Disclaimer: I do not, and will never claim ownership over Gundam Wing or any of its characters. They belong to people that aren't me. I'm just satisfying my lust for fiction.

Notes: Just to make this perfectly clear, I don't know where I'm taking this story. I'm just going with the flow so it will no doubt, become a long one with many-a-chapter. Hope it's enjoyed by all who read it.

Warning: SLASH!-Yaoi. Whatever you people call it. Male/male relationships! Mild-angst. AU! I'll add more if I think it's necessary.

Six: Entertainment and Old Friends.

"This is freedom!"

Not 4 minutes after they had set off from outside the Charlatan's house, Duo eased Shinigami into the school student car park. He slowed almost to a halt at the entrance, looking around obviously in search of something and when he found his target, he smirked.

"Showtime buddy."

x-x-x-x-x

After looking around himself, Heero had a fair idea of what Duo had planned so when his braided companion took off again, he made sure his hold was tight around the other's waist. And the effort wasn't uncalled for as Duo drove the bike further and further towards the school at a speed that wasn't breaking any car park law rules, but he was certainly stretching them.

Heero couldn't help but inwardly grin at the parking spot that Duo had chosen. The braided youth cut the engine and kicked down the stand.

He felt Heero swing his left leg over the bike so he was stood firmly with two feet on the ground. The teen had to grasp a hold of Duo's shoulder momentarily as his legs seemed to feel weird. He reached up to unclip the straps of his helmet before effortlessly removing it. He shook his head and grinned at the boy still seated on the bike.

"Hey Yuy!" A rough voice called out from behind the twin. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" The voice sneered but Heero didn't turn around. Instead, he stepped away from the bike and proceeded to lean against one of the crash barrier bars that lined the car park in an effort by the school to keep vehicles off the grounds.

There were several sharp intakes of breaths as Heero moved and he couldn't help but let his grin fall into a smirk as he watched the group of 7 jocks stare wide-eyed and jaw-slacked at the name embossed with chrome on the bike he'd just removed himself from.

Duo didn't even bother hiding his amusement at the near petrified expressions flying over the jock's faces though he did have his helmet on, so the moment was lost. He reached up and unclipped the straps that held his helmet in place.

"Shit." One of the Jock's said.

"It can't be." Another spoke up.

"I though you said it was a myth Joe." A third voiced his thoughts.

"I… I…" But Joe didn't have anything to say. His face was contorted in fear and his eyes widened more so than they already were when the bike's rider made a move to remove his helmet.

"You guy's look like you've seen a ghost." A new, amused voice sounded out, effectively catching everyone's attention and Duo turned around to see his proverbial 'sister' walk towards him while her companion, Hilde Yuy, chose to remain close to her own brother.

"Do you know who that fucking is?" One of the Jocks asked shakily, watching Morgan-Roe Charlatan calmly step up to the bike's rider.

"Of course I know who it is, Fuckmook." She smirked at them.

"Aww Roe, you're no fun." The rider sounded as though he was pouting behind his helmet.

"It's fucking Sh-Shinigami!" One of the Jock's finally cried in horror. Morgan sent 'Joe' a withering look.

"Are you finished playing around yet?" She drawled, aiming her question at the rider as she lifted the helmet-visor so she could see amused amethyst eyes.

"You're just jealous I gave Heero a ride and not you." Morgan rolled her eyes. "Come on. You can't deny it. I saw you eyeing my baby like she was a piece of rump steak." He emphasised each word with a tap of his foot against the ground.

"Hey Charlatan! Are you fucking deaf! That's fucking Sh-Shinigami!" Joe yelled.

"You can't even say the name without tripping over it. Go back to preschool and grow some balls." The girl said, sounding very much like she was bored.

"Why you little-" Joe's snarling insult was cut short as his attempt at intimidating Morgan by towering over her was halted when the bully came face to helmet-less face with 'Shinigami'. The Jock's eyes widened not for the first time that morning and he stumbled back, stopping only when he felt the hard surface of his car behind him.

"You really want to finish that sentence?" Duo cocked his head to the side. His form, though not the most bulky ever to be seen, wasn't small either. His skin-tight black jeans showed whoever thought to look just what muscles he had in his legs and should he remove his leather Jacket, those who chose to keep looking would see undeniable strength and power in his arms. Of course, his abs were not to be discounted. Duo was by no means, defenceless and he was certainly not to be underestimated.

But these Jocks were already afraid of him. So he wasn't complaining.

"Fuck off before I show you what Shinigami truly means." His eyes narrowed and Joe, along with his little gang, fled the scene faster (Duo didn't doubt) than they'd ever run before.

"Wow." A breathless groan sounded behind him, reminding him he wasn't alone. He turned around and laughed at the mock flustered look on both his 'sisters' and Hilde's face. Both girls fanned their faces with their hands and panted heavily. Heero just rolled his eyes at them.

"Alright! Alright! Cut it out!" The braided teen grinned and moved back to his bike. He removed both his bag (putting Heero's helmet in its place) and the bike lock, locked up the under-seat compartment again and set the bike lock (looping it between the spokes on both wheels as well as the vertical part of the bar of the crash barrier).

