It's Not like It's Love, chapter 7

[Crystaltear]

It?s Not like It?s Love
By Crystaltear
Chapter 7
Rating: PG 13
Warnings: None
Notes: Nada.


?Right?yes, that seat would be fine. I?ll be paying with Visa; the account number is 4923, 0743, 1678, 6102. Okay?? he paused to scribble down the confirmation number that the woman gave him. ?Now let me just verify everything one more time with you. My flight is at nine-twenty in the evening on June the twenty-second, seated first class. My confirmation number is 1013735242, and I should be receiving the ticket a week and a half before the actual flight. All of that is correct?? Another brief pause. ?All right then, thank you. You have a good day as well.?

Wufei placed the phone back in its cradle with a tired groan. All matters were in place then; his flight was booked for China a few hours after his graduation the same day, his uncle was preparing for him to arrive at his home in order to stay there the summer, and as far as he knew, his scholarship had gone through paying his tuition and fees in full. The only thing left to worry about was making up a class schedule and books, all of which he would deal with once he had arrived in the homeland of his ancestors.

?So, that settles it then,? he thought gravely, the thought of leaving home still unable to sit well in the pit of his stomach. He wished his mother would come with him?his uncle would be more than willing to allow her stay with him in the duration of time, and it would put it his mind at ease. Leaving her all alone in the country, no matter how many years she had lived there, bothered him to no end. But he knew his mother?s stubbornness, it being the same that ran through his veins, and she would not be moved from where she felt she was needed. Her students would always need her somehow, while he, though always wanting her approval, no longer needed her guidance in the ways of the world. She had taught him well, made him study hard, and for the next eight years he would work endlessly to receive his degree to prove to her that none of her hard work was in vain.

?Two months,? he muttered grimly, glancing down at the paper?s information again. The span of time seemed both an eternity away and too close in coming. He had looked forward to the approaching event for as long as he could remember, but when faced with its arrival, he felt so much uncertainty.

He quickly shooed away his wavering emotions; there was too much to be completed to contemplate over inconsequential feelings that would only make his leaving the more difficult. There was no option of staying, because only in the far off country could he find the schooling he desired to fulfill his life?s goals.

With the thought of goals in mind, he reminded himself that he had planned to stop over Yuy?s home to make sure he got up for his shift. The poor guy had been working non-stop for weeks at that point, so he and Trowa had made it a habit to stop by and make sure he made it to his other job, whichever it may have been that day. The last thing Heero needed at this point was to lose his job, even though it would do him a lot of good physically to have the extra hours of sleep.

Wufei shook his head, and thanked the higher power that he was blessed with a loving mother who made sure he was taken care of. He found the gesture had become almost habit since his meeting with the Yuy-Maxwell brothers; though he never had support from his father, having both of your parents abandon you in some form to let you struggle on your own must?ve been pure hell.

Pushing all thoughts of pity aside, knowing that it was not the thing that either of the two boys needed, he grabbed a sandwich from the fridge for the road, and headed out to the slum section of the town where the brothers resided.

---------------

Wufei stepped into the tiny apartment without bothering to knock, knowing he was quite welcome into the home. Glancing around, it was difficult to believe it was the same dingy hell hole the two boys had lived in just weeks before. All it had taken was a lot of organizing, some cleaning, and a few added touches, and the apartment achieved a rather homey disposition. If not for its location, it would have been a comfortable place to live.

The running shower water told him that Heero was probably preparing to go start his shift at Quick Check, so he made himself comfortable in one of the kitchen chairs. He was impressed to see two books sitting on the table?s surface; he never figured Heero would even attempt trying his mother?s offer of pulling some strings if he?d give college a try. It made him believe that anyone could become a better person if they had enough will; Heero was living proof that the theory was plausible. And he knew if Duo would wake up a bit, he could better himself as well.

Wufei stopped drumming his fingers against the wood when Heero emerged from the hallway in dark blue carpenter jeans wiping away the excess water from behind his ear with the towel that was lying across his broad shoulders.

?What?s with everyone catching me while I?m half dressed this week?? Heero pondered aloud when he saw his friend waiting at the table.

Wufei raised an eyebrow. ?I wasn?t doing it intentionally, I can assure you.?

?I know. Now if it was Trowa, I may have to wonder??

?Don?t start attaining an ego like your brother, Yuy. Trowa doesn?t like your type anyway, and you can take that any way you want,? Wufei reprimanded.

