Lunar Symphony
Nuriko: Gee, when Jess gets upset, she brings everyone down with her.
Duo:nods: She just had Heero blow up.
Nuriko: Among other things. :stares at the bent bar she had collected:
Duo: Poor punching bag.
Nuriko: Well, time for our own brand of fun.
Duo:raises an eyebrow: More angst?
Nuriko: Have I taught you nothing? No. Time to get even.
Duo:smirks: I knew I liked you.
Nuriko: Of course. Now, on to chapter Seventeen.
Chapter Seventeen: Duo POV:
I sat on the bench for a few minutes, my eyes shifting between the beat-up punching bag and then bent up iron bar. Granted it wasn't as bent as it had been around the door handle, but it wasn't straight either. Boy, when Dr. J messed with human physiology, he really did a through job. Heero was extremely strong and most certainly dangerous when angry. Although why he was so angry with me I didn't quite understand.
"Duo!" Quatre's soft voice called out, worry and panic evident in the normally calm voice. I smiled softly, even though I didn't feel it.
"Chill Q-bean. I'm cool," I called back. Quatre rushed into the room, worry in his eyes.
"Trowa told me to check on you while Wufei and he went to check on Heero. What happened? Are you all right?" He knelt besides be after taking in the condition of the weight room.
"I'm fine. Heero's emotions got a little out of control. I guess he thinks I don't care enough about him, that I put myself at risk. He doesn't realize there is a lot more to being a couple than just placing a ring on my finger." Quatre calmed, knowing I was all right if I could talk this much.
"He proposed?" he questioned softly.
"Kind of," I answered. I fiddled with the ring on my left hand, my eyes downcast. "He slipped this on my finger while I was asleep, but he never really asked." He smiled softly, a knowing look in his eyes. His own right hand began playing with his own ring. A simple gold band with two small stones that seemed to form two halves of one heart. One was a beautiful emerald while the other was a shimmering aquamarine.
"You need to hear the words, not just have the words in front of you, don't you Duo." I felt tears sting my eyes. I couldn't . . .no I wouldn't cry. Boys don't cry!
"Yeah, I do," I answered, my voice breaking through my struggle not to cry. Quatre leaned up and wrapped his arms around me. I could hold together no longer. Tears fell hotly down my cheeks, only to wet his shoulder.
"It doesn't mean you aren't a man if you cry, Duo. It simply means you care." I must have cried for a good ten minutes. Through it all Quatre held me and stroked my back. All the while muttering soothing nonsense. Once I got a hold of myself, I sniffed one last time and moved back. Quatre let me go without an argument. "Better?"
"Surprisingly, yeah. I fell a lot better. Sorry for soaking you."
"No problem. Plan on talking with Heero now?" he asked. I grinned lightly.
"Yeah, I have a lot to tell him. He needs to realize I'm changing for him as well." Quatre smirked.
"Go get him."
"I will, right after I discuss something with my kids first." That said, I headed out to find Morgana, Gabriel, and Lucian, knowing this next part was needed for me to be able to face Heero. After all, facing Heero while he was still upset was a dead man's path. One I'd take willingly to make him understand exactly how I felt, without interruptions.
I walking into the entertainment room of the Haven and beheld a scene I never dreamed of seeing. Wufei, who obviously thought Trowa could handle Heero alone, had all the children enthralled with a story he was telling. At first I thought it was about himself, mostly because Travis was spellbound. Yet as I listened I was stunned even more. He was telling them about me!
"So there we were, locked in a cell. Heero glared as Duo was tossed in, battered and bruised. Heero had then said, 'you didn't complete your mission and you got caught. You failed.' One would think a warrior would be upset over words like that.
"Not Duo. He smirked at him from the floor and answered, 'I didn't fail. Hey Trowa, they've got out Gundams and are rebuilding them, better than ever. Just wait, the God of Death will be back once more, but first, I really need some sleep.' We were stunned. Duo, who was always considered the ditz, had found out more than all four of us combined.
"When he awoke, he had deftly picked the lock on his cuffs with a lock pick he had in his braid. He then smirked through his bruises and unlocked the rest of us. He got us out of the cell and off the base without too much trouble. When I had asked him why he didn't just break us out as quietly as he had started, Duo replied with a grin, 'It was easier breaking you out from the inside than it would have been from the outside.'" Lucian gasped.
"You mean he got caught on purpose?" Gabriel asked, reading his twins thoughts. They did that a lot, I noticed.
"Yes. Duo got caught because he wanted to be caught. He then helped us all escape. I was still snotty at the time, so I never thanked him, but I was impressed with him from then on." I smiled. So Wufei had a soft spot for me after all.
"Gee Wuffles, I never knew," I remarked with a grin. Wufei flushed softly, but for once didn't get angry over the nickname.
"Don't get too cocky, Maxwell. It's the truth, though. I had wanted to improve my own stealth skills from that day on, but am still sorely lacking." I knew how much it took for him to admit that. I glanced at the kids, who all held admiration in their eyes for us.
