|
"Heero Yuy, L6, and the Second Suit Wars "Part 1Written By: ELLE Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Gundam
Wing (unfortunately) and they were used without permission, but all
the words are my own. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: occurs post-EW, language, angst, sex,
hopefully acceptable OOC, 1st person POV (*shudder* sorry, no way
around it!), plus a ton of minor and a few major OCs (since it's 1st
person, you get to avoid dealing with them too much.) Pairings: 1x2x1 plus others TBD Summary: Jack Kaufmann has no recollection of the braided man who claims they were once more than friends, but his quest to recover his memories leads him to discover a plot much larger than himself that is a threat to the peace he'd once fought to protect... Author's Notes: This is gonna be a doozy of a fic, guys. I'm thinking 100k+. I'll likely update Monday, Wednesday, Friday and then take a brief hiatus between sections of the trilogy just to get all my G-boys in a row, so to speak. ;-P This fic starts off a little slow, in my typical psychological style, but will pick up into an action fic by the end so stick with it, please! =) The lovely Miss-Murdered beta'd this for me and frankly this story wouldn't exist without her encouragement. Oh and some of the topics I'm discussing here are waaaay out of my league so go easy on me, okay? My husband is a computer programmer and I've taken a few classes but my knowledge ends there. I hopefully know enough that I didn't make any glaring errors but no promises.
"Memoirs of a Former Life" 1.8 The Orphanage I did have to get up rather early to make the long drive to Sanc and be at Duo's apartment by ten but I felt strangely at ease and I didn't mind the drive. In fact, I had been much more relaxed this week than the last, ever since I made the decision to take Heero's advice and forget about attempting to reverse this situation and focus instead on loving Duo as Jack. At some point last weekend I realized that the only person who had Duo and my best interests at heart was Heero. Maybe I didn't know why he did this, but I had to assume based on his correspondence and my own feelings for Duo that he was sincere in his reasoning and he did mean the best for us. When I arrived at his apartment he threw open the door and immediately wrapped his arms around me in a friendly embrace. Just that moment made the five-hour drive worth it. "You came!" He drew back from me until I was arm's width from him and I noted a hint of surprise on his face. "I said I would," I replied simply, feeling a sense of satisfaction that came with making him happy. "Well, I'd offer you something, but we gotta go. They're having a big adoption reception today." He offered me a confident smile and patted my arm. "Kinda silly that I'm the one coaching the kids when I was the least adoptable scoundrel around, but hey, whatever makes 'em happy." "Would you mind driving?" I asked, feeling a little weary and suddenly nervous about being around so many people. Duo agreed easily as he locked up and we proceeded down the stairs but when he noted my Porsche he laughed out loud. "I'm not taking that to the orphanage!" he exclaimed with finality and crossed the parking lot to a freestanding garage. "Why not?" I asked, unconvinced. I couldn't imagine how it mattered. He opened the garage door and I noted two motorcycles inside, one dismantled for repair and the other a fierce, gleaming hunk of sleek black metal that he rolled into the daylight. "Look, just trust me on this." He swung his leg over and sat there easily, an eyebrow arched as an invitation to join him. To my knowledge I'd never been on a motorcycle in my life, but the expectant way he looked at me told me I was probably wrong. Damn Heero and the shit he did before he was me. I tried to act more confident than I felt as I walked up and calculated how I'd get up behind him, his eyes displaying clear amusement as he watched. "Never been on a motorcycle, huh?" Duo asked with a grin. "Don't worry, you can snuggle up close and I'll protect ya." How mortifying. I tried to stop thinking about it so hard and channel Heero as I slipped up behind him. I felt my heart start pounding as I drew close to him, my anxiety and proximity conflicting and overwhelming me. "Gotta hold on tight, now," he teased, looking back over his shoulder at me, grabbing my hands to wrap them around his waist. Feeling his heat, his muscled abs, it made me think of how he straddled me on his couch, that hungry kiss devouring me, and I couldn't help but want to rip him off the bike and drag him back upstairs. But I knew this was important to him and knowing I was about to enter a place Heero never did calmed my desire. Barely. I actually found the motorcycle experience came easily to me and I leaned easily into the curves with him as if it were second nature. In no time at all we were pulling up to a rather uninspired, two story building flanked on one side by a grassy area with