CHAPTER 2

"But you promised me, Duo!"

"Okay, Okay! I just had to check one more!" he waved his hands frantically in the air to get Hildey to back off a little.

"Grrr…." She threw her arms up, "This is the tenth Apartment HQ building today. You said we'd go to Itaewon to go shopping after the fourth one."

"I know…but I'm getting tired of staying at the Dragon Hill Inn at Yongsan…and I think Sally Po is getting pretty angry considering we've been here a week and the rooms are $125 per person…"

"Yeah, yeah." She snapped annoyed. "If you were that desperate we would've already found an apartment…" Her head snapped up and looked at Duo, just realizing something. "You're having Sally pay?!"

"Heh, heh, heh." He laughed uneasily and put his hands on the back of his head, "Well for one. They don't know that I'm not in the military. I had her help me out a bit—and I'll pay her back!" He added quickly.

"You should've told me that sooner, Duo! What were you gonn—" Hildey looked shocked all of a sudden, "HEY!!"

"Wha-what??"

"That's Heero isn't it!" She clapped her hands in confirmation, "Yup! It is him!"

Duo spun around to look at what she saw. There on the first floor of the Beneseville Apartment HQ building, stood Heero. This is awesome! I havent seen him in two and a half years, man! Duo started thinking of what he should do next, Maybe I should surprise him!

"Come on Hildey! We're gonna give Mr. I'm-leaving-you-without-saying-a-word-whether-I-like-to-talk-or-not Yuy a little surprise!" He swiftly grabbed Hildey's arm and dragged her inside the building.

~*~

"So, Mr. Soo. What do you plan on doing to me now?" Heero glared at the older man with contempt. His prussian blue eyes now boring into the man.

Mr. Soo laughed evilly, "You'll see." He leaned under the desk and pressed a red security button located near the edge. Also, being the smart man that he was, he was careful to keep a watchful eye on the boy so he didn't make any sudden moves.

Heero noticed this and growled underneath his breath. Maybe I could grab that paper weight over there and…

SLAM!

"HEY BUDDY!!! Long time no see! Sorry to mess up your meeting and all, but hey! We havent seen each other in ages!"

Mr. Soo just stared wide eyed at the strange brown haired boy with a long thigh length braid and priests outfit as he carelessly watlzed in. The boy immediately started to speak to his client as if this was something he did everyday. What the—Is this some sort of backup plan?!

"Hey, kid!" He snapped angrily, "Who the heck are you?!"

"Huh?"

"Duo!? What are you doing here!" Heero snapped as well. How'd they find me?!

"Well, geez. I didn't know I was so unwanted…"

Hildey sighed, "I don't think this was the right thing to do to come and barge in like this…"

Duo contemplated that fact for a while and shrugged it off.

You're embarassing sometimes, Duo. Hildey sighed.

"Well I guess we better get going then. We'll be waiting outside for ya Heero, pal." He started back out.

"WAIT RIGHT THERE!"

"Eh?" Both Hildey, Duo, and Heero stated in unison.

"Do you know who this boy is?" He pointed a thick boney finger at the two at the door.

"Yeah…" Duo said carefully. "Why?"

Mr. Soo smirked and sat up, "Then maybe you can confirm his identity. He seems to have misplaced it." He said mockingly, while staring Heero in the face.

"Huh?" Duo was confused. He scratched his head unsure of what to say next. "Well, uh…his name is Heero Yuy. Age: now 18…um…Shouldn't you have all this in your computer?"

"Ah, yes. Seems he told you lies as well. What a friend you are." He glared at his client.

"What's this about?" Hildey spoke up. "Why are you going off about is identity. You're arent the police."

"No. But they'll be here soon if he doesn't hurry up."

"I told you who I was already!" he gritted through his teeth.

"Blast it, boy. You're only making it harder on yourself. I already told you. I have your history report from hacking into my system!" He banged his fist against the desk, "Fine. I'll give it to you easy this time kid. But it still won't be any good. For one, you no longer may live in the Benesville apartment complex. Two: if you don't have the money payed by the end of this year—in cash—handed to me personally by you and only you, I will report you. Don't even bother trying to delete the history now. I have five copies available for future references."

