I realize it's techinically early Friday morning but this chapter was cut disgustingly short as it is and I have JAFAX to go to on Saturday, so I don't know when else I could update. . . HARRY POTTER ON SATURDAY! Okay ... ^_^
Everyone, I realized the original chapter 16 sucked, so I am rewriting it. Not rewriting just changing it... I don't know how to delete chapters so I sent out an email when I do
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Story dedicated to WhiteWolfSearching! YAY! GO HER!
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CHAPTER 16
13 WEEKS
Heero was brooding. Relena was trying to think of the best way to ask him what was wrong. She was certain he knew of her worries, how could he not? She had been staring at him for the last half an hour.
Heero felt Relena's penetrating gaze the whole time, but wasn't ready to approach the subject. Duo had been avoiding him for nearly a week now. Every time he called him up, Duo would skirt around the issue, making vague suggestions and comments. If he ever suggested coming over, Duo would say his apartment was a mess. Could this be an attempt to break up with him? Duo didn't seem like the type to beat around the bush, but perhaps Duo was unsure of the decision himself.
Tonight. Duo had finally agreed to see a movie with him. Just something casual. Heero was worried that his sudden agreement, indicated something bad. From the corner of his eye, Heero saw Relena straighten in resolve, she would ask soon. Not wanting to answer any questions, Heero made a daring question, considering where his thoughts had been wandering.
"Would it be alright if I brought someone to meet you?" Heero's voice indicated it was the very person she wanted to meet. Relena knew of his sexual preferences, so there would be no surprise there.
Relena smiled warmly, "Of course, who?"
Heero looked at her cynically, she knew who, not exactly, but she knew 'who'. "His name is Duo Maxwell, he is exactly who you think he is."
Relena chuckled and nodded, "When would you like to? You know my schedule as well as I do. . . . so you can decide." Heero nodded. That was true, and supposing everything went well, he would be introducing Duo to one of the most important people in the world, and she would be meeting the most important person in the world to Heero.
By the time Heero's shift was over, Relena had gleaned all the details she could from Heero. Considerably more than a most others, much less than Heero knew himself. She wasn't satisfied, but was mollified by the fact that she would meet him soon. Heero, on the other hand, wasn't thinking of the evening when the two met, instead he was thinking of tonight, and making it through as a couple. He had finally realized just how much he meant to Duo and now he could lose him. Heero was surprised at himself, since when had he become such a worrier?
~*~*~
Duo threw another pair of jeans angrily across the bed. They were all too tight. He had bought himself bigger pants already, but he was growing to fast to keep up. Every nice pair of pants he had were painfully tight. It may be just a movie, but it was a movie with Heero, for the first time in a week, while his bruises faded. Muttering under his breath, Duo stalked over to his dresser and yanked out an old pair of sweatpants. He would have to go shopping and get some better pants. . . .
When Duo returned home, it was with belts and 2 new pairs of pants and some khakis. They were ridiculously baggy on his already narrow and slim figure, and but for his waist, were too large in every place. He felt ludicrous in the pants, but it was better than sucking his stomach in so that his pants wouldn't pinch him.
He showered hastily, having lost a lot of his time in his impromptu shopping trip, and expertly gathered his chestnut locks and plaited his hair. He grabbed the khakis and draped on a loose black button up shirt. Duo laughed at his derisory appearance, and headed for the kitchen to take in a small snack before he left. He had been much hungrier of late.
With half a banana in his lips, Duo waltzed out his front door, slamming it shut behind him. Tonight, he and Heero were gonna see a movie and then go somewhere for supper. He was excited, he had hated being away from him for so long, and he had hated the half-truths Duo was giving Heero. Heero had sounded somewhat suspicious the last time he had talked to him, and Duo needed to see him to alleviate some of those worries. That was why he was wearing the slightest bit of artfully applied make-up to cover the remainder of bruises, a mere faint yellow outline along his eye. If he was lucky, Heero wouldn't notice.
