Mechanics of Relationships:

Sorrow and Anger

Hiiro x Duo

 

Tawnya Kisaragi

 

Chang Wufei sat quietly in a large velvet armchair, his feet propped up on a nearby table, reading a book.  It was the only real pastime he had, one that helped him relax and regain any focus lost during battle.  It was the perfect way to conclude his day.  Having slept for nearly twelve hours straight, finally eating some decent food, and a good workout to sort out all the kinks, Wufei actually felt like a normal human being.  It was amazing. 

He had been reading like such for nearly an hour when he heard the soft approach of Duo.  He glanced up over his book at the braided teenager as he entered the study, slightly disturbed by the way he was acting, but passed it off as nothing more then a trick of the light and his mind.  He had come to realize a long time ago that he enjoyed the presence of the Deathscythe pilot and was more than content to let him simply sit there as he read.  Though he had never really stated it out loud during their time together in the house, Wufei had made sure that Duo understood that he could come to the Chinese youth for anything.

The violet-eyed youth watched what he could consider his only friend for a long time.  Wufei didn’t seem to notice his presence and that was perfectly fine with him.  He didn’t want to disturb the raven-haired man that sat across from him.  More over, he didn’t want to get sent away.  It had been nearly a week since Hiiro had left for his mission, a week that was literally tearing apart Duo’s heart and mind.  The nightmares had grown in frequency and intensity, robbing him of his sleep and appetite.  He could feel his body getting sick and often times couldn’t tell the dreams from reality.

Wufei sighed and closed his book.  “Ok, Duo, what is it?”

Duo looked up at him, slightly frightened.  “Wh -- what are you talking about?”

“What do you have on your mind, Duo?” Wufei restated, setting aside his book and standing.  “It’s obvious that you are here for a reason.  So state that reason.”  Duo still looked unconvinced.  “You can tell me whatever it is with confidence.  Whatever is said stays in this room unless you deem otherwise.”

With that said, the American relaxed slightly.  “It’s just…”  He looked away.   “Nothing.”

Wufei snorted.  “If it was nothing then you wouldn’t be here.  Don’t give me that, Maxwell.  Hiiro may think you’re all right, but I certainly don’t.”  From the way Duo flinched, Wufei knew he’d hit his mark.  He placed a hand on the other pilot’s shoulder.  “You can tell me.  No matter what it is.”

The Deathscythe pilot choked.  “It’s just… why did he go?  Why did he leave me after he promised not to? Did I do something?”

“Oh, Duo…” Then Wufei did a very un-Wufei like thing; he bent down and hugged Duo.  After the teen relaxed a little, he continued.  “Hiiro hasn’t left you.  He had a mission to complete, and for a Perfect Soldier, there can be nothing more.”

“Why?  Why can’t there be more?  Why --?”

“Why can’t he love you?”  Duo whirled around, goggling at Wufei.  “Don’t look so surprised.  Even a blind man can see how you feel for that brick wall.”

He hung his head, letting his tears once again fall from his eyes.  “I don’t understand, Wufei.  I don’t get how he can be like that.  Yeah, I know, he’s cold and uncaring and basically a machine that does everything the scientists tell him to the letter.  But if that’s true, then why did he take care of me?  Why did he *act* like he did have a single decent human feeling?”

Wufei hugged Duo again.  “That, I cannot answer for you.  It is a question you must ask him and yourself.  But I can say this; he was very scared the day you took that shower of yours.  I’ve never seen a man with such a look of fear in his eyes before.  Not even when facing a Gundam.”

“Do you think I’m insane for having feelings like this?”

“No.  Love is one thing that is always just because you cannot put boundaries on it.  If you feel love for another man, then who am I to say it is wrong?”

“Wufei… do you think I even have a chance?”

“…Yes.  You have a very good chance.  Hiiro needs someone like you, if only to annoy him out of that Perfect Soldier attitude he’s constantly in.”

Duo laughed lightly.  “Was that sarcasm I heard from you, Chang?  I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Wufei harrumphed at the use of his given name, but smiled nonetheless.  “Well, Maxwell, I must have spent too much time around you.  You’re a bad influence.”

“Aw, but it’s so much fun to bug you…”

“There’s no justice in the world!”

“Damn straight…”  The American youth smiled.  “Ne, Wufei, thanks for listening to me pour out my heart to ya.  I know you guys aren’t exactly thrilled with my presence.”

One of Wufei’s dark eyebrows cranked itself up to his hairline.  “Why do you say that?  I’m perfectly comfortable with your presence.  As is Hiiro, for all argument sake.  Quatre likes everyone.  Trowa is the only person with a visible grudge towards you, but that’s just recent.  Who knows what he thinks the rest of the time.  He’s as bad as Hiiro is.”

Now it was Duo’s turn to harrumph.  “Yeah, right, ok, whatever.”

“I’m serious.  Not only would this group fall apart because of the seriousness that falls over us if you’re not around, but we would be shorted on a great Gundam and a greater Gundam pilot.  It is true that you do sometimes do things in excess…”  Duo snorted.  “… but that is only a minor flaw if not used in the right arena.

“There are all kinds of warriors, Duo.  You are one of the rare kinds.  Even through this entire tangle of deceit and lies, you somehow always manage to keep that smile one your face and keep focused on our objective.  You’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in…  I have seen these qualities in only one other person my entire life.”

“Oh really?  Who?”

The Shenlong pilot walked back over to his book. 

“…my wife…”

“YOUR WIFE???” Duo choked.  “Man, why didn’t you ever say that you were married?  If you’re married, then why are you fighting?”

“Because she is dead.”  The Deathscythe pilot’s mouth instantly snapped shut.

“Dude.  I’m sorry.  I didn’t -- ”

“Know?” Wufei asked bitterly

“-- think before I opened my big mouth.  You’re not the kind of guy that would leave someone hanging.  Not for anything.”  Wufei looked back at Duo, who smiled reassuringly.  “Nothing leaves this room, Wu-man.  Just between you an’ me.”

“Just between you and me…”

 

*          *         *