"Perhaps you should come help more with stealth lessons. That way you can improve your skills more," Morgana said softly. I hugged her tightly. Only she would think of something like that. This way, Wufei learned with the rest of the class without admitting he needed to learn.
"I may just do that, Morgan. Provided your father doesn't mind my help." I laughed.
"The more teachers the better. These new Preventer's are so green they're practically neon." Wufei chuckled.
"Lunch!" Quatre called. The children headed toward the door, but I stopped my kids.
"Wait a minute," I told them. I then looked toward the door. "Q-bean, save Morgana's, Lucian's, and Gabriel's dinner. They'll be there shortly."
"All right, Duo. Should I save yours as well?" I thought about it for a moment. What I had to say to Heero wouldn't take forever.
"Yeah! And set Trowa's aside as well." Quatre poked his head out, an odd expression on his face. "I'm gonna talk to Heero before I eat, Q. I need to get something off my chest." Quatre gave me a warm smile and nodded.
"Understood."
"Thanks. Somehow I knew you would." I then turned to my kids and smiled at them.
"Follow me." I headed to my office, all three children following closely behind me. Once there, Lucian took a seat with Morgana on his lap while Gabriel stood there silently. I leaned one hip on the desk and made certain all three could see me.
"What's so important, dad?" Gabriel asked after a brief silence. I drew a deep breath.
"First of all, how do all of you feel about me being a Preventer?"
"I'm all for it," Morgana answered. I smiled. I knew she loved it.
"You being a Preventer means no more of our new friends get hurt like Wufei, right?" Lucian asked. He was the logical one, even though he could joke with the best of them.
"Right. I don't take dangerous or life threatening missions, but that doesn't mean I'm perfectly safe."
"You want to help everyone you can, right?" Gabriel asked. I nodded. Gabriel and Lucian shared a look.
"Then we're cool with it. Just next time, don't go without back-up," Lucian answered while Gabriel flipped my braid over my shoulder. I smirked.
"Agreed," I replied. I then looked down at my left hand. "Secondly, something's happened that I can't agree to until I know it's all right with you three as well."
"What is it?" Morgana asked.
"We'd never hold you back," Lucian and Gabriel replied together. I smiled tearfully at them. God I really loved these kids. I truly did.
"I hope you two are right." I drew another deep breath. "You see, Heero's asked me to marry him, sort of, and I want your permission before I agree." The three shared a look. Even now, they acted like true siblings. They then grinned widely.
"We'll kill you if you don't marry him. We love Heero as much as we love you. You've loved him for years. So, if you don't keep him, we'll be forced to hurt you." I laughed. Leave it to Morgana to remind me of my hearts desire. Lucian and Gabriel nodded in agreement with their sister.
"Go get him," Lucian said. I nodded and headed out, leaving them to find their dinner on their own. Now, to face Heero. Like it or not, the final showdown had come.
After a brief stop to my room to change my clothes, seeing as my new uniform was currently not the best thing to wear, I was on my way to Heero's old room. Wufei had told me that was where he had gone. Now, dressed in a hunter green form fitting shirt and my usually tight black jeans, I was fully prepared to face one very upset Heero.
Standing at his door, I came to the realization that it was locked. Now normally, I never broke into anything Heero had personally locked or protected. This way he never got the urge to perfect his security. This was important though, so I unlocked his door in a mater of moments. Trowa stopped talking the minute the door opened while Heero was momentarily off guard. I must have had a determined look on my face because Trowa then stood and headed out.
"Q's got dinner waiting for ya, T. I'll be down as soon as I explain a few things." Trowa couldn't hide his grin.
"Go easy on him," he answered. I gave him a small nod, but stopped him from shutting the door. I then turned on Heero, my eyes flaming with my anger. With Trowa gone I locked eyes with my ice prince.
"Heero Yuy, you will sit there, be silent, and allow me to have my say, understood?"
"Yes sir," he answered, automatically responding to the command in my voice, I could tell. That's good, because that's what I had been going for.
"First off, when I had agreed to become a Preventer, past of it was to be closer to you. I never doubted you'd leave. I knew all too well you'd do it to make me happy. Yet that happiness would have come at a great price, your own happiness. You love being a Preventer, Heero. I know that all too well.
"Yet I had another reason for joining. When Wufei appeared at the Haven, Quatre helping him, I knew I couldn't lie to myself anymore. Our team was unstoppable, but only when we were a team. Without my stealth skills, other members had to do my job, therefore getting hurt due to lack of sufficient skills. I told Une I'd willingly teach those that showed promise. Morgana proved herself to have some nice skills of her own and so Une hired her as a junior Preventer. I've only ever taken jobs that required stealth and that were not life threatening.
"Sadly, I wanted to be quick so I could return to you, so I refused back-up. Wufei even offered. I will never go solo again, no matter how much faster being alone will be." I drew a deep breath, my body shaking. My fists clenched at my side. Now it was time for the hardcore stuff. So far, Heero had been silent.
