Disclaimer: I don't own GW or any of its characters. (mutters) Though I wish I did. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this story, minna-san! I'm really sorry for the very long (And I mean VERY long) delay! Gomen! My muse has deserted me and I'm now on a quest to find a replacement. Gomen! (wails)
Kaitou Shinigami (Thief Shinigami) Chapter 11
by elana-chan
"Duo will you quit that!"
Quatre sighed with a bit of exasperation at the braided boy's behavior. Duo had been antsy since they left the Maxwell residence. Quatre had felt the underlying tension that pervaded the air of the house. And though he had been his normal cheery self throughout the ride with him and the Blooms, Quatre noticed the strain in his best friend's ever present smile.
The blond knew that Duo had every right to be nervous. It was the night they've all been waiting for, not in excitement but in dread. This night marked the end of Black Cat's deadline. The duel was a bout to start. Tonight, Shinigami will face a battle that might end a decades-long revenge or start the destruction of a family.
"I know, Q-chan. But I can't help it."
Quatre gave his friend a reassuring smile, silently telling the other boy that he understood. Meanwhile, their companions got the wrong idea.
"There's no need to worry, Duo-kun. You're handsome enough as you are. I'm sure Merquise-sempai will only look at you for the whole night. Just like my little brother here. He can't take his eyes off our kawaii Arabian prince."
Catherine giggled as a blushing Trowa and a flustered Quatre glared at her last comment. The older girl just rolled her eyes at their glares as she teased them a bit more, earning bright blushes from both boys.
At Cathy's comment, some of the tension Duo felt eased away and he was able to laugh a bit at his friends' predicament. Though he knew he had a very important mission tonight, he would not let Black Cat ruin this evening for him.
"Hey, cuz!"
The unmistakable shout of his older cousin interrupted Duo's laugh and made him turn to the direction of the shout, ready to greet his cousin back. But the greeting died in his throat as he got a look at what Solo was wearing.
"What the heck are you wearing, Solo!"
Solo gave an embarrassed laugh as he scratched his head in a nervous gesture. Duo's exclamation had claimed the others' attention and now, they were all gaping at the flustered boy.
"Er, don't you recognize me, guys? Flintstones anyone?"
True enough, Solo did look like he was a member of the cast of the show. His costume, made out of synthetic fur, was the exact replica of Fred Flintstone's outfit.
"So, Fred, I mean Solo, got scolded by your Wilma again?" Duo asked, his voice muffled as he tried to stifle his laughter behind his hand.
"Really funny, Duo. I'm gonna die laughing." Solo glared at his cousin, sarcasm dripping from his words. Then he looked at the others and gave a big grin at what he saw.
"Nice costumes, guys."
Solo grinned as he got a closer look on his friends' costumes. Trowa had a really weird costume of a court jester with a half-mask of a smiling face, a contrast to his usual stoic expression. The mask was not the only thing that was out of place in the other boy's face. A light blush adorned his cheeks, caused by a cute Arabian Prince currently laughing by his side.
Apparently, Quatre had dug up some of his family's ancestral garments and found a set of pristine white robes that his father had once worn during his younger days in the Arabian Desert. Seeing Quatre attired like that truly made him into a young prince of the Winner Empire.
Beside him was a smirking Catherine. Being an actress, she could nick every costume she had worn in movies. Apparently, she had chosen a trapeze artist's outfit. It somehow fit her, being a gymnast and all.
And the last of the group, Duo, apparently had thought of a plan in going to the party in his Shinigami outfit. He dressed up as the Grim Reaper, the western counterpart of Shinigami, the God of Death. His billowing black cloak hid his equally dark outfit beneath its folds. A hood covered his long unbound hair and a scary-looking scythe completed his outfit. Quatre had arranged for the whole costume to be done, customizing the whole thing for Duo to store his weapons in the costume and easily complete his transformation into Shinigami for the mission later.
"Hey, Solo-kun. I think Duo might be right. It looks like Hilde-chan's going to scold you again for leaving her by the buffet table." Quatre commented as he pointed to the direction where Hilde, dressed as Wilma Flintstone, was glaring at Solo's back, a foot tapping signaling her impending lecture.
