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"Boot Camp"Written By: Snowdragonct Disclaimer: Don't own any part of Gundam Wing or the characters, more's the pity. This is for fun...no profit involved. Warnings: AU (sort of), yaoi, swearing (lots), some OOC (probably), some violence, references to NCS (especially in later chapters) Pairings: 1+2, 3+4 (to start with) A/N: This is the first time I'm getting up the nerve to post a story...hope it's not too similar to anyone else's (haven't seen one just like it). Candid, kindly-delivered critiques will be greatly appreciated...please don't rip my head off too much? Um, and the old "don't like, don't read" phrase holds true. Oh, and it's fiction, and I don't have a law degree, so there's sure to be some inaccuracies...can we just pretend, please? Thanks in advance. Rating: NC 17 Summary: Four boys in the juvenile justice system
receive a last chance to make something of their futures. Will boot
camp make or break them? And can they ever learn to be a team? "Boot Camp"
Graduation day dawned sunny and warm, with a deep azure sky and picture book clouds drifting lazily overhead. Duo was a nervous wreck. “Baka! If you don’t hold still I’ll never get this tangle out!” Heero snapped, one hand holding a fistful of Duo’s hair while the other held a comb and he worked at a stubborn snag. “Just—just leave it!” Duo blurted in exasperation. “Braid around it and to Hell with it!” Quatre looked up from checking the stitching on the last of his patches. “Relax, Duo. You’re getting worked up for nothing,” he soothed. “It’s just a speech.” “I know!” Duo blurted, looking a bit paler at the mention of his upcoming public speaking engagement. Trowa looked over from where he was standing in his boxers while busily ironing the legs of his uniform slacks. A vague smirk touched his lips. “Shit, Maxwell—you weren’t this frantic when we were about to go up against Kushrenada.” “I know!” Duo repeated a little louder. “Ouch! Goddamnit, Heero!” He whirled around, yanking his hair out of the team leader’s hand. “Fuckin’ hurts!” He plucked the comb out of Heero’s hand, and was about to pull his hair over a shoulder to work on the snarl, when his lover caught him by both wrists, pulling him into a slow, lingering kiss. “Now that I have your attention,” Heero said huskily at the end of the kiss, “I just wanted you to know I’ll be close by while you give your speech—and no matter how it goes, I love you more than anything in the world. So relax.” Duo melted up against him, sighing and releasing just a little of his pent-up tension. “I just don’t want to screw this up,” he said quietly. “I don’t wanna let Chang or Merquise or any of you down.” “You won’t.” He pulled back a little, looking up into Heero’s eyes. “But this is really important, ‘Ro. What they’re trying to do here—giving kids like us another chance—it matters.” “We’re living proof of that,” Heero agreed. “What if I say the wrong thing, or make a mess out of the whole speech? I don’t want to come off like an idiot and make Chang look bad.” “You won’t, Maxwell,” came a wry voice from the door. He whipped around, eyes wide, to see Captain Chang in full dress uniform leaning in the doorway. The officer smiled warmly. “No matter how the speech turns out, I won’t be disappointed in you. All four of you boys—all my recruits—made such strides at this camp, that today is just a little icing on the cake. But even without it—the substance is still there. Your accomplishments are still there. No one can take away what you gained here at Camp Peacecraft.” Duo smirked teasingly at his guardian. “Mind if I quote you, sir?” “It’s your speech, Maxwell. Say whatever you want.” Wufei’s gaze went to Heero, who was gently straightening Duo’s collar for him. “The MSC uniform looks good on you, Yuy.” “Hn,” came the boy’s noncommittal response, although a slight self-conscious blush touched his cheeks. “Mmm—,” Duo purred, draping himself over his lover. “I never knew how sexy a man in uniform could be.” Wufei sighed and shook his head. “You’re in one, too, in case you haven’t noticed. And since you’re in uniform—perhaps you could show a little more—decorum?” “Aye-aye, sir!” Duo straightened and made a mock salute, but refrained from slouching against his lover again. While Duo was distracted, Heero took up the comb again and finished detangling the thick chestnut hair. “Anyhow,” Wufei continued. “I just came to let you know we’ll assemble in the exercise yard in fifteen minutes. From there, we’ll proceed to the