[Gundam Wing] Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy - Essay

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Title: I'll be Your Shooting Star

The 'ship: Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing)

Author: Freya-sama (sonkikyo@livejournal.com)

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing.

Warning: Spoilers from the anime series, Endless Waltz, Episode Zero, and Blind Target.

A big thanks to: tailfluff, mad_about_yaoi, and blkros who beta-read for me and helped me out, and miyuki_mina who got me to write this in the first place.

---

I'll be Your Shooting Star
A Complex Love Story
by: Freya-sama

This is my personal take on the possible romance that could happen between the two Gundam pilots, Heero Yuy (pilot 01) and Duo Maxwell (pilot 02).


Before we get to that, I have three major things I need to point out before you begin to read this:


- Heero and Duo are not a canon pairing. Traditional, but not canon. Whether the things that go on between them are romantic, platonic, or just nothing is completely up to who's watching.

- Upon not being a canon pairing, I do believe the creators intended other pairings much more than this one. This essay's more like a "what if" kind of thing. I'm trying to prove how it could work, not how real it is.

- I respect all characters. There'll be no bashing or bastardization of any character in this.


This, my friends, is an essay I took very seriously. I hope all of you will take it just as seriously, and give me any input you have. Enjoy!

The "Imperfect" Soldier

Heero Yuy

Heero Yuy is the main male character of the show. Since the beginning of the series, it was obvious to me that he wouldn't be your average cartoon super hero. Pretty ironic if you think about it, considering that his code name is "Heero" (it just has an extra 'e'.) Yes, it's only his code name. "Heero Yuy" was the name of the pacifist leader of the colonies, who was assassinated in After Colony 175, thus brewing up more conflict between space and the earth. Doctor J., the man who trained our Heero to be a Gundam pilot, gave him the code name "Heero Yuy", because he was assigned the task of being the ultimate achiever of peace, just as the late Heero Yuy could have been.


Try as Doctor J. did, he never could turn Heero's heart off completely. Despite his high expectations, Heero really isn't the "Perfect Soldier" he appears to be. He is an assassin who hates to kill; and hates to fight in the war. I think his hatred for war and killing is what made him a bit crazy (suicidal) in the beginning of the series. The guy jumped out a window over fifty stories high (Episode 3), pointed a gun to his own head (Episode Zero), and self-detonated his Gundam while standing on the opening hatch (Episode 10).


On the outside, we see a badass character who takes everything to the extreme, and doesn't care about anything (including himself) but his "mission". What's on the inside is still a mystery, as it is with the other pilots. It's pretty easy to assume that Heero's "mission" is the only thing that keeps him alive; perhaps the only thing he thinks he's good for. He was brought up in the world with no family, no love, no life, and no name, so he probably thinks nothing more of himself than a simple tool for war.


His hands are stained with the blood of many, some of which were innocent. The way Heero thinks and feels isn't as quite as apparent during the series as it is during Endless Waltz. In his memory of the innocent little girl and the puppy he killed by mistake, you could see the horrified look on his face. That death in particular stuck with him for so long, which I think is the ultimate indicator that he is not impure of heart; not just a war tool.


But, what turned this nameless orphan into a soldier?


When he was just a child, he was taught how to survive in a warring world by Odin Lowe, who happens to be the one who killed the actual Heero Yuy. (Small world, isn't it?) They don't mention how Lowe finds Heero, or exactly how long they've been traveling together (just that it's been a few years), but this was still a very important time in the young boy's life. They became like father and son, until Lowe took him to Colony X-18999 to abandon him.


Heero: "Who are you going to kill this time?"
Lowe: "Septum, of the Alliance Space Force. This'll be my last job. So you should go to school and live a normal life." (Episode Zero 39)


I think Odin Lowe cared a lot about the mysterious young boy he spent years traveling with, thus wanting him to go live a "normal" life, and not wanting him involved in his last job. Lowe was practically Heero's father, and he watched that man die right before his eyes. He acted pretty nonchalant, in spite of what he probably really felt about the whole thing.


Odin Lowe never really left him. One bit of advice Lowe gave stuck hard with Heero, even in the series.


"I was once told that the only good way to live is to act on your emotions." - Heero to Trowa, episode 12.


That's actually a paraphrased version of Lowe's advice. He tells Heero to "do what your heart tells you" and Heero does. Even at the cost of his life, Heero puts what his heart tells him above all else, even logic. In the beginning, Relena could have been a serious flaw in his mission, yet he let her live, despite all his threats. In episode 19, Duo became a "negative factor" to Heero, and logically, killing the "negative factor" would have been the best course of action. Once he had that damn gun pointed between Duo's eyes, he grew very reluctant, and once Duo asked "Are you gonna really do it?" Heero's response was "If that's what you really want me to do." But, did Duo really want to die? Hell no he didn't; he still had a job to do. Heero didn't want to be the one to kill him, either. His mind said "Yes" but his heart said "No" and he ended up busting Duo out and getting him off Barge.


