Note: Hey, everyone! I decided to update this story again. I was in the
mood to write it. I think from now on I'll follow my moods a little better
because it seems to work. I'm sorry for the long wait, as usual. I've
kind of being ODing on HP slash ^_^;; and I've been insanely busy and sick.
Two weeks ago I had a lot of band stuff going on. Monday- brass choir -
Tuesday- pep band game - Wednesday- brass choir - Thursday- concert with
brass choir performing, too - Friday- pep rally, brass choir/flute choir/
clarinet choir playing for each other and having pizza, then pep band game.
- Saturday- ISSMA. And then last week, I was pretty sick . . . stayed home
on Wednesday. Then on Thursday and Friday, I was kind of traumatized with
iFluRtz. Not that anyone would care . . . Anyway, ultimately there will be
1+2+1, 3+4+3, 5 is yet to be seen. This is a very AU fic, so be sure to
expect some OOC. In the mean time there will be mild R+1, R+2 (mild as in
doing things together . . . going to the dance together or something).
Then you have the unrequited stuff ^_^;; so please bear with me. Anyway, I
hope you guys like! I would love a review.
The Ladies' Man
Chapter 5
Four claps sounded, "Band -" with abrupt force the voice cut off, followed by an amused laugh at the panic and chaos that had ensued. "Just kidding!" Chloe smirked and ran for cover as chunks of ice and crumpled paper were aimed her way. "Eek!" she squeaked and ducked behind Duo.
"Chloe! You're so evil . . ." he clicked his tongue in mock disappointment.
Glittering, green orbs smiled back at him, "Hey, I learned from the best!" she winked jokingly.
The disapproving expression immediately dissipated from his heart- shaped face, and with his lanky arms, pulled her into a hug, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!"
He rocked the junior drum major in his arms in gentle sways side-to- side. He rested his chin atop her dark gold hair, cropped shoulder-length, framing an oval face. Slim legs barely concealed by her shorts were a caramel tan already from the smothering, August weather. Chloe was one of those lucky few that never burned from the sun, only tanned.
"I missed you," he murmured, breathing in a whiff of her shampoo. "Mm . . . Your hair smells good," he commented, violet eyes closed in contentment.
Letting loose a laugh, she pulled away, "Thanks, I think . . ." She adjusted her bra strap and shot a warning look his direction. He looked bewildered at how it happened, and she laughed again. "I missed you, too! Why weren't you in the parade?"
"Mm, I didn't want to. I do have a job, you know, and it's only a week . . ." he responded in his defense.
"Funny," she smirked and leaned back, hands settling at her waist, "I thought you didn't want to see us anymore."
"Never," he grinned. "I love you guys too much," he brushed a hand on her shoulder affectionately.
Precious moments of silence, as the full force of those words kicked in. This was the last time they would be here, suffering like they did, learning a show. At least for Duo. He almost envied her for having at least another year to participate. Flicking a stray lock of honey over her shoulder, she sagged down onto the curb that encircled a small tree growing in mulch. Chloe heaved a heavy sigh and grabbed his new drill binder, tracing small patterns on its surface. "Can you believe it?" she murmured softly. "Four years gone . . ."
Taking his respective spot next to her he stared out at the skies painted such a brilliant blue. "I know," he sighed as well. "I can't imagine being away from this place and these people. Best friends I've ever known," he shot a lopsided, wry smile at her.
Under the shade of foliage, her eyes shone a forest color, glittering with sudden interest. "Speaking of friends," she drawled, raising a finely arched brow, "what's with you and Heero Yuy?"
His serene expression broke out with a grin, "I don't know yet, but he sure as Hell is the dark, brooding, enigmatic type," he wriggled his eyebrows in good humor.
"You said it," she agreed whole-heartedly. "I mean aside from Quat, Trowa, and Fei - no one knows him very well. He's so - closed up and impossible to read." Thoughtful lines furrowed in deep creases across her forehead.
"Relena, too . . . There's something about him though," Duo's voice seemed softer, wondering. "It's like I can't help but be drawn to him. I want to get to know him and be his around him, but he has some kind of thing against me."
Surprised, her gaze locked onto him, "Wow," Chloe smirked at him. "This is different . . . tell me more!" 'I never seen Duo like this. It's weird, but daresay it's intriguing . . .'
The American laughed, ruffling her hair despite her protests and mild annoyance. "Too bad my 'charms' don't work on him, too," he only half- joked. 'Why though? I've never had trouble getting along with people. Even if I did, I wouldn't care. He's too cold and indifferent . . . unbelievably logical and - efficient. God, this guy needs to loosen up before he drives me insane.'
"Well," her eyes grew wide and innocent, "what makes you think they don't?"
The trombone player cast a brief but annoyed glance at her, one of those you've-got-to-be-kidding-me looks, "What makes you think they do?" he shot back.
Chloe held her arms to indicate peace, "Hey, I'm just saying . . . You can't rule any possibilities. And what about in the band room earlier?" At his look of surprise she merely gave a slow nod, "Mary told me all about it," she grinned cattily.
