Opportunity Knocks Twice (Caliborn's challenge) 1/8
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2003 10:24 am
This is in answer to Caliborn's little challenge of sorts! Unfortunately..only the first chapter..but I'll get them out soon!
Hope everybody likes it! Heero's going to be a little out of character at first, but you'll see why.
I don't own anything, but the character Taylor Locke! Well, he owns himself, since its a real guy from a band called Rooney..BUT I don't own Gundam Wing. *glomps DragonQueen* Thanks to by beta, who labors away for me even while teaching monsters.
Opportunity Knocks Twice
The heavy rain created an almost hypnotic rhythm as it fell against the metal exterior of the trailer. Lightning flashed, temporarily illuminating the darkness. The spartan quarters reflected the rigid stance of a former soldier. Oblivious to the storm outside, Trowa Barton stepped into his uniform, an act so ritual it was printed into his mind. The familiar outfit fit like second skin.
Amid the rhythm of pounding rain, the harmony was broken by a soft knock barely audible.
He hesitated, with caution that was burned into his memory. He pulled back the door, feeling stray drops of rain landing on his face.
Prussian eyes stared back at him under a mop of soaked brown hair. The lips curved into a half smile, hiding the laughter in his eyes.
Holding the door open, Trowa quickly beckoned him inside, glancing over the wet clothes. A comfortable silence fell as old friends caught up.
Trowa retreated into the back room, moments later emerging with a blanket. Accepting it with a grateful grunt, the man opened his mouth to speak.
?You can stay here.?
?Hn.? The man grinned, despite himself.
Grabbing his mask, Trowa walked out of the door. Before it closed, his soft voice shot back. ?But not for too long.?
The door shut, and echoing throughout the trailer. Easing himself onto a nearby bed, the man shivered. Throwing the blanket around himself, he wiped away the water that had collected on his face.
The drying rain had hid the tears on his cheeks .
******************************************************************
The stampede of tourists had finally left, but not without leaving a mess. Avoiding large piles of garbage, Trowa made his way out of the big tent, his attentive eyes focusing on his trailer. The lights were out, and he smirked. ?So, he really is staying.?
Shaking his head a bit, Trowa turned back only to come face to face with a smiling Quatre.
?Hi, Trowa.?
Trowa nodded and gave a slight smile himself. Quatre often came to see him, but he had been bogged down recently with work . Trowa noted Quatre wasn?t wearing a suit, but more casual clothes. ?It?s been awhile.?
Quatre looked sheepish. ?Yeah, I know. Finally decided to take a vacation.?
Trowa lifted his eyebrow. That was certainly unusual.
?Anyway, I know you?re busy working, but I wondered if you?d like to come visit for awhile??
Trowa smiled, but shook his head. ?Sorry, I?d love to, but this is the busy season.?
Quatre looked a bit crestfallen, but didn?t show it in his voice. ?Oh well. I guess I?ll have more time to come visit then!?
Trowa nodded, but suddenly got an idea. ?But,?I do know someone who would like to come to go.?
Quatre looked confused. Trowa had friends?
Chuckling, Trowa gestured to the trailer. ?I had a visitor tonight. I think he?s looking for a place to stay.?
Quatre looked dumbstruck. ?You can?t mean??
?Yep.?
Grinning Quatre?s green eyes sparkled. He had that look on his face that Trowa had learned to fear. ?Guess who else I can invite??
Trowa grinned. ?Perfect.?
Quatre rubbed his hands together. ?This is going to be fun! I haven?t played matchmaker for a long time.?
?Yuy didn?t stand a chance.?
?Bet he?s sleeping. He didn?t look so good a few hours ago,? Trowa remarked, leading his friend towards his trailer.
?How long has it been? Three years??
?Just about.?
Quatre?s brow furrowed, and he gazed thoughtfully at the sky. ?Wonder what he?s been up to.?
?Exactly what you think. He seemed a lot different.?
