Braids and Waves

Fandom: Gundam Wing AC

Parings: 1x2, 2x1 (eventual!) 3x4

Warnings: Not really for this chapter.

Notes: Just want thank the people who have reviewed. Big hugs to all you guys. Coz of you I’m uploading this chapter as quick as I could. Keep reviewing I’ll keep postin! ^_^

Thanks: To my little demons (my muses!) who would not let this story lie.

Summary: Duo is living with Quatre and Trowa. But what no-one realises is why. And what happens when they find out the truth, especially Heero.

Enjoy

Chapter 2 - Reunion

He stared out of the window for the whole flight, but he saw nothing. He was completely lost in thought. He didn’t even realise that they had landed in Florida. He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Trowa looked slightly concerned.

“Time to go Duo.”

“Ok Tro. I’m moving.” He had quickly plastered a smile on his face to try to hide the blind panic he was starting to feel. He followed his friends off of the plane. It was amazingly hot but it was a different heat to the desert, wetter. Heero and Wufei met them in the airport. They lead them to a security room and began to give them the low down on the mission they had been assigned. There was to be a conference with the world leaders and colony representatives, one of which was Quatre. Heero had requested that Trowa and Duo come as back up.

-x-

Duo threw quick glances at Heero trying to be inconspicuous. The Japanese man seemed slightly older and slightly taller and if possible even more handsome. It had been some time since he had seen Heero and it looked like he was growing up. His cheekbones and chin seemed more chiselled, his shoulders seemed broader. Heero Yuy had become a man and damn what a man! Duo pulled his eyes away. It was only when he looked at the others that he really noticed how much they had changed.

Trowa had grown even more; he was still and probably always would be the tallest. Quatre had remained short and angelic looking even though he had grown. Wufei looked like he had bulked out. It made him wonder if he had changed as much as they had. He knew he had grown of course. But he wondered if he looked more grown up and if he was attractive. Generalising, he would have said the other four were, and there was always one odd one out. He knew it would be him.

“Are you with us Maxwell?” Wufei’s voice cut through his thoughts like the Chinese’s katana. Duo looked up at the Chinese man really seeing him this time.

“Sorry Wuffers.”

“Wufei. Right so everyone report tomorrow at o nine hundred hours.” Wufei said stiffly. Everyone nodded. Heero took over.

“We’ve been allocated a villa nearby, Quatre you’re welcome to stay or you can stay at the hotel, it’s up to you.” Quatre looked at Trowa then smiled.

“I’d like to stay with you guys if that’s ok?” Heero nodded.

“Hn.” Wufei looked assessingly at the Arab and Latin.

“Is there something you two need to tell us?” Quatre blushed shyly. Trowa looked up.

“Quatre and I are together, if that’s what you mean.” It was a straightforward statement. Wufei smiled slightly.

“Time to go.” All five stood and left the room.

-x-

Heero drove them all to the villa in the Preventer issue Jeep. Wufei followed on his motorbike. He parked the Jeep up outside the bright white building while everyone went inside. Bedrooms were quickly chosen. Quatre and Trowa shared, leaving a room each for the others. Duo slumped down on his bed. The flight had left him unusually tired.

“We’ve got a pool!” Duo froze instantly at the shout. Quatre stuck his head around the door. “We’ve got our own pool Duo, come see.” Duo moved his head so he could see the blonde.

“No thanks Q-man.” He turned his head back and stared at the ceiling. Quatre’s excitement dropped like a lead balloon. He walked over to the bed and sat on the edge.

“What’s this about Duo?” The American looked at the blonde, “You haven’t been yourself for ages.”

“I’m just tired from the flight.” He sighed and rubbed his eyes.

“No. It’s been longer than that. Since Trowa and I got together, you’ve been…quiet. That’s not like you at all Duo. It’s Heero isn’t it?” Duo paused again but said nothing. “Come on Duo, you can tell me anything.” Duo looked at him with a pained look, he opened his mouth to say something then thought better of it. Quatre held his hand. Duo lowered his eyes. And took a deep breath.

“I haven’t seen Heero for ages, he’s changed so much. He looks… older.”