Amethyst eyes rolled in exasperation, "Oh my God, is it some kind of hobby to observe who I talk to now?"
She tried and failed to suppress her amused smirk, "Only when it's interesting . . ."
"You're lucky I don't hit girls," he grumbled with a glare.
"But you do hit on them," Chloe commented with pinpoint accuracy.
Grinning brightly, the braided boy shrugged, "That's just me! It's what I do! And you know you love it," he teased, but all he could think about was Heero. 'You're losing it, Maxwell. Get a grip. He's just a guy, no reason to get so worked up about it,' he reasoned patiently. 'It's just that for once I can't tell what someone is thinking or what type of person he is. And what on earth does he have against me? I mean I haven't *done* anything to him. Does it have anything to do with -'
His steady gaze shot towards the blonde girl, gracefully tossing the flag for a horizontal spin. 'Relena?' This time she had caught it perfectly and proceeded to twist it around her, whirring around to sweep the shimmering fabric barely across the floor. 'She's getting better,' he thought wryly. 'But I don't get it. He doesn't seem like he likes her more than a friend. In fact he's just damn overprotective of her like a father, really scary older brother, or - a jealous admirer.' His eyebrows shot up, amusing himself with that thought. 'But he's so . . . And she's . . . This just isn't right! They wouldn't make the greatest couple. He's just all . . . She's um . . . I've already said that, didn't I? But it's true! I just can't find the words to describe what it is.'
"What?" Chloe demanded with mild impatience, coaxing Duo to share his private thoughts.
"I just got the weirdest idea . . ." he spoke slowly, still staring out at the guard member. "Do you think Heero likes her?" he gestured in her general vicinity.
Her eyebrows levitated as well, "I know love is weird and all, but . . . I can't see it," she squinted, leaning forward slightly.
He nodded in all seriousness, ignoring Alano's survived-the-first-day speech. "Me neither. I can't really explain what it is, but it just doesn't click. Isn't it like one of those 'he's too, and she isn't' things?"
Huge dark green eyes stared at him, "Exactly!" she whispered as softly as she could.
Duo laughed lightly at her reaction. "I just wish I knew him. All I can do is guess around that guy." Cobalt eyes spotted the familiar green tank top from amongst the crowd, and he couldn't help but stare at the perfectly rigid posture, impassive demeanor, unchanging Prussian blue eyes, and roughly styled locks. Gripping the glinting instrument, he seemed so regal and so damn perfect. "It's like he's everything I'm not, you know?"
Warm honey spilled over his shoulder, as Chloe leaned on him for support. The poor drum major was absolutely exhausted from the trying day. "Mm," she murmured. "Maybe he's not as perfect as he seems," she suggested with a yawn.
"You get that, too, huh?" he half-smiled.
"Seriously, just drag him around, so you guys can hang out. I don't think he would mind too much . . . actually no one does, so go for it!" snaking her arm around his shoulders, she gave him a reassuring squeeze and one last smile.
"It's like you're giving me advice on how to get a girl," he complained with a laugh. "And even that's a first."
"Oh, quit it," she smirked. "Well, gotta go say something," she rolled her eyes and pushed herself up with a groan. "And bookmark our conversation! I'll want to pull it off the shelf later!" she pointed at him, as her slim frame pushed through the crowd, with a trademark wink.
"Hey, Hey!" her bright voice shot through the crowd. "I'm sure everyone is really, really tired from all the hard work today, so we'll make this short!" Murmurs rose, but she silenced everyone, speaking again, "Okay, just to let everyone know, after practice on Wednesday, we're going to have a barbecue -"
"Whoohoo!" appropriately similar whoops emitted from the group.
"And then on Friday is the annual picnic," Quatre added. "Liz is passing out some information on it right now. On addition to that, we have sign up sheets posted on the back window of the band room. If you want to get pied or pie someone, be sure to let us know on those forms."
"And pay, too!" she grinned. "Oh, we appreciate you guys sticking around the first day, so - in short good job and good-bye!" she waved curtly and started to walk away.
'Oh, crap,' With a sheepish smile, she skidded back to the center of the crowd and halted their steps. "Wait, wait! Juniors, get your butts up here to help the pit! Thank you!" and began helping Quatre pick up the yard markers.
"Good job, onna," Wufei smirked at her, picking up a timpani. With barely a grunt of effort, strong arms hoisted it up on the cart in smooth motion.
She stuck her tongue out playfully, reaching for another marker. "Do your work, drummer boy," she muttered with a second glance, piling up her stack against the metal frame of the chimes.
"I'm done here," he shrugged, grabbing for the nylon loop. "Who wants this one?"
"I'll take it," Ryan offered, throwing his drill binder onto the cart and setting his baritone in between the four timpani drums. He grinned, brushing away a lock of blonde hair, "But there's nothing else out here, so you're going to have to help."
The Chinese boy sighed, "I'm loosing it," he muttered underneath his breath.
"It's been a long day," the brass player agreed readily, propping his arms up against the cart. In joint effort it began to roll, Wufei towing it along.
"Maxwell wasn't too hard on you, was he?" Wufei glanced back with a smirk.
