Author's Note: WARNING This is YAOI. As in male-male **sexual** relations. 1x2 fic. I just want this clear before you read. If this sort of material offends you, then don't read it.

More Warnings: 1x2, Angst, Language,

Starve a cold.
Feed a fever.

     Hate. Such a powerful word. Saying this mere, simple word can break bonds, form wars, and destroy the sense of love and security. Hate brings upon death, blood, the gasps and cries in the night from young mothers as they cradle their weeping children. Hate in a man can make him the most wicked, evil, ugliest creature to ever walk on the earth. Oz hates the colonies. The colonies hate Oz. I however, harbor no hatred. I harbor no love. There is the mission, and that is where I lay. I never try to rise beyond my call or means. I am an expendable vessel. That is all I have ever felt, and I have desired nothing more than the hunger for completing my mission. That is my contentment.

     "Remember, how you told me you never wanted full contentment? What do you do when you have something beyond contentment?"

     But... somehow, you make me feel al-

     Heero growled, throwing his mug fiercely at the wall. The spray of tea splattered before staining the wall in a clear, liquid, trickling towards the floor. The shattered ceramic pieces of the mug fell against the hard wooden floor, furthering to crumble in a filthy puddle. He'd been drinking sake. He found a rather soothing calm in the quiet tastes of his honjozo-shu sake. It's fragrant smell. The soft, quiet taste. The complexity. In the late hours of the night, Heero found himself 'sating' his desires in a long, slow pull of sake. He wasn't a heavy drinker. He knew that to be drunk would cause him to be a liability, but the soft, warm drink warmed the ice in his rigid body, and stilled his emotions towards Duo. He knew Duo would leave. He let Duo leave.

     "I'm going to go to the lab south, 50 miles of here."

     There had been times Heero had submitted himself to the wonderful, forgetful bliss of liquor. A gin and tonic. The strong, dry whiskey. A flavorful, robust collection of hard liquors. His lips laced with white and black Russian drinks. Thick black licorice. It was something he could have faith in. It allowed him to forget, but not without forcing him through a terrible hang over. A small price to pay for the benefit of crushing out the memory cells in his brain. He fell into his seat. His dulled, impassive, eyes laxly watching the screen of his laptop with conscious thought. His hands dragged towards the keyboard, touching the keys gently, and slowly. He treated his laptop so delicately. The CRNI-36. He needed to stop thinking so rashly. He had to look into all the small things. Dragging up information on the CRNI-36, was far easier than he anticipated. Hardly any security protected the information. He wondered if this was such a good thing.

     "CRNI. Computer Response Nurtured Implant. The CRNI-01 proved to be a failure, but still it was a promising project. The implant allowed a user to have a faster respond time when inserted directly into the brain. The CRNI-05 was a more improved model of the CRNI-01. This proved to be more useful to the buyers. This model not only allowed the user a faster response time, but it also proved to allow the user to consume in knowledge faster than the average human mind could. This could make more intelligent pilots, fighters, and militia. However, this program was canceled when the CRNI only proved to work on certain brain types. CRNI interfered with the human minds normal line of thought, and warped all memory. The CRNI-15 was worked on in secret and brought out before OZ to be bought and approved by Doctor Emilio. The CRNI-15 was an amazing machine because it was more than just an implant it was a small computer that could be hidden in the brain. Allowing the patient to see all activity on the Internet within their mind, and control it. This would prove to be useful for computer data manipulation without the time of hacking."

     Dr. Emilio had worked for Oz. After they disapproved of his CRNI upgrade and cut the funding, he must have gotten mad and sold the information on the Cancer model to the colonies. For revenge. Why did Emilio so desperately want this CRNI? And if he was now on upgrade 36, who was funding him? Moro? Was Moro funding him? It wasn't a government run operation. It wasn't OZ. It wasn't the colonies. Then what? Heero ran up a search on Keith. His eye color, his hair, his age range. Nothing. He couldn't pull up anything. Heero lightly tapped in the name 'Duo Maxwell'. He was slammed with classified files. It took him only a moment to assemble the way to break in through his head. When he finally cracked in. The files were empty. All he could find was a single image. It was a photo image.

     What the-? Where is his personal information? This folder shouldn't be blank?

