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"The Boy Next Door"Written By: t-shirt Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU/Teenage Romance, Fluff, angst, sap,
eventual lemon, underage partying! Pairings: Eventual 1x2, 1+4, 2+3, 2+5, 3xOCs leading
to eventual 3x4 (they don’t know each other at first), mention of
(brief) past 3xHilde , 3+2, 3+5, eventual 5xM, 5+2, 5+3 Summary: This is the story of 4 teenage boy’s who grew up in the same neighborhood and the events following Quatre’s introduction to their school in which they learn some of the confusing and sometimes hard lessons of life. Beta'ed by Mechante Fille" ^-^ *snugs* "The Boy Next Door"
Ch 5 “May I help you?” “Yes, thank you,” Quatre smiled, noting the plate on the small reception/information desk that revealed the woman’s name was Betty Daniels. “Can you tell me where I might find Trowa Barton?” “Sure,” she smiled, already making out the pass. “Are you a new student?” “Of a sort,” the blond replied, presenting his school ID and pilot’s license without having to be prompted. She smiled again, obviously appreciative of his familiarity with airfield protocol. “The sims are down the stairs, left and take the elevator to sublevel B.” “Thank you,” he smiled, tucking his wallet away before peeling the bright orange pass and adhering it to the left side of his chest. It was easy enough to find his way, though he took his time enjoying the photos of pilots and their planes that lined the corridors. It was relatively amusing to see new pilots with huge grins holding up their first licenses beside the planes they had learned to fly but it wasn’t until Duo, Trowa and Wufei started showing up in the memories that he slowed to have a closer look. “First place, Aerial Acrobats,” he read beneath a photo of Duo and Trowa. The braided boy was grinning from ear to ear where he stood beside a windblown Trowa, his arm slung over his shoulder while the taller boy’s was secured tightly around Duo’s slim waist. Several smaller pictures surrounded the first revealing why Trowa had the look of a dog that had spent too much time hanging out the front window of a pick-up truck. Quatre snickered though the sound held a good deal of respect as he moved from one image to another visualizing what it must have looked like to see Trowa moving about doing handstands and hanging ten on top of a small monoplane. The next picture in the line was of Duo alone beside a small jet, his braid dangling down the back of his flight suit, his helmet tucked beneath his arm and a peace sign adorning his raised right hand. Quatre giggled at the image he presented moving on to find another of Duo and Wufei. The caption read ‘Dog Fight Champions…’ giving the year and a brief summary and Quatre whistled long and low as he realized why they all looked so young in the photo’s at this one had been taken three years prior. He smiled at the image of Duo riding piggy back on Wufei, each of them sporting a huge grin and grasping a small, golden statue of a winged dog in their hand. He sighed and entered the elevator feeling mildly intimidated. Although he too had spent much of his youth behind the yoke of a plane, he’d never been permitted to compete nor did he share the sort of camaraderie he’d seen between the others with anyone. Hiiro was the closest thing to a ‘pilot buddy’ he’d ever had but the Japanese boy was wholly disinterested in using his skills to have fun. The lower corridor of level B was dedicated to more seasoned pilots, young men that served the town by providing flights to various destinations. Some wore the telltale green fatigues of the National Reserve and here was where Quatre found images of a young Hiiro. He looked so small compared to the men and smaller yet in relation to the large and powerful jets in the backgrounds. Quatre had known for some time of Hiiro’s aspiration to become one of the world’s top pilots but was no less awed by his presence among these men at such a young age. When he entered the underground bunker where the sims were located it wasn’t hard to find Trowa as he was dangling upside down from a cord in the ceiling, his upper half having been gobbled up by the domed machine beneath him, while his long legs turned and pivoted his body this way and that. “Trowa?!” Quatre chuckled, tilting his head as far as he dared in imitation. “Yeah?” Trowa replied, using his left foot to tug a second cord that lifted his body above the access he’d been working in so he could see. “Oh, hi,” he said, checking his watch. “Is it that late already?” “I might be a little early,” Quatre laughed, delighted when Trowa abandoned his tools, tugging another cord that sent him sailing along a track far above, his body rising as he turned, flipped over