a well worn playground situated on it. There was bunting on the doors and windows advertising that it was a special event and a few women were carrying in oversized covered platters with what I could only assume were sandwiches and other buffet items. Sadly, I was glad we didn't drive up in the Porsche. Although the place was clearly well cared for, it was worn out, and I would've felt a bit of guilty for brandishing obvious money about. Duo quickly ran up to the women, opening the doors for them and taking a platter. I followed behind, accepting a platter as well, and getting the impression from their conversation that they were volunteers bringing food to the event from a nearby church ministry. I felt very out of my element then but followed obediently to a large room set up with a long table where we placed the food and Duo thanked the women before he lead me deeper into the building. "Mister Duo?" a tiny voice called from behind us as we approached a stairwell. I followed his lead and turned to face a tiny little girl not much taller than my knees, her blonde ringlets done up in pigtails and a cute pink gingham frock adorning her. I noted the genuine smile on Duo's face as he crouched down to meet her pretty blue eyes. "Hey Lizzy," he greeted gently, holding out a hand in which she gingerly placed one of her own. He folded his big fingers around her hand and squeezed it for a moment. "Why aren't you with the other kids?" She looked a bit guilty as she tucked her chin and twisted a foot nervously. "I just went to find Missus JoJo but Missus JoJo isn't in the kitchen and I couldn't find her and then and then I didn't want to go back cause I got scared." Duo chuckled warmly, placing his other hand on her shoulder. "Why should you be scared? They're gonna have a big party and you're invited!" "But what if no one picks me?" Her tiny, frightened voice tugged at even my taunt heartstrings. I remembered what Duo said at the apartment, about being the least adoptable kid around, and I knew instantaneously why he did this. How many times had he been rejected? How many times was he forced to feel the fear this little girl did? "Hey, it's okay. You know what? I didn't get picked for a long time," Duo told her sincerely. "Really?" she asked, captivated by him. "Oh yeah, so I got to go to all the parties and eat all the good food!" They both giggled. "But you know what? I grew up and someone did pick me." He glanced back at me and my throat constricted, overcome with emotion at the implication and the meaningful look in his eyes. I found myself walking up to him and putting a hand on his shoulder. "This is my friend, Jack," he explained. "You never had a friend before," Lizzy pointed out. "I had to find him," Duo told her with a knowing smile and she smiled back, her whole demeanor relaxing, so different from when she first approached. "Now, come on! We gotta go back and get ready, huh?" He scooped her up into his arms then, throwing her in the air and eliciting a fit of laughter from her. Duo threw her over his shoulder, tickling her, and we climbed the stairs to the second floor, which appeared to be a dormitory. Children were running in and out between the rooms in various stages of dressing while two women - I could tell by the two distinct older voices attempting to corral them in line - tried to make them presentable. Duo was explaining to Lizzy that he'd have to help as he set her down and once the children caught sight of him we were bombarded by tiny hands and voices all vying for Duo's attention. "I was on Mars," he was explaining as he shook hands with and picked up different children, greeting them one by one. "This is Jack." A pause to listen to another question. "He's my friend." How he deciphered amongst all the excited shouts I was unsure. "Oh you have to listen to Miss JoJo, now." I noticed the women then, standing in opposing doorways, smiling at Duo's presence amongst the thirty or so children. "Thank you, Duo," the elder of the two said as she walked forward and took a girl from Duo's arms, smoothing her wild hair with a patient hand. "No problem, Jo. Sorry to cause such a ruckus." She laughed, warm and friendly, similar to the way Duo laughed. "Oh, this place was a ruckus before you got here, don't flatter yourself." "I can help ya get some of these little monsters dressed," he offered and she nodded before throwing her speculative gaze at me. "Who's your friend?" she asked and I couldn't even believe the blush that spread across Duo's face. This woman must really be important to him. "Ah, that's Jack," Duo explained, picking up a little boy who was begging for his affection and propping him on a hip. "He's an old war buddy. Hope it's okay that I brought him..." "Of course," she reassured him easily. "As long as you plan to tell me what makes him so special...?" I shifted uncomfortably and they seemed to realize I was, in fact, still standing there. Duo flashed me an apologetic smile and introduced us before