"Woke Up One Morning…
"
Written By: SkyLark
View commissioned art
for "Woke
Up One Morning"
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Gundam Wing, or its characters.
I just love playing with them.
Pairings: 1+2+1, eventual 1x2, 5xS
Warnings: Angst, Sap, Romance
Rating: NC 17
Summary: After a night on the town together, Heero
and Duo wake up with blank minds and a pressing problem.
Betaed by ShenLong *hugs*
Archives: http://www.gundam-wing-diaries.150m.com/gw/SkyLark/gwSkyLark.htm
and http://www.mizunoamy.bravepages.com/skylark/skylarkfics.html
Special Note: "The translation' s rights
to portuguese the works by this author were given in to the principal
translation' s team of the
website www.xyzyaoi. org " "Os direitos de tradução
para o português dos trabalhos desta autora foram cedidos para
os tradutores oficiais do site www.xyzyaoi. org "
"Woke Up One Morning…
"
Chapter 9
Red.
That is all that I can see right now. Nothing but bright
red. I can’t even hear anything right now. For a blissful second,
that stays the case before the world returns, but I can now feel my
chest hammering with my heart as well as my burning face.
No way, did I hear that right. There’s no fucking
way!
Swallowing to give myself a second to try and calm myself,
I stay focused on Quatre and Relena. They both look a little more
than worried standing just above me at the edge of the pool. Finally
shaking my head, I manage a quietly growled, "What did you just
say?"
Just beside me, from the corner of my eye, I can
actually see Heero almost shaking with rage as he stars at the pair.
Very slowly, Trowa and Wufei skim closer towards us in the center
of the pool. Keeping less than a foot behind me, I know they're getting
ready to restrain me if I should suddenly lose my cool. Not a bad
call on their part. Shit, I really don't know how to react to all
of this.
Relena and Quatre glance at each other in concern before they turn
to face me again. Clearing her throat, the former Queen responds,
"Several members of the Assembly are calling for an investigation
to clear you of any involvement in yesterday's attack."
Well... so much for not hearing right the first time.
Instead of seeing red again, I actually have more hurt over hearing
the news the second time around. My shoulders slumping and eyes wide,
I just let the whole thing sink in. Behind me, Trowa and Wufei back
off a little more knowing that I'm not about to unleash in any way.
However, Heero's unable to hold back his anger as he shouts, "They
can't be serious!" Quat and 'Lena reel back at his sharp tone
and turn their wide eyes on him. His face reddening, my partner goes
on, "You mean that they haven't done enough to him
already?! They have to accuse him of something like this on top of
it all!?"
My hand on his shoulder stops him and he looks over at me. The moment
our eyes meet, his anger fades a bit into a look mixed between
sympathy and sadness. Squeezing his shoulder, I focus back on our
friends at the edge of the pool.
"I have to get a hold of Lady Une," comes the announcement
and I'm surprised how calm my voice sounds. "She'll be more than
happy to help clear me of anything that they may or may not be trying
to pin me with."
That said, I swim over to the closest end and pull myself from the
pool. A glance over my shoulder shows my partner looking
very torn over whether to follow or stay behind. The rest of my friends
all look to be debating the same thing, but I must be giving off enough
of a clue that I need some time alone and they stay right where they
are.
Much as I appreciate whatever support and company they could offer,
especially Heero, I really could use a moment alone.
Grabbing a towel, I dry myself off as best I can before wrapping it
around my waist and heading inside. As I move for the guest room,
my frustration and rage returns and grows as the situation festers
more in my head.
One way or the other, this shit is going to get handled.
* * * *
Changed into fresh clothes shortly after leaving the pool, I'm seated
in the huge living room before the vid phone. On the screen, a very
unhappy looking Commander sighs deeply, "Duo, I cannot tell you
how disgusted I am over the suggestion made to have you looked into
as a possible suspect. And I certainly hope that you know I am doing
everything in my power to have this resolved as quickly as I can."
