Note: Hi, everyone! I'm back again (still less than a month). Oh, yeah,
that's real exciting . . . -_-;; And I bring with me chapter six! The next
update will probably be POW. I mean I really need to get my idea down and
establish a new direction. Thank you so much for bearing with me, guys. I
love you all! ^_____^ I know the beginning is kind of boring and stuff, but
the middle gets better . . . Enter: Relena, so be forewarned! Ultimate
pairings are still 1+2+1, 3+4+3, and 5+? I hope everyone will like this
chapter! I would love a review, but as always no one has to. And another
thing is that the characters will be a little OOC (a lot in Relena because
I need to be able to make her interesting) because it's AU! *Smiles*
The Ladies' Man
Chapter 6
Heero Yuy released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding as his midnight-blue car pulled smoothly from the student parking lot. The first day of band camp was one filled to the brim with surprises. Apparently Quatre and the others were right about it being much more difficult than it was made out to be. Even he felt pushed to the limit from the wearing day under strenuous rays of brilliant light. With all that in mind, he still had no idea why anyone would voluntarily commit him/herself to marching band.
The sun was still strung decently high across the cloudless, blue hues, as his hand jammed down the pad from the roof of the car. Feeling slightly impatient, he increased pressure on the gas-pedal just enough to hit the speed limit and veered off of Olio road onto the highway. The scenery started to fly from the window, and Heero finally relaxed into the freedom of higher speeds. 'At this rate I'll be home in ten minutes.' His lips quirked upward in a half smile, half smirk. Even when alone he never really let his guard down. But, he wanted to go home.
His parents traveled regularly for business but were loving and perfect when they were home. This particular week, they had chosen to trek to the Czech Republic on unmentioned business, therefore left Heero on his own time to do as he pleased. Strangely, he never thought of what it would be like to have them home everyday like a normal family.
Ten minutes passed, and he swerved neatly up the sloped driveway. Digging out a small, black remote, he aimed and pressed the button, waiting for the garage door to slide open, then drove into the dimly-lit space. Shifting gears, he unbuckled the seat belt and got out of the luxury vehicle, slipping into the silent house after grabbing the few belongings he had taken.
Marble. Smooth, cool, and hard clicked from his crisp steps towards the grand stairwell. And one by one, he climbed the steps to reach his room. He cast his drill binder aside, dumped off his trumpet case, and set down the bag packed with his water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and chapstick by the door of his spacious and beautiful bathroom. Flicking on the articulately placed lights, he shed his sweat-soaked clothing onto the floor. Torrents of water streamed from the powerful faucet as he twisted the knob and pulled the lever up, stepping into the delicious spray.
* * *
Fifteen minutes had ticked by when the Japanese youth reappeared from the foggy screens, lightly towel-drying his wild hair. Drops of water dripped a little from even darker strands of brown, matted across his impassive expression. It was a warm, summery night, so he decided on a cotton T-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts. 'Fifteen more minutes until they get here,' he assumed with a brief glance at the digital clock.
Grabbing his Walkman, he headed back out onto his yard, thinking to water the garden since it hadn't rained in so long. Pachelbel Canon sounded lightly from the headset as he skidded down the stairs, striding to the back door. Keys jingled in his hands, sweeping them from the kitchen counter, and he eased opened the French-styled door in a better mood than he would have imagined.
The chorus line sung joyously when he closed and locked the door behind him and continued on with him during his search for the hose. As the water lightly sprinkled on the white roses, an outside sound drew his attention away.
"Hey . . ." it rang soft, friendly, and to a certain degree almost shy.
Curious, Prussian blue searched for the source of the sound, gently pulling off his headphones. "Duo?" He squinted at the dark figure approaching him from the west, hands burrowed in pockets.
"Yeah," he grinned. "I figured I'd come by a little sooner to save Quatre a trip. And um . . . don't you think you've watered that flower enough?" he gestured hesitantly.
A pool of water had gathered on the soil of the offended plant, as Heero hastily drew the hose away, cupping out some of the water out and dumping it onto another, drier section of the bush. 'Damn.' "Yeah," he agreed, ignoring the American's light chuckle.
Amethyst eyes drank in the grandeur of the lot, and he released a low whistle. "Wow," he breathed, "You've got like the nicest house in the whole neighborhood. You're parents must be loaded or something."
"Pretty much," Heero grunted and turned off his Walkman, continuing his chore, "but they're not around that often."
The senior sighed and nodded, "Yup, I guess that explains you watering flowers, huh?" he picked out a set of ornamental stones to sit on with a groan.
"What are you implying?" he retorted.
Raising his hands in surrender, his eyes enlarged, "Nothing, nothing. But I just thought you might have some help around here, you know, keeping this house up and running." When he realized the small smirk playing at the edge of Heero's lips, he glared a little. "Great sense of humor, Yuy," he grumbled but still smiled.
