That's Childish, So Childish…
Chapter Fourteen: How Can I Even Try To Explain…
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Disclaimer—Dis I don't claim. Good definition, huh? No, really, I don't own Gundam Wing. But I can dream, can't I? The cacti died. Sorry, can't get those out of me anymore, either. Note to self—never plant cacti in normal soil again…
Warnings—Some banged shins… You know, I don't think anything that terrible happens in this chapter.
The new allies meet Heero and Trowa. Of course, conflicts arise. This new alliance is hardly a match made in heaven…
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Zechs glared at the coffee before him as if it had threatened to eat through the hull of the Tallgeese. The previous cup wasn't agreeing with his stomach, and he had a hunch that this one wouldn't make things any better for his gut linings, but it beat going back to sleep at the moment.
//I haven't had nightmares like this since my first fight…// he mused dispiritedly. //No, I amend that: these are the worst yet. I don't… I don't want to remember… Don't they have something stronger here? I'd try something stronger gladly—though, on second thought, I don't think my body would take that any better than this coffee.//
Pained, icy eyes shifted to a pile of ceramic, coffee-stained shards in a pile by the sink. A flicker of shame touched his soul at the sight. //I wish Treize hadn't asked. I… I don't want him to know, too. What happened… Too much has happened. He'd feel guilty about it, too. I…//
Pausing, he let his head sink into his bandaged hands, nose over the coffee, gazing at his reflection in the murky liquid.
//I just want to forget.//
Miri sighed softly. "I want to forget too many things… And nothing will allow me to do that," he whispered.
Of course, the coffee didn't answer, though his breath stirred faint ripples in the liquid, sloshing the sides of his new mug.
//Damn coffee. Can't I just blame you? Then I can solve all my problems by blowing up every sludge-factory on Earth and pat myself on the back for saving people from the unhealthy addiction.// A wry smile tugged at his lips. //Things would be /so/ much easier…//
His reflection steadied on the surface, staring back at him in solemn sadness. A boy. Milliardo? The soldier only existed in those too-old eyes. He didn't have to be a stranger to notice it.
Another soft sigh shattered the image, giving a faint respite from that intense gaze. //The man in the mirror… Or should I say child? I am not who I used to be. I've lost my calm, my assurance...// Memory of the shards by the sink bit in. //My control. I'm not… not /quite/ Zechs anymore. But I've still killed. This isn't right. I'm losing the boundaries I set up. Just like I'm losing the mask… I have to ask one of the Maganacs to fix it—the left eye's too shattered to see through now.//
Again, his image steadied on the coffee before him. Persistent bugger.
//It will break soon. The mask can't last much longer.//
Lifting his head, he wrapped his hands about the mug.
//Will I shatter with it?//
The image in the mug appeared disheartened, lost… a drowned figure. A lost child. It seemed fitting, somehow.
//And if I don't, what then?//
"You know, that stuff stunts your growth."
Miri smiled slowly into the mug, not looking up. "I can spare it."
"Yeah, well, don't say I didn't warn you," Duo chuckled, his footsteps echoing closer, towards the coffee machine. Zechs could hear the Gundam pilot pause at the sight of the broken mug piled neatly nearby, then the clank and whisper of a fresh mug being filled.
Miri's gaze stayed on the dark liquid already in his hands. "So, what is the commotion? It can't be too urgent, if you've returned here." //I may be smaller, but my hearing is still very good.//
A yawn, a stretch—joints creaked. "Oh, Heero and Trowa have arrived. A bit of a mix-up. I wanted a mugful before going out to reassure—or greet—them. By the time I've finished this, Quatre's likely told them the basics of what happened the past few days…"
A half-giggle, half-chuckle escaped. //Very good tactical move, Duo.// "So you escape having to do a lot of explaining."
Duo slowly strode around the table to the side opposite Zechs, grinning broadly as the ex-Oz pilot looked up. "Yeah, well…" Shrugging, he couldn't hide his impish expression. "Quatre's the better diplomat. Want to come?"
Miri hesitated, torn. //I've met Heero before—though that was through visuals during the fight. Do I…? I mean… Hell, it's /embarrassing/ to be a kid!// "I… don't know."
Deathscythe's pilot snorted, smirking slightly, eyes wicked. "Well, the two of you can hardly do your duel now. I'd think even Heero would have trouble putting the notion of you as a kid aside when he fights."
A sigh disturbed the surface of the coffee again. //True. And… I'm not sure I'm /not/ a kid. All of this is just… too overwhelming. I can't figure any of it out—I can't figure /myself/ out!// Resigned, he shoved his seat back. //I honestly don't care to continue puzzling it over anymore. Easier to just live with the present and let the rest sort itself out.// "I'll come."
