Important Note:
Yes! I'm back! I have an update! The shock! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to update for so incredibly long, but I'm to the point where I'm kind of realizing some things.
I have a life outside of the computer. I had an extremely busy season of marching band that has left me beyond inspired for some scenes. And now that it has ended, I have pep band, brass choir, and trumpet choir. I have at least three (soon to be four) rehearsals a week for brass choir and trumpet choir (combined) as well as a game at least once a week for a while. Then I have homework . . .
So I'm realizing that I have to start really working to make sure I can keep up writing fan fiction. I need to make it a priority instead of something I can push back because I have something else to do. I'm thinking about actually setting down deadlines for myself and posting them on my bio to make sure I don't slack off. But please don't expect updates like when I was in junior high. Life gets busier as you go on, and it makes me sad.
On the other hand, I could simply just say I'm writing fan fiction on my own time on a when-I-feel-like-it basis. For now, these are just some things I'm thinking about. Nothing's definite, so feel free to give me your input.
Background: This takes place over the summer before the boys enter high school. As you may or may not remember from the last chapter, this is Wufei's reminisce. The importance of this? It starts to reveal something big that happened in his past and continues to affect him in the "present." Also, this is where definite signs of 5+R start showing up and explains a few things about whether Duo is really interested in Relena or not. For more info, I'll put some in footnotes at the end of the chapter.
Disclaimer and etc.: I don't own Gundam Wing. Pairings stand as 1+2+1, 3+4+3, and 5+R. It'll ultimately end up like that, but for now, it's just going to be hinting. And this wasn't exactly the best thing I've written so far either, so please keep that in mind. I'd love a review whether you want to say something about the story or anything in general. It's becoming just another form of communication ^_^;;
"Let's go, let's go, let's go!" Coach Hensley clapped his hands rapidly in impatience, ushering the students inside the gym. "Get ready to run the mile today!"
Wufei tuned out his voice and proceeded filing into the gym with the rest of the crowd in no hurry. Past the double doors people began separating into smaller clusters, chirping with one another excitedly, adding to the buzz of conversation. Out of the corner of dark eyes, he noted one Relena Peacecraft being surrounded by her admirers and inwardly snorted. He caught her mellow voice politely speaking in response and felt the smallest twinge from her eyes skimming quickly over him.
"Hello, Wufei," he stopped suddenly in slight surprise. It had been months since she had spoken to him. No one surrounding Relena spoke, staring at him with wide eyes.
Throwing a glance backwards he grunted an incoherent response with a nod and resumed his even strides. He heard somewhat hushed squeals behind him but pushed the entire encounter out of his mind. Wufei tossed his backpack aside, hearing it thud against the wall and sat down on the floor, waiting for second week of summer P. E. to commence. [1]
Two hours into the day, weights with Hensley [2] concluded, and group A scattered for break, commenting on their aches and pains as they went.
Trowa caught up with the drummer, "Hey, Wufei."
"Barton," the Chinese boy acknowledged but said nothing further.
Silence settled over them for a few moments as they walked back to the gymnasium to retrieve their bags until Trowa tentatively decided to break it. "So you and Relena talking again?"
He spoke it absentmindedly but snuck a look at Wufei to catch a reaction. "No. She just said hi today," he picked at his words, unsure himself of the answer and settled for a frown. [3]
Trowa shrugged, "I guess Quatre's better with these types of things, huh?"
"What type of thing, Barton?" he growled, "What is that supposed to mean?" he chose to brood wordlessly and ignored Trowa's amused chuckle. Suddenly, "I don't get it. Why now?"
His green eyes reflected sympathy, softening from usual indifference, "Well, did you expect never talking to her again?" The question was gentle and serious, his answer already predicted – yet he was curious at the same time.
Opaque black eyes were fixated on the floor, watching his feet pass alongside Trowa's. Left, left, left, left . . .' was the semi-conscious, looping thought. [4] "It just wasn't what I expected," Wufei muttered quickly, jerking his head up. He glanced around at the near-empty hallways, "Where is Winner anyway?"