Lowe: "Do what your heart tells you."

Love and Loss

Duo Maxwell

Duo Maxwell is also one of the main characters in the anime. His role isn't quite as big as Heero's, but he's still a significant character in the series.


Duo's the type of character whom requires a lot of observation to understand. One minute the guy's got a mile-wide smile on his face, and the next he's feeling depressed, or angry. He's much more verbal than the other pilots, making his character SEEM less subtle and more outgoing, though he really isn't as outgoing as he seems.


Duo loves to smile; everybody knows that. Even more, Duo likes to see others smile. Like Heero, he hates war, and ironically enough, he became "The God of Death."


To me, it's painfully obvious that the person he is during the series was deeply affected by his childhood.
The braid, for one, was something Sister Helen gave him. I think the braid is very symbolic, and represents a wonderful piece of his past that he wants to keep with him while he fights.


He lost three families in his childhood: his real parents whom he never got to know, Solo + gang, and the people at Maxwell Church. He'd always been able to cheat death (and did several times in the series.) When the plague affected Solo and the others, Duo was the last survivor, leaving him to live alone with much grief and despair. When he was taken in by Maxwell Church, Sister Helen and Father Maxwell treated him with the love and caring a child needs from their parents. Just when he started getting used to life in the church, it was attacked by OZ troops and destroyed by the Alliance, killing everybody, except for Duo. He tried to save the church by giving a stolen mobile suit to OZ, but it was too late, and Sister Helen died right before his eyes.


"You'll be killed. Anyone who sees me has got a date with his maker." - Duo, episode 2.


That line may just have been spoken through an adrenaline rush, but Duo might actually believe that anyone who becomes too close with him could end up getting killed. He's even bequeathed himself the nickname "God of Death" and takes the roll pretty seriously, so it is very possible, in my personal opinion.


From time to time, Duo worries that Heero might end up getting himself totaled in battle. He also worries about the others, but from what I've seen, he worries about Heero most. Perhaps it's because Heero was the first Gundam pilot, aside from himself, that he ever saw. One can only imagine how much Duo really values Heero Yuy's life, as well as the lives of the other pilots. From what I've seen, Duo has been very protective and helpful in battle with all of his allies.


Duo (to Heero): "Are you crazy!? Hurry up and release your parachute!" (episode 3)

Duo: "I always fought believing I'd be better off dead rather than living under OZ's rule."
Quatre: "Me too, but to kill yourself."
Duo (sadly): "Heero ended up doing it. He took his life." (episode 11)

Duo: "Heero, be careful yourself. I know you can control the ZERO now, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a dangerous system."
Heero: "You're right."
Duo: "I can't believe he agreed." (episode 45)

"How does a lonely orphan best keep his new - and only - family together and safe?" (Blind Target 41)

A Match Made in Heaven

Duo and Heero

I've been totally hooked on Heero and Duo since the second time I ever saw Gundam Wing (I didn't like it the first time I saw it.) I accidentally got myself sucked into this fandom for a rather silly reason. Back when I was in the InuYasha fandom, and was the InuYasha/Kagome fan who worshipped Kikyou, I had randomly noticed one day that many Heero and Duo fans hated Relena, and I wanted to know why. I wanted to know so badly that I ended up downloading the episodes to see for myself. I started getting into the series fast.


I fell hopelessly in love with Relena, and the Duo/Heero pairing by episode 7.


I always like being the person who "likes both things" in a common "you can only like one or the other" kind of situation. I wanted to be the weird Duo/Heero fan who loves Relena, just for the hell of it. After awhile, it became so much more than that. Once I really took the opportunity to really analyze the story of Gundam Wing and all of the characters (and character development), I became obsessed.


I no longer searched for reasons to hate Relena after awhile, because I saw SO MANY reasons others have proposed, and I thought they were all stupid. Having gotten bored with that, I looked to Heero and Duo for a new adventure in the GW fandom, and so far, it's been one hell of a ride.


I do love Heero and Duo together oh so much (perhaps even too much.) They have such a strong dynamic going on between them. As I mentioned in the beginning, it's totally up to the GW fan to decide whether this dynamic is romantic or platonic. I, however, saw how a romance between them could work, and work quite well actually.


They're such strong, devoted boys who believe that their main purpose in life is to fight to protect others. They are so much alike, you know. Often, it's been said that these two are exact opposites of one another, but I really couldn't disagree with that more. From what I've seen, there are no real differences between Heero and Duo, aside from their personalities and how they handle love in their lives.


In retrospect, Heero and Duo are the same. They were both orphans brought up in the world homeless, nameless, and seemingly hopeless. They both had their temporary parental figures (Odin Lowe for Heero; Sister Helen and Father Maxwell for Duo) murdered, thus having to live completely on their own for awhile.