Ryan sighed, "I have to make up ten push-ups, but that's not too bad."
The Chinese drummer nodded, "It's amazing how much of a hard ass he is on the field. Rival to the clarinet section captain."
The junior grinned, rolling a little faster on the decreasing gradient. "Well, Holly is kind of insane, if you think about it. Not to mention a bitch," he grunted.
He snorted, "All onnas have a little bitch in them. Do you really think every time the guard hits someone with their flags and weapons it's an accident?"
"Well," he reasoned in thought, "you could always 'slip up' a drum stick . . . My mouth piece could fly out when snapping to attention. Flutes can take out someone with a hipshift in the right position. Your drumline, too . . ."
Ryan's brainstorm roused a memory from earlier that day, causing Wufei to snicker, "Definitely. Relena hit me on the head with her rifle earlier, but Steve's stick lashed out at her later on during the cadence. Properly aimed, it could have caused a lot more damage, but that onna's shriek was enough. It was an accident, but I let some push-ups of his slide."
"Hold up," Ryan ran over to the mulch and grabbed his water bottle, dumping it onto the cart, then continued the trip back.
"Hey, Fei, Ryan!" Duo greeted cheerfully, sprinting past them. "Hey, Heero! Wait up!" he rushed towards the stoic youth, lightly panting. 'I can't believe I'm listening to Chloe . . . but I do want to get to know him better. What better way than annoying the Hell outta him?' "I was wondering," he slowed as he neared Heero, "if you wanted to grab a bite in about an hour?"
An amused smirk twitched at the edges of his lips, "You have too much energy." He commented, throwing his few belongings into his trunk and slamming it shut.
"Aww! Come on," he coaxed. "Wufei, Quatre, and Trowa are going to be there, too. It's kind of like a first day of band camp tradition." Dark fringe framed pleading violet as he mock-pouted.
Heero, slightly surprised at the unusual tactics, shrugged, "Well, no one's expecting me home . . . Alright," he agreed finally. 'Don't see the harm.'
"Great!" his smile was completely genuine, nervousness flying out the window. "I'll meet you at your house in around an hour, so we can get cleaned up and stuff. Quatre insists we carpool - you know, to save our environment and gas . . ." he rolled his eyes with good humor. "On the plus side, I don't have to drive!"
He couldn't help it. Duo's cheerfulness and exuberance was far too infectious to ignore. The familiar smirk quirked further, deepening into a small smile, as the braided baka fumbled with his keys.
Managing to crash into the side of Heero's car, he grinned sheepishly, lifting dark lilac, "Sweet car . . ." he comment, slightly embarrassed but suddenly became fascinated with a different set of midnight blue. "Wow . . ." his eyebrows rose along with his body, and he returned with a dazzling smile of his own. "I think that's the first time I've seen you smile . . . ever. You should do it more often. Total babe magnet." He managed to retrieve the almost forgotten car keys from the pavement with an unsteady grab.
Heero sobered, but his usually impassive gaze remained open, "You've only known me for a day, if even that," he pointed out quietly, unlocking his car door. Climbing into the plush driver's seat, he turned to face the American a last time, "See you in a little while." He pulled the door shut and curved smoothly out of the parking space.
"See ya," Duo waved, still grinning. Once out of reasonable peripheral vision, he collapsed against his car. The complete exhaustion weighed down sagged shoulders as he slid downward in steady motion. "Well, that was interesting," he mused to himself dully.
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I was on a roll for the last part ^________^ I'm having fun with this. And in case anyone is wondering, they're going to Steak N' Shake to eat. I love that restaurant! Don't worry though, I'm not going to write all days out like this. I'll have some important events highlighted, but for the most part, this is it. I'm sorry for the long wait though! And now to answer lovely reviews. I love you guys! *Mwah!*
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Lora-Helen- Hey, chica! How are you? Good I hope. Wow, I haven't talked to you in so long . . . but it's great to see your review ^_^ nice way to keep in touch, ne? The woodwinds are psycho part - I have a friend Derek, who plays baritone. He's a true brass player in the sense that he's got big section pride. He constantly makes fun of woodwinds with the whole superior brass attitude. I find it highly amusing just because of his body language when he talks, but I'd have to totally agree with him. Brass is the best section in band ^_~ Hehe . . . I'm sure you have a lot of interesting stories to tell from orchestra though! I tried to play Bing's violin once - it probably wasn't a good idea ^_^;; It was hilarious. I really don't like the hard to understand stories. It's like either this author is incredibly deep - or he/she/it is just slapping crap on a piece of paper. And it's not that fun to try to make sense of either. Usually it's boring. Well, anyway, I hope your computer works better! Thank you so much for reviewing ^_^
Ookami-metsuki- Hey! Thank you very much for the reviews ^_^ They make me feel special. I'll try my best to write faster! I have a good idea where I'm going to go from here, so yay!