Duo grinned broadly, eyes dancing with mischief. "It'll certainly be something to see their reactions…"
//I bet.// Miri smiled slowly, mischief stirring within his blood as well at the notion. //May as well enjoy it, hm?// "That's true…" he offered.
As Duo turned to lead the way back into the hall with coffee mug in hand, he paused and eyed Zechs warily, adding, "You left the BBgun back in the room and you've no fireworks on you, right?"
A sly smile touched the boy's lips, icy eyes gleaming. //I don't need such weapons, though… The Academy /did/ train us pretty well!// "Yes."
Frowning slightly, Duo considered that answer, and Zechs's expression, then shook his head so that his braid flopped on his shoulders. "Never mind… But no trying to kill Heero, got that?" he admonished sternly, leading the way.
"But Duuuoooo…" Miri mock-whined, following him.
Their laughter preceded down the corridors softly before them.
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Quatre's voice echoed down the corridor ahead of the party, continuing in a slightly-worried tone, "…So Treize Kushrenada has joined us. I must admit, we rather needed the help when he arrived, too. While he isn't exactly who I'd choose to ally with, the situation is so bad that I can't see how we have much choice. Apart, we will end up only fouling each other up…"
A quiet but deep voice filled the space left by that pause, as footsteps gave their voices a drumbeat to move to. "Has he given you any sort of reassurances concerning his reliability in this? Other than bringing a small army with him?"
"Actually, Trowa, I'm rather glad you mention that." Quatre seemed cheered by this question. "You see, he seems to be leaving all the decisions up to us on this. My feeling is that he's sincere about his wish to help us, though he is a bit reluctant to lead it. He's quite willing to follow… I'm not sure why, though. Personal reasons, I suspect."
"Hn," a quiet grunt from an indeterminate source was the only answer.
Duo turned the corner and flashed a big grin at the approaching group. Heero, in a stolen blue Oz recruit's uniform, was trailing a little behind the taller Trowa, who was likewise dressed, and the hopefully-cheerful Quatre, dragged out of bed in only soft teal pajamas and a robe. Rashid loomed behind Heero like a small dark mountain, another Maganac lost in his shadow. Quatre had a lantern in hand to light the way, and almost jumped when Duo's black clothes appeared before him like a human-shaped doorway.
//Heh. Heero and Trowa look like sullen-faced twins in that getup. Doesn't either one of them ever /smile/? Doesn't look like Quatre's reassuring them too much…//
"Hey there, look what finally decided to join the party!" Duo called brightly, watching Quatre wince at the sheer cheerfulness in his voice. //Ooops! Sorry, Quatre, but hey, give me a mug of coffee and I'm happy as a bluebird, regardless of time of day!// "What took you so long, Heero?"
Wing's pilot eyed Duo sharply, but answered calmly, "Backtracking to lose the tails Romefeller kept sending after us after every stop."
"It seems the name 'Zechs Merquise' triggers everyone in the vicinity to follow you," Trowa murmured sarcastically, glancing at Heero.
Heero snorted at Trowa's words, ignoring the glare. "It made them ignore the fact that we had a Gundam on board," he answered blandly.
Duo fought the urge to roll his eyes and chuckle. //Little do they know... And this is neat—Heero actually slipped up on something! Shouldn't have used Zechs's name, Heero—they want him dead!// "Yeah, well, Romefeller has this grudge against Zechs these days…"
"He's here," Heero stated flatly, glancing at Quatre.
//Yeah, Quatre would have told them…// When Duo glanced at the blonde Gundam pilot, Quatre shrugged helplessly. Duo reached up and scratched the back of his head, looking at the ceiling thoughtfully. //How to explain this…// "Okay, where to begin…"
Something tugged at the tail of Duo's shirt. "Seeing is probably easier than explaining," Zechs's voice murmured a bit uncertainly behind him.
Mentally, Duo sighed. //True, a picture's worth a thousand words, but this essay we have to get across is a lot longer!// Peering over his shoulder at the shy boy, he smiled wryly and shrugged. "Guess it's somewhere to start," he told the pale form hiding in his shadow.
"So where is he?" Trowa asked, curious.
"Right here." Zechs stepped around Duo, blinking under the shade of long pale bangs as he peered up at the Gundam pilots boldly.
Trowa blinked. "You're kidding," he stated disbelievingly, green eyes wide.
Heero… frowned, head slowly traveling downward to fix his eyes with the icy ones below him.
