The Middle Man 1/?

[Nausica?]

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters, terms, and affiliates of Gundam Wing are not mine, but belong to their respective owners, Shin Kidosenki, Sotsu Agency, Sunrise, &c.

Summary: It was a match made in heaven ? or so everyone else believed. Heero and Relena were finally together, and yet, neither were happy. No one really knew what happened once the uniform was discarded and the make up was removed. Except for one. See it from his view?

Warnings: Strong language and mature subject matter.



The Middle Man
Chapter One: Tip of the Iceberg
written by: Nausica?



They think they?re safe, you know. That nobody knows about the fights waged behind closed doors, the rage he burns off at the gym, the tear-swollen eyes she desperately tries to conceal. They?re almost right ? nobody else knows.

Except me.

Yeah? lucky me?

At first, I had thought Heero was experiencing the usual case of matrimonial disturbance ? you know, where the newlyweds were still trying to adjust to having to share everything they owned ? when he showed up on my doorstep late one Friday night. I had let him in, slapping him consolingly on the back and saying the usual ?it?s a girl thing? and ?it?ll be over in about a week.? It was expected. Everyone goes through some adjustment. But it didn?t stop there.

Eventually, Heero?s visits became an almost regular occurrence. I mean, nobody else would be knocking on my door at midnight two or three times a week. He would come in with a small bag of belongings ? an extra change of clothes, I don?t know ? nod grimly at me, and make a beeline for the couch. No explanations, but as if I really needed one. It was glaringly obvious to us both why he wasn?t at home reveling in the pleasures of a new husband. Relena. Something was wrong.

I remember one particular time when I?d watched him collapse onto the ratty couch. It had struck me that Heero looked like a man giving up; a man tired of the fight. To say the least, I was getting really worried. The pathetic husk of a man slumped on my couch was not the Heero Yuy I knew.

I really don?t know what to do. I mean, I?ve let it build to the point where I?ve already readied his bed on the couch in anticipation of his stay. What? What else am I gonna do? Ask the guy what was wrong? Huh. Yeah. Ri~ght. I?d get a better conversation with a tree. You see, that doesn?t work with Heero. Despite his having taken the big step of marriage, he still sticks to some die-hard habits ? one being not trusting others. It?s like this: if you could handle it by yourself, you?re better off. There was no use in telling others. The knowledge they possess would then make them wildcards, regardless if you called them friend.

But I need to know. I mean, don?t get me wrong. I?ll admit that it hurts to think that I?m not worthy of his trust, but even if he doesn?t confide in me, my door will always open for Heero. But I want to help, damn it, cause at the rate he?s going, he may as well just move in with me already.

Thump Thump

Only 11:30? he?s early. Must?ve been real bad this time.

Shooting from my seat on the couch, I padded towards the door. On the way, my face twisted as I tried to figure out an expression that wouldn?t give away my growing concern. I finally settled on pasting my usual happy-go-lucky grin, albeit a little toned down. Careful, Maxwell. A little too bright and he?ll blow this place and never come back. You see, if I had it my way, Heero would be at home working out their problems, but at least he?s here and not at some run-down motel. Don?t know what type of shit he?ll get into then.

I opened the door and began to say something cheeky ? you know, my usual material ? when all words left me. My lips twitched and settled in a thin, straight line.

The meager light of my doorstep revealed a disheveled looking Heero, but that was never new. The same mussed up chocolate brown hair, tan sneakers, and black pack slung over his shoulder. It was all there. But I couldn?t shake the feeling that something was terribly off. I raised my hand in greeting, but it faltered half way to his shoulder as Heero made eye contact with me.

And that?s when I knew.

His eyes. Not even the hard glint of cynicism or banked anger lit his eyes. There was seriously nothing I could see that said anyone lived behind them. It was like a void ? like looking into the black pits of some mask. Vivid red also caught my attention as the light illuminated more of his face, and I had to hold back a gasp of shock. Four identical furrows marred his pale cheek. The hair on the back of my neck stirred until they stood on end.

Heero raised a limp hand and touched the ragged wounds and hissed, pulling away in sudden pain. The sight of his blood seemed to snap him out of his trance, and he looked up at me in disbelief. His voice was as hollow as his eyes.

?I hit her.?



TBC?



Notes: Continue? Or not? I?m trying to take on a new angle while I get back into the writing groove, but who knows? It?s most likely been done before?

[The Engrish Spy]

it's good I'm looking forward to more...

[Lady Casper]

I like it alot keep it up.

whats going on with Heero?

[Eienvine]

Naus, you kick butt. What an angle to take! First of its type I've ever seen, though that may not be saying much. Either way, it's an intriguing premise, and I'm already wanting the next chapter. Rock on.

[RyanEX2000]

The less than perfect marriage angle HAS been done before.

But I don't think I've ever read a fic where Heero's hit her before.This is a most interesting start Naus.

Oh and...(slams her on the back)Welcome back to the world of writers.

[Oyuki]

wow... this sounds way interesting. please continue this soon! it's got potential! i liked it!

[PinkDelusion]

He hit her? Uh-oh! That's definitely not the best sign for a budding relationship! Can't wait to see what happens!

[athena]

Naus, this is amazing!

I've certainly never read a fic with this angle yet, and I can't WAIT for you write more. I've always been in awe of your writing, and this one has got me on the edge of my seat.

Your characterizations are perfect. Duo is the ever-caring friend, though he doesn't like to show it that much. His subtle attempts to make Heero feel comfortable around him are so touching, and very Duo. And Heero! He's spot on! It's really heartbreaking, hearing the story from Duo's POV, especially this line:

I?ll admit that it hurts to think that I?m not worthy of his trust, but even if he doesn?t confide in me, my door will always open for Heero.

I love this story so far! I think you have to continue now, to answer all of the questions that you've left us with!

*hugs* Thanks for posting this!

love, athena

[Rose of Betrayal]

I like it a lot! Duo seems like a perfect friend to Heero, although he doesn't want to show it. Write more soon.

[Aristale Wolf]

You've got to write more. It's beutiful in a kinda morbid sort a way, but that's soooo cool....It makes me so giddy Can't wait till the next bit comes in.

yours truly,
Aristale Wolf