Hybrid Theory:

 

The forecast for the day had called for freezing rain with temperatures in the low twenties. The five men stood huddled in long black raincoats, each with an umbrella for protection… save for one. The raindrops were relentless as it continued to pour down on the small crowd that had gathered around the casket in the middle of the small cemetery.

 

The Japanese boy gave an involuntary shiver as the cold seeped into his body. His usually unruly dark locks were now plastered upon his head and around his face as he watched the priest give the final rites before the accompanying wail of an anguished mother pierced through the late evening air.

 

Two younger sisters, who looked just as stricken as their mother at the loss of their big brother, were huddled by her side. They were all dressed in customary black, the gloom of the day only doing more to add to the already melancholy mood. Heero shivered again and tried to step closer to the scene, but a hand on his shoulder had him freezing in place.

 

“Don’t Heero,” Duo mumbled softly. “You know what happened the other day…”

 

Yes, he did know what had happened nearly a week ago. He had decided to visit the family despite Lady Une’s apprehensions. It was indeed a sad time for the Preventer Organization but deaths were a part of the job. One did not expect to join such a place without being willing to place his or her life on the line.

 

“You knew the mission was bound to be dangerous,” Heero replied in a voice that sounded distant and yet cold. “Why would you send a low level officer like Stevens on a mission like that?”

 

The brown-haired woman took off her glasses and wiped her them carefully with a piece of cloth. She placed it back on the bridge of her nose before getting to her feet to pace restlessly towards the large windows of her office. She looked out to the city skyline, brown eyes filled with an unreadable emotion.

 

“Would you believe me if I told you that I had no idea it would be that dangerous?” She gave a soft sigh. “I do not go out of my way to send my employees to their deaths, Yuy. I was under the impression that this was just going to be a routine…”

 

Heero slammed his hand upon the desk in frustration. “Then why didn’t you double check to make sure?! It’s your goddamn job to make sure things are well taken care of!”

 

“Mr. Yuy…” she began quickly as she tried hard to mask the worry that filled her at the wild look in the teen’s eyes. She had never seen Heero this worked up over any situation at all. There had to be more to this than just the loss of Stevens’s life. “I do hope you remember just where you are and who you are talking to…”

 

“You knew…you knew and you still sent us out with no back up at all…”

 

“That is untrue and you know it, Mr. Yuy! How dare you say…”

 

“I will say whatever the hell I want!”

 

Blue eyes that were usually calm or emotionless were filled with a hate that had Lady Une falling into her chair in surprise and shock. For the second or perhaps third time in her life, she had the feeling that she was staring into the face of imminent death. If someone didn’t come in soon…

 

She opened up her mouth to try to say something…reasonable, when the door burst open to reveal a slightly panicked Duo. The pilot had heard the raised voice of his partner and had given up his promise to remain outside until things had been cleared up. Trowa, Quatre and Wufei hovered in the background, each with relative looks of concern on their features as well. Neither had seen their fellow pilot this animated before.

 

An unspoken agreement between he and Lady Une had Duo placing a gentle hand upon the tense shoulder of his partner.

 

“Come Heero, let’s…”

 

“Get the fuck away from me,” came the low growl as Heero shrugged the other’s hand away. He gave one last glare at the silent female, before spinning on his heels and walking out of the room without looking back.

 

Two hours later found a very reluctant Duo and a still scowling Heero driving towards the Stevens’ family home. The American groaned and peered out of the window into streets that were lined with trees and homes that would have made any suburbia proud. Stevens had obviously grown up in a nice community.

 

“Heero,” he began again, trying desperately to reason with his partner. “Let’s not do this…”

 

“You didn’t have to come you know.”

 

Duo raised a brow and eyed him, fighting the urge to reach for the neck he had kissed a million times before, to throttle it. “I didn’t have to come but someone said he needed a guide to the damn place, right? And besides, you’re going against Lady Une’s orders, Heero. I won’t be surprised if she puts you on probation indefinitely. What the hell’s wrong with you anyway? You’ve never let something like this bug you before…”

 

Heero gave a light grunt, which basically told Duo that the conversation was going to go nowhere if he continued. He shook his head and turned back to face the quiet scenery. He had a nasty feeling that something horrible was going to happen.