Heero gave a small smirk and pulled out the chair across from his Chinese companion to sit. ?Yeah, I know, I was kidding. You have any idea where he is today? I think he was supposed to stop by either today or tomorrow, but I think I may have slept right through the visit.?

?Probably with that little blonde of his. I?m fairly certain it was tomorrow he was planning on stopping by, so you don?t have to worry about that. You?re pretty beat, aren?t you??

?Yeah, pulling these all-nighters and then running to Jillian?s after only three hours of sleep just isn?t cutting it.? To emphasize, a small yawn crept from between his lips to display his exhaustion. ?Speaking of which, I need your opinion on something.?

?All right, shoot.?

?A woman stopped by here the other day?wait, let me start over. A few weeks ago, I got into a minor accident with some woman at the college, and since we were both short on time we exchanged numbers and agreed that we would go over the details of insurance and such at another time. I tried getting a hold of her, and apparently she tried as well, but we just kept missing each other. So, the other day she shows up on my doorstep with her insurance, as well as a proposition for me to hear.?

Wufei listened intently while Heero gave him the details of the proposal, and let the pros and cons of the situation run through his mind. It wasn?t a bad offer considering, but there had to be more to it than the woman was leading Heero to believe. And then of course, was the question of Heero?s honor; would he stoop to the level of using a woman for her money? In Wufei?s mind there was only one answer he could give his friend.

?Using a woman for her money, on any terms, lacks honor. However,? he hesitated, finding the words that would show Heero that though he had his opinion, he had to remain neutral. ?There are many things to consider. I?m not the one working my ass off to make ends meet, and I can?t know your breaking point when it comes to how much you can work; only you know what exceeds what you are capable of. And there?s also the fact that you are responsible for Duo?s well-being as well.?

Heero let out a noise of annoyance. ?That?s what I keep thinking about. It would be simple if it was just me, I?d just see how things turned out and that was it. But taking this deal ensures that we?ll be secure for a little while; I don?t know if I can say the same if I keep on going like I am.?

Wufei could see that Heero had thought about the entire matter for quite awhile, and that asking his opinion on it had been very fruitless on his part. It was almost certain that the decision was already made, and that Heero was looking to Wufei for something much more important than guidance. Acceptance. ?I can?t help you with this decision, it?s your life. What I can tell you is that you have earned my respect, and that no matter which you choose, I will continue to do so.?

Heero released a breath of air upwards that tossed the front lock of his hair aside in a sign of his relief. ?You?ve done a lot for me. I don?t know how I will ever be able to repay you for everything.?

?There is a way.? Heero waited patiently for the way he could repay his debt. ?When I return, I want to see that you?ve gotten your life together. That will be enough payment for the effort my mother and I.?

Heero nodded, glad that Wufei was never one to sugar coat his words. They all knew the Chang duo had gone well out of their way to pull the two brothers out of the mess they had drowned themselves in. Wufei would never be one to claim being their savior, but he made certain they wouldn?t forget the gesture made. For Heero, there could never be a way to forget; they had been the first, the only people, to ever show them kindness, and even decades would not be able to remove that fact from his thoughts.

?Consider it done.?

?You started reading them already?? Wufei shifted the subject, tapping on the hard cover of one of the books lying upon the table.

?I thought I?d give myself a head start, though I start in the fall. I registered already; I just have to wait until they send me a letter to let me know when my appointment to make my schedule is. How about you? When do you head off?? Heero questioned, already aware of Wufei?s upcoming departure.

?I called today and set up the seating for the plane ride. I don?t start until fall like you, but I leave on graduation day for my uncle?s in order to get situated in my new home and to get familiar with the area. I?ve already changed my mailing address to my uncle?s place, so any information on classes and such will be there.?

?Your mother?s letting you leave without going to graduation??

Wufei scoffed and shook his head. ?As if she would allow me to miss it.?

?You might as well enjoy the ceremony. You worked hard enough to celebrate,? Heero remarked, and then glanced at his watch in annoyance. ?I?m sorry man, but I?ve got to start heading out. Joanne is a real bitch to deal with if I?m even a couple of minutes late.?

?Not a problem, I understand. I?ll see you on Wednesday if I get a chance.?

The two young mean headed out the front door with their sets of keys in hand, Heero locking the door securely behind him. ?I?ll be seeing ya. Thanks for stopping by.?

?Don?t work too hard.?