and released his ankle from the harness, and dropped smoothly and confidently two feet in front of Quatre’s wondrous eyes. “You’re right on time,” Trowa informed him, ignoring the gaping as well as preempting any gushing praise. “I’ve got you set up in mod two,” he said, releasing a belt from his waist that fell with a heavy thud to the floor. Quatre eyed the tool belt, marveling again at the tenacious strength being casually displayed as he followed. “You’re um… “ “Light,” the taller boy supplied with a smile explaining, “Duo’s term,” with a shrug. Quatre nodded happily, accepting the word before Trowa opened the door to one of the domed machines. “After you.” There was barely room for one inside the simulator but Trowa managed to force half of his lengthy body in beside Quatre’s. “You’re familiar with the basics, right?” “Yes,” Quatre nodded, pinking slightly when they both reached for the same switch. “I have a class C,” he said, placing both hands in his lap in an open invitation for Trowa to take the helm. Trowa flashed a quick smile but schooled it quickly. “What did you train in?” he asked, moving through the menu of available flights. “Mostly the P.O.P.’s the airline pilots used to hop from terminal to terminal.” Trowa flashed him a quizzical glance. “Personal Operator Planes?” “I know what they are,” the taller boy chuckled, bringing Quatre’s color up a notch. “Not everyone has access to those. How did you manage it?” “My father owns Colonial Transport.” Trowa paused on a likely looking simulation over the mountains to peer at him out of the corner of his eye. His gaze fell to the diamond incrusted watch on his wrist, the Armani vest and sixty dollar hair cut. “Ever tapped a thermal?” Quatre shook his head vigorously and Trowa smiled at the ill concealed excitement in his eyes. “Ever flown outside airline airspace at all?” “No,” the blond confirmed, eyeing the mountain range on the screen before him with gleeful enthusiasm. “Let’s start with level 2,” Trowa suggested, keying in the proper commands. Quatre’s hands trembled slightly though it was only partially due to the coming flight. He’d spent countless hours in simulators learning to fly the P.O.P.’s but this was the first time he’d ever been so very close to Trowa. He chuckled the first time he fumbled the safety harness and sighed on the second but his breath abandoned him entirely when Trowa suddenly leaned over him and took matters into his own hands. It was awkward having their chests pressed together in the cramped area and Quatre felt the heat of his long restrained desire bubble up and claim his good sense. “Ok,” Trowa said, moving away but the moment he saw the longing in Quatre’s eyes he stopped, clearly taken aback, his tongue darting out to wet dry lips as his eyes dropped to the plump pinkness that was Quatre’s mouth. In a moment of pure surrender the blond boy slowly closed his eyes leaning ever so slightly forward, his mouth parting in invitation as the larger boy gravitated closer then suddenly Trowa pulled back. “You’re good to go,” he said, unable to look the baffled blond in the face as he extracted himself and closed the door. Quatre sat in bewilderment for a moment before shaking his head hard but it didn’t help so he turned his attention to the matter at hand and geared up for the flight. ** “Your stance is too wide.” “Like this?” the girl asked, spreading her legs to match her instructors pose where he stood behind her, hands on her hips and chest to her back. “That’s it,” Wufei smiled softly. “Now, bend your knees,” he said, doing so himself to encourage the pretty, raven haired daughter of the local Korean mart’s owner. “That tickles,” she giggled, letting her hands fall to his as he guided her hips down. “You’re not concentrating,” he chuckled in a low tone just before he hit the mat. “Neither are you,” Hiiro deadpanned; already back on his feet after sweeping Wufei’s out from under him. “Choo Hee!” “Coming!” the girl replied to her father’s call. “Bye, Wu…Sensei,” she smiled, dancing toward the bench where her bag lay. “I’ll see you next week!” “You should pay more attention,” Hiiro advised, offering his hand to the fallen Chinese boy. “I was paying attention,” Wufei grinned, snapping to his feet on his own. “Just not to you.” “She’s a little young for you isn’t she?” Hiiro commented, following him toward his office. What few students remained of the day’s lessons were packing away their things or returning equipment to its storage as they moved across the floor. “I’m not interested in dating her,” Wufei confessed. “But if she enjoys her lessons, she’ll come back for more.” “Looked more like you were the one enjoying it,” Hiiro smirked. Wufei returned the expression but shifted the topic of the