By : angelofvenus_l3
AN : By the way, I forgot to mention, the Senshi doesn't exist in this fic so basically, the G-boys and Minako stand alone. This chapter is moving a little slow but it will definitely pick up later on. Thank you for all your reviews and supports. Hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as the rest^^
CHAPTER TWO
During the first few hours, Duo thought he could bear with his friends' endless complaints and strings of death threats but after the next few hours, he began to get annoyed, wondering briefly if his own habit had rubbed in on them. His concentration would stray every time Wufei remarked on his lack of skills in handling the camera while Heero promised him torturous, not to mention, violent methods if he did not cut their trip short. It did very little effect on him, though but it was still a distraction.
"Okay, okay," Duo relented after Heero threatened him for the twenty sixth time. "Just shut up and let me take this one last picture and…HEY!"
Duo did not see the girl walking over to him until the very last minute when the flash when off, capturing her image at the exact moment when she glanced at him. A gasp tore her lips when their eyes met before she sheepishly tore her gaze to glance briefly behind her at the scenery where Duo was suppose to capture on film.
Duo could have sworn there were tears in her eyes but he wasn't too sure since she had broke their gazes too quickly for him to confirm. When she looked back at him apologetically for ruining his film, her eyes held no more than glimmers of regret.
"Gomen nasai," she apologized, shifting uncomfortably when she noticed Duo's other less friendly companions who were currently eyeing her. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you.."
"No, don't worry about it," Duo replied, smiling in reassurance.
There was something about her that tugged his heart. He couldn't decide what but he was quite certain he was attracted to her. When their gazes met a moment ago, he was transfixed by them as they held him in place, luring him and giving him a brief glimpse of temptation that such beauty could stir. She was gorgeous and her figure definitely complimented her features. Judging from her plain attire and the badge on her sweats, he could tell she was a high school student and he recognized the prestigious school she studied in.
It was a shame though because he would have asked her number if she wasn't so young for him.
The girl gave him a small smile and an apologetic nod before walking away. Duo couldn't help eyeing her back as she walked daintily ahead, fully aware of the gentle swaying of her hips and her long, slender legs.
"If you're quite finish here, perhaps we can start to leave," Wufei stated in annoyance after clearing his throat.
Duo chuckled as he reluctantly forced his gaze away and began to pack his things.
Minako didn't stop her tracks as she glanced briefly to the young man who had momentarily blinded her. He was laughing at something his friend had said and had his back to her, which was enough for her to catch a glimpse of his long, braided chestnut colored hair. She thought it was quite an unusual hairdo for a man yet somehow it seemed to suit him very well. But that was all that caught her attention about him. Although he did stand out among his other two friends who seemed as though they had never smiled in years.
Her eyes drifted to the side, particularly at the scenery where the young man had wanted to snap. She might not know much about photography but she could tell he expertise in that field. She remembered a small picture of that same view being taken years ago before it was transferred onto a canvas, its former beauty was carefully etched and preserved in its original state. It was amazing how little effect the war had on it, though the cherry blossoms that took up half of the scenery did not blossom as much as it used to due to the excessive amount of trees being destroyed. And that particular canvas was currently hung on her bedroom wall. A gift from a very special someone who taught her the meaning of peace and true beauty.
Her hand went swiftly to the necklace around her delicate neck and grasped the tiny pendant. Her slender fingers gently stroked and caressed the rose shaped pendant, hoping to find some form of security and reassurance but instead, she was granted with a pang of longing for someone who wasn't there and would never be there. Her heart ached painfully at that revelation, almost wracking a sob from her carefully masked expression. She clutched the pendant even harder in a manner to control her tears, struggling violently to suppress all urges to express her pain and break down in the middle of the park. Forcing herself to believe all the mental encouragements and clinging on to the slender piece of hope for the future, she crushed her stormy emotions beneath her nonchalant and carefree nature as her fingers slowly let go of the pendant, wishing if only her heart could let go of the memories just as easily.
After dinner that night, Duo went to his old store room which he had recently reconstructed. He had earlier cleared up everything in there to make room for his equipments needed to develop a film. It didn't take him long to get accustomed to the process and before the hour was over he had managed to get most of his photos developed.
When he lifted the last negative picture from the basin to study it, he recognized the girl earlier and not only was he impressed with the accuracy of the angle but he was also transfixed by her beauty. Even though the lights were very dim, he could make out her face clearly, recalling the brief moment when his heart almost race at the sight of her. Since this evening, he hadn't been thinking about her at all but now, he wasn't sure if he could get her out of his mind that easily. Her innocent demeanor suited her high school profile and with her beauty, she would definitely make a successfully model if she decided to pursue that career road. She would appear to be someone who had it all and most likely labeled as 'Miss Perfect' or 'Miss Popular' but when he studied her eyes, he dismissed that thought almost immediately.