 

All too soon, the journey came to an end. With a curt ‘Stay here’, Heero left the car parked at the curb and walked up the small flight of stairs and towards the quaint ranch-style home. Lovely flowers of every imaginable shape and color filled the small garden. There were two pink and white-trimmed bicycles that lay on their sides beside the doorstep and Duo felt something hard lurch in his chest as the enormity of the situation slowly sank in.

 

This man had had a family. This man had a lifestyle and a home he could have come back to at the end of the day. He had friends and people who would miss him very much. Maybe Heero had realized that earlier than anyone else. Perhaps Heero had seen just how catastrophic the loss of one person’s life could affect many others. Duo covered his face with his hands and groaned thickly. During the war, they had killed without really thinking much. It was a duty and a job. To save others they had had to get rid of a few more. It was just one big merry-go-round that had never stopped. And yet, behind each man or woman they had sent to his or her graves, someone else was left behind to grieve…

 

“BASTARD!”

 

He lifted his head to blink in surprise at the fiasco happening in front of the home. Heero could be seen trying to talk to the middle-aged woman who looked as if she had been crying for the better part of the morning. Two young girls hovered in the background as they stared at the man in the uniform with both fear and yet awe. Their big brother had been one of these people.

 

“Get away from here!” Mrs. Stevens screamed again as she brandished a broom that had been sitting beside the door. “Don’t you ever show your faces around me! Ever! You bastards killed my son! You killed my son! Goddamnit! Get away from here and never come back, you hear me! Get lost!”

 

She broke down into hysterical tears and by this time, a few neighbors had stepped out to see what the commotion was about. Heero’s cheeks were bright with embarrassment and humiliation as he recognized when he’s presence wasn’t needed. With another weak attempt at an apology, he gave a quick bow and made his way back into the car. Duo was the first to notice it coming his way and with a quick ‘Duck, Heero!’, the Japanese pilot was able to avoid being knocked out by the heavy piece of wood. It struck the side of the Jeep and another soon joined it by smashing a headlight.

 

“Fuck! Let’s get out of here, man!” Duo yelled as Heero seemed frozen in surprise at the sudden assault. If it wasn’t for his partner’s desperate tug on his arm, Heero was sure he would have lost his head as the objects just kept on coming.

 

How they had managed to escape that neighborhood unscathed was a miracle in itself, and they had done it but not without its fallout. Mrs. Stevens had stormed into the Preventer building the next day to warn off any other person who dared to show up at her doorstep. Subsequently, Lady Une did put Heero on six months probation without eligibility for employment anywhere else – after his trip to Japan. While, Duo got off with only a two month penalty.

 

Needless to say, the pilots’ farewell hadn’t gone as well as they had intended it to.

 

The ceremony was finally over and the crowd was beginning to disperse to their waiting vehicles. Neither seemed to notice the silent men watching them, neither did they make any attempt to gain their attention.

 

It would be a long time before any of them could get themselves to leave the cemetery.

 

 

*

 

Duo stepped over the pile of underwear while balancing a mug of coffee in his hands. Coco trotted after the bare feet padding across the carpeted floor as he watched his two masters with curiosity. Both had barely said a word to each other since their return this evening. Her dark-haired master had been seating by the window dressed in nothing but black sweatpants while staring at something outside. Her longhaired master had been the one doing the most work around here. He too was dressed in casual light gray sweatpants and a simple white t-shirt. His customary braid was half-undone – it was as if her master had decided to begin unbraiding it but decided not to. Either way, her long-haired master had not smiled as much as she was used to seeing him do.

 

He had pulled out the clothes for the laundry, fixed up her dinner and made the coffee for his silent partner. It was at times like these that she wished she could understand the language of the humans. They really were complex creatures.

