A/N: Hey, Sup? I felt that the last chapter was missing something so yea . . . I'll see if I can find that in this chapter. No warnings I can think of. Standard disclaimers apply. I seriously recommend downloading the song "She's Dangerous" by Roxette. It really sounds nice with the scene I added it to in this chapter. Try "The tide is high (get the feeling)" by atomic Kittens ..........even if it sounds a little special. IT sounded nice with the set up. Well I thought it was cute, ok? (sits in own little corner and looks pitifully at the reader)
Chapter
My mom loaded up the various casseroles and bakes she had prepared the night before and we headed out to Grandpa G's place. I tried my best to be happy for the family. I mean it's not often that I get to see all my relatives right? (Even the ones I can live without) I even tried to be civil to Alex and his stupid brother, what's his face. I was too dulled out to say that much though. I hadn't slept the night before and I was exhausted from wearing myself out with all that damned caffeine I had consumed. I'd like to just blame it on the caffeine but then I'd be lying to myself. My uncle Howie said that "Banging girls all night was no way to go through life." He then laughed heartily and proceeded to gulp down some more apple cider. Maybe if I was more sober I'd have appreciated the humor in that. In stead of laughing I twisted my face in disgust as he walked away........ even on Thanksgiving he still wears those damned colorful Hawaii shirts.....
I went through the next days quietly, each day looking at myself in the mirror and swallowing the ever present lump in my throat. Trying to make sure I'd make it through the day without breaking down into a heap of muddled emotions and self pity. I went through Thanksgiving in a caffeine-induced stupor. I went out to find a quiet place and just sat there trying to lose myself in a cup of coffee, black without any sugar. Funny right? Most would try lighting up or drinking but I felt that would only make me feel worse and lead me somewhere I didn't want to be. The caffeine thing wasn't a good idea either though because it kept me up all night and gave me hours to reflect on the events prior. I eventually settled on curling into a fetal ball and crying to myself. I just wanted the whole thing to go away. I wanted to wake up and be seven years old again. Maybe I could be reincarnated so I could start over and resurrect my life from the shambles it's currently in.
)remember when you filled my heart with joy
Was I blind to the truth just there to fill the space
'Cause now you have no interest in anything I have to say(
At school, I tried to absorb myself in study or in people. I needed human contact. It didn't matter who it was as long as they could fulfill my need to be social. I think the one day things turned around was when Hilde came up to me one day during lunch.
"Duo MAXWELL! What is the meaning of this?!" I had been pretty dazed at the moment so I had spent a few minutes blinking before actually responding.
"Wha?" She put her hands on her hips.
"Duo, I trusted that you could take care of yourself but look at YOU!" She accentuated the you by gesturing to my form with her well manicured little hands.
"I'm ok." I attempted to walk past her but she kindly pushed me back in place. She was actually pretty strong for someone so small.
"Are you not eating or something? Not sleeping? DUO I know you better than that." She fixed me with a disappointed look.
'Of course I'm eating. You know me. Imma vacuum." I grinned, attempting to make light of the situation and was pleased to get a small smile from her.
"Duo, please look out for yourself. I don't know what kind of rut your in but if it's about the gay club thing, it's nothing major." I attempted to speak but she mowed right over my protest. " Everyone's ok with it. Don't beat yourself up or let people get you down. People can be stupid creatures." She gave a grin, patted my back, and walked away. How? What would anyone know about that? I looked to Quatre for aid but he just shrugged.
)And I have allowed you to make me feel dumb
What kind of fool am I that you so easily set me aside(
I walked out the lunch room to compose myself, but when I did, something told me I would've been a lot better off staying inside the cafeteria. I was right.........
"Heero..." He just fixed me with that cold stare he had taken up again, like a cross of some sort that he must bear. I nearly cowered under his stare. I knew I looked like shit. I didn't need a mirror to tell me that. He gave me an extremely BLANK stare before pushing past me into the lunch room. I stayed glued to the spot, just staring wide eyed as he walked away, not even caring. If I didn't know any better I'd swear I saw remorse and sadness though if anything it was probably pity.
