Takeo – Hello. It’s a new fic! It’s Chapter One of Bonded
WuFei – We’ve been on a little vacation. And appeared on the Kongo Show.
Duo – I liked the commercials, especially the ones with Wu and I!
Takeo – Okay. Warnings and Disclaimers.
WuFei – Takeo does not own GW or us. No warnings yet.

Chapter One : Lonely

WuFei sighed as he sipped from his glass late in the evening at a bar. Nataku was safely hidden for the night; the gundam deserved a rest after the last few days of endless missions. WuFei resisted a sigh as he dismissed the throbbing headache that had been bothering him for quite sometime how. Earlier in the evening, people had been playing with the piano but now, a sweet blues song floated from the old keys.

A few patrons looked up and saw a young lad perched on the wooden old stool, long chestnut hair in a braid, a priest’s attire he donned. WuFei looked up and recognized Duo. He looked away, the image significant for his pain and longing. WuFei didn’t really know when he started falling for Duo, or actually listen to that unceasing noise that signified Duo’s speech. I can’t do this, not now, not with _him _ on my mind. WuFei paid for his drink and left the bar, tired eyes wondering just how long it would be before the day broke.

Duo looked up from his playing as he heard the swing of the bar door. He looked over to WuFei’s stool and the pilot of Altron departed from the bar, hands shoved into his jacket pockets, weary head bent. Duo stopped playing and sighed. He had to confront WuFei and find out why…

WuFei sat on the couch in the current pilot’s safe house. They had managed somehow to stay together due to increasing threats against their lives, despite the fact that they much preferred to be on their own. It was through Quatre’s insistence that they where all living under the same roof for the time being. WuFei wouldn’t have minded if he didn’t have to see _ his _ face again, not after how much he had hurt him. WuFei curled up into a ball on the couch, his tank top not thick enough to prevent the cold from gripping him.

Twice, first Merian, then Heero. Am I really that stupid? Merian never loved me, and she never used me except for this whole justice thing. I detest fighting, but, I was her husband, and I shall grant her wish, even if I lose my life. This fight cannot be only for her, but for myself… And Heero, how could I have been so blind to believe that he could love me ?He only used my body, he never touched me with affection, only with his lust and I gave my self to him. WuFei shuddered as a hot tear rolled down his cheek. His life had been plagued by so many memories that stayed with him and never left him alone in peace. And yet, I do not know how to free my self from my woes.

WuFei left his thoughts behind as a familiar presence made itself know in the doorway.

"Hey Wu-man, how’s it going? I saw you are the bar but you left before we had a chance to talk." Duo said as he sat on the couch next to WuFei, manic grin in place, mask not too far away. WuFei sighed, not bothering to replace his mask. His thoughts were still around him, not content on leaving their questions unanswered.

"What do you want Maxwell?" WuFei managed without sounding too annoyed, his soft spot, much to his displeasure, actually happy to see the braided boy.

"Nothing much. You look like you need company. And I’m as bored as hell and well, I decided against getting drunk unless you’re going to get drunk with me." Duo said with a smirk as he whipped out two glasses and a bottle of really expensive looking wine. Two slender eyebrows shot up. With the exception of Quatre, none of the pilots had enough money to pay for the bottle that Duo was holding up.

"Where did you get that from?" WuFei asked as he looked suspiciously at Duo. A pair of smiling violet orbs greeted velvet.

"I acquired it, that’s all. Come on Wu, let’s just forget that tiny detail." Duo said as he popped the cork of the bottle open, careful not to let it ricochet off the walls.

"What make you think I want company?" WuFei pressed as he grabbed a nearby blanket draped over the chair.

"You looked lonely at the bar. And I was lonely. So let’s drink." Duo cheered as he filled both glasses. WuFei eyed the boy suspiciously but graciously accepted the glass from Duo.