There were no evident of tears but those eyes lacked sparkles that contributed to her radiant face. They were dimmed, in dazed and almost lifeless. Obviously she had been absorbed in her own thoughts to realize where she was even walking. He felt a little saddened at that revelation, wondering what or who could have hurt someone as delicate as she. For a former pilot who had gone through more than his share of sorrows, he should know that pain came in different forms and concealed in various ways. It seemed almost obvious she had a dark past and he had caught a glimpse of it.
Then again, it couldn't be more than a mere relationship crisis or school related matters that concerned her, he decided swiftly as he hung the picture for it to dry. He could come up with a thousand possibilities for her ordeal and another thousand that summarized her character or personality but it wouldn't change that fact that it was not his problem. He hardly knew her, much less develop any special feelings for her other than plain attraction. So whatever feelings he harbored for her was definitely inappropriate.
Besides, he didn't think he would get to find out about her anyway, much less her problems.
Mother,
Things has been wonderful here, as always. I'm getting pretty busy though, which explains why I haven't reply in weeks. You've probably have guessed, I've been chosen to lead the team in the school championship tournament this week. I'm so excited. The trainings and practices have better pay off. I've been working so hard for it, I've no doubt we're to win for sure.
Anyway, send daddy my regards. I'll see you both in time for Christmas.
Minako studied the computer screen thoughtfully, frowning at the simplicity and somewhat lack of info regarding her current status. There was nothing much to tell anyway, considering her main goal right now was to accomplish as much as she could in volleyball and her parents already knew that. From their previous emails, she could detect they were obviously relief that she had overgrown her obsession with idols. Seeing as they came from a very prestigious and wealthy family, they certainly couldn't allow their only heir to pursue such career road that would only lead her in circles. She was also almost certain that they merely assumed her current passion with volleyball was nothing more than a hobby and she would overgrown that, too.
As much as she hated to admit it, she missed them dearly. Their weekly emails and phone calls hadn't been able to replace her longing for their company so eventually she stopped wishing and hoping they would drop by. Because, frankly, they never did without informing her first which was rare enough. They had been too absorbed in their own career and assignments which unable them to fulfill their responsibility as her guardians. Hence, they sent her to live with her aunt on Earth who eventually forfeit that trust to concentrate on her own life, leaving Minako to fence off on her own. Back then, her parents would visit her constantly to ensure her well being was equipped and taken care of but eventually, their visits evolved into weekly emails, allowances and monthly phone calls. Her loneliness intensified especially on her birthdays where she would receive a birthday card and packaged gifts that hardly symbolized their affections. Other special occasions were spent on Earth with her aunt and uncle who regarded her as an 'obligation', which she started to assume that was exactly what her parents thought of her.
Nevertheless, she had learned to lean on her friends' shoulders when she needed their support and although she wasn't able to trust them completely for emotional support, they were always assuring her of her own capabilities, which she needed from time to time to remind her how strong she actually was. It was the simple pleasure of being surrounded by true friends that kept her spirit alive and going.
"Minako?"
The sudden mention of her name and combined with the soft tap on her shoulder jerked her thoughts to reality and Minako turned, smiling sheepishly when she saw Rin, Ikiko and several of her friends gathered around her desk.
"N-nani?" she murmured halfheartedly, her mind still a little distracted as she quickly turned off the computer.
"Nani?" Ikiko echoed incredulously with a laugh. "Minako, school's over, let's go. Didn't you hear the bell ring?"
"I was preoccupied with the assignments…" Minako answered half truthfully as she rose to her feet and grabbed her books.
"Was that an email?" another friend inquired. "Who is it for?"
Minako stiffen at the question, feeling the bitterness slowly consuming her. She couldn't blame her friends for being ignorant of her background since she had never intent on explaining to them how she was forced to stay where she was right now. But still, she couldn't help noting the resentment she felt towards the topic alone so she could only manage brush it off before the feelings triggered her tears.
"No one," she muttered, dropping her gaze to the floor and quickly made her way out of the classroom, leaving the others to frown in puzzle at her unusual withdrawn behavior.
"Duo, I was expecting you!" the elder man exclaimed in delight as soon as Duo entered the store.