When Duo arrived at the theatre, Heero was waiting at the front door, holding what appeared to be some tickets in his hand. Duo rushed forward, waving enthusiastically.
"Heya Heero! Long time no see, sorry it's been so long. I have been really busy," Duo explained ruefully.
Heero swallowed, he didn't sound like he was going to break up with him, "Hn."
Duo blinked nervously, "I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to neglect you!" His eyes grew wide, "I wasn't mad at you or anything, I missed you tons last week!" His sincere tone of voice and the fervency with which he spoke convinced Heero of his sincerity. He was getting worked up for nothing.
"Lets not try it again, ne? I missed you too," Heero smiled.
With a shiver of delight, Duo saw Heero's eyes light up, and the skin surrounding the dark blue jewels crinkle upwards. Happily, he walked at Heero's side, barraging him with questions about his day and the past week. Half of the questions were never answered as Duo bounced from one topic to another. Settling down, Duo leaned in to Heero to watch the upcoming movie.
When the movie was over, Duo and Heero left the theatre heading for a diner about two blocks away.
"Have you ever wondered what the other side of the moon looked like? I mean from Earth?" Duo asked, a curious expression on his face. "I have seen it from outerspace, but I wonder. . . is there hair for the face back there? Or maybe the moon has a moha-" Duo froze, Heero followed suit. They had both heard it, the sound of flesh meeting flesh, faint and far off, accompanied by small whimpering sounds. Duo turned, quickly heading straight for the sound, going behind a nearby building, right into the back alley full of putrid garbage dumpsters. Duo heard Heero come up behind him, and together they surveyed the scene. A large, oily, slimy man was hovering over a tiny figure, probably attempting to do several unsavory things to her. Angered, Duo rushed forward, yanking the fetid man around. He leered at Duo, obviously drunk.
"Well aren't ya a pretty thing," Heero surged forward, prepared to knock the man's teeth in if necessary. Duo beat him to it. Reeling from Duo's fist, the man stumbled and turned, leaning heavily on Heero.
The inebriate smiled at Heero, "Now why would that pretty little girl do that?" He threw his arms sloppily around Heero's shoulders. "Is she your girl? Man, donnow how you put up witthat. . . . you have my. . . . my. . . ." The man was obviously not aware of his surroundings. His slurred speech disappeared as Heero threw him aside. A glance at Duo showed that he was with the victim. Which was good, because Heero could hear the approach of others, probably the guzzlers friend.
Two men approached. "Hey Sparky? You finished ye-" The man that was talking trailed off, his twisted smile contorting to rage. "You do that to him!?" Heero didn't respond, not that it would have mattered. The men had drawn there own conclusions. "Shouldn't have done that, that little street rat doesn't matter. . . . Sparky did. Now you have yourself some serious trouble."
Heero heard a growl from behind him, it came from Duo. The taller of the two men lunged at Heero, obviously planning on taking him down swiftly. Heero blocked with an easy blow to the forehead. The man fell like a log, and silence descended on the back alley. The remaining individual looked around and quickly eradicated himself from the area.
Heero turned, Duo was stroking the urchin's long, messy hair. Heero noticed he was shaking, "Duo? What's wrong?" Duo looked at him, eyes filled with anger.
"Just because she's poor, just because she's homeless people think it's alright to do whatever they want with her! They think no one will care. Well they are wrong! I would care!" Duo's trembling seemingly transferred person, as the child began to shake and Duo ceased up in anger. "People like that don't deserve to live, they should be forced to live in a sewer, to eat other peoples trash, to steal and beg and make yourself into someone you hate, just to survive! I would like to see them do it!" Turning his attention back to the young girl, Duo began murmuring comfortingly to her.
"I am taking her home with me," Duo announced. "At least for the night. I know of some places she can go later, but I can't leave her here." His resolute voice turned apologetic. "I'm sorry Heero, but I can't leave her here. I just can't."
Heero wasn't planning on dissuading him, not that he could if he tried. With a solemn face, he offered to get Duo's car for him, and with the braided man's agreement and keys, did just that. When he returned, Duo had stood the girl up, she appeared no more than twelve.
