The Missing Soldier
Part 6 - Cry a joy, laugh a tear
Story by: Lady of Earth
WARNING: Contains lots of stupid comments, Wufei singing Britney Spear's song and Relena-bashings aplenty. Oh and there's also lots of Heero flirting with Relena, Trowa flirting with Noin and even Quatre hitting on Usagi!
Wufei: Oi, onna, there's none of that!
Nani? None of what? There's plenty of flashbacks of you singing Fei-chan! *smiles innocently*
Wufei: *narrows eyes* THAT I know. *mutters under breath* But Yuy doesn't flirt with Relena, Trowa doesn't flirt with Noin and Winner does not flirt with that onna!
*shakes head* Now Fei-chan, shouldn't you learn to start calling Usagi with her name instead of 'that onna' all the time?
Wufei: *crosses arms* Not until YOU stop lying.
*nods head* All right, deal!
Wufei: No, that wasn't a deal!
Of course it is!
Wufei: NO! I'VE HAD ENOUGH WITH DEALS, ONNA!
But Fei-chaaaaaaaaan! *pouts*
Wufei: Stop it, pouting doesn't work with me. That only works for weak men like Maxwell or Yuy.
*gasps* You just insulted Hii-kun! You're in for it now, Fei-chan!
Wufei: Why do you sa-
*click*
Heero: Omae o korosu
Wufei: *gulps, then runs like hell* - whatever happened to pride?
Duo: Shouldn't we start the fic, Aya-chan?
*nods* Hai! Wanna do the disclaimer, Duo-chan?
Duo: Sure! Anything for you babe!
*sticks out tongue* Don't flirt with me, Duo, I only like Fei-chan.
Wufei: *blushes*
Wai! Fei-chan's blushing!!
Wufei: *still being chased by Heero* I'll get you for this onna!!
D I S C L A I M E R
(The Maxwell Way)
Saa, where should I start? *paper shuffling* Aa, now I see! *more paper shuffling* Now WHERE is that disclaimer? Un! There it is! *clears throat*
We, the Gundam pilots and other Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon characters mentioned in this story do solemnly swear never to smoke-ACK! Wrong speech! *paper shuffling*
We, the Gundam pilots and other Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon characters mentioned in this story acknowledge the fact that the author of this story doesn't own any of us by legal claims. *pause* Aaw! Is that true, Aya-chan? Darn! *continues reading* Therefore, any of you lawyers that are ready to sue poor Aya-chan should really think twice because Aya is really poor and doesn't have enough money to support herself. *mutters* tell me about it, she doesn't even have enough money to pay for a McDonalds Kids Meal. *whack* Itai! Whaddya do that for, Aya-chan? *pouts*
End Disclaimer
This chapter was loosely inspired *snicker* by the song "Rehab" by Arkana, "Life is Free" by Arkana and "I am afraid of Britney Spears" by...I forgot their name. But that was just the 'lighter' parts of this chapter. The somewhat 'heavier' load was inspired by "Forever Love" and "Voiceless Screaming" both by X Japan. Just to let you know. ^-^
OK, enough with the insanity and let's get this thing started...
Aino Minako hung up the phone with a sigh. She knew that her days were numbered. But as Vice Minister Darlian's secretary and as a close acquaintance of Tsukino Usagi, she had always been doomed. She knew of course of the Vice Minister's fixation on former Gundam pilot Heero Yuy and she also knew of the fact that Tsukino Usagi is the current girlfriend of that same Gundam pilot. She slumped down on her chair, placing her hand on her forehead.
Something bad was going to happen. She had one of her yearly premonitions again. She had always had this 'gift' and had learned to live with it, thanks to her older sister Michiru. In truth, the two weren't really sisters. She had been adopted by Michiru's parents when she was only 2. Her parents were killed during the war. She had come from Colony L5, the very same colony Wufei had lived in. She had been one of the lucky ones who had managed to escape certain deaths.
"Aino, I want these reports typed up by tomorrow." The voice said, snapping Minako out of her thoughts. The blonde sighed and nodded, moving towards her computer. She muttered a curse under her breath, then stole a look at the Vice minister. Sure enough, there was her usual frown. But on occasion it would be replaced by a dreamy sort of smile. Most likely she had been thinking of Yuy again.
Mina managed a shiver. Anyone that is the object of Relena's affections...She felt sorry for Heero. It was bad enough working for Relena, but at least Mina wouldn't be attached to the Vice Minister for long. She needed to money to get herself a suitable place to live, as she currently lives in Relena's mansion.
Mina and Usagi were never close, but Usagi's closeness to Mina's sister had forced the two of them to be around each other a lot when Mina still lived with Michiru. But when Mina moved out, she never thought she would ever see Usagi again. Not that Mina hated Usagi or anything like that, on the contrary, Minako admired Usagi greatly. Anyone that can make Haruka succumb to their own will should be greatly praised.
But something...something else was pulling Usagi to Earth. Something that Minako has yet to decipher. Although she's very good in deciphering most of her premonitions herself, this one...there was something so sinister about it. Almost like the ones she had during the war. And the likeliness of the occurrence of another war...Mina didn't want to think about.
