"Domino Effect"

Written By: Karen The Huntress

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or its characters

Rating: R

Warnings: Language, angst, peaceable ending

Pairings: Implied 1x2, 2x1

Summary: Heero has a revelation.

"Domino Effect "

 

Heero Yuy—Codename 01

Heero took pride in his warfare skills, proficiency in stratagem and mastery of the Zero System. He dictated the terms of every situation. Always in control, especially detached emotions.

For his prowess as Gundam Pilot 01, Heero was dubbed the Perfect Soldier.

Regrettably, while being an arrogant ass, he didn't realize pride goes before a fall.

Not referencing intuitive mistakes or lapses in concentration. United Earth Sphere Alliance or OZ weren't responsible, instead, his lesson in humility was orchestrated by the self-proclaimed God of Death, Duo Maxwell—Codename 02.

******

Mission Assignment: Infiltrate Romefeller Industrial Complex 32.

Objective: Terminate production of mass-produced energy cells for Mobile Dolls.

Operations discontinued for the night. Ten security personnel on duty. Minimum casualty impact.

In Central Control Heero hacks the mainframe, gleans relevant data then embeds four tier viruses to obliterate programming in linked computers. Meanwhile Duo secures explosive charges to destroy twelve assembly sections without razing the entire building.

Computer infected. Remote detonator activated. Duo and Heero set a straightway route to the nearest exit. Almost to the side door.

Almost.

Disembodied voices obstructs escape.

Duo flattens against a wall adjacent to an intersecting corridor. Smug grin hints he's about to do something risky.

Before Heero can admonish his partner for disregarding protocol, 02 tucks a Sig Sauer pistol into his right boot. A fusion of confidence and cockiness Duo saunters into view.

Voices fade, no doubt spurred by the unexpected appearance of an enigmatic figure dressed in black. Silence is short-lived. Unmistakable snaps of weapons being cocked echoes in the stillness.

"Halt." is ordered menacingly.

A quick glance. Heero confirms two men in UESA uniforms leveling SR42s.

Hands raised in mock surrender Duo nods at the large caliber assault rifles. "Don't want no trouble." he lies.

A lanky guard with shaggy auburn hair studies the lone, apparently unarmed, interloper. After a contemplative moment he states. "Cheeky bastard."

"I'm bettin' on just plain stupid." the second sentry with a thick scar etched across his cheek comments.

Duo feigns a nonchalant attitude. "Damn! Flingin' insults. Ever heard of détente?" Lips licked in a wicked manner baits the hook. "No reason for fighin'. How about a blowjob?"

Unconvinced by the licentious proposition the redhead offers a counter proposal. "How about chucking your corpse in the incinerator?"

"Promise ya won't be disappointed."

Scarface bares yellow teeth in an anticipatory grin. "Hey Shawn, whatcha think?" he asks the redhead.

Shawn shrugs. "Bet this ain't his first blowjob."

"Okay." Scarface agrees, then adds a terminal stipulation. "Better be good or you're a dead man."

"Fair enough." Duo accepts the probably lethal terms. "But ya gotta take turns."

Certain Shawn has the firepower advantage, Scarface leans his rifle against the wall.

Duo braces one knee on the gray tile floor. Left hand fumbles with the zipper on Scarface's uniform trousers. Sufficient misdirection. Right hand slips out of sight.

Suddenly Duo is upright, stabilized in a defensive stance, Sig Sauer a natural extension of his outstretched arm.

Both sentries stare wide-eyed at the targeted pistol.

"What the hell!" Scarface exclaims in utter disbelief.

"Now we play by my rules." Duo announces in a no-nonsense tone.

Infuriation at being duped, Shawn opts for a challenge. Perhaps his reflexes are superior. (Perhaps he's daft.) Blur of motion. Rifle aims to fire a deadly projectile.

Glock at the ready Heero edges closer.

Situation Analysis: Imminent threat.

Evaluative Response: Neutralize by gunfire.

Catch-22: Shots make noise. Noise attracts attention. Don't invite additional guards to dance.

A nanosecond.

Heero springs from the shadows. Swift snap kick preempts any action. Dislodged rifle skitters across the floor. Next a solid punch to the diaphragm forcibly expels air like a hissing tire. Gasp. Grunt. Shawn collapses in a boneless heap.

