Hullo minna! Sorry for the late update, I still haven't made up my
mind how this story, especially this chapter, would go. (snorts) Mattaku!
This chapter isn't supposed to be included, but when I read the original
chapter three, which is now chapter four, it's as if there's something
missing, and because I'm a sucker for 1x2, this chapter is about them,
again. LOL.
Enjoy.
~~~The Glass Angel
Chapter Three
The Aftermath
Duo stared blankly at the door of his home. Still stunned by what had happened-what had almost happened-and what he had seen, he didn't even noticed when Heero said a subdued "Goodbye,", and walked to his own house earlier. He blinked when he realized that he's now standing in front of the mahogany door of his home.
It was eerie, seeing your own death. Duo wasn't able to react, to think, or even to remember anything. Thank God he had the sense to point upwards, or he'll be dead meat by now.
He shivered, still remembering for the umpteenth time the images of his vision. He didn't know why, but earlier, he was able to ignore it, heck, he had even taunted Heero that he was starting to like him and the rest of the gang 'cause he's honoring his promise of 'all for one and one for all'.. but all that changed when they were halfway home. By then, the images reappeared, cruelly penetrating his clouded mind.
So, it's true what they say... shock comes slowly to a person.
He sighed, hand clasping the doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside... then he stopped, shocked, when he saw his mother in front of the door, crying softly.
"Mom.."
Helen Maxwell snapped up, then she ran to him and hugged him as if afraid that he would vanish.
"Duo!!! Oh, Duo.." she cried, her violet eyes turning red because of the onslaught of tears.
Duo blinked, confused. "Mom, what happened?" he frowned. "Did something happened?"
Helen shook her head and, sniffing, she lifted her blond head from his shoulder to face him.
"I saw it, Duo, I saw.. that lift c-crush y-you underneath it.. I saw you d- die.."
Duo remembered now that his mom is also clairvoyant.
"Oh, mom, it's okey, I had help... my friend Heero, the one I told you about last night? Our new classmate? He saved me from that nasty steel lift..." he smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, mom, please stop crying..."
If there was one thing that he hated most, it was to see his mom crying. She had already shed enough tears for a lifetime.
Helen Maxwell came from a very prominent family from Philadelphia, but she didn't grow up with the usual luxuries that comes with being rich. Instead, she was cast aside by her own family that labeled her a freak, because of her unusual ability to see visions or 'know' things that she's not supposed to know.
When she was little, she was always locked inside her room with only her toys as her playmates. She was not allowed to go to school, so she was house tutored by a strict teacher.
God knows how many tears she had shed at that time.
She was only allowed to go to highschool and college because her grandmother insisted on it. By then, many people noticed the beauty of the violet eyes and gleaming blond hair of the Maxwell heiress, and they came to befriend her one by one. But Helen knew that if they discover anything about her power, they would back out, so she kept silent about it, ignoring her 'knowledge', without them having suspicions. Everything went well. She met many people, friends, and acquaintances. But she fell in love with only one.
Gerard Addams.
They got married, and for a time, was happy. They had a son they named Duo, and Helen was able to get away from her family. But happy times, unfortunately, tend to last for only a short time.
Helen had this vision of her husband dying-got hit by a big truck-so she told him about it. Gerard just looked at her with doubt, as if she'd lost her mind, then continued on his way. Helen, afraid for his life, followed him. No sooner was he stepping on the street when a roaring truck came to view. Helen pulled him to safety, but not before the truck went past him, missing him by an inch. Something in him snapped.
Helen was so happy that she embraced her husband, but she was rewarded by a slap on her face. Stunned, she felt him pull her wrist towards their home. There, he accused her of being weird, unusual, and being a freak. Then he packed his clothes and went away, leaving his son and wife alone. A week later, a file for divorce came to their house.
By then forth, Duo was raised single-handedly by his mom, with the help of her grandmother, and she reverted her and Duo's names back to Maxwell. But that doesn't mean that she didn't cry for his father.
In fact, she cried a lot for his father. Duo could still hear his mother's muffled sobs at night.
"Well!" Helen said, trying to shove her vision at the back of her mind. "We should thank your new friend Heero. It wouldn't be polite not to." She sniffed. "I'm so glad you're alright, Duo." Then she brightened. "I know! We should invite Heero to dinner! Do you know where he lives? Call him! I'll cook some steak for us!"
