Summary: AC 202, Duo disappears. AC 204, a new artist called Violet Vendetta emerges onto the art scene. Will a newly identified threat reveal the connection between Duo's disappearance and Violet Vendetta's art?

Disclaimer: I don't own it. The end.

Violet Vendetta
CaramelAriana
Epilogue

Heero walked along the dirt path in silence, kicking up small clouds of dirt with every step he took. He had left the rental at the other end of the road, not wanting the engine to announce his approach. With this particular mission the element of surprise would be his greatest advantage.

As the fence came into view Heero quieted his steps. He stopped at the gate and looked around. Whoever had done the landscaping had chosen not to fight nature for beauty. All of the plants were suitable for the climate.

He opened the gate carefully, relieved to find the hinges didn't creak. He padded softly to the front door. He was debating how to announce his presence when he heard whistling along the side of the house. He stood still and waited for the whistler to round the corner.

The whistling stopped as cobalt eyes met Prussian blue. "Heero?" the man whispered.

Heero took a quick survey of his old partner. Duo looked exactly the same, only happier.

Duo grinned suddenly. "I was wondering how long it would take you to find me. Thought you'd given up by now."

"I almost did," Heero admitted.

Duo nodded. "So what tipped you off?"

"The paintings." Heero crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Relena bought a painting for me by the artist Violet Vendetta. The title of the painting was 'Endless Waltz'. That was when I first became suspicious but I brushed it aside."

"When the same artist put out a group of five paintings bearing the title 'Shooting Stars', with each painting identifying one of the Gundam pilots, I knew the artist had to have inside information about all of us. Then when Une received two paintings in the mail, each addressed HOP, I knew you had to be Violet Vendetta."

Duo chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I dug my own grave there. But it was a sacrifice I had to make. How did you find me?"

"The packages had no return address, but post offices have their own stamps. The last painting indicated what we were looking for we could find in Utah. By the detail of the canyons, you had to have either had a very good photograph, or painted on location. You knew about the miners, which meant you had to have been around here. I asked around when finally I got a lead in the town down the road. The manager of the grocery store knew someone who matched your description and pointed me in this direction."

"And there it is," said Duo still smiling. "You found me. So what now?"

Heero frowned. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Though now that he was here he wanted some answers. "Why did you leave?"

Duo studied Heero for a moment. He looked to the sky and back at Heero with a sigh. "Life just wasn't what I wanted. I needed a change of scenery."

"You didn't tell anyone." The tone was accusatory.

Duo turned and let his gaze travel beyond the yard. "I suppose it was your wedding."

The response took Heero by surprise. "What?"

Duo didn't meet Heero's gaze. "You know, I was never fond of Relena. I've never really hated her. She's a very strong woman and has done more than her fair share to maintain peace. But she had you." He finally met Heero's gaze. "When you asked me to be your best man I had mixed feelings. I was thrilled that you thought of me for your best man, but it was like a knife to the chest knowing she was the one you loved." He chuckled ruefully and looked away again. "I guess I always knew you'd never like me like that but, I don't know, that day just made the truth so much more real."

Heero's eyes were wide with surprise. "Duo, I…I never knew…"

Duo shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I was just being selfish. What's important is that you're happy."

Heero shook his head. "I would've been happier if you hadn't disappeared."

Duo turned to him with a small smile. "I didn't mean to make you worry. You should've known I was okay. It's me. I'm used to disappearing."

Heero studied his—friend? Comrade? He wasn't sure anymore. "You aren't coming back, are you?"

Duo sighed. "I don't think you understand. It would be too hard. Besides, I like how my life is right now."

Heero raised an eyebrow. "Do you really?"

"Of course!" he grinned. "I never lie." He continued more seriously. "Believe it or not I actually like the quiet life. And I want to continue painting without the baggage of fame. So I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this visit to anyone."

"If that's what you really want, I will respect your wishes."

"Thanks," Duo answered quietly.

They stood together in silence, neither knowing what the next move should be. Heero could tell his presence was becoming uncomfortable, but he didn't want to leave. He could come up with any number of excuses to stay, but none seemed good enough. He had no other reason to be here.

"Well, I guess I should be going."

"Wait." A hand landed on his shoulder. He heard Duo sigh. "Why don't you stay for dinner? We can catch up."

Heero smiled and turned to his friend. "I'd like that."

(Ducks behind a sheet of gundamium) Please don't kill me! After much debate I decided I would do a two-part epilogue. The second half just didn't fit well with the first. And sorry about the long delay. Unfortunately it will probably be a while before I can get the second part up. School has taken over my life!

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