Finished with his task, he rewound the hose after turning off the water, and headed back in. He paused slightly at the door, feeling a set of dark lilac watching him. Flicking his gaze towards his companion, he offered, "You can come in and wait if you want."
Jumping off the pile of rocks, Duo smiled broadly, "Sounds good," and followed him inside. "So what were you listening to?"
"Pachelbel Canon in D major."
"I love that song," he replied, distracted and in awe of the mansion's tasteful décor.
Entering the smaller living room, he spotted glossy, pitch black, grand piano hoisted up on a low platform. "You play?" he pointed at the exquisite instrument.
"Yes."
"Can I?" Duo asked hopefully, looking at Heero with pleading eyes. "Please?"
"Go ahead," he shrugged, sinking into the cushions of the velvet sofa facing the same direction, tipping his head back.
Heero watched Duo carefully slipping onto the bench, testing the pedals, and loosening his hands. Finally, after a suspenseful pause, Duo poked at the keys with his index finger for his grand rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Upon the completion of the simple and familiar tune, he turned back to grin cheekily at Heero.
"Wow! I think that's the best I've ever done!" voice conveying excitement. The Japanese boy gazed at him unimpressed and slightly amused. "Just kidding," he laughed after a moment met with silence. "For real this time," he coughed.
Placidly, his long fingers rested on the smooth black and white keys gingerly before low chords hummed beneath them. Easy eighths layered above the dark notes, sounding full and beautiful. Arpeggios lilted underneath careful ministrations of slender, left fingers while the right switched to play the chords. Several measures afterwards both moved in perfect rhythm, perfect time to accompany each other, clasping together to form the rich melody.
Heero smiled faintly from his seat in the 'audience,' "Pachelbal Canon," he murmured for no reason at all, enjoying the music. 'He's full of surprises.' Rising from the comforting couch, he joined the braided teen on the bench and played calculated accompaniment with deft precision. Duo looked up at him and grinned, mouthing a compliment before turning his concentration back to the music.
As the last chord faded away, both fell into a lapse of silence before Duo chose to break it. "That - was for interrupting you earlier," he smiled easily at the other's surprise. "You're freaking amazing though. I can't believe you actually figured out all the extra accompaniment and counter melodies," he praised without a hint of envy or jealousy.
Curious violet peered into depths of dark sapphire, finally noticing up close just how perfect someone can look. That was when Heero began to sincerely doubt first impressions. 'Quatre's right. I don't know him at all. In fact I've never quite met anyone like this guy - he's so good at being a person and living life.'
"You're better," he decided with finality and realization, turning away. The doorbell rang interrupting Duo's confusion for a moment. 'It was like he put his heart in every note . . . His love for music is incredible.'
"Huh?" he blinked. "Oh, that must be the guys," he snapped out of it and walked towards the door, trailing Heero.
Quatre's sunny smile greeted them both. "Hey, Heero, Duo," he said brightly. "It's great to see you guys getting along so well."
"Hey, Q-man," his grinned cheekily, running past him to the car. Trowa waved slightly from the driver's seat, and Wufei merely gave him a nod. "Hey, guys! Can't wait for that steakburger!"
"For once I'd have to agree with you," Wufei smirked at him, "but I'm still not going to sit next to you."
Duo mock-pouted, "What's the matter Fei-baby? Getting too hot for ya?" he winked, watching the Chinese man color crimson. "Aww, you blush! And you're Chinese!"
"I'm *not* blushing," he growled lowly. "And don't tempt me to do something you'll regret later on."
"Alright," he smiled lazily. "Heero!" he waved at the trumpet player. "You need to sit in the middle because Wufei doesn't like me, and I think I'm a little young to die."
"You must have pissed him off somehow," Heero retorted but complied to act as a physical barrier between the two friends, ducking into the car's interior.
Quatre climbed into the plush driver's seat, pulling the door shut along with him. "Steak N' Shake?" he asked for confirmation.
"No sense in breaking tradition!" Duo grinned, sinking into the plush seats of the car.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Relena came home exhausted. Limply, she dropped her belongings onto the couch before plopping herself on, too, grateful for the cool air. The windows were thrown open, allowing breezes to slip by. A hint of cinnamon laced the floral fragrance of the house. Running water and the knife against the cutting board interrupted the tinkle of wind chimes - and the television.
Soaking up the last moment of relaxation, she pushed herself to stand and treaded with aching feet to the kitchen. "Hi, Mom," she smiled faintly.
"Hi, honey," her mother cast her a brief but warm smile. The chopping resumed. "How was band camp?"
Relena sighed, "No worse than usual, I suppose. I'm not too good in color guard. I think I hit Wufei in the head . . ."
Jane laughed, "Well, it's your first year. Remember when you first started to play flute?"
"Yes, but those flags can knock you unconscious!" she pointed out, a vivid memory of what that freshman did to her two years ago came to mind.
"Wufei's a strong boy. He'll get over it," her mother pointed out with a wry smile.