A pair of warm hands brushed against his shorts replaced seconds later by a rush of outside air. His face flushed an angry red as he whirled around in his fury. There was only one person who had the nerve to de-pants Wufei Chang, and that was none other than, "Maxwell!"
Dancing violet eyes shimmered in mirth as fits of laughter slipped easily from Duo's throat. He grinned and quickly dashed from reach. Yanking his gym shorts back up, Wufei quickly ran after him. Trowa sighed, watching the familiar exchange, though his amused smile quirked the corners of his mouth.
"Those two would be so cute together," joked Quatre, emerging from the adjacent hallway, skillfully dodging the running pair. [5]
"Just don't tell them that. We need all the veteran members we can get in for this week." He smiled at the blonde, "Hey."
"Hey," the Arabic returned, easing next to the taller freshman. "So how's gym been going for you?"
"Well, I'm surviving okay, you? Thanks." he murmured as Quatre held the door open for them both.
"I'm trying to have as much fun as I can," he shrugged, stopping in front of a coke machine. Inserting two quarters into the slot, he selected water and waited for the thump of the bottle before reaching in and grabbing it out.
"Hey, Quat, Trowa!" a random girl greeted them both.
"Hi, Jackie," Quatre smiled, unscrewing the cap to the water. At some point during the exchange, they resumed walking. "Let's go say hi to Heero, Trowa."
"Excuse me, Winner?!" Wufei's usually pale face flushed with anger and embarrassment, which only heightened everyone's amusement.
Duo who had been laughing with Trowa and Quatre continued to do so, even more uproarious than before the Chinese youth's reaction to Quatre's interruption. Through peals of chuckling, he choked out, "It's amazing – how – you can – be so –" he gasped for breath, "I don't know the word! Help me out, Heero."
Amused, Heero snorted, "Accurate?" he quipped dryly. He was also surprised that Duo hadn't minded Quatre's comment.
He shot a mock glare in his general direction as his giggling faded, "Not quite the word I was looking for . . . More like – Quatre's brain works in mysterious ways. Like you wouldn't expect someone like him to come up with something like that."
"More than one word and a lot of like's."
Another glare, "You know what I mean." Playfully he smacked Heero's shoulder slightly with a loose fist.
Heero said nothing and took another slurp from his shake; the other four felt some level of confusion and disappointment from his change of behavior. It was more of the Heero they knew as he seemed to draw himself back into that shell.
"Anyway, no more interruptions from any of you!" Wufei demanded, and effectively changed the subject. Settling for the knowing smiles and impartial shrugs, he continued, "As I was saying . . ."
"Maxwell!" Pulling his shorts up as he ran, he nearly tripped over his legs but pressed onward, target in sight.
Both barely noticed Quatre slipping through the doors in time but managed to dodge the blonde. Duo weaved through the crowd laughing at the threats and swears the Chinese boy hissed at him. Wufei nearly trampled everyone in sight, not particularly concerned about their safety or his own.
"Hey!" Strone called out from his table. "You guys cut that out or you'll be running for half an hour tomorrow morning before P.E."
Duo rolled his eyes but complied with little complaint, dragging his pace back down to a walk. Wufei mirrored his actions and eventually walked alongside the American in silence.
"Sorry, Wu," he grinned.
Wufei barely grunted in response.
"Half an hour, huh?" Duo's expression turned sour. "It's not like I can't handle that . . . but I'd rather not get in trouble. So what's up, Wu-man?" he slung an arm casually around the other boy's shoulders.
He winced at his nickname, "Don't ask about Relena."
Duo raised his eyebrow in interest, "Relena? Why the hell would I bring her up?"
"Everyone else has so far," the freshman replied, joining in the crowd/line around the concessions.
"What? Because she said hi to you? Psh." Duo dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "It was bound to happen sooner or later – you two talking, I mean. And she knows you, Wu, that you'd never be the one to talk first."