SilverShinigami- Hey, Esmerelda! ^_^ How did we come up with that one anyway? Oh, yeah ^_^;; We're so weird. Anyway, I'm actually done with chapter five! I still have the car problem . . . asked Tsuki last night, and the amazing thing is that she said the exact same colors as you did! Well, tan instead of yellow/aqua, but that's really close. But notice how Heero has a midnight-blue car? And that daring freshman was "inspired" by Mara ^_^;; Seriously, she's not one to be shy. In 8th grade she just walked up to this senior girl and started to talk. Jessica later said she had never, ever met a sub freshman with so much guts. They're pretty good friends now. Our leadership committee had to come in early to paint new lines for the parking lot. And all the dots, too. I felt sorry for them because it's not easy to spray straight lines for an hour. Luckily, they had *some* guides from the old lines. Thanks a lot for the review as usual, hun!
Anime Redneck- Hi! Okay, so I think I'm over the whole iFluRtz thing. That's good, right? Well, I'll give everyone details later, if they ask. You should have seen Derek last night. OMG . . . when I was writing the reply for Lora-Helen (noticed how I mentioned him) he decided to sign in AIM. I told him that I was just talking about him! He asked a whole bunch of questions about TLM including what instrument Heero and Duo played. Anyway, once I said trombone he was like: YES!!!!!!! LOW BRASS!!!!!! YAYAYAY!!! ^_^;;;; Now that I didn't expect. And I am not personally attacking woodwinds. Personally I think all us band geeks are weird, but with our woodwind section, they're my psycho friends. They act out a lot more than the other sections (at least the ones made up of mostly girls). Low brass section is full of overachievers. It's not that it's bad or anything, but it's really interesting. That experience at band camp must have been scary. I remember being in set six with our guiding by diags thing. And I couldn't concentrate. I knew Niemiec was saying something . . . but I wasn't quite sure what it was. I was kind of swaying side-to- side at attention. David noticed, and he was like uh, Mabel . . . are you okay? ^_^;; Then Holly ran me over to the band moms. I went out later on an hour before lunch. I missed three sets.
FoxFire- Hey! I'm talking to you on AIM right now ^_^ Oh god . . . the dreaded scales! I HATE playing them for the playing exam part of our final! We can't even exempt it *tear* I feel really sorry for Wind Ensemble because they have to know *all* 48 of them. If I ever make it to that band (which by senior year probably just because you're a senior), I would start memorizing them from time I find out (in spring) until finals. On a different note, yes, Heero just had to apologize. Can't leave a wrong as just a wrong! They're "friends" now, and it's going to be interesting getting them to be really good friends! Starting with that trip to Steak N' Shake ^_^ Thank you very much for the review!
Aurenne- God, I'm having trouble adjusting to using the right shift key for convenience -_-;; Not that it should matter. Anyway, hi! It's great to see a review from you, so thank you ^____^ Whatever would happen if I did die? o.O Happier thoughts, happier thoughts . . . I've been kind of ODing on HP slash lately . . . top it off with an insane two weeks, and you got slow updating ^_^ Hey! At least it's less than a month this time . . . Anyway, I think I've recovered from my cold, and I no longer have busy band activities except maybe that playing test on Friday I'm stressing over. I will NOT give away first chair! Of course Alano did compliment just me on Friday! ^_^ I kept our section going in one of our new songs. Aww . . . my kitty is sleeping on my bed right now. I swear that animal gets more sleep on there than I do, but at least she's cute ^_^ And yes, flutes are part of the woodwind section. I just happen to have a lot of insane woodwind friends . . . and it's kind of true. But, I didn't make Duo say it just to piss people off or declare superiority. After all, I *am* learning flute myself. Hehe . . . it's not exactly working that well, and I'm getting frustrated sometimes. I can't get the freaking low C. I used to be able to! Then one day I dropped my damn flute, picked it up again, and it wouldn't play *wails* The D wouldn't play either, but I fixed it. It's half-way decent now. So, I applaud us band geeks for getting this good at our instruments! Well, thank you so much for reviewing! I hope I'll see you soon.
LB- Mwahahahahaha! Less than a month this time! Okay, I could have possibly done better, but hey, it probably would have turned out less good than it is now ^_~ Merci beaucoup pour le/la/l' review (in French) ^_^;; Don't ask . . . I felt like being weird again. Sometimes I scare myself. Relena semi-returns in this chapter. I might have a "feature" for her later. I'm trying to make her as less annoying as possible just because. And it would make more sense in this story anyway. Heero and Duo are getting along some more! I like the little bit of OOC because I can make Heero smile! It's a lot less frustrating to work with, too. The problem is earning the trust - then later on when school starts, and Relena becomes a bigger issue.
Lost in Smiling Eyes- Hi! Our student teacher is coming along quite nicely . . . he actually knows how to conduct better ^_^ Nothing beats the actual experience of dealing with us, ne? Still . . . sometimes it can be a little annoying. I prefer the other directors because they are so much easier to read. He doesn't' conduct big or clear enough. That's usually some kind of an issue with student directors. Either they don't notice, or they keep on forgetting. But, he's a pretty funny guy and all. I liked him better during brass choir. He seemed a lot more relaxed (for good reason, too), and we got to get off track a lot more ^_^ Thank you so much for reviewing!