conversation subtly. “With graduation this year, half my regulars will be going off to college,” he commented, sinking down in his overstuffed office chair. “I need new students or you’ll be the only one left come spring.” “Hiiro?” Quatre greeted, stepping through the open door as Hiiro nodded. “Hello, Wufei.” “How’d the simulation go?” the Chinese boy inquired. “All right,” the blond boy smiled, albeit somewhat droopily. “I scored a ninety eight on my first run. Trowa said if I can keep it up I’ll be ready to fly by the end of the month.” “Was he civil?” “Hiiro!” Quatre blushed, glancing warily at Wufei but the Chinese boy merely smiled. “A justifiable concern, considering,” Wufei chuckled. “He’s not known for his gentlemanly prowess but if he’s hitting on you and you’d rather he didn’t I can ask him to stop. Won’t do any good but I can ask,” he laughed, sitting back casually in his chair. Quatre’s color had already given more than he wanted away but his pride demanded an adequate response. “Well, he was a perfect gentleman with me.” Wufei gapped while Hiiro’s brow knit crossly and Quatre’s shoulders slumped dejectedly. “I guess I don’t have what it takes,” he sighed. “You’re breathing,” Wufei snorted. “You qualify.” “Apparently not,” the blond groaned, the hurt of rejection clearly displayed in his tone. “I don’t think he likes me very much.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” Wufei chortled. “You’re all he’s talked about since the day you…” his words stalled as he realized what he was saying and the light of it came into his eyes but it was too late. Quatre’s brow had knit thoughtfully but he mercifully allowed a quick change of subject. “Are you two driving home together?” Wufei asked, suddenly very interested in the papers on his desk. “Quatre’s father invited me for dinner,” Hiiro replied, gathering his things. “Oh?” Wufei asked, suddenly interested. “Is there a possible job offer hiding in there somewhere?” “Possibly,” Quatre smiled. “A recommendation would be more helpful,” Hiiro commented, offering Quatre the way as he turned to leave. “Bye.” ** “Come down from there this minute!” “Aww, Mary Annnn! I can catch her! Just watch!” “Michael!” the young girl growled as he scampered further up the tall oak tree in the home’s back yard. “Get down here before you fall!” “Mistyyyyyy,” Alice sobbed, watching her cat hop lightly from limb to limb, easily avoiding capture. “Michael!” Mary Ann gasped when the boy lost his grip and tumbled two branches down before he finally caught on and held tight. “Stupid cat!” Michael growled, ignoring the tears of pain in his eyes as he pulled himself up to try again. “Missstttyyyyy!” “Michael!” “Catch her!” Mika crowed excitedly. “There she goes!” Cammie giggled, pointing to where the kitten was moving swiftly down the far side of the tree having apparently had enough of the game. “Come back here!” Michael growled, lunging. “MICHEAL!” Mary Ann screamed, frozen in sheer terror as the boy lost his grip and fell, his small body bouncing off branches as he plummeted toward the ground, her hands coming to cover her eyes so that she saw Duo’s miraculous catch only through the cracks in her fingers. “DUO! Oh Duo! Is he ok? Oh my god! Thank you! Thank you so much!” Duo ignored the young woman’s near hysterical cries in favor of turning the trembling boy in his arms over for a closer inspection. “You ok sport?” “Aoowww,” Michael groaned, favoring his left wrist. “Let me see.” The boy grimaced but allowed him to look the appendage over. “Looks like a clean break,” Duo grinned. “Welcome to the club kid.” Michael dredged up a watery smile but didn’t seem to understand. “I broke my first bone when that tree dropped me too,” Duo confessed in a soft whisper, glancing to make sure Mary Ann had made it to the house to call for help. “Really?” Michael inquired reverently. “Left ankle,” Duo nodded proudly. The boy’s smile strengthened in spite of the pain and he bravely allowed Duo to set him on his feet. “Does it hurt?” Alice asked, poking her honey blonde head in for a closer look. “Nawww,” Michael bravely boasted, holding it out so the others could see the redness and swelling. “It’s really broken?” Cammie gaped wondrously. “Probably,” Duo sighed, nodding theatrically. “We’d better get your things together. The ambulance will be here in a minute.” “Ambulance?” the children echoed excitedly. “Can I turn on the lights?” Michael enthused, only whimpering slightly when Mika bumped his arm as she ran past when sirens were heard in the distance. “Only with your right hand,” Duo grinned. ** “Keep that up you’re gonna end up a hot spot on the side of mountain,” Duo cautioned as Tamera’s horizon indicator shifted precariously. “Damn,” she sighed, trying to get the