He snorted in response, "So you think that she's trying to tell me that she's over it?"
Duo smiled enigmatically, "Nah, she's not over it. It's only been what, a few months? It's still going to take a while, but maybe she's telling you that she still wants to be friends."
"Hn. Onnas."
"Yeah, well . . ." Duo shrugged. "I'll have a package of Pop Tarts, please," he told a concession worker. "Thanks! With a broad grin, he received the package in both hands and quickly sidestepped from the crowd of students pushing towards the window and walked towards a table.
Tearing open the silver foil, he thoughtfully munched on a corner of his Pop Tart, "Is it okay?" His amethyst eyes expressed unusual seriousness as the two sat down.
Wufei remained silent for a moment, under the braided boy's scrutiny, but the brushed off the a sharp twinge, "Whatever, Maxwell. I told you not to ask."
Duo laughed, "Come on, Wufei . . . Can't you just open up and cry just a tinsy bit? You know you want to!" Concern was quickly masked by amusement. Teasing the Chinese youth was irresistible at times, but at the moment he was only half joking. "Well, I'll let you brood alone for now," he winked and pushed himself off the chair. "Ugh, don't wanna stand up," he groaned but rubbed his head and walked away. [6]
He's a good friend,' Wufei reflected as he spared a glance at his retreating classmate. A noiseless sigh passed his lips as his thoughts gathered and swirled. In the end they formed nothing. When had it become like this? Nothing to think about, no one to think about.
Abruptly an epiphany emerged from the emptiness of his mind. Relena.' His dark brown eyes somehow turned to a deeper shade still as her image flashed. He could see her saying a hello' to him that morning, an unreadable look drifting over her expression. He imagined himself, reacting to the unexpected and wondered if she could see through him.
To himself, he snorted at the absurdity of those thoughts. He shouldn't care, and he didn't care. But – he missed her, her friendship, her unique humor, the personality that she had never let many see . . . Still, it would be impossible for those days to be relived after all that had happened. Things between them where uncertain, and yet, Wufei knew, and she knew, that there were no regrets with what happened before the school year had ended.
In a dream-like haze, the remaining hours of gym slipped by the Chinese youth. Floor hockey, soccer, the bus ride home, it was uneventful. He returned to his empty house and prepared a simple lunch: instant ramen noodles. After a shower, he crashed on his bed until the annoying buzzing of his alarm reminded him of the four-hour band practice that night.
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang three times. He reached for the handle in blind aim and pulled it open while putting on his sneakers.
"Yo." Duo grinned at him as he leaned against the frame of the door. "Ready for hell yet?"
Wufei snorted charmingly, "You'd think so . . ."
"Yeah, and we have band camp to look forward to next week," the braided boy sighed, brushing some bangs out of his face.
A black duffel strap was strung over his shoulder with a drill binder attached at the opposite end, contrasting with his white T-shirt and jean shorts. Patiently waiting for his friend, he waved at his mom who sat in the driver's seat of their ride. Wufei closed and locked the door behind him and followed Duo over to the black car.
In a rather loud voice, the American belted out the first few lines of their opener and earned a smack from Wufei. "Shut up, Maxwell."
He shot back an innocent grin, "Well, gotta memorize my part somehow especially with those trumpets outplaying the whole band all the time," winking, he laughed. [7] "And what about the drumline? Where's the low brass in all of this with all the awful squawking and out of time banging?" He smiled amidst his holier-than-thou rant, "Of course we don't mean you, Wu-man. You're the best and – well – only, tenor we have this year."
In spite of himself, Wufei relented and smiled a little, and his friend noticed the change in his usual attitude but understood nonetheless. "Maxwell –" he was interrupted.
"Yeah, yeah, shut up,' right?" Climbing into the seat, the Chinese boy followed him quietly.
"Hey, boys," Duo's mom shot them both a grin.
"Hello, Mrs. Maxwell," Wufei returned politely, distracted as he was, gazing out the tinted windows of the vehicle. Her eyebrows rose slightly in question, but Duo quickly shook his head with his helpless expression.