"As for thinking I care about no one, well think on this. Who did I protect all those years as a pilot? It certainly wasn't myself. Who did I protect when we got together, thinking I was no good for him? Who did I love so much that I let him go not once, but twice, so that he could live his own life? Who did I change my whole life for? Who did I love so much that I gave him the one thing no one else ever had, my heart, soul, and love to?
"There is only one answer to all of that. Une even willingly agreed to keep you out of danger working on security systems, your true passion, because I asked it of her. My kids know why I'm a Preventer and would think less of me otherwise.
"Lastly, I never mentioned the ring because I wanted the words, Heero. I wanted to hear the most precious words in my life from the lips of the dearest person in my life. You are my heart, soul, and air. Without you I'm only half of what I truly could be. I didn't accept your proposal to you because you didn't ask me. Your ring asked me and I accepted gratefully. When you finally realize that I've done more for you than I ever will for anyone else, let me know. Unlike you, you know I'll be willing to listen. Until then, I'll be at the Haven."
My words spent, tears silently falling from my eyes, I turned from him. If he was going to say anything, I wouldn't of known. Just then, Lucian's voice sounded up the stairs, worry and panic in his tone.
"Duo! Come quick! Troubles broke out at the Haven!" I knew only important things would have brought the boy over. I wiped my tears away and hollered back.
Coming Lucian!" I then spoke softly, my words for Heero alone. "At least they still need me, even if you don't Heero." That said I sprinted out the door and downstairs, eager to help my children.
Total chaos reigned as I entered the Haven. Three of our new boys were up to some really weird stuff in the playroom. A vine was wrapped around Jing's legs. Jing was a young boy of twelve who was known as the King of Thieves back on L3. He had come to admire Morgana's skill, especially when she had been able to steal his arm blade from him. He had wild black hair and soft gray eyes.
Edward Elric was being held in place by one of Jing's blades. The tip rested right in front of his face. Ed had bright yellow hair in a small braid and golden yellow eyes. Edward's brother, Alphonse, was stuck at an awkward position behind Jing, also held down. He had dirty blond hair and blue eyes. Ed was twelve while Al was eleven. Ed and Al took after their father, who had been an Alchemist. They could make stuff from other things, but the greater the item the greater the price.
Ed had learned that the hard way, having lost his right arm and left leg. Both were replaced with metal replacements. I shook my head at them. With gifts like these, who needed curses or enemies? I walked into the room, my eyes serious but open.
"What started this? Jing put those away. Ed, Al, I don't care which let Jing go. The rest of you go to your rooms. There's nothing to see." Everyone complied, Jing and Ed reluctantly. I then had everyone seated, Jing and Ed glaring at one another. I sighed. "Knock it off. Jing, you start. What happened?"
"Metal Boy said no one would want a thief for a child," Jing said. Ed glowered.
"Don't call me Metal Boy, Thief!" Ed called hotly.
"Don't call me Thief, Metal. . ."
"Stop it!" I yelled. Instantly they quieted down. I then turned to Alphonse, who preferred being called Al. "Al, what happened?"
"Jing said no one would want half a boy, let alone a metal one," Al said quietly. "Then Ed remarked that no one would want a thief for a child. At that they fought. I tried to stop them, but only succeeded in getting caught up in the fight." I smiled softly as both Jing and Ed frowned.
"I happen to have a former thief for a daughter myself," I told them. "Plus Trowa and Quatre took in Luc, who has a really old prosthetic leg. Even Lady Une took Kali, and she's missing an eye." Both boys looked at me in awe.
"Really?" Ed questioned. I nodded, my mind suddenly racing.
"Tell ya what. Lucian and Gabriel are almost all grown up. How would you three like to stay here? Become my kids as well?" All three boys shared a look.
"You mean have you for a father?" Al asked.
"Perhaps Heero as well, but yeah," I answered. They all shared another look. It's amazing how much arguments can be dropped when good things happen.
"I'd like that," Al said suddenly.
"So would I," Ed answered.
"Same here," Jing replied. I grinned and opened my arms. They rushed into them, enjoying the group hug.
"I'm sorry, Jing," Ed said softly after a moment.
"I am too, Ed," Jing remarked. I smiled brightly.
"I'm glad that's all settled. Now up to your rooms as punishment. Everyone!" I replied, my last words for those in the hallway. A loud chorus of groans filled the area and I chuckled. If Heero really wanted into this family, he was in for more than he bargained for. I could only hope he'd be willing, my eyes watching the kids as they headed upstairs.
Nuriko: Done with this one.
Duo: Whoa, I really gave it to him, didn't I?
Nuriko:nods: Yep, with both barrels.
Duo: I never knew I had it in me.
Nuriko: If it's in me then it's in you.
Duo: How true.
Jess: Perhaps one more chapter and this ones done. Now, only one question. Make it a happy ending or a sad one?
Duo/Heero: JESS!
Nuriko:snickers: Aw, a woman after my own heart. Keep reading to find out.
Jess: Until next chapter.
Nuriko: Ja mata ne!
Duo/Heero: Nani!