Author: Merula
Pairing: 1x2
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Yaoi, AU
Disclaimer: I don't own GW.
Banshee Part 1
"Hurry!" My cousin practically yanked me out of the air and down onto the cement in the alley. "Don't let anyone see you!"
"I thought this was a place that catered to magical creatures," I growled at him as I gave myself a shake, settling into my human form.
"It is," Trowa gave me a narrow-eyed glare as he did the same. "But that doesn't mean the neighborhood is in on the secret."
"This place had better be worth it," I teased as we hurried down the street. "And not just because the owner is some gorgeous elfkin."
"As if you ever go anyplace for the atmosphere, Duo," my cousin snorted back at me. "You wouldn't know class if it bit you on the ass."
I didn't have a chance to retort before he stopped and ducked into a half-hidden door. My hackles rose a little- this place was crowded- and I hated crowded spaces.
Cursing internally, I followed my cousin through the crowded room, trying not to twitch. Why did we have to come here again? What was wrong with simply hanging out at home with a rented movie?
Trowa's expression lit up as if someone had flipped a switch. He waved at a blond man sitting in a corner, the flash of a pointed ear giving his heritage away.
That was why. Damn it all. Couldn't he go courting on his own?
When the music swirled out over the crowd, for just a moment, I was tempted to cover my ears. The place was already noisy enough as it was.
But then the singer's voice joined the sound of the guitar- and I forgot about the crowd- forgot about the noise-
Looking back over my shoulder, letting Trowa pull me through the crowd, I saw him for the first time. Perched on a stool on the tiny stage, microphone close to his lips, guitar cradled in his arms. Detached from the crowd around them, he ignored his audience as he sang- who was he singing to? His head was bent, his dark hair half-obscuring his face- his voice stirring my blood- what was he?
We reached the table and Trowa shoved me towards a chair.
"Duo of FreeNation," I introduced myself to my cousin's target.
"Quatre of the Hexenwood," the blond replied.
I nodded politely at the elfkin, happy when he and Trowa immediately launched into a whispered conversation that allowed me to enjoy the music- and the view.
For just a moment, when the singer tilted his head, I caught a flash of dark blue eyes- was he looking for someone in the crowd?
"Duo?" Trowa poked my arm. "Are you okay?"
"What is he?" I asked and the blond snorted.
"Heero? He's a banshee."
"I thought only the females-"
"They keen- the males sing." Quatre rolled his eyes. "Pity Heero's such a cold hearted bastard- you'd never believe it when he sings- but he's not someone you want to mess with."
I barely registered his comment. Those eyes were turned in my direction - what was he looking at over here? It couldn't be me.
But oh, I wished it was...
Trowa and his elfkin turned their attention on each other again and I settled back in my seat. Cold hearted bastard or not, the banshee was worth looking at- not to mention listening to- and if I had to be stuck in a crowded club, then I was going to enjoy what I could.
I listened to Heero for two sets- and then he was replaced by a DJ. Trowa barely noticed when I got up to leave, giving me a wave as I slid away from the table. Of course, I didn't tell him I was leaving- chances were he thought I was on my way to fetch a drink, but I wasn't comfortable in the club and without the banshee singing, there wasn't much point to staying now.
The air outside was cold, but blessedly clear and I inhaled deeply, cleansing my lungs. It was a good night to fly. I nearly shifted outside the club, but remembered Trowa's admonishment just in time, and headed down the street.
The faint sound of cursing reached my ears and I flicked a glance over at a car across the street. One of the tires was obviously flat and the owner was half-buried in the trunk, cursing. I wondered if the spare was flat too, and I crossed over to help.
"Need a hand?"
There was a sharp curse and the owner of the car straightened up, turning to face me. It was the banshee- Heero- and I noted that even scowling, he was still rather attractive.
"My spare is missing," he said and glowered at the trunk. "I am now walking home and I don't think I need help with that. Thanks anyway." He slammed the trunk shut and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I can still help," I said and knelt down next to his tire. I put my hand on it and murmured a short spell. The tire began to re inflate under my touch and I looked up to find Heero blinking at me.
"Sorry," he muttered. "I didn't realize- I'm not good at recognizing other magical beings-"
"It's no problem," I assured him. "I suck at it myself."
His lips twitched and I wondered what he'd look like if he let himself smile. I felt the drain of magical power cease and I got to my feet.
"All fixed."
"Thanks. I- Do you need a ride somewhere? It's the least I can do-" Well, that was actually a kind offer. Maybe he wasn't a total cold-hearted bastard? Standing here in the chill beside his car, he actually seemed... sort of shy.
"I'm good," I grinned at him. "I'm going to fly home."
"You- are? But-"
"My other form has wings," I told him and his puzzled expression cleared a little. I put my hand out. "I'm Duo- one of the FreeNation."
"Dragonkin," he said, that faint curve returning to his lips. "I'm Heero." He clasped my hand. "Thanks for your help."
That was odd- he claimed no family tie?
"You're welcome. Thank you-" I tilted my head back towards the club. "You made a dull evening bearable."
A faint blush rose up in his face. "I should go. I have to work in the morning. Thanks again."
As he drove off, I ducked into the shadow of a building and shifted, lifting into the cool night air a moment later.
The banshee was a puzzle... and I enjoyed puzzles...
TBC...
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