     Heero slide the mouse slowly up the pad, selecting the option to download the file. As he clicked it open it revealed two separate pictures of two young boys. One looked like Duo, with long hair, and a quirk to his mouth. He was all dressed in black, looking uncomfortable. He looked so young. The other was a picture of a young boy with long hair as well. This boy wore a baggy blue shirt, and tattered jeans. But it wasn't Duo. It was Keith. And this boys face was drawn down with sorrow.

     Why was Keith's photo in Duo's profile? There really was something Duo wasn't telling him. The thought was brimming anger inside the pit of his stomach. Duo didn't trust him enough to tell him these things. Duo was a liar, and a seducer. With his perfect lips and smooth skin. His wild smile and the silly, manipulative braid. Heero had to still his thoughts. Rationalize. Keith was the answer. Not Duo. Keith would be able to give him the full story, all he desired. The lab was 50 miles south. He knew Duo was heading there. Whether Duo was in cohorts with the enemy or not, he would go there. Such was an action within Duo's characteristics. The predictability was soothing to Heero. He lifted his hand, wiping the small drop of sake from the corner of his lips. The sake was a poor substitute for the taste of Duo's mouth on his own. He began to wonder if that would have been his last time to touch Duo like that. Calmly, and coolly he loaded his gun. He'd make sure to carry an extra supply of ammo. Duo would not be an easy target to kill. His heart would see to that.

     Heero grabbed hold of his jacket, dragging it against the counter as he headed towards the door. A sound was heard. The sound of a gun hitting the floor. This caused Heero to show acute alert, avoiding the gunfire as a single bullet shot through his jacket. What alarmed Heero more than the fact that he could have gotten killed was that it was Duo's gun. And Duo didn't have the gun in his possession. If anything were to happen. If Duo was innocent. He didn't have a gun to defend himself. No. Duo would be fine. He tried to assure himself of this. Finally, he grit his teeth, grasping up the gun to shove in his jacket, pocket. "Damn forgetful baka," Heero hissed. If Duo was hurt he deserved it. The stupid American shouldn't have run off without his gun so hastily. But... something kept ringing in the back of Heero's mind. If Duo was innocent, and he had ran Duo off, if anything happened to Duo, it would be his fault. That small 'if' was beginning to become a bigger probability in his mind. Maybe Duo wasn't the one who lacked trust. Maybe it was Heero who lacked trust.

     The cold weather was unkind to Heero. The wind only seemed to gain strength, sending the downfall of snow speeding rapidly against his jacket. He was underdressed for such weather. His thoughts quickly shifted to Duo, thinking of how the boy scolded him for showing lack of concern for him. He could still remember how it felt to have Duo warming his fingers.

     Damn it all! Ever since last night I can't forget that idiot.

     That wasn't true. No matter what he could never forget Duo. He could remember even when he first met Duo, and how Duo had saved him. He never forgot. He felt that he owed Duo, even if his pride begged to differ. Heero walked towards the garage shop. The auto repair man stood out by the open garage. He was ready to close it up, his scarf tightly wrapped around his neck as he cursed the skies for such cold weather. The mans focus fell on to Heero, "Eh? Beat it kid. We're closed." "I need to rent a motorbike from you," Heero said dryly, dragging out a sum of cash from his pocket. The man stared at Heero. Stubble covered his chin as his thin lips twitched beneath a torrid, white mustache. His forehead wrinkled as he turned his brows inward. "I got one left. It's a bit old. Sounds kind of funny when it runs. Won't like this cold too much," the man explained to Heero. "I don't care." The man smiled wryly, "Then you got yourself a bike!"

     Heero placed the black helmet on his head. He adjusted himself onto the bike before he started it up. The man was right. The motor sounded strange when he'd try to start it up. It didn't matter though. Time wasn't giving him the luxury to be picky. The bike began to move with an amazing start, sending him on his speedy way down the road. The white trees became a blur to Heero. All he could see was the few feet of road ahead of him before the rest was clouded in the weather. According to his laptop the nearest lab was indeed 50 miles, but also according to his laptop it was an old, inactive lab that was cleaned out and supposedly just abandoned. Heero had discovered that there would be no need to use his mobile suit. It would draw too much attention. He had to accept what he was about to do. Not only attack people with motives other than the colonies or OZ's, but also his partner. A peaceful society in the making, right?