)You made a fool of me
Tell me why(
I still stood there and I could feel my self choking up slightly. Why did things like this happen to me? I made a dash for the bathroom and locked myself in the stall until I could trust myself to join the living without making a fool of myself. I let the tears fall freely not even caring. I cradled my head in my hands and leaned my forehead against the side of the bathroom stall. When I stopped crying I thought back to Heero in the hallway.
)You say that you don't care but we made love
Tell me why
You made a fool of me you made a fool of me(
/His eyes........../
(X)(x)(X)
I stared after Duo and was surprised to see Heero come in through the door of which Duo had fled. Did he say something to further upset Duo? I must admit that when Heero and I first became friends he wasn't anything like this. He was a little bit more easygoing (easygoing has a whole new definition when it comes to Heero) and less vile. But lately he was scathing and bitter, this upset Duo and I knew they weren't on speaking terms currently. Part of me wonders if we were ever really friends in the first place. Trowa once mentioned that Heero had a time when he could be at peace with himself, when I asked why he couldn't always be that way he had told me not to worry about it. Things got awkward and silent after that. Why does everyone always have something to hide? Sometimes it feels as if I'm being left out of this one big secret, un aware, while everyone else knows what's going on.
I frowned and was surprised to see Heero sitting right in front of me. I widened my eyes and blinked owlishly.
"OH. How long have you been sitting there?" He shrugged.
"Long enough." That's Heero. Always with the vague and enigmatic answers.
"Uh huh, that really answered my question Heero." It was silent a few minutes before I asked a question. Hopefully he'd give an actual answer.
"Did you say something to upset Duo in the hallway?" He gave an unreadable look.
"I didn't pass Duo outside Quatre." He said it slowly enough, so I could tell he was lying.
"You're a horrible liar Heero." He sighed.
"Yea I saw him but I didn't say anything." I pondered over this. Which would hurt Duo more. Being ignored or verbally assaulted. I opted for ignore. Verbal assault could be handled easily by Duo. He'd just shoot something right back even if it is Heero he's talking to.
"Thanks a lot HEE-ro." I snarled.
"What's wrong with you anyway. You act as if I did something!" I looked at him, appalled.
"How long have you been running away from your problems?"
"I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you." The likes of me? What kind of thing was that to say? The likes of me? As if I'm some kind of unholy demon or inferior subject? I didn't get it. I didn't have time for this. I glared at Heero one last time before exiting the cafeteria and searching for Duo.
(X)(x)(X)
Did I run away from things? Was I guilty of the same action I had accused Duo of not to long ago? I know people thought I was a right bastard and didn't give a damn about anything. But I did care. I cared about Duo.......... That's right I cared about Duo. I pushed him away time and time again, I walked out on him only to come to the conclusion that I cared about him. I ran through all my actions and feelings since I've met Duo. I put my head down on the table.
"Shit......."
(X)(x)(X)
I was now splashing my face with extremely cold water. I guess while I was in the bathroom crying my eyes out I came to a sort of epiphany. Yuy is affected by ME. ME! Lil 'ol ME! He's not usually moved by much of anything. If I had the power to drag him to clubs and tour the fucken countryside with me than he must be a bit taken by me. (Mentally does Megumi laugh.)
"Duo, you alright?" I looked up and saw Quatre standing next to the bathroom door. I grinned.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I went to get a paper towel and was stopped by Quatre. He was holding out some paper towel for me. I offered a small smile.
"Thanks bro." He nodded.
"Welcome." He was frowning. Why would Quatre be frowning. As far as I knew he had nothing to frown about.
"Why are you frowning like that?" He shook his head.
"No reason just thinking." HE seemed to think on his response before saying.
"I talked to Heero in the lunchroom and.." I stopped him.
"Listen, Q, what's done is done. Why reflect on it now? I wanna move on, k?" HE gave me a look that said he wasn't convinced. I sighed.
"Ok, ya got me. I have a plan..."
"Duo....." he gave me his warning tone and I simply laughed it off.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing." I gave him a smile to reassure him. He caved in after a few moments.
"Whatever, just don't do anything to outrageous ok?"
"Outrageous!" I burst into my little song that I knew for a fact he hated with a passion.
"OK, OKAY! Please!" I sang a few more lines before bursting into laughter.