"Ehehe Sorry guys. I hafta leave you now. A tip: don't drink from the punch bowl. It's spiked."
With a parting wink to the group, Solo left them and disappeared into the growing crowd.
"Well guys, I suggest we follow Solo's lead and march over to the buffet table. I'm hungry."
Duo said as he started walking towards the direction Solo had taken. He didn't even notice that two pairs of blue eyes had been following him the moment he stepped inside the gym.
"Yuy, quit staring like that. You'll eventually burn the floor with it."
Heero stopped his glaring contest with the floor of the gym to direct his stare to his friend. Wufei just smirked at him, clearly amused at his normally stoic friend's abnormal behavior.
Heero intensified his glare before returning to his former activity, glaring at the floor. It was a good pretense to hide that fact that he had been eyeing the gym through half-lidded eyes. Wufei just sighed at the other's behavior before returning to his observation of the school's annual party. After all, he had to write an article about it in the school paper.
"Just as I thought. Barton ditched us to be with his crush. Eh? Is that Maxwell?"
At the mention of the braided boy's surname, Heero tore his eyes from the floor and looked at the direction Wufei was staring. There stood a ghastly specter of Death, midnight dark robes billowing as it moved and hood hiding the face underneath. Then it laughed, an unmistakable tinkling sound that really did not suit the character of Death. The movement made the hood slip, revealing the androgynous face of one Duo Maxwell. He was even more androgynous now that his long chestnut braid was unbound, silky locks of hair framing that fey-looking face. Heero's breath caught as he could only stare at the other boy.
"Heero, I suggest that you get your butt out there and approach Maxwell before Merquise gets to him first."
Wufei's words broke the spell the chestnut-haired boy had woven on him. Taking his friend's advice, Heero walked towards where Duo was. Sensing that Merquise was not nearby, he finally arrived by the other boy's side. Duo was currently sampling one of the party's offered dishes, nibbling on a finger-shaped shrimp. The other seemed to have sensed him as he approached, turning around to greet him with a warm smile.
"Heero-kun! Nice costume! It suits you. After all, you're a detective. So where's Watson, eh? Have you tried this stuff? They look gross but they're good!"
Heero could only blush at the other boy's compliment on his costume. His grandfather had managed to dig up some of his father's stuff in the attic and made him wear this Sherlock Holmes costume. He didn't care what he looked like in the costume but at the other boy's compliment, he became self-conscious. And when he realized that he was about to ask Duo for a dance, he became more self-conscious and tried to fight off the blush that was threatening to flood his cheeks red.
"Eh? Heero-kun? Are you all right? You look flushed."
It's now or never, Yuy! You have to ask him or that damned Merquise might show up and steal him away from you!
"MayIaskadancefromyou…"
"Eh? What did you say, Heero-kun?"
Heero mentally slapped himself and gathered his thoughts together. He kept his eyes from meeting those amethyst-colored orbs, afraid of what he might see in them. He was about to ask again when the other beat his to it.
"Ne, Heero-kun? Let's dance. I promised you a dance, remember? And you promised me all of your dances, right? So let's dance!"
Delicate yet callused hands took hold of his own and tugged him slightly to the direction of the dance floor. Surprised at the other's action, Heero turned to look at the other boy. With a blush on his cheeks, Duo gave him a smile laden with understanding and genuine pleasure.
He knows. He knows how uncomfortable I was in asking him. But he understands. He isn't angry. He wants to dance with me. Just like I want to dance with him. You're truly amazing, Duo.
"Heero-kun, is something wrong?" A hint of worry and fear.
"Iie. Come on. Let's dance."
"Hai! I gotta see this. Heero 'The Perfect Soldier' Yuy dancing!"
"Duo."
"Just joking, man! I'll just leave this scythe with Solo before we go dancing. Come on, Heero-kun!"
Heero allowed himself to be led by the other boy towards where one Solo Maxwell was standing. As he looked at how the chestnut-haired boy interacted with his cousin, he can't help but feel confused once more.