Lokogato- Wow, last one ^_^ Don't you feel special? Jk! Thank you very much for taking the time to review! It's always great to hear from you guys. I have so much to say; it's like I'm talking more about other things than the actual fic. I love ice cream . . . I remember that Wednesday when I accidentally came across our band camp day schedule for that day! Taber and I were reading it, and I was like ice cream at four? That's . . . that's not possible, is it? But, sure enough we got ice cream ^_^ Yes, I have some trouble coming up with chapter names. Well, I better go get this up!
The Ladies' Man
Chapter 5
Four claps sounded, "Band -" with abrupt force the voice cut off, followed by an amused laugh at the panic and chaos that had ensued. "Just kidding!" Chloe smirked and ran for cover as chunks of ice and crumpled paper were aimed her way. "Eek!" she squeaked and ducked behind Duo.
"Chloe! You're so evil . . ." he clicked his tongue in mock disappointment.
Glittering, green orbs smiled back at him, "Hey, I learned from the best!" she winked jokingly.
The disapproving expression immediately dissipated from his heart- shaped face, and with his lanky arms, pulled her into a hug, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!"
He rocked the junior drum major in his arms in gentle sways side-to- side. He rested his chin atop her dark gold hair, cropped shoulder-length, framing an oval face. Slim legs barely concealed by her shorts were a caramel tan already from the smothering, August weather. Chloe was one of those lucky few that never burned from the sun, only tanned.
"I missed you," he murmured, breathing in a whiff of her shampoo. "Mm . . . Your hair smells good," he commented, violet eyes closed in contentment.
Letting loose a laugh, she pulled away, "Thanks, I think . . ." She adjusted her bra strap and shot a warning look his direction. He looked bewildered at how it happened, and she laughed again. "I missed you, too! Why weren't you in the parade?"
"Mm, I didn't want to. I do have a job, you know, and it's only a week . . ." he responded in his defense.
"Funny," she smirked and leaned back, hands settling at her waist, "I thought you didn't want to see us anymore."
"Never," he grinned. "I love you guys too much," he brushed a hand on her shoulder affectionately.
Precious moments of silence, as the full force of those words kicked in. This was the last time they would be here, suffering like they did, learning a show. At least for Duo. He almost envied her for having at least another year to participate. Flicking a stray lock of honey over her shoulder, she sagged down onto the curb that encircled a small tree growing in mulch. Chloe heaved a heavy sigh and grabbed his new drill binder, tracing small patterns on its surface. "Can you believe it?" she murmured softly. "Four years gone . . ."
Taking his respective spot next to her he stared out at the skies painted such a brilliant blue. "I know," he sighed as well. "I can't imagine being away from this place and these people. Best friends I've ever known," he shot a lopsided, wry smile at her.
Under the shade of foliage, her eyes shone a forest color, glittering with sudden interest. "Speaking of friends," she drawled, raising a finely arched brow, "what's with you and Heero Yuy?"
His serene expression broke out with a grin, "I don't know yet, but he sure as Hell is the dark, brooding, enigmatic type," he wriggled his eyebrows in good humor.
"You said it," she agreed whole-heartedly. "I mean aside from Quat, Trowa, and Fei - no one knows him very well. He's so - closed up and impossible to read." Thoughtful lines furrowed in deep creases across her forehead.
"Relena, too . . . There's something about him though," Duo's voice seemed softer, wondering. "It's like I can't help but be drawn to him. I want to get to know him and be his around him, but he has some kind of thing against me."
Surprised, her gaze locked onto him, "Wow," Chloe smirked at him. "This is different . . . tell me more!" 'I never seen Duo like this. It's weird, but daresay it's intriguing . . .'
The American laughed, ruffling her hair despite her protests and mild annoyance. "Too bad my 'charms' don't work on him, too," he only half- joked. 'Why though? I've never had trouble getting along with people. Even if I did, I wouldn't care. He's too cold and indifferent . . . unbelievably logical and - efficient. God, this guy needs to loosen up before he drives me insane.'
"Well," her eyes grew wide and innocent, "what makes you think they don't?"
The trombone player cast a brief but annoyed glance at her, one of those you've-got-to-be-kidding-me looks, "What makes you think they do?" he shot back.
Chloe held her arms to indicate peace, "Hey, I'm just saying . . . You can't rule any possibilities. And what about in the band room earlier?" At his look of surprise she merely gave a slow nod, "Mary told me all about it," she grinned cattily.
Amethyst eyes rolled in exasperation, "Oh my God, is it some kind of hobby to observe who I talk to now?"
She tried and failed to suppress her amused smirk, "Only when it's interesting . . ."
"You're lucky I don't hit girls," he grumbled with a glare.
"But you do hit on them," Chloe commented with pinpoint accuracy.