Duo grinned. "I don't know about you, but Heero is a bit of an introvert... he might not want to join us..."
"Oh, for God's sake, Duo! Don't make excuses! Call him!"
"Nah!" Duo shook his head. "He lives beside us, so I'll just drop by after I change."
Then he ran to his room upstairs.
Helen looked at the empty space occupied by Duo moments ago. Then she smiled, wiped her lingering tears, and said to no one in particular, "Well, I guess I have to finish making dinner!"
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Upstairs, Duo changed to his customary black t-shirt and very dark-blue jeans. He liked dark colors, especially black. His mom asked him once why he favored them, but Duo just can't explain why.
Shinigami. Many people dubbed him that, his Japanese nickname meaning 'god of death'. He liked it, too. Maybe because it was cool to have a Japanese nickname-a dark one even-but for some reason, he felt attached to the name.
He snorted.
Maybe because he was so close to Death.
Maybe because almost all of his visions were about the death of someone.
He fell down on his bed.
He knew that people called him Shinigami because he like wearing black. Foolish people. But then again, they were the same ones who dubbed the students of section Psyche as geniuses. Boy, if they only knew...
He remembered Heero, his... friend? He called Heero his friend in front of his mom, and he save Duo's life, didn't he? But clearly, Heero didn't want to be his friend because he was just returning the favor of saving his life by saving Duo's life. 'That's one for one', he said... but Duo was positive that he sensed relief and worry inside Heero...
Duo shook his head. When did he start being an emphath? The emphath is Quatre, NOT him! He's just making that up, because that is what he wanted..
Wanted? Yes, he wanted to make Heero his friend. He wanted that banter that they had before that horrible vision. He also wanted Heero's worry so that he will speak in Japanese again.
Duo frowned, trying to remember the words Heero said. Baka... Yup, he said baka. He said other things but the only one he caught is baka. He got up from his bed and went to his desk to get his Japanese-English Dictionary. Then he searched for the meaning of 'baka'.
He yelped when he saw it. "HEERO!! DAMN YOU!!
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Heero snapped up from closing the faucet in his bathroom. He frowned. Did someone call him? Duo?
Then he snorted, noticing his foolishness. He's not an Adept, for God's sake.
He wiped his wet face with the towel and went from the adjoining bathroom to his bedroom. He had already changed his clothes. Now, he's wearing a white shirt and black pants.
Why in the world did he think that Duo would call him?
And since when did he start worrying for the braided baka?
You like him. You like them. Admit it.
"Shut up."
You were worried earlier when Duo almost died. Admit it.
"They're just my classmates. He's just my classmate."
Admit it. You want them to be your friends.. You want Duo to be your friend...
"I can't afford to have friends..."
Heero shook his head, then he went downstairs, trying to think of a way to feed himself. He can't cook, so cooking is out. That leaves eating out or ordering.
He sighed, and stared at the large living room where, at the present-and probably for the next week-he was alone.
He was a loner, but there comes a time when even loners don't want to be alone. Unfortunately, that came today.
He was about to pick up the phone when the doorbell rang.
He frowned. He wasn't expecting anyone.
He went to near the door. "Who is it?"
"Duo." came the terse reply.
He raised one eyebrow and opened the door. Then he blinked when he saw a fuming Duo Maxwell.
"What..?"
Duo came inside barging into Heero, thus, knocking the air out of Heero. Heero fell to the floor, while Duo remained standing with his hands on his waist, grinning evilly.
"And that was for calling me baka!!!"
"Kisama!"
"What? Are you now cursing my ancestors?"
Heero calmed down. "Hn." He stood up. "What do you want, Baka?"
Duo's eyes narrowed. "You really wanna die, ne, Yuy?!"
"Hn. I called you stupid because you are stupid."
Duo looked as if he's going to jump on Heero again, but he sighed instead. "Yeah, you're right. What I did earlier, it was stupid." He frowned. "I just didn't know how to react, especially when I saw my deat-"
"What do you want?" Heero interrupted.
Duo blinked, then grinned. "Mom want to invite you over for dinner. We're having steak."