That makes me smile... knowing that Une is going out of her way to
take care of me. Really, I would never expect her to not take care
of any one of us former pilots, but it's always nice to hear. In some
ways, she's been the closest thing to a mom for me since Sister Helen.
And like any protective mom, she's a little more than bent over this
situation.
Nodding, I reply, "I know you will, Commander. Thank you. If
there is anything that I can do to help to speed things along that
I need to release, like my whereabouts and such, let me know."
While I would love to be a total bastard and not give those assholes
the time of day, coming across as anything but cooperative won't make
the problem go away any time soon.
"I appreciate that, Agent Scythe," Une responds with a sad
smile that quickly fades. Shaking her head, she frowns, "It just
bothers me to no end that these people are giving you such a
hard time, even after everything you and the others have done
for them."
That's exactly what makes this whole damned thing hurt so much. My
stomach churns violently just thinking about it.
With a deep breath, the Commander says, "Well, at any rate, I
will be resolving this for you. If there is anything that I may need
just to appease those ungrateful sons of bitches, I'll let you know.
But if they get too out of line, I'll tell them all where they can
go."
Hearing those words coming out of her mouth in reference to the Assembly
members we're sworn to protect has me laughing. It just what I needed
to lose the tension that had been building in me. "I appreciate
the help, Lady Une," I snicker when I'm able to contain myself.
A thought comes to mind and I tilt my head. Completely back to business,
I ask, "What have you been able to get out of our prisoner?"
She bites her lip and answers quietly, "He is claiming that he
and the bomber in the car acted alone." Her tone tells me clearly
that for some reason, she does not believe that story for one minute.
Which means that this guy's protecting a pretty big ass fish
if he's willing to take the fall for the attack all on himself. And
in the world of terrorism, there are a shit load of big fish out there.
The big challenge will be tracking this one down.
"Maybe some more time and persuasion will help his memory,"
I suggest with a smirk to let her know I'm onto what she's not saying.
There is a bemused smile tugging Une's lips. "You always
were a perceptive one," she compliments with a quiet chuckle.
Waving her hand, she orders, "Go on and try to relax on your
last few days off. We'll take care of things here until you get back."
I grin, "Yes, mother." Unlike any other time when I make
that comment, there's actually a sense of fondness when I address
it to her.
At the endearment, her eyes warm and she almost looks a bit taken
aback for a second. Shaking her head in amusement, she smiles, "Commander
Une out." And with that, the screen goes black.
Releasing the breath in my chest in a deep sigh, I fall back into
the couch and reach both hands up to rub my face. Whatever I had felt
up until now, I just have to let it go. What's done is done and now
I just have to react the best way possible to handle the situation.
All I have in my head right now is Heero's voice with his, 'think
of the solution and not the problem.' That's really all that I have
to keep focused on to keep from falling apart.
The sound of socked feet entering the carpeted room catches my attention.
Without even having to lower my hands and look, I know who is approaching.
But I do anyway and smile tiredly, "Hey."
Heero's concerned eyes ease with relief a bit as he grins back with
a quiet, "Hey." Dressed in a fresh, red tank and tan
shorts, he sits beside me and squeezes my leg. "How are you?"
he asks softly.
Resting my hand over his, I answer honestly, "Better now."
His smile grows as he leans his head back against the couch cushions
while threading our fingers together. I know he's waiting to hear
about my conversation with Lady Une, but he's letting me discuss it
on my own time.
God, I love him and how understanding he is what it comes to me. For
someone who's still coming to terms with being in a relationship,
he has it pretty well mastered.
Finally ready to talk, I grumble, "The members of the Assembly
that are questioning me want to be kept confidential. Fucking cowards,
but I can't say I'm surprised over that." Sighing I meet the
cobalt eyes on me and shrug, "Other than that, she's doing
everything she can to get my name cleared as soon as possible."
"And she will," Heero reassures me. "Not that it makes
it easier to know that there are bastards out there making accusations,
but we'll find who really is involved in the attack." Squeezing
my leg again, he tells me, "You know I'll do everything in my
power to see that happen. This case is personal now. For both of us."