They both know how it feels to truly be lonely, and both put the lives of others above their own. When they first met, Duo shot him to save Relena, though she and Duo never met. Duo doesn't like watching others get hurt, so he attacked Heero without hesitating.


Relena: "Stop it! What do you want to shoot him for?"


Since that moment, Duo seemed quite curious about this enigma called Heero Yuy. So curious, that Duo helped him escape from the hospital when he was straped down to the bed. He didn't even know this guy, yet he took a huge risk for him. That risk nearly went in vain when Heero refused to release his parachute. Once he hit the ground, an angry Duo told him he should find some other way to kill himself, and carried Heero's injured body up to Howard's so they could get their Gundams repaired (after Heero attempted to blow them up.)


That night, while Duo was asleep, Heero stole parts from Deathscythe in order to fix his Gundam, and took off the next morning without a goodbye. To say the least, Duo was pissed. He even called Heero a "traitor" though they weren't even really allies to begin with.


They have another brief encounter in episode 5 where Duo challenges Heero to a battle. His Gundam nearly loses it's balance at one point, and Heero fires his beam rifle. While coming toward him, Duo thought the blast was intended for him, but in reality, there was a Mobile Suit behind him, and was ready to attack. That's what Heero really shot at.


Heero: "There, I've returned the favor. *laughs*"
Duo: "Damn you! I'll get you." (Episode 5)


So, here's the beginning of their friendship, if you could even call it that. Already, Heero enjoys teasing him, which keeps Duo right on his toes.


He still doesn't even know this boy's name, yet Heero didn't leave his mind.


Duo: "He should try enjoying life instead of spending his time trying to outsmart me... while he's alive, that is." (Episode 6)


Heero and Duo meet up again in episode 7, where they hijack a carrier for their Gundams and take off for the New Edwards base.


Duo: "Oh man, this is gonna be quite the battle, isn't it?"
Heero: "This mission is really big. I don't think you get it."
Duo: "You bet I DO. This is our chance to finally destroy the OZ organization."
Heero: "This time is different. We're gonna eliminate every OZ leader."
Duo: "Yeah, then I go back to space." (Episode 7)


Heero gives Duo a really curious look, after being told what he plans to do after the mission. This is where we first see that Duo wants to have a future, and I'll bet that gets a few gears turning in Heero's head.


After making the critical mistake of killing Noventa and the other pacifists at New Edwards, Heero just sits in his Gundam, frozen in place. He'd just killed a ship full of innocent people, and on top of that, failed to complete his mission. He didn't know what to do from there, so he just sat, until Sally Po informed the others that the base was set to explode. She begged Heero to stop the explosion.


Heero: "A failed mission means death, but my card hasn't come up yet." (Episode 8)


He ended up saving himself and the other pilots. I think his own personal mission from there was to stay alive, as long as he has the strength and the will to protect others.


Heero never had anyone love him before. I don't think he ever thought he was worthy of it. When others compliment him, he's pretty negligent about it. It's almost like he doesn't want to hear it. Every good thing he's ever done was just part of his job. Plus, I don't think he knows how to handle the idea of being loved. He's taken so many lives at such a young age, it's not unreasonable to think that he'd put the happiness and well-being of the world above his own.


He even did so for Duo, in what I think is THE biggest Duo/Heero scene in the entire series. (Note: this is debatable.)


Duo: "So, which way is it? Where's your Gundam?"
Heero: "I left it on Earth. It'd stick out too much in space, so I'd probably wind up getting caught like you did."
Duo: "Yeah, well, pardon me. So, how did you plan on getting us out of here anyway?"
Heero: "I came here so I could kill you. I hadn't gotten around to thinking up an escape plan yet."
Duo: "And, if we don't make it?"
Heero: "It's as simple as silencing the two of us." (episode 19)


As silencing the two of us. Heero basically told him that he'd be willing to die right by Duo's side if it came down to that. Duo's not the only person Heero would risk his life for, but this was still a pretty intense scene. He wanted to "kill" Duo; he was going to take his own comrade's future, just to cancel out a "negative factor." Duo's desire to have a future probably had Heero's heart screaming at him "Don't kill him! He's not an enemy."


Duo: "Then I go back to space." (I want a future.)

Heero: "I came here so I could kill you. I hadn't gotten around to thinking up an escape plan yet." (You can have a future.)


Duo never came close to throwing away that gift. After episode 20, his actions were never quite as reckless.


That never stopped him for putting the lives of others above his own. Duo knows what it's like to be loved and love back, then lose the ones who felt that way about him in the blink of an eye. Duo's very scared that the people he cares for are going to die, so he doesn't stick around them for too long. The scene with him and Hilde in episode 39 is a great example of this. When the White Fang came knocking on her door, he left as soon as he could to keep her out of danger.


