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"Uncommon Hero"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/Action-Adventure, Light language,
light angst, humor, action, Some lemony type stuff ^-^ Pairings: 1x2, 3x4 5+ (I aaaainnt teeelling! 8^P) Summary: Duo, Quatre, Trowa and Wufei are all members of an elite rescue team when they receive a fifth, and in Duo's case, unwelcome member. Author’s notes at the end cause they’re spoilers Beta’ed by the beautiful Mechantte ^-^
" Uncommon Hero"
Ch 4 Duo smiled amusedly as Hiiro fidgeted nervously with his silken bowtie again. “You look really hot in a tux,” he soothed, reaching to straighten it for him for the tenth time. “Is this really necessary?” Hiiro groaned dejectedly. “It’s part of the job,” Trowa chuckled, adding, “Besides, there are some perks,” as he ran a gentle thumb down Quatre’s blushing cheek. Hiiro’s eyes strayed once again to the sleek silk of Duo’s attire, making everyone chuckle when he raised an appreciative brow. “Relax,” Duo smiled, snuggling closer as the limo pulled to a stop. “You’ll be fine.” “Duo,” Hiiro barked, softly seizing his hand before he could open the door, his eyes reflecting the turmoil that was rolling around in his gut. “I’m really… not good at this.” Duo glanced out the tinted window at the hordes of reporters and cameramen, flash bulbs already popping as the line of footmen tended the rope fence where fans and excited onlookers were gathered in the hope of getting a peek at the renowned rescue team. They were fashionably late, arriving not before most of the other important guests and not later than many that had still to appear but the entire audience was in an uproar due to the fact that they were the guests of honor. When the notice had first arrived about a ball to be held in their honor to present them with an award for their dedication and selfless service the team had balked and laughed it off but once Une got wind of it there was no turning back. They would do what was needed even if it meant crawling into monkey suits and parading around for the media. Duo smiled, gripping his lover’s hand as he turned back and kissed him full on the mouth. “You can face down a terrorist with a semiautomatic, I think you can master the art of schmoozing.” “But…” “Come on, Hiiro,” Duo chuckled. “You’re a great guy. They’re not gonna say anything that isn’t true.” “That’s not why I do it…” “That’s what makes you a great guy,” Duo laughed, popping the door open and the night suddenly lit up with a blinding succession of flash bulbs. Duo took the lead as was customary when dealing with social activities, leading the team down the long, red carpet preceding the door. Several times he or one of his procession would recognize a face in the crowd and make a special effort to touch the hands of people they had helped in the past as the crowd roared their approval. The news of their arrival had spread quickly, bringing all manner of guests and hosts alike to the entrance to greet them, none so prominent as a young woman dressed in sparkling candlelight and long white gloves. “Welcome,” Relena greeted, offering Hiiro a special smile that made Duo’s mouth tighten in an effort not to laugh. They were aware that the Minister’s daughter had played a large part in setting up the gala, from initiating the idea that an award would be appropriate to ensuring the ceremony would be the event of the century. Her motives were the cause of a great deal of Hiiro’s anxiety but Duo was having a hard time taking any of it seriously. The welcoming speech had been well written and rehearsed and delivered as flawlessly as anyone could expect of the Vice Minister’s daughter. Everything went smoothly and according to plan until the floor was opened to the press for a short interview, whereupon the public craving for a tid bit of juicy gossip instantly took control of the questioning. “How does it feel to be seen with the man who saved your life?” “We’re all very proud of Hiiro,” she replied, blushing softly as she smiled sideways at the stoic Japanese boy. “Is there any truth to the rumors that we might be seeing more of the two of you after you’ve assumed office?” one woman asked. “Please,” she chuckled lightly. “I haven’t been elected yet.” “Well, you’re sure to win but having Mr. Yui there would be a wonderful way to celebrate,” the woman laughed and Duo shifted to bump his shoulder against Hiiro’s to calm him down. “I have to win first,” Relena replied, stepping up to Hiiro’s side. “If you’ll excuse us,” she smiled, sliding her hand into the crick of his arm and Duo