If anything, she hated wars. She had already lost her second parents to this war. Michiru was the only person she had left and although Mina would be safe in Relena's home, she's not too sure that Michiru would be. The colonies would be targeted first. They're always the first targets. And Mina isn't planning to lose the last family she has left soon.
So if Usagi and the pilots can prevent disaster from happening, let this little brawl between Relena and Usagi, the one that surely cannot be avoided, start now. It's best sooner than later anyway.
He picked up one bag, cursed and then began walking to the shuttle. He placed the bag down, cursed again and went back to pick up another bag. Usagi sighed, watching Heero while shaking her head. He must have broken all records for the number of curses uttered in a single day. The current tally was 1,231 and it was only 7:30 in the morning. She groaned softly, burying her face in her hands.
"Ohayo, Usagi!" Duo greeted cheerfully, tossing a bag on top of the neatly stacked pile of bags. What exactly they were doing with so many bags, she didn't know. But from what she checked with Heero's and Wufei's bags, their contents were mostly ammunition and a few additional guns. Usagi frowned at the grinning pilot.
"Why are you so chipper?" Usagi asked. "Weren't you the one screaming in protest when Heero told you we're going to have to live with Relena for a while?"
"Hey, Wufei was shouting too." Duo pointed out. Usagi giggled.
"He had a good reason to."
"That's true." Chuckled Duo, laughing along with Usagi.
The night before...
"NANI????!!!!!!!" Shrieked both Duo and Wufei. Their entire table went silent. No one had known Wufei to sound so...female. Sure, Duo whines a lot and his whining voice sounds very much like a girl's voice. But Wufei? Besides the time where he thought he lost his katana, Wufei had never shrieked before.
"INJUSTICE!" Shouted the Chinese pilot, slamming his fist on the table. "Why do we have to stay at that psychotic onna's house?"
"Because that's the last place anyone would expect us to hide." Usagi replied patiently. Wufei slammed his fist again.
"I agree with what Yuy said, we can go to Siberia! But I'm NOT going to go to that onna's house!" He shouted. "I'd rather be captured by those bakayarou than go to the lunatic asylum!" By this time, it seems that Usagi was beginning to lose patience. She hadn't exactly planned this nor did she choose to go to Relena's.
In fact, she'd rather that she never meet with Relena. She didn't want to know how annoying the Vice Minister of Earth can be, judging from the stories Duo would tell about her. The American pilot never seem to have any preference in anyone, but it seems that there is an exception with Relena. It seems that this one pilot either despises the Vice Minister or...he's just jealous that she's more annoying than he is.
But as far as Usagi would see it, she's fed up. All she knew was that, she needs some cheering up. And that, of course, means a certain sacrifice from a certain pilot. Yes, revenge can be so sweet.
"Fei-kun, I suggest you hold the complaint for later." Usagi said smoothly and added, before Wufei can shout whatever injustice to the nickname, "It's time for all of us to hear that sweet voice of yours."
Whatever it was that Wufei was about to say, he swallowed it quickly. There was a mix of fury and frustration on his face. His ideology or his pride? Whatever it is that he chooses, he ends up the loser. But can he really give up his idea of justice?
Forget pride then.
The Chinese pilot attempted to ignore the howls of laughter coming from one hyena Maxwell. Luckily, both Heero and Trowa had stuffed Duo's mouth full of napkins, even though that really didn't help much. But Duo's laughter was finally muffled when they used his braid as a rope to tie around his mouth, probably to keep all those napkins in place.
He stepped to the stage, cursing slightly for one blonde onna who strategically picked a restaurant that has a stage. The same onna who was trying hard not to laugh out loud by holding on to Heero for support. He growled again, before stepping to on side of the stage. Makoto was suppose to introduce him to everyone around.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Began the brunette, causing all to turn their head and look at the coming spectacle. Wufei could feel his face burn with embarrassment. "Tonight, we have a special performance from one of our guests for one of our special guests."
"What, I'm not special?" Muttered Wufei under his breath. Might as well humor the onna a little.
"I present to you Fei Chang with the song 'I'm a slave 4 U'!" Wufei's eyes widened with shock and his jaw dropped to the ground. He stared at Makoto with shock and then turned an accusing glare at Usagi, who was smiling innocently.
"She changed the song, that baka onna! And she's calling me Fei again!" He muttered, trying to control the raging tempest that was currently taking him over. But never one to make himself a fool in public--at least, not more than necessary anyway--and this, by far, was passed necessary...He went to the center of the stage.
When he was singing however, he could only think of murderous thoughts to the blonde girl and his circle of friends, all of whom were laughing their head off all through his performance. As if it wasn't bad enough singing a song called "I'm a slave 4 U", the singer would have to be a weak onna as well! Then again, only an onna would sing a weak song like "I'm a slave 4 U".
Wufei decided, silently as he sang, that day would have to be known in the history of his life as "The Black Day - the day Chang Wufei was humiliated in front of the whole world by a girl."