And then they parted ways and went into their own vehicles heading in different directions.

---------------


?This is so ridiculous,? Hilde scolded herself once again as she made a turn onto Watson Drive and proceeded to scan the area. Her nerves would not be calmed until the matter was completely settled; after two more bouquets and a teddy bear ended up in her arms she could take no more. She was seeking out Maxwell on his own streets, and she was going to make it crystal clear that if she received one more unwanted gift from him, she was going to shove his floral offerings down his esophagus.

She made the turn that brought her into the outer skirts of the unfamiliar streets and the queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach returned. She didn?t like his street at all, that was for certain. But she willed herself to be strong; a couple of dark alleyways and old hobos leering at her from their place on the sidewalk weren?t going to keep her from reaching her goal of peace of mind.

She passed yet another block that was deli-less, business-less as well, being composed of nothing but what looked to be abandoned buildings. She checked the locks to her car doors for a third time, seeing that she was going deeper into the district. Seeing them still locked gave her little of the comfort she was seeking. She hoped to find the deli in a short time, and hoped even more that it ended up being the one Duo worked at, even though the mere thought of stepping out of the safety of her car was very unsettling.

The blocks passed by in a slow moving blur of dead grass, cracked sidewalks, and broken buildings. The people walking around were few, and those she had taken notice of looked as though they had no place to go and were just wandering to kill time. She was about ready to call it quits when the streets started to clear up of broken rubble and trash for small businesses like bail bondsmen and bars.

?Some improvement,? Hilde thought wearily as she came to the end of the road she had been traveling. She decided to make a left, the direction of Duo?s home, to see if it brought her any leads. The idea of just going to his home to either ask where his job was located or to just wait there until the young man arrived arose, but it was dismissed when she thought about the embarrassing experience with the older brother. No, there would be no repeat of that ordeal; she would find the deli on her own.

A few moments later, the faded but welcoming sign of a deli greeted her. Being located on a corner of the block as Duo had mentioned Hilde felt confident that she had managed to stumble upon the braided boy?s place of employment.

?Only one way to know for sure though,? she reasoned before taking a few deep breaths for courage to prepare to get out. She parked her car with haste, and the loss of movement made much of the security she felt in her vehicle sanctuary ebb away. At the click of her unlock button followed by her own hand opening the door, all security flew away and she felt vulnerable and exposed. Stories of her father?s telling about the numerous people grabbed or gunned down in a matter of milliseconds on the very streets she was visiting invaded her mind during the few feet between her car and the opened door of the deli. The small distance seemed to take an eternity to cross, but she made it intact, and breathed a sigh of relief once she was within the small building?s four walls.

Relief flooded her senses as she zoned in on a distinguished russet braid that was swaying gently while its owner worked diligently on making a sub. She watched him in silence for a few moments, taking in his smooth and quick movements as he made the sandwich with the ease of one who had been doing the job for some time. She then cleared her throat in an attempt to catch his attention and he turned to greet her. Their gazes locked, but he didn?t seem the least bit surprised to see her there.

?I was wondering how long it would be before you lost your temper and came to hunt me down,? he grinned while wiping his hands in his blue apron.

?I need to speak with you,? she told him sternly.

?Yeah, I figured, hold on a sec.? He pulled the apron over his head and tossed into the corner of the counter. ?Hey Joe, is it all right if I take my break right now??

There was a distant reply of agreement from the man in the back of the deli, and Duo was quick to launch himself over the countertop and land on his feet with ease on the other side.

?After you,? he told Hilde, gesturing for her to pass him and go in the direction of the stools situated at the very end of the counter. He followed behind, and they sat themselves down to speak.

?You need to stop sending me stuff, Duo. Not only does it look bad when my neighbors see me getting all of them, but sending them to my job is totally unacceptable. It makes me look very unprofessional?and I don?t even want to know how you found out where I work. I?m sure that there are plenty of other, wiser things you can spend your money on than gifts for me.?

?You know, you?re the most peculiar girl I?ve ever met. Anyone else would be flattered to be receiving attention like that.?

?Well I?m not just anyone.?

?Yeah, I noticed.?

Hilde couldn?t prevent the flush that crept onto her cheeks at his statement. There were many ways she could have interpreted the meaning of his words, but his tone left little doubt of its connotation.