What is this I'm feeling for you? Is this love or something else? But why do I feel something for Shinigami, too? I chase him not only to put him behind bars but to see him once again. But I ache when I see you with that Merquise. I want to be the one beside you and not him. Can you tell me what is this I'm feeling, Duo?
"Ne, Heero-kun?"
"Hm?"
Heero stopped dancing at Duo's query, raising an eyebrow in acknowledgment. They were currently playing a slow song, much to the chagrin of both boys. But they got past their embarrassment with a shrug from both parties and danced, now in each other's arms.
Duo motioned the other to continue dancing, never stopping his own movements. He gave the detective an impish smile as Heero gave him a puzzled look.
"I never knew that the Perfect Soldier could dance that well! I bet the ladies will set up a fan club for you after this party."
"Hn."
Duo chuckled at Heero's trademark response before winking at the other.
"Most likely, Relena would be heralded the president of that club."
Heero gritted his teeth at the mention of the mayor's daughter. He clearly was irritated at that girl's constant attention to him.
"It's a good thing she studies in a different school, ne? By the way, you seem to be lacking progress with your Shinigami stalking, I mean, hunting. You're so obsessed with that guy. One would think you have a crush on him."
Duo teased the other boy with his utter obsession of capturing Shinigami. Heero blushed at his words before giving one of his trademark glares.
"Just joking, Heero-kun."
Heero let the comment pass and they were silent once again. But Duo could see that his comment had an effect on the other boy. He could see that Heero had considered his words, that the detective was attracted to the thief he'd been pursuing.
You're such a loser, Duo. The one you fell in love with is attracted to your alter ego. Fat chance he'll fall for you. He even kissed Shinigami while it would take millions of year before he'll even give you a peck on the cheek. That's why I hate Shinigami sometimes. He tends to steal even those I hold dear. I guess this is the consequence of being a thief, a messed-up love life. It really sucks to be you, ne Duo?
"You shouldn't frown like that."
Duo pulled himself from his depressing thoughts to focus his attention on the boy in front of him. Heero's intense blue eyes were now focused on him, something in his gaze making his heart beat faster. He could feel his face heat up from that intense gaze. Before he could make a fool of himself in front of Heero, Duo hid his embarrassment by giving the other boy a puzzled look.
"Eh? What did you say, Heero-kun?'
"You shouldn't frown like that. It doesn't suit you."
Heero repeated as he leaned a bit closer to the other boy. He then brought his hand up to smoothen the wrinkle on the amethyst-eyed boy's forehead.
"Smiling suits you better."
Duo's breath caught as he felt Heero's cool touch on his skin. His heart thundered inside his chest as he felt his cheeks flame at the other's close proximity. In the background, the song was drawing to a close and the hour of his flight was fast approaching. The distance between them was fast decreasing. Duo felt something was pulling him closer to the detective, making him lessen the distance between them. Heero seemed to be in the same situation as he was. Only a small distance remained and their lips would surely meet.
"Excuse my interruption, Yuy. But I'm here to claim my promised dance from Duo-san."
Zechs' voice broke the spell that had woven itself between the two. They quickly regained the distance between themselves and looked away from each other, blushing at the thought of almost kissing each other in public.
Duo felt Heero's arms slowly leave his body, noticing the slight hesitation from the detective's part. Duo turned to see the other's expression but Heero's face was indiscernible under his brown locks.
"Arigato for the chance to dance with you, Heero-kun. Maybe next year, ne?"
"Hn."
With that, Heero turned to leave him with Zechs.
Back to the monosyllabic replies, I see. Well, I guess that moment was a one-time thing. You're such a loser, Duo.
A slow song came up and Duo mentally groaned at his luck.
Hopefully, this bad luck is only in my love life and not my mission for tonight.
Duo then turned to face the platinum-haired senior. Zechs was dressed as the phantom in the Phantom of the Opera, a mask covering only a fourth of his handsome face, a tuxedo that fit him perfectly and a billowing black cape to complete the costume. Unlike Trowa, the mask was a silver one and covered only one of Zechs' eyes and a part of his cheek. The whole ensemble clearly suited the teen and heightened Zechs' appealing image.