There was a roar of laughter and thunderous clapping and even a standing ovation as he finished his act. But he didn't care about all that, he marched towards Usagi, who was laughing so loudly, she had fallen off her chair. Although she was in better state than Duo, who was rolling around the floor clutching his stomach. Wufei kicked the braided baka away and was ready to give Usagi a piece of his mind but found himself staring at Heero's fist instead.
The Perfect Soldier didn't throw a punch, but the extended fist was a warning to the Chinese pilot. One too clear for him to cross. Touch my girlfriend and you die a horrible death. Nope, definitely not a good way to die. So the onna lives...for now.
*THUD*
Usagi looked up as Heero threw yet another bag. Duo, however, let out a cry in alarm. "Hey, that's my bag!" He shouted. All he received for a reply was a grunt from the Perfect Soldier, who proceeded by kicking the bag as well.
Usagi shook her head. "Hii-chan!" She chided softly. Heero threw her a look, before entering the craft, finding himself a seat. Usagi sighed and then turned to the approaching Haruka and Michiru.
"Will you two be all right?" She asked. Haruka and Michiru exchanged looks and then nodded at the younger woman, both smiling.
"We'll be fine, Usagi." Replied Michiru. "You take care of yourself."
"I will." Usagi said.
"And take care of these boys too." Haruka added. Usagi laughed as Wufei and Heero threw Haruka a glare. Duo however, merely shrugged at the tease. There was a brief exchange of words and then Usagi hug both women and finally, it was time to leave. The pilots have already said their thanks beforehand, mainly so Usagi would have the last moments saying goodbye to her two friends.
She seated herself next to the still scowling Heero...then again, when doesn't he scowl? But with a smile, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek, causing his expression to soften somewhat. Then, her eyes focused on before her, as Quatre pilot the craft out of the colony and towards their destination.
Earth.
"Mamoru, sir!" The voice of the young officer made Mamoru look up. He frowned slightly at the breathless young soldier. Everything was going as he planned it. But there were still major setbacks. That setback being Helios and he was taking care of it.
"Yes, what is it?" He asked, tone snappish. The officer flinched, just barely, before answering,
"01-75 is commencing as we speak, sir. We're waiting for further instructions." Mamoru smiled, satisfied by the answer provided. It simply meant that the setback was going to be eliminated very soon. He might as well prepare himself to see it.
"Well done. Take me to him." He ordered. The soldier gave a curt salute and then began to direct the midnight-haired former member of Preventers to where they were holding Helios.
Nataku...no, Hotaru clenching her fists, letting her fingernails dig into her flesh. She bit her lip in pain, but she needs to focus all the fear in her system somewhere. Neither she nor Helios knew what had happened.
One minute they were talking quietly the next...rounds were fired at the ministers and they all tumbled one by one. Her eyes had looked around in panic as blood quickly stained the cold marble floor. Helios, however, didn't look the least surprised as he narrowed his eyes. They were the only ones left untouched.
She looked away from the bloodied scene, forcing herself not to vomit. Her hands shook as she held on to her wheelchair. In a moment of utter desperation, she looked at Helios. His worried eyes were on her, but they were quickly shut as one of the men punched him in the stomach. He doubled over in pain, eyes shut. He quickly regained control of himself and tried to stand up, but one of the soldiers kicked him in the ribs, sending him back to the ground.
It was then that a shriek pierced through the room. She quickly covered her mouth with both her hands, afraid that they would come after her too. She felt utterly frightened, alone and helpless. Helpless as she watched the man she had learned to love in such immense pain. Again and again, the soldier brutally sent blows to his body. But not once did he fight back.
She knew he could have easily taken them out, his level of combat being much higher than all of them put together. Then why wasn't he fighting back? Was it because she was there?
'Helios!' She shouted in her mind, as another blow landed on his back, causing him to cough up blood. She looked away, wishing the scene to just go away. Wishing that when she reopen her eyes, everything would be as they should be. The ministers complaining their usual complaints of action on Earth to Helios and Helios would quietly dismiss their demands and tell them it was a premature action. That tedious scene, she wished for it now. More than anything.
Better to live in boredom than to see...Her eyes snapped open as the cold laughter rang through the room.
Mamoru.
"Shimatta." Muttered Wufei.
"I thought that this was all a nightmare and here we are, ready to meet Relena." Duo said with a sigh. Usagi didn't comment, she had dreaded this moment ever since Minako suggested it to her. Of course, she had only found out later from Michiru that Minako worked as Relena's personal secretary.
"I'm going to kill Mina after this." Usagi said quietly, although Trowa heard this and raised an eyebrow (the visible one) at Usagi. She looked at him and shrugged.
"Aino-san will direct you to where Darlian-san is." The man, whoever he was, said. Usagi nodded to him and smiled politely as she and the pilots waited in a large, circular room. It was decorated by paintings and mirrors and it had a few chairs and tables around. It would have looked like any ordinary room except of course, it was pink. Usagi scrunched up her face at the choice of colors but didn't comment.
