From the East, the Sun

Pairing: Heero/Duo, Trowa/Quatre,

Warnings: BL, adult situations, OC child, light angst, mild violence, language

Author Notes: Written for the 2007 MoR Seven Deadly Sins contest.


The disc was small and seemingly innocuous in its plastic case glued to its physical folder. To Heero, it was anything but.

"This addition will raise the classroom ratio above standard again, but I have every confidence in your abilities, Heero," the principal was saying from her position beside his desk scanning lessons chalked on the board.

Without looking up from the smiling face in the photo on file, Heero nodded. "With Missus Freeds and Carl's help, one more shouldn't be an issue." His fingers twitched over the disc, wanting to read the file, to confirm his suspicions. He laid his hand flat on the folder's surface.

"Good. That's what I like to hear," the principal's voice was warm, but Heero could tell she was already thinking of other problems, other duties needing to be done. Her hand clamped down on his shoulder and she gave it a gentle squeeze and released it just as quickly. "I'll let you get back to your lesson plan, then." She was already opening the classroom door with a quick 'goodbye'.

Heero turned to stare at the door, listening to her heels clack and fade on the hallway tiles. His ears caught the sound of a lone ball being bounced on the blacktop yard beyond his classroom windows. The four-ten bell sounded, followed by the distant murmurs of the sixth grade band as they moved down the hall and into the gym to practice. The familiar noises faded as though muted through layers of fiberglass filters. Heero looked at the photo again, and slid the disc from its file.

It didn't surprise him to learn who the boy's father was; from the similar features and nearly identical grin, Heero knew, even without seeing the last name to confirm. He frowned to learn the boy's mother was deceased, though his only clear memory of her was as she had been – a pale, injured girl, strapped to a gurney and being wheeled into an emergency exam room. Years ago – thirteen – a veritable lifetime.

Turning from the computer screen, Heero looked out without seeing, across the playground, and the field beyond. Faint whispers of some distant emotion stretched; Heero ignored the pulse it set. It didn't matter if he was ready now or not, it was going to happen.

On a Tuesday, during the fourth week of school, a new student was introduced to Mister Yuy's third grade class. He was a pleasant boy, gregarious and smiling, assigned a seat in the middle of the room, one far enough away from the temptations of window-born distractions, but not too close to the teacher's desk to feel threatened. Heero knew about acorns and trees, and how short one could fall.

The boy was accompanied by the principal's assistant, and Heero shuffled away a brief stab of disappointment before greeting his new student. Class settled once again, and Heero read through the week's spelling words once more, reminding the class of the upcoming spelling quiz and sentence homework due. Giving instructions to work quietly on spelling assignments, Heero asked the classroom aides, Carl and Missus Freeds, to help those who needed it.

Only then did he allow himself to approach the boy and draw him to the back of the room for a low-voiced discussion. Heero gave the new boy, Ryan, a slight smile as the boy explained how they'd just moved and he lost a tooth but the tooth-fairy found it somehow and the dollar he found under his pillow was in his pocket waiting for after school when he could get something from the vending machine where his dad worked. Heero wondered if it was a family trait, this random and rushed way of speaking, even knowing it for the lie it had been. Knowing the chatter – then – was just another layer.

Gaining the boy's attention to explain the simple classroom rules, Heero pulled out the assessment papers: several sheets of general knowledge questions and graduating difficulty arithmetic problems. His smile was encouraging at the exaggerated groan. He slid a pencil in front of Ryan and flipped the first sheet around. All in all, the sheets were timed to take approximately an hour to complete, without instructions or complaints between.

The first sheet, maths with problems ranging from simple single digit addition to fifth grade fractions, was finished in less than ten minutes. Heero looked up from the worksheets he was grading, frowning at the sudden slap of a hand to paper. Ryan was grinning and looking expectantly at Heero.

"It's not a race," Heero said keeping his voice low. "Take your time and go back through the problems to be sure of your answers…"

"I am." The boy scowled. "They was simple."

"They were simple," Heero corrected automatically, reaching for the sheet. "And in this classroom, we don't interrupt those who are speaking." He was reminded again of acorns and trees at the soft snort. In a quick scan, the sheet was complete and its answers seemed to all be correct. Heero pulled the next sheet from the packet and slid it in front of Ryan. "This is reading comprehension. Take your time with it and remember, it's not a race."

"Yeah, yeah…" Ryan's voice drifted off; he was already reading the two-paragraph story.