     The lab was coming into closer view, the snow slammed against the sides of his helmet, whisking past with expert speed. Heero couldn't have even begun to notice how the weather was. He never could even feel how cold his body was becoming. He should have dressed more appropriately. His mind wasn't' set to the mission. He should have had it set there, but his thoughts returned to Duo. There was the chance that Duo was innocent and he'd made a fatal error.

     But... somehow, you make me feel alive...

     Duo.

+++

     Dream. I could have dreamt for hours. No kidding. In my dreams there is such peace. Everything is perfect, you know? In my dreams Solo is still around. He's my age though, and we're talking about how much crap the guy who runs the hot dog stand on the corner gives us for running up a tab. Heh. Imagine that? In my dreams I wear a red shirt, black pants, and a smile. No, a *real* smile. Sister Mary scolds me for sitting in a chair improperly; she gets frustrated with my hair. I mean, it's longer now so, she'd really have a time. Father Maxwell pats me shoulder, giving me that quiet smile that tells me everything without use of words. The few words he does say mean everything in the world.

     Yeah. Sister Mary, Father Maxwell, Solo. That's my family. In my dreams Deathscythe isn't a tool of destruction. Deathscythe is my flying chariot. He takes me anywhere in space I want to go. And in my dreams, Wing flies with me. Heero, flying with me at my side. With him I could fly for all eternity. But the thing about dreams. As beautifully, heart wrenching as they may be. You wake up. And that moment you realize that everything you'd wanted was just a dream, the more apparent becomes the fact that-

     Duo held his head gently to the side. His head hurt. It pained him to a horrible degree. Whatever he'd been hit with, it certainly wasn't human hands. He was just beginning to regain his vision; the pale colors of soft blue lights, and the sound of boiling water were the main out cries in his mind. He could hear the soft jingling sound of his chain. They'd handcuffed him to a pipe. That wouldn't have happened if he'd just remembered to keep his gun. Or maybe he should have just been more alert. He should have known that Keith always seemed to travel with company. Duo roughly rattled the chains furiously. His legs stretching out as his feet slammed their force against the pipe.

     "Don't do that. You will only tire yourself." Duo lifted his gaze, his hair clouding his vision, a single drop of sweat running down to his chin. Keith was standing near Duo, his features, just as solemn as ever. The boy managed to smile though. It was a curt smile, a false one created purely for the moment and for Duo's folly. Keith kneeled slowly; his fingers capturing the single drop of Duo's sweat, rubbing the liquid between his fingers. "Trust me, I've been locked up enough times to know," Keith seemed to say sympathetically. Duo's violet eyes stilled their anger, his mouth firmly set to a snarl of his disapproval. "Where am I?" "Doctor Emilio's lab. You are in no immediate danger... yet," Keith assured him. The boy rose to his feet, taking a step back from the struggling American pilot. "There is something that I have come across in my years of living. It's just as hard to remember, as it is to forget. I hang in the balance. I remember, and yet I do not. I forget, and yet I do not," Keith said the words gently, his head tilting to the side as he curiously examined Duo's expression. Duo's head lowered, his body weakening from his antics. He breathed his words heavily, "Talk some fucking sense! I don't need your damn philosophy crap!"

     Keith smiled, his smile more malicious, a form of ill behavior twisted in his mind. "You stole my life, Duo. You stole my identity. I am Shinigami. I grew up in L2, and Sister Mary braided my hair each morning. And I piloted Deathscythe." Duo stared in disbelief. The kid was whacko! Duo knew good and well that he knew who he was, and that he'd always been from L2. Keith was a liar. He had to be. Duo snorted, breaking a lax, silly smile to his mouth, "I thought I told you to make some fucking sense?" For the first time, Keith's normally passive face took on a darker façade, he dropped down to Duo's level, his hand reaching to grasp between Duo's legs. He held Duo's member painfully through the fabric, his features gnarled and heated. "I don't know what the hell he sees in you. But be assured that the one thing you won't take from me is, Heero. You damn bastard!" Keith shouted. Duo winced, his body wanting to cry out his pain, but he remained muted. Biting down on his lip forcefully.