It was then that one of the doors opened and a blonde, one too familiar, stepped into the room. She was smiling nervously at Usagi. Usagi noted however, that there was no one with her.
"It's nice to see you again, Usagi." Greeted Minako, walking towards her old friend. But upon seeing the frown on Usagi's face, the smile on Mina's face fell.
"I'd like to say the same to you Minako, but sadly, the occasion doesn't call for any of this formalities." Usagi said curtly. Mina flinched, knowing full well that Usagi was not miffed, not angry...but furious at her.
"Usagi, this is the only place where they won't find you."
"How the hell can you be sure?" Usagi demanded. "How do you know that the ones after us won't think of this place as our hiding place? You are aware of course, that these men," Usagi pointed at the pilots. "Hid in Darlian-san's school during the war, are you not? Do you think of our enemies as dimwits, Minako, that you think that they don't know a little history? That they have not done some research?"
"I-I..."
"Minako, the people after us even knew where I ate, where I slept in my base, don't you think they would know THIS piece of information? This rather large and useful piece of information?" Usagi demanded, her eyes blazing with fury. One that she hadn't unleashed during the little dinner. One that she didn't want to unleash.
"U-Usagi-san, I do believe that Aino-san here did mean well after all." Quatre said quickly, seeing that Minako was on the verge of tears. At Quatre's quiet voice, Usagi calm down somewhat.
"Look, I sure hope that this 'brilliant' idea of yours will work Minako, because if it doesn't...you'll be the first person on my haunting list if I ever depart the realm of the living." Usagi muttered. Duo grinned at her comment and even Heero couldn't help a smirk.
"I assure you, Usagi, that I am only looking out for your best interest." Minako said. Usagi raised an eyebrow.
"Hontoo ni? This has nothing to do with you being Darlian-san's personal secretary?" Heero's eyes widened at this new-found information. He looked at Minako with a shocked expression, before it melted to one of pure coldness. He was glaring at the blonde.
"No wonder she suggested this place." Growled Wufei.
"I had been wondering why as well." Heero added, his monotone was back yet again. However, before the two pilots could start a murdering rampage, the very person no one wants to see at that moment managed a perfect timing and appeared on schedule.
"I believe," Trowa said quietly, "That Relena-san is here."
Forget greeting, forget anything...Vice Minister Relena Darlian seem to have chosen to forget her office, her position or anything that would link her to her status and rushed to the Perfect Soldier. Usagi, who had been standing next to Heero and saw that she was on the path of the hurricane, gracefully stepped aside.
Heero, seeing the oncoming train...whatever...chose to step away as well, in the last minute. Making the Vice Minister take a nice nosedive to the marble floor. Usagi's eyes widened, as did the eyes of everyone in the room. There was a long silence, before laughter erupted from, who would have guessed, Duo's throat.
Relena managed to push herself off her feet, with the help of Minako and glared at Duo. Wufei was smirking and Usagi was hiding her laughter. Probably some technique she learnt from Heero. Quatre and Trowa were the only good-mannered ones, because they managed to look concern. Although in actual fact, Trowa was trying very hard not to smile himself and Quatre is far too proper to laugh at something like that in public, maybe later, in the confines of his room.
The man of the hour, however, was not amused himself. In fact, he looked disappointed that the fall didn't kill the rather, in his opinion, soft-headed Relena. And he meant that in the literal sense. If Wufei's head is filled with his justice and Duo's head is filled with air, then Relena's head is filled with nothing than her pathetic pacifist theories. And Kami knows theories gets you nowhere.
After Relena had dusted herself off (and pushed Mina away, mind you), she cleared her throat, in order to silence the still laughing Duo Maxwell. When her action did not receive the desired effect, she gave Minako a glance. With a soft sigh, Mina walked to Duo and while muttering a soft "Gomen nasai." whacked the braided pilot over the head.
"HEY!" Shouted Duo. Minako cringed, bowed once more and went back to stand behind Relena. Usagi shook her head in disgust. And she had believed Minako to have a respectable job as the secretary of the Vice Minister. In reality, Mina was no better than Relena's pet dog.
"As my secretary has advised you, you all will be staying at my home. I have six free room to accommodate you and I-"
"Five." Heero corrected.
"I beg your pardon?" Relena said, looking at Heero with curiosity, slightly miffed at his earlier actions. But she was never one to be angry at Heero for too long anyway.
"We only need five rooms." Heero said.
"But there are six of you, surely-" Relena was cut off again and this time, by Minako. Mina had seen the horrified look on Usagi's face. Usagi knew that she's not at all ready for any battles between herself and Relena in the near future, she had more things to worry about. And for Relena to find out that Usagi and Heero are...well, lovers, than the former-Pacifist Princess would start a new War on Earth. Luckily though, Minako came to the rescue.
"Forgive my interruption, Vice Minister, but Tsukino-san had told me that Yuy-san had been complaining that he didn't need a room to sleep in. He wanted to sleep in the couch." Mina said, flushing slightly at her lame excuse. Heero frowned at her and was about to protest, when Usagi cut in.