ceremony, which will last an hour or so. There’s a mobile suit demonstration—then the obligatory speech-making and awards, and then you receive your certificates and Academy admission papers, before you’re dismissed to enjoy the rest of the day. There’s a big cook-out and time to just kick back and relax with your teammates and friends. Transportation has been arranged for each of you to wherever you’re spending the next four weeks until classes begin at the Academy. Any questions?” Duo had deftly braided his hair during Wufei’s announcement, and now tossed it back over his shoulder and fixed a searching gaze on the officer. “How come you haven’t asked if we all intend to go to the Academy? I mean, last I heard, if we made it through boot camp it was considered ‘time served,’ and we were given a clean record and the option to enlist. Don’t you want to know if we will?” Captain Chang met the indigo eyes steadily. “I do know,” he said complacently. “There’s no question in my mind as to what you’ll do. Is there one in yours?” Duo shook his head slowly, a smile spreading across his face. “Pretty sure you have us all hooked, eh?” “I saw your face after the simulator, Maxwell,” said Captain Chang. “I knew right then that you’d never give up trying to get into a real mobile suit. You won’t turn down an opportunity like that.” Duo’s eyes got a little dreamy. “Oh—yeah—the better-than-sex simulator.” He grinned slyly. “But then, that was before—.” Heero hastily clapped a hand over Duo’s mouth from behind, hugging his waist and pulling him up against a hard chest. “Shut up, Maxwell!” Duo snickered, while Wufei merely rolled his eyes and turned to leave. “The exercise yard, gentlemen—and you’re down to ten minutes!” The boys quickly finished dressing and straightening their uniforms, checking one another to be sure everything was right. And with words of encouragement from his teammates, Duo settled down a bit before they headed out of the barracks. They were almost to the exercise yard, with a few minutes to spare, when they were hailed. “Well, if it ain’t the sexiest L2 brat to ever wear a uniform,” came a teasing voice. Duo spun around, his face lighting up at the sight of Jason, leaning on crutches between Ben and Adam. “Jase!” He ran and almost knocked the other boy over by throwing himself into his arms. “Wow! Some greeting!” Jason exclaimed, looking over Duo’s shoulder at Heero’s smoldering glare. “Uh—Duo? Y’mind telling your boyfriend I’m no threat—bum knee an’ all?” Duo turned a chiding look towards Heero, pulling away from Jason. “Hey, ‘Ro—you know you’re the only one for me, right?” “Hai,” came the grudging acknowledgement. A mischievous light crept into Duo’s eyes. “But if you wanna get technical, Jase kissed me too—. Maybe you oughta—.” “No!” Heero said sharply, walking over and holding out a hand, which Jason shook. “Congratulations, Yuy. You won the competition and got the guy,” Jason teased, giving him a warm smile. “No hard feelings, huh?” “Not unless you hurt my friend,” Jason replied evenly. “Then you’ll have the wrath of another L2 street kid down on your head.” “It’ll never happen,” Heero said simply, slipping an arm around Duo’s waist. “Aw, good answer,” Duo grinned, nudging his lover with a shoulder, and giving him a sly wink. “I’ll reward you later.” One corner of Heero’s mouth twitched in a near-smirk. “Damn straight,” he mumbled under his breath. “So, how soon before you ditch the crutches?” Duo asked Jason, looking down at the boy’s leg. “I hardly use ‘em any more, but the physical therapist thought I should for today, just in case. Can’t overdo it, or I’ll ruin all the work I’ve put into getting it back in shape.” “And what about the Academy?” A wide smile lit Jason’s face. “I’ll be there. I’ve kept up on the book work, so they’re gonna let me start with you guys. But I might have to do some extra physical training next summer to finish catching up.” “That’s great!” Duo said earnestly. He glanced at Ben, Adam, and Troy. “The rest of you will be there, too, right?” “Couldn’t keep us away,” Ben asserted. “I heard Austin’s whole team made it, too…in fact, almost half of the recruits who started this camp were invited to the Academy.” “And Kushrenada said the Peacecraft Initiative was a waste of time?” Quatre spoke up, shaking his head. “I almost wish he was here for this.” “I don’t,” Trowa said flatly, exchanging a glance with Duo. “I’m glad he’s gone. He can hear about it from whatever lame-assed lawyer he can get to defend him.” Jason gave them an