carrying the boy, and two others wrapped around his legs, into one of the rooms. I attempted to follow him but got stopped by a tugging at my pant leg. "Mister Duo likes you a lot, huh?" Lizzy asked and I blinked, confused. I'd never been near a child before. Briefly I wondered what I was thinking when I insisted I come here. This is where jealousy over yourself gets you. "Yeah, you could say that," I agreed at last, proud of myself for a successful response. "Well, then you're my friend too!" she pronounced and hugged my leg. A smile tweaked the corner of my lips and I reached a tentative hand down and stroked her soft, wispy hair. I felt sure someone would have to adopt a girl with such a sweet disposition as her. "I would like that," I told her and she beamed up at me. Then I looked up and noted Duo wearing a similar expression, leaning against the doorframe, watching us. But just as I noticed him he managed to find a child to scoop up and attack with tickles. Once the children were tired out and dressed it was about time to go down to the meet and greet. I wasn't precisely sure how these things worked but Duo sidled up to me and our shoulders brushed as the children began filing out at Jo's instruction. "You're doing great!" he encouraged me softly, grabbing my hand and squeezing it for a moment. "You don't have to talk to anyone, you know, just stand off to the side or whatever, but I like to be available to the kids in case they start getting upset. This part can be kinda hard. People are always looking for perfect but no kid is perfect..." I knew instantly that this wasn't about the kids as much as it was about him and found myself whispering, "you're perfect to me." He smiled up at me gratefully. "I'm glad you came." I reached for his hand then and returned the quick, supportive grasp. "Me too." We wandered into the crowded banquet room and I observed the event with casual interest, but mostly my attention was focused on the braided man floating easily through the room. Duo was great at calming the children and introducing them to potential parents, pointing out their strengths and helping them shine. I found myself snacking on sandwiches and glancing out the window when I saw it - the Nexxus International Group personnel vehicle. The vehicle didn't stand out, no Nexxus vehicle did. But I was gifted with exceptional powers of observation and I noted the make and model and the parking garage badge hanging from the rear view mirror. Quickly I scanned the room but didn't note anyone I recognized. Why would they be here? They weren't following me, were they? I mean, that would be ridiculous, to drive all the way to Sanc and Duo's apartment just to see what one AI researcher did in their free time. I guess that wasn't fair. In fact it was egotistical and paranoid. Surely it was just an employee looking to adopt one of these children who was breaking policy and driving a company car for leisure. I pushed the thought from my mind and turned back around to see Duo walking towards me with a nice looking couple, Lizzy tucked comfortably into his arms. "Hey, Jack, these guys work with you!" Duo announced as he reached me and I felt relief wash over me. See? Paranoid. We introduced each other and I found out that her name was Kimi and she left HQ after she got married to work with her husband Daniel who lived here in Sanc and was in outside sales. So I wasn't surprised they afforded him a company car. We chatted briefly about work and Lizzy and I wished them luck in their quest and Duo was ferrying them away again. After a few hours the event wound down and Duo was busy buoying their spirits, singing songs and carrying them upstairs for naps. Lizzy insisted I carry her and although I was naturally reluctant I sucked it up and lifted her up against my chest. Her tiny arms wrapped around my neck and she laid her face there against my throat, sighing contently. I found it thoroughly strange that she would have any affection for me - I certainly wasn't warm and outgoing like Duo or Jo. Plus I felt a strange, subconscious anxiety around children that I suspected had something to do with Heero as my past in no way implied any difficulty with them. But that didn't seem to matter to her. She just yawned and snuggled closer. "Make a friend?" Duo asked me, clearly delighted with me as he carried his own two children upstairs. I just nodded, my heart swelling with pride at his pleasure. Duo showed me to her bed and I laid her down carefully, tucking her in. "Will you come back?" she asked quietly as her hands sought out a well-loved teddy bear. "I'd like to," I answered honestly. She smiled then and looked like she was going to say something else but she was asleep before she got a chance. I walked quietly from the room and found Duo waiting for me in the hallway. "Didja mean it?" he asked quietly as we headed back down the stairs. "Yeah," I replied, surprising us both. "I did." We helped them clean up and Duo said he'd treat me to