Oh, that it is. More personal than any case we've had.
Instantly feeling better after hearing that, I smile and quickly peck
his lips with mine in appreciation. "Thanks, husband-mine,"
I breathe as I pull away.
Frowning in thought, I comment, "One thing does have me concerned,
though." My partner tilts his head with a questioning look and
I state, "If there is anyone from L2 involved in this, it's not
going to exactly help the Colony earn any sympathy from the Assembly
to get help out there."
'Ro chews on his bottom lip a moment before he replies, "I had
thought about that possibility. But, there are dozens of possibilities
to who is responsible and why they attacked. When we do get back to
headquarters, let's just focus on getting answers and not on where
they may or may not lead."
Nodding, I admit, "You're right. I'm letting my thoughts get
ahead of me." The side of my mouth curls up and I compliment,
"You always were the level-headed one in this pairing."
"Well, one of us has to be," my husband snickers even as
I 'punch' his shoulder. Chuckling, I rest my head back and close my
eyes. Gently, a hand runs through my bangs, causing me to hum in content.
"Think of the solution," his voice begins.
I finish, "Not the problem." A soft kiss presses against
my temple in response.
Sitting here like this, I'm only more convinced that there literally
is not a damn thing I can't get through with Heero by me. Under any
other circumstances, I would still be losing my cool.
While I can tell the changes in him from my influence, I often take
for granted what an impact he's made in me. It's only in moments like
this I really notice the how different I am from how I was even a
couple of years ago.
Bringing out the best in each other like most married couples, I guess.
Our hands disconnect and we slide apart when we hear
someone making their way towards the room. Looking over to the doorway,
we spot Quatre as he peeks his head inside. "Lunch is going to
be ready in a minute, guys," he announces.
Since my stomach is no longer churning over the more recent events,
I actually am a little hungry. Grinning, I nod, "Sounds good.
We'll be in the living room in a sec. Thanks, Quat."
Clearly relieved that I'm not a complete basket case, as I am sure
the others had been expecting, my blond friend smiles brightly before
disappearing again. Once I'm certain he's gone, I grasp Heero's shirt
and pull him in for the fierce kiss that I've badly needed from him.
He never puts up a fight to stop me, which tells me he's wanted it,
too.
"There," I sigh when the need for air calls. "Now I
feel a hell of a lot better."
Snickering, my partner gets to his feet, pulling me up with him by
a light tug on my braid. "Let's go, baka," he says quietly on
our way for the door. I smile at the title that I have come to know
as an endearment and not the insult it may have been intended as in
the very beginning.
We'll get through whatever comes our way. Let the world do its worst.
* * * *
Seated at lunch, I fill the others in on the gist of my call with
Une- how some of the Assembly members feel it was convenient that
I was the one in the conference room before the explosion when L2
was being debated. My being in the cafeteria when the attack happened
was also being considered a cover-up of my involvement. After all,
I did sit about as far from the windows as possible.
It was an excellent theory, for those looking to point the finger
at someone. Of course, that's all it is- a theory.
"Bastards," Wufei hisses, shaking his head in frustration.
"Makes me glad as hell that I'm retiring from having to protect
their asses as soon as the baby is here." 'Lena raises an
eyebrow with a smirk at him. Blushing, Chang ducks his head and mumbles,
"Well... most of their asses. No offense, Relena."
With a giggle, she reassures, "None taken. I understand where
you're coming from." Folding her arms, she sits upright in her
seat and frowns, "I would love to know exactly who would make
such a ridiculous suggestion." A narrow-eyed Quatre nods his
head in agreement beside her.
I wave my hand nonchalantly and shrug, "Doesn't matter. It's
being handled and we'll get who's really behind the attack soon enough.
I'm over it."
Blinking in surprise, Trowa looks over at Heero and grins. It's a
wordless compliment that he's impressed he's clearly been rubbing
off on me. Smiling to myself, I finish my glass of milk. "I've
got rinsing duty this time," I announce when I see that everyone
is finished with their meals.