The braided man smirked and tilted his sunglass in reply. His presence alone contrasted to the bright, cheery environment of the jewelry store. His dark and bleak attire emitted a mysterious aura and if not for the Preventers jacket he had draped around his arm, he would appeared as conspicuous as a convicted felony on the run.
Several of his workmates had commented on his taste with such bleak outfit but Duo had never took their remarks seriously. He was very comfortable in this attire and it was convenient for him if he was on duty. The dark and bleak color allowed him to blend in the shadows and the loose fitting outfit allowed him to move smoothly and swiftly without constraint. The outfit was also the only thing that connected him to his past and he planned to keep it that way because it reminded him so much of Maxwell Church where he had spent a short yet meaningful period of his life.
"It's been awhile since I've seen you around here," the man added with a knowing smile behind the counter.
"Well, I'm involve in a different kind of business now but it's nice to see you, too, Dave," Duo answered, sharing a conspiratorial smile with the man. Then, he made a brief inspection of the area. "Love what you've done with this place. Beats the hell out of your last store…"
"Hardship does pay off, you know."
Instead of approaching the man, Duo simply strolled alongside the display case, admiring the splendid rows of silver bracelets, his eyes darting from one jewelry to another behind the dark shades. "Nice," he commented wryly. "You sure know how to keep your customers on their feet…" Dave threw back his head and laughed. It was an irony because aside from the two of them, the store was practically empty. Duo lifted an eyebrow in amusement and finally took off his shades. "I think you have better luck supplying explosives…"
Dave shrugged, but the smile still visible in his face. "That was then, people are battling everywhere so of course, I make more money that way. But now, I think I'd prefer a peaceful life with meager salary to costly battles anytime. Besides, I don't want to keep doing that forever."
Duo nodded thoughtfully, a meaningful smile tugged the corner of his lips. "I know what you mean."
"So how's peace working out for you? Hilde told me you're working with the Preventers now. How's it?"
"It's fine," Duo replied noncommittally, his gaze still lingering at the new arrival of silver jewelries. "Boring, but fine. Pays well and I don't have trouble settling some debts." He paused and pointed to a particular bracelet that summarized a tiny silver rectangle plate with white gold chain attached to it. "This is neat. Is this for men?"
Dave strolled over to Duo and scanned the item in question through the display glass. "Oh, that works for both male and female," Dave answered. "It's the latest trend now, teenagers everywhere come to purchase it and have their names engrave. Wanna see?"
When Duo respond with a positive nod, Dave unlocked the case and reached for the chain. After examining it briefly, he held it to Duo. Duo took it, gazing at it with open admiration and placed it on his wrist with careless ease.
"Hey, be gentle with that," Dave warned, watching in uncertainty as Duo clasped the chain around his wrist. "It's the last one I have and I don't want any scratches unless you're planning on purchasing it."
"How do you expect me to buy it when you're using that kind of tone?" Duo cried indignantly. Then, he frowned slightly as he examined the weight. "It's a little heavy…."
"The plate is real silver, what do you think?" Dave told him, rolling his eyes. "So you wanna get that? I bet with your kind of salary, you can afford a few accessories now and then."
"Nah," Duo interjected as he perched on the stool. "I was never one to fall under those fashionable male categories…."
"I can tell," Dave said under his breath, giving Duo a thorough appraisal from head to toe.
Duo acknowledged his friend's remark with a chuckle. "But I'm still thinking of making an exception for this trinket."
"Well, don't take too long, I'm still intending on selling it," Dave retorted before turning away from the display case. "Now I better get the things Hilde sent you for so that you may run along. My regular customers should be pouring in anytime now and I don't want you to scare them away." With that, Dave disappeared into the back room.
As Duo waited for his friend to return with Hilde's package, the bell suddenly jangled as the door swung opened and in came a flock of teenage girls in their school uniforms and bags. Chattering excitedly among themselves, they began to scatter into different corners of the store, either scanning for selected jewelries or merely browsing for some new arrivals.
Duo instinctively reached for his sunglass and wore it, concealing a smirk while his eyes wandered aimlessly to the display case. Hands folded on the glass case, he leaned forward, pretending to admire the jewelries on display. A pair of girls were slowly lingering next to him as they scanned the display case, seemingly searching for something. They had their voices lowered in murmurs but he managed to catch the conversation clear enough.
"…maybe someone else bought it already," one of the girls said absentmindedly.
"But I just saw it yesterday right before the store close," the other one exclaimed stubbornly.