//Okay… I think I kind of expected this.// "It's a long story," Duo tried, feeling a little sheepish.
Zechs and Heero merely stared at each other, the former frowning slowly as time ticked past with neither blinking an eye.
Trowa watched the pair, eyebrows slipping towards his hairline.
Duo exchanged looks with Quatre, uncertain. //Is this a good thing? I've a feeling it isn't…// Quatre only gave him another wide-eyed shrug of helplessness.
Someone chuckled a little, a smothered sound.
//I can feel someone drawing question-marks over my head,// Duo thought, looking at the two Maganacs…
Who were smirking.
Looking back at Heero and Zechs, neither had blinked yet, but both continued to frown at each other.
//Okay, this is getting creepy…//
Then Trowa burst out laughing so hard that tears rolled down his cheeks.
"It's not funny," Zechs insisted, tearing his gaze from Heero to shoot a narrow-eyed glare at the tall Gundam pilot.
Heero actually… smiled slightly. "You're… different from last time."
//Well duh!// Duo rolled his eyes at Heero and looked at Trowa wonderingly. // But hey, it seems Heero /can/ smile. And Trowa, too.//
Quatre was staring at Trowa as if the Heavyarms' pilot had gone insane. For good reason—Trowa's bellowing laughter was driving tears down his face, and he was clutching his sides as if to keep them from falling off. The poor fellow looked ready to fall over, he was having such a hard time catching his breath. And poor Quatre's bewildered expression begged everyone, "What do I do about /this/?"
Zechs eyed Heero sharply, clearly on the defensive. "Do I look like I'm /enjoying/ this?"
Heero just ignored his question and dropped a question of his own. "Romefeller?"
"No, the tooth fairy! Who else do you think?" Duo chuckled. //Now now, Heero, stop teasing your old nemesis. Not nice. Play fair.// "Come on, give the guy a break—they were pretty nasty. He's helping us…"
Trowa just laughed helplessly, rocking dangerously on his feet.
"Hey, I can still pilot the Tallgeese!" Zechs snapped threateningly, fists on hips.
Heero just shook his head, smiling a bit more broadly.
Spreading his hands, Duo tried, "He did—honest! He's going to help us protect Relena while she politically overthrows Romefeller…" //Stop laughing, Trowa, you're NOT helping!// Duo attempted to give Trowa a stern look, but the fellow wasn't even looking at him—only staring at Heero and Zechs as if they were the latest in comedy teams.
"The pacifier?" Heero asked, startled, looking to Duo curiously.
"PaciFIST!" Zechs's hands weren't the only parts of him with fast reflexes.
Duo didn't have time to blink before Heero doubled over with an involuntary yelp of surprise as his shins were kicked in quick succession.
Then Duo started laughing. //Sorry, Zechs—but you look too funny!// Quatre tried to cover a giggle—and Trowa leaned on the blonde Gundam pilot, wheezing with laughter.
"Ow! I meant to say pacifist," Heero protested mildly, still surprised as he rubbed new bruises.
Zechs glared at the lot of them, fists on hips, not looking very convinced. At the moment, Duo was glad the boy didn't have any weaponry—or mugs—handy. He looked ready to bestow pain on the amused members of the party out of sheer frustration.
Taking a deep breath to calm down, Trowa added, smirking, "Take it easy—Heero's still injured."
"Thank you," Wing's pilot muttered with sarcastic dignity.
Shaking his head, Duo grinned broadly as he heard Zechs snort. //He's pretty defensive of that Darlain girl, Heero—watch out…//
"What Duo was saying," Quatre began, smiling as he still supported Trowa, "is that we're going to ask her to try and gather the support of the people and turn Romefeller towards peace… So we can destroy the weapons. The leader of the dangerous faction is Duke Dermail, really, not the rest of Romefeller."
"So we go to Sanc, then?" Heero inquired, straightening as he looked to Quatre. "Who will ask her?"
Nobody answered.
Wing's pilot groaned faintly, closing his eyes.
"I don't think we decided yet," Quatre offered sheepishly, smiling slowly at Heero's obvious discomfort.
//Poor Heero…// Duo didn't feel very sorry for him, though. "Hey, she was stalking /you/, not us. She'll listen to you more," he suggested slyly.
Trowa smothered a chuckle and shrugged, eyeing Heero mischievously.
Heero's eyes flicked from one person to another warily. "Mission denied," he stated firmly.
//Trying to slip past this one, huh, Heero? We'll see about that.// "Hey, man, we need her—she's perfect for the job."
"Mission denied."