So, how would Heero and Duo work out?


What we have is Heero, a boy who doesn't know how to be loved, and Duo, a boy who thinks loving someone and staying with them will only cause them pain, or death. If the two of them lived together, they wouldn’t have to worry about the other forcing strenuous affection on them. They trust in each other's strength, so neither one of them are going to get killed; at least not easily. Heero and Duo could develop a comfortable friendship, and build a great wall of respect, trust, and faith in the other. Post-Endless Waltz, I see them growing up and letting go of their fears together.


They almost fit together like puzzle pieces. Once Duo allows himself to believe in the goodness of his love, and Heero allows himself to accept the care of others, I can see them easily spending their lives together.


On top of how sweet them getting together would be, how sweet they would be together just blows me away. Both boys are so strong and mature for their age. Both of them have tragic pasts. Both of them have no specific home to go to, and they're both very lonely. If they were to get into a romantic relationship, I think they'd be able to understand each other totally. There would be no secrets; there would be nothing to hide; no more tears to cry; no more changes; and no more death. They would simply have each other in the low-class, aimless lives they'd become so accustomed to. They'd be "lost together" if you will. Personally, I think that's more than enough for both of them, just to have someone there who's strong and devoted; someone who won't die easily; and someone who will understand the pain and loneliness the other suffers through. I think Heero and Duo are nothing short of a perfect match; a match made in heaven.

Fanwork Recs

A few authors I highly recommend (and links to their fics)

BadMomma
Kebzero
Jei
Merith
Mookie
Natea2x1


Websites

GWYaoi.org
Gundam Wing Addiction
A Little Piece of Gundam Wing
SweetlySour.net
Gundam Wing Yaoi Haven
The Vault
Under the Bridge
Destiny Interrupted
Moments of Rapture
Shinigami and Wing
Jurty's Gallery


Contests






Fanlistings

1x2x1 fans
1x2x1 fanfiction fans
1x2x1 doujinshi fans


LiveJournal

1x2_fans (Heero/Duo community.)
gundam_herald (GW fanwork updates.)
gw500 (GW drabble community.)
the_hanyou_cons (my personal icon/graphic journal. You'll find many 1x2/2x1 icons there.)


Misc.

Heero/Duo sprite


Heero/Duo is Love


I adore this pairing. 1x2 support!

The banner, the colorbar, and the sprite were made by me.

Comments

[ex-gaignun.livejournal.com]

D= Wow. For me, someone who watched GW with no pairing attachment to anyone or too much of a fan-drive in liking it as much as I did now (which I still do XD), I REALLY liked this essay. I never read those past-manga stories either, so I found those super interesting. XD Not to mention remembering all the stuff you talked about, the pairing makes perfect sense to me now. =O

Knowing the Wing fandom and the way some of them are, you were the best person to do this essay; and you did your fandom proud. XD

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

*massive hug*

Thanks for reading this, Tara. I didn't really expect you to, let alone be the first review as well. ^^; I'm glad I made some sense to you. I do adore mah boys. *snuggles them*

you were the best person to do this essay

I don't know about that. ^^; I'm not that well educated on the series (well, I did see all 49 episodes, so I guess that counts for something.) This essay was based more on my own personal opinions than actual canon evidence. I did do better than I thought I would. It sure was nice to finally be able to explain exactly WHAT I see in Duo/Heero, rather than them just being slashy pretty boys, LOL.

*hugs again* Thanks for the comment. This means a lot to me. <3

[nivella.livejournal.com]

*MASSIVE WILD APPLAUSE*
*KEYBOARD SMASH*
fth23o5y8hqt4y89wri4hwt6y8opgeije3kjl!!!

Absolutely wonderful! This was well written and it explains Duo and Heero and their relationship so well my head is spinning. It's just amazing how you completely captured the essence of Duo/Heero. I want to say more but I'm flippin' speechless!

I agree with yzak. You did the fandom proud, baby! ;o;

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

*MASSIVE TACKLE-GLOMPAGE*

I really made you speechless? Damn, I'm blushing. <3<3<3

Thanks for reading this, love. ^^

[gwy.livejournal.com]

aaaaaahw, you just showed me again, why and how i love them!! Thank you so much for writing this *hugs* It is great, i liked it a lot :)! *happy fangirl*

Structure was pretty good, and the pics, ahw, that was a nice touch ^_^

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* Thank you, sweetie.

It was nice to get all the reasons why I love them into words. Damn, they are such a good pairing. *smiles*

Those pictures sure were helpful. Good thing I had my trusty scanner and Episode Zero manga. ^o^

[caudebac.livejournal.com]

Like I said over at 1x2_fans: I've been WAITING for this essay to be written, THANK YOU!!!

It was amazing, I really like how you weren't like, "Dude, this is the law, biATCH!" ^^

Only thing:


Relena: "Stop it! What do you want to shot him for?"