"OK, let's go. I'm hungry!" Now I know everyone's probably wondering why I'm so happy all of the sudden, hm? Well you'll see soon enough. I am Duo Maxwell baby and no one holds me slave to sadness! Ain't that right?
"Hey Q? Wanna do me a favor.........."
(X)(x)(X)
I woke up the next morning feeling pretty optimistic and happy. Today would be a very interesting day for me..... I had a gig at the club and a little mission of my own right after that..... There was a lot of preparation to be done....... I snicker to myself, this is going to be good........
)The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one I'm not the kinda guy
Who gives up just like that Oh no.......(
[ Duo's walking through the hallway greeting people in passerby who in turn stop to joke with him for a minute. Duo stops at his locker and waves goodbye saying he has to get his books for class. As Duo turns around and looks into his locker rummaging for his books, Heero passes by on the other side of the hallway eyeing him suspiciously. Duo turns around just as Heero decides to leave. The locker door closes on the camera.]
It's not the things you do
To try and hurt me so
But it's the way you do the things
You do for me
[ Duo's studiously writing down notes in his Math class. He stops as someone hands him a note and smiles as he opens it. HE turns to give the person who handed him the note a grin the minute the teacher turns towards the board.]
)I'm not the kinda guy
Who gives up just like that
Oh no(
[Duo falls while trying to make a shot in gym class. Before the time is up he gets right back up with a determined expression on his face, steals the ball, and makes the shot. Duo winks at the camera just as he lands on the court floor]
)The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
number one
number one(
[As Duo passes through the hallway and see's Heero he waves casually and stops to chat. After chatting animatedly with Heero for a few minutes he waves goodbye over his shoulder as he walks on to his next class. Heero stares after him for a few minutes before shaking his head and heading in the opposite direction.]
)Every girl wants
You to be her man
But I'll wait right here
'Til it's my turn
I'm not the kinda guy
Who gives up just like that
Oh no (
[Duo's leaning against his locker taking in his surroundings pleasantly. His eyes land on a very disturbed looking Heero being latched onto by none other than ver happy Relena. Duo shakes his head and laughs as he walks away.]
)The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one number one
number one (
[Duo is trying at some type of dance move while trying to teach Quatre at the same time. Quatre follows his movements and ask Duo a question as if unsure. Duo says something back and Quatre nods in understanding, following through with the rest of the dance. Duo and Quatre grin as a few passerby in the hallway clap and nod their heads. Heero watches for a few minutes and then turns to leave]
Everytime that I get the feeling
You give me something to believe in
Everytime that I got you near me
I know the way that I want it to be
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen somehow
And you know I can take the pressure
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure
)Every girl wants you to be her man
But I'll wait right here
'Til it's my turn
I'm not the kinda guy
Who gives up just like that
Oh no(
[Duo picks some clothes out of his closet and smiles, satisfied at the combo he's made. He puts his hands on his hips and yells for someone. Quatre comes in and glances at the outfit on the bed with a disturbed expression. Duo smirks at him as the scene fades out on Quatre's stubborn expression]
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
[Shows Quatre on the phone with someone while writing down something on paper. Duo is next to him listening hopefully while glancing at the paper from time to time. Quatre says thanks and smiles as he hangs up the phone. DUo and him seem satisfied with whatever is on the paper]
Everytime that I get the feeling
You give me something to believe in
Everytime that I got you near me
I don't believe that I want it to be
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen somehow
And you know I can take the pressure
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure
[Duo and is carrying a knap sack with a very solemn Quatre not to far behind him. He continues his way up the side walk as says something enthusuastically to QUatre behind him, who just deflates....... He laughs as the scene fades out..........]
(X)(x)(X)
" I can't believe I'm doing this....."
"Q you'll do great. This fits you!"
"Duo I hate stuff like this!"
"Well your gonna have to learn to like it, if I want things to go my way!"
"Well who cares about things going your way?!"
"Well DUH, I do!"
"What's in this for me?"
"My undying gratitude of course!"
"How the hell does that help me?"
"Remember that incident with your cat, your hair, and the super glue with the catnip........"
"Yes......."
"We wouldn't want a repeat episode of that, now would we?"
"NO....."