admiring look. “I wish I’d been here for everything,” he said regretfully. “It would have been awesome to see Kyle get taken down…and Kushrenada and his stinking guards, too.” Duo glanced warily at Ben, wondering how much information about his time in solitary the boy had shared with their absent team leader. But if Jason’s words didn’t reveal the answer, the slightly pained look he gave the other boy from L2 did. “It’s okay, Jase,” Duo said quickly, not wanting to rehash old news. “Us street rats are resilient, remember?” Jason nodded, understanding his friend’s reluctance to discuss the traumatic incident. “Can’t keep us down for long, can they?” He touched his knee significantly. “Wait’ll we get into mobile suits!” Duo smirked back. The group talked excitedly about the things they’d be learning at the Academy as they made their way to the exercise yard, and lined up to wait for Captain Chang. Jason left to take a seat with the audience, since there was no way he could participate in the marching necessary for the graduation exercise, and he’d already been granted his admission to the Academy. Corporal Carter and the other liaison troops were waiting for their teams, wearing their best dress uniforms as well. And Carter’s smile at the sight of his four charges in their new uniforms was as wide as theirs. “Well look at you!” he exclaimed happily. “Damn, but you four clean up nice.” He walked over to each boy, and gave a firm handshake. “It’s been a real pleasure working with you,” he told them. “Likewise,” Heero replied dutifully, but with genuine feeling. “Bet you didn’t think camp would be nearly as exciting as it was,” Duo suggested with a smirk. “Well, I should have guessed,” sighed the soldier in mock lament. “Considering how the first couple of weeks went, it should have sunk in that there’d never be a dull moment with you boys.” “Dull might’ve been nice,” Quatre said wistfully. Then his aquamarine eyes sought Duo’s indigo ones. “But I’d have never met the best friends I’ve ever had.” He shook his head, looking back at the MSC corporal. “I wouldn’t change a thing, Carter.” “Me neither,” Duo said, shrugging slightly. “Except maybe the part where I have to get up in front of a million fucking people and give a speech!” A faint note of hysteria crept into his voice, until Heero put a steadying hand on his shoulder. “Baka.” With his usual chuckle, Duo replied, “But your baka.” And his nervousness eased noticeably. Then the recruits were called to line up, each team led by their liaison, and a few minutes later they were marching in neat ranks towards the athletic field, where bleachers had been erected for the audience, and a platform and loudspeaker system was set up for the assembled dignitaries and MSC personnel. As Captain Chang had explained, the boys were marched into a neat formation in front of the platform, where they stood assembled for Colonel Une’s opening remarks. The rather severe-looking officer looked out over the ranks of recruits and the spectators and friends in the bleachers. “This is a landmark occasion—the graduation of the very first group of recruits to come through Camp Peacecraft to the Mobile Suit Corps Academy. I’d like to welcome the friends and family who have come to watch their loved ones mark this milestone in their lives.” She went on for a few minutes, briefly greeting everyone, before introducing the people on the platform with her. The entire Board of Directors of the Peacecraft Foundation was there, led by none other than the Senator for whom the camp was named. Also in attendance were the senior staff of the Academy, minus Major Merquise, and a number of judicial system officials. And then the Colonel stepped aside for Senator Peacecraft to make a short speech about the purpose of the boot camp, and how it fit into the juvenile justice system. Only the recruits themselves knew how carefully he avoided mentioning the corruption of the warden and the prison guards, and focused on the impressive statistics—noting that approximately three-quarters of the inmates had completed the program, while almost half of them qualified for Academy admission. After his speech, there were mobile suit demonstrations by veteran MSC pilots, who took them through basic to complex maneuvers in the field adjacent to the graduation area. Even while standing at attention, the recruits couldn’t help but enjoy the display, already anticipating a time they’d have the skills necessary to handle such machinery. Heero caught the longing look in Duo’s indigo