Heero's face turned red in anger—and embarassment. How could I have been so stupid! What did I do wrong, I've never gotten caught before! He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding and unclinched his fists. I've just been huniliated, and to top it, both Duo and Hildey are both here to witness my mistake. He turned his eyes away from Mr. Soo, utterly humiliated, and looked down to the floor. "Fine." He mumbled.

"I don't think I heard you boy. Speak up." He smiled, enjoying every bit of torture the boy was undergoing. With his friends there, I know he'll cooperate.

"I said Fine!" He snapped, now looking at the man. Pure hate energy serged through his eyes.

Duo and Hildey could only stare at the scene. How could he have gotten caught?? Duo couldn't think. This old man must've been in the military. And if so, he had to have been a good soldier…

"Don't worry 'bout it man. You can stay with us!" Duo chimed in.

"I don't need your help." Heero snapped. He turned to leave.

"Not yet. Mr. Yuy." Mr. Soo followed the boy to the door, with a notecard in hand. "I want to hear from you as soon as you get a place to stay. I would also like to know how you registered. If I get any sign of foul play, I will turn you in." He smiled smugly and opened the door for the group to leave, handing him the card as well.

As they were walking out, a group of security officers walked up. "Sir?"

Mr. Soo and Heero glared at each other for a full five seconds. "Nothing." Still glaring at Heero, "You may leave."

Duo and Hildey quckly rushed Heero out before the old man could say anything else.

~*~

"So, pal, what was all of that about?" Duo asked. They had all gone back to Heero's apartment and helped him pack the few belongings he had.

Heero was confused. He grabbed a pile of clothes and stuffed it in a duffel bag. How could I have gotten caught! He mentally yelled at himself over and over. I made sure I secured myself before and after I went through the files. The thought of his failure and humilation made his heart sink. Well, by now it was to the floor. He could think of absolutely nothing that he might have done wrong. He grabbed another stack of clothes and forcefully pushed it inside the bag, What's wrong with me… He stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"What do you want." He asked coldly. He knew it was Duo. But that's not the reason he didn't turn to face him. He could slowly feel the stinging in his eyes. I'm not functioning.

"Hey. Don't worry about it. We'll help you out. I already told you that. Besides, you're the Perfect Soldier. Nobody can stop you!" He spoke as if things like this always happened.

Same old Duo. Hasn't changed one bit. Heero bit his lip and heaved a great sigh. "Look, I can take care of myself. I don't need you help!" He finally turned to Duo and prussian eyes met cobalt. They eyed each other for a few seconds until one gave up. Cobalt won.

"Why don't you just leave, Duo." Heero got up and walked out of his room followed by his friend.

"Because I've hardly even been here yet, if ya know what I mean. You leave us without a word, and here you are—Y'know, atleast let us get you a place to stay!" he didn't really feel like arguing over this much longer. Especially if its with the most stubborn man in the universe (after Wufei…). "You can stay with me and Hildey."

Hildey looked up from flipping on the TV, "That would be great. The only problem is we don't have a place to stay yet either." She glared at Duo, "Nor do we have the money to pay for our Inn."

Duo pouted.

"Looks like you're on the spot too." Heero glanced at Duo for a second and went over to sit on the couch diagnal from Hildey.

"Well, I happen to be paying Sally Po back when I get the money!" He assured. "And as soon as the business opens, It will be no problem!" He waved a finger in the air as if he knew all the facts.

"Please, Duo. The job doesn't start for a month." She rolled her eyes and stopped on the Korean MTV ~oldies~ station. They were playing 'Love' by S.E.S. She smiled in content.

"You're getting a job here in Seoul?"

"Yup." Hildey chimed in as Duo came and sat down beside her. "There was this orpahage that opened up after the war started. It was kinda going down hill and almost went bankrupt with all the kids coming through. It was costing too much to take care of them all. So we decided to take it upon ourselves to buy it and restart it!"

"What makes you so sure you'll be successful?"

Duo smirked, "Now we've gotten charity from the Military, Winner Foundation, and other organizations. Oh yeah! And because we know Sally, we get health benefits as well." He crossed his arms proudly. "We have more than enough to help out this time."