Quatre let out a breath. ?Good. He?s difficult enough as it is.?
Opening the trailer door slowly, Trowa peered inside. His visible eye sparkled with mischief. There he was, sound asleep on one of the beds. Trowa stood aside and beckoned Quatre in.
?Looks peaceful,? Quatre whispered into Trowa?s ear. Trowa nodded.
?Drugged him??
?Are you kidding? Hell yeah!? Quatre looked at Trowa like he was insane.
*******************************************************************
It took the efforts of both ex-Gundam pilots to carry the unconscious Heero into Quatre?s limo. No matter how much they thought about it, Heero would not agree to this. It was quite a feat to do this, but essential to the plan.
So, force was necessary.
Smirking, Trowa emerged from his trailer with a large bag. ?So, what we are going to tell him??
Quatre smiled. ?Correction. I will tell him that you had to leave town suddenly, so I offered to take him to my place.?
Nodding, Trowa handed the bag to Quatre.
?This is his??
?Yep.?
Quatre looked at the bag, then at Trowa, then back to the bag. ?He doesn?t need to know.?
With that, he started emptying its contents. Jacket, pants, shirts- ?
?No spandex!? Quatre said gleefully.?
?-a map and newspaper clippings. Quatre gave Trowa a look that clearly said, ?Oh boy.?
Looking at each one, the two easily recognized a pattern. Each clipping was from a newspaper or magazine featuring articles about Relena, and her long time boyfriend, Taylor Locke.
Quatre blushed. ?Kinda forgot about that part?? Mentally hitting himself on the head, he put the items back in the bag. He couldn?t believe he had forgotten. Relena was well over Heero, especially since he had disappeared for three years. ?The worst thing,? he admitted to himself, ?is that they make a cute couple.?
Trowa watched his friend, his heart falling a bit. If Heero deserved anyone, it was Relena. It must have been slowly killing him to see these pictures. ?Want me to take him back?? he asked Quatre quietly.
But Quatre smiled at him. ?No, I like a challenge.
Trowa rolled his eyes, but smiled back. ?Wonder how much he?s changed??
?Obviously not enough. Lurking around with you?? Shaking his head, Quatre continued, ?He?ll need a lot of work.?
?Well, you better get going before he wakes up.?
?Yeah, you?ll keep an eye on the boyfriend ,won?t you??
?Of course.?
Quatre stepped in the limo, and gave a short wave. ?Wish me luck!? he said, gazing sadly at the unconscious boy. ?I?ll really need it.?
***************************************************************
?Honestly, Quatre! This is too much!? Relena scolded as she put her bags down.
In honor of her ?visit?, the blonde executive had cleaned his very large house, opened the door himself, and offered her lemonade the second she walked inside.
She was overjoyed to see Quatre looking so happy. Giving him a hug, she accepted the lemonade gratefully. ?Why all this?? she asked, waving her arms to indicate the clean house and drinks.
Quatre blushed a little. ?Well, you know how much I?ve been working. I thought I should take a little vacation.?
?And that?s where I come in??
He gave her a look. ?If I?ve been working too hard, then you?ve been working harder than me.?
Laughing slightly, Relena had to agree. It seemed like all she did was sit behind her desk and read paperwork And since Taylor was out of town this week anyway, it was a perfect opportunity.
?What do you have planned, then??
Quatre looked thoughtful for a moment. ?There?s a carnival in town, and the beach only a little ways away.? Clearing his throat, Quatre regretfully said, ?But I?m afraid it won?t just be the two of us.?
Relena tilted her head and smiled. Maybe Quatre had finally got himself a girlfriend. About time. ?Who??
Looking away, Quatre coughed. ?Well, er, it was rather last minute. He needed a place to stay.?
She raised her eyebrow. ?Well, do I know him??
?Er-you might say that?? with this, he was interrupted when a very groggy looking Heero walked into the room, holding his head.
?What the hell is??