Duo was interested in the mask, something in the back of his mind nagging him about the mask. He dismissed it then turned his attention to the waiting sempai.
"Shall we dance then, Zechs-sempai?"
"Aren't you dying to know how I know your secret?"
At those whispered words, Duo tensed slightly as he stared at Zechs' handsome face. The other was wearing a poker face, not betraying any hint to what he was thinking. Duo put on his joker mask, not wanting to alert others who might be watching them, especially Quatre, of his distress.
"Of course I am, Zechs-sempai. But I trust that you will tell me when you feel like it. After all, it's your bait to lure me here, ne?"
"But what if I'm in league with the enemy? What will you do then?"
"I trust my instinct when it comes to you. And my alarms are not ringing yet."
Then, Zechs smiled, a sincere one, devoid of malice or evil intent. This threw Duo off-track but he won't let his guard down. His family and friend's lives are at stake here. He vowed he won't let anything happen to those people he love.
"Just as expected from the great thief Shinigami." Zechs leaned to whisper the words on Duo's ear. Then he faced the blushing boy, giving Duo a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Duo-san. I'm not with HER. Actually, I'm here to help you."
Duo eyed the platinum-blond teen in front of him with skepticism, still on guard. One can never be too sure.
"Then prove it."
"I never thought you'd ask."
Zechs took something from his cloak and showed it to an anxious Duo. Amethyst eyes widened as he saw what the other was holding in his hands. Memories began flooding his mind, memories of an encounter long ago.
(Flashback)
Detecting movement to his left, Shinigami threw his weapon, a steel Tarot card with the symbol of Death, to the direction of the movement. It hit the target, metal striking against something.
"Show yourself."
A man wearing a silver mask appeared near Shinigami's left. A crack was seen on the lower part of mask, his card the cause of the damage. Long black hair tied up into a ponytail swayed behind the stranger's back. A cloak covered his whole body, barring Shinigami from figuring if the other had weapons in his person. In his hand was a card, his card. The man didn't say anything nor made any move. Duo was clearly getting impatient.
"Who are you?"
"Should I be the one asking that?"
Silence.
"No need to be on guard. I'm not your enemy. In fact, I'm here to help you. You need this right?"
The stranger pulled something out from his cloak. It was the antique jewelry box he was after.
"How?"
"Like I said. I'm here to help you. I'm not the enemy. Your mission is over tonight, Shinigami."
The stranger placed the article before Shinigami before turning to leave.
"Why?"
The addressed stopped but didn't turn. Instead, he just leaned his head a bit, indicating he had the other's attention.
"I just wanted to meet who is this new thief that everyone was talking about. You have my support, Shinigami."
"Who are you?"
"I go by the name Milliardo. You better hurry up while the coast is still clear. The guards are still ignorant of what had transpired. By the way, thanks for the souvenirs."
Milliardo waved the card up before disappearing into the darkness where he had emerged. Shinigami stared at the place where he had disappeared before thanking God for sending him such a person then disappearing into the night as well.
(End of Flashback)
"You're Milliardo. But your hair and…"
Duo's whispered words held awe and disbelief as he stared at the steel card and a broken half of Zechs' mask then at Zechs' handsome face.
"You know the answer to that. So now, do you trust me, Duo-san?"
"Hai."
Duo now understood why the mask had been familiar and that his internal alarms were not ringing. Zechs clearly was not a threat at all.
"Then I have some information that could help you in what you're about to do tonight."
Duo's breath hitched at the other's words. He almost forgot about his fight with Black Cat tonight. Looking at his watch, he realized that it's almost time for him to make his exit.
"Then tell me."
"Not here. Too many ears and eyes had been tuned to us. We'll talk outside. It'll be a good cover for your exit."
Duo nodded at the other's suggestion. As the song ended, Duo allowed himself to be led by the platinum-haired blond outside. Little did they know that a pair of intense Prussian-blue eyes had been eyeing them from afar. And now the owner of said eyes was silently following in their wake.