"Heero, she's the best one we can think of who might even listen to us—none of us are politicians or have as much influence!" Quatre protested.
"Mission denied."
Trowa, still smiling faintly, wondered bluntly, "What's so bad about her?"
An eyebrow quirked at Trowa. "Ever see a pink limo?" the Perfect Soldier countered.
All the Gundam boys winced. //I forgot about that,// Duo mused, amused. //Come on, Heero, I know you're 90% bluster. You haven't killed her yet, for all she gets in your way.//
"Come on, Heero, you're our best bet," Duo begged.
"That is not why I came here," came the cold reply.
"We have your Gundam," Zechs continued smoothly, almost angrily, folding his arms across his chest as he studied Heero.
//Huh—almost forgot he was still here. But he's right.// Duo made a face. "We're not trying to bribe you, though. But it'd be nice if you talked to her, to return the favor."
Heero's eyes widened slightly, whirling on the pair. "How…?"
//Okay, guess he did NOT know.// "Zechs brought it." Duo waved a hand at the boy.
Heero's icy gaze shifted to the longhaired blonde youth, waiting…
And met equally cool eyes. "I had my men put most of it back together. We have yet to finish our duel."
The rival pair gazed at each other warily, gazes unblinking…
//Not /again/…// "Just talk to her, Heero. /Once./ That's all we're asking."
"No." Zechs interceded abruptly, arms still folded across his chest, bandaged fingers tapping one arm.
//What?!?// Duo blinked, incredulous.
Quatre tiled his head. "No?" Confused.
"I thought that was the plan," Rashid rumbled quietly in the shadows, not sounding very pleased by the suggestion of changes that left him out.
"Take her a letter," Zechs offered, not taking his eyes off Heero.
//A letter? From who?// "Wouldn't it be better if we ask in person?" Duo tried, lost.
"A letter," Heero mused, considering the short Tallgeese pilot with wary appraisal, as if expecting a trick in this proposal.
"A letter from who?" Trowa asked, puzzled. "If she's not likely to listen to this alliance, a letter won't change things."
Was it Duo's impression, or did Zechs seem embarrassed and ashamed when he dipped his head to look at the floor? But he didn't imagine the words that followed.
"I know someone she will listen to…"
"What?" Quatre gasped.
"You've been keeping this from us?" thundered Rashid.
//Why didn't you say anything before?// Duo wondered, feeling hurt, certain that the others were thinking the same thing.
"He can't meet her." A quiet, sad statement, but the tone was firmly certain about that fact.
Heero connected things first, and his wary expression faded to something faintly resembling gentle acceptance. "You," he stated softly, Prussian blue eyes questioning.
A silvery-blonde head bobbed slightly in response.
//Zechs… So you know her… But how?// Sympathy stirred, and Duo resisted the urge to pat the boy's shoulder reassuringly. //He seems so saddened—and so sure he can't meet her. Why? I don't see why not. I wonder what their connection is… Wish you'd talk more, kiddo.//
"Mission accepted." An understanding agreement.
Zechs looked up at Heero, icy eyes damp, but they continued to hold his pain within. "Thank you," he answered softly.
Rashid sighed quietly, the only sound in the resulting silence. //Well, this changes a couple small plans of his, I guess,// Duo mused, amused and pleased.
Then…
"Can you also put something in it to pacify /her/ so I can complete my missions /without/ her getting underfoot?" Heero added plaintively, smiling weakly.
Zechs's mouth twitched into a lopsided smile. "I can only try…"
"And the pink limo, too?" Duo wondered hopefully, eyes lighting up. //Hey, if he can stop her stalking…!//
A pale eyebrow jumped at Duo's suggestion. "I'm not her chauffer, Duo. There's only so much I can ask of her."
"Duo has a point. He can do something about that, if you can somehow pacify her reaction," Heero mused, a slight smile on his lips, eyes actually dancing with mischief.
//Is he /asking/ for trouble?// Duo wondered, amazed.
Zechs lashed out with a foot, protesting, "Do I /seem/ like a pacifier to you?!?"
"Ow! Ow! Bad leg! Bad leg!" But Heero couldn't withhold his chuckles as he was kicked.
"I. Am. Not. A. Pacifier!!!"
Heero was still laughing as he fell down.
Duo smirked, turning to find Trowa cracking up all over poor giggling Quatre again as the Maganacs roared, and shrugged expressively. //Well, who /would/ like those references to their age if they were in Zechs's place?//
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To be continued.