"How strong is that lock?" Heero asked Duo as the other picked up his bag from the ground and the group started walking towards the school.

"Impenetrable." Duo stated with a confident grin. "I designed it myself. You can't pick the locks, break the combinations or cut through the metal." Heero looked sceptical and Duo laughed. "You're welcome to try but I wouldn't if I were you. It has an anti-thief protection thingy-ma-jig on it. That's the technical term." He grinned. "It gives minor electric shocks to those stupid enough not to know how to handle it; i.e. me, as I am the only one able to handle it. It's also got one hell of an alarm. You can hear it up to three quarters of a mile away." He explained. "The under-seat compartment isn't as secure as I'd want it to be but I'm working on that."

The group of four reached the steps that led up to the main doors of the school and were forced to draw to a halt.

Three boys, the same age as the twins, Duo and Morgan stood at the top of the steps. Two were stood on the very top step while the third stood two steps below. Each had his arms folded over his chest and expectant expressions on their faces.

Duo looked curiously at them all. He recognised one of them from earlier that morning. Wufei, Heero had called him. The next one was blonde and had a look that screamed 'innocent' but obviously, he was nothing of the sort. And the third, to Duo, seemed familiar. He took in the teen's appearance with a raised eyebrow.

Large bang of auburn hair falling over one eye, the one visible eye was brilliant emerald green, tanned skin, firm physique.

The braided youth's eyes widened and a wide grin spread over his face.

"Trowa Barton!" He exclaimed. He quickly took the steps two at a time (which gave him an easy three step distance) and pulled 'Trowa' into a tight embrace. And embrace that was returned equally as tight. A few seconds of hugging was enough for the pair and they separated but didn't move too far away from each other. "God man! How long has it been?"

Trowa smiled indulgently. "Almost 5 years Duo. I can't believe we still remember each other." Duo laughed, patting his new, or seemingly old, companion on the shoulder.

"I know! How's life? Is your home alright? Are they treating you good?" The green-eyed teen raised his hands in mock-defence.

"Woah! Calm down there, mate. Life is great, my home couldn't be better and yes, they are treating me fine. Anyway, never mind that! How are you? How's Sister Helena? What are you doing here anyway? You got a new home?" Duo grinned and opened his mouth to answer. He would have done as well if not for the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"Oops. Sorry." He smiled sheepishly at Morgan, knowing she was the one to clear her throat. He then focused on Wufei and the blonde. The blonde, Duo thought, looked a little miffed at the closeness of himself and Trowa. Oh, this is too good. He thought with a mental smirk. "Hi." He offered his hand first to Wufei and then to the blonde. "I'm Duo Maxwell. As you have probably guessed, I'm new here."

Wufei eyed the hand a moment before clasping it firmly. He smiled a small smile and bowed his head a little. "Chang Wufei."

"Quatre Winner" The blonde introduced himself, getting over his annoyance from earlier and offering a bright welcoming smile.

"I just moved in with dear Roe over here." He slung an arm around the approaching Morgan's shoulders. "Met Heero and Hilde yesterday as well as a few other girls. But they seemed to be scared of me. I didn't do anything!" A mock-hurtful look flickered over his face but the moment was lost when Heero snorted.

"You told them you were the 'freak' at the Orphanage in Hartford Territory. Of course they were scared." Duo pouted.

"Now you are definitely no fun Heero Yuy." Hilde and Morgan giggled and Quatre laughed a little while Trowa and Wufei shared a smile.

"Hn, baka." Was all that Heero said as a reply.

"I think I'll stay oblivious to the meaning of that word for now." Duo grinned. "I need to get to the office of he or she who is in charge! Someone, lead me as I have no knowledge of this place!" Trowa shook his head, still smiling.

"You'll probably be in our form class. Come on, I'll take you to the guy in charge." The auburn haired teen grasped Duo's elbow and turned the next corner the group came across. "I'll see you guys in form!" He called back over his shoulder.

"Don't lose him Tro! Mom would kill me!" Morgan called back with a laugh. Trowa waved an affirmative and fell in step with his charge.

"So how have you been Duo? It's been too long since we last spoke." The taller of the pair asked the other.

"I've been good. Sister Helena still runs the Orphanage. I moved into the Charlatan's yesterday morning and out of all the homes I've ever been to, I have a good feeling about this one." He grinned at his friend. "So… spill it bang-boy." He could only laugh at the sour look Trowa sent him.

"I rather hoped you'd forgotten that name." the teen said before sighing. "Spill what, anyway?" Duo snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Come on Trowa! I may be loud mouthed and a bit brash, but I'm not stupid. I saw the way Blondie was eyeing me when we hugged." He sent a sly look his friend's way and his grin transformed into a full blown smirk when he saw the blush coating the other's cheeks. "I knew it! Trowa Barton you dog you." He punched the other teen in the arm lightly and laughed. "Helena will be thrilled! How long?"

Trowa sighed, accepting defeat when he knew Duo wouldn't drop the subject. "Almost a year." He said, his voice wistful.

"You're still a sap, you know that?" Mournfully, Trowa nodded and the pair laughed as they entered the school reception.

Written by Diluted Industry.