"Why?"
"I told Mom that you saved my life, so..." he shrugged.
"I told you, that was one for one." Heero reminded him.
"Heck, It's not my idea! It's my mom's! And I can't very well go against her wishes, now do I?"
Heero stared at him.
"Are we in a staring game again?" Duo asked, frustrated.
"Okey..." Heero whispered inaudibly.
"What? You said something?"
"I said okey. Baka." Heero said in his normal voice.
Duo's face broke into a grin. Then he grabbed Heero's wrist-which surprised Heero-and proceeded to drag him towards the Maxwell house.
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Dinner was a nice affair that night, Heero decided while he looked at the bantering people in front of him. Helen was telling Duo to cut his long hair, but the latter just jumped from his seat and held his braid protectively.
"You won't make me!"
"I can and I will!"
Heero smiled for a moment, but soon, bittersweet memories conjured in his mind. He bowed his head.
"Heero? Man, are you okey?" Duo asked when he noticed the bowed head of his classmate, the banter forgotten.
Heero nodded.
Helen was looking at Heero strangely. Then she said abruptly, "Duo, in time, I'll get you to cut that long braid of yours. Meanwhile, I'll get dessert. You should eat at the living room, so that I can clean the table."
"Mrs. Maxwell, I'll help." Heero volunteered.
"Nah, man, you shouldn't go against mom, 'cause she likes to order everyone around." he winked at him. "Let's go."
When they arrived and settled at the living room, silence ruled them. Helen came and went but silence is remained. Duo, unable to take the it, asked, "Heero, are you okey?"
"Do I look like otherwise?"
Duo snorted. "Sarcastic git." He raised his eyebrow. "If I may be impertinent for a while, Your Royal Highness, I say you do."
"Hn." Heero stood up and crossed the room to go out to the balcony.
Duo followed him. He stared at Heero for a long time, then he said, "You can tell me."
"Hn."
"Honestly, Heero, you SHOULD improve your vocabulary!"
"I am perfectly capable of speech, thank you very much."
"YAY! That must have been your longest sentence since I've known you!" Duo cheered.
Silence again.
"So...?"
"You really won't let this go?" Heero frowned at Duo.
Duo nodded happily.
Heero bowed his head again. "I... remembered... something."
Duo waited for the elaboration, but it was obvious that it was all Heero was willing to say. but he prodded still. "...something?"
"My mom."
If he was expecting something, this was not it.
"My mom... she died a year ago."
"Oh." Duo didn't say sorry because he knows Heero would just scorn his apology.
In reality, Duo is a VERY curious person. But seeing the other person whom he wanted badly as a friend uncomfortable, he changed the subject, "What about your father?" he asked.
Shutters descended in Heero's eyes that were, moments ago, a little emotional.
"He's away on a business trip for a week."
"Heero..."
"I hate him."
It was stated, neither shouted nor said with any particular emotion. It was frightening, but also... understandable.
"Yeah, I hate mine, too."
"Because..?"
"What? You've suddenly became curious?!"
"You started it. Now, it's my turn."
"Smart." He looked at the midnight blue sky with its glittering stars. "He left us and made my mom cry."
"Hn."
"I really dislike family matters, ne? They're soooo boring!" Duo stretched. "C'mon! Dessert is waiting."
"I agree." Heero said.
But Duo stopped and held one hand out to Heero.
"Now that's settled, we're friends, right?" Duo said cheerfully.
Heero stared at him, then at the hand in front of him.
Then he reached for it.
I thought you didn't want to?
I didn't.
But.?
But it's too late.
They shook hands, with Duo grinning like a maniac.
It's already too late.
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Duo was in the act of turning his light off when a knock sounded on his door.
"Duo? Are you still awake?"
"Come in, mom!"
Helen smiled when she saw her son sitting on his bed.
"Your friend was wonderful. And he's handsome." She said, sitting beside him.
Duo snorted. "So what? I'm much more!"
Helen smiled. "I bet he has many admirers."
Duo sulked.
"He is also polite and mild-mannered."
"Mom! What is it that you wa-"
"And he's also lonely.. and alone."
Duo stared at her. "Mom.."