The remainder of the ride was spent in a contemplative silence . . . as did practice. The hours blurred by – fundamentals, sectionals, music, more fundamentals – and Wufei found himself packing up his quints before his brain had registered that four hours had ended. Not quite depressed, not happy, some intangible emotion settled hazily around him, stifling his senses.
With his drill binder slung across his shoulder, he took one last look around the nearly empty band room, through the locker room into the hall. His ears picked up the sound of a flute filtered through a practice room door; then another joined in as the two played a simple duet. Puzzled, Wufei peered into the window as he walked by.
His opaque eyes visibly enlarged when he saw Duo and Relena together [8], a little more than surprising. They'd never been close . . . A burst of green clouded his vision, but his rational mind denied his first thoughts because his best friend would never . . . Wufei shouldn't even be wandering in that direction, but Relena had meant, still means, something more to him that he allowed himself to acknowledge.
Wufei shouldn't still be there, staring through the window, but his feet and eyes refused to stray. And besides, Duo was his ride home anyway. And yet it was as if he intruded on something private.
The last notes had faded away from their song, and she folded her hands across her lap, resting on top of her new instrument. Blonde tipped lashes concealed her eyes, her hair a veil hiding her expression. Her mouth was moving with quiet words spilling, like she had held them in for far too long. Beyond the heavy door, even Wufei's sensitive ears couldn't pick out what she was talking about.
Worried amethyst eyes gave him a pretty good idea that it wasn't anything good. Her entire demeanor seemed sad, almost helpless. The Chinese boy frowned again. Duo's hands reached out gently and clasped her shoulder in comfort then pulled her into a friendly embrace. Her blonde locks had spilled away from her eyes; the light cerulean looked almost completely liquid, shimmering in the lights of the small room.
Out of habit, Duo's eyes flicked around him, and he finally noticed Wufei's figure silently watching. Yet instead of the usual scowl and otherwise impassiveness, he looked concerned and disturbed. Oh, boy.' "Leave," the American mouthed with exaggeration, glancing down at Relena, "before she sees you."
But Wufei only shook his head. Duo sighed silently as the girl pulled away, eyes slightly tinged with red, "I'm sorry, Duo. I shouldn't have . . . but I . . ."
He grinned at her, "Don't mention it, Lena. You shouldn't have to deal with this alone. It doesn't make you weak; no matter what *he* says." He shot the drummer a glare.
Perplexed by his behavior, Relena looked in the general area and was horrified to see the subject of their conversation standing outside, staring at her unblinkingly. She buried her head in her hands, willing it only to be an illusion, "Damn . . ." she swore under her breath.
"I'll deal with him," the braided youth reassured with another smile. "It'll be okay though. He cares about you a hell of a lot more than either of you know."
With those parting words, he quickly pushed the door open, "All right, Wu-man, my mom's waiting for us outside. Let's go." Not bothering to wait for him to follow, he walked briskly toward the side entrance of the school.
Wufei continued to look at her, unsure what to do. He coughed, "We – we should talk sometime . . . Relena." Embarrassed with only having said that, he turned on his heels and swiftly followed the American, leaving the flutist dazed.
As she looked after his retreating figure, a brilliant smile broke from her lips, and she laughed a little, happier than she had been for months.
Flushing bright red, the Chinese youth glared angrily at his companions, "What did I say about adding things in?!" He bellowed.
"Sorry, Wu, we didn't mean anything by it. And besides, it ended it nicely, don't you think?" Duo smiled, hiding behind his nearly empty glass.
With a final dirty look, he seemed satisfied. "Anyway, Yuy, I just wanted you to know," he enunciated meaningfully. [9]
The braided teenager raised his eyebrows in question, "What? Why?" Suspicion undulated in his stomach, leaving him somewhat tense and ill at ease. "Ah, shit," he glanced down at his watch. "It's already eight something. I don't know about you guys, but I should probably get going now if I wanna make it to bed by ten. Big day tomorrow."