smiled reassuringly at his lover as he stiffened. “We really must attend our guests.” Hiiro followed along, escorting her inside though he kept a watchful eye on Duo who appeared very amused by the entire proceedings. Quatre, on the other hand looked fit to be tied, harboring not a single graceful expression to offer their sparkling hostess. Trowa had his hands full trying to keep Quatre from chastising the girl and Wufei hung back, snagging a glass of wine off the first tray that went by. “Dinner won’t be served for a while yet,” she informed them, inclining her head slightly when she asked Hiiro, “Would you care for a dance?” “An excellent idea,” Duo cut in brightly before whatever scathing remark that had been on Hiiro’s tongue escaped. “However, I fear my partner has yet to master the graceful art of western dance. Perhaps you would be so gracious as to allow me to offer myself in his stead?” he smiled, whisking her away onto the dance floor before she knew what hit her. “Breathe,” Trowa chuckled at Hiiro’s shoulder. “She’s lying,” he grumbled, watching Duo spin her around the floor. “She never actually said you were seeing each other,” Wufei pointed out, snagging another glass of wine. “She never said they weren’t either,” Quatre snipped. “And what about you and Trowa? You’ve got as many saves under your belt as Hiiro has. This is supposed to be for all of us.” “This is hype meant to draw attention so Une can bring in funding to pay for the glider you trashed last month,” Wufei smirked. Quatre opened his mouth to retort but Trowa stepped up behind him, very close behind him and whispered in his ear, “He’s right. Don’t loose sight of the truth.” Quatre shivered softly at having his lover’s breath tickling his ear, his body unconsciously leaning back into him just before a flash bulb went off. “Would you care to make a statement, Mr. Winner?” a red headed woman with a toothy smile grinned triumphantly just before Wufei accidentally spilled his wine all over her cameraman and his rather expensive camera. “Not to you,” Trowa smiled, leading Quatre off toward their table at the front of the hall while she cursed and slapped at the poor man as if it would save the film. “You shouldn’t be so careless,” Quatre whispered crossly, refusing to allow Trowa to help him with his chair. “Perhaps,” Trowa countered, pulling his chair close before he sat down and softly replied, “You shouldn’t care so much.” The blond had just enough time to turn an awkwardly curious eye on his lover before Duo and Relena suddenly appeared. “A marvelous night for a dance,” the braided boy beamed. “It looks crowded,” Quatre observed. “Hardly noticeable when in such sweet company,” Duo smiled, patting Relena’s hand where it rested on his arm. “However, I’m afraid my next ticket has been taken by the lovely Mrs. Carrington,” he added, indicating a blushing woman in her late fifties who stood beside her grumpy looking husband. “Wufei, please tell me you do not intend to allow our beautiful hostess to wander about unattended.” “It would be an honor,” Wufei grinned, rising to the occasion but Relena’s eyes widened as a nervous smile graced her red lips and she glanced at Hiiro. “Actually, I’m a bit winded,” she began, staring straight into the Japanese boy’s eyes. “Perhaps a drink?” “It would be my pleasure,” Wufei smiled, stepping in to offer his arm. Smiling politely as she groaned inwardly placing her hand on his arm and allowing him to lead her toward a large punch bowl on the opposite side of the room. “You… are a genius,” Hiiro grinned, leaning in close to his ear when Duo sat to take a drink of Wufei’s forgotten wine. “Hiiro?” “Hm?” “You’re breathing in my ear.” “Oh,” Hiiro replied, backing off while the others laughed. “Why don’t you go mingle while I appease Mrs. Carrington?” “Une will give you a commendation if you can get a donation out of her old man,” Trowa grinned. “Ten bucks says he’s mine,” Duo smiled, laying the money in the middle of the table with Trowa’s before going to collect his new dance partner. “He’s really something,” Quatre commented fondly, watching the longhaired boy bewitch the unsuspecting woman. “Amazing,” Hiiro agreed, gazing dreamily as his lover charmed the checkbook off his dance partner. “Quatre.” “Geez!” the blond gasped, jumping two inches out of his seat, as Trowa’s voice had been right next to his ear. “What?! Allah, don’t do that!” “Dance with me.” Quatre’s jaw hit the table as he gaped at him, unable to utter a single word in response. “I want to dance with you,” Trowa softly intoned as he gently took his hand. “Trowa?” Quatre