“Is that a bad thing? You’ve changed too Duo.” The braided one sighed.

“He’s so attractive and gorgeous; he could have anyone he wants. Chances are it wouldn’t be me. Compared to him I’m nothing, it’s like looking at a weed next to a rose. I doubt he’s even gay. He probably isn’t even slightly that way inclined. And that’s just the start.”

“Even roses have thorns Duo and many weeds are beautiful, it just depends who’s looking. As for him being gay I’m not sure. Maybe I could…” Duo’s eyes shot open.

“Don’t you dare Q. You can’t talk to him. He must never know. Believe me it’s for the best. Would I lie to you?” It was Quatre’s turn to sigh.

“Alright, I won’t, but I still think if you don’t try, you won’t get anywhere.” The American nodded. Something still niggled at Quatre; there was definitely something he was hiding. If he could find out what it was, maybe the braided one would stand a chance with the perfect soldier. “Come and see the pool Duo.” The blonde reverted back to the original plan. Duo gave another sigh, but nodded knowing he would not get any peace if he didn’t. He followed the blonde downstairs. The ground floor of the villa was open plan with the lounge taking up most of the room. On the far wall patio doors opened up into the pool area which was covered by netting to prevent bugs and other slightly bigger nasties getting in. Trowa and Wufei were already there looking at it. Trowa was fiddling with the heating system. He argued they wanted a swimming pool not a plunge pool. What was the point of having a pool if you could only stay in for two seconds?

“Come on, come take a look.” The blonde urged. Duo shook his head. “Do you not like water Duo?” The question was almost a whisper. Duo gave a half smile.

“Bad memories, I don’t like it much.” The Arabian nodded. That would explain why he wanted to be in the desert. No water there. It still seemed a little odd however. Quatre walked to the poolside, kneeled down and dipped his fingers in. The Latin was right; despite the warmth, the pool was freezing.

Quatre looked back at Duo. The American was gazing out through the glass door. His eyes betrayed him; he was looking almost longingly at the water. Now he was really puzzled. Why would Duo look at the pool like that if he didn’t like water? Very strange indeed. The American noticed Quatre looking at him and immediately the look was gone. He stuck his head around the corner, “I’m going for a lie down, I’m beat.” The blonde gave a quick nod. Duo turned away and went back to his room, shutting the door behind him.

Heero walked back in as the door shut. He looked up at the white painted wood. His expression was neutral as always but his eyes shone with surprise. He saw the others around the pool. He walked towards it.

“What’s with…?” He indicated the shut door. Quatre looked up at Duo’s room then sighed.

“I wish I knew Heero. He’s been a bit off lately. I can hardly get anything out of him. He says he’s tired but…” He shrugged. Heero stared at the room intently then turned to the others to help them.

-x-

He fell onto the bed headfirst. It was getting too much. In the wars no one asked questions. It was a ‘shoot first, question never’ policy and that had suited him fine. They had all survived the wars against the odds, a bunch of fifteen year olds defeating group after group of so-called world leaders with only their Gundams. Damn he missed Deathscythe. He had loved that machine. It had been his partner, his buddy. Always there when he had needed it, a silent but strong presence. It was the perfect partnership, well; it had been at the time. He had always loved inanimate objects; they never questioned him.

Yet after the wars, he had decided to live with Quatre and Trowa in the desert. He swapped his beloved Gundam for good friends. At least he could have a proper conversation with them and expect some response. That had avoided problems too and he had got a great tan with it! Quatre usually wasn’t the nosy sort and Trowa said very little. It had all been perfect.

Apart from the one thing he had wanted and could never have. Heero Yuy. He had hoped to forget about the Japanese perfect soldier and for a while he had. Then Quatre and Trowa had got together and things went from bad to worse. Soon after that Lady Une had contacted them about this mission. They had all accepted. His heart had soared at the thought of seeing Heero again but his mind kept him in check.

However, he hadn’t bargained on how sexy the guy would be. It had been so hard not to stare at him. That was only the beginning. Now the damn pool as well. His heart was screaming at him to do what he craved. He knew he couldn’t. It just wasn’t possible. It hurt to deny himself like this. Instead he cried into his pillow.