     Keith released Duo from his hold. His fingers quivering. He tried his best to still his hands, but they only continued to quake. The boy's eyes widened, Duo could quickly see that Keith was loosing control over his hands as they continued to tremor exceedingly. Suddenly, the sounds of the boiling water became louder. The lights on the machines in the room seemed to flash more severely. Keith gasped, closing his eyes tightly, "D-doctor!" Keith continued to call the doctors name, he face expressing his great deal of pain. It wasn't long before Doctor Emilio made a hasty entrance into the lab room. In his hand was a syringe filled with blue liquid. He had an exasperated look on his face, hectically reaching to grasp hold of Keith. What the hell were they doing? Emilio stepped behind Keith, wrapping one arm around Keith's waist to steady the boy. The boy tilted his head down, his hair falling towards his face. Emilio pushed away the hair from the back of Keith's head. Duo's eyes became wide.

     What the fuck is that thing on his head??

     A small black, plug was on the back of Keith's head. It was just like a computer port. He inserted the syringe into the small port; pressing the gleaming, blue liquid into Keith's mind. As the cool, colored liquid poured gently through the syringe Keith's hands began to still, his eyes reducing to their lax state. What the hell was wrong with this kid? "Keith, I told you to still your anger. When we have extracted what we need from, Duo. You will be well. Stay out of his sight and be patient. The CRNI-37 is almost complete, you will become healthy, and you will be free of your pains," The doctor told Keith in a calming manner. He seemed still fairly disturbed, but he did not show it. Keith took his step back from the doctor, his eyes watching Emilio now with the same curiosity shown earlier. "The money. What of, the money?" "We're going to get the money. It's all sorted out. You should rest," The doctor placed his hand to the top of Keith's head. Smoothing down the boys hair before moving out of the room.

     Keith's eyes lingered to Duo. His calm fingers pressed close to the fabric of his coat. "I should go prepare. After all. I am expecting Heero," Keith left those words before he parted, leaving only the sounds of his boots echoing down the halls. Duo was utterly alone. The hard, black floors were anything, but comfortable. The cuffs were scrapping painfully against his wrists, leaving the skin red, and raw. He was confused. He didn't know what to think. Why did Keith have a port on his head? No wonder the kid didn't make any sense; he was Emilio's damn guinea pig. He'd almost be able to pity the guy if he wasn't such an arrogant, prude, little prick. The thing that bothered, Duo was the fact that Keith knew things he thought no one else did...

     "Starve a cold, feed a fever."

     Duo would concern himself with those things later. He had to find a way out. Duo tucked his thumb in; he knew this was going to hurt. A lot. His hands were slender enough to enable this task to work, with a quick, motion he slammed his hand against the wall near the pipe, continuously slamming until he could hear the left thumb, bone snap into place. The metal had bruised his wrist and his body was quaking with the anguished pain. He gritted his teeth, his eyes turning watery with the feelings of his discomfort. They were tears he kept held back. He then grasped the ring of the cuff with his right hand, pulling aggressively, and hastily until his hand was free of its bond. A sound of relief cried softly from his lips as he cradled his wounded hand to his chest. He wasn't going to waste any time. His injury was a searing pain, trying to push the pain into the back of his mind was a harder task than he had anticipated.

     If there was one thing in the world Duo refused to be it was a weak, helpless hostage. If he had to go down it would be with as much dignity as possible. He didn't plan to escape however. He had too many questions now. Duo dragged himself over to the electronic console. Finally he was able to take in the site of the area he was in. There were several, large tubes filled with blue liquid. There was a pump in each tube, producing a constant flow of bubbles into the liquid to keep it from becoming stagnated. There were small computer monitors to keep watch on what ever used to have been inside the tubes. Duo winced. It was pointless to simply enjoy the view. He did have a mission after all. He only had one good hand in his possession, and he worked quickly, tapping in commands into the computer.