 

With a yawn, she hopped unto the window seat beside her silent master and curled herself in a ball ready to call it a night. It was quite chilly outside as the rain was yet to stop. Her ears twitched a little as conversation began. It was one-sided as usual, but soothing nonetheless. Perhaps she would dream of chasing mice again in that beautiful meadow…

 

“I’ve packed up the first box, Heero. Got most of the basics in there.” He bit his lower lip and eyed the mess he had created in the middle of the living room. In an attempt to pack up some suitable summer wear; Duo had tossed out their entire wardrobe. The bedroom was like a war zone and any effort to begin clearing out that area was out of the question. The mind-boggling question was just how in the hell had they accumulated so many clothes in a year? It wasn’t as if they went out a lot or anything.

 

Or maybe he had created the mess to get some kind of reaction from his silent companion.

 

Man, it was annoying after a while.

“Just how long do you plan on sulking, Heero?” he finally asked a bit roughly as he picked up a t-shirt that had the words ‘I am with Stupid’ with an arrow pointing downwards beneath them. He snickered and tucked it away to be packed in the second box. He glanced towards the untouched coffee and Heero, who was still staring out of the window. The teen had a rather slack expression on his handsome features and despite the growing worry that filled Duo’s being; he had the urge to slap that look right out of Heero.

 

“Well?” he asked again. “How long…”

 

“I am not sulking,” came the quiet reply.

 

“Oh? So you usually sit on the window seat and stare at nothing for hours on end?” Duo knew he was beginning to sound pouty and petulant, but he couldn’t help it. He hated when Heero went into his ‘shell’ again. It had taken him almost three years to get the guy out of that state, why go through all of the rigmarole again?

 

“Heero!” he called out again in a near whine.

 

The Japanese boy closed his eyes and gave a soft sigh before opening them and reaching for the mug. He took a sip and glanced quickly at the black tail that was now flicking back and forth over his toe. Wiggling it gently, he took another sip and turned his gaze back to the window.

 

Duo growled softly and rose to his feet. “Fuck you, Heero,” he muttered as he stumbled over the clothes and slammed his way into the bedroom. The force of the door closing had the small apartment trembling a little and Coco gave a small ‘meow’ of protest before eyeing her silent companion. Heero hadn’t moved from his spot or made any attempt to go after his partner. He needed this time alone…to reevaluate some things.

 

 

*

 

Akane Hayakawa sipped the green tea slowly, allowing its rich aroma and taste to satisfy her thirst. She almost looked regal amongst the backdrop of Sakura trees and lush meadow that surrounded her. She listened to the soothing sounds of nature and her grand children playing in the background, knowing that once upon a time, a certain young girl who had looked just like her at that age, had once run around these very grounds. Even then she had known that Yoh would be a difficult daughter to deal with.

 

She had just been as opinionated and brash as her mother had been and perhaps that is why Akane respected her more than any of her other children. Yoh might have been the youngest, but she had been the strongest in body and spirit.

 

Too bad she had to lose it to that foreigner.

 

“Obaasan…ano…”

 

“Stop stuttering and say what you have to say,” she retorted impatiently as she placed her cup down to stare at the bowed head before her. Rei had returned a few days ago with ‘news’ about her grandson and his partner. Apparently, Miwa’s so-called boyfriend was having an outside affair with another woman. He had wanted to tell this to Takeshi, but Akane would have none of it. What was the use of aggravating an old man with such a tale? It was best to take things in stride and let nature run its course.

 

Was Rei sure about what he had seen?

 

Yes, the man had replied vehemently. He had clearly seen Duo Maxwell with this woman at a store displaying their affections for one another.

 

Akane had never liked Rei and his abilities to stretch his tales. Even as a little boy, his imagination had taken on a life of its own. A small scratch wound to Rei was like a broken limb. He really was a weakling.