eyes, and smiled warmly when his lover glanced aside at him. The time was coming when they’d be the ones manning the deadly suits, and finding out how much more intense they were than the simulator. And it was something all four boys in Team Wing were looking forward to. All too soon the demonstration was over, and Colonel Une took the podium again. She cleared her throat, and then glanced over at Captain Chang, who gave a curt nod. “Captain Chang and Major Merquise, the two officers most instrumental in the success of this camp have chosen the next speaker as someone who could act as the voice of the recruits here. He’s a young man from the first-ranked team here at Camp Peacecraft…Duo Maxwell.” Her stern gaze settled on Duo, who swallowed uneasily as she gestured him to join her at the podium. Heero’s quick glance was so filled with affection and support, that Duo felt warm all the way to his toes as he walked to the steps and climbed them. When he passed Wufei, the Chinese man patted his shoulder reassuringly, giving him a scowl and a nod as if to tell him to toughen up and take his punishment like a man. It brought an irrepressible smile to the braided boy’s face, for a fleeting instant, just before he realized how many people were staring intently at him. Duo found his usual composure had completely deserted him as he walked up to the podium, looking out across the assembly. He looked uncertainly down at Heero, who gave an encouraging nod. “Uh, yeah…” He nervously fingered the piece of paper he’d made so many notes on, and then just stuffed it back into his pocket. “Look…I had a speech all written down…but I never was much good at following a script.” He shrugged slightly, giving an apologetic grin, and then squared his shoulders. “My name’s Duo Maxwell. I grew up on the streets of L2, and I’ve spent the better part of my life in juvenile detention. I’m seventeen now, and will be eighteen in a few months. Frankly, Camp Peacecraft was my last chance to stay out of prison.” There were a few murmurs in the audience, though he couldn’t tell whether it was disapproval or amusement. “When I came here, I figured it’d be like all the other juvenile programs…another way to kill a few months until I got paroled. I didn’t expect to learn much of anything; and I sure as h—heck didn’t expect to qualify for the MSC Academy.” He gave a rather disbelieving shake of his head. “I’m not sure it’s even sunk in yet.” When he looked out across the field at all the other boys he’d spent so much time with, he found himself calming slightly. “Where I came from, we had to steal to survive. I learned to do that practically before I could talk. And I pretty much thought that was all I could ever expect out of life. I figured I was L2 street trash, and all the boot camp in the world couldn’t change that.” He shifted restlessly, glancing at Heero’s reassuring blue eyes. “Then I met my teammates here, and Captain Chang.” A wry smile touched his lips as he recalled his unpleasant first meeting with Wufei. “Yeah, Chang was a serious hardass. I didn’t think I’d last a week with a strict sonofabitch like him. But I did. He pushed, and challenged all of us. I think we hated his guts. At least until the first time he said ‘good job.’” Duo shook his head wonderingly, and a number of his fellow-inmates chuckled at similar memories of their stern Captain. “It was so hard to earn his approval, that when I finally did, it meant the world to me. More than I ever thought it would.” “And then I realized that it wasn’t just his opinion that mattered; I wanted to do well for my teammates, too. For the first time in my life, it wasn’t just about me. It was also about the people who were depending on me.” A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid who spent most of his life looking out for ‘number one.’ I had a lot to learn. But with the help of the MSC guys, and my teammates, I did learn.” “I learned to give a damn about someone other than myself, and how to work within the system, and how really fine it feels to have the approval of someone I respect. Hell, I learned respect while I was at it…probably the toughest lesson of all for someone like me.” He couldn’t help but smile. “On top of that, I learned how to trust. You wanna talk about a challenge? I haven’t trusted anybody in years. But I’d put my life in the hands of any of my teammates or instructors, and most of the other recruits here. These are an awesome group of people. And if you don’t keep the Peacecraft Initiative going, you’ll be throwing