"Good!"
"But everyone's expecting you. What happens if they riot when they see it's not you?"
"Q your so adorable, they'll love you!"
"So you say.........."
"That's right! I say, now GO! Just do what I do."
(X)(x)(X)
I have no idea how I let Duo drag me into these things. But all I know is that were both here so I mine as well do my best right. We're both standing back to back. Duo nods.
"Remember the stuff I taught you Q." I nod and gulp.
I nearly fall over as the brightness of the light hits my face. I make sure to keep the white pimp hat Duo adorned my head with, over my eyes. HE said have the mysterious affect so I'll try it. As the beginning rifts play out I begin to jive to the music slowly.
"Ah....." (1)
"Yah...."
We do the voice overs in the beginning and prepare for the actual song now. Duo and I are dressed in identical suits. Only mines is white and his is a deep violet blue. He has a black shirt and I have a periwinkle one. Complete with cuff links and chains.......
)Clean shirt, new shoes
and I don't know where I am goin' to.
Silk suit, black tie
)("Black tie")(
I make sure to emphasize each word with the previously mentioned attire. I like this song. Oh....... this could be pretty easy. I see Duo grinning beside me as he moves. His hat still over his eyes so all you see is the huge Maxwell grin of his....
)I don't need a reason why.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
coz every one's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man(
I look up and give the crowd a charming grin. I think they like it. Hehehehhe........... Duo comes in on his part. Making sure his movements are full of charisma and confidence.
)Gold watch, diamond ring,
I ain't missin'not a single thing.
And cufflinks, stick pin,baby(
He tips his hat and shows off the merchandise he actually got for this song. He pretends to be looking at his "expensive" watch for the time. Duo is a real interesting person.
)when I step out I'm gonna do you in.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
coz every one's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man(
We both pose and nod as we sing the song in unison. As the instrumentals kick in we do the routine we practiced for the song. The crowd cheers and I laugh a bit at Duos' expressions as he does his little dance. He grins at the audience as he signals for me to take up the next verse.
)Top coat, top hat,
I don't worry coz my wallet's fat.
Black shades, white gloves,
I throw up some monopoly money and a few people laugh as they catch it. Duo's idea once again. Duo takes over happily
)lookin' sharp and lookin' for love.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can(
Our voices join together on the last verse as we both take out sunglasses and put what Duo likes to call "game face".
)coz every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man(
I had more and more fun with each verse. Duo was ecstatic. I think he was happy to have someone join him in his world of song for once. As the crowd cheered enthusiastically Duo tried shouting his goodbye over the crowd and music
"Q, tell Tro thanks! Wish me luck!" He waved goodbye and made a hasty exit, waving at his audience the whole way. Is that a gold coin? Can't be.............. I turned back to the crowd and saw Trowa standing there with a wide grin on his face. I smiled and jumped off the stage as a sea of arms seemed to be reaching for me...... the last rifts of the song were still playing.....
(X)(x)(X)
/Here we go.........../
)Hold on tight, you know he's a little bit dangerous(
I snuck through the city and made it to the point on time. I watched from the shadows as Heero made his way from the hardware store, carrying his new package.
)Oooh.... jus a little bit dangerous.......(
This was my chance. Tonight was the night I would bag Yuy and quit this little game. I was tired of being depressed and bitter. Heero could be very convincing at times. Even if it's only for a moment...... He had me fooled for a while. I clutched my cap to my head to shield my face from the cold. I also remembered to tuck my braid in the back of my jacket. I smiled and followed behind him stealthily.
)You pack your bag, you take control.
You're moving into my heart and into my soul.
Get out of my way! Get out of my sight! (
I ducked through various people, who I'm sure were giving me odd looks. Heero walked really fast, but I was fast as well. I wasn't going to let him slip from my sight. There was something else there between us and being the curious little person that I was, I was gonna find it. I was on the street opposite of the one Heero was walking on.
)I won't be walking on thin ice to get through the night.
Hey, where's you work?
What's your game?
I know your business but I don't know your name...(
Heero was a mysterious guy and I was just now noticing that I hardly knew anything about him. I'd have to remedy that soon. I ducked behind a newspaper rack as I noticed him turn and look around. The news guy looked at me like I had issues. And maybe I did. I chuckled and continued my pursuit.