And so they /kinda/ get along. Yes, I think Heero actually has a sense of humor, even if it means the result of teasing gets him extra bruises on his shins…
Chapter Fourteen: How Can I Even Try To Explain…
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Disclaimer—Dis I don't claim. Good definition, huh? No, really, I don't own Gundam Wing. But I can dream, can't I? The cacti died. Sorry, can't get those out of me anymore, either. Note to self—never plant cacti in normal soil again…
Warnings—Some banged shins… You know, I don't think anything that terrible happens in this chapter.
The new allies meet Heero and Trowa. Of course, conflicts arise. This new alliance is hardly a match made in heaven…
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Zechs glared at the coffee before him as if it had threatened to eat through the hull of the Tallgeese. The previous cup wasn't agreeing with his stomach, and he had a hunch that this one wouldn't make things any better for his gut linings, but it beat going back to sleep at the moment.
//I haven't had nightmares like this since my first fight…// he mused dispiritedly. //No, I amend that: these are the worst yet. I don't… I don't want to remember… Don't they have something stronger here? I'd try something stronger gladly—though, on second thought, I don't think my body would take that any better than this coffee.//
Pained, icy eyes shifted to a pile of ceramic, coffee-stained shards in a pile by the sink. A flicker of shame touched his soul at the sight. //I wish Treize hadn't asked. I… I don't want him to know, too. What happened… Too much has happened. He'd feel guilty about it, too. I…//
Pausing, he let his head sink into his bandaged hands, nose over the coffee, gazing at his reflection in the murky liquid.
//I just want to forget.//
Miri sighed softly. "I want to forget too many things… And nothing will allow me to do that," he whispered.
Of course, the coffee didn't answer, though his breath stirred faint ripples in the liquid, sloshing the sides of his new mug.
//Damn coffee. Can't I just blame you? Then I can solve all my problems by blowing up every sludge-factory on Earth and pat myself on the back for saving people from the unhealthy addiction.// A wry smile tugged at his lips. //Things would be /so/ much easier…//
His reflection steadied on the surface, staring back at him in solemn sadness. A boy. Milliardo? The soldier only existed in those too-old eyes. He didn't have to be a stranger to notice it.
Another soft sigh shattered the image, giving a faint respite from that intense gaze. //The man in the mirror… Or should I say child? I am not who I used to be. I've lost my calm, my assurance...// Memory of the shards by the sink bit in. //My control. I'm not… not /quite/ Zechs anymore. But I've still killed. This isn't right. I'm losing the boundaries I set up. Just like I'm losing the mask… I have to ask one of the Maganacs to fix it—the left eye's too shattered to see through now.//
Again, his image steadied on the coffee before him. Persistent bugger.
//It will break soon. The mask can't last much longer.//
Lifting his head, he wrapped his hands about the mug.
//Will I shatter with it?//
The image in the mug appeared disheartened, lost… a drowned figure. A lost child. It seemed fitting, somehow.
//And if I don't, what then?//
"You know, that stuff stunts your growth."
Miri smiled slowly into the mug, not looking up. "I can spare it."
"Yeah, well, don't say I didn't warn you," Duo chuckled, his footsteps echoing closer, towards the coffee machine. Zechs could hear the Gundam pilot pause at the sight of the broken mug piled neatly nearby, then the clank and whisper of a fresh mug being filled.
Miri's gaze stayed on the dark liquid already in his hands. "So, what is the commotion? It can't be too urgent, if you've returned here." //I may be smaller, but my hearing is still very good.//
A yawn, a stretch—joints creaked. "Oh, Heero and Trowa have arrived. A bit of a mix-up. I wanted a mugful before going out to reassure—or greet—them. By the time I've finished this, Quatre's likely told them the basics of what happened the past few days…"
A half-giggle, half-chuckle escaped. //Very good tactical move, Duo.// "So you escape having to do a lot of explaining."
Duo slowly strode around the table to the side opposite Zechs, grinning broadly as the ex-Oz pilot looked up. "Yeah, well…" Shrugging, he couldn't hide his impish expression. "Quatre's the better diplomat. Want to come?"
Miri hesitated, torn. //I've met Heero before—though that was through visuals during the fight. Do I…? I mean… Hell, it's /embarrassing/ to be a kid!// "I… don't know."
Deathscythe's pilot snorted, smirking slightly, eyes wicked. "Well, the two of you can hardly do your duel now. I'd think even Heero would have trouble putting the notion of you as a kid aside when he fights."
A sigh disturbed the surface of the coffee again. //True. And… I'm not sure I'm /not/ a kid. All of this is just… too overwhelming. I can't figure any of it out—I can't figure /myself/ out!// Resigned, he shoved his seat back. //I honestly don't care to continue puzzling it over anymore. Easier to just live with the present and let the rest sort itself out.// "I'll come."