away a whole bunch of juveniles who might’ve had something to contribute to society. Like I said, without this program, I’d be biding my time in jail until I could go back to my life of crime. It was all I thought I had, until I was taught differently.” He held his hands slightly out to the side in a gesture of surrender. “Hell, I’m about as ‘street’ as you can get…destined for prison from the day I was born. But instead, I’ll be going to the Mobile Suit Corps Academy this fall. And I’m probably more amazed by that than you guys are.” He caught a few stern glances from his audience and smirked. “Well, than most of you are.” “On the other hand, I have a feeling it’s no surprise to Captain Chang or Major Merquise. They both seemed to see things in all of us recruits we didn’t know were there.” There were nods of assent among the others, and it gave Duo the encouragement he needed to finish. “The bottom line is, if Captain Chang’s program here could teach me about teamwork, it could teach anyone.” He squared his shoulders, looking at his teammates with a rush of confidence, and then he looked at the board members from the Peacecraft Foundation. “I’ve gotta thank you people for the chance you gave all us recruits. I want you to know we didn’t waste it. You were right to support the Initiative, and you should keep right on supporting it for other kids that come along. You can make more of a difference than you’ll ever know.” He gave them his most sincere smile. “I, for one, won’t be going back to the life I used to live, now or ever. And I owe that to you people, and to this boot camp, my teammates, and Captain Wufei Chang.” He walked over to his guardian, shaking his hand gravely before leaving the podium to the enthusiastic clapping and cheers of his fellow-inmates and their audience. When he got back to his team, he almost slumped against Heero in relief, but settled instead for letting the Japanese boy give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze as he took his place in the lineup again. Colonel Une stepped back up to the microphone, looking very satisfied. “Well, Chang, I can see why you and Major Merquise chose the speaker you did. And now it’s time to hand out awards and certificates to your recruits.” Captain Chang, Lieutenant Wolfe, and Lieutenant Li did the actual job of handing out the documents, as Colonel Une read off each boy’s name and achievements. Team Wing was, of course, first…with Heero winning commendations in leadership and scholarship, as well as the highest cumulative simulator score. Duo’s awards included scholarship, second in simulators, and an award for excellence in achievement. Trowa was third in simulators, edging Quatre out by a fraction, and excelled in scholarship and athletics. Quatre received his simulator certificate, as well as one for scholarship and one for tactical achievements. All four boys had been given mission patches to commemorate their successful efforts against Kushrenada…not that anyone else would know the significance…but they wore them with pride. Austin’s team was a close second, having actually won the river crossing competition, but then finished second in the capture the flag exercise. Their test scores were very close to Team Wing’s, but it was the simulator training that had decided the winner. No one had come near the first place team in that category. Jason’s team, Clip, came in third, while Kyle’s team, minus their leader, had ended up fourth. And then Colonel Une went down the line in order, with a total of seven of the original ten teams having completed the training. Of those seven, five were invited to the MSC Academy, while the others were given letters of recommendation to help them in whatever endeavors they chose after camp. By the time the last of the certificates had been handed out, it was nearly noon, and the boys were weary of standing out in the hot sun. So it was with great relief they listened to Colonel Une’s closing comments and congratulations, and then they found themselves released to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with their friends and/or families who’d been able to come to the ceremony. As the spectators poured from the bleachers, Duo sighed deeply, finally leaning a weary arm across Heero’s shoulders. “Hey, Yuy. Looks like we made it, huh?” “That was a great speech,” Heero said warmly, reaching to brush the bangs out of Duo’s eyes. “You did well.” The braided boy smirked wickedly. “Is there a reward for that?” “Mmm, later,” Heero assured him, turning