straw floating in the jar attached to her makeshift yoke to level out again. “This is a lot harder than it looks.” “Keep trying,” Duo encouraged, going to check on Hilde and the boys. “You guys make it look so easy,” Tamera grumbled, fighting the straw unsuccessfully. “It just takes practice,” Trowa smiled. “Here,” he said, moving in behind her to place his hands over hers. “Just… ease up a little.” “I don’t think…” she began nervously. “Relax,” he purred close to her ear, smiling secretly when she shivered softly. “You’re just trying too hard. There,” he smiled as the straw leveled out. “See? You’re a natural.” The gentle tone and confidence in his voice had not only soothed her jittery annoyance but brought an attractive glow to her skin that seemed to hold great promise for the future. His eyes momentarily shifted to find Quatre watching them but the instant their gazes met they both looked away. ** “Wait! Wait! Ha ha haha haaaa!” Duo laughed as rum poured down his chin and washed over his bare chest. “Not so fast!” he laughed at the tall, sandy haired boy that was currently in control of high ball administration. “You’ve gotta swallow,” Derek, the handsome young captain of the school’s all star basketball team grinned. “You wish,” Duo chortled, ducking away when Derek tried to pour rum on his head. “Give me another,” the braided boy giggled, assuming the position on his knees, hands on his thighs with head tilted back, mouth as wide as he could possibly make it. “Keep that up I might forget you’re a guy,” Derek laughed, moving cautiously over him, his lean, muscular body coming dangerously close to Duo’s face as he held the bottle over his mouth. Duo just managed to stop laughing before the amber liquid splashed on his tongue, the steady stream forcing his throat to swallow over and over again while the on looking crowd cheered him on. “FIVE! SIX! SEVEN!” they chorused, counting the flashes of his throat until suddenly he bucked, snapping backward and onto his feet as he choked and laughed and stumbled about in the raucous roar of approval from his fans. “The winner and still champion!” Derek crowed, holding Duo’s right wrist in the air. “Princess Penelope! UF!” he gaffed, laughing hard as Duo tackled him to the ground. The rum went flying as the two boy’s rolled end over ass along the gravely ground, then bounded into the wheel of a long forgotten, junker truck that had become a permanent part of the quarry floor. “Asshole,” Duo slurred, pushing himself off the larger boy only to be pulled hard back against his chest. Duo gapped not certain he understood the move until he saw the leering grin on Derek’s lips. “I still won,” he declared, getting up a little more forcefully this time. “That depends on your point of view,” Derek smiled, dusting off his pants. His eyes dropped to watch the jiggle of Duo’s ass as he jogged back toward his group of friends, so the braided boy never saw him disappear. “You,” Trowa laughed when Duo almost missed his bean bag. “Are a complete idiot.” “Yeah, well,” Duo grinned, centering his ass. “I’m victorious which is more than can be said for him,” he grinned, indicating his opponent who was passed out on the ground. “Did you ever think about how you’re getting home?” Wufei inquired. “You drive,” Duo replied, unconcerned as he kicked back and cradled his head in his hands. “Ever think I might get tired of putting your ass to bed?” Wufei chuckled. Duo cracked one eye to peer at him and smiled. “Got a date?” The Chinese boy flushed a deeper gold but didn’t deny it. “Whoa!” Duo crowed, rolling over excitedly to nail his friend with a stare. “Who is he?” “She,” Trowa countered, offering Tamera a sip of his drink where she lay under his arm. “Hey, stay off my cloud,” Duo grumbled. “You do things your way and I’ll do things mine.” “You date boys?” Tamera asked, mildly curious. “No!” Duo grumped in a tone that screamed ‘back off’. “But you would,” Trowa grinned, poking him in the ass with his toe. “If you ever dated.” “I believe we were talking about Wufei’s new love interest,” Duo evaded, turning his attention back to the smirking Chinese boy but it was at that moment that Derek ran past at break neck speed. “Derek?” Duo commented, rising up to see the tall boy hastily stuffing his shirt in a bag, his feet moving back toward the exit at lightening speed. “Hey!” Duo shouted. “Where ya goin?” “I uh…” Derek stammered, shooting a nervous glance at the Japanese boy leaning against the grill of the old truck. “Gotta go.” And he did so with much haste. “What in the hell is wrong with him?” Trowa wondered. Wufei smiled as Duo’s ears blushed an even deeper red than the rum had made them and turned his eyes shyly away from Hiiro’s intensely accurate gaze.
~ * ~ tbc... |
