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" Better Than Fine "Written By: Presser DISCLAIMER: This fanfiction is not written for profit. The author claims no ownership of the characters. Pairing: 1x2 Rating: PG Spoilers: The story refers to the final events of the series. Warnings: Post-series AU, light romance Summary: What do you do with a broken heart that never found the courage to say "I love you?"
Duo struggles to find the courage to confess to Heero, but before he can, Heero vanishes, leaving only a cryptic note that explains nothing. Weeks later, Duo finds a letter taped to his shower curtain. Who broke into his apartment to leave it? Why? Does this have anything to do with Heero's disappearance?
Better Than Fine answers these questions with
a surprise twist that will leave your pulse racing and warm your heart. "Better Than Fine " 6 Duo's attacker slammed him against the wall of the dark alley. He winced, expecting his cheek to burn as rough brick scraped it, but the gloved hand over his mouth took that punishment. Who does that when they're trying to -- Hot breath hissed in his ear. "Don't yell and I won't hurt you." "I don't call for help," Duo growled, "I fight!" He struggled, surprised by how easily his attacker kept the upper hand. With all his strength Duo threw his head back, hoping to head-butt the man, but he anticipated it, releasing Duo's chest and using his free hand to force Duo's head against the wall again. Then the voice was in Duo's ear once more, this time without the hiss. It was low and guttural but somehow calm, almost warm. "Just talk, that's all I want." Duo's eyes widened. I know that voice. The man released Duo's mouth, put his hands on his shoulders, and turned him around. The sun was gone from the sky, but there was enough streetlight to reflect glints of blue in the eyes boring into Duo's. His mouth dropped open, and a single word struggled out of his throat. "Heero!" Heero's eyes brightened, and his tight smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Duo's ability to think rushed back like air filling a vacuum, and questions spilled out of him. "Where have you been? How did you know I'd be here? Why'd you leave without -- Why was your note so --" "Slow down," Heero said, "and lower your voice." Duo scowled and said, "You owe me an --" "You'll get it," Heero said, "but not here." Duo started to speak, but Heero's glare kept him from saying more. "Follow me," he said. "Give me a ten-second lead." Duo hesitated, then nodded. Heero stepped from the alley and disappeared. Duo counted off ten seconds and did the same. Pools of light around lampposts punctuated the dark street, but Heero was nowhere to be seen. What the --? He didn't have enough time to vanish. Duo heard something scrape the sidewalk and saw a figure on the other side of the street. He returned Heero's quick nod and put his hands in his pockets against the chill as he followed at a distance. Makes me look casual, I guess. As they reached the corner, Duo's mind swirled with more unanswered questions. Why is he playing at spy versus spy? What the devil has he gotten himself into? Can't be good if he's resorting to tactics like this. Duo slowed at the front of the Bank of America building, but Heero didn't. If they had been walking together, Duo would have said he was supposed to meet Trowa and that he was late. But maybe that's part of whatever crazy game Heero's playing at here. At the next corner Heero turned right. Duo quickened his pace and crossed the street. Heero slowed down, so Duo did too. A bell jangled over the door to a little shop, and a tall man in an overcoat stepped into the streetlight with a broom, muttering to himself as he swiped at the trash in front of his store. Heero turned into the place. When Duo reached the door, the shopkeeper waved him inside. The lights were off, and boxes stacked haphazardly on the floor and counters cast dim shadows. Before Duo had time to wonder what was going on, the shopkeeper closed and locked the door. Duo whirled around. "Where's Heero?" he said. The shopkeeper pointed silently to the back of the store, where a faint light came from a door left ajar. "It's all right, Duo," the shopkeeper said as he brushed one long bang aside. "Trowa!" Duo whispered. Trowa walked past him. Duo followed. The back room was someone's living room -- the store owner's, apparently -- and radiated a settled, homey feeling. Heero was sitting in a stuffed sofa chair, the fabric fading and worn away here and there. A floor lamp next to the sofa cast a quiet glow over Quatre's shoulders. Duo was stunned into silence, unable to do more than watch Trowa join his husband on the couch. "You should see your face," Wufei said. He was crouched at the end of the low table in front of the couch, pouring hot tea into little porcelain cups. "Here," he said as he stood and handed one to Duo. "You look chilled." Duo looked at the tea then at Wufei without a word. "Have a seat, Duo," Heero said from behind him. "I owe you a full explanation." Wufei nudged Duo's finger with the teacup, and that set him into motion. He took it from Wufei and moved to sit opposite Heero, who wore his "this is mission critical" face. But there's something else, something in his eyes I can't name. Duo sat. He stared into cooling tea, looking up only when Heero said, "Why don't we start with the note?" |