He stopped abruptly when he saw Relena. Well, this changes things. Heero stared at her, and looked at Quatre.
Heero walked out of the room.
?Er?yeah. I do know him.? Relena looking dumbstruck.
***************************************************************
Heero found Quatre in the kitchen, downing a drink.
?Hey.?
Quarte looked exhausted, and slightly intoxicated.
Quatre looked up. ?Oh! Sorry, Heero. I meant to tell you that Trowa had to leave town, so I brought you here.? He looked a bit nervous. ?That?s okay??
?Yeah, it?s fine,? Heero said quietly, wondering why his head hurt so much.
With his confidence regained, Quatre invited him to sit down. Heero did so, but declined the drink Quatre offered him. ?I don?t drink.?
Quatre broke out into a grin. Heero had actually changed. ?It?s nice to have you back.?
?Yeah, it was lonely. But I feel better.?
?Sorry about her?didn?t know you?d be here too.? Quatre blushed slightly.
Heero raised his eyebrow, and pushed back his mop of brown hair. ?Drop the act Quatre.?
Quatre sighed, and poured himself another drink. ?Sorry. You can leave if you?d like.?
?Nah. I?d like to see what you have planned. And, anyway, its nice to see her.? Heero actually smiled, which caused Quatre to jump.
Quatre downed his drink. ?Trowa was right, he was different.?
Standing up, he motioned for Heero to do so as well. Quatre returned the smile and gave Heero a hug, which surprisingly was returned.
Relena removed her head from the kitchen, bewildered. In all her wildest thoughts, she had never imagined that he would come back, let alone be?human. She smirked slightly, but she couldn?t understand her feelings. She had to admit, it was nice to see him and was a little touched that he seemed happy to see her. ?Well,? she thought, ?nice to meet up with an old friend.? With that, she walked back up to her room, laughing at the sight of a drunk Quatre hugging Heero.
********************************************************************
By this time, Heero and Quatre had sat down again, with the latter still sipping at his drink. ?Well, yes, the boyfriend is a problem. But,? he said with a wink, ?not a big one.?
Heero smiled, but held up a hand. ?I don?t want to make her life difficult. I know?? he broke off, and coughed a little. Quatre suspected he was holding back a sob, however strange coming from him. Heero continued, ?I know she loves him.? He said this very quietly, as if saying it only made it truer.
Quatre gave him a sympathetic look. ?This is going to take a lot of getting used to!? With that comment he gave an over exaggerated ?Duo? sigh.
Heero smirked. ?Well, it took a lot of effort. A person can?t change overnight.? His smirk leaving his face, and he lowered his voice. ?I still think about it, and I still have nightmares.?
Quatre felt a stab of guilt. ?I?m sorry.?
Heero waved it away, obviously not interested in talking about it.
Ring?Ring.
A bit aggravated, Quatre pushed the button on the vidphone. ?Yes??
A serious looking Trowa appeared. ?Hello. Er.. hello, Heero.?
Heero gave a short wave.
?Er, Quatre, bad news,? Trowa said carefully, obviously trying not to give their mission away to the victim.
?Its okay?he knows.?
Trowa lifted his eyebrows, but wasn?t too surprised. It was Heero Yuy after all. ?The boyfriend?s been spotted at a store-?
?A STORE Trowa?? Quatre exclaimed. ?Of course, only insane people do that!?
Trowa stared at him. ?Is he drunk?? he asked Heero.
?Wasted.?
?Ah. As I was saying, he?s been spotted at a jewelry store. Picking out rings,? he said in a very serious tone.
Heero?s heart flopped. After getting all his hopes up, it was still exactly the same. He was too late. He had spent three years in an empty apartment watching movies, attending psychology classes, and making collages of Relena?s life on his wall. And, for once in his life, he felt normal. Alive. But, it was too late.
Quatre dropped his empty wine glass at what Trowa had said. But now had his finger over his mouth thoughtfully.
?That gives you a week.?