"Yeah, I should get going, too," the rest of the group agreed. Tossing down a hefty tip, they chipped in to pay for the food up front and piled back up into the car.
"Well, we didn't get to Trowa or me tonight; I guess it'll have to wait until next time. And I mean, I think we gave Heero plenty to think about," he winked. "So how about tomorrow?"
Collective groans sounded from the other occupants of the vehicle, "Only you, Maxwell . . ." Wufei started then trailed off.
The American merely laughed, "I was just kidding, jeez." He grinned, "Actually we could probably wrap it up Friday during the picnic or something. Lunches are too short."
"Mm," Quatre agreed, trying to concentrate on the road.
He pulled the minivan into a smooth stop in front of Heero's house. Its grandeur was just as magnificent in the night and easily overshadowed the surrounding homes even though it was a relatively rich neighborhood.
"Actually, Quatre . . . you can let me off here, too. There's some stuff I wanna talk to Heero about. That is . . . if you don't mind, Heero."
"Hn," Heero grunted in response and unbuckled his seat belt. "Whatever."
"Okay, Duo, I'll see you tomorrow then. You, too, Heero. Good night!" It wasn't what Quatre expected, which made him even more curious as to what exactly the American wanted to know; and if he could ever get an answer from Heero. But carefully, he made sure his interest was well hidden, especially the smile that threatened to betray him.
"'Night!" the round of good-byes chorused in mumbles.
Climbing out the door and shutting it, Duo waved and watched the car roll off, cutting through the complex to another street. Heero waited for him, which, though the trombone player did not know it, was out of character for the stoic teen. Hands nestled deeply into his pockets, Duo shrugged and grinned at him when he had turned around. Prussian blue depths seemed darker and more dangerous still in the fading light of day. They remained imperturbable much like their owner, who said nothing, only staring at the other in expectation.
"Heero . . ." he began at last, approached slowly but without caution. "Why *did* you join marching band? You obviously didn't join thinking it'd be the most fun you'd ever have, and I doubt anyone could force you to." By then, the pair started for the front door with silent understanding.
Heero hesitated for a moment, halting his steps atop the porch, only a foot away from the door. Those deep sapphire orbs piercingly gazed at the braided youth; his entire demeanor emulated complete seriousness. Duo met his challenge easily, never breaking eye contact, but he found his heartbeat increasing. There was something about the Japanese boy . . . He couldn't explain it.
"You."
Taken aback, his brow furrowed in confusion, "Me?" he echoed, dumbfounded.
"You." A monotonous voice confirmed dryly.
"I must be missing something here . . . why the hell would you join because of me? You didn't even really know me . . ." he paused briefly in an attempt to assemble his thoughts. "What?" Finally giving up on his rambling rationalizations, dark lilac stared at him accusingly. "Stop confusing me, Heero," he laughed at the ridiculousness of the entire situation.
A small smile touched the edges of Heero's lips, "But I was wrong," he finished.
Inwardly, he smirked and admired the adorably confused expression on the boy's face. Duo Maxwell may seem stupid, ditzy, immature, and the constant joker, but he saw past the façade. He knew better than to underestimate the American's intelligence. A genuinely confused expression from him was elusive, and Heero may not get the chance to see it again. Not for a long time at least.
"Um," Duo swallowed nervously, "is that supposed to be good or bad? That you're wrong, I mean. And about what? About me? I just – I don't understand you, Heero," he laughed at the supposed irony. "And that's pretty rare."
"Is that all you wanted to know?" He didn't want Duo to know all of it yet. In fact he wasn't sure if he could tell him, but he had no idea what held him back.
"Well, I was hoping for you to be a little more responsive, but yeah . . ." he mumbled. "So is that all you're going to say?"
Again, he hesitated unknowingly. "Hn," he settled for the usual, safe, ambiguous response and earned a laugh from the braided American. "Thanks for asking me to come," it slipped from him suddenly; he hadn't even been aware that it was in his thoughts. Why was it that Duo made him so scattered and doing things out of character?