"That's true," Relena laughed in memory of Wufei's many tirades of harshly ennunciated speech then sobered with a sigh when more memories surfaced. This time not so comical. "So what's for dinner?"
Brushing off sage from her cat-shaped cutting board, she dumped it into a small jar, capping it with a lid. Her hand absentmindedly swiped a stray strand of dark hair away, "Well, I was thinking of ordering pizza or something." A sly smile tugged at the corners of Jane's lips, watching her daughter's bright blue eyes widen.
"Seriously?" she breathed in anticipation of the answer.
"Yup. You, my dear, have earned it!" she patted Relena on the head, sweeping out from the kitchen. "I'll call the pizza place."
She observed her mother for a moment, tilting her head slightly in wonder. 'How could someone as graceful as her, ever have a clumsy daughter like me? I could catch my weapons if my life depended on it.' Dark hair, dark eyes, tall stature, poise, sophistication - Jane's entire demeanor seemed opposite of hers. She had the sleekness about her . . . and that witchy twinge to her aura. She was noticeable and different while Relena wasn't. She was plain, vanilla, and boringly normal, known to be foolhardy more times than not. 'Maybe some conscious effort to improve myself will be helpful,' she decided with watery resolve. Then again, stronger. 'Mabon isn't too far away . . . next month. Some habits need breaking,' she smiled to herself, heading out to the stream in the woods.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Between gasping breaths, Duo attempted to finish his recount of Wufei's first year in marching band at the same time knocking Wufei's hands away from his throat and mouth. 'Shut up, Maxwell!" he fumed, almost crashing into the glass doors of Steak N' Shake.
"You're one to talk, Wu!" he grinned. "I wasn't the one that screamed at my section captain for getting on my ass. You just didn't know when to shut up." He shook his head sadly.
"That was five years ago! *You* do idiotic things on a daily basis," he justly announced, satisfied when no competent retort was shot his way.
"Well, can't argue with that, but so what? I like being me," he smiled cheerily, literally sliding across the leather seat with a slight grunt.
"I'm not sitting by you," the drummer grumbled with crossed arms and a harsh glare. Silently he gestured for Quatre and Trowa to slide in on the opposite side before sitting down with surprising dignity.
"That leaves you and me, Heero!" being the optimist, he patted the space next to him.
"Hn," with a smirk, the youth slid in as well. Surprising everyone, his dark blue gaze flickered over the small group, "I'm sure Wufei wasn't the only one with a little adjustment problem . . ." he trailed with obvious implication.
Quatre grinned, looking around, "I guess I'll go first."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yay! I met my freaking goal for this week ^________^ In my daily planner for school I had written in neon green to upload chapter six of TLM by Sunday. Well, here I am. As soon as all the wonderful reviews are answered, I can get it together and update. Next few chapters will talk about the other boys' first years (wow, that sounded hp-ish -_-;;)! This should be fun *grins* And that whole Relena thing - I had to include her somewhere along the line. And yes, we'll be seeing more of her later on. Just so you guys know, her character will be very OOC just so I won't want to kill her off ^_^;; Next update will probably be the neglected POW. I know what I want to do for that now! I would love a review, but as always, no one has to.
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Anime Redneck- Hey! I actually finished ^________^ I went like more than a week without touching this thing, but now that that's over . . . Why is You got it Bad by Usher on again? Isn't that an old song? I know it was really popular like last year just because of - yeah, never mind -_-;; Well, first off, before I go ranting, thank you very much for your review! Silvershinigami and I got into an interesting discussion about Mary Sues in the fic world. A. K. A. I finally figured out what a Mary Sue is. And so my "justification" for all those OCs I have floating around is that you can't have a five person marching band *nods* And they aren't perfect (kind of insane, too). But all in all I found out that I absolutely cannot stand Mary Sues. I can't believe marching band is starting in June . . . I mean that's like not so far away anymore! Three months . . . Missy got our marching band schedule for next year though. It's so weird - all the normal rehearsal hours went back to the same thing as 01. They cut out half an hour from all Wednesday rehearsals and made everyday of band camp ten hours instead of the switching thing.
Lady Dragon- Band camp is great, isn't it? I remember the end of our last day this year. Oh my god, everyone was so tired, red, hot, more tired, and soaking wet from the water balloons. You'll see (if you're still reading ^_~) what I mean later in the story. Actually I was walking in with Kristine and somehow started talking about that guy ("Duo") one of my friends was interested in. And I said he's just this charming ladies' man! She was like yeah, so is Andrew. Nope, in order to be a ladies' man, ladies actually have to *like* him. (This is still me) But what if *bleep* was gay? Wouldn't that be so ironically funny? And so this insaneness began ^_^;; Just goes to show that my marching band is the almighty source of my inspiration. It's great that band geeks everywhere can relate to these types of things! Thank you very much for reviewing!