Quickly, Relena offers, "I'll stick around to help." From
the corner of his eye, 'Ro catches my quick glance over at him as
a clear sign that he's just as surprised as I am by her suggestion.
It's not that the former Queen frowns on chores, she's quite the opposite.
Her volunteering to stay in a room with only me is the shocker.
Smiling, I nod gratefully to her and the rest of our friends stand
to filter from the room. The last to leave, Heero discretely looks
over his shoulder at me before he disappears. And the tension I always
feel when I'm with 'Lena is back the second he's gone.
A few plates in hand, I head over to the sink and dishwasher. The
Vice-Foreign Minister begins clearing off the table and clears her
throat. My hand freezes on the sink faucet, as I look over to let
her know she has my attention. Bent at the waist on the other
side of the table to gather some bowls, she begins, "I know that
you and I always had an... interesting friendship, Duo."
If that wasn't the understatement of the year...
Her hands full, 'Lena brings what she can carry over to me and lowers
them into the sink. For one of the few times over the course of my
knowing her, her eyes lock on mine and she says sincerely, "I
am sorry for that. For some time, I have harbored a bit of jealousy
towards you since you were the one that Heero turned to after the
wars. Really, I had no right."
Swallowing, I'm surprised how constricted my throat is. When that
tension eases at her words, I grin, "It's all right, 'Lena. I
could have always tried to pull you aside to have a talk about it,
too. So, you're not the only one that's responsible for the awkwardness."
The smile she gives me is both one of relief and yet, I think she
almost feels worse that I'm not being an ass at blaming it all on
her. Biting her lip, Relena says quietly, "He cares for you.
More than anyone else. I always had a feeling about that, but seeing
him defending you the way he had at the pool earlier only proved it."
I blink my widening eyes, unable to come up with a response to that.
After a short silence between us, she vows, "If there is any
possible way I can help you clear your name, I will. You're a good
person, who has should not have to deal with this." Tilting her
head, she frowns, "And I certainly hope that you do not feel
poorly enough of me that we won't be able to start over... to become
good friends instead of friends out of convenience."
Unable to keep from smiling at that, I just move and wrap my arms
around 'Lena in a tight hug. Stiffening at first, no doubt from surprise,
she quickly relaxes and hugs me back with a quiet giggle. “I’d
really like that, Relena,” I tell her sincerely before pulling
away.
Grinning from ear-to-ear, the young woman that I can
now officially call a friend holds her hand out. "Then, my name
is Relena Peacecraft," she introduces. That grin widens further
as she adds, "But my good friends call me 'Lena. And even though
I do serve as a Vice-Foreign Minister, I really do not like being
addressed by that title."
I accept her hand and shake it firmly with a bright smile of my own,
replying, "Very nice to meet you, 'Lena. Name's Duo Maxwell."
For a second, I actually had to be careful to not tag on
the Yuy part of my last name. Luckily, she never picked up on
my slight pause to think. "Duo to my friends, God
of Death to anyone who pisses me off."
"Pleasure to meet you, Duo," she chuckles. Our hands separate
and she turns back to the table to take up another round of dishes.
Starting the sink water, I begin rinsing what I already have to work
with and start loading the dishwasher.
Already, the air around us is so different from how it normally was
before our talk. There's no longer that tension. Before long, we start
discussing everything from the weather to some of our own political
views for the remainder of our cleaning.
When we're finished, we're still laughing and goofing off the way
I always wished we would over the time we had known each other.
You know, I always compliment Heero and the others on how much they've
grown and changed. Now, I can really see first-hand how far 'Lena's
come. She's no longer the same girl that would be driven around in
that pink limo who had been trying to reel in her Prince Charming.
Of all of us, I would even argue that she's changed the most to become
the very mature young woman she is today. And I couldn't be more proud
of her.
I get the feeling we're actually going to be pretty tight from here
on out. That in and of itself is something that I'm looking forward
to.
TBC
Chapter 10
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