to shake the hand of one of the other team leaders who had come over to offer congratulations. Duo edged over to Quatre and Trowa, who were already scanning the crowd for their sisters. “Where’s that sweet sister of yours who brought stuff for s’mores?” he asked his blonde friend, nudging his way in between him and Trowa. “I owe her a hug.” Just then a breathless female voice cut through the chatter. “Heero!” Even as he turned, Relena darted over to throw her arms around him. “Oh, finally!” she cooed. “At last this horrid camp is over and I can see you without that awful glass divider.” Duo put his hands on his hips, glaring over Relena’s shoulder at Heero’s dazed expression. “You wanna straighten her out, Yuy? Or should I?” “No!” Heero said hastily, afraid he could guess how his lover might intercede. “I’ll do it.” He pushed Relena to arm’s length, glaring down at her. “As I told you before, Relena, you and I are barely acquaintances…not friends…and definitely not a couple.” Duo walked up behind Heero, sliding his arms around the boy’s waist and leaning his chin on his shoulder, scowling at Relena. “So hands off, sweetheart!” Her blue eyes flashed as she took a step back. “You!” she spat coldly. “I thought I made it clear you’re not in Heero’s future.” “You tried,” Heero conceded. “However, I told him otherwise.” Duo snuggled closer, smirking nastily. “’Lena, dear—I plan to be in his future forever.” The girl turned her gaze back to Heero. “You can’t be serious!” she scoffed. “Not only is he the wrong sex; he’s an uncouth, uneducated street urchin from the slums of L2. He’s—garbage!” At that point Trowa and Quatre stepped in, taking up stances on either side of their teammates. “Relena Peacecraft!” Quatre snapped icily. “How dare you insult a friend and ally of the Winner family? Duo is no less than my brother.” “—mine, too!” Trowa piped up. “We won’t stand by and let you badmouth a friend…I don’t care who you are.” Heero raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “I guess that makes it unanimous, Relena. Unless your next words are an apology to Duo, you may as well leave.” She blinked in astonishment. “You’re all crazy,” she said curtly. “If you think I’ll apologize to a boyfriend-stealing piece of gutter trash—!” At that point Wufei arrived on the scene, resplendent in his medal and ribbon-covered uniform. His dark eyes sparkled with anger as he stepped between the girl and his recruits. “Miss Peacecraft,” he said with cold civility. “I’ll thank you to keep your language courteous around my cadets. They’ve worked very hard for this achievement, and I will not stand idle while you malign any one of them…let alone all.” She sputtered for a moment, and then her father showed up, walking over and placing a hand on her shoulder. “Ah, Relena. You remember Captain Chang, I’m sure. He used to go to school with you and Heero.” “Yes,” she said icily. “Of course.” Senator Peacecraft shook Wufei’s hand, smiling warmly. “Great work here, Chang.” “Thank you, sir.” “And is this your star team here?” The four boys had straightened up and were standing just behind Wufei in a line. The officer turned sideways, nodding to the senator. “Yes, this is Team Wing. Heero Yuy is the team leader, and these are Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, and Quatre Winner.” “Winner!” exclaimed the man, smiling widely. “I’m glad you were able to participate in our pilot program.” “So am I, sir,” Quatre said politely. “Everything Duo said was true—about how much we all learned, and how it changed our lives. I know I came away with a lot out of the program.” “Duo Maxwell—,” said Relena’s father, holding out a hand which the braided boy rather tentatively shook. “That was a helluva speech, young man. Got me right here,” he added, tapping the left side of his chest with his right fist. “Amazing to think how this Initiative turned your life around.” “It was really Captain Chang, sir—and all the MSC staff,” Duo said earnestly. “They were great. They made your program really work.” Senator Peacecraft gave Wufei a sly wink. “Did you coach the boy?” he teased. “Far from it,” said the Chinese officer, refraining from rolling his eyes. “He comes up with these silly notions all on his own.” They laughed together, while Relena ducked out from under her father’s hand and stalked silently away, giving one scathing glance back over her shoulder. She was so busy glaring back at the boys that she almost tripped over a tawny dog prancing alongside Trowa’s pretty sister. “Nanashi!” Trowa