Ookami-metsuki- Hi! I'm still having a lot of fun with this story of course, and I'm really trying to update as much as I can. Still less than a month! Yes! Barely, but it works ^_____^ And it's great actually knowing most of what I'm talking about *nods* Well, thank you so much for giving me a review!
Nanashi- You're back! Hey ^__^ I'm really glad you're liking the chemistry because it is hilarious to write. I just need to figure out how to break the news to them . . . Hmm *ponders* Well, it wouldn't be easy for any of us - that's for sure, hehe. I'm not sure how I manage to write Duo though. I mean it's really hard for someone with a lot of energy to actually not be annoying in real life. If only people like Duo exist *sighs* I think all the boys are perfect . . . but in different ways. I mean the obviously Heero's perfect to an extreme. Duo seems to be perfect in the ways of just being a good person, knows what people are like, how to read them; in fact people are just drawn to his friendliness. Quatre's got to be the kindest of them all. He's really empathetic and kind of angelic. Trowa is definitely the type that's perfect effortlessly, but no one really calls him on it. He sees past people's actions to motives, and he's just that silent observer, very wise. Wufei is a really balanced person in terms of his life and psyche. He's also a wise person, scholarly and knowledgble. And that whole yogi sleep thing when he was in that prison with Duo . . . wow. Well, I rambled off again ^_^;; Thanks a lot for the review!
Foxfire- Hi! How are you? Good I hope. I just got on this computer after being on my mom's, playing a game. Don't ask . . . she wanted me to teach Morgan a computer game or something, and I said that they were all too hard. And she said just to humor her (well, okay, she wouldn't know what that means, but it's what she meant summed up in one word). At first I tried to do the PC paintbrush thing since you can't really die in that thing ^_^;; But it wouldn't download on XP. I mean I bought it before XP existed, so maybe that's why. Anyway, I just started to play another game, and she didn't seem to be interested at all even before I started the other one, so I didn't bother asking. I'm loving the weather outside though. It's absolutely gorgeous and just so spring-like. It's probably my favorite season, and I'm just waiting until the twenty-first for the equinox ^_^ Well, first of all, thanks so much for reviewing! It took me forever to get to the Steak N' Shake scene, and yes, I did have some trouble getting them into the car *mutters* But, I think it'll really work out! I already know how I'm going to do the "Quatre chapter." Hehe. Well, hopefully, I'll write faster!
Aurenne- Hola! Como estas??? Okay, I'm just a bit hyper ^_^;; I kind of really want to update, send the email to the mailing list and finish French . . . That way I can relax all Sunday ^______^ Mmm . . . I don't think I've ever really experienced that. I mean I even had a major project for geography to do, and I managed to get done. The most frustrating part was probably waiting for 26 pages to print out . . . I had a big picture on every one of them, too. I think it killed my ink supply. That's okay though, because at least I had what I needed, right? Wow, I can't believe I can think of so many different things to say to different people. So, I'm getting off track - thank you so much for your review! I'm working on the 1+2+1 thing! Promise! And Hell yeah, HP slash! As for your when questions . . . even I can't answer for myself, but it's going to make a good ending for one of the later chapters. I can't give it away or anything obviously. And Heero jumping Duo? That would be sooooo great. But Heero's too subtle *pouts* I did make him smile last chapter though. I mean who wouldn't smile at that? And a very big o.O;; for your cold medication! ^_~ Merci beaucoup for the review!
LB- So what did you think of Heero and Duo being alone together? Hehe, I'm seriously okay! Well, maybe. I know that scene at Steak N' Shake was rather short, but it'll be perfect opportunity to find out more background on our lovely boys! Quatre's the first victim *grins* although he did volunteer . . . I kind of have a good idea what's going to happen in his "reminisce." I don't think I'm good enough to surprise anybody though -_- ;; Well, I hope you're still excited about updating! Thank you very much for the review!
Katrina- Again, less than a month! I'm trying to keep waiting periods shorter than a month . . . so far it's successful. Thanks a lot for the review! And yes, one of my field guides is in drum corp. I had to ask Mlur which one he was in, and I think it's South Wind or something. She also said they aren't that good. I guess I could always ask his brother, Dan, when he's On-line, but eh ^_^;;
Lokogato- I would love to go to band camp with the G-boys. I mean that's just got to be awesome because I get to bother all of them and see what makes them tick. Well, that is if I stop keeping to myself so much. But actual band camp? Uh, no . . . I'm not ready to go back there _ You don't think it's so bad like months later, but when you get back there it's like oh my god, I'm going to die. In fact sometimes it's like I'd rather die than reset one more time! The days were just too long. And my feet always hurt like hell afterwards *grimaces* Ooh, Superman is on the radio. They edit it so much though. Wow, you chased people with your flute? That's gotta be fun *smirks* Brass people *are* weird. I mean trumpet boys will always find something to do with their instruments. After being in brass choir, I kind of realized that. But generally fun people! I hope your headache wasn't too horrible! Well, thank you very much for the review!