"Just get him something else," the first one retorted with an exasperate sigh. "For god's sake, Rin, you don't even know that guy. Let's just forget it. If we don't hurry, we're going to be late for practice and Takigawa-sensei won't let us off easy, not when the competition's a week away…."
"But Minako, this is much more important than the competition," her friend protested in irritation. "You never have any crushes, so you wouldn't know how I feel. If you pay as much attention to boys as you do to volleyball, I'm sure you'll end up with someone by now. Yoji mention how much he wanted to have it the other day and he was saving his money to buy it. If I get it for him instead, he's sure to notice me now. And when he insist on paying me back, I can get him to take me out on a date. Then I'll give him a chance to know me and he'll finally realize what a perfect match we really are…"
By then, the girl had her hands clasped together in a hopeful manner and she was staring into space with a dreamy look in her eyes. Her blonde friend sighed helplessly before turning away to look at some other jewelries at the corner.
Duo chuckled as the absurdity of the conversation struck him. "Typical," he blurted out unintentionally under his breath.
It didn't come unnoticed, however as the girl known as Rin suddenly turned and regarded him with an annoyed look. "Excuse me?" she demanded, perching a hand on her hip. "Are you mocking me?"
Straightening himself, Duo tilted his head to meet her angry gaze and smirked. Behind his dark lenses, he studied the brunette girl in amusement. "No," he said nonchalantly after a moment of inspection. "I was just…"
"Just drop the act, you are mocking me," Rin accused, her eyes staring daggers at him. "Care to explain?"
Duo let out another chuckle and shrugged. "Well, it just amaze me that…" he paused, taking a moment to compile his choice of words. "…that you have everything all figured out."
"And your point exactly?"
"Guys are not that easy to read," Duo pointed out matter-of-factly. "And it should occur to you the possibility that it might not work out the way you hope for, especially where material expense is involve and when you're coming on to a guy who hardly notice you. I may not be an expert in this case but I know enough to tell me how complicated relationship is. And you're taking this way too easily."
"You seem like a know-it-all," Rin remarked, a displeased frown creased into her forehead at that revelation.
"Reality check, I'm a guy," Duo replied flatly. When he noticed she didn't share his view, he felt hastened to explain, "Look, it just seems to me you're relying completely on some material stuff to please him. Even if you're successful, how can you really be sure if he's not in it for your money? You don't even know him."
"Because he's not like that at all," Rin snapped defensively. "He's different. He's sweet and smart and he's even rich…." When the only respond she received was a chuckle and a mere shake of his head, she took it personally and cried out in annoyance, "What's your problem anyway? You know what you really sound like?" Duo opened his mouth to answer but Rin intruded when he barely got his voice out, "You sound like someone who has his heart trampled by similar cases. You're one of those poor, broken souls who thinks they're doing the world a favor by warning us the fatalities that love brings…"
Her assumption was so absurd that Duo threw back his head and laughed, startling half of the customers in the store. His friends had never questioned him of his personal affairs with women nor even judged him when they found bits of information regarding it but this girl had summarized her total opinion of him by a mere advice that could easily be given just by anyone. Even by Heero.
"Now you seem like a know-it-all," Duo commented wryly.
"Well, am I right?"
Duo pretended to think hard before he answered her flatly, destroying her already tattered pride, "Nope, not even close. I think if you're not so blinded by this thing called puppy love, you would have been able to see my point of view. All I'm saying is that it'll be more flattering if you use your own charms to attract him. But you're partly right, it's not my problem if you want to lure him with material possessions. Personally, I just think that's a sad way to love someone…."
"You're so..…"
Rin's protest was abruptly cut off when another voice interrupted, "I think you mean, it's sad to harbor feelings for someone who doesn't reciprocate and worst, who's even using those feelings for selfish benefits, right?" Then, the owner of the voice stepped away from behind Rin and stood across from Duo before adding, "But how will you ever find out the true depths of their feelings if you refuse to take the first step, regardless of the means?"
Duo was speechless, his breath caught in his throat. It wasn't much of her sudden appearance that caught him off guard, but more likely he felt a flicker of recognition stirred his mind before the memory of her presence struck him and stunned him into silence. She was standing so close to him, he could smell the faint fragrant of peaches lingering around her. Savoring the sweet smell and seizing the opportunity to survey her close-up, he took in every single detail that was presented to him.