Shouldn't it be "shoot"?

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Thank YOU for reading. ^^ *hugs*

You'll have to thank my dear friend miyuki_mina for poking me into writing this. Without her, I probably wouldn't have known that this community even existed. ^^;


Yeah, you're right. ^^; *changes it* Thanks. <3 (I'm the QUEEN of typos, seriously.)

[makishef.livejournal.com]

I usually don't bother with manifestos, as I've read too many that are, in actuality, cleverly disguised excuses to hate on Relena or say Why You Should Love This Pairing And Not ANY Other! So kudos to you, just for avoiding that faux pas. :P

As far as the essay itself, it is quite good. You were as objective as you could be for an opinion-based piece of writing, and I think that's awesome. I also love your take on the boys and relationship; I've always secretly thought they were much more similar than people like to get into, as well. And yes, I think that's how they work.

You've done an AWESOME job. <3

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

I usually don't bother with manifestos, as I've read too many that are, in actuality, cleverly disguised excuses to hate on Relena

Oh, a-freaking-men to THAT one. I absolutely despise bashing of any kind, ESPECIALLY Relena-bashing (she's one of my favorite anime characters of all time.) Even if I didn't like her, these damn essays should be strictly about pairing LOVE, and not character hate.

Honestly, this manifesto I've constructed was the first I've ever read that wasn't Relena-harsh, which is pretty sad. -_-;

Heero and Duo aren't a canon pairing, so I have absolutely no right to say "This is how it is. Like it or OMGGOSTABYOURSELFLOSER." (Not that I would, even if something were a fact.) I wanted to make it clear that this essay was strictly an opinion. *nods*

Thank you very much for reading. *hugs big*

[ex-akai-sen.livejournal.com]

Wow, I never thought of this pairing as an actual dynamic before, just the sterotypical "pretty boys boinking" that fangirls go apeshit over. Thanks for letting me see that there's a hell of a lot more than that. ^__^

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Oh my, I'm glad you read then. ^^; It takes a hell of a lot more than two boys being pretty for me to want to see them "boinking" each other (being pretty's merely an added bonus.) ;D

*hugs* Thanks for reading, Armand.

P.S. - I don't remember if I reviewed it or not, but your Sensui/Itsuki essay was AWESOME! ^_^

[nataliethompson.livejournal.com]

*claps* Yay!! You did a damn good job on this! ^__________^

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks, darling. I worked really hard on this. ^^;

[saturniia.livejournal.com]

You were definitely the best person, or at least a person with the best personality, to do this manifesto. Your inability to hate Relena is one of your strengths, and it increased the strength of the essay because you made the argument for Heero and Duo, rather than against any other pairing.

Good job.

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. *hugs*

I do think that my love for Relena strengthened this arguement a great deal. So many manifestos bash her, and that really upsets me. Sometimes, I seriously think people hate her more than they love Duo/Heero. -_-; That's one of the reasons why I agreed to write this. ^^; I'm so sick of my favorite anime couple being ignored and/or misrepresented because people can't get over the ridiculous contempt they feel for Relena.

Sorry. ^^; It's a sensitive subject.

Thanks again for reading. <3

[blkros.livejournal.com]

Much better than the version you sent me, dear. I wasn't sure you were still speaking to me, but this is a much better version.

Congrats.

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Oh, shit! >.< Yeah, I did forget to e-mail you back, didn't I? I'm sorry, Rose.

I'm definitely still speaking to you, don't worry. :D I just don't know how to thank you for all you've done. Your advice, especially on how to craft Heero's character in this was very helpful. I'm grateful that you took the time to look over it, even though you're a 1xR fan. I owe you big time, and I apologize for not getting back to you. This essay, the drabbles, and school totally ate my time. >.<

I'm glad you think it's better now. *hugs you tight*

[kc-anathema.livejournal.com]

And to think you were worried. ^_- Totally loved the bit about two jigsaw pieces fittin' together. A really darn good look at the 1x2 ship, if I say so myself, even if we'll never agree about Relena.

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks a lot, honey. :D I don't even know why I was so worried in the first place. ^^;

[aweofshe.livejournal.com]

That was beyond awesome. Maybe I'll convert to 2x1-ism now, even though I'm not really in the fandom to begin with. Really, you've made it...make sense.

I had to chuckle when you mentioned Heero lifting parts from the Deathscythe. I remember that scene clear as day. XD And the manga bits were interesting as I've only seen one volume of GW manga.

Um, I caught some typos...

Deathstythe = Deathscythe
beem = beam
complement = compliment

Then there's the 'a' in "after making a the critical mistake of killing Noventa..." that you can omit...man, I'm being anal. ><;;

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I could make it make sense for you. Duo/Heero is indeed a very complex couple that requires quite a bit of observation to GET. There's so much more than "Opposites Attract" or "zOMG they's t3h hawt 2getha" (both are equally lame excuses, IMO.)

