!"
"But, daddy!"
"No buts, off ya go!"
"Ugh. Fine." She smirked, "See you in the morning!" She said as she hopped down and ran off out the door.
Duo leant back, settling in the mound of pillows, his thoughts drifting towards Heero. They'd arranged to go out for dinner tomorrow evening, now all they had to do was explain their absence, Duo was hoping that Quatre would understand, well, of course he would, but make some excuse for them, that or perhaps Trowa . . . now that Paige wasn't a problem, he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders, she would be safe here with everyone else for a few hours. He had always been an over protective parent, he couldn't help it really. Living on L2 during the rough times and his years in the war had made him a tad paranoid and protection of the only thing in his life worth living for has been a top of his list.
The next day went by pretty slowly. Duo hung out by the pool with Trowa, still with his uni-bang which was now accompanied by a content smile.
Also at the pool were the three teenagers. Relena's son, David lay by the side whilst Yan and Paige sat on the edge, play fighting. Yan was slightly older than Paige, bout 2 years he reckoned,
"Yan must be about 17 years old . . . hmmm; I bet Wufei's getting inpatient, how old was he when he married Meiran?" Duo murmured to Trowa,
"He just turned 17, and I don't really think Wufei cares." Trowa said with a sigh,
"What do you mean?"
"Well . . . Yan's very active, at work, I think that his parents undertsnad that he doesn't have much time for school work and girls. Besides, his school is an all boys school. Paige is probably the first girl he's ever actually had a real conversation with in a LONG time."
"Man, what a boring life!" Duo chuckled,
"Hmmm."
"What was that?" He asked, raising an eyebrow,
"Just thinking."
"About?"
"Well . . . they do, make a cute couple!"
"Oh god Tro! When did you become a match maker?!"
"Never, they just . . . go well together, kinda like you and Heero."
"Don't start! We're sorting that out, anyways; my little girl doesn't need to get involved with someone who lives where?"
"Uh, earth I think."
"Exactly! We live on L2! There's no way I'm going back to earth!"
"Duo, calm down, I was only saying that they make a cute couple, that's all! Not announcing their marriage or anything!"
Before Duo could answer, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He whirled his head around and glowered, only to lift the expression to discover Heero,
"Fancy a swim?"
"Sure. Speak to ya later, Trowa."
"Uh huh." Trowa said, closing his eyes and finally enjoying some piece,
"Hey . . . wanna play volley ball?" Duo whispered,
"With two of us?"
"I was thinking four?" He suggested, "C'mon, they're kids, we'll kick their asses with OUR reflexes!"
"Alright."
"HEY!" Duo cried, canon balling into the water, "Wanna play?" He asked, holding up the white ball,
"Sure!" Paige jumped down into the water, "C'mon guys!"
"I'll sit THIS one out!" David snapped, "Like I'm going to get wet because of YOU people!"
"I'll play." Yan said with a slight nod.
Duo sighed, glancing at Heero who had somewhat of a childish look on his face. He rubbed his palms together and smirked, this was going to be fun!
- - - To be continued . . .
Thai: Well . . . hehe, uhm, Kali, I work at a pharmacy . . . the white coat is the uniform, so, I'm afraid that I'll have to report this . . . *scribbles it down*
Duo: If I were you, if would hide!
Thai: Hehe hehe!
Heero: Some ppl are just SO rude! Thanks for reviewing everyone!