"Yeah, and when the children become old enough to get a job, we can go through the Winner Foundation. It helps teens find jobs suitable for them."

"Sounds like it might work." Heero said, uninterested. He grabbed the remote from Hildey and turned the station before the next song from H.O.T. started. He flipped it to the news.

"Hey!"

"Get your own television."

Duo and Hildey looked in shock. Geez. There was complete silence for a few minutes as they all just sat and let the news drone on. No one was really watching it.

Heero got up from the couch and went to gather his things.

"Hey, hey!" Duo jumped up after him, "Where d'you think you're goin!"

"Away." He slipped his shoes on and headed out the door.

"Wait for us!!" The two both yelled and grabbed their shoes and headed out with him.

"Um, hey arent you forgetting something?" Hildey stated once they got out the door.

Heero stood up from slipping a note under the neighbor's door, Goodbye, Mrs. Park… "Forgetting what? I have everything I need here." He headed for the stairs.

"Well, geez! You still have some food in there for one, then the TV, and the futon, and the dresser…"

"I rented those things from the apartment. As for the food, I'm letting my neighbor have it. I gave her the keys to get in." He continued on down, followed by Hildey and Duo, still trying to get their shoes back on.

"You still haven't said exactly where it is you plan to go next." Hildey pointed.

Frustrated, Heero stopped on the next set of stairs and leaned on the far wall, staring daggers at Duo and Hildey. "I. Am. Just. Leaving." His voice was serious, and by the tone, you could tell he was dying to say the infamous "Omae wo Korosu!!" anytime. "I don't want you getting in my way, got it—"

"All we are asking is that you stay with us—maybe for a day or two. After that, we'll leave you alone. 'Kay, Heero?" Duo was upset too. Why doesn't he want us around. Doesn't he trust us anymore? Is he hiding something else?

He growled, "You'll leave me alone then?"

"I'll leave you alone." He placed his hands palm up in the air, "So will ya? I'll even order take-out!"

"You're only thinking of your stomach, baka." He sighed, defeated. "I'll go. But only for two days. That's it. I don't care what happens."

"Great!" Hildey and Duo gave eachother high-fives and ran the rest of the way down.

They walked to Hyochang Station, caught the subway down to the Samgakji Sation and walked the rest of the way to the Yongsan Military Post.

~*~

After having gone through and hour of getting Heero a guest pass to enter the Post. They finally were able to get to Dragon Hill Inn and sit down.

"Man am I famished."

"Should we be surprised." Heero was leaning against the bedpost on the wall.

"Well, We did walk a long way. And don't even try and tell me that all that hard work didn't make you hungry?!"

"Hn."

Duo sweatdropped, "Uhhuh…"

"I called roomservice to see if they had take-out but they don't. Want to walk down to that restaurant we saw down stairs?" Hildey came walking in with a telephone book in hand.

"Yeah, I guess we can. Although I don't feel like walking anymore."

"You're too lazy." Heero replied, now looking out the window at the Seoul Tower miles out in the distance.

"Yeah, yeah."

RING RING RING!

Hildey picked up the phone. "Hello?" She smiled evilly toward Duo, who only gave her a questioning glance. "Oh sure, Sally. Duo is here. Hold on, let me give him the phone."

"Why'd you have to go and do that?!" He was now cringing in the corner.

"Heh, I'd hate to be you!" She teased, and handed him the phone.

"H..Hello?" Duo whispered.

"DON'T YOU HELLO ME, DUO!! YOU NEVER TOLD ME THAT YOU WERE STAYING FOR A WEEK! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN CHARGED ON MY CREDIT CARD??!!"

Hildey was rolling. You could hear Sally yelling a mile away and poor Duo had to hold the phone far away form his ear. Heero smirked at the scene.

"Aww, come on Sally! I was gonna pay you back!"

"OH REALLY? AND WHEN WILL YOU BE ABLE TO PAY ME $1,750 ?!?!?!?!"

Duo panicked, "$1,750? Oh geez-oh geez!!"

"OH GEEZ NOTHIN!!!"

"You're in for it big time." Heero noted.

Duo could only sulk.

To be continued…