Title: ESO
Author: bonnejeanne (bonnejeanne@yahoo.com) and vonceia (vonceia@yahoo.com)
Archive: GW Addiction
Category: yaoi, AU? Epic Saga...
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, ?

Warnings: LIMEADE. Yaoi. Old guys. Original characters. AU? You decide... OOC? Same.

Spoilers: Everything. I mean it, everything, series, EW, Ep. Zero, etc.

E.S.O. - by bonnejeanne and vonceia -

Twelve: Prepping to go...

Oma led the way to her small combination lab/office.

"You can use the terminal over there," she said, watching the young man. This one was so quiet... enigmatic. Alfa had collected a sometimes-sketchy history on each of the Gundam pilots, so she knew a few things about the boy called Trowa Barton... she knew his name had been taken from another man. But who and what he was would probably always be a mystery of some kind.

Sitting down in her desk chair, she said quietly, "You're friend is going to be okay."

Trowa looked up and felt some of the tension melt in his body. "Is there anything... special that he needs?" Trowa asked.

Oma smiled. "He needs to be treated just like everyone else," she said simply. "And I do mean, he *needs* it. He does not want to be singled out. He seems to have a very strong sense of identification with those around him. To feel somehow different from others is something that causes him to feel isolated. He needs to be... 'one of the guys', right now more than at any time. The experience of the sensory intrusions has shaken his sense of belonging a bit."

Trowa thought this over. His mind raced with questions and solutions, but he felt, that given what Oma said, his solutions would not be what Quatre needed. This threw Trowa into another dilemma. If there was nothing he could do, then how could he be with Quatre without retreating back into the darkness? Trowa sighed, his green eyes finding Oma. A thought occurred to him. "I would like to ask you a personal question, and if it is too personal you don't have to answer it. How do you do it?" he said. "With Alfa?"

The African-American leaned back in her chair slightly. "Practice, child, practice. And courage. Loving someone like Alfa... or your Quatre, or any of you, is an act of pure recklessness. It's like... stepping off a platform into a hundred foot drop, knowing there is only one chance in a million you won't get smashed to bits. Once you make up your mind to do it..." she shrugs. "It suddenly gets easier. And here is something I can tell you that few other people can, just because I've taken the step... and lived to tell about it: it's worth it. What you get back... can't even be described in words, it's that rare and precious."

Trowa looked at Oma for a few moments and then he nodded. "I think I understand," he said. "Thank you, Oma."

The woman nodded. "I know you're not a talkative one, but if you need to talk, I'm a good listener. Safe as the confessional..."

Trowa smiled and walked over to Oma's desk. He sat down in a chair. "Ok," he said. "So am I correct that the only thing I can do for Quatre is just, be there when he needs me? Like a flank?"

Oma propped her chin on one hand. "No... the only thing you can do for Quatre... is to be Trowa..."

Trowa looked down for a moment and let the information sink in. Finally, he nodded. "Ok," he said, "Thank you, Oma. I think I got it. Green eyes regarded her evenly. "I think that Catherine would like you," he said.

Oma inclined her head. "Thank you," she said. "I knew I got that PhD in psychology for some reason."

This time Trowa smiled fully. "If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know," he said and then stood up. He had gotten what he needed. As he stood, Trowa couldn't help grimacing just a bit. The impact of Heavy Arms Alpha slamming against the base had caused a vibration inside the cockpit that zero-g did not make up for.

Oma got up and took a small plastic package from a drawer, tossing at Trowa. "I'm also a sawbones," she said. "Take those. They're to help support you system for high G stress."

Trowa nodded. "Thanks again," he said, taking the package.

Oma nodded. "I might ask you for a favor in return, sometime."

"Just name it," Trowa answered.

The woman looked at him with a strange, slight smile. "You'll know. Now, do you still need to make that recording?"

Trowa shook his head. "I need this package and a shower," he said.

Oma nodded. "There is one other thing. I'm not giving this information to everyone, but you may do with it as you see fit, if you think someone else ought to know. I hypnotized Quatre, and gave him a post-hypnotic suggestion to help the disorientation from contact. If he looses touch, the word "crescent" should trigger a block against the outside intrusion into his thoughts. I don't know any way to test this, but it's the best I could do given the circumstances."

Trowa listened carefully. "I'll do it," he said. "Will you be all right?"

"I'll be fine," she said, smiling somewhat rakishly. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Trowa nodded and patted Oma's shoulder as he left. "Thanks again, doctor," he said and made his way back to the room he shared with Quatre to take a shower.

When Howard brought the Mantasail to the coordinates Duo had given, he saw an amazing sight:

Gundams at play.

In their entire training, the Gundams had never had any dry runs pitted against each other. The secrecy of Project Meteor forbade it. Now, however, they were turning the space over the station into a grand scale practice field.