That scene was funny. XD When Duo called him a "traitor" I was like "Huh?" Seriously, they weren't even really allies. Duo didn't even know his name, and yet he's a "traitor?" *giggles* Calling him a "theif" or a "bastard" seemed more suitable for two boys who don't even know each other, but a "traitor" was just... damn! Episode 4, and Heero already means something to him. Ah, that was definitely a squee-ful moment. X3


Ah... >_<;; Yep, Queen of Typos strikes again. I'll fix them right away.


**hugsss** Thanks for reading, love!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :D

[svz-insanity.livejournal.com]

^^ I really enjoyed the essay. I've actually never seen the GW episodes but I've seen Endless Waltz and I've read the manga.

Relena's not my favorite character (and despite my icon-- I just found it funny), but since I haven't seen the anime so I don't really have a right to an opinion of her, anyway.

I think I've noticed you used "roll" (as in action, or a bread roll. Yum.) instead of "role" (like, character role, or importance) a couple of times. Hope you don't mind me pointing that out.

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Cool! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :D *hug*

Heh, whatever makes you laugh. I personally don't think Heero dislikes her enough to find her death funny, but that's just me. As long as you're not bitching at me (which you're not) I don't mind people who don't like Relena.


Heh, why does that not surprise me. ^^; Would you believe I'm my school's grammar nazi, and even I suck at it? (Sad world, huh?) I don't mind you pointing it out. Learn something new every day. ^^

[dropsofgleam.livejournal.com]

Now, now, I was the one who asked for a Duo/Heero manifest, sicne I adored Rose's Heero/Relena one and wanted to see if Duo/Heero fans could do something similar and reject the badge of "shallow boy/boy likers who hate Relena".

And what is my impression, after reading your essay?

1x2 fans and Lena hates got served!!! It rocks. It DAMN rocks!

MuststartDomon/Rainmanifestonecemytestsareover!!!! :P

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Rose's Heero/Relena essay was FABULOUS. And, I will hand it to her, 1xR is quite a bit more canon than 2x1, IMHO (I just think 2x1 would work out better.)

You know my respect for Relena and 1xR fans has no limits. God, after all they've gone through in the fandom. This essay was the least I could do for them. No bashing of Relena, and no comparing 2x1 to 1xR. The fandom seriously doesn't need anymore of that bullshit.

if Duo/Heero fans could do something similar and reject the badge of "shallow boy/boy likers who hate Relena".

That's mostly what I was aiming for. Damn it, Duo/Heero is about LOVE, not stupid-f***ing-shithead's bandwagon fangirl's HATE for Relena. As I've mentioned somewhere above, too many 1x2 fans have given me the impression that they hate Relena more than they love 2x1, which will annoy me to no end. Duo/Heero's a damn good pairing. They need some justice; some REAL love.

*hugs tight* Thanks for reading. And thanks for getting me to write this. I feel really good now. Good luck with your manifesto! ^0^

[transcending.livejournal.com]

Dagnabit, this is really, really, REALLY making me want to watch GW again.

Anywhoo - KICK ASS JOB. You obviously put a lot of thought and time into this. You even included pictures and links! Kudos to you!

I adore how your love for your OTP obviously goes beyond "Gee, they're so hot, I want to see them nekkid and screwing each other!". That's *a lot* more than some fangirls I know can say.

....I wonder if I have enough money for a GW DVD? XD

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Hee-hee! Gundam Wing is teh awesome! :D If you ever get money for the DVDs, you should buy it.

Thanks for reading it, honey. *hugs tight* I'm very glad you enjoyed it. I thought the pics were a good idea, too. Not everyone knows what Odin Lowe and Sister Helen looked like, even though they were very important characters. Who would Heero and Duo be without them?

Duo/Heero goes way WAY beyond that. As I said, them being hot is an added bonus. *nods*

[weaveratropos.livejournal.com]

*yay*
It's done! ^_^ I was waiting for it. That was really nice. I especially liked the fact that you included quotes and scenes and stuff [and not only from the tv series, but the manga, too]. And of course, the piccies were lovely. ^_^ They add a lot more credibility to the essay [the quotes, I mean].

1x2 FOREVER!!!
[*bounces*]

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Sorry to keep you waiting. *HUGS*

Heero and Duo did need some canon facts to back up how their relationship COULD work. The show doesn't really show how they might be attracted to each other, IMO. They're about a step below that. The boys have a fantastic friendship, and develop a lot of trust and faith in each other. For example: in Endless Waltz, Duo's piloting the ship toward Colony X-18999, and askes Heero "How's this for shuttle maneuvering?" and Heero responds "Those were the skills I was counting on from the beginning." **(SQUEE-FUL)** Endless Waltz has beautiful 2x1 hintage. Those boys are so close. Now... all they need is to build monster crushes on each other and we're all set. :D (That part's up to the imagination of the fans, though.)