Though it's questionable who had been more surprised by his comment, Duo was certainly more vocal about it. He laughed and, grinning, responded, "Wow . . . Did *not* see that one coming. But it was my pleasure. It's the first time ever that all five of us hung out together, and it's the first time I've hung out with you. It's kind of sad that I didn't get to earlier. I mean, hell, this is our senior year, and I really want to get to know you better." He scratched the back of his head nervously, slightly embarrassed by all his words, but he meant them.
His eyes softened the tiniest bit, and he smiled, unable to do anything else but. Me, too,' he wanted to say. "Oyasumi . . . Duo. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
His wide smile betrayed his happiness as he pulled Heero into a brief hug. He laughed, "Sorry, I'm an affectionate person." But in reality, even he didn't understand what made him do it. "I'll see you bright and early then."
I must be out of my mind if I'm actually looking forward to going to band camp again . . .' he grumbled silently through his smile. And as he walked home he decided that there really wasn't anything that made him hug Heero. He simply wanted to.
Foot Notes:
[1] Summer gym. Dear god, I hated it! So obviously, I had to make the boys suffer through it, too ^_^ But a good thing that came out of it was the fact that I'm done with it. Forever! Or until college, if they make me *sulks*
[2] We had a football coach for our daily agility thingies and for weights, so yeah, it really sucked. He killed us and made us do the stuff the football team did – one time we had to do 21 sprints straight because he found that much trash at the field trip place we had gone to. But I liked that he pushed us, and he was pretty funny. Still, he's too pumped up about exercising sometimes -_-;;
[3] Dun, dun, dun! 5+R? *gasp* I decided to go with it to see if I liked it or not. Like I said before, if it doesn't work out – I could always break them up. Drama in band is practically a requirement. I'm working out the finer points of their relationship and what exactly happened between those two. It'll start to come out more as the story goes on.
[4] I've picked up various annoying habits from marching band . . . My first year, I couldn't stand to be out of step with the people I was walking with. I couldn't stop from having my horn five degrees above parallel in concert band, and if I was out of step, I'd actually do a skip to get back on track. I also marked time during band class with both feet (now I just do it with one). And it freaked me out when people did or said things that seemed like they were going to call us to attention. And sometimes I'd walk like I was marching. Pathetic, ne. But it's not so much like that anymore.
[5] Don't worry about the 2+5 type things here. It's just how band is – we pretend to be in relationships with people that we really aren't in. There's ass-grabbing, "suggestive conversation," and other harassment options. You'll see later on ^_^;; And it's just too hard not to tease Wufei like that.
[6] Did I mention I *hate* summer gym? It was so hard to stand up after the break was about to end . . . but I did really like floor hockey (because our team always kicked ass) and was pretty aggressive during that.
[7] One word. Howie. ^_^;; He's technically the best trumpet player in our school right now since he's principal chair in Wind Ensemble. That kid alone can drown out the entire marching band on trumpet. Often, as first trumpets, Howie, Brandon, and I would play as loud as we possibly could just to be loud ^_^ Niemiec always told the other people to play louder and not have the first trumpets do all the work. Brandon would then promptly announce that, "It means we have to play louder." Of course towards the end of the season, we had some problems . . . Niemiec kept on saying we were playing too loud even though we were playing at a concert band mp . . . Pretty damn soft. I'm surprised that you could hear us at all. Anyway, we're going to miss Howie so much since he's going to graduate this year.
[8] Ah, the reason Heero joined marching band in the first place . . . Think of this as how it first starts. Heero doesn't realize it yet, but Duo was never interested in Relena that way. She's more of a sister to him than anything else, and she's off limits anyway because of what happened with her and Wufei. Soon Heero'll get the picture.