Howard recognized each Gundam by design - though new, updated and enhanced, each machine had been made in the pattern of its predecessor. Deathscythe Alpha spread evil-looking batwings that hid the stars, and peered through a helmet that would have given the Kaiser nightmares. Facing the huge mecha, the clean white, black and gray lines of Sandrock Alpha danced, resembling a Knight of Islam in celestial armor. Duo lunged with his trademark powerful side-slice, and Quatre countered, catching the huge thermal scythe between a pair of half-circle blades, ducking and flipping the weapon away harmlessly.

Like a brilliant emerald star, the cabochon green dome on the chest of another Gundam identified it as the Wing Alpha, which looked all but identical to the original Wing Zero. The mecha dodged the lighting attach of a tendril-like dragon "fang", which was quickly followed by a second. The successor to the Altlong had been painted brilliant gold, reflecting the starlight.

Howard simply watched, experiencing pleasure in something so rare. As he observed, the dancers changed partners and Quatre gave Wufei a run for his money, as Wing and Deathscythe grappled like schoolyard toughs.

From beyond, something white flickered, looking almost like a fairy against the deceptive scale of the special backdrop. Howard's jaw dropped as he recognized his own design... Tallgeese III... could that be Zechs? It tool only seconds to decide that question in the negative. The moves of the pilot were unlike any he had seen, until the memories surfaced from far too long ago. He watched the prototype suit neatly cut between Heero and Duo - not something many pilots would try - unbalancing both and sending them tumbling away in opposite directions.

Howard rested his chin on his hand and watched the show. Nodding to himself, he noted all the differences and the similarities. The Gundam pilots were the best warriors the planet had ever produced. Zechs could play in their league... no one else...

The present pilot of the Tallgeese was markedly different in style. She knew the suit's capabilities in a way none of the others could, though they were already the best. She didn't make decisions about how to move - she let the suit do that for her. Clearly, the better pilot... it had to be admitted. And just as clearly, not a warrior at heart.

Under Alfa's control, the mobile suit could clearly be seen in a way that it had never been seen before - as an extension of a human in space, rather than simply the most powerful weapon ever created. Watching her, Howard remembered the old visions... a space populated by humans who moved through it as naturally as man walked through air on the Earth. Building, exploring... navigating the dangers of distant exploration, walking the surface of unknown worlds...

Blinking, Howard wiped his eyes, and reached for the comm to signal his arrival to the group ahead.

Howard's arrival brought the impromptu practice session to a close. He "parked" the Mantasail without docking it, and used a personal shuttle to come over to the station. A couple of the Gundams came over to admire the ship, which made Howard's chest swell slightly. Deathscythe gave him a 'thumbs-up", rather humorous from that hulking demon.

Everyone came in to the hangar and Alfa trotted down to the shuttle bay to meet the engineer. Emerging from the shuttle, he looked at her closely and experienced the deja-vu he was already expecting.

"You haven't changed," he said, hugging her.

Alfa let out a breath, releasing him as his words brought up recent thoughts. "I hope to hell I have... but it remains to be seen," she said. "Thanks for coming."

"Actually I was wondering how I could crash this party, ever since Duo told me about your meeting," Howard said, walking back down the hallways to the hangar with her.

Reaching the hangar, which had become the de-facto place for group meetings in a few short hours, Howard saw all the faces he was expecting... and a few he wasn't.

"Howard," Professor G said. "You finally made it. Late..."

"You guys..." Howard said, noticing that one of the five scientists was conspicuous by his absence. "I always knew you guys were too ugly to die."

"The pot and the kettle, Howard," Dr J said.

"Hey Howard," Duo called, coming over to grip the older man's hand. "Thanks, man."

"No problem, kid. I'd hate to be left outta anything as crazy as this is," Howard said. "That's a nice suit you got there... the others too."

Duo nodded. "It's not too bad. I'll always remember the original Deathscythe with a certain fondness... but this bad boy is quite a hot rod."

Quatre went up to Alfa. "What are our plans now?"

Alfa looked around, getting the attention of the different groups with a glance. "It'll take an hour to load the suits on Howard's ship and get underway. That leaves us two hours. I've had a meal prepared in the commissary, you can eat now or later, and I suggest everyone take the remaining time to rest or whatever you need to do. Meet back here in two hours to commence the loading. Then we'll be going. Those of you who will stay..." she looked at the scientists, and many of the technicians, "I'll say my thanks and goodbyes now. I hope to see you again. Everyone... two hours."

Then she nodded to Howard and left the hangar.

"Has anyone seen Trowa?" Quatre asked.

Oma, who had joined the group, said, "I believe he was headed for a shower."

Quatre nodded, and his eyes lit up, then he blushed, ducked his head and excused himself.

Duo chuckled. "Howard, can I buy you a beer?"

"Don't worry about me, kid, I need to catch up on old times with these geezers," Howard said, going over to the docs.

Heero, who had been leaning against one wall, watched the exchange between Howard and Duo. 'Party guy,' he thought, shaking his head. "A shower doesn't sound too bad," Heero said as his eyes slide over to Duo. "I'll be in the room, Duo," he called out, turning to go. He stopped suddenly and then turned around. "In case you needed... something."