"Yes, that is true and I must ask you Darlian-san to tell him that he should take a room of his own." This time, the frown was directed at Usagi. But at the look she had on her face, Heero looked ready to kill Relena. However, that wouldn't be very good foreign relations, now, would it? So the Pacifist Vice Minister lives, much to the disappointment of many.
"Well then I must agree, Heero, you are entitled to your own room. I will not have an argument about it." Relena said.
"Hn." Relena nodded, looking very pleased with herself. Usagi rolled her eyes.
'Now that's one person who loves herself too much.' She thought.
"Mind telling me what the hell was that?" Growled Heero after he and Usagi were left alone. Usagi let out a sigh.
"Look, we're fighting a war, I don't think I can use any more enemies than I already have all right? Can't I just keep whatever peace I have with Relena for a while by pretending we're not together?" Usagi pleaded. Upon seeing the glare Heero had however, she knew she had to do better than that.
"Hii-chan, you have to understand my views here, I really don't need Relena glaring at me 24/7 or trying to belittle me for loving you," She paused for a moment, seeing the look in Heero's eyes softening a little. "Until this is over, we won't show affections to each other in public, all right? Onegai Hii-chan? For my sake?"
Whatever happened to the Heero Yuy that was unfazed when it comes to the pleas of others? The Heero Yuy that was without emotions that had less problem than this new Heero Yuy? Surely, whatever did happen to him, it was certain that he's not going to come back any time soon.
"All right." Heero said quietly, almost too quietly for Usagi's liking. That was probably why she suddenly threw her arms around him. Surprised and yet happy by the gesture, Heero held her tightly. This would be yet another temporary separation for them. Softly kissing her forehead, he let go of his hold on her. There was a silent exchange between the two of them. And then, Heero turned and walked away. Leaving Usagi to stand alone in the hallway, watching his retreating form.
When he was out of sight and well out of earshot however, a lone tear slid down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away. "Gomen, Hii-chan." She whispered softly.
"So what's with you and Heero?" Duo asked that same afternoon. He and Usagi were the only ones out on the balcony. The blonde Preventers officer gave him one brief glance, before looking back to the horizon.
"I don't want any more additional problems. Let me have peace, I want no trouble from Relena." She said. Duo scratched the back of his head.
"Wait. Let me get this straight, so you're just leaving poor old Heero to Relena's merciless stalking?" Duo asked.
"I'd hardly call him 'poor old Heero', Duo." Usagi corrected, rolling her eyes.
"OK, so he's got his handy-dandy gun with him...big deal! This is Relena we're talking about, the psychotic onna who was asking Heero to kill her!" Exclaimed Duo. He paused for a moment, reassessing his choice of words. "Kuso. Since when did I start to sound like Wu-man?" Usagi giggled, unable to keep herself from laughing at the antics of this one pilot. Duo looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. Whatever the true reason is for this momentary detachment from Heero, she wasn't going to tell anyone anytime soon. He'll let it go for now.
"It's good to hear you laugh. You're better off smiling, Usa-girl." Duo said, grinning. Usagi paused, blinking for a moment.
"Usa-girl?"
"Hai! Kawaii name, ne?" Duo said with a grin. Usagi shook her head and giggled again. Despite being exasperated most of the time with Duo's annoying behavior, there was something special about Duo. Seeing past his pranks and lame jokes...
"Duo-kun?" Usagi said, after her laughter had died down. "Can I tell you a secret?"
Duo frowned, pushing the black cap he wore up. "What is it?"
"You have to promise not to tell though. Even Hii-chan doesn't know about this." Usagi said quietly.
"Promise. On my honor as the Shinigami." Usagi shook her head.
"Not on Shinigami's name, Duo. On your own name and honor."
"All right. On my honor as Duo Maxwell, civilian, Preventers officer and Gundam Pilot." Satisfied with the answer, Usagi nodded.
"What if I told you that I'm responsible for the mess that we're in?"
"Nani? But we're in this mess because you and Heero found out about this Helios' plans for a new war...aren't we?"
Usagi laughed bitterly. "That's what Meiou-san told Hii-chan, so he wouldn't know the true meaning hidden behind the project or the mission."
"So why are YOU responsible. I mean, no offense Usa-girl, but what makes you so special?" Duo asked, he didn't bother masking his confusion.
"Oh, I'm not the person they're after. It's more like I have the thing that they're after."
"Nani? Now I'm very confused!" Carefully, Usagi pulled out the locket that she always wears. Opening the clasp, a small microchip fall into the palm of her hand. Duo's eyes widened.
"It was my otou-san's. He never told me what was in it. I never bothered to check. But whatever it is that's in here, that's why Helios wants me. Getting Heero was just a way to get to me. Hii-chan thought that they were after me because we were in the mission together, but he's wrong." Usagi paused for a moment. "He was captured because of me. He got hurt because of me."
