Title: Reflections on Friends

Author: Dubird

Website: http://www.thegwg.com

Pairings: Some HxR, but nothing big

Rating: G

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing. This is just one of the many fan spawned writings of another crazy person. I also go to college and have lots of loans to pay off, so if you're looking for money, you've come to the wrong place!

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Heero climbed down from the ladder where he had been hanging a banner. "There. Happy?" He turned to Quatre who had been trying to get it straight. Duo's idea for a birthday party for Relena had been met with, if not enthusiasm, at least approval. Recently, the American pilot had been obsessed with birthdays. He had badgered everyone for their birthday, not giving up until they had each provided him with some date that didn't really have much meaning to any of them. Even Heero had given him a date, not because it was a legitimate one, but simply to appease Duo. Duo had faithfully remembered and celebrated each date, whether or not he was able to talk anyone else into joining in. This was a rare occasion in that all the pilots were able to attend, and Duo had gone all out. He had volunteered to pick Relena up, mostly because he didn't think the others were good enough actors to keep the surprise. Which was why the others were here decorating the front room of Duo's safe house. Wufei had left to pick up some more food, leaving the other three to finish up.

Trowa looked up from where he was wrapping presents to observe their progress. "It's crooked," he commented quietly.

"No it's not," Heero replied.

"Yes it is."

"You're sitting crooked then," was Heero's reply as he turned to Quatre, who was trying not to laugh. "What?" he demanded, his eyes suspicious.

Quatre shook his head. "Nothing." Heero just grunted his customary reply and disappeared into the kitchen. Quatre turned to Trowa, who flashed him a rare grin and went back to wrapping presents. The other two were still somewhat reserved, but Quatre had noticed a change in the other pilots in the last couple of years. Though Trowa was still soft-spoken, he had actually engaged him in several good conversations. As for Heero, he had actually seen him smile a few times, and occasionally he had a slightly startled look on his face. Relena had really done a lot to bring him out from under his mask.

Just then, a key rattled in the door and Wufei came in with an almost grim look on his face. "Where's Heero?" has asked abruptly.

"He's in the kitchen," Quatre answered slowly, getting to his feet with a feeling of dread. "What's wrong?"

Wufei shook his head in response and raised his voice to call Heero into the room. Heero came in, drying his hands on a dishtowel and his normal taciturn expression. "Yes?" he asked.

"I drove by an accident on the way down here. It was Duo's car. The police said they were hit by drunk driver, and they've been rushed to the hospital."

Heero's eyebrow's rose and though his expression didn't change otherwise, his face slowly paled. Without a word, he picked up his jacket and rushed out the door, followed closely by the others. They piled into Wufei's car silently and rushed off to the hospital, each silently hoping things weren't as bad as they sounded.

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