Grinning brightly, the braided boy shrugged, "That's just me! It's what I do! And you know you love it," he teased, but all he could think about was Heero. 'You're losing it, Maxwell. Get a grip. He's just a guy, no reason to get so worked up about it,' he reasoned patiently. 'It's just that for once I can't tell what someone is thinking or what type of person he is. And what on earth does he have against me? I mean I haven't *done* anything to him. Does it have anything to do with -'
His steady gaze shot towards the blonde girl, gracefully tossing the flag for a horizontal spin. 'Relena?' This time she had caught it perfectly and proceeded to twist it around her, whirring around to sweep the shimmering fabric barely across the floor. 'She's getting better,' he thought wryly. 'But I don't get it. He doesn't seem like he likes her more than a friend. In fact he's just damn overprotective of her like a father, really scary older brother, or - a jealous admirer.' His eyebrows shot up, amusing himself with that thought. 'But he's so . . . And she's . . . This just isn't right! They wouldn't make the greatest couple. He's just all . . . She's um . . . I've already said that, didn't I? But it's true! I just can't find the words to describe what it is.'
"What?" Chloe demanded with mild impatience, coaxing Duo to share his private thoughts.
"I just got the weirdest idea . . ." he spoke slowly, still staring out at the guard member. "Do you think Heero likes her?" he gestured in her general vicinity.
Her eyebrows levitated as well, "I know love is weird and all, but . . . I can't see it," she squinted, leaning forward slightly.
He nodded in all seriousness, ignoring Alano's survived-the-first-day speech. "Me neither. I can't really explain what it is, but it just doesn't click. Isn't it like one of those 'he's too, and she isn't' things?"
Huge dark green eyes stared at him, "Exactly!" she whispered as softly as she could.
Duo laughed lightly at her reaction. "I just wish I knew him. All I can do is guess around that guy." Cobalt eyes spotted the familiar green tank top from amongst the crowd, and he couldn't help but stare at the perfectly rigid posture, impassive demeanor, unchanging Prussian blue eyes, and roughly styled locks. Gripping the glinting instrument, he seemed so regal and so damn perfect. "It's like he's everything I'm not, you know?"
Warm honey spilled over his shoulder, as Chloe leaned on him for support. The poor drum major was absolutely exhausted from the trying day. "Mm," she murmured. "Maybe he's not as perfect as he seems," she suggested with a yawn.
"You get that, too, huh?" he half-smiled.
"Seriously, just drag him around, so you guys can hang out. I don't think he would mind too much . . . actually no one does, so go for it!" snaking her arm around his shoulders, she gave him a reassuring squeeze and one last smile.
"It's like you're giving me advice on how to get a girl," he complained with a laugh. "And even that's a first."
"Oh, quit it," she smirked. "Well, gotta go say something," she rolled her eyes and pushed herself up with a groan. "And bookmark our conversation! I'll want to pull it off the shelf later!" she pointed at him, as her slim frame pushed through the crowd, with a trademark wink.
"Hey, Hey!" her bright voice shot through the crowd. "I'm sure everyone is really, really tired from all the hard work today, so we'll make this short!" Murmurs rose, but she silenced everyone, speaking again, "Okay, just to let everyone know, after practice on Wednesday, we're going to have a barbecue -"
"Whoohoo!" appropriately similar whoops emitted from the group.
"And then on Friday is the annual picnic," Quatre added. "Liz is passing out some information on it right now. On addition to that, we have sign up sheets posted on the back window of the band room. If you want to get pied or pie someone, be sure to let us know on those forms."
"And pay, too!" she grinned. "Oh, we appreciate you guys sticking around the first day, so - in short good job and good-bye!" she waved curtly and started to walk away.
'Oh, crap,' With a sheepish smile, she skidded back to the center of the crowd and halted their steps. "Wait, wait! Juniors, get your butts up here to help the pit! Thank you!" and began helping Quatre pick up the yard markers.
"Good job, onna," Wufei smirked at her, picking up a timpani. With barely a grunt of effort, strong arms hoisted it up on the cart in smooth motion.
She stuck her tongue out playfully, reaching for another marker. "Do your work, drummer boy," she muttered with a second glance, piling up her stack against the metal frame of the chimes.
"I'm done here," he shrugged, grabbing for the nylon loop. "Who wants this one?"
"I'll take it," Ryan offered, throwing his drill binder onto the cart and setting his baritone in between the four timpani drums. He grinned, brushing away a lock of blonde hair, "But there's nothing else out here, so you're going to have to help."
The Chinese boy sighed, "I'm loosing it," he muttered underneath his breath.
"It's been a long day," the brass player agreed readily, propping his arms up against the cart. In joint effort it began to roll, Wufei towing it along.
"Maxwell wasn't too hard on you, was he?" Wufei glanced back with a smirk.
Ryan sighed, "I have to make up ten push-ups, but that's not too bad."
The Chinese drummer nodded, "It's amazing how much of a hard ass he is on the field. Rival to the clarinet section captain."
The junior grinned, rolling a little faster on the decreasing gradient. "Well, Holly is kind of insane, if you think about it. Not to mention a bitch," he grunted.
He snorted, "All onnas have a little bitch in them. Do you really think every time the guard hits someone with their flags and weapons it's an accident?"