Duo looked over. 'Something', huh? he thought. A sly idea occurred to him. "Uh, yeah sure," he said, and waved a hand, turning back to where Howard was talking with the old guys. He angled himself to where he could see Heero without appearing to look, waiting for him to exit the room.

'Hn,' Heero thought. 'Guess I gotta get better at this.. or maybe,' the thought as he headed towards the quadrangle. 'Maybe, that was it... That's all. It's gone...' Heero stopped. "Or he's just a little not getting it." he said.

As Heero stopped in the hall, Duo silently came up behind him, using the skills for which he was quietly renowned in some circles... well, admittedly most of the people who knew about his talents were dead... He came right up behind Heero, grinning to himself that he actually had the other boy puzzled enough to be talking to himself in the hall.

"Getting what?" he said loudly, grabbing Heero tightly around the waist.

Heero jumped and made a sound suspiciously like a yelp. Then his head went down and he growled. "Duo." he said in a warning tone.

Unfazed, Duo grinned, holding the Japanese boy against him. "Heh heh heh," he laughed. "Heero Yuy, you have now experienced something new - a 'gotcha'!!"

Heero looked up at Duo and attempted to fix him with a freezing stare. He sighed and then looked away, unable to hold it. Then he scratched his head. "Gotcha." he repeated. Looking up at Duo, he then smiled. "I'll remember that."

Duo experienced a 'gotcha' of his own... he found himself staring, completely entranced at the expression of a smile on the other boy's face. He tried to remember if he had seen this before. If so, he must not have been paying attention... it was startling. No, it was breathtaking... it was....

"You are amazing," Duo breathed, his mischievous grin becoming something softer and dreamy. Leaning forward, he could not help himself - he had to kiss those smiling lips.

Heero blinked as he wondered what he had done that was amazing. Feeling Duo's lips against his, he kissed back.

Wufei walked down the hall, to see Duo and Heero necking in the hall like school kids. Um... bent school kids. "Get a room," he said, walking by. He did not allow the smile to show on his face

Heero broke the kiss, briefly. "Got one!" he called back to Wufei.

Without turning around, Wufei's voice drifted back to them. "Then go inside it and shut the door!"

Duo laughed. "Make love not war, Wufei!"

"Baka."

The whole exchange struck Heero as funny and he laughed. "I think that was a hint," he said.

"Yeah... good ole Wufei, subtle as a flamethrower," Duo agreed. Then the mischief returned to his face. "Last one in the room... has to clean it afterwards!" he said, and sprinted down the hall.

Heero shook his head and ran after Duo. He didn't mind cleaning.

Quatre hurried down the hall, opening the door to his and Trowa's room, and shutting it behind him. He listened for the sound of water running. "Trowa?

Trowa leaned in the shower, letting the water cascade over his body. He heard Quatre's voice and smiled. "I'm in here!" he called back.

Quatre smiled brilliantly and moved to the bathroom. "Hi!" he said, seeing the shape of Trowa's body through the frosted plexiglass shower door. "Are you okay? The Sandrock Alfa is really cool. The shotels feels like feathers, the mecha's so powerful. It was fun sparring - I don't think I've ever done that before..." he said, realizing he was rattling on. He just felt so warm and excited. Part of him wanted to get into the shower, but part just wanted to simply be there, maybe holding a towel, when Trowa came out.

The door to the shower opened and Trowa blinked water from his green eyes. "Glad you had fun," he said.

Quatre's expression seemed to soften as he gazed as the water glistening on the tall boy's body.

"God, you are beautiful," he said softly. He tried to focus on the picture, so he could carry it in his mind through the hours to come. All I have to do is think of this, he told himself. That will bring me back from anywhere... from hell...

Trowa reached out and touched Quatre's face. He didn't feel self-conscious at all. "Thank you," he said, softly as he touched Quatre's lips with his fingertips.

Quatre's eyes closed, and he bent his head, kissing Trowa's fingers. "I never imagined... I could be so lucky as this," he whispered.

Trowa's eyes closed briefly as he felt his body react to Quatre's words. Leaning forward, he kissed Quatre slowly.

"Come inside with me," Trowa said as he released Quatre's mouth.

Quatre sighed softly, and quickly removed all his clothes, leaving them in a neat pile. He stepped into the small shower and placed his arms around Trowa's body, feeling the water hit his back. It felt soothing. Looking up, he ignored the water dripping in his face from the strands of blond hair. "No matter what happens now," he said, "It's all been worth it, for me."

Trowa smiled. He wrapped his arms around Quatre's shoulders pulling him against his chest. "Yeah," Trowa said. "I feel the same way."

Next... Stories and Songs...

Comments eagerly welcomed!

bonne & von

Comments? Email bonnejeanne@yahoo.com or vonceia@yahoo.com

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