Duo grinned broadly, eyes dancing with mischief. "It'll certainly be something to see their reactions…"
//I bet.// Miri smiled slowly, mischief stirring within his blood as well at the notion. //May as well enjoy it, hm?// "That's true…" he offered.
As Duo turned to lead the way back into the hall with coffee mug in hand, he paused and eyed Zechs warily, adding, "You left the BBgun back in the room and you've no fireworks on you, right?"
A sly smile touched the boy's lips, icy eyes gleaming. //I don't need such weapons, though… The Academy /did/ train us pretty well!// "Yes."
Frowning slightly, Duo considered that answer, and Zechs's expression, then shook his head so that his braid flopped on his shoulders. "Never mind… But no trying to kill Heero, got that?" he admonished sternly, leading the way.
"But Duuuoooo…" Miri mock-whined, following him.
Their laughter preceded down the corridors softly before them.
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Quatre's voice echoed down the corridor ahead of the party, continuing in a slightly-worried tone, "…So Treize Kushrenada has joined us. I must admit, we rather needed the help when he arrived, too. While he isn't exactly who I'd choose to ally with, the situation is so bad that I can't see how we have much choice. Apart, we will end up only fouling each other up…"
A quiet but deep voice filled the space left by that pause, as footsteps gave their voices a drumbeat to move to. "Has he given you any sort of reassurances concerning his reliability in this? Other than bringing a small army with him?"
"Actually, Trowa, I'm rather glad you mention that." Quatre seemed cheered by this question. "You see, he seems to be leaving all the decisions up to us on this. My feeling is that he's sincere about his wish to help us, though he is a bit reluctant to lead it. He's quite willing to follow… I'm not sure why, though. Personal reasons, I suspect."
"Hn," a quiet grunt from an indeterminate source was the only answer.
Duo turned the corner and flashed a big grin at the approaching group. Heero, in a stolen blue Oz recruit's uniform, was trailing a little behind the taller Trowa, who was likewise dressed, and the hopefully-cheerful Quatre, dragged out of bed in only soft teal pajamas and a robe. Rashid loomed behind Heero like a small dark mountain, another Maganac lost in his shadow. Quatre had a lantern in hand to light the way, and almost jumped when Duo's black clothes appeared before him like a human-shaped doorway.
//Heh. Heero and Trowa look like sullen-faced twins in that getup. Doesn't either one of them ever /smile/? Doesn't look like Quatre's reassuring them too much…//
"Hey there, look what finally decided to join the party!" Duo called brightly, watching Quatre wince at the sheer cheerfulness in his voice. //Ooops! Sorry, Quatre, but hey, give me a mug of coffee and I'm happy as a bluebird, regardless of time of day!// "What took you so long, Heero?"
Wing's pilot eyed Duo sharply, but answered calmly, "Backtracking to lose the tails Romefeller kept sending after us after every stop."
"It seems the name 'Zechs Merquise' triggers everyone in the vicinity to follow you," Trowa murmured sarcastically, glancing at Heero.
Heero snorted at Trowa's words, ignoring the glare. "It made them ignore the fact that we had a Gundam on board," he answered blandly.
Duo fought the urge to roll his eyes and chuckle. //Little do they know... And this is neat—Heero actually slipped up on something! Shouldn't have used Zechs's name, Heero—they want him dead!// "Yeah, well, Romefeller has this grudge against Zechs these days…"
"He's here," Heero stated flatly, glancing at Quatre.
//Yeah, Quatre would have told them…// When Duo glanced at the blonde Gundam pilot, Quatre shrugged helplessly. Duo reached up and scratched the back of his head, looking at the ceiling thoughtfully. //How to explain this…// "Okay, where to begin…"
Something tugged at the tail of Duo's shirt. "Seeing is probably easier than explaining," Zechs's voice murmured a bit uncertainly behind him.
Mentally, Duo sighed. //True, a picture's worth a thousand words, but this essay we have to get across is a lot longer!// Peering over his shoulder at the shy boy, he smiled wryly and shrugged. "Guess it's somewhere to start," he told the pale form hiding in his shadow.
"So where is he?" Trowa asked, curious.
"Right here." Zechs stepped around Duo, blinking under the shade of long pale bangs as he peered up at the Gundam pilots boldly.
Trowa blinked. "You're kidding," he stated disbelievingly, green eyes wide.
Heero… frowned, head slowly traveling downward to fix his eyes with the icy ones below him.