Heero just stared at him. ?What?!?
?You have a week to win her heart, buddy. Gods speed.?
Hope everybody likes it! Heero's going to be a little out of character at first, but you'll see why.
I don't own anything, but the character Taylor Locke! Well, he owns himself, since its a real guy from a band called Rooney..BUT I don't own Gundam Wing. *glomps DragonQueen* Thanks to by beta, who labors away for me even while teaching monsters.
Opportunity Knocks Twice
The heavy rain created an almost hypnotic rhythm as it fell against the metal exterior of the trailer. Lightning flashed, temporarily illuminating the darkness. The spartan quarters reflected the rigid stance of a former soldier. Oblivious to the storm outside, Trowa Barton stepped into his uniform, an act so ritual it was printed into his mind. The familiar outfit fit like second skin.
Amid the rhythm of pounding rain, the harmony was broken by a soft knock barely audible.
He hesitated, with caution that was burned into his memory. He pulled back the door, feeling stray drops of rain landing on his face.
Prussian eyes stared back at him under a mop of soaked brown hair. The lips curved into a half smile, hiding the laughter in his eyes.
Holding the door open, Trowa quickly beckoned him inside, glancing over the wet clothes. A comfortable silence fell as old friends caught up.
Trowa retreated into the back room, moments later emerging with a blanket. Accepting it with a grateful grunt, the man opened his mouth to speak.
?You can stay here.?
?Hn.? The man grinned, despite himself.
Grabbing his mask, Trowa walked out of the door. Before it closed, his soft voice shot back. ?But not for too long.?
The door shut, and echoing throughout the trailer. Easing himself onto a nearby bed, the man shivered. Throwing the blanket around himself, he wiped away the water that had collected on his face.
The drying rain had hid the tears on his cheeks .
******************************************************************
The stampede of tourists had finally left, but not without leaving a mess. Avoiding large piles of garbage, Trowa made his way out of the big tent, his attentive eyes focusing on his trailer. The lights were out, and he smirked. ?So, he really is staying.?
Shaking his head a bit, Trowa turned back only to come face to face with a smiling Quatre.
?Hi, Trowa.?
Trowa nodded and gave a slight smile himself. Quatre often came to see him, but he had been bogged down recently with work . Trowa noted Quatre wasn?t wearing a suit, but more casual clothes. ?It?s been awhile.?
Quatre looked sheepish. ?Yeah, I know. Finally decided to take a vacation.?
Trowa lifted his eyebrow. That was certainly unusual.
?Anyway, I know you?re busy working, but I wondered if you?d like to come visit for awhile??
Trowa smiled, but shook his head. ?Sorry, I?d love to, but this is the busy season.?
Quatre looked a bit crestfallen, but didn?t show it in his voice. ?Oh well. I guess I?ll have more time to come visit then!?
Trowa nodded, but suddenly got an idea. ?But,?I do know someone who would like to come to go.?
Quatre looked confused. Trowa had friends?
Chuckling, Trowa gestured to the trailer. ?I had a visitor tonight. I think he?s looking for a place to stay.?
Quatre looked dumbstruck. ?You can?t mean??
?Yep.?
Grinning Quatre?s green eyes sparkled. He had that look on his face that Trowa had learned to fear. ?Guess who else I can invite??
Trowa grinned. ?Perfect.?
Quatre rubbed his hands together. ?This is going to be fun! I haven?t played matchmaker for a long time.?
?Yuy didn?t stand a chance.?
?Bet he?s sleeping. He didn?t look so good a few hours ago,? Trowa remarked, leading his friend towards his trailer.
?How long has it been? Three years??
?Just about.?
Quatre?s brow furrowed, and he gazed thoughtfully at the sky. ?Wonder what he?s been up to.?
?Exactly what you think. He seemed a lot different.?
Quatre let out a breath. ?Good. He?s difficult enough as it is.?