Sensing her quiet voice and seeing her glassy eyes, Duo quickly stepped in before the blonde pilot could shed a tear. Though still sensing that it wasn't the whole truth, he had to step in before a sob-fest can break out. "Well, the way I see it, Heero would have gladly put himself in the line if it's for you." Duo gave her a quirky grin. "It's not your fault, this whole mess. If those jerks didn't try and kill you in the first place, we won't be in this mess. But, no use crying over it. You have to see the positive outcomes of this!"
Usagi raised an eyebrow. "Which are?"
"Which are...um...err....Well, we all got to meet you! That's one!"
"You said outcome_s_, that's plural Duo."
"Kuso...." Muttered Duo as he tried to think of another outcome quickly. "Aha! That's it! I have a partner in crime when it comes to teasing Wufei!" Usagi stared blankly at Duo, but the braided one of the two shook his head. "Speaking of teasing Wufei...I have a great idea that I want to try out! Want to help me out, Usa-girl?" Duo asked with a wide grin.
"I don't know about that. Your plans usually stink Duo-kun." Usagi said, scrunching up her face.
"Aaw, come on! Have a little faith in me!" Exclaimed Duo.
"No thanks, I'm trying to cut on that." But too late, as Duo pulled the protesting blonde away to look for Wufei. And carry out whatever deeds he had in mind...
"This isn't going to work." Hissed Usagi from behind the door. She had refused to come into the room, so instead, she served as a look out for Duo. There was no way she was going to risk her life by going into the Chinese pilot's room. She'd rather have her head in place when the enemy attacks, thank you very much.
"Of course it is!" Duo said cheerfully from inside the bedroom, humming softly. Usagi shook her head, groaning. How the heck did she got herself into this mess in the first place?
"He's going to really kill me for this one." She muttered. "Getting him to sing that song is one thing...but this???"
"Relax Usa-girl! I'm sure this will go fine!"
"Right."
"There! All done!"
"Now lets hope whatever it is you gave him will keep him asleep long enough."
"Gotta be! Wouldn't want to miss the fireworks later, ne, Usa-girl?" Duo said, flashing her a grin.
"Duo, get psychiatric help."
"Nope, you've got me mistaken for Relena." Duo said as he closed the door to Wufei's bedroom. "Can't wait for tonight!"
As the pilots, Relena and Mina sat down themselves on the table for dinner, it was Quatre who noted Wufei's absence.
"Relena-san, shouldn't we wait for Wufei?"
"Where is Wufei?" Relena asked.
"Probably in his bedroom." Replied Trowa quietly.
"Should we check up on him or something?" Usagi asked, trying to hide her worried tone. She had checked her watch and clearly, he should have woken up by now. She threw a glance at Duo.
"Nah, he'll probably be out soon." Duo said, checking his watch and grinning. Silently counting down for the Chinese to make his entrance...3...2...1....
"MAXWELL!!!!!!" The loud voice of the Chinese rang throughout the mansion. Usagi's eyes widened, as did everyone else's as they heard the angry cry of one Chinese panda...er, man. The doors of the dining room burst open and all gaped at the scene that fell upon their eyes.
One very angry Chinese pilot dressed in a...grass skirt?
"MAXWELL, SHINE!" Shouted Wufei, swinging his katana as he rushed towards Duo. As Duo ducked and rushed to the other corner of the room, as far away from the katana-wielding Wufei as possible.
"Now, take it easy, Wu-man!" Exclaimed Duo. "But it's either that or the Britney costume!"
"SHINE!"
Thank Kami that Wufei was wearing boxer shorts still under that...skirt or not...Usagi preferred not to think about the latter. However, the scene by itself was so amusing, she found it hard not to laugh. Hiding her giggles behind her hand, she looked away.
"But Wufei, I'm not the only one responsible!" Shouted Duo, ducking yet again from another blow.
"Then who?" Growled Wufei. Usagi widened her eyes.
"Baka Duo!" She hissed. Heero heard this however, being seated next to her. He turned to look at her, raising his eyebrows. But she was preoccupied with the fear of the katana-wielding Chinese than with the man sitting next to her. And this was displeasing for him.
"Uh, Usa-girl," Duo said as he rushed to her side. "RUN!" He shouted, as he grabbed a hold of Usagi's hand and dragged her along with him.
"NANI? KISAMA! MAXWELL, ONNA, GET BACK HERE!" Shouted Wufei, chasing after the pair. Five heads popped from the doorway to look at the scene. Wincing at occasion from the loud crash, slice and "Itai!", the last coming from Duo, that sounded from the three.
"Um, we'll pay back the cost for this, Relena-san." Quatre said, remembering the cost he needed to pay for the reparations on his own home.
"Is your friend insane or something?" Minako asked Trowa.
"This is how Wufei and Duo usually act." The normally quiet pilot said. As Relena began to tell Minako of some antics of Duo's and Quatre supplying new information, Heero was the one left quiet. There was no denying it, that when he saw Duo took a hold of Usagi's hand, something sparked within him. Yet another emotion he never felt before. Jealousy.