cried, stepping forward as the big dog pulled the leash out of the girl’s hands and bounded towards him. The dog leapt up to place his paws on the boy’s shoulders, licking his face enthusiastically, and Trowa threw his arms around him in a hug. “Aw, good boy!” “Hey, mutt!” Duo called cheerily, walking over to join them. Nanashi happily transferred his attention to the braided boy, lavishing nearly as much affection on him as he had on his master. “Aw, man—dog hair on the uniform!” All four boys were soon gathered around Nanashi and Catherine exchanging greetings, while Wufei escorted Senator Peacecraft off to meet Colonel Une. While in the midst of the excitement, Duo heard an unexpectedly familiar voice call his name. He stiffened, turning his head, as a girl with short, dark hair waved and called out again. “Hilde?” Indigo eyes flew wide at the sight of the girl, and the whiskered man behind her. “Howard?” He was having trouble believing his eyes, knowing there was no way his friends could have afforded the expensive flight from L2. Heero wore a slight smirk as he nudged his boyfriend with an elbow. “Go on and see them,” he urged. Duo glanced at him in astonishment. “You knew they’d be here?” “’Fei told me the other night in the office. He arranged their trip through the boot camp program.” Heero jerked his head their way. “Go on, Maxwell!” The braided boy didn’t need to be told again. He slipped past Catherine and strode towards his friends, only to be met halfway by the little brunette, who quite literally threw herself into his arms. He swung her once around and then set her down, giving her a kiss on the cheek, and keeping an arm around her as he shook hands with Howard. “Well, look at you, kid!” Howard exclaimed, lowering his dark sunglasses to look over the rim at the uniform. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen ya in anything but rags or prison garb before.” “Not true!” Duo protested. “I wore a Sweepers uniform when I was working—at least for a few weeks.” “Oh, but that was nowhere near as fancy as this one!” Hilde told him, smiling up through teary eyes. “Shit—are you cryin,’ Hil?” She brushed quickly at her eyes. “No!” “Yeah, you are,” he teased, leaning a little closer. He deliberately used one thumb to wipe a drop off her cheek. “Missed you, too,” he said quietly, hugging her again. Howard threw an arm around both of them. “It’s been too damned quiet at the salvage yard,” he said gruffly. “First juvenile lockup, an’ then boot camp—seemed like we’d never see ya again.” “Gods! I’m gone a few months and you both get all sentimental on me,” chided Duo, blinking back a few tears of his own. “Damn, it’s good t’see you.” “Are you going to introduce me?” came an amused inquiry from behind him. “Oooh!” Hilde cooed in delight. “Duo—who’s the hot guy in uniform?” Duo turned to meet Heero’s smiling eyes. “Sorry, Hil—he’s mine.” He let go of the girl to put a companionable arm across Heero’s shoulders, pulling him closer. “Heero Yuy—meet Hilde and Howard—two of my best friends. Maybe my only real friends until this camp.” Heero gravely shook hands with the cute brunette girl and the whiskered older man. “I’m very pleased to meet you both,” he said firmly. “All your letters and your support really made a difference for Duo here.” Hilde smiled shyly. “You must be the ‘blue-eyed hunk’ Duo wrote me about, eh?” The team leader exchanged a sidelong glance with his smirking lover. “Perhaps he meant Major Merquise—?” he teased. “Har-har,” Duo muttered. “C’mon, Hilde—I’ll introduce you to another boy with pretty blue eyes—.” He didn’t have far to go, as Quatre, Trowa, and Catherine joined them and introductions were made all around. But when Quatre’s twenty-nine sisters showed up, everyone sort of gave up on names and just settled into chatting and offering congratulations. And then Quatre looked up to see his father standing there, a satisfied expression on his face, and a hand held out in greeting. Shaking the proffered hand, Quatre glanced uneasily at his teammates…most notably Trowa, wondering how on Earth to introduce his lover to his intolerant parent. The auburn-haired boy took the decision out of his hands, stepping forward and nodding a greeting. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Mister Winner. I’m Trowa Barton, one of your son’s teammates…and this is Duo Maxwell…and Heero Yuy, our team leader.” The business executive smiled politely. “I’m delighted to meet all four of you. I knew this camp would make a man out of my son…and seeing your team finish in first place, I realize he couldn’t have been in better company.” Trowa gave his lover a swift glance of warning, wanting him to keep their relationship private, and avoid the fallout of another spat with his father. “We were the lucky ones, Mister Winner, having Quatre on our team. He’s a good friend, as well as a brilliant tactician.” The wealthy man virtually beamed at Trowa’s effusive praise, reaching out to pat Quatre on the shoulder. “Do you see now that I was right?” “You were right to make me take responsibility for my actions,” Quatre said diplomatically. “And honestly, father, this camp was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I met people I want to keep in my life forever.” “Well, certainly you can write to them, once you return home.” Quatre eyed his father questioningly. “Home?” “Of course, home. You weren’t seriously considering attending the Academy, were you?” asked the businessman. “Quatre—this was just supposed to be a lesson to you about behaving yourself. I didn’t intend it to lead into a military career. You’re a Winner…not a soldier.” All four boys from Team Wing stiffened at that, and the other three drew a little closer to Quatre. “He’s part of Team Wing!” Duo said hotly, placing his hands on his hips and glaring defiantly at Quatre’s father. Quatre smiled reassuringly, gesturing Duo to relax. “It’s okay,” he soothed. “In addition to learning to take responsibility for my actions, I also learned how to make my own decisions and abide by them.” He met his father’s gaze steadily. “I’m going to the Academy.” His father’s face darkened. “Our family supports peace, not war.” “And a strong military can often be key to maintaining peace,” Quatre countered. “Besides, the Academy teaches more than just military subjects…it’s a regular school, father. I’ll get a complete education, as well as mobile suit training.” He glanced aside at his teammates. “And I’ll get to stay with friends who are like brothers to me.” “You have a family,” replied his father stiffly. “I know that. And I won’t be any less a part of the Winner family. But I’ll also be following my own path.” He gave his father his most appealing and persuasive look. “You were the one who pushed me into this.” “You know why.” “Yes, and that hasn’t changed either. You’ll have to accept it about me sooner or later,” came the oblique reply. “But this is about my future…not the past. And you can’t choose my future for me.” “I can refuse to sign for you to enter the Academy. You’re not eighteen yet.” “If you do that, the moment I turn eighteen I’ll go there anyway,” Quatre warned. “And if it has to be that way, I can’t promise I’ll want to have anything to do with you any more.” “Don’t threaten me—,” began Mister Winner. “I’m not,” Quatre asserted. “I’m just letting you know that if you prevent me from following my own path, eventually it might cause a rift between us.” He gave his father an earnest look. “Worse than the one we already have,” he added quietly. With a frustrated scowl and shake of his head, the head of the Winner family threw up his hands in resignation. “Fine. Attend the Academy, if it’s what you want. But don’t forget where you came from. Don’t forget that you are a Winner…with all the responsibilities that accompany the family name.” “I won’t,” Quatre promised. “And I’ll give you more reason to be proud of me than you had when I was being the irresponsible brat I used to be.” His father sighed, acknowledging his statement with a nod. “I am proud of you,” he reiterated. “Even when you go against my wishes.” He’d caught the eye of Senator Peacecraft, and reached to absently pat his son’s shoulder. “You’ll have to excuse me; I have some business to discuss.” Quatre nodded, sighing deeply and slumping against Trowa’s side in relief. “Whew!” Duo breathed. “I was sure he was gonna make you wait until you turned eighteen to attend the Academy.” He shook his head, giving his friend an admiring look. “You’re a hell of a negotiator, Quat.” The blonde nodded wearily, looking up at Trowa’s concerned green eyes. “With twenty-nine sisters to teach me how to manipulate people, I learned fast.” Trowa smiled and shook his head. “Is that how you seduced me, Winner?” Aquamarine eyes widened. “I did no such thing!” Duo laughed, grabbing Heero’s arm and tugging. “C’mon, Yuy. I can smell the barbecue from here, and I’m starving.” They all made their way to the refreshments, filled
their plates, and found seating among the rows of picnic tables under
the canopy.
tbc... |