Opening the trailer door slowly, Trowa peered inside. His visible eye sparkled with mischief. There he was, sound asleep on one of the beds. Trowa stood aside and beckoned Quatre in.
?Looks peaceful,? Quatre whispered into Trowa?s ear. Trowa nodded.
?Drugged him??
?Are you kidding? Hell yeah!? Quatre looked at Trowa like he was insane.
*******************************************************************
It took the efforts of both ex-Gundam pilots to carry the unconscious Heero into Quatre?s limo. No matter how much they thought about it, Heero would not agree to this. It was quite a feat to do this, but essential to the plan.
So, force was necessary.
Smirking, Trowa emerged from his trailer with a large bag. ?So, what we are going to tell him??
Quatre smiled. ?Correction. I will tell him that you had to leave town suddenly, so I offered to take him to my place.?
Nodding, Trowa handed the bag to Quatre.
?This is his??
?Yep.?
Quatre looked at the bag, then at Trowa, then back to the bag. ?He doesn?t need to know.?
With that, he started emptying its contents. Jacket, pants, shirts- ?
?No spandex!? Quatre said gleefully.?
?-a map and newspaper clippings. Quatre gave Trowa a look that clearly said, ?Oh boy.?
Looking at each one, the two easily recognized a pattern. Each clipping was from a newspaper or magazine featuring articles about Relena, and her long time boyfriend, Taylor Locke.
Quatre blushed. ?Kinda forgot about that part?? Mentally hitting himself on the head, he put the items back in the bag. He couldn?t believe he had forgotten. Relena was well over Heero, especially since he had disappeared for three years. ?The worst thing,? he admitted to himself, ?is that they make a cute couple.?
Trowa watched his friend, his heart falling a bit. If Heero deserved anyone, it was Relena. It must have been slowly killing him to see these pictures. ?Want me to take him back?? he asked Quatre quietly.
But Quatre smiled at him. ?No, I like a challenge.
Trowa rolled his eyes, but smiled back. ?Wonder how much he?s changed??
?Obviously not enough. Lurking around with you?? Shaking his head, Quatre continued, ?He?ll need a lot of work.?
?Well, you better get going before he wakes up.?
?Yeah, you?ll keep an eye on the boyfriend ,won?t you??
?Of course.?
Quatre stepped in the limo, and gave a short wave. ?Wish me luck!? he said, gazing sadly at the unconscious boy. ?I?ll really need it.?
***************************************************************
?Honestly, Quatre! This is too much!? Relena scolded as she put her bags down.
In honor of her ?visit?, the blonde executive had cleaned his very large house, opened the door himself, and offered her lemonade the second she walked inside.
She was overjoyed to see Quatre looking so happy. Giving him a hug, she accepted the lemonade gratefully. ?Why all this?? she asked, waving her arms to indicate the clean house and drinks.
Quatre blushed a little. ?Well, you know how much I?ve been working. I thought I should take a little vacation.?
?And that?s where I come in??
He gave her a look. ?If I?ve been working too hard, then you?ve been working harder than me.?
Laughing slightly, Relena had to agree. It seemed like all she did was sit behind her desk and read paperwork And since Taylor was out of town this week anyway, it was a perfect opportunity.
?What do you have planned, then??
Quatre looked thoughtful for a moment. ?There?s a carnival in town, and the beach only a little ways away.? Clearing his throat, Quatre regretfully said, ?But I?m afraid it won?t just be the two of us.?
Relena tilted her head and smiled. Maybe Quatre had finally got himself a girlfriend. About time. ?Who??
Looking away, Quatre coughed. ?Well, er, it was rather last minute. He needed a place to stay.?
She raised her eyebrow. ?Well, do I know him??
?Er-you might say that?? with this, he was interrupted when a very groggy looking Heero walked into the room, holding his head.
?What the hell is??
He stopped abruptly when he saw Relena. Well, this changes things. Heero stared at her, and looked at Quatre.
Heero walked out of the room.