Lost in Smiling Eyes- Wow, the first thing I thought of when seeing schweet was chouette ^_^;; It's was one of our word/phrase of the day things in French. I love how it sounds. Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like Chloe and Ryan! I base a part of them on people I know in band ^_^ Some good friends, some I barely know, and some I can't really stand. Mostly the ones I like ^_^
The Ladies' Man
Chapter 6
Heero Yuy released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding as his midnight-blue car pulled smoothly from the student parking lot. The first day of band camp was one filled to the brim with surprises. Apparently Quatre and the others were right about it being much more difficult than it was made out to be. Even he felt pushed to the limit from the wearing day under strenuous rays of brilliant light. With all that in mind, he still had no idea why anyone would voluntarily commit him/herself to marching band.
The sun was still strung decently high across the cloudless, blue hues, as his hand jammed down the pad from the roof of the car. Feeling slightly impatient, he increased pressure on the gas-pedal just enough to hit the speed limit and veered off of Olio road onto the highway. The scenery started to fly from the window, and Heero finally relaxed into the freedom of higher speeds. 'At this rate I'll be home in ten minutes.' His lips quirked upward in a half smile, half smirk. Even when alone he never really let his guard down. But, he wanted to go home.
His parents traveled regularly for business but were loving and perfect when they were home. This particular week, they had chosen to trek to the Czech Republic on unmentioned business, therefore left Heero on his own time to do as he pleased. Strangely, he never thought of what it would be like to have them home everyday like a normal family.
Ten minutes passed, and he swerved neatly up the sloped driveway. Digging out a small, black remote, he aimed and pressed the button, waiting for the garage door to slide open, then drove into the dimly-lit space. Shifting gears, he unbuckled the seat belt and got out of the luxury vehicle, slipping into the silent house after grabbing the few belongings he had taken.
Marble. Smooth, cool, and hard clicked from his crisp steps towards the grand stairwell. And one by one, he climbed the steps to reach his room. He cast his drill binder aside, dumped off his trumpet case, and set down the bag packed with his water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and chapstick by the door of his spacious and beautiful bathroom. Flicking on the articulately placed lights, he shed his sweat-soaked clothing onto the floor. Torrents of water streamed from the powerful faucet as he twisted the knob and pulled the lever up, stepping into the delicious spray.
* * *
Fifteen minutes had ticked by when the Japanese youth reappeared from the foggy screens, lightly towel-drying his wild hair. Drops of water dripped a little from even darker strands of brown, matted across his impassive expression. It was a warm, summery night, so he decided on a cotton T-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts. 'Fifteen more minutes until they get here,' he assumed with a brief glance at the digital clock.
Grabbing his Walkman, he headed back out onto his yard, thinking to water the garden since it hadn't rained in so long. Pachelbel Canon sounded lightly from the headset as he skidded down the stairs, striding to the back door. Keys jingled in his hands, sweeping them from the kitchen counter, and he eased opened the French-styled door in a better mood than he would have imagined.
The chorus line sung joyously when he closed and locked the door behind him and continued on with him during his search for the hose. As the water lightly sprinkled on the white roses, an outside sound drew his attention away.
"Hey . . ." it rang soft, friendly, and to a certain degree almost shy.
Curious, Prussian blue searched for the source of the sound, gently pulling off his headphones. "Duo?" He squinted at the dark figure approaching him from the west, hands burrowed in pockets.
"Yeah," he grinned. "I figured I'd come by a little sooner to save Quatre a trip. And um . . . don't you think you've watered that flower enough?" he gestured hesitantly.
A pool of water had gathered on the soil of the offended plant, as Heero hastily drew the hose away, cupping out some of the water out and dumping it onto another, drier section of the bush. 'Damn.' "Yeah," he agreed, ignoring the American's light chuckle.
Amethyst eyes drank in the grandeur of the lot, and he released a low whistle. "Wow," he breathed, "You've got like the nicest house in the whole neighborhood. You're parents must be loaded or something."
"Pretty much," Heero grunted and turned off his Walkman, continuing his chore, "but they're not around that often."
The senior sighed and nodded, "Yup, I guess that explains you watering flowers, huh?" he picked out a set of ornamental stones to sit on with a groan.
"What are you implying?" he retorted.
Raising his hands in surrender, his eyes enlarged, "Nothing, nothing. But I just thought you might have some help around here, you know, keeping this house up and running." When he realized the small smirk playing at the edge of Heero's lips, he glared a little. "Great sense of humor, Yuy," he grumbled but still smiled.
Finished with his task, he rewound the hose after turning off the water, and headed back in. He paused slightly at the door, feeling a set of dark lilac watching him. Flicking his gaze towards his companion, he offered, "You can come in and wait if you want."
Jumping off the pile of rocks, Duo smiled broadly, "Sounds good," and followed him inside. "So what were you listening to?"
"Pachelbel Canon in D major."