Yes!!! Duo/Heero foralways!!! YAY!!! =D =D =D

[militarypenguin.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, I haven't seen too much of Gundam Wing but I've always been curious about the 1x2 hype, and you did an incredible job of explaining the appeal of the pairing as well as pointing out the canon facts to justify their relationship. I wish I could say something more constructive, but really, I mean it when I say this is awesome.
And it's great to see a 1x2 fan who's pro-Relena. I love her as well. :)

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen too much of Gundam Wing but I've always been curious about the 1x2 hype

A lot of the 1x2 hype doesn't come from the show; a lot of it comes from the fandom (a bandwagon type of thing.) Believe me, Heero never calls Duo a "Baka" and Duo never calls him "Hee-chan." (Two MAJOR pet peeves of mine.) Duo/Heero's a couple that could work out damn well, in my personal opinion, and I just wanted to show everybody how. :D

*hugs* I'm glad you liked it. And YAY for Relena lovers!. :D *hugs again*

[clowyamma.livejournal.com]

::stands and applauds::
Amazing, I agree completely 100%

I too, was a Relena fan when I first started to watch the show. However, the more she had on screen time the more I realized how manipulated she was. Now I'm not stating that she would evilly manipulate anyone, but how she was more of a symbol of exactly wut 'peace' the show was about. And how that image was manipulated. First peace stood for rule under OZ.
'follow OZ and all is well'
Then peace was united nations belief.
'Let us unite together and have world peace!'
And not to forget about the whole Peace for outer space.
'Listen here you Earth, leave us be and we shan't ram you with our colony.'

All these 'peace' ideas somehow tied Relena into it. Either she was here representing the Sanq Kingdom for total pacifism, then she was Queen of the national 'peace' foundation. Then she went up to space and was about 'peace' through the universe!
LOL, you get meh drift... though I'm sure somewhere along the way I've or will over exaggerate myself.

NE-WAY.
Relena was more of a symbol of how this whole idea of 'peace' could and was manipulated.

NOW on her character...
When I first met darling Relena, I thought she was a total snob.
"Don't you know it's my birthday!"
Yes missy moo moo, daddy's to busy trying to create some world order for ur snob ass to flourish in. ER.... well ne-way, then the whole bit about how everybody at school loves her.. bla bla...bla. Nope, snob.
But like I said I liked her, because through out her own um confusion and er.. teenage frustrations.
ex:
Relena outstretches an arm to nothing but open space, "My names Relena... wut's your name?" then she looks slightly psychotic off camera.
Yea..
Well I still liked her anyway. I held on to the hope that this symbol of peace wuz just trying to find an order in which all can live happily by.
Well as the story, er, anime continued, the more my dislike for her grew. She brushed off to me as if she herself could really be accountable for bringing peace for all, I kno.. it didn't help that the organizations/characters around her planted the seed of thought into her adolescent mind. ONE reason, one cannot bring peace it is an ALL PERSONS effort.

Now the whole Relationship with Heero and Duo... I agree fully with wut you've said. So I shan't indulge. Beautiful essay, well done, thank you for the pics in it as well, Nice touch.

And I will be us'n the heeroXduo goodies in which you've provided. Fully credited of course. Thank you for sharing this, it was a pleasure to read.

yes I comment to meh comment I have errored.!.

[clowyamma.livejournal.com]

LOL! I read your comments.. you like Relena, sorry I don't mean to offend.!. So let me say I was instead of too I don't dislike her because I like heero&duo together better. But my dislike came from her character that's all. And for the whole "manipulated symbol of peace" part. I thought she was a much needed character, and she's matured from the snob bit through out the series. That was only meh first impression snob. Er.. well ne-way, just wanted to clear that tid bit up.!. The series wouldn't have carried as well as it did without her. Once again, my dislike comes from her character, not because I don't see her with Heero. Because, there is, just as much plausable reason for the princess to have her hero! Just all based on opinion, and own personal conclusions. ONCE MORE... awesome essay!

[ensetsu.livejournal.com]

Wow, you feel very strongly toward them, that's great XD <3
Awesome work.

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

After years of injustice, you bet I feel damn strongly about 2x1. Them being my favorite pairing ever helps. ;D

Say, is there any way possile I can poke you into doing a Yusuke/Hiei essay? Or, poke you into poking one of your friends to do one? More YYH pairs need to be represented here. *nods*

Thanks for reading, sweetheart. *hugs*

[elektra3.livejournal.com]

Wonderful essay! I've never really understood the OMGTHEIRLUVISSOCANON hype that surrounds 1x2, since I've never seen it myself, but this essay helped me understand the appeal.

