Title: Losing Grip
Chapter: Verse 1
Author: fading.away
Rating: PG
Warning: Angst, shounen ai, some OOC and A/U-ness
Pairings: 1x2, possible 3x4 and 1xR
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing doesn't belong to me, and neither does the song "Losing Grip" (© to their rightful owners!). They're used for entertainment purposes only, no profit; so don't sue! (I have nothing to give anyway, --") Anyway, all flames will be used to create an enormous bonfire to burn certain people I dislike... ¬_¬
Author's Note: This is the first Gundam Wing fanfic I've put up on fanfiction.net, so don't be too harsh! Well, okay, I probably deserve it. But make it constructive and helpful! ^_^ Thanks and don't forget to R&R!

Are you aware of what you make me feel, baby
Right now I feel invisible to you
Like I'm not, real…
Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you,
Why'd you turn away…
Here's what I have to say…

Duo picked moodily at his plate, littered with what was once edible food, now mere bits and pieces. A hint of yellow peeked out from beneath… beneath… well, beneath something. Slightly curious – not to mention having nothing else to do – Duo carefully parted bits of unrecognizable food to reveal a simply drawn marigold flower, adorning the otherwise simple earthenware plate. A trace of a smile curved his lips as the memory of a certain someone's face suddenly flashed before his eyes.

/Flashback/

Duo leaped exuberantly up the gently inclining slope of the grassy hill, filled to the brim with pent-up energy. Trailing behind at a steadier pace was Heero, carrying with him a heavy picnic basket – packed by Duo, of course – as if it was as light as a feather. Once the ground leveled out, Duo plopped down in the shade of a nearby tree, waiting eagerly for Heero to sit down alongside him and unpack the basket. The stolid Japanese boy couldn't help but laugh at the enormous, shining cobalt eyes that were fixed intently on the food coming out of the basket. His laughter grew as Duo happily began to pig out, eating this, eating that, eating simply everything. Smiling tenderly at the oh-so-cute piggy, Heero resigned to join him.

Later, after they had finished eating, the two shared a comfortable, companionable silence; Heero leaning against the tree's trunk with Duo in his arms, Duo's arms wrapped around Heero's waist. It was interrupted – however not unpleasantly – by Heero picking a lone marigold flower growing in the grass by the tree roots and tucking it carefully behind Duo's ear. Touched by this unusual show of compassion, Duo turned his head and gave the suddenly shy boy a grateful kiss.

Encouraged, Heero tentatively reached out and fingered the soft petals, before gently caressing one alabaster cheek. "It reminds me of Relena-san's hair," he informed the American, chuckling softly as his hand dropped to his side.

Duo froze, a blank smile plastered on his face. Unaware, Heero continued. "The soft texture and cornflower coloring are exactly like her golden tresses." His usually cold Prussian eyes lit up with a type of boyish excitement and he rose, forcing Duo to stand as well. Grabbing his hand, Heero grinned. "Let's find some more flowers and take them to the house! Quatre would be so pleased, and… they'd look nice in your hair…" he added shyly. Tugging Duo's arm when he refused to move, he exclaimed, "Come on! Let's go!" and began to head out toward the meadow.

The marigold flower had fallen from Duo's hair to land on a clean earthenware plate, devoid of food. Duo stared at him, asking faintly, "But what about this one?"

Heero shrugged and replied dismissingly, "I'll find prettier ones for you. Now, let's go!" he added impatiently, and the two ran out into the warm sunlight. A sudden breeze blew past, ruffling the flower's petals before they settled back down, already wilting.

/End Flashback/

Something in his stomach curled, and Duo blanched. He remembered returning later that afternoon and having a surprise encounter with a visiting Relena in Quatre's summer home. Heero had given her a bouquet of flowers, flushing when she gave him a warm smile. Later in the night, they had a fight, Duo yelling about what Relena still meant to Heero and Heero yelling back about trusting the one they love. It had ended with Heero storming out; leaving Duo huddled all alone on the large bed. That had only been the beginning – the beginning of the relationship's slow, but steady downfall.

Pushing back on his chair, Duo rose from the dinner table, muttering, "I've lost my appetite. I'm going upstairs." Taking his leave, Duo disappeared out of the room.

"But--" Quatre broke off when he realized the American had already left the room. He turned to gaze at Trowa, whose bemused eyes told him that the older boy didn't have any idea what was going on either. They listened to the sound of Duo climbing up the stairs and gently closing his bedroom door, clearly indicating he wished to be left alone. "Oh… oh dear…" Quatre murmured, and clutched his chest.

Once inside, Duo flung himself on to his bed, ignoring the soft creaking in protest of his sudden weight. He couldn't bear to look at the other side of the room, so empty since Heero and he had stopped sharing rooms. Although he had redecorated in order to fully enjoy the space, it still seemed so… bare, without Heero's belongings, neatly put away or tucked in carefully.

Sighing, Duo took one look around the room before burying his face in his pillow. It was soon damp with tears, although no sound came from the trembling form.