"Don't ask....."
(X)(x)(X)
)Hold on tight, you know he's a little bit dangerous.
he's got what it takes to make ends meet,
the eyes of a lover that hit like heat.
You know he's a little bit dangerous(
I turned around but saw nothing. It felt like someone was watching or following me but I shrugged the feeling off. NO one had ever been able to sneak up on me except for....... but that persons gone. I'm probably just imagining things. I continued walking. I wondered idly if I really had hurt Duo today without saying anything. That guy in the black on the other side of the street reminded me of Duo. Duo loved black.
)You turn around, so hot and dry.
You're hiding under a halo, your mouth is alive.
Get out of my way! Get out of my sight!
I'm not attracted go-go deeper tonight.(
The next time I saw Duo I would say sorry and mean it. What's a guy like me to do? I snapped my head around as I felt something swish past me. Nothing's there..... hmm.......... perhaps I'm getting a bit paranoid........
(X)(x)(X)
)Hey, what's your word?
What's your game?
I know your business but I don't know your name...(
I ran past Heero and made it to his side of the street. I saw him look around confusedly as I hid in the alley not to far behind him. I poked my head around the corner and was pleased to see him still walking steadily in the direction of his apartment.
)Hold on tight, you know she's a little bit dangerous.
he's got what it takes to make ends meet,
the eyes of a lover that hit like heat.
he's armed and he's extremely dangerous...(
I braced myself as I saw us getting closer to his apartment. I knew this would be tricky in a way. I would have to get in that door without Heero detecting me and would have to get much closer to him before he reached the door to the stairwells.
I snuck up the stairs closely behind him and took the opposite stairwell to reach his apartment. When I had run past Heero, I had stolen his key just to let you know. I snickered to myself when I imagined Heero's face when he realizes his key isn't with him.
(X)(x)(X)
) Hey, Hey,Hey, where's you work?
What's your game?
I know your business but I don't know your name...(
I got to my floor and started checking through my pockets. Where the hell is my key? I growled to myself and noticed that whatever swished past me earlier must have been a pick pocket. Maybe the door would just so happen to be unlocked. I highly doubted it though. I always locked my door. I tried the knob and was surprised to see it was unlocked.
)Hold on tight, you know he's a little bit dangerous.(
I looked up as I opened the door and was surprised to see what I saw.
"Hey Heero....." I simply stared as he approached me. I must be dreaming. But then again when's the last time I dreamt anything?
(X)(x)(X)
)He's got what it takes to make ends meet,
the eyes of a lover that hit like heat(
I stared into his shocked cobalt eyes as I approached him. I was inches from his face and could feel his breath. He looked confused as my violet eyes bored into his cobalt ones. Heero dropped his computer and I chuckled a bit.
"Better hope it's not broken when you open the box." I smiled up at him.
"Duo?" I nodded and pulled my cap up some so he could see my face.
"I'm-"I placed my forefinger against his lips to hush him. I studied his face
"I know....." I smiled as I hooked my arm around his neck and pulled his lips down to meet mines. I smiled into the kiss and I could feel his lips smiling against mines as well.
)You know he's a little bit dangerous.(
The kiss was tender and sweet. This is what I wanted....... I felt his hand come up to my head and throw the cap off as his other arm snaked around my waist. I used my other arm to brace myself against his firm chest. Everything my way........
)he's armed and she's extremely dangerous
he got what it takes to make ends meat,
the eyes of a lover that hit like heat
You know he's a little bit dangerous
(just a little bit) a little bit dangerous
( say it) Oh oh oh....... Hey where's you work...
What's your name........
I know your name.......... Hey you.......
Ooh jus a little bit- what's your name?
I know your name! Ohwo ohoh..........(
(1) At the beginning of "Sharp Dressed Man" both guys are doing their own little noises and sound effects. They sound pretty happy if you know what I mean.......
Notes: Tell me which get together you liked better. I couldn't decide so as you see I posted both. Credit for the songs go to ZZ top, atomic kitten, Me' shell Ndegeocello, and Roxette. REVIEW AND TELL ME WHICH YOU LIKE BETTER!