Just what had she done that led this guy to desire her attention? She thought at first that she was just a simple conquest he wanted to satisfy himself with, but she was doubtful that he would go to so much trouble over such a simple thing.
?Duo, please, I?m asking you to stop sending me gifts; I?m flattered, honestly, but you?re just wasting your money on a lost cause.?

He looked crestfallen for a passing moment and then something in his orbs flickered to life. ?All right, no more gifts to your house or job??

?No more gifts, period,? Hilde cut in, having known by then that Duo was coy and would find someplace else to stuff the gifts if she allowed him to play with his words. She would make sure that there was no getting around his vow the second time.
?Fine,? he agreed, and then grinned. ?On one condition.?

Hilde released an exasperated sigh. ?This isn?t some sort of business deal!? He pouted, and she let out another sigh. ?Ugh?what is it??

?Go out on a date with me.?

There was no hesitation in her. ?Absolutely not.?

?Oh come one Hilde, just one date. I?ll even make it a really simple one where you wouldn?t even have to dress up. If you still dislike me after that, then I won?t bother you ever again.?

His hopeful grin was almost contagious, and she had to fight the ends of her mouth from curving into a smile. The boy was completely hopeless; he was determined to try to impress her with his charm. Hilde would not admit it aloud, but his strategy was working very well. His charisma and good looks interested her, and the gifts he showered her with flattered her to a blushing state. If not for her obligation to stay focused on?

?Oh, stop making that your Excuse for everything,? a voice in her mind commanded. ?One date to satisfy him isn?t going to pull you away from your work.?

And it wouldn?t. One small date wasn?t going to knock her off track, and it wasn?t going to sacrifice her grades. So why not?

?Fine. One date, and then it?s done with. If I see you again after that, I?m putting a restraining order against you,? she huffed, pretending as though she was really going out on a limb for him. In her mind, excitement bubbled at the prospect of having a little fun again; it had been so long since she had allowed herself any new pleasures. Curiosity hummed through her on what he had in mind for their plans, and what day it would take place.
?So, what do you have in mind?? she inquired, growing tired of the smug, but pleased look that was displayed on his features since her surrender.

?I?m going to get back to you on that one. I need to look over my schedule and go over a couple of ideas, so is it all right if I give you a call tomorrow to okay all the details??

?Sure. Let me write down my number for you??

?Don?t bother, I already have it.?

Hilde stopped rummaging through her small purse for a pen and glance up at him quizzically. He already had her number too? ?How the hell do you get all this information on me, Maxwell??

?I have spies,? he grinned, and then glanced at his watch. His face turned serious and he stood from his stool, then offering her his hand to help her shorter form down off her own seat. ?My break?s almost over, and you better start heading out of this part of town really soon, the sun?s about to start setting. You don?t need to be around here in the evening.?

Hilde understood him immediately, and wisely heeded his warning. She said a brief farewell, and then shot out of the deli to return to the safety of her car once again. Duo watched her intently and made sure she made it to the car all right, and smirked when she locked her doors right away, and sped out of the parking lot in a flash. ?Good girl.?

?That girl?s got balls of steal coming into this part,? he murmured to himself. ?And all for me. Heh.? He grinned widely, knowing that even returning back to the boring task of work for five more hours would not lift the good mood he had been put in.


Duo Maxwell strode into his house later that night feeling like he was on top of the world. His plan was going accordingly?he had gotten Hilde to agree to a date with him, and he was going to make sure he swept her right off of her feet. It seemed as though he already had her pretty intrigued, but he would bring her on a couple of dates to ensure that she was hooked. Then, he?d seek out his revenge for the blow to his ego.

[kmf]

I finally got a chance to catch up with your story, and wowies! it is coming along beautifully. I like they way you are giving us insight into how Heero and Catherine first hooked up, but I love the way Duo is chasing after Hilde!

My word, that young man needs a good kicking - he thinks he can make Hilde fall for him and then crush her all because she turned him down. LOL - what an ego! But methinks that Duo is going to have a bit of a surprise when he finds just how endearing you Miss Hilde can be ^_^

Keep writing please, I would love to read about the date ^__^

kmf

[aku_ryo]

gomen nasai!!!
I shoudl have posted much earlier! I really love this sereis and so please keep it up - puh-leeze
lets see im glad to see duyo and hilde finally making osme progress- boy that girlis stubborn but with duo the way you've described him well i can see why shes put him off...

aku akuuuuuuuu

[PeRiDoTs13]

duo, i hope u die. in fact, <B>I</b> will kill u myself. say your goodbyes.