//Okay… I think I kind of expected this.// "It's a long story," Duo tried, feeling a little sheepish.
Zechs and Heero merely stared at each other, the former frowning slowly as time ticked past with neither blinking an eye.
Trowa watched the pair, eyebrows slipping towards his hairline.
Duo exchanged looks with Quatre, uncertain. //Is this a good thing? I've a feeling it isn't…// Quatre only gave him another wide-eyed shrug of helplessness.
Someone chuckled a little, a smothered sound.
//I can feel someone drawing question-marks over my head,// Duo thought, looking at the two Maganacs…
Who were smirking.
Looking back at Heero and Zechs, neither had blinked yet, but both continued to frown at each other.
//Okay, this is getting creepy…//
Then Trowa burst out laughing so hard that tears rolled down his cheeks.
"It's not funny," Zechs insisted, tearing his gaze from Heero to shoot a narrow-eyed glare at the tall Gundam pilot.
Heero actually… smiled slightly. "You're… different from last time."
//Well duh!// Duo rolled his eyes at Heero and looked at Trowa wonderingly. // But hey, it seems Heero /can/ smile. And Trowa, too.//
Quatre was staring at Trowa as if the Heavyarms' pilot had gone insane. For good reason—Trowa's bellowing laughter was driving tears down his face, and he was clutching his sides as if to keep them from falling off. The poor fellow looked ready to fall over, he was having such a hard time catching his breath. And poor Quatre's bewildered expression begged everyone, "What do I do about /this/?"
Zechs eyed Heero sharply, clearly on the defensive. "Do I look like I'm /enjoying/ this?"
Heero just ignored his question and dropped a question of his own. "Romefeller?"
"No, the tooth fairy! Who else do you think?" Duo chuckled. //Now now, Heero, stop teasing your old nemesis. Not nice. Play fair.// "Come on, give the guy a break—they were pretty nasty. He's helping us…"
Trowa just laughed helplessly, rocking dangerously on his feet.
"Hey, I can still pilot the Tallgeese!" Zechs snapped threateningly, fists on hips.
Heero just shook his head, smiling a bit more broadly.
Spreading his hands, Duo tried, "He did—honest! He's going to help us protect Relena while she politically overthrows Romefeller…" //Stop laughing, Trowa, you're NOT helping!// Duo attempted to give Trowa a stern look, but the fellow wasn't even looking at him—only staring at Heero and Zechs as if they were the latest in comedy teams.
"The pacifier?" Heero asked, startled, looking to Duo curiously.
"PaciFIST!" Zechs's hands weren't the only parts of him with fast reflexes.
Duo didn't have time to blink before Heero doubled over with an involuntary yelp of surprise as his shins were kicked in quick succession.
Then Duo started laughing. //Sorry, Zechs—but you look too funny!// Quatre tried to cover a giggle—and Trowa leaned on the blonde Gundam pilot, wheezing with laughter.
"Ow! I meant to say pacifist," Heero protested mildly, still surprised as he rubbed new bruises.
Zechs glared at the lot of them, fists on hips, not looking very convinced. At the moment, Duo was glad the boy didn't have any weaponry—or mugs—handy. He looked ready to bestow pain on the amused members of the party out of sheer frustration.
Taking a deep breath to calm down, Trowa added, smirking, "Take it easy—Heero's still injured."
"Thank you," Wing's pilot muttered with sarcastic dignity.
Shaking his head, Duo grinned broadly as he heard Zechs snort. //He's pretty defensive of that Darlain girl, Heero—watch out…//
"What Duo was saying," Quatre began, smiling as he still supported Trowa, "is that we're going to ask her to try and gather the support of the people and turn Romefeller towards peace… So we can destroy the weapons. The leader of the dangerous faction is Duke Dermail, really, not the rest of Romefeller."
"So we go to Sanc, then?" Heero inquired, straightening as he looked to Quatre. "Who will ask her?"
Nobody answered.
Wing's pilot groaned faintly, closing his eyes.
"I don't think we decided yet," Quatre offered sheepishly, smiling slowly at Heero's obvious discomfort.
//Poor Heero…// Duo didn't feel very sorry for him, though. "Hey, she was stalking /you/, not us. She'll listen to you more," he suggested slyly.
Trowa smothered a chuckle and shrugged, eyeing Heero mischievously.
Heero's eyes flicked from one person to another warily. "Mission denied," he stated firmly.
//Trying to slip past this one, huh, Heero? We'll see about that.// "Hey, man, we need her—she's perfect for the job."
"Mission denied."