On the roof top of the Darlian Estate, two figures huddled close together in the darkness, illuminated by the occasional passing vehicle. "Usa-girl, I still don't get why you're letting Relena stalk Heero though." Duo said from his place on the roof. Usagi let out an exasperated sigh.
"How many times do I have to tell you? I want no trouble from Relena!" She exclaimed. Duo shook his head.
"No, I know there's a catch in here somewhere."
"Kami-sama! Duo, you already have us stuck up here on the roof because Wufei wants to skin us alive! I shouldn't even be here! This is all YOUR fault!" She whacked him across the head and inched away from him.
"Stop avoiding the topic." Duo said quietly, leaning back to rest on the roof. He then turned to slightly sideways to look at her. "You've told me one secret, care to tell another?" Finally, with a sigh, Usagi gave in.
"It isn't entirely because I don't want Relena to bother me."
"I knew as much. You can probably kill that girl with one punch."
"That's probably true." Duo heaved a sigh at her answer, or rather, lack-of. Although before he could make a sound or a notion of protesting, she quietly added, "But, Relena is the first person Heero had feelings for." Duo frowned. He propped himself up on his elbows to look at Usagi's face.
Suddenly, realization dawned in on him, the pieces of the puzzle fitting in together. He had seen how 'cozy' Heero and Usagi were, but there was still tension in the relationship. Being Heero's best friend, he can read the Perfect Soldier like a book.
Being able to distinguish between Heero's many glares makes him THE translator of the many Yuy glares, grunts and "Omae o korosu"s. So he figured that Heero must have told Usagi about the pilots and maybe a little about other people he knows, Dr. J, for example. But he wasn't too sure that Heero would mention about Zechs or the meaning of Heero's relationship with Relena.
From the looks of things, Heero had told, or more confessed that he held feelings for Relena. Or either that, Usagi had become an expert of the mystery that is Heero Yuy. But that was besides the point. The point is, Heero-baka never told his girlfriend of the real significance of Relena Darlian at one point in his life. The question of whether or not he did love Relena had remained unanswered, untouched. And that left the blonde much in doubt. After all, a good relationship means no secrets between the two. And Heero for one, doesn't seem to be willing to share all of his secret. But surely, something like this really needn't any figuring out.
Heero never loved Relena.
"You don't think...that he actually LOVES her do you?" He asked her slowly.
"I don't know! He won't ever tell me! Every time Relena comes up, he just said he liked her once but now thinks that he's insane for doing so. Just that. Nothing else. It's as if...it's as if he doesn't want me to know."
Bingo. Just as he thought.
"Usa-girl, you can't *possibly* think of Heero to be in love with, with...THAT!"
"Well if Heero won't tell me for himself, then I have to see it for myself. If we're pretending not to be involved, maybe he'll be reminded of the way it was before. Maybe he'll start to have feelings for her again." The last came as a mere whisper from her.
Duo let out a long sigh, finally sitting up straight. He took a hold of Usagi's chin and carefully make her look at him. "Usa-girl, Heero was young then. Young and stupid. Young and very, very stupid. Extremely stupid. He didn't know love. He liked Relena because she was the only girl that persisted to get close to him because he didn't allow anyone to get close to him before. And because of that exposure, well, let's just say that her presence grew on him and he was used to her after that. But I don't think--ever--that he actually has feelings for her more than just liking." Blue eyes blinked at him once and red lips softly curled into a smile.
"Since when did you become a relationship therapist, Duo?"
"Since I have anti-social pilots as best friends!" Usagi laughed softly. "Feel better?"
Usagi nodded. "Much. Arigatou, Duo. That's twice today."
Duo grinned at her answer. "Are you going to go back to Heero now?"
"Not just yet." Usagi said with a grin. "It's Hii-chan's fault that I had this misunderstanding. So I'll have Relena stalking him for a while during the day."
"Vicious girl!" Exclaimed Duo in feigned shock.
"THEN, maybe I'll help him out." The two of them laughed. Unfortunately, their laughter gave them away to one Chinese.
"There you are!" Wufei shouted, looking to the roof from the balcony. Both Duo and Usagi looked down at Wufei with wide-eyes, then looked at each other, gulped and quickly made their exit as Wufei tried to get to the roof.
She crept slowly down the hall and slipped inside the room. As she shut the door quietly, she leaned against it and let out a soft contented sigh. "Had a little fun?" The monotonous voice said, causing Usagi to jump slightly. She had honestly thought that she was alone in the room. But despite her abilities, Heero can go undetected if he wanted to. And from the looks of it, seeing him sitting in the chair in the dark room, he must have waited for some time.
"Hii-chan. What are you doing here?" Usagi asked.
"Waiting for you." He replied, voice quieter than usual. She frowned at the sound of his voice, it didn't sound like Heero at all.
"Hii-chan, daijoubu ka?"
But I guess you were too busy with Duo." He said, voice laced with bitterness, disregarding her question completely. Hearing it, Usagi was taken back. But then, she suddenly grinned, knowing what was wrong straight away.
"Ah, I see. You're jealous." She stated simply.
"Hn." Grunted Heero, glaring at her. "I'm not."