[9] Yeah, basically the guys know exactly why Heero joined marching band whilst Duo doesn't. I wonder what he'll do once he finds out though . . . Eh, I'll work it in ^_~
Mwahahahaha! Finally some progress!!! After a chapter of without 1+2+1 hints, I caved and wrote that last part. Sorry, Fei! ^_^;; Did that make anyone else all happy? I'm a sad, sad fangirl . . . You know, I wonder if I showed this to people at my school – would anyone be questioning exactly *why* Duo wanted to hug him? Would anyone catch the hints? Well, either way, better not risk it. That's just a little more than what I want people to know about me *nervous laughter* Anyway, I am so, so sorry that I haven't updated anything in forever! You know my usual excuses . . . But really, I'm beginning to see that I have a life outside of writing and reading fanfiction, and I'll have to really work at it to make sure I can keep it up. ;_; Please forgive me? Anyway, on to the replies to reviews!
Oh, and review if you think this was deserving . . .
Replies to Reviews
Lora-Helen – Hola! I'm talking to you on the Internet right now, actually ^_^ Thank you so much for reviewing, as usual. Consistency is great! Too bad I can't say so for my updating. But you know, I did have marching band all the time . . . And the homework load this year is awful. I hate my classes. Now we've started brass choir, trumpet choir, and pep band, which means I still have to live at school for another few months. Right now we're on Thanksgiving break, and yesterday was basically the day to go to parties and eat a lot of food. Today I don't have to do anything, so I just sat here and did my homework. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the whole reminisce thing because I wasn't sure how that would work out. I just thought it'd be interesting to see how much marching band has changed Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei.
Chain- Lol! You make me laugh ^_^ Thank you very much for reading and reviewing my story. I'm really glad that you liked it! And yes, Quatre and Trowa are "together" now, and I'll definitely show that more as the fic continues on. The depants-ing thing – gosh, I have so many stories about it. It's one thing to read it, but it's another to actually see it happening. I'm not even sure how that got started. I'll think about the Heero getting depants-ed thing. It'll definitely be spectacle if it happens ^_^ This marching season has inspired me even more, so if you're still reading, expect more insanity and witness the weirdness that goes on in my band!
ookami-metsuki – Hey! I'm glad to see you stuck with me and read at least that far. It really makes me happy to see returning screen names in my reviews. I'm not sure how I keep you guys because I always think I could do better than I have. The one good thing about gym is that it's finally over . . . I never have to do it again unless they make me in college or whatever. As for the book, I figured that if I ever decide to start writing them, I'll have to write one that's just a collection of shounen-ai/yaoi romance stories. Lol, if it ever got published, it would shock so many people . . . I think it'd be hilarious, and I'm sure yaoi-fans can appreciate it (if I write something good anyway). If there was such a book in existence right now in the US, in the English language, I'd buy it! Anyway, merci mille fois for the review! Hopefully, I'll see you again *waves*
Rebelskaterchik – Wow, your first band camp, huh? How did it go? I remember my first year in marching band so well . . . it just all goes so fast, faster every year. I think about how marching band is more than half over for me, and I'm so sad. And I think about all the people that are leaving, and I don't know how we'll get on without them . . . *coughs* anyway . . . Anyway, I hope marching band is fun for you ^_^ It's definitely one of the best things I've ever done in my life. Thank you very much for the review! I'm glad you liked what you read enough to comment positively on it.
Violette Mai - . . . *isn't sure how to respond* Yes, there are a lot of fics out there, aren't there? Personally, I haven't been reading them very often, but I'm starting to again. I tend to not read stuff on ffn in the GW fandom anymore just because I have to look through so much crap nowadays, but I'm glad you've found good ones! As for the Trowa thing . . . wow . . . all I have to say ^_^;;; Thanks for the review!
