22 May 2000
A very big thank you to all of you who wrote me with FY information. I learned something different from each message so you were *all* very helpful.
Let's see, to keep this on topic, here's a teaser for the long, long overdue second half of my 1x2 fic "Listen." I've included the last part of the first half to remind you where the story stopped. (For those who haven't read The Kumi and Smashing Young Man, this will make more sense if you read those first. They can be found at http://www.shinigami.org/Two_shot.html
Anyway, on with the teaser:
They stared at each other, a rock and an immoveable object. Two stern expressions met, two beatiful Japanese faces regarded each other with contempt. At last, Kenji was the one who broke the silence. "Is that the way you treat your friends?," he said, voice soft but menacing. Because frankly, I don't allow *my* friends to be punching bags, no matter who's doing the punching. So I think you have some apologizing to do. Are you all right, Duo?"
The American had just gotten his breath back following the punch. "Oi -yeah! I'm fine, really. It's no big deal." He grinned at Kenji, forcing himself to drop his arm away from his tender stomach.
Heero made a grunting noise and began walking away but before he could, Kenji lightly grabbed his arm.
[Bad move, Kenji,/ Duo thought, /Don't try to make a point with this guy.]
"Seems to me," Kenji said to Heero, "that you don't approve of much your so-called 'friend' here does. And I have to wonder why you keep staying around him so much when he just bothers you all the time."
"It's none of your business," Heero said, his tone completely void of emotion, just as his face was. [Why can't you answer him?/ the voice called from deep inside. /You know the answer, but you just don't want to face it, do you?]
[Shut up!!!] came the viscious reply. The Soldier's fist was raised and brought down hard, effectively silencing the Boy.
"Maybe it didn't used to be," Kenji answered, "but it sure is now. I think I know how you feel about him, even in spite of your idiotic behavior. But I want you to know, I fully intend to take him away from you. He deserves so much better, and maybe that's me and maybe it isn't. But I sure don't want him around *you* anymore." Dark eyes rose and regarded the braided boy. "It's your choice, of course, and you should think about it for awhile. But just remember that I'll be here when you decide to give this guy the kiss-off he deserves. Are you coming to class?"
"Yeah," Duo said, affecting a careless smile. "I'll be right in." Kenji gave him a dissaproving look and Duo added, "Really man, I'm fine and I'll be there in just a moment."
A dark head nodded curtly, and then Kenji was gone.
Duo's voice was shaky but determined. "You don't want to hear this, I know," he said to Heero. "But sometimes things happen that don't go along with the mission plan."
"Things like *him*?" Heero's voice was quiet and flat.
"No," the long-haired pilot said softly. "Things like you and me."
End of Part 2 teaser
(:./kumiko/2shot13)