?Er?yeah. I do know him.? Relena looking dumbstruck.
***************************************************************
Heero found Quatre in the kitchen, downing a drink.
?Hey.?
Quarte looked exhausted, and slightly intoxicated.
Quatre looked up. ?Oh! Sorry, Heero. I meant to tell you that Trowa had to leave town, so I brought you here.? He looked a bit nervous. ?That?s okay??
?Yeah, it?s fine,? Heero said quietly, wondering why his head hurt so much.
With his confidence regained, Quatre invited him to sit down. Heero did so, but declined the drink Quatre offered him. ?I don?t drink.?
Quatre broke out into a grin. Heero had actually changed. ?It?s nice to have you back.?
?Yeah, it was lonely. But I feel better.?
?Sorry about her?didn?t know you?d be here too.? Quatre blushed slightly.
Heero raised his eyebrow, and pushed back his mop of brown hair. ?Drop the act Quatre.?
Quatre sighed, and poured himself another drink. ?Sorry. You can leave if you?d like.?
?Nah. I?d like to see what you have planned. And, anyway, its nice to see her.? Heero actually smiled, which caused Quatre to jump.
Quatre downed his drink. ?Trowa was right, he was different.?
Standing up, he motioned for Heero to do so as well. Quatre returned the smile and gave Heero a hug, which surprisingly was returned.
Relena removed her head from the kitchen, bewildered. In all her wildest thoughts, she had never imagined that he would come back, let alone be?human. She smirked slightly, but she couldn?t understand her feelings. She had to admit, it was nice to see him and was a little touched that he seemed happy to see her. ?Well,? she thought, ?nice to meet up with an old friend.? With that, she walked back up to her room, laughing at the sight of a drunk Quatre hugging Heero.
********************************************************************
By this time, Heero and Quatre had sat down again, with the latter still sipping at his drink. ?Well, yes, the boyfriend is a problem. But,? he said with a wink, ?not a big one.?
Heero smiled, but held up a hand. ?I don?t want to make her life difficult. I know?? he broke off, and coughed a little. Quatre suspected he was holding back a sob, however strange coming from him. Heero continued, ?I know she loves him.? He said this very quietly, as if saying it only made it truer.
Quatre gave him a sympathetic look. ?This is going to take a lot of getting used to!? With that comment he gave an over exaggerated ?Duo? sigh.
Heero smirked. ?Well, it took a lot of effort. A person can?t change overnight.? His smirk leaving his face, and he lowered his voice. ?I still think about it, and I still have nightmares.?
Quatre felt a stab of guilt. ?I?m sorry.?
Heero waved it away, obviously not interested in talking about it.
Ring?Ring.
A bit aggravated, Quatre pushed the button on the vidphone. ?Yes??
A serious looking Trowa appeared. ?Hello. Er.. hello, Heero.?
Heero gave a short wave.
?Er, Quatre, bad news,? Trowa said carefully, obviously trying not to give their mission away to the victim.
?Its okay?he knows.?
Trowa lifted his eyebrows, but wasn?t too surprised. It was Heero Yuy after all. ?The boyfriend?s been spotted at a store-?
?A STORE Trowa?? Quatre exclaimed. ?Of course, only insane people do that!?
Trowa stared at him. ?Is he drunk?? he asked Heero.
?Wasted.?
?Ah. As I was saying, he?s been spotted at a jewelry store. Picking out rings,? he said in a very serious tone.
Heero?s heart flopped. After getting all his hopes up, it was still exactly the same. He was too late. He had spent three years in an empty apartment watching movies, attending psychology classes, and making collages of Relena?s life on his wall. And, for once in his life, he felt normal. Alive. But, it was too late.
Quatre dropped his empty wine glass at what Trowa had said. But now had his finger over his mouth thoughtfully.
?That gives you a week.?
Heero just stared at him. ?What?!?
?You have a week to win her heart, buddy. Gods speed.?
Elyn Yuy
Kari