Duo looked at Heero gratefully, "You can follow us if you want. . . . I hate to cut our date short. . . . " Duo trailed off, unsure.
Heero's angered face, softened in compassion. He wasn't angry at Duo, he was angry at the men. At all the injustices he had seen that evening. "Of course Duo, if you don't think I will be in the way. . . ." Duo shook his head vehemently, as the small girl, seemingly trusting Duo, leaned in closer for comfort. A brief longing to be in her position flashed through Heero.
With calm motions, Duo ushered her into his car, and Heero, in a moment of brief indecision, offered to drive for him. The girl didn't seem to want to leave Duo's side. Duo accepted gratefully and together they headed for Duo's apartment.
tsuzuku
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I realize this chapter had the potential to be much longer, but I promised so many people I would update tonight and I didn't want to break that promise. So in consolation. Soon... probably Sunday evening, but if not next week, there will be another chapter up. I don't really plan on making the girl a big character, but she fit and it helps show another aspect of Duo's character. ^_^
Arigatous
WhiteWolfSearching: is glomped ^_^ Thanks so much. I am glad you like the dream thing.
Calencoireiel: laughs too Erm, yea. Ya know it means a lot to me when someone points out something specific they liked, like you did the detour! I really appreciate it! Glomps Thank you!
Maria Wong: Just curious, but by 'we are craving it' did you mean you and other people or you and your personalities? Joking, joking. It took me a little while to update, but I am glad you like it.
TaraSaturn: Gagh! There wasn't very much fluff! There was so much planned and then the story turned and twisted! Sorry!
Gundam Gurl 06: I am glad you are relieved. ^_^ glomps back ^.~
WolfQueen821: You will see what his role is. I don't think you will mind too much. At least. . . . I hope you will like it. It won't be for at least a few more chapters.
Dreamer: I agree, I think it would be awesome to experience the same dream as someone else. I would love too. I have heard of it, but never from someone who it really happened too. ^_^
chibidark angel: Thanks for the idea. . . . which set me off on a tangent of a hundred different ideas, many of which were deleted in favor of the one you see here. I thank you very much and don't be so surprised that I used one. Doumo arigatou gozaimashita! bows
Du-kun: YAY! Thats right, you aren't lazy. ^_^ I am very proud of you. See I am lucky you didn't hire Heero or my skull would be severely damaged. And then I couldn't write more. nervous laughter as she backs away from Du-kun
Chain: 2 reviews? I am honored! Arigatou! glomps That short story wasn't in your profile ... at least when I looked.... maybe you should post it. subtle or not so subtle hint there
PSL: Would you mind me asking if you live close to Cedar Point? And if so how close? If you don't want to answer I don't mind. Its just that I live semi close and have yet to find anyone from ff.net around there. ^^ I agree, school being over is a definite godsend.
Duo/Folken/TK: I was just curious that if of the three names listed if you were one of them. ^^
Super Poodle/ Jessie Greenleaf: blushes profusely Wow, your review sure did some things for my ego ... things that really should be done. Ah well. I loved your review, I must have reread it at least 4 times. There are reasons Duo didn't lose the child and one being that it will show some of Heero's character and subtle caring nature when he accepts it. . . . oops did I just give away the plot? tittering laughter
Trio-Spade: Totally, finals are one thing everyone can sympathize on together. Now we just have to survive the summer ... chh, yea that will be hard.
Akemi: feels special I agree with the stabbing of Norris Plushie .... but I just don't think he deserves to be a plushie. . . . stabs Norris voodoo doll
Alright, hopefully I got everyone! If you aren't getting an email when I post, tell me so I can add you. If its an anonymous review, please leave your email address. Its helpful! Thanks for the reviews! I love you all! glomps all YAY FOR MY REVIEWERS! humbles herself, recognizing her unworthiness ^_^* But as unworthy as I am, I am still gonna beg for some more! PLEASE REVIEW!
~Annie Maxwell