"I love that song," he replied, distracted and in awe of the mansion's tasteful décor.
Entering the smaller living room, he spotted glossy, pitch black, grand piano hoisted up on a low platform. "You play?" he pointed at the exquisite instrument.
"Yes."
"Can I?" Duo asked hopefully, looking at Heero with pleading eyes. "Please?"
"Go ahead," he shrugged, sinking into the cushions of the velvet sofa facing the same direction, tipping his head back.
Heero watched Duo carefully slipping onto the bench, testing the pedals, and loosening his hands. Finally, after a suspenseful pause, Duo poked at the keys with his index finger for his grand rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Upon the completion of the simple and familiar tune, he turned back to grin cheekily at Heero.
"Wow! I think that's the best I've ever done!" voice conveying excitement. The Japanese boy gazed at him unimpressed and slightly amused. "Just kidding," he laughed after a moment met with silence. "For real this time," he coughed.
Placidly, his long fingers rested on the smooth black and white keys gingerly before low chords hummed beneath them. Easy eighths layered above the dark notes, sounding full and beautiful. Arpeggios lilted underneath careful ministrations of slender, left fingers while the right switched to play the chords. Several measures afterwards both moved in perfect rhythm, perfect time to accompany each other, clasping together to form the rich melody.
Heero smiled faintly from his seat in the 'audience,' "Pachelbal Canon," he murmured for no reason at all, enjoying the music. 'He's full of surprises.' Rising from the comforting couch, he joined the braided teen on the bench and played calculated accompaniment with deft precision. Duo looked up at him and grinned, mouthing a compliment before turning his concentration back to the music.
As the last chord faded away, both fell into a lapse of silence before Duo chose to break it. "That - was for interrupting you earlier," he smiled easily at the other's surprise. "You're freaking amazing though. I can't believe you actually figured out all the extra accompaniment and counter melodies," he praised without a hint of envy or jealousy.
Curious violet peered into depths of dark sapphire, finally noticing up close just how perfect someone can look. That was when Heero began to sincerely doubt first impressions. 'Quatre's right. I don't know him at all. In fact I've never quite met anyone like this guy - he's so good at being a person and living life.'
"You're better," he decided with finality and realization, turning away. The doorbell rang interrupting Duo's confusion for a moment. 'It was like he put his heart in every note . . . His love for music is incredible.'
"Huh?" he blinked. "Oh, that must be the guys," he snapped out of it and walked towards the door, trailing Heero.
Quatre's sunny smile greeted them both. "Hey, Heero, Duo," he said brightly. "It's great to see you guys getting along so well."
"Hey, Q-man," his grinned cheekily, running past him to the car. Trowa waved slightly from the driver's seat, and Wufei merely gave him a nod. "Hey, guys! Can't wait for that steakburger!"
"For once I'd have to agree with you," Wufei smirked at him, "but I'm still not going to sit next to you."
Duo mock-pouted, "What's the matter Fei-baby? Getting too hot for ya?" he winked, watching the Chinese man color crimson. "Aww, you blush! And you're Chinese!"
"I'm *not* blushing," he growled lowly. "And don't tempt me to do something you'll regret later on."
"Alright," he smiled lazily. "Heero!" he waved at the trumpet player. "You need to sit in the middle because Wufei doesn't like me, and I think I'm a little young to die."
"You must have pissed him off somehow," Heero retorted but complied to act as a physical barrier between the two friends, ducking into the car's interior.
Quatre climbed into the plush driver's seat, pulling the door shut along with him. "Steak N' Shake?" he asked for confirmation.
"No sense in breaking tradition!" Duo grinned, sinking into the plush seats of the car.
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Relena came home exhausted. Limply, she dropped her belongings onto the couch before plopping herself on, too, grateful for the cool air. The windows were thrown open, allowing breezes to slip by. A hint of cinnamon laced the floral fragrance of the house. Running water and the knife against the cutting board interrupted the tinkle of wind chimes - and the television.
Soaking up the last moment of relaxation, she pushed herself to stand and treaded with aching feet to the kitchen. "Hi, Mom," she smiled faintly.
"Hi, honey," her mother cast her a brief but warm smile. The chopping resumed. "How was band camp?"
Relena sighed, "No worse than usual, I suppose. I'm not too good in color guard. I think I hit Wufei in the head . . ."
Jane laughed, "Well, it's your first year. Remember when you first started to play flute?"
"Yes, but those flags can knock you unconscious!" she pointed out, a vivid memory of what that freshman did to her two years ago came to mind.
"Wufei's a strong boy. He'll get over it," her mother pointed out with a wry smile.
"That's true," Relena laughed in memory of Wufei's many tirades of harshly ennunciated speech then sobered with a sigh when more memories surfaced. This time not so comical. "So what's for dinner?"
Brushing off sage from her cat-shaped cutting board, she dumped it into a small jar, capping it with a lid. Her hand absentmindedly swiped a stray strand of dark hair away, "Well, I was thinking of ordering pizza or something." A sly smile tugged at the corners of Jane's lips, watching her daughter's bright blue eyes widen.