 

“Obaasan,” he began again, trying hard not to show his inherent fear. Talking with his grandmother was always a pain to him. He wished he could have spoken to his grandfather, but somehow it seemed as if Akane had become the middleman. He had hardly seen the older man since his arrival to the compounds.

 

Was Takeshi all right at all?

 

Akane raised a brow and tucked her hands within the sleeves of her kimono. “Why do you ask me that, Rei-kun? Your grandfather is an old man, you know that.”

 

“Yes, but it’s just that…I mean…I haven’t seen him in so long…”

 

“When he wishes to see you he will send for you, Rei-kun. Do I make myself clear?”

 

“Ha…hai…”

 

“Good. Now, bring me Miaka. I wish to braid her hair.”

 

He recognized that tone. The conversation was over and there would be no need to bring it up again. Giving her another respectful bow, he rose to his feet and went in search of his daughter. He eyed the bungalow that housed his grandfather’s sleeping quarters. He didn’t know what was going on, but he had every intention of finding out.

 

 

*

 

Duo stuffed the drawer with as many shirts as his hands could hold onto, still mumbling and cursing out his companion in every language he could think of. As he spun around to pick up another set of dress shirts from the floor, his eyes fell on the two pieces of paper that sat innocently on the side dresser. He dropped the clothes to the floor and sat down heavily on the bed, trembling hands reaching for the tickets to stare at them silently.

 

In less than a week, they would be on their way there. To a place filled with family and yet strangers.

 

Tokyo, Japan. Okinawa, Japan.

 

After living a life in relative isolation and being used as a tool of war, losing one’s humanity and almost believing that you were not even needed by anyone – to suddenly realize that you have flesh and blood just like yours, to know that you are no longer alone…

 

“He must be scared stiff,” Duo whispered in dawning understanding. “That’s why he’s been acting so…weird lately.” He stared at the closed door with a warm look in his eyes. “Bastard as usual doesn’t know how to say it to me. He’s worried sick and doesn’t know how to deal with it.”

 

He got to his feet and made his way out of the room slowly. Heero was still seating on the window seat, but from the slump of his shoulders, Duo could see that the Japanese boy had fallen fast asleep. Heero’s relaxed visage made him look so much younger and more vulnerable. Those full lips were slightly parted and his hands were wrapped gently around his torso as if trying to hide away from someone or something.

 

A tight sensation filled his chest and Duo felt the light burn within his eyes again.

 

“You idiot,” he whispered fondly as he placed his hands behind the other’s knees to cradle him gently within his arms. Heero’s handsome features creased into a frown at the slight disturbance, but realizing who’s warmth it was, he snuggled against Duo and relaxed again.

 

Being careful not to trip over the mess on the floor, Duo carried his sleeping partner into the bedroom and placed him gently upon the bed. He tried to pull away carefully, but a hand upon his wrist had him stopping in surprise.

 

“Stay,” was the single but weary command that slipped from his lover’s lips. And powerless to refuse, Duo gave a soft nod and slid beneath the sheet to wrap his arms protectively around Heero.

 

They would sleep and deal with whatever they had to the next day and the next… and the next until the day of their trip. All he could do for now was hope that things wouldn’t be as bad as his gut instincts were beginning to tell him.

 

In all honesty, the situation did seem too good to be true. Just what was waiting for him over there? What did Heero’s family have in store for him?

 

And most importantly…would he even be able to remain with Heero once this was all over?

 

He opened his eyes and stared blindly at the ceiling above him.

 

Sleep would definitely be a long time coming tonight.

 

 

*

 

 

Akane Hayakawa took another sip of her green tea and closed her eyes allowing the beauty of nature and its surroundings to cloak her in a protective shield.

 

“Duo Maxwell,” she muttered softly to herself as she tucked her hands within the pristine white kimono. “Just what kind of a man are you? Will you truly be worthy of my grandson?”

 

She opened up her eyes and stared at the raven that was now perched on a tree limb over her head.

 

“Don’t worry,” she whispered again as she reached for her cup and closed her eyes again. “I promise not to hurt him…too much.”

 

 

TBC…