"You must help him, Duo. My guess is that you're the first person whom he had permitted to be that close to him in a long time. Based on what you told me about him.. we must take care of him, Duo." Helen said.
"'Course I'll help him! What kind of friend do you think I am?!"
Helen smiled. "The Good kind."
"Exactly! That's why I intend to be with him always."
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Duo made his promise true. Wherever Heero went, expect Duo to be there. Half of the day passed by, and Heero can't take it anymore.
"Duo! What are you doing?" Heero asked, his anger starting to errupt.
"Being with you, man! We're best friends, remember?" Duo told him cheerfully.
"I thought it was only friends."
"Nope. I changed my mind."
"Hn."
"I figure that I have a huge debt because you saved my life!"
"What?" Heero asked, dumbfounded.
"Well, my 'saving your life' isn't valid, 'cause you could have saved yourself, hell, you can even blast the damned car. But in my case, I can't even think of anything to do! That means I still owe you one!"
Heero blinked, staring uncomprehendingly.
"What the hell does that mean?" Heero asked in a low voice.
"It means, buddy, that you're stuck with me!"
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
"This is interesting. Let's bet when will Heero hit or punch Duo." Zechs said from his place.
Quatre was giggling behind his hand.
Trowa's eyes dance with amusement when he saw Heero staring unbelievably at Duo. "It seems those two had met their match, with each other."
Hilde grinned. "This should be interesting. I wonder if I can also call Duo stupid or baka 'cause he doesn't seem to mind now."
"Hilde!!! I heard that!" Duo yelled at her.
Quatre smiled as he felt the light-heartedness of his classmates when just yesterday, everyone was filled with tension.
"What are you smiling about?" asked Trowa from behind him.
Quatre tipped his head sideward, lifting his hand to his chest. "I'm just glad everyone's not worried about the stalker anymore."
Trowa remained silent while he looked at his smiling best friend. But a thought kept running inside his mind.
I just hope this lasts..
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
"So, what should we do now? Why don't we attack them?" said a girl with long black hair.
"Patience. We'll get to that." was the answer.
A tall blond girl stood up.
"Can I be the one to attack now?"
He stared at her, then smiled. "If you want to."
~~~~~~~~~~~@@@@@~~~~~~~~~~~
Oookkkeeeyyyyy... glad that was over. Now I can eat.
Ja ne.
Enjoy.
~~~The Glass Angel
Chapter Three
The Aftermath
Duo stared blankly at the door of his home. Still stunned by what had happened-what had almost happened-and what he had seen, he didn't even noticed when Heero said a subdued "Goodbye,", and walked to his own house earlier. He blinked when he realized that he's now standing in front of the mahogany door of his home.
It was eerie, seeing your own death. Duo wasn't able to react, to think, or even to remember anything. Thank God he had the sense to point upwards, or he'll be dead meat by now.
He shivered, still remembering for the umpteenth time the images of his vision. He didn't know why, but earlier, he was able to ignore it, heck, he had even taunted Heero that he was starting to like him and the rest of the gang 'cause he's honoring his promise of 'all for one and one for all'.. but all that changed when they were halfway home. By then, the images reappeared, cruelly penetrating his clouded mind.
So, it's true what they say... shock comes slowly to a person.
He sighed, hand clasping the doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside... then he stopped, shocked, when he saw his mother in front of the door, crying softly.
"Mom.."
Helen Maxwell snapped up, then she ran to him and hugged him as if afraid that he would vanish.
"Duo!!! Oh, Duo.." she cried, her violet eyes turning red because of the onslaught of tears.
Duo blinked, confused. "Mom, what happened?" he frowned. "Did something happened?"
Helen shook her head and, sniffing, she lifted her blond head from his shoulder to face him.
"I saw it, Duo, I saw.. that lift c-crush y-you underneath it.. I saw you d- die.."
Duo remembered now that his mom is also clairvoyant.
"Oh, mom, it's okey, I had help... my friend Heero, the one I told you about last night? Our new classmate? He saved me from that nasty steel lift..." he smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, mom, please stop crying..."
If there was one thing that he hated most, it was to see his mom crying. She had already shed enough tears for a lifetime.
Helen Maxwell came from a very prominent family from Philadelphia, but she didn't grow up with the usual luxuries that comes with being rich. Instead, she was cast aside by her own family that labeled her a freak, because of her unusual ability to see visions or 'know' things that she's not supposed to know.