"Well," he reasoned in thought, "you could always 'slip up' a drum stick . . . My mouth piece could fly out when snapping to attention. Flutes can take out someone with a hipshift in the right position. Your drumline, too . . ."
Ryan's brainstorm roused a memory from earlier that day, causing Wufei to snicker, "Definitely. Relena hit me on the head with her rifle earlier, but Steve's stick lashed out at her later on during the cadence. Properly aimed, it could have caused a lot more damage, but that onna's shriek was enough. It was an accident, but I let some push-ups of his slide."
"Hold up," Ryan ran over to the mulch and grabbed his water bottle, dumping it onto the cart, then continued the trip back.
"Hey, Fei, Ryan!" Duo greeted cheerfully, sprinting past them. "Hey, Heero! Wait up!" he rushed towards the stoic youth, lightly panting. 'I can't believe I'm listening to Chloe . . . but I do want to get to know him better. What better way than annoying the Hell outta him?' "I was wondering," he slowed as he neared Heero, "if you wanted to grab a bite in about an hour?"
An amused smirk twitched at the edges of his lips, "You have too much energy." He commented, throwing his few belongings into his trunk and slamming it shut.
"Aww! Come on," he coaxed. "Wufei, Quatre, and Trowa are going to be there, too. It's kind of like a first day of band camp tradition." Dark fringe framed pleading violet as he mock-pouted.
Heero, slightly surprised at the unusual tactics, shrugged, "Well, no one's expecting me home . . . Alright," he agreed finally. 'Don't see the harm.'
"Great!" his smile was completely genuine, nervousness flying out the window. "I'll meet you at your house in around an hour, so we can get cleaned up and stuff. Quatre insists we carpool - you know, to save our environment and gas . . ." he rolled his eyes with good humor. "On the plus side, I don't have to drive!"
He couldn't help it. Duo's cheerfulness and exuberance was far too infectious to ignore. The familiar smirk quirked further, deepening into a small smile, as the braided baka fumbled with his keys.
Managing to crash into the side of Heero's car, he grinned sheepishly, lifting dark lilac, "Sweet car . . ." he comment, slightly embarrassed but suddenly became fascinated with a different set of midnight blue. "Wow . . ." his eyebrows rose along with his body, and he returned with a dazzling smile of his own. "I think that's the first time I've seen you smile . . . ever. You should do it more often. Total babe magnet." He managed to retrieve the almost forgotten car keys from the pavement with an unsteady grab.
Heero sobered, but his usually impassive gaze remained open, "You've only known me for a day, if even that," he pointed out quietly, unlocking his car door. Climbing into the plush driver's seat, he turned to face the American a last time, "See you in a little while." He pulled the door shut and curved smoothly out of the parking space.
"See ya," Duo waved, still grinning. Once out of reasonable peripheral vision, he collapsed against his car. The complete exhaustion weighed down sagged shoulders as he slid downward in steady motion. "Well, that was interesting," he mused to himself dully.
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I was on a roll for the last part ^________^ I'm having fun with this. And in case anyone is wondering, they're going to Steak N' Shake to eat. I love that restaurant! Don't worry though, I'm not going to write all days out like this. I'll have some important events highlighted, but for the most part, this is it. I'm sorry for the long wait though! And now to answer lovely reviews. I love you guys! *Mwah!*
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Lora-Helen- Hey, chica! How are you? Good I hope. Wow, I haven't talked to you in so long . . . but it's great to see your review ^_^ nice way to keep in touch, ne? The woodwinds are psycho part - I have a friend Derek, who plays baritone. He's a true brass player in the sense that he's got big section pride. He constantly makes fun of woodwinds with the whole superior brass attitude. I find it highly amusing just because of his body language when he talks, but I'd have to totally agree with him. Brass is the best section in band ^_~ Hehe . . . I'm sure you have a lot of interesting stories to tell from orchestra though! I tried to play Bing's violin once - it probably wasn't a good idea ^_^;; It was hilarious. I really don't like the hard to understand stories. It's like either this author is incredibly deep - or he/she/it is just slapping crap on a piece of paper. And it's not that fun to try to make sense of either. Usually it's boring. Well, anyway, I hope your computer works better! Thank you so much for reviewing ^_^
Ookami-metsuki- Hey! Thank you very much for the reviews ^_^ They make me feel special. I'll try my best to write faster! I have a good idea where I'm going to go from here, so yay!
SilverShinigami- Hey, Esmerelda! ^_^ How did we come up with that one anyway? Oh, yeah ^_^;; We're so weird. Anyway, I'm actually done with chapter five! I still have the car problem . . . asked Tsuki last night, and the amazing thing is that she said the exact same colors as you did! Well, tan instead of yellow/aqua, but that's really close. But notice how Heero has a midnight-blue car? And that daring freshman was "inspired" by Mara ^_^;; Seriously, she's not one to be shy. In 8th grade she just walked up to this senior girl and started to talk. Jessica later said she had never, ever met a sub freshman with so much guts. They're pretty good friends now. Our leadership committee had to come in early to paint new lines for the parking lot. And all the dots, too. I felt sorry for them because it's not easy to spray straight lines for an hour. Luckily, they had *some* guides from the old lines. Thanks a lot for the review as usual, hun!