     "Accessing blue print of laboratory. Please wait..." Duo grunted as he read the words form the screen. Patience was something he did not have at times like these. A CAD over view of the lab came into view, showing the level that Duo was currently in. The system was out dated. It hadn't been upgraded in years! It was almost too easy for him to slip his way in. Emilio had mentioned money. Maybe this was all they could afford? He was on the mid level. As his fingers smoothed over the keys, and several buttons on the console, a slip of paper brushed his skin gently. Sliding down against his wrist. Duo instinctively flicked at the paper to brush it away from his body. His hand he continued to keep held tightly. It was actually becoming numb. Duo was grateful for the relief, but the numbness wasn't a good sign. He was at a large disadvantage here. His fingers collided with the paper once more; this caused Duo to finally submit his attention towards the thin fax sheet. Printed in black, printer in was a grayscale picture of Duo, it was poorly represented by the machine. It was an image of him, when he was younger. Beside this image was an image of a younger boy resembling Keith. Duo's lips parted. What the hell was going on here? What the hell did he have to do with this project?!

     Another page slid against Duo's hand. In plain text it wrote out the actions of Duo's previous mission. Duo's hand reached to nimbly collect the page; he couldn't believe what he was seeing!

     "I do not want you to lie to me, Duo. I have orders to terminate you other wise,"

     I wasn't lying! I'm not a part of this!

     Slowly slid down the stack of pages, sending a scatter spray of pages about Duo's body. "Duo is falling into place nicely." "Thanks to the information provided by Duo, we were able to complete the experiment." "We are expecting Duo's arrival." Duo's teeth clamped together, in a vain attempt he tried to grab the pages, crumbling them tightly in his fist. The more he tried to destroy, the more seemed to topple from the console. His breaths became rapid. These were lies! He was so confused.

     What did I do?

     "Operations are promising."

     What did I do?

     Duo's body was lightly shivering. He had to be more sensible. Like Heero. He couldn't loose it. He had to keep cool. Keep his head straight. He sucked in a labored breath, sweat breaking against his pale skin, his wounded, purple fingers lightly twitching against his chest. The unwounded hand stretched forth like a claw towards the console, pressing in his own name on the keypad. A series of screens formed in front of him. " 'They' decided to develop a backup system incase their Gundam pilot's ever became bribed, or 'sympathetic' towards the opposing sides. The CRNI-36 has proven to be a perfect implant finally. I was able to create only what men dream of. A supreme breed of being. How ever, the boys mind was shattered, I had to piece it back together with the DNA of another specimen. Duo Maxwell proved to be a perfect example, his DNA string was a perfect match for Keith. His body accepted it more easily than the DNA retrieved from our previous specimen Heero Yuy. How ever is seems with this string Keith has developed a complex. He believes that certain events in Duo's life are his own. He seems to be gaining an increasing interest in Heero Yuy. Could it be a side affect of Heero's DNA previously being inserted in his body? Or Duo's? His mind is growing at an exceptional rate. I must say. I am really pleased! However, there is still the small detail of the CRNI-36 malfunctions. His over exuding emotions are hard to control. We hope that with Duo finally in our custody we will be able to do a full transfer."

     Duo's feet seemed to slide back against the smooth floor, he couldn't help it. His body lunched forward, his head lowering. How did they get his DNA? How did they get Heero's?! Duo tapped the keypad weakly, he needed more information. "Heero's DNA was simple to retrieve. The false missions we have set into his laptop have proved to be very affective! We collected samples of his DNA, from his left over meals found at his empty apartments he would abandon. Bandages, and hair samples. In our attempt to try and capture both Duo, and Heero we failed. I still possessed OZ access, and giving them a tip on the two's where abouts. I'd hoped would give us the chance to get them captive. The two escaped. But we were able to retrieve more samples from Duo. Cooper predicts that the colonies will send them on an assassination mission. We are suspected. Moro is continuing to provide a sufficient amount of money to keep us funded. It's becoming harder to play Oz and the colonies like this. Soon they will all be after us. We have to complete Keith. Once he is at full performance. No one will be able to stop him."

     "My mission was to monitor their behavior and yours. Why do you think this is a joint mission?"

     "Are you finding those files interesting? I told Heero that he could not trust you," the cool, smooth voice of Keith whispered softly against Duo's ear. Duo jolted, jerking back away from Keith's grasps. His mind was overloaded with the information he'd tried to take in calmly. His body was filling with just as much anger as confusion. The pain that was tearing through his arm was growing. The pain was creeping silently through his cracked bone. Keith leaded back against the console, a twisted smile to his lips. He was dressed differently now than before. His was shirtless, only wearing a simple pair of black pants. His feet were bare, pressing against the cold, floor surface. His bright, avid eyes examining Duo with a healthy, hungry look to his features. His hair was a wild examination of his new, apparent emotions.