What the hell are you planning to do to him, Merquise!
To be continued…
Author's notes:
I'm really sorry, guys! I really am! I'm guilty this time. You can throw tomatoes at me for being such a lazy ass. I got so hooked in watching FMA (Full Metal Alchemist), reading manga scans while juggling my studies now that I have major subjects that I sort of neglected to write chapter 11. So I'm really sorry. I planned to make this chapter a long one but the chapter just had to end like that. I'm sorry that it's a cliffie but I can't help it. The plot bunnies ordered me to do it! They have my Kakashi and Iruka plushies as hostages!
About this chapter, I'm so sorry if I'm so lame in describing people's costumes and the party itself. I thought that the action happening between the characters are more important so I focused more on that rather than on the description of their outfits. I had a hard time deciding what Duo's costume would be. I said in the earlier chapters that Duo would be wearing his Shinigami outfit. Well, at first I thought a magician or a wizard would do but the Grim Reaper won the contest. Besides the fact that it hid Duo's outfit underneath, he came to the party as Shinigami, only it's the Western version. I didn't even have the time to think of the other characters' costumes so I sort of picked the idea that first came into my mind. And this is the result. So if you people are disappointed my choice of the characters' costumes, I'm so very sorry. (bows low)
Well, in this chapter there are more 1x2 scenes so I hope you liked their interaction. I think I went overboard on the fluffiness of this chapter. But I really hope you liked the extra fluffiness. I'm a sap at heart, you know. (sighs) Btw, there's a bit of 3x4 in it, too. Hehe I'm really sorry for the 3x4 fans out there. I'm such a lame writer when it comes to writing a scene about those two. I can't do justice to their love. (sighs forlornly) And I sort of feel bad for Wufei. He hasn't got any partner in the fic! I was thinking of inserting a 3x5 in there but there were no hints in the other chapters so it would be kinda awkward to insert that pairing in the middle of the story. Plus, I'm not good at writing a story on that pair.
Heero's a bit OOC, don't you think? Hehe (Heero: Omae…) Wah! Don't kill me Heero! I need him to be OOC to fit the scenes. Poor Heero. He's still confused. (Duo: What about me!) And poor Duo, too. His rival for Heero's affections is himself! What could be worse than that! (Duo: I dunno. Tell me…(sulks))
So what do you people about Zechs' secret? He's really handsome, ne?
Zechs: I know.
Heero: Conceited bastard…
Zechs: I heard that, Yuy!
Heero: Hn
(Both glare at each other.)
Elana-chan: Duo, help! You need to stop this!
Duo: Huh? (watching Gundam Wind on the tv)
Anyways, I really like Zechs in the anime that's why I'm not (Beta's note: huh?) making him the good guy. (hugs Zechs) (Zechs: Let go please. My outfit's getting wrinkled.) Argh! What a conceited guy!
Another thing. The confrontation of Milliardo and Shinigami happened when Duo was just starting as Shinigami. And the card he used was like what Hisoka of HunterxHunter uses. And Zechs' mask in the part and in the flashback is like what he wore in the series when he was Zechs Merquise. Kinda weird ne? In my fic, he was Milliardo when he was wearing a mask. Just a thought.
What else? So sorry for the grammar errors, typos and whatnot that my beta might overlook (Beta: Ouch. Hey, this was tough editing! It's one of the longest chapters you have written so far, Elana-chan. ;;). And I'm apologizing in advance because schoolwork might interfere with my fic writing and the next chapter might be late in coming out. I'm really sorry. But I really hope that you'll have the patience to wait for it. I'm really sorry for being a lazy bum.
Potential next chapter: Zechs gives Duo some useful dirt that he can use on Black Cat. More info about Zechs and 'Milliardo" revealed. Heero watches from a distance. Jealousy ensues. The flight of Shinigami and the pursuit of the detective.
Stay tuned people. Same Shinigami Time, Same Shinigami Channel. This is elana-chan signing off. For now. Ja, people!