Disclaimer: Gundam Wing belongs to them, not to me (which is probably a good thing).
Title: The New Boy
Author: aomurasakiai
Pairing: Heero/Duo
Rating: PG
Warnings: AU school-fic, Shounen Ai
gw500 challenge: #25 - "accents"
Word Count: 553
Extra Notes: "[Japanese]"

Heero walked dejectedly into his English class, preparing to face yet another embarrassing day. He had moved to America from Japan, just in time for the start of the school year so his parents had transferred him in as a sophomore. The unruly haired teen was intelligent and could speak English quite fluently, but his strong Japanese accent caused many of his peers to tease him; and this class was the worst.

He quickly took his seat in the last row class near the door, lest the jeering started before the teacher arrived. His teacher had the habit of leaving her classroom open during nutrition break for students by stepping out to speak with the head of the English department next door. In a way that left Heero open to the taunts of some students and he sometimes wished that he could go to class as late as possible. But, it was better than facing everyone else on campus.

Placing his backpack on the floor, Heero took out his novel and began reading, trying his best to ignore all the random chattering as well as hushed whisperings around the room. A person walked through the doorway, but he paid no attention until a male voice called out to him.

"Excuse me?" Heero turned to see a young American boy with his backpack slung over one shoulder. Large violet eyes seemed to be grinning at him and the Japanese teen couldn't help but give a small smile in return.

"Is this Ms. Kay's room? I'm new here and I'm so not sure where I am," he said, holding up a map of the school. Heero nodded and answered the braided teen, albeit reluctantly.

"Yes, this is her room." Heero cringed slightly at how it sounded but was surprised when the other's face brightened.

"[Japanese? You can speak Japanese, right?]"

"[What? You mean…?]" Heero said half surprised, half shocked.

"[I went to Japan when I was young and picked up the language. Then I took some summer classes to actually learn it.]" Duo explained with a grin.

"[I see. That's great. My name is Heero.]" He bowed a little and held out his hand.

"[Duo. Pleased to meet you.]" Duo clasped the other's hand firmly and Heero felt the warm, soft skin of his… very attractive new friend. He tried not to blush.

"I'm happy to have made a friend already. I was worried I would have a tough first day," Duo told him, in English this time.

"I hope we have more classes together," Heero replied, forgetting about his heavy accent until Tom, the class bully, laughed loudly.

"You hear that? 'Hero' finally speaks." Everyone turned their heads and the said teen lowered his own, his cheeks flaming red. Duo glared at the tall boy.

"Hey! If you're going to taunt someone, at least say the name right. [I bet that Heero is smarter than you anyway, idiot.]" Heero covered his laugh with his hand and Duo smirked. Obviously being made fun of, Tom just "tch"-ed and turned away, angry that he couldn't come up with something against what he didn't understand. Heero smiled genuinely at the other teen.

"Thanks."

"Anytime!" Duo told him and took a seat next to Heero. Smiling still, the Japanese teen felt that his school year had become brighter.

Owari