     "Oh, you don't have to worry. I won't tell anyone of your escape attempt. If that is even what you're doing. I'm sure you were far more interested in looking for me." Keith's arms were strong and lithe, they reached to gently wrap around Duo's neck. The American boy tried to pull himself further away form Keith, only for his back to crush painfully against the very pipe he tried to escape from. A groan of anguish left Duo's mouth, his eyes feeling heavy. "What- do you want from me?" Duo choked out. Keith tightened his hold to Duo, his grip gradually becoming more deathly. "Everything. Your life. Your Gundam. Your partner. I desire all you have. For it is mine," Keith leaned forward almost affectionately, brushing his forehead against Duo's with genuine interest. "Mm, such soft skin. I see why he adores touching you. I have something of his that you will never claim, would you like to know what it is?" Keith formed a devious smile, licking his lips softly. Duo's leg began to move slightly towards the side. He had to get out of Keith's hold. "Every night while you sleep I talk with Heero. Each time you believe he is completely alone; I sate all his desires and interests. I give him all he desires." Duo spat against Keith, growling lowly, without thought or wasting another moment he threw up his leg, attempting to slam it painfully against Keith's shin. Before his action could make contact, Keith leapt back. His movements were almost artistic. Quick, and graceful. Keith smiled broadly, a deep laughter erupting from his throat, "If you still possess fire, come and fight me. We shall finish this here and now. Come, fight me. A battle for your Koibito! A fight for you're cold, vindictive Heero. Come! Fight! We shall see who is able to sate the mind of Yuy." Keith firmed his legs, forming a battle stance, his hand curving to beckon Duo to fight. "

     Duo's weak body tried to stand tall. His clothes were tattered, and despite the incurable ache in his arm, he forced his body to stay true to form. His tightened his broken thumb under his discolored fingers. His lifted his chin, his braid ragging against his shoulder and down the front of his body, the hair becoming loose, slowly wriggling it's way out of the braid. A confident smile was delivered to Keith on Duo's part. If Keith possessed a small part of himself, and Heero within his memory. Then his responses should be similar. Shouldn't they? The cocky pilot wanted to almost laugh. Keith really thought that he was actually Heero's lover? He seemed to think so strongly that Duo had taken Heero's heart. Didn't this kid know that Heero had no heart to steal?

     "I won't hesitate to kill you..."

     "Omae O Korosu."

     He was used to hearing one, but the time Heero said he wouldn't hesitate hurt him more than he'd wanted it to. It was time to harden himself. He had to forget Heero. If the cold, Japanese boy couldn't trust him, or love him, there was no point. In anything. Who gave a fuck if he died here? No one would mourn! He'd be easily replaced. Maybe another pilot would take over. It would be just as fast, simple and quick as that. He'd be another war statistic. Keith's cupped hand was beckoning him into a fruitless battle. Neither one of them would ever have Heero. Duo took a battle stance, his mouth opening heavily, "Oi! Don't just stand there, come on and fight me you bastard! We shall not just fight for Heero. But we shall fight for my identity. I am Duo Maxwell. Not you. I am the manipulator of death. I'm going to show you what it *really* means to be Shinigami!"

     You wake up. And that moment you realize that everything you'd wanted was just a dream, the more apparent becomes the fact that- you live in a fucking nightmare!!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. This is strictly fan fiction on the televised series Gundam Wing. It is for non-profit and I am in no way affiliated with it. (duh!) Purely entertainment based here.

Author's Last words: Yeah! Duo is one tough lil fool. I intend to show that a LOT! Keith seems more focused and obsessed with Heero, than Duo. *_* Lil Hee-chan is getting colder a bit, ne? Maybe it's all the alcohol. LOL But that's okay, because he's still got some soft spots! *sigh* did this chapter get a little too technical? Sorry. I'll try to lay off that stuff and focus more on our heros. LOL expect more action and *special* scenes. I'm going to try to lay off so many technical aspects. >_<

Explanation: I don't know if I got across the point, but it should be obvious, that Keith has the CRNI-36 implant in his head. This implant does play an important role. Which is why I went into the technicalities of it. But I think I over did it! Youd di fall asleep? Did you? >_< But it IS important.