hissed, trying to pull it away but Trowa refused to yield. “Une will kill us if we…” “What’s she going to do?” Trowa scoffed. “Fire us? I love you,” he told him, daring to lay a hand along his jaw as Quatre glanced nervously around and turned bright red. “I’m tired of feeling like that’s something I should be ashamed of. I want to dance with you,” he told him again, pulling him closer. “Just forget them and dance with me.” Quatre swallowed hard, his hand trembling in Trowa’s as his mouth opened and closed for a moment before he quietly replied, “We can… dance outside, right?” The answer had not been what Trowa wanted to hear as his expression suddenly fell and he sighed heavily. “Trowa?” The fear was evident in the blond boy’s tone as his lover retreated. “We can dance outside,” Quatre repeated, trying on a smile but it was wan and died easily as Trowa stood and walked away. Hiiro was still watching Duo on the dance floor, his eyes never leaving him as he quietly asked, “Is that what your heart told you to do?” The uncertainty that swam in the blonde’s eyes was suddenly overshadowed by an announcement that the ceremony would be starting as soon as everyone was seated. Wufei returned first with Relena in tow who took the extra empty seat next to Hiiro while Duo sat on his opposite side after he had relinquished Mrs. Carrington to her husband. “Where’s Trowa?” Duo asked, accepting a glass from a passing attendant. The pale expression on Quatre’s face alarmed him enough he offered his friend an inquisitive look but all Quatre could do was stare at him helplessly. Trowa did return before the ceremony began but when he did he pulled his chair well away from Quatre before he sat down, making Duo frown and Quatre’s eyes to loose their usual sharp focus. Relena’s father, Vice Foreign Minister Darlian, opened the ceremony with what Duo obviously thought was a long-winded puff of dry humor and irrelevant information. There was a point in which he became so bored with the speech his fingers crept toward the center of the table, his eyes watching Trowa very carefully as he snagged the two ten dollar bills that rested at its center and claimed them for his own but the triumphant smirk on his lips thinned into a sulky line when his tall friend did nothing more than glance his way. It was the mention of Hiiro’s name that drew his attention back to the speaker. “I believe you are all well aware of how much I, in particular, owe Mr. Yui,” the man was saying. “Were it not for his bravery and quick actions my daughter would not be here with us today.” Relena smiled and nodded to the murmuring crowd as he presented her with an indicating wave of his hand. “It is men such as he that give us new hope for the future. His deeds, and those of his team, are an uncommon testimony to the benevolent capacity of the human heart. Their dedication an uncommon declaration of spirit, their resolution… an inspiration of uncommon light.” He paused to take a sip of water and Duo touched his foot to the side of Hiiro’s under the table as a vein in his temple had begun to throb. “It is important for us to recognize and honor those who often risk their lives for the sake of saving others, so on behalf of all those who value such things as strength of character, valor, and the conviction to take action when faced with incredible odds I welcome Mr. Yui and his team,” he smiled, nodding to the boy in question but Hiiro did not return his congeniality. “It is a great honor and privilege to be allowed to present them with this award,” he went on holding up the aged oak and bronze plaque that bore the emblazed image of a golden hexagon with a bright red center set into the heart of a pair of soaring wings against a sunset, the icon of their organization proudly displaying the name of their team and each member, Hiiro’s set at the center top above the other four. “A humble acknowledgement of an amazing individual whom we gladly welcome into our hearts, and I,” the man smiled, beaming down at Hiiro and Relena, “would most happily welcome into my family.” “Hiiro!” Duo rasped warningly as the Japanese boy stood. “Sit down!” he hissed but to no avail as the audience began to applaud in response. Relena remained seated for a moment looking a tad confused before smiling brightly and standing at Hiiro’s side. “Shit,” Duo sighed, griping the ridge of his nose between his eyes as Minister Darlian continued. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he smiled broadly as Relena stepped a little closer. “May I introduce Mr. Hiiro Yui? A man possessed of virtue and devotion, an icon for all who value the gift of human life and our perfect idea of an uncommon hero!” The entire hall roared to life, each member of the assembly rising to their feet to applaud the well spoken words as Relena smiled brightly and laid her hand on Hiiro’s arm, her smile faltering instantly when the Japanese boy forcefully shrugged it off. “Never touch me again,” he told her coolly, leaving her to gape in disbelief as he turned to snap up Duo’s hand and dragged him to his feet. “You’re overreacting,” Duo tried to tell him but there was no getting free of Hiiro’s grasp as he began to pull him along toward the podium. Quatre was already moving but Trowa kept his seat until the blond growled and snatched him up as well. Wufei lagged long enough to slam what remained of his wine before he, too, fell into line and joined the procession as they were cheered on stage. Minister Darlian looked none too happy that his daughter had been left standing alone at the table but forced a jovial smile onto his lips just the same until Hiiro forcibly pushed him aside and claimed the microphone. “This is Duo Maxwell,” he began holding up Duo’s hand, which was still clasped firmly in his own. “Last month he flung himself out of an airplane without a parachute to save a trainee that had passed out before he could open his chute.” The room fell silent as the hall rang with Hiiro’s indignant tone. “That,” he added, “is Trowa Barton. You might recall footage of him on the news walking the boom of a fifteen hundred foot crane to retrieve a stranded worker when the equipment broke down. The blond beside him is Quatre Rabarba Winner,” he went on, his voice growing more pronounced with each word. “There is a thin line of a scar on his temple he received when he was buried alive in the collapse of a ruined building because he refused to leave the woman that was trapped there! Wufei…mfft!” “They get the point,” Wufei stated clearly removing his hand from Hiiro’s mouth. “I’m sorry,” Hiiro went on, “but this plaque… the words spoken so eloquently in my praise bare no resemblance to the beliefs we hold in our hearts. This isn’t just my team,” he told the suddenly silent assembly, “They are my family, my brothers and Mr. Minister,” he said, turning to face the gawking man, “As to the possibility of any sort of romance between myself and your daughter I have only this say.” A scandalous gasp burst from the crowd and dozens of flash bulbs went off as Hiiro snatched Duo into his arms and kissed him in a way that left no doubt whatsoever as to the true nature of their relationship. Hiiro lingered for a time making sure every camera in the place had a chance to get a decent shot as he slowly nibbled at Duo’s grinning mouth, the braided boy positively purring in his arms until they finally broke and Duo laughed as he wiped the spittle from his lower lip and declared… “Not likely.” “Mr. Yui! How long has this been going on!?” “Don’t you two share the same barracks?!” “Mr. Maxwell! How do you think your fans will react to this!?” Minister Darlian stood as if shell-shocked as the press shot off one question after another but Hiiro was much too busy coddling Duo to care for their inquiries. Quatre looked around uncertainly in the chaos as Trowa stood quietly by his side and Wufei stole a glass of wine off a nearby table and drank it in one shot. “Please,” Quatre finally said, stepping up. “I realize this is all very… unorthodox,” he said, glaring disapprovingly at Hiiro and Duo who were still locked in each others arms. “But it’s hardly the scoop of the century.” “Were you aware there was a gay couple on your team?!” “How will this affect the dynamics of the team as a group?!” “Do they share a room?” “What?” Quatre exclaimed. “Will Yui and Maxwell be asked to quit because of this homosexual activity?” “How do you think the rest of the team will react!?” Quatre stare blankly out into the sea of intimately personal questions, unable to collect his usual ease of speech when a warmth suddenly appeared at his back and he felt the solid presence of his lover’s support as steadfast and true as it had ever been slowly seep into his veins. “Chang Wufei is no bigot,” he smiled, leaning back into Trowa’s chest. “Quatre?” the taller boy breathed softly, his eyes glowing madly in his need to hold the slight blond as he tilted his head to nuzzle his cheek. “At least, he’s never had a problem with Trowa and me.” The floor once again exploded in a cacophony of questions that were shouted in such rapid succession it was difficult to make sense out of them but Quatre and Trowa were no longer