When she was little, she was always locked inside her room with only her toys as her playmates. She was not allowed to go to school, so she was house tutored by a strict teacher.
God knows how many tears she had shed at that time.
She was only allowed to go to highschool and college because her grandmother insisted on it. By then, many people noticed the beauty of the violet eyes and gleaming blond hair of the Maxwell heiress, and they came to befriend her one by one. But Helen knew that if they discover anything about her power, they would back out, so she kept silent about it, ignoring her 'knowledge', without them having suspicions. Everything went well. She met many people, friends, and acquaintances. But she fell in love with only one.
Gerard Addams.
They got married, and for a time, was happy. They had a son they named Duo, and Helen was able to get away from her family. But happy times, unfortunately, tend to last for only a short time.
Helen had this vision of her husband dying-got hit by a big truck-so she told him about it. Gerard just looked at her with doubt, as if she'd lost her mind, then continued on his way. Helen, afraid for his life, followed him. No sooner was he stepping on the street when a roaring truck came to view. Helen pulled him to safety, but not before the truck went past him, missing him by an inch. Something in him snapped.
Helen was so happy that she embraced her husband, but she was rewarded by a slap on her face. Stunned, she felt him pull her wrist towards their home. There, he accused her of being weird, unusual, and being a freak. Then he packed his clothes and went away, leaving his son and wife alone. A week later, a file for divorce came to their house.
By then forth, Duo was raised single-handedly by his mom, with the help of her grandmother, and she reverted her and Duo's names back to Maxwell. But that doesn't mean that she didn't cry for his father.
In fact, she cried a lot for his father. Duo could still hear his mother's muffled sobs at night.
"Well!" Helen said, trying to shove her vision at the back of her mind. "We should thank your new friend Heero. It wouldn't be polite not to." She sniffed. "I'm so glad you're alright, Duo." Then she brightened. "I know! We should invite Heero to dinner! Do you know where he lives? Call him! I'll cook some steak for us!"
Duo grinned. "I don't know about you, but Heero is a bit of an introvert... he might not want to join us..."
"Oh, for God's sake, Duo! Don't make excuses! Call him!"
"Nah!" Duo shook his head. "He lives beside us, so I'll just drop by after I change."
Then he ran to his room upstairs.
Helen looked at the empty space occupied by Duo moments ago. Then she smiled, wiped her lingering tears, and said to no one in particular, "Well, I guess I have to finish making dinner!"
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Upstairs, Duo changed to his customary black t-shirt and very dark-blue jeans. He liked dark colors, especially black. His mom asked him once why he favored them, but Duo just can't explain why.
Shinigami. Many people dubbed him that, his Japanese nickname meaning 'god of death'. He liked it, too. Maybe because it was cool to have a Japanese nickname-a dark one even-but for some reason, he felt attached to the name.
He snorted.
Maybe because he was so close to Death.
Maybe because almost all of his visions were about the death of someone.
He fell down on his bed.
He knew that people called him Shinigami because he like wearing black. Foolish people. But then again, they were the same ones who dubbed the students of section Psyche as geniuses. Boy, if they only knew...
He remembered Heero, his... friend? He called Heero his friend in front of his mom, and he save Duo's life, didn't he? But clearly, Heero didn't want to be his friend because he was just returning the favor of saving his life by saving Duo's life. 'That's one for one', he said... but Duo was positive that he sensed relief and worry inside Heero...
Duo shook his head. When did he start being an emphath? The emphath is Quatre, NOT him! He's just making that up, because that is what he wanted..
Wanted? Yes, he wanted to make Heero his friend. He wanted that banter that they had before that horrible vision. He also wanted Heero's worry so that he will speak in Japanese again.
Duo frowned, trying to remember the words Heero said. Baka... Yup, he said baka. He said other things but the only one he caught is baka. He got up from his bed and went to his desk to get his Japanese-English Dictionary. Then he searched for the meaning of 'baka'.
He yelped when he saw it. "HEERO!! DAMN YOU!!
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Heero snapped up from closing the faucet in his bathroom. He frowned. Did someone call him? Duo?