"Heero, she's the best one we can think of who might even listen to us—none of us are politicians or have as much influence!" Quatre protested.
"Mission denied."
Trowa, still smiling faintly, wondered bluntly, "What's so bad about her?"
An eyebrow quirked at Trowa. "Ever see a pink limo?" the Perfect Soldier countered.
All the Gundam boys winced. //I forgot about that,// Duo mused, amused. //Come on, Heero, I know you're 90% bluster. You haven't killed her yet, for all she gets in your way.//
"Come on, Heero, you're our best bet," Duo begged.
"That is not why I came here," came the cold reply.
"We have your Gundam," Zechs continued smoothly, almost angrily, folding his arms across his chest as he studied Heero.
//Huh—almost forgot he was still here. But he's right.// Duo made a face. "We're not trying to bribe you, though. But it'd be nice if you talked to her, to return the favor."
Heero's eyes widened slightly, whirling on the pair. "How…?"
//Okay, guess he did NOT know.// "Zechs brought it." Duo waved a hand at the boy.
Heero's icy gaze shifted to the longhaired blonde youth, waiting…
And met equally cool eyes. "I had my men put most of it back together. We have yet to finish our duel."
The rival pair gazed at each other warily, gazes unblinking…
//Not /again/…// "Just talk to her, Heero. /Once./ That's all we're asking."
"No." Zechs interceded abruptly, arms still folded across his chest, bandaged fingers tapping one arm.
//What?!?// Duo blinked, incredulous.
Quatre tiled his head. "No?" Confused.
"I thought that was the plan," Rashid rumbled quietly in the shadows, not sounding very pleased by the suggestion of changes that left him out.
"Take her a letter," Zechs offered, not taking his eyes off Heero.
//A letter? From who?// "Wouldn't it be better if we ask in person?" Duo tried, lost.
"A letter," Heero mused, considering the short Tallgeese pilot with wary appraisal, as if expecting a trick in this proposal.
"A letter from who?" Trowa asked, puzzled. "If she's not likely to listen to this alliance, a letter won't change things."
Was it Duo's impression, or did Zechs seem embarrassed and ashamed when he dipped his head to look at the floor? But he didn't imagine the words that followed.
"I know someone she will listen to…"
"What?" Quatre gasped.
"You've been keeping this from us?" thundered Rashid.
//Why didn't you say anything before?// Duo wondered, feeling hurt, certain that the others were thinking the same thing.
"He can't meet her." A quiet, sad statement, but the tone was firmly certain about that fact.
Heero connected things first, and his wary expression faded to something faintly resembling gentle acceptance. "You," he stated softly, Prussian blue eyes questioning.
A silvery-blonde head bobbed slightly in response.
//Zechs… So you know her… But how?// Sympathy stirred, and Duo resisted the urge to pat the boy's shoulder reassuringly. //He seems so saddened—and so sure he can't meet her. Why? I don't see why not. I wonder what their connection is… Wish you'd talk more, kiddo.//
"Mission accepted." An understanding agreement.
Zechs looked up at Heero, icy eyes damp, but they continued to hold his pain within. "Thank you," he answered softly.
Rashid sighed quietly, the only sound in the resulting silence. //Well, this changes a couple small plans of his, I guess,// Duo mused, amused and pleased.
Then…
"Can you also put something in it to pacify /her/ so I can complete my missions /without/ her getting underfoot?" Heero added plaintively, smiling weakly.
Zechs's mouth twitched into a lopsided smile. "I can only try…"
"And the pink limo, too?" Duo wondered hopefully, eyes lighting up. //Hey, if he can stop her stalking…!//
A pale eyebrow jumped at Duo's suggestion. "I'm not her chauffer, Duo. There's only so much I can ask of her."
"Duo has a point. He can do something about that, if you can somehow pacify her reaction," Heero mused, a slight smile on his lips, eyes actually dancing with mischief.
//Is he /asking/ for trouble?// Duo wondered, amazed.
Zechs lashed out with a foot, protesting, "Do I /seem/ like a pacifier to you?!?"
"Ow! Ow! Bad leg! Bad leg!" But Heero couldn't withhold his chuckles as he was kicked.
"I. Am. Not. A. Pacifier!!!"
Heero was still laughing as he fell down.
Duo smirked, turning to find Trowa cracking up all over poor giggling Quatre again as the Maganacs roared, and shrugged expressively. //Well, who /would/ like those references to their age if they were in Zechs's place?//
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To be continued.
And so they /kinda/ get along. Yes, I think Heero actually has a sense of humor, even if it means the result of teasing gets him extra bruises on his shins…