Anime Redneck- Hi! Okay, so I think I'm over the whole iFluRtz thing. That's good, right? Well, I'll give everyone details later, if they ask. You should have seen Derek last night. OMG . . . when I was writing the reply for Lora-Helen (noticed how I mentioned him) he decided to sign in AIM. I told him that I was just talking about him! He asked a whole bunch of questions about TLM including what instrument Heero and Duo played. Anyway, once I said trombone he was like: YES!!!!!!! LOW BRASS!!!!!! YAYAYAY!!! ^_^;;;; Now that I didn't expect. And I am not personally attacking woodwinds. Personally I think all us band geeks are weird, but with our woodwind section, they're my psycho friends. They act out a lot more than the other sections (at least the ones made up of mostly girls). Low brass section is full of overachievers. It's not that it's bad or anything, but it's really interesting. That experience at band camp must have been scary. I remember being in set six with our guiding by diags thing. And I couldn't concentrate. I knew Niemiec was saying something . . . but I wasn't quite sure what it was. I was kind of swaying side-to- side at attention. David noticed, and he was like uh, Mabel . . . are you okay? ^_^;; Then Holly ran me over to the band moms. I went out later on an hour before lunch. I missed three sets.
FoxFire- Hey! I'm talking to you on AIM right now ^_^ Oh god . . . the dreaded scales! I HATE playing them for the playing exam part of our final! We can't even exempt it *tear* I feel really sorry for Wind Ensemble because they have to know *all* 48 of them. If I ever make it to that band (which by senior year probably just because you're a senior), I would start memorizing them from time I find out (in spring) until finals. On a different note, yes, Heero just had to apologize. Can't leave a wrong as just a wrong! They're "friends" now, and it's going to be interesting getting them to be really good friends! Starting with that trip to Steak N' Shake ^_^ Thank you very much for the review!
Aurenne- God, I'm having trouble adjusting to using the right shift key for convenience -_-;; Not that it should matter. Anyway, hi! It's great to see a review from you, so thank you ^____^ Whatever would happen if I did die? o.O Happier thoughts, happier thoughts . . . I've been kind of ODing on HP slash lately . . . top it off with an insane two weeks, and you got slow updating ^_^ Hey! At least it's less than a month this time . . . Anyway, I think I've recovered from my cold, and I no longer have busy band activities except maybe that playing test on Friday I'm stressing over. I will NOT give away first chair! Of course Alano did compliment just me on Friday! ^_^ I kept our section going in one of our new songs. Aww . . . my kitty is sleeping on my bed right now. I swear that animal gets more sleep on there than I do, but at least she's cute ^_^ And yes, flutes are part of the woodwind section. I just happen to have a lot of insane woodwind friends . . . and it's kind of true. But, I didn't make Duo say it just to piss people off or declare superiority. After all, I *am* learning flute myself. Hehe . . . it's not exactly working that well, and I'm getting frustrated sometimes. I can't get the freaking low C. I used to be able to! Then one day I dropped my damn flute, picked it up again, and it wouldn't play *wails* The D wouldn't play either, but I fixed it. It's half-way decent now. So, I applaud us band geeks for getting this good at our instruments! Well, thank you so much for reviewing! I hope I'll see you soon.
LB- Mwahahahahaha! Less than a month this time! Okay, I could have possibly done better, but hey, it probably would have turned out less good than it is now ^_~ Merci beaucoup pour le/la/l' review (in French) ^_^;; Don't ask . . . I felt like being weird again. Sometimes I scare myself. Relena semi-returns in this chapter. I might have a "feature" for her later. I'm trying to make her as less annoying as possible just because. And it would make more sense in this story anyway. Heero and Duo are getting along some more! I like the little bit of OOC because I can make Heero smile! It's a lot less frustrating to work with, too. The problem is earning the trust - then later on when school starts, and Relena becomes a bigger issue.
Lost in Smiling Eyes- Hi! Our student teacher is coming along quite nicely . . . he actually knows how to conduct better ^_^ Nothing beats the actual experience of dealing with us, ne? Still . . . sometimes it can be a little annoying. I prefer the other directors because they are so much easier to read. He doesn't' conduct big or clear enough. That's usually some kind of an issue with student directors. Either they don't notice, or they keep on forgetting. But, he's a pretty funny guy and all. I liked him better during brass choir. He seemed a lot more relaxed (for good reason, too), and we got to get off track a lot more ^_^ Thank you so much for reviewing!
Lokogato- Wow, last one ^_^ Don't you feel special? Jk! Thank you very much for taking the time to review! It's always great to hear from you guys. I have so much to say; it's like I'm talking more about other things than the actual fic. I love ice cream . . . I remember that Wednesday when I accidentally came across our band camp day schedule for that day! Taber and I were reading it, and I was like ice cream at four? That's . . . that's not possible, is it? But, sure enough we got ice cream ^_^ Yes, I have some trouble coming up with chapter names. Well, I better go get this up!