"Yes, you are." Usagi pointed out. "And don't give me that glare, it doesn't work with me, remember?"
"I'm not. But I am bothered with the fact that my girlfriend is off with my best friend doing Kami knows what." Heero said, anger boiling over. Usagi sighed softly and shook her head.
"Hii-chan," She said affectionately. "It's all right to be jealous, it's perfectly normal."
"But I'm not-"
"If you do care for me, seeing me close with another man should make you jealous. That is, if you care." Usagi said, pulling the little trick on him.
"Of course I care!" Heero protested. "And it isn't as if I wanted to-" He stopped, realizing his mistake. Then turned and glared at her again.
"Gotcha." Usagi said with a grin. Before her boyfriend can curse, growl, grunt or do whatever, she found her way to sit on his lap and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Aishiteru."
He groaned, knowing there was no way on Earth that he could stay angry at her when she says THAT. He hated defeat, but there was something else he hated more, the thought of losing her. So as his arms snaked around her waist pulling her closer to him, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"One of these days..." He said, with slight exasperation in his tone of voice. She grinned up at him and then buried herself in his embrace.
"Like you'd ever." She murmured, eyes growing heavy. He shook his head once and nudged her softly.
"Go to bed, Usa. You need some rest." He said.
"Hai." She said, as she stifled a yawn. "Wufei's going to kill me in the morning though. Because of that stupid plan of Duo's." She said, muttering away as she crawled under the blanket. Heero smirked, shaking his head.
"I can't believe you went along with Duo's plan."
"Yeah, well, that makes the two of us." She muttered. "But Duo did cheer me up a bit."
"Soo ka? Why is that?" Heero asked, sitting by her bedside, carefully tucking away strands of her hair from her face. But the reply he got was the soft breathing of the blonde girl on the bed. He blinked once and looked at her peaceful sleeping face. And there, by her side, he stayed the entire night.
Meanwhile...
The loud crack of the gun echoed throughout the base, followed by the ear-piercing scream from the girl, just as the body slumped down to the ground. Another crack followed and this time, the body fell, motionless on the floor.
Her deep purple eyes widened, filled with tears. A trembling hand reached out to him, but she couldn't reach him. Clouded by the tears she shook her head, forcing back the sob. Anything, so she wouldn't break. But too late...
"HELIOS!!!!!!!!!!!" And her scream echoed through the night.
*gasp* They killed Helios! ;_; Poor Helios-kun! It was bad enough that I borrowed him from the Sailor Moon timeline and changed his name slightly...Yes, Helios is really Elios or Pegasus from SM. I know that he ends up with Chibiusa, but I decided to twist things around a little and pair him up with Hotaru.
Don't you think they make a cute couple? ^-^
I think I'll take whatever time left to just give thanks to each and everyone who took time to review and those directly involve in the creation and edits/beta of this chapter.
Honorable mention goes off to Fate's Child, who did the beta for this chapter and the person who had been reading this chapter in class...despite my warnings. Just don't read it during History, I don't want to get you in trouble. ^_- Give her a hand minna-san! Next is to Cher Chan, my other beta who has altogether disappeared. Hopefully she comes back soon. Miss you!
And then there's my insanity team which consists of too many people to mention. Thank you guys, you know who you are. You were the ones who supplied me with the Gundam Wing tapes, millions of anime soundtrack mp3s. Most especially, to Dez-chan, who gave the idea for Wufei's new costume change.
Then of course, everyone who reviewed!
the Desert Fox ~ Heero will be saying more of his famous lines when Mamoru comes to the scene. *grins* Major character bashings in the future.
Darcey, MarsMoonStar, JLSCORPIO78, aya_mikage2002, Usagi Asia Maxwell, Midnight Umbreon, AMYANGEL, Li-chan, angelica, CJ, Sairys SkyeWind, Usagi Yuy Brief, Umi, Sailorartemis_2000, sailorstarlight111, Silva Star, Midnight Angel, ~*~ Firefly Princess ~*~, Shinigami 2 and one nameless reviewer....ARIGATOU! And I apologize for the delay of this chapter. *bows head down in shame* I wasn't slacking...much...
Comet~Princess - Aaw! I can't surprise you with anything can I? *grins* Actually, I did think that you'd figure it out. That's why Heero reacted that way. And sorry, no Relena killing. At least...not for the moment. ^-^
DevilsDarling - The second person who knew it was Relena that they were talking about. *claps* More Relena bashings in future chapters. :p
Bluejello - Remember when Usagi devised the plan to get Heero out? Well, Wufei had refused to take part because he thought the plan wouldn't work. So Usagi tricked him into a bet. If the plan worked, he'd have to carry out his performance.
Lady Rineheart - Thank you very much! I used to read the fics you posted in ASMR and I liked them a lot. Just to tell you...^_^
Special mention for chibi megami astraea whose review made me laugh so hard, *I* got in trouble. I was in the computer lab and nearly got kicked out. ^^; But the thought of Usagi being Heero's knight in shining armor...*goes off giggling again*
Arigatou minna-san!