*goes off to check out fic recs*

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

*hugs you* Thanks, honey. Duo/Heero isn't canon, but it does work damn well, in my personal opinion. I'm glad you understand what one of us 2x1 junkies sees. ^^

Yes, read fics from those authors! They're some of the VERY FEW 2x1/1x2 authors to be trusted for decent fics in the fandom, IMO.

[caudebac.livejournal.com]

Just an interesting tidbit, in Endless Waltz, when Duo supposedly says, "Anything at all for the one you love," I hear it actually was, "He's so dense."

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

I've heard the same thing myself. I just shrugged it off, though, since to me it was really more of a "spur of the moment" kind of thing. Either way, I think Duo's only teasing Heero, so I don't take either quote seriously.

Thanks for sharing, though. That is interesting, but I would never use that in any kind of arguement, if I were you. Not unless it's truly been proven, that is.

[aramley.livejournal.com]

Heh, I know I'm late commenting on this, but I felt like I had to say something. You've really reminded me why I fell in love with this pairing (it was my very first OTP!).

Oh, and thank you for not turning this thing into Relena rant. I just can't understand why people hate her the way they do!

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

It's never too late to review. Thank you very much for doing so. *hugs*

I can't understand Relena-hatred for the life of me. Duo/Heero needed a bit of dignity, outside of the abyss of Relena-bashers.

[(Anonymous)]

Needs Work
- Upon not being a canon pairing, I do believe the creators intended other pairings much more than this one. This essay's more like a "what if" kind of thing. I'm trying to prove how it could work, not how real it is.


The creators came out and stated that THEY Never intended any pairings. It's up to the fans preferences- what they draw from the show and interpret on their own


- I respect all characters. There'll be no bashing or bastardization of any character in this.

Nice thought but I think we're all mature enough that we wouldn't make that assumption and added to that

I fell hopelessly in love with Relena, and the Duo/Heero pairing by episode 7.


I always like being the person who "likes both things" in a common "you can only like one or the other" kind of situation. I wanted to be the weird Duo/Heero fan who loves Relena, just for the hell of it. After awhile, it became so much more than that. Once I really took the opportunity to really analyze the story of Gundam Wing and all of the characters (and character development), I became obsessed.


I no longer searched for reasons to hate Relena after awhile, because I saw SO MANY reasons others have proposed, and I thought they were all stupid. Having gotten bored with that, I looked to Heero and Duo for a new adventure in the GW fandom, and so far, it's been one hell of a ride.


Do us all a favor and keep Relena and YOUR biases out of it
This a SHIPPER's Manifesto
Not a livejournal rant

[(Anonymous)]

Just an interesting tidbit, in Endless Waltz, when Duo supposedly says, "Anything at all for the one you love," I hear it actually was, "He's so dense."

>>>>>>>
Duo says in Japanese, 'Hey, Hey...Zokkon da yatsu.'


Zokkon - dense; or deep(ly)

da - used by males in Japanese. It's a 'connector' basically.

yatsu - guy; person


The line, translated into Japanese is:

"Yes, Yes...that guy's in deep" OR

"Yes, Yes...that guy is dense"

the Bandai official release changed several lines EW and Series-wise

[starr_falling]

I'm really late posting this, but it was just pointed out to me by inthefire2002 and I felt like commenting.

I agree with almost everything you said. About the only thing I don't agree with is your love of Relena. I don't hate her either, I've always been somewhat neutral about her. I've never really understood why 1x2 fans hate her so much, so I just mostly ignore it.

I think this essay was well written and well thought out. You were able to support your opinions with concrete examples. Well done! And thank you for the lovely 1x2 banner etc. I'll credit when I put them up.

[bobbissimo.livejournal.com]

Bah, there's no such thing as late posting. I love feedback, no matter when I get it.

I'm a bit fuzzy with what you said about not agreeing with my love for Relena. It may have just been your wording, or maybe I read wrong (which I do quite often) but... what exactly don't you agree with? Is it my loving Relena you don't agree with, or were you just stating that you don't like her quite as much? I'm not offended or anything, the wording was just odd. I really hope I'm not being rude for saying that. ^^;

Anyway, thank you very much for your reply. I'm very happy that you found this essay and the banner enjoyable. :D

[xoxmillyxox.livejournal.com]

I'm about two years too late, but wanted to let you know what a good job you did! Also, I like how you added the part about Relena, because she's really a good character, and I never understood why she got so much hate. *loves on her*

I 'ship both 1xR & 1x2, and I really agree with all your opinions and the examples you gave. I especially agree with this one:

They are so much alike, you know. Often, it's been said that these two are exact opposites of one another, but I really couldn't disagree with that more. From what I've seen, there are no real differences between Heero and Duo, aside from their personalities and how they handle love in their lives.

So much truth in that statement. Their rivals, but that doesn't make them opposites! (IMO...if they were, I probably wouldn't 'ship them.)

Overall, I loved this and I'm glad you wrote it! *hugs*