Then he snorted, noticing his foolishness. He's not an Adept, for God's sake.
He wiped his wet face with the towel and went from the adjoining bathroom to his bedroom. He had already changed his clothes. Now, he's wearing a white shirt and black pants.
Why in the world did he think that Duo would call him?
And since when did he start worrying for the braided baka?
You like him. You like them. Admit it.
"Shut up."
You were worried earlier when Duo almost died. Admit it.
"They're just my classmates. He's just my classmate."
Admit it. You want them to be your friends.. You want Duo to be your friend...
"I can't afford to have friends..."
Heero shook his head, then he went downstairs, trying to think of a way to feed himself. He can't cook, so cooking is out. That leaves eating out or ordering.
He sighed, and stared at the large living room where, at the present-and probably for the next week-he was alone.
He was a loner, but there comes a time when even loners don't want to be alone. Unfortunately, that came today.
He was about to pick up the phone when the doorbell rang.
He frowned. He wasn't expecting anyone.
He went to near the door. "Who is it?"
"Duo." came the terse reply.
He raised one eyebrow and opened the door. Then he blinked when he saw a fuming Duo Maxwell.
"What..?"
Duo came inside barging into Heero, thus, knocking the air out of Heero. Heero fell to the floor, while Duo remained standing with his hands on his waist, grinning evilly.
"And that was for calling me baka!!!"
"Kisama!"
"What? Are you now cursing my ancestors?"
Heero calmed down. "Hn." He stood up. "What do you want, Baka?"
Duo's eyes narrowed. "You really wanna die, ne, Yuy?!"
"Hn. I called you stupid because you are stupid."
Duo looked as if he's going to jump on Heero again, but he sighed instead. "Yeah, you're right. What I did earlier, it was stupid." He frowned. "I just didn't know how to react, especially when I saw my deat-"
"What do you want?" Heero interrupted.
Duo blinked, then grinned. "Mom want to invite you over for dinner. We're having steak."
"Why?"
"I told Mom that you saved my life, so..." he shrugged.
"I told you, that was one for one." Heero reminded him.
"Heck, It's not my idea! It's my mom's! And I can't very well go against her wishes, now do I?"
Heero stared at him.
"Are we in a staring game again?" Duo asked, frustrated.
"Okey..." Heero whispered inaudibly.
"What? You said something?"
"I said okey. Baka." Heero said in his normal voice.
Duo's face broke into a grin. Then he grabbed Heero's wrist-which surprised Heero-and proceeded to drag him towards the Maxwell house.
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Dinner was a nice affair that night, Heero decided while he looked at the bantering people in front of him. Helen was telling Duo to cut his long hair, but the latter just jumped from his seat and held his braid protectively.
"You won't make me!"
"I can and I will!"
Heero smiled for a moment, but soon, bittersweet memories conjured in his mind. He bowed his head.
"Heero? Man, are you okey?" Duo asked when he noticed the bowed head of his classmate, the banter forgotten.
Heero nodded.
Helen was looking at Heero strangely. Then she said abruptly, "Duo, in time, I'll get you to cut that long braid of yours. Meanwhile, I'll get dessert. You should eat at the living room, so that I can clean the table."
"Mrs. Maxwell, I'll help." Heero volunteered.
"Nah, man, you shouldn't go against mom, 'cause she likes to order everyone around." he winked at him. "Let's go."
When they arrived and settled at the living room, silence ruled them. Helen came and went but silence is remained. Duo, unable to take the it, asked, "Heero, are you okey?"
"Do I look like otherwise?"
Duo snorted. "Sarcastic git." He raised his eyebrow. "If I may be impertinent for a while, Your Royal Highness, I say you do."
"Hn." Heero stood up and crossed the room to go out to the balcony.
Duo followed him. He stared at Heero for a long time, then he said, "You can tell me."
"Hn."
"Honestly, Heero, you SHOULD improve your vocabulary!"
"I am perfectly capable of speech, thank you very much."
"YAY! That must have been your longest sentence since I've known you!" Duo cheered.
Silence again.
"So...?"
"You really won't let this go?" Heero frowned at Duo.
Duo nodded happily.
Heero bowed his head again. "I... remembered... something."