interested in anything but the slow embrace they were sharing. “I’m sorry,” Trowa whispered, pulling the blond tightly into his arms. “You didn’t have to do that.” “What else could I do? It’s what my heart wanted,” Quatre smiled and Trowa understood the portion of Quatre’s heart that demanded his acquiescence lay beneath his own ribs as he beamed a brilliant smile, bent him slightly back and kissed him soundly. “Mr. Chang! Did you know about this!?” “Does this mean you’ll be moving on?” “Are you gay, too!?” Wufei sighed heavily, stole another glass of wine and sat down on the steps to sulk. “Yo, guys! Lay off!” Duo laughed, calling the attention back to himself. “Wufei is your best friend, was there ever anything between you?!” “Yeah,” Duo chuckled. “He’s my brother. Come on, everybody’s gotta have a straight man,” he grinned, flashing Wufei a cocky grin to which he replied with a scowl and the draining of his glass. “You know,” he went on, picking up the plaque. “It really is an honor to be recognized for the work we do even if things did get a little cross threaded there at the end. Miss Relena’s intentions were good when she decided she wanted to thank Hiiro for saving her life even if her heart confused the issue,” he smiled gently at the girl who still stood regally at their abandoned table. “The thing is, all this just isn’t really necessary. It’s not uncommon for a victim to attach themselves emotionally to their savior and there’s certainly no shame in being human. We all are, so if you really want to celebrate an uncommon hero, make sure you find one in the mirror every morning,” he said, tucking Hiiro’s hand in his and the plaque under his arm as he led the team away through the suddenly cheering crowd. ** “Lock and load, gentlemen! Drop zone’s coming up in three!” “Shit,” Duo grumbled, checking the recon. “The wind’s against us. Fire’s spreading toward the tracks.” “If those tanks go up…” “We’ll be mopping up half of Brookshire,” Trowa finished his lovers thought. “Can we move the tanker cars down the rail?” Hiiro inquired, already pulling up a map of the railroad tracks in the area. “Hey guys?” their pilot called anxiously, “You sure you really want to go down there?” The fire that had started in the early morning hours had spread from the small trailer park where it had originated into the surrounding woods on the outskirts of town. Duo whistled long and low when he got a look at the raging inferno first hand as he leaned his head out of the airplane’s hatch. “What the hell is that?” he wondered, gasping softly as a small hover jet zoomed in, the roar of its engines drowning out the hellacious fury of the fire as its pilot masterfully glided it over a large tank standing between the railroad and the flaming woods. “He’s gonna take out the water tank!” Duo shouted. “Get us out of here!” Hiiro joined in watching as a cable whipped out of the tail end of the jet and wrapped around two of the tanks legs. “He’ll never get clear!” Wufei yelled, already securing his stay line. “Jesus,” Hiiro exclaimed, gaping as the plane shifted and backed up slowly. “He’s almost as good as you,” he grinned at his astonished lover. A moment later the jet suddenly roared, lurching forward, the water tank giving way with a sickening screech of bending metal and splintering wood as its contents were released. “And almost as crazy as you!” Duo returned, leaping toward the cockpit where he barked a simple, “Move!” before claiming control of the chopper as a huge cloud of noxious steam rose from the sputtering land below. “He’s not gonna make it!” Wufei shouted. “Wait for it!” Quatre instructed, helping Trowa out of his parachute as the jet fought to free itself from the tangled wreckage of the tank to no avail. “Shit! Back off, Duo! There’s nothing we can do unless he ejects!” “Wufei!?” “On my mark!” the Chinese boy shouted, standing at the edge of the hatch, his stay line securely fastened as he watched the hatch of the jet intently for any sign of the pilot’s retreat. “Even if he ejects he’s going to land in that boiling water…” Quatre began helping Trowa search out whatever burn treatments they had but his words were suddenly altered when Wufei shouted… “GO!” and dove out the door of the plane. “WUFEI!’ Duo dropped the chopper almost as quickly as his friend was descending easing the jerk of the cable as the jets engine whined horrifically and spit white-hot sparks into the thickly coated air. The moment Wufei hit the end of his cable the pilot suddenly ejected, the hatch of the plane flying off as the chair just cleared the cockpit before the small jet exploded in a ball of fiery red and yellow flames that threatened to rise up and swallow the pilot as he shot high into the air, but Duo swung hard, slamming Wufei’s body into the human projectile where he clamped down tight, catching him in mid air. “Bring them up!” Quatre shouted frantically as the two were engulfed in the black cloud that had risen from the exploding jet as it plunged into the sizzling water below. Duo was already moving them out from over the carnage, gently skirting the land as low as possible in case one of them should fall as the others worked the wench and Quatre cursed Wufei and all his ancestors. His litany paused in a frightened gasp as the cable suddenly jerked, his heart stopping until he saw that Wufei had extracted the pilot from the heavy chair and let it fall to the ground. Retrieving them was much faster and easier without it and soon the blond and his lover were pulling them both inside. “Are you stupid or just insane!?” Wufei shouted the moment he was on steady ground. “Creeper jets weren’t meant to handle that kind of stress!” he growled as the pilot scrambled to his knees and jerked his helmet off and Wufei’s jaw fell into his lap. “You’ve got a lot of room to talk with that stunt you just pulled!” the young lady snarled, her black eyes flashing as ebony pig tails bounced into place behind her ears. “A girl!?” Quatre balked, earning himself a scathing glare from the girl. “Geez,” Trowa added. “She’s just a child.” “Have any of you looked in the mirror lately?” she grumbled, tossing her helmet aside as she hung her head out of the door to have a look at her handy work. “You did it,” Quatre smiled, momentarily redeeming himself in her eyes. “The fire’s controllable now,” Duo confirmed, circling the site. “Base says the locals can handle the rest.” “Who the hell are you anyway?” Wufei demanded. “Yeah,” Trowa agreed. “What were you doing down there?” “I was in the area,” she explained, pulling her gloves off. “I’ll need to use your radio to inform my instructor I was not injured.” “You’re a student,” Hiiro concluded, looking for aviation schools in the surrounding area on his laptop. “Did it ever occur to you to wait for a professional!?” Wufei snapped. “There weren’t any around when I realized those were fuel tanks in the train yard!” she growled in return. “A woman has no business in the cockpit of a jet!” “I dare you to say that again!!” she roared, bowing up with clenched fists. “HEY!” Duo shouted as he returned the yoke to their original pilot and joined them. “What’s your name?” he asked, settling himself comfortably between Hiiro’s thighs. She paused, her anger for Wufei still sparkling in her eyes as she watched Hiiro’s hand snake around the braided boy’s waist and replied. “Meilian.” “That was some fancy flying back there, Meilian,” Duo smiled, but her gaze had shifted, her brow creasing at the image of Trowa intimately wiping soot from Quatre’s cheek with his thumb before they returned to Wufei who simply rolled his eyes and shook his head helplessly as Duo asked, “Ever thought about a career in search and rescue?” “What!?” Wufei gasped. “Unless you think such a pretty face would distract you?” Duo added, bringing a bright red mantle to Wufei’s face and a smile to everyone else’s. “I haven’t finished my training,” she replied thoughtfully. “It would be better for you to remain in school,” Wufei stated in spite of the flames that were tickling his ears but his words only seemed to set her resolve. “What must I do?” “Pass a few tests,” Duo shrugged. “A full set of licenses are required…” Wufei began stubbornly. “Yes,” Quatre cut him off, settling into Trowa’s arms. “But the Lady has a way of making things happen.” “Complete basic,” Hiiro added matter-of-factly as he scanned her school records and Duo added with a wide grin… “Put up with him,” nodding his head toward the flaming red Chinaman. She thought for a moment, her eyes glowering intently as she regarded the sullen Wufei before she smiled and replied. “I accept.” “There is no place for a woman on this team!” Wufei burst indignantly. “What does being a woman have to do with anything?!” she retorted but Duo’s deep throated laugher drowned them both out as he leaned back into Hiiro’s chest and howled… “Welcome aboard!” owari :) Author’s notes: Often I have read stories where Meilian’s name is Merian so I looked it up. Anyone know where the Merian spelling originated? Also, I have no idea what the actual drinking age is in Japan! Lol [edit] I have been informed it is 20, my bad
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