Although he had studied her picture several times in the past few weeks, he often found himself thinking of that sweet face, which wasn't anything out of the ordinary since he had been involved with women before and he had gazed at the picture fondly enough to memorize her features. However, it felt so different to have her standing right in front of him like this. The picture he took of her certainly did no justice to compliment her beauty. She had the figure of a petite goddess, with long shapely legs and a tiny waist that could drive any man insane with desire. Innocence emitted from her presence but her figure possessed an intimidating air that belonged to a temptress.
After all these weeks, it never occurred to him the possibility of their paths crossed ever again and he had long ago dismissed the idea of searching for her in her school because frankly, he wasn't that desperate, especially when an underage teenager was involved. But now that she was here right in front of him, maybe he could make an exception for this one…..
A grin swept across his features and his eyes glinted in amusement, forgetting momentarily that he was inventorying the feminine assets of an innocent child.
Minako could have sworn she heard his intake of breath once he acknowledged her presence. He immediately lapsed into silence, seemingly stunned at her sudden appearance. Then, a knowing smile lifted the corners of his mouth in a way that made Minako shifted uncomfortably at his scrutiny but she kept her expression calm, a wry smile graced her features in challenge of his verbal counters. He looked so familiar, she decided quietly, inspecting him from head to toe. She couldn't recall where she had seen him but she was certain she had seen that choice of hairstyle before. His attire was suspiciously dark and bleak yet it was his presence alone that emitted a mysterious air around him, slowly drawing her interest towards him.
When Duo finally regained control of his composure and his mind finally grasped the revelation of her statement, he slowly took off his sunglass and pinned Minako with a piercing gaze. "Well, are you willing to put your heart at risk knowing that it's bound to be broken?"
"Your heart is at risk either way."
She answered him with heavy calmness and absolute resolution that appeared suspiciously to have stemmed from a broken heart. His smile slowly leaving his face, Duo stared at her in speculative silence and she stared back at him, bravely leveling her eyes to meet him at the risk of exposing her entire feelings towards the casual debate.
"I think your friend definitely has the wrong person figured out," Duo murmured meaningfully.
His revelation threw her off and for awhile there, her expression cracked and gave away into shock. Struggling to regain some small measure of control, she forced her gaze away from his searching blue ones and was about to leave when Rin all of a sudden tugged her arm.
"Rin, let go," Minako stuttered in angry confusion, yanking her arm back. "We're going to be late...…"
"He's wearing it!" Rin cried out frantically, pointing to Duo's wrist. "T-that's the one, he's wearing it!"
Duo looked puzzle before his eyes dropped to his folded arms and noticed the glint of the chain around his wrist. "Oh, you mean this?" he queried in amusement as he lifted his wrist and practically paraded it to the girls. "So this is what you girls were looking for. Yea, it's the last one they have here…"
"What?!" Rin cried in dismay. "When's the next stock arriving?"
"I don't know," Duo told her hesitantly. "Maybe next week, next month…..Well, at least this guy friend of your has good taste. It's definitely worth the bucks, good thing I saw this first."
"We'll buy it from you!" Rin intruded with obvious determination to own that bracelet. When Minako gave her friend a look of bafflement and incredulous, Rin retorted desperately, "I need to have it today." Then, turning back to Duo, she persisted, "We'll buy it from you. Name your price."
Duo frowned. "You're sure going all out to prove how much you care for this guy…"
"How much?" Rin pressed urgently and with equal seriousness.
"What if I refuse to sell it to you?"
Rin's hopeful face fell and she turned pleadingly to Minako, tugging at her friend's arm. Minako was extremely annoyed at Rin's persistence but her protest died in her throat once she realized the earnest affections in Rin's glistening eyes. She looked painfully at those eyes, tormented by its reminder of her own experience when she was once a hopeful teenager in love. Sighing in defeat, she looked at Duo and demanded, "What does it take for you to sell it to us?"
Duo's eyes suddenly shone with interest. For the first time, he chose to ignore the inappropriate issue of dealing with an innocent teenager in favor of his own desire and let himself be driven by his own instinct. However, he kept his expression blank and held out his hand.
"Take it," Duo stated calmly but with a hint of authority that would appear suspicious to anyone who had fallen for one of his pranks.
Minako looked at him in puzzle, her rosy-hued lips parted slightly in surprise and unconsciously, Duo's eyes drifted to her parting lips that seemed positively to be inviting his. "What?"
"If you still want it, then take it."
Misunderstanding his gesture for defeat and pleased that she wouldn't have to perform any mindless acts of pleading, Minako reached out to unclasp the chain but when the tips of her fingers brushed his wrist, she found herself being pulled into his arms roughly and his lips came down to brush hers in a soft, tender kiss.