LBx – 1xR . . . I don't mean any disrespect to those authors and readers; I honestly don't. After all they are entitled to their own opinion, but to me, it just doesn't make sense. I'm sure plenty of people understand me. But I guess it doesn't have to make sense. I also hate it when people try to convince me that it's the "only possibility." But I get tired of arguing with them and just say, "You know what? It's *fan* fiction. Get over it!" Except I somehow find the patience to say it more nicely. "We don't have to explain ourselves or justify it." You know, I've never been really fond of anything but 1x2x1 for some reason. So sometimes writing other pairings gives me a hard time. It's getting easier though. And I can't wait until I can drive! Then I can get a job and go places when I want to . . . without having to bother my mom or other people. It's just so much more liberating. I'm taking driver's ed. in winter probably. It's so expensive but worth it. Anyway, thank you so much for the review!
CinC - Thanks very much for the review ^_^ I'm glad you like this story, and I'm sorry for not being able to update sooner. It's been about one day, so I'm easing my way into making them fall madly in love with each other . . . Right now, Heero's kind of confused by Duo, in case you wanted a clear response to a rhetorical question. He doesn't know why, but he's kind of drawn to his personality and him as a person. It's to the point where he isn't even telling himself that he should dislike him. There is definitely some level of attraction – it has yet to be determined, though, how far they'll take it and how they'll deal with it. He isn't fully aware of his – only that there's something about him. But he'll find out for sure.
Alana Quinn – Lol, you quit because you're lazy? I can understand that! I quit piano because I was lazy and didn't want to practice. I general, I'm a very lazy person . . . but that doesn't matter. And I know, I'm a really weird person, and I guess that comes out in my writing . . . when it isn't supposed to be serious or anything. My friends tell me all the time that there's just something about the way I say stuff that makes everything funny. It can be the meanest comment, and they'll still find it hysterical. ^_^ I'm still debating whether that's a good or bad thing. I'm glad you like this story though, and thanks so much for reviewing and letting me know. Don't worry about babbling because I do it *all* the time. And I didn't really think you were either. I'm sorry for not updating sooner though . . . *sigh*
Lost In Smiling Eyes – Hey! Well, I'm sure you'll have a blast with marching band ^_^ It's a lot of work, and sometimes you won't understand why you're still there – but it's more than worth it in the end. The thrill of performing your show is way better than performing just at a formal concert. It's incredible, and it's a lot different than concert band in a great way. You spend a lot of time with a lot of great people, and you'll have a lot of fun. It's a family! Data-matches are basically – you fill out a questionnaire on your personality with lots of other people, and they give you the names of whoever's data is most compatible with your responses on the questionnaire. That'll be cool to learn a totally different instrument ^_^ My section captain plays the flute, the oboe, trumpet, and she learned the bassoon over the summer, I heard. And I'm pretty sure she's not going to just stop there. Good luck on it! Buzzing isn't too difficult after you get use to it, and I'm sure you'll do great. And I've never tried pineapple sherbet . . . hmm . . . Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Meiyo – *nodnod* Playing with pairings is a lot of fun, and this time I'll have an excuse! I'm still working out some of the finer details for the whole 5+R thing, but it'll be okay. I'll gain more certainty as I go along. Thanks very much for reviewing! Yeah, I'm working on writing more 3+4+3. I'm just not use to doing it since I usually don't, ever. But since this story is about marching band, I'll have to add some side stories in there about people besides Heero and Duo, as much as we love them ^_~
WingofShinigami – Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like it ^_^
Shin-chan – You guys don't have to stretch? Wow, we're big on stretching . . . in fact this year during new member week, they were making us hold out stretches for forever as they rambled on and on about each one . . . At one point we were talking about the St. Louis arch (an analogy for the diaphragm muscle) or something when we were doing some breathing. They even asked who has been up there before and got off track ^_^;; So it took like twenty minutes just to do all of them. Lol, sometimes people play different parts in pep band, but in marching band we're pretty good on not doing that. But it sounds cool that got to march with the trumpets! But then again, most trumpets have huge egos . . . and they make me laugh. We think too highly of ourselves for our own good, but it's all about section pride ^____^ And I think to some extent it's just for laughs. But then again, you never know. Anyway, thanks a lot for dropping a review!