dinner for being so helpful so we were back on the motorcycle. But this time I wrapped my arms around him willingly and leaned in against his back, burying my nose in the nape of his neck and breathing in the heady scent of him. He took me to a park square surrounded on all sides by little boutique businesses and quick eateries. There were a few families letting their kids run in the grassy area one last time before the dying light forced them to pack up and leave. Luckily there didn't appear to be much other foot traffic aside from a few young couples who were visiting an ice cream parlor. I guessed there were more interesting attractions on a summer night than this small park. "I know this isn't your typical fare," he said apologetically as we got off the bike, "but I'm kinda in the mood for some comfort food." "It's fine," I assured him, knowing how taxing today must've been for him. Duo lead me to a walk-up Chinese restaurant and we ordered kung pao chicken and twice cooked pork, only forced to wait minutes for it's completion before being handed two hot paper containers and chopsticks. We sat at a little wire table bordering the park, watching the kids escape their parents' directives to head back to the car. "Back when I was a kid on L2," Duo started slowly, staring at his food with what I can only describe as appreciation, "there was a little Chinese restaurant owned by an old couple from L5. What they were doing there, I'll never know, but the woman had no kids of her own. Maybe. I don't know. Sometimes I think maybe she lost a kid and they left L5 to get away from it." He shrugged and took a bite. "Anyway, at the end of the day, if we were around, she would always give us street kids anything she had left over. I know her husband wasn't too keen, he was always worried we'd start hanging around, ya know? Begging." He grimaced, as if the very idea disgusted him. "But we didn't. We respected her. And damn if those weren't some of the best meals I ever had." Then he smiled in a far-off way, remembering pleasantly something that sounded horrifying to me. "Feels strange to have to tell you all this again," he admitted and I frowned. "Heero knew all this and still wouldn't go to the orphanage with you?" I asked carefully, not really wanting to talk about him, but unable to believe a man who confessed to loving Duo so much he'd destroy himself would be so cruel. Duo seemed like he wanted to evade the question but then met my eyes straight. "Yeah, Heero knew I was an orphan. But see, Heero was an orphan too. But he didn't have anyone like Jo or Sister Helen. His guardian was cruel. Even before I found a place, when I was stealing food on the street, it was still better... Heero was taught to kill." My teeth clenched and a peculiar fear took hold of me. "I always thought maybe it was too much for him, to know some kids got lucky when he had such a shit experience... Not that waiting around for someone to love you is great, don't get me wrong, but jeez, it's pretty incomparable to being trained as an assassin at age five." I felt a pang of sympathy for my creator. It was no wonder Heero gave me such a boring, non-descript past. He had no concept of normal. It was the best he could do for me. "That's why you said there was nothing better in Heero's life," I realized softly and he nodded. "Not sure if it gets better or worse from there," he admitted with a tense chuckle. We lapsed into silence then, having enough depressing thoughts to occupy ourselves without having to share. It was dark by the time we made it to Duo's apartment. I watched him in the pale streetlight secure his bike while leaning against my car. The drive back wasn't one I was looking forward to. Unfortunately Duo must've guessed my thoughts because he walked up to me and put his hands on my hips, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You can stay, ya know... if you want," he offered. I didn't move, terrified I'd do something stupid even if my intentions were good. At length, he added, "I'm going back to Mars Monday morning..." "I know I'm just an old lover to you," I started, the words difficult to say, "but you're something new to me and I'm just -" Duo shushed me, his eyes mimicking the pain I was feeling. "It's a lot to sort out," he agreed although I could tell he was disappointed. "Hey," I brushed his bangs out of his eyes, meeting them honestly. "I'm glad you found me." I heard his breath catch in the quiet and I leaned in and pressed my lips against his. I felt I could feel his emotions so much more acutely like this, the little tremor shooting through his body, the tremble in his lips. And when our lips fell apart I wrapped him in a warm embrace. He buried his nose into my neck and sighed, so similar to how that little girl had... "It was a good day," he murmured and I kissed his forehead. "Yeah," I agreed. It might have been sad in so many ways, but I was with him, and I was quickly learning that that was all it took.
~ * ~ tbc... |
