Description:
In an early world of war, drafts, and poverty, it pays to be nameless. Duo Maxwell, a stranger and a man without a title, finds himself in a friendly village; confident that he can leave behind the warmth of friendship and forget the smiles and memories whenever he felt it right, he works to pursue a short-term lifestyle. However, love and friendship sometimes have strange ways of holding a man and keeping his soul a blessed prisoner.

Rating:
M for language and adult content, moving most likely to NC-17 later on. I will warn you a chapter ahead, just in case ' pay attention to the Author's notes from here on in.

Disclaimer:
Do I really have to keep making these? You know, and I know, that I did not create Gundam Wing or any of it's characters. So quit bitching and shove those lawyer's back in your pockets, I have 27 cents in my pocket anyways.

Where the World Began

Crimson Release

Chapter 2: House on the Hill.

Baxter had led me up the worn gravel path to the house, knocked on the door, and left me to stand and wait on the front porch after letting himself in. He had been gone for quite some time, and the ache in my stomach was steadily increasing, making sure I was completely aware of every second that inched by.

"What is taking that old man so long?" I wondered aloud to myself, and not for the first time. "What is he hanging his jaw on about for so long, anyway?"

"Your home arrangements, actually." A sweet, cultured voice answered from behind me. Standing in the doorway, a well dressed blonde that looked to be about my age stood, shaking hands with Baxter.

"Ah! Well then, I guess the wait wasn't too bad." I said quickly, a lopsided grin slashed across my flushed face. "You don't mind taking in a drifter then, Sir?"

"I should say not!" The boy said with a musical laugh that left my ears pleasantly ringing. "On one condition- Duo, isn't it?"

"Yes Sir. Duo Maxwell."

"Well then, Duo Maxwell, could you please address me as Quatre, rather than 'Sir'? I doubt I'm hardly the same age as you are, and hold no title over you anyways." Quatre smiled and extended his hand to me, clean, pale, and void of any calluses that came from hard work. I nearly blushed to see the dramatic contrast between my unkempt, dirty fingernails against his, clear and neatly manicured.

I grinned, sure that I looked completely idiotic in his eyes. "Sure thing, Quatre."

"Keh-heh. You look as if you've had your feathers ruffled, Duo." Baxter commented from his place on the sidelines, which earned him, on Quatre's pretty face, an even sweeter smile. I had opened my mouth to protest, when a guttural moan from my mid-section interrupted me. Now, blushing like a virgin maid, both men laughed. "I guess I'll be takin' my leave, Mister Quatre, so that maybe you can offer this one something to eat."

"Goodbye then and thank you." Quatre answered and waved at Baxter's retreating form before turning to smile up at me. "As for you," I swallowed, finding the friendly brightness in Quatre's eyes slightly imposing. "Come inside before you waste away!"

"Yes sir." I choked out, stricken speechless by the smaller boy's kind eyes and attractive smile.

"Quatre, please."

"Yeah. Right. Sorry."

- - -

"Here we are!" Quatre sang, throwing open a solid wooden door and ushering me through. "This will be where you sleep. I'm afraid, you'll have to share with the other boy- He's the other nameless that stays with me, you know- Is that alright?"

"Yeah, of course it is." I said, happy that there were two designated beds, both looking comfortable, and both nicely made, separated by a cherry wood nightstand.

"Do you like it?" Quatre pressed meekly, his soft hands folded behind his back. "I would have offered you your own room, but I haven't yet moved my things into my late Father's room, you see, and I…"

"Hey, don't worry about it." I interrupted cheerily, and blushed at his appreciative smile. "Sorry."

"No offense taken, Duo, I assure you. Thank you for understanding." A comfortable silence fell between us as he watched me explore the side of the room that was without any belongings which was now mine, while Quatre watched me with an unreadable expression.
This house was wonderful, radiating of homeliness and comfort. My host seemed kind and sweet, and I was sure we would get along. And as for my mystery roommate, I was sure that he would have to be as lighthearted as young Quatre. "Is there anything else you need?" The blonde pressed, distracting me from my thoughts.

"Mm, no, I'm fine, I think." I turned to return Quatre's smile and nodded. "Thanks."

"No thanks needed, friend; it is because of people like you that our poor town has survived." Bowing slightly, Quatre stepped back to retreat into the hallway. "I will send up a light tray, and will have your roommate fetch you when Dinner is ready, later on. Till later then." He rose a pale hand.

"Wait, Quatre?" I called, just as he was about to shut the door. A pair of bright eyes flashed from beyond the doorjamb, waiting for my request.

"Yes, Duo?"

"What is his name-? My roommate, that is."

"Oh, I never told you? My apologies." He flashed what I could have sworn was a wicked smile, and my breath caught in my throat. "Heero, Duo; his name is Heero Yuy."


Author's Note: Dun-Dun-DUN! What will laid-back Duo Maxwell make of a cold and unreadable, Heero Yuy? Life is never as simple as it seems, and as Duo is sure to learn, nor are people.