Duo waited for the elaboration, but it was obvious that it was all Heero was willing to say. but he prodded still. "...something?"
"My mom."
If he was expecting something, this was not it.
"My mom... she died a year ago."
"Oh." Duo didn't say sorry because he knows Heero would just scorn his apology.
In reality, Duo is a VERY curious person. But seeing the other person whom he wanted badly as a friend uncomfortable, he changed the subject, "What about your father?" he asked.
Shutters descended in Heero's eyes that were, moments ago, a little emotional.
"He's away on a business trip for a week."
"Heero..."
"I hate him."
It was stated, neither shouted nor said with any particular emotion. It was frightening, but also... understandable.
"Yeah, I hate mine, too."
"Because..?"
"What? You've suddenly became curious?!"
"You started it. Now, it's my turn."
"Smart." He looked at the midnight blue sky with its glittering stars. "He left us and made my mom cry."
"Hn."
"I really dislike family matters, ne? They're soooo boring!" Duo stretched. "C'mon! Dessert is waiting."
"I agree." Heero said.
But Duo stopped and held one hand out to Heero.
"Now that's settled, we're friends, right?" Duo said cheerfully.
Heero stared at him, then at the hand in front of him.
Then he reached for it.
I thought you didn't want to?
I didn't.
But.?
But it's too late.
They shook hands, with Duo grinning like a maniac.
It's already too late.
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Duo was in the act of turning his light off when a knock sounded on his door.
"Duo? Are you still awake?"
"Come in, mom!"
Helen smiled when she saw her son sitting on his bed.
"Your friend was wonderful. And he's handsome." She said, sitting beside him.
Duo snorted. "So what? I'm much more!"
Helen smiled. "I bet he has many admirers."
Duo sulked.
"He is also polite and mild-mannered."
"Mom! What is it that you wa-"
"And he's also lonely.. and alone."
Duo stared at her. "Mom.."
"You must help him, Duo. My guess is that you're the first person whom he had permitted to be that close to him in a long time. Based on what you told me about him.. we must take care of him, Duo." Helen said.
"'Course I'll help him! What kind of friend do you think I am?!"
Helen smiled. "The Good kind."
"Exactly! That's why I intend to be with him always."
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
Duo made his promise true. Wherever Heero went, expect Duo to be there. Half of the day passed by, and Heero can't take it anymore.
"Duo! What are you doing?" Heero asked, his anger starting to errupt.
"Being with you, man! We're best friends, remember?" Duo told him cheerfully.
"I thought it was only friends."
"Nope. I changed my mind."
"Hn."
"I figure that I have a huge debt because you saved my life!"
"What?" Heero asked, dumbfounded.
"Well, my 'saving your life' isn't valid, 'cause you could have saved yourself, hell, you can even blast the damned car. But in my case, I can't even think of anything to do! That means I still owe you one!"
Heero blinked, staring uncomprehendingly.
"What the hell does that mean?" Heero asked in a low voice.
"It means, buddy, that you're stuck with me!"
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
"This is interesting. Let's bet when will Heero hit or punch Duo." Zechs said from his place.
Quatre was giggling behind his hand.
Trowa's eyes dance with amusement when he saw Heero staring unbelievably at Duo. "It seems those two had met their match, with each other."
Hilde grinned. "This should be interesting. I wonder if I can also call Duo stupid or baka 'cause he doesn't seem to mind now."
"Hilde!!! I heard that!" Duo yelled at her.
Quatre smiled as he felt the light-heartedness of his classmates when just yesterday, everyone was filled with tension.
"What are you smiling about?" asked Trowa from behind him.
Quatre tipped his head sideward, lifting his hand to his chest. "I'm just glad everyone's not worried about the stalker anymore."
Trowa remained silent while he looked at his smiling best friend. But a thought kept running inside his mind.
I just hope this lasts..
~~~~~~~@@@~~~~~~~
"So, what should we do now? Why don't we attack them?" said a girl with long black hair.
"Patience. We'll get to that." was the answer.
A tall blond girl stood up.
"Can I be the one to attack now?"
He stared at her, then smiled. "If you want to."
~~~~~~~~~~~@@@@@~~~~~~~~~~~
Oookkkeeeyyyyy... glad that was over. Now I can eat.
Ja ne.