Of course Duo has no intensions of allowing total intervention. An uppercut smashes chin, mouth and nose. Scarface topples like a felled tree.

******

Rocky knoll overlooking the doomed Romefeller complex.

Activation light glows green. "Ready for some fireworks?" Duo triggers the detonator switch.

Fire erupts. Shockwaves ripple through sandy soil. Dust and debris corroborate demolition. Intermittent gusts funnel smoky currents up the hillside.

Noting 01's less than enthusiastic reaction, Duo wonders aloud. "What put a kink in your ass?"

That smug query is the proverbial last straw. Temper fuse shortens. "Insolent! Reckless! Irresponsible!" Heero shouts in exasperation, "Your asinine juvenile behavior could have resulted in mission failure."

Duo thoughtfully ponders the scathing rebuke. Typical "don't sweat it" mindset. "Shit Heero, ya really need to relax. Quit worryin' about every damn mission. We've never failed and we ain't gonna."

Reply perceived as dismissive remarks. Fuse burns down to flash point. "Son of a bitch." Heero growls.

The Perfect Solider should have remembered anger impedes rational thoughts and compromises focus. Adrenaline-fueled actions are undisciplined. Too incensed to care, he charges headlong.

Predictably 02 stands his ground then, at the last moment, sidesteps the initial attack.

Unpredictably Duo refuses to retaliate.

This refusal to engage fuels frustration. Accompanied by a barrage of curses Heero launches a flurry of strikes and kicks.

Duo pivots. Forearms deflect fists. Dodge. Elude. When retreat is deemed the prudent choice, he withdraws.

A few glancing blows do hit their target to bruise a cheekbone or leach blood from lips.

Yet, all the while, Duo repeats. "I won't fight you. I won't fight you."

Unlike Wing Zero, the Gundanium warrior that regenerates energy levels, human stamina is not self-sustaining. Despite waning endurance, heart hammering and smoke-laced breaths seizing his lungs, Heero attacks with tenacious determination.

Even though Duo has high tolerance limits, his willingness to be pummeled is not infinite nor his patience inexhaustible.

"HEERO! STOP!" is demanded angrily.

Heero doesn't heed the conclusive warning.

Duo centers his weight, intercepts the next punch and utilizes forward momentum to tip his opponent off balance. Arms and legs tangle. Both men pitch over. Clouds of dust plume in their wake.

Heero wriggles to gain the upper hand. However, with Duo sprawled on top, the furious struggle erodes into a scuffle more akin to drunken barroom brawling than actual combat.

"Calm down." Duo urges an end to the fight. Remorseful apology. He sighs. "I'm sorry."

Suddenly those two humble words shatter Heero's resolve. In a single heartbeat indignation vanishes.

Fury spent, Heero stares into Duo's flushed face streaked with sweat and blood. As stars glimmer in the moonless sky, he searches expressive violet eyes for a measure of empathy; any sign Duo understands the outburst that shouldn't have happened.

After all Heero Yuy is the Perfect Soldier.

Always rational.

Always correct.

Always in control.

A fool too proud to light a candle Heero stumbles in the darkness. Blindly gropes for secure handholds, anyone to blame.

Odin Lowe.

Doctor J.

OZ.

Fate.

Despite the denial, one accusatory word struggles pass the baseless condemnations.

"Myself." he whispers.

Duo's discerning smile puts flame to the candlewick.

"Curse the destruction. Mourn the dead. Rail against injustice." Duo advises. "We didn't start this senseless war but together we sure as hell are goin' to finish it." he declares then seals the steadfast promise with a passionate kiss.

~~<0>~~

First emotional domino succumbs to gravity. Each successive domino topples over.

Guilt.

Remorse.

Helplessness

Fear of failure—fear of losing Duo.

Last domino falls.

~~<0>~~

In that clarifying moment of deliverance the Perfect Solider submits to imperfection. Not embarrassed by tears welling in his bloodshot eyes, Heero embraces his friend, lover and soul mate. "Love you."

"Love you, too." Duo pledges, "Just the way you are."

OWARI

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