"Seriously?" she breathed in anticipation of the answer.
"Yup. You, my dear, have earned it!" she patted Relena on the head, sweeping out from the kitchen. "I'll call the pizza place."
She observed her mother for a moment, tilting her head slightly in wonder. 'How could someone as graceful as her, ever have a clumsy daughter like me? I could catch my weapons if my life depended on it.' Dark hair, dark eyes, tall stature, poise, sophistication - Jane's entire demeanor seemed opposite of hers. She had the sleekness about her . . . and that witchy twinge to her aura. She was noticeable and different while Relena wasn't. She was plain, vanilla, and boringly normal, known to be foolhardy more times than not. 'Maybe some conscious effort to improve myself will be helpful,' she decided with watery resolve. Then again, stronger. 'Mabon isn't too far away . . . next month. Some habits need breaking,' she smiled to herself, heading out to the stream in the woods.
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Between gasping breaths, Duo attempted to finish his recount of Wufei's first year in marching band at the same time knocking Wufei's hands away from his throat and mouth. 'Shut up, Maxwell!" he fumed, almost crashing into the glass doors of Steak N' Shake.
"You're one to talk, Wu!" he grinned. "I wasn't the one that screamed at my section captain for getting on my ass. You just didn't know when to shut up." He shook his head sadly.
"That was five years ago! *You* do idiotic things on a daily basis," he justly announced, satisfied when no competent retort was shot his way.
"Well, can't argue with that, but so what? I like being me," he smiled cheerily, literally sliding across the leather seat with a slight grunt.
"I'm not sitting by you," the drummer grumbled with crossed arms and a harsh glare. Silently he gestured for Quatre and Trowa to slide in on the opposite side before sitting down with surprising dignity.
"That leaves you and me, Heero!" being the optimist, he patted the space next to him.
"Hn," with a smirk, the youth slid in as well. Surprising everyone, his dark blue gaze flickered over the small group, "I'm sure Wufei wasn't the only one with a little adjustment problem . . ." he trailed with obvious implication.
Quatre grinned, looking around, "I guess I'll go first."
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Yay! I met my freaking goal for this week ^________^ In my daily planner for school I had written in neon green to upload chapter six of TLM by Sunday. Well, here I am. As soon as all the wonderful reviews are answered, I can get it together and update. Next few chapters will talk about the other boys' first years (wow, that sounded hp-ish -_-;;)! This should be fun *grins* And that whole Relena thing - I had to include her somewhere along the line. And yes, we'll be seeing more of her later on. Just so you guys know, her character will be very OOC just so I won't want to kill her off ^_^;; Next update will probably be the neglected POW. I know what I want to do for that now! I would love a review, but as always, no one has to.
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Anime Redneck- Hey! I actually finished ^________^ I went like more than a week without touching this thing, but now that that's over . . . Why is You got it Bad by Usher on again? Isn't that an old song? I know it was really popular like last year just because of - yeah, never mind -_-;; Well, first off, before I go ranting, thank you very much for your review! Silvershinigami and I got into an interesting discussion about Mary Sues in the fic world. A. K. A. I finally figured out what a Mary Sue is. And so my "justification" for all those OCs I have floating around is that you can't have a five person marching band *nods* And they aren't perfect (kind of insane, too). But all in all I found out that I absolutely cannot stand Mary Sues. I can't believe marching band is starting in June . . . I mean that's like not so far away anymore! Three months . . . Missy got our marching band schedule for next year though. It's so weird - all the normal rehearsal hours went back to the same thing as 01. They cut out half an hour from all Wednesday rehearsals and made everyday of band camp ten hours instead of the switching thing.
Lady Dragon- Band camp is great, isn't it? I remember the end of our last day this year. Oh my god, everyone was so tired, red, hot, more tired, and soaking wet from the water balloons. You'll see (if you're still reading ^_~) what I mean later in the story. Actually I was walking in with Kristine and somehow started talking about that guy ("Duo") one of my friends was interested in. And I said he's just this charming ladies' man! She was like yeah, so is Andrew. Nope, in order to be a ladies' man, ladies actually have to *like* him. (This is still me) But what if *bleep* was gay? Wouldn't that be so ironically funny? And so this insaneness began ^_^;; Just goes to show that my marching band is the almighty source of my inspiration. It's great that band geeks everywhere can relate to these types of things! Thank you very much for reviewing!
Ookami-metsuki- Hi! I'm still having a lot of fun with this story of course, and I'm really trying to update as much as I can. Still less than a month! Yes! Barely, but it works ^_____^ And it's great actually knowing most of what I'm talking about *nods* Well, thank you so much for giving me a review!