"Thank You." WuFei said smiling a bit. He couldn’t help but feel in a lighter mood whenever Duo was around him. It had been like this for that past few days. Duo caught the smile and treasured it. He wasn’t too sure about just what exactly WuFei was all about but he was determined to find out. After a few glasses, WuFei was beginning to lose focus, and not too far behind was Duo. Duo had a higher tolerance than WuFei did, and soon, they were both cracking jokes, mostly WuFei laughing till tears filled his eyes as Duo recounted many of his tricks and pranks that he had played when he was younger. Soon, the discussion turned to their fellow pilots.

"I’m telling you, Quatre is rich enough to build ten Shinigamis." Duo said as he laughed.

"Shinigami? I thought your gundam was Deathscythe Hell?" WuFei asked as he tried desperately to regain some control over his mind. Duo seemed to somber down when WuFei asked the question.

"Well, your gundam is named Nataku. Care to explain?" Duo asked. Clarity took hold of both pilots as they steadied nerves and thoughts alike. They were both treading on rough seas.

" For my dead wife." WuFei replied quietly, not feeling so empty when he said it. Duo nodded.

"I’m sorry. But, that means you were married?" Duo asked now as he moved closer to WuFei. The velvet eyed boy nodded.

"What about Shinigami? What souls do you fight to avenge?" WuFei asked softly.

"The people who took care of me since they discovered that I was an orphan. They became my family: Father Maxwell, Sister Helen, Solo…" (1) Duo said as his voice faded away.

"I’m sorry for your grief, but it has to make us stronger somehow." WuFei said as he placed a comforting hand on Duo’s shoulder. In that moment, two souls connected, sharing an unspoken bond.

"Thanks Wu. Didn’t mean to…" Duo said.

"Don’t worry about it. We both shared." WuFei said with another smile. Duo just watched in silent awe. Never had he seen WuFei so happy and beautiful. Must be the alcohol. He looks like he’s not so tense anymore. Maybe I should go ahead… Duo shifted closer to WuFei. WuFei blushed at their closeness.

"Hey, Fei, can I ask you something?" Duo said as he kicked off his boots. WuFei detected a hint of hesitation in Duo’s voice.

"What is it Maxwell?" WuFei asked.

"It’s Duo man." Duo said with a grin.

"What is it Duo?" WuFei asked.

"What’s with you and Heero?" Duo asked. WuFei’s face became pale, sadness welling up in dark chocolate depths.

"Nothing." WuFei replied quietly. Duo winced at WuFei’s tone of voice. He had hit his mark.

" I know what he’s doing to you Wu, you shouldn’t let him treat you like that." Duo said as he grasped WuFei’s hands in his.

"Don’t get involved Duo, you are my only true friend, at least, I feel that you are." WuFei said as he became very aware of Duo’s body pressed up against his.

"What do I have to do to convince you?" Duo asked, voice reaching husky overtones.

Before WuFei could respond, the door to the safe house swung open, revealing a pair of cold cobalt eyes. Heero walked in.

"Hey Heero." Duo said with a wave as he loosened his grip on WuFei’s arms. Heero replied with his usual silence and fixed his glare on the two empty glasses, along side an empty bottle.

"What are you doing WuFei?" Heero asked, cold monotone reaching both boys on the couch.

"Nothing Heero." WuFei said as he let go of Duo’s hands. WuFei smiled apologetically at Duo. He picked up his blanket.

"I’m very thankful for your company Duo." WuFei said as he departed, avoiding Heero’s gaze. Once he was gone, Heero fixed Duo with a glare. "He’s mine." The glare read. Duo’s eyes burned with fury as Heero left the room. Better watch out Yuy, it’s not nice to hold people against their will, Fei will break out , he’s strong, and I’ll be there to help him…

End of chapter one.

(1) Solo is a real person from Duo's Episode Zero.
Takeo – I’m back!
WuFei – Oh joy. At least no more dating games.
Duo - *pouting * But I liked the dating game!