Cause and Effect

Some guys just can't hold their liquor. Some guys don't even try; getting drunk off their asses can sometimes be the only amusement to be found. Duo Maxwell, pilot for the Gundam Deathscythe, was one of those eccentric types, and unfortunately, he was very bored. There had been a severe drop in missions assigned his way, most likely due to his habit of destroying more than what needed to be destroyed. So, Duo sat glumly in the living room of the current safe house, donated by the Winner family, grumbling every now and then.

The other pilots were off on missions; even little Quatre got assigned something. Duo heaved a sigh, leaning back into the soft couch, glaring at the nothing in front of him. Clicking his teeth together, his eyes roved over the room, looking for something to play with. His gaze stopped at a large china cabinet, or what he thought was a china cabinet. Standing to take a better look, Duo's lips curled upwards in a feral grin, realizing the cabinets held numerous glass bottles of various hues rather than boring old plates and old lady tea sets. Looking around warily, though the house was empty, Duo snatched a hairpin from his chestnut hair, just under his braid, and began to unlock the simple lock on the fragile door. Within seconds the door creaked open.

Reaching inside the ancient cabinet, Duo pulled out a large, long, unlabeled amber bottle. Quirking an eyebrow and shrugging, Duo uncorked the bottle, placing it to his lips, slowing letting the fluid within slide down his throat. There was a slight burning, but the taste was warm and spiced, and made Duo feel like he was smiling from the inside. Turning from the liquer cabinet, he returned to the couch, drink in hand, taking another quick swig.

Though he could entertain himself well enough with the alcohol alone, he was still feeling bored and alone. Again, looking around warily, he slowly rose and headed over to a large glass case, which within held a very expensive stereo system. Giving the case a curious look, Duo simply pushed on it and it opened. Grinning, he squatted in front of the impressive stereo, flipping a few switches and sliding a few dials. A country song started up and though Duo was tempted to change the channel to something more peppy, he just shrugged, stood and listened.

I can make anybody pretty
I can make you believe any lie
I can make you pick a fight
With somebody twice your size

Duo chuckled a little at the first verse. Taking another swig of the sweet liquer, he continued listening, curious as to what the song was about.

I been known to cause a few break ups
I been known to cause a few births
I can make you new friends
Or I can make you say bad words

And since the day I left Milwaukee
Lynchburg and Bordeaux France
Been making the bars lots of big money
And helping white people dance
I got you in trouble in high school
But college, now that was a ball
You had some of the best times
You'll never remember with me
Alcohol
Alcohol

Giggling, Duo took another swig, saluting the air at the mention of the fiery liquid he was now consuming. He started moving his hips, and with every third or fourth gyration he took another drink.

I got blamed at your wedding reception
For your best man's embarrassing speech
And also for those
Naked pictures of you at the beach

I've influenced kings and world leaders
I helped Hemmingway write like he did
And I'll bet you a drink or two that I can make you
Put that lampshade on your head

Jumping to the beat now, Duo laughed, poking at the nearby standing lamp. Gulping down a bit more of the sweet drink, Duo unscrewed the lampshade and put it on his head, tilting it like a cowboy hat. He danced to the drawling beat, hiccuping every now and again, victim to a giggle fit.

'Cause since the day I left Milwaukee
Lynchburg and Bordeaux France
Been making a fool out of folks just like you
And helping white people dance
I'm medicine and I am poison
I can help you up or make you fall
You had some of the best times
You'll never remember with me
Alcohol
Alcohol

Duo was singing along now, as best as he could between giggles and hiccups, taking more and more of the alcohol in, not spilling a drop in his childish dancing. Noticing the bottle was now basically empty, he dropped the amber glass container, jumping over it with a laugh. Suddenly, the front door opened, and a trio of shocked young men, two brunettes and a blonde, stood in the doorway, looking at their inebriated comrade with levels of amazment and amusement. Heero, the brunette with cold cobalt blue eyes, looked over at the other two standing with him.

"We're never leaving him alone again."

The End