Nanashi- You're back! Hey ^__^ I'm really glad you're liking the chemistry because it is hilarious to write. I just need to figure out how to break the news to them . . . Hmm *ponders* Well, it wouldn't be easy for any of us - that's for sure, hehe. I'm not sure how I manage to write Duo though. I mean it's really hard for someone with a lot of energy to actually not be annoying in real life. If only people like Duo exist *sighs* I think all the boys are perfect . . . but in different ways. I mean the obviously Heero's perfect to an extreme. Duo seems to be perfect in the ways of just being a good person, knows what people are like, how to read them; in fact people are just drawn to his friendliness. Quatre's got to be the kindest of them all. He's really empathetic and kind of angelic. Trowa is definitely the type that's perfect effortlessly, but no one really calls him on it. He sees past people's actions to motives, and he's just that silent observer, very wise. Wufei is a really balanced person in terms of his life and psyche. He's also a wise person, scholarly and knowledgble. And that whole yogi sleep thing when he was in that prison with Duo . . . wow. Well, I rambled off again ^_^;; Thanks a lot for the review!
Foxfire- Hi! How are you? Good I hope. I just got on this computer after being on my mom's, playing a game. Don't ask . . . she wanted me to teach Morgan a computer game or something, and I said that they were all too hard. And she said just to humor her (well, okay, she wouldn't know what that means, but it's what she meant summed up in one word). At first I tried to do the PC paintbrush thing since you can't really die in that thing ^_^;; But it wouldn't download on XP. I mean I bought it before XP existed, so maybe that's why. Anyway, I just started to play another game, and she didn't seem to be interested at all even before I started the other one, so I didn't bother asking. I'm loving the weather outside though. It's absolutely gorgeous and just so spring-like. It's probably my favorite season, and I'm just waiting until the twenty-first for the equinox ^_^ Well, first of all, thanks so much for reviewing! It took me forever to get to the Steak N' Shake scene, and yes, I did have some trouble getting them into the car *mutters* But, I think it'll really work out! I already know how I'm going to do the "Quatre chapter." Hehe. Well, hopefully, I'll write faster!
Aurenne- Hola! Como estas??? Okay, I'm just a bit hyper ^_^;; I kind of really want to update, send the email to the mailing list and finish French . . . That way I can relax all Sunday ^______^ Mmm . . . I don't think I've ever really experienced that. I mean I even had a major project for geography to do, and I managed to get done. The most frustrating part was probably waiting for 26 pages to print out . . . I had a big picture on every one of them, too. I think it killed my ink supply. That's okay though, because at least I had what I needed, right? Wow, I can't believe I can think of so many different things to say to different people. So, I'm getting off track - thank you so much for your review! I'm working on the 1+2+1 thing! Promise! And Hell yeah, HP slash! As for your when questions . . . even I can't answer for myself, but it's going to make a good ending for one of the later chapters. I can't give it away or anything obviously. And Heero jumping Duo? That would be sooooo great. But Heero's too subtle *pouts* I did make him smile last chapter though. I mean who wouldn't smile at that? And a very big o.O;; for your cold medication! ^_~ Merci beaucoup for the review!
LB- So what did you think of Heero and Duo being alone together? Hehe, I'm seriously okay! Well, maybe. I know that scene at Steak N' Shake was rather short, but it'll be perfect opportunity to find out more background on our lovely boys! Quatre's the first victim *grins* although he did volunteer . . . I kind of have a good idea what's going to happen in his "reminisce." I don't think I'm good enough to surprise anybody though -_- ;; Well, I hope you're still excited about updating! Thank you very much for the review!
Katrina- Again, less than a month! I'm trying to keep waiting periods shorter than a month . . . so far it's successful. Thanks a lot for the review! And yes, one of my field guides is in drum corp. I had to ask Mlur which one he was in, and I think it's South Wind or something. She also said they aren't that good. I guess I could always ask his brother, Dan, when he's On-line, but eh ^_^;;
Lokogato- I would love to go to band camp with the G-boys. I mean that's just got to be awesome because I get to bother all of them and see what makes them tick. Well, that is if I stop keeping to myself so much. But actual band camp? Uh, no . . . I'm not ready to go back there _ You don't think it's so bad like months later, but when you get back there it's like oh my god, I'm going to die. In fact sometimes it's like I'd rather die than reset one more time! The days were just too long. And my feet always hurt like hell afterwards *grimaces* Ooh, Superman is on the radio. They edit it so much though. Wow, you chased people with your flute? That's gotta be fun *smirks* Brass people *are* weird. I mean trumpet boys will always find something to do with their instruments. After being in brass choir, I kind of realized that. But generally fun people! I hope your headache wasn't too horrible! Well, thank you very much for the review!
Lost in Smiling Eyes- Wow, the first thing I thought of when seeing schweet was chouette ^_^;; It's was one of our word/phrase of the day things in French. I love how it sounds. Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like Chloe and Ryan! I base a part of them on people I know in band ^_^ Some good friends, some I barely know, and some I can't really stand. Mostly the ones I like ^_^