Heero slipped the maths sheet back in the packet, stifling the impulse to check the answers. He glanced at the boy, smiling slightly as he watched lips move silently to words read, and picked up the "dreaded red ink pen."

Lunchtime found Heero working his way through Ryan's assessment packet, surprised – and not – at the end results. Above average for his age and grade in maths, though not quite as advanced as first assumed, high-end average in reading comprehension, but slightly below average in spelling and grammar. His assessment fit with what Ryan's previous teachers had said; fit with how Heero imagined his son to be.

He wasn't required to stand outside at the end of the day to send his students off for home or the sitter's, or in whichever direction, but Heero did most days. His class scattered at the front door, those who rode buses headed toward the yellowed off loading zone. Those who walked home waved and shouted their goodbyes as they raced down sidewalks and over the pedestrian bridge to the other side of the street. Those who were picked up waited somewhat nearby. Ryan was one of them.

A name called and Ryan jerked his head up, his feet already in motion before Heero registered where the boy was headed. But, there was no mistaking whom he ran to. The world narrowed to a thin corridor, and for a moment, Heero forgot to breathe. And then he was walking forward to the student pick-up line, practiced smile and schooled expression in place.

"Heero?" Duo's shouted surprise drew a few looks, but Heero gave a nod before holding out a hand.

"Duo," he said, letting his hand be shaken for three jerks before pulling it away gently. "It's been awhile."

"Shit…" Duo darted a look around, flushing. "Uh, sorry 'bout that." He was grinning a closed mouth grin, and Heero flicked his eyes to Ryan, already sitting in the cab of a large pickup. "It has been too long." His brows drew down and his head tilted slightly. "So, what are you doing here? Picking up a kid too?"

"Mister Yuy's my teacher," Ryan supplied from the truck.

"I'm a teacher," Heero said over Duo's grunt of surprise, shooting a quick look between Ryan and him. "Ryan was added to my roster last night."

"Ah," Duo was staring at Heero, no longer grinning. A horn sounded in the pick-up line, and he flinched. "I've got to… got to get back to work," Duo said, already in motion. "It's great to see you again, Heero. And we'll have to hook up again soon. Now that we're living on the same planet." His smile was back, and Ryan's door was closed.

Heero nodded, pressing his lips together against the invitation that wanted to break free; Duo was sliding into the driver's seat, buckling up and leaning over Ryan to wave. The truck pulled away from the curb, and Heero watched it turn onto the street, accelerate, and disappear over the rise in the hill just beyond the school.

It was close to nine that Tuesday night, when Heero slipped his glasses off, letting them fall to the small pile of worksheets he'd set on the coffee table. He rubbed at his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. A soft, familiar feline noise was his only warning before the eight-pound cat landed on his lap.

"Hey," Heero said softly, his hand sliding along the sleek body and over the extended tail. The cat settled on top his thighs, raising a chin to nudge a lax hand. Heero's smile was short at the insistence, but his fingers stroked neck and jowl, behind ears and under ruff.

The cat was purring, and Heero ran a hand over the body again, holding the tail's tip a moment longer, earning a look.

"Duo looked good." His tone was low and strong. Other words wanting to be said were pushed away. Heero grunted; the cat raised its head, and gave him a fractured meow. "I know, I know," he answered, his hand stroked the long body again.

In roughly the same neighborhood, well within walking distance, Ryan was mumbling the words to a song through his toothbrush. Duo sat at a folding card table down the hall in the open dining room, laptop open with fingers typing in rapid strokes.

"Be sure to get the back teeth," Duo was calling over his shoulder without looking around. "I'm going to check and—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know!" The boy said loudly, wetting his toothbrush again, and pushing it back into his mouth.

The project update finished, Duo saved off the document, and started to sort through the clogged email box. "Ryan," he called, reading and frowning in concentration. "Come on, pal. It's past your bedtime already."

"Whatcha yelling for?" Ryan asked, standing at Duo's side.

Duo snorted, turning from his laptop. "It's about time, molasses." His mouth quirked upward, and Ryan laughed, lifting his arms up.

"Read me a story?" Ryan asked, arms wrapped around Duo's neck.

"I don't know, buddy. It's getting late and…" Duo stopped, held Ryan a little tighter, and nodded. "Go find a book and I'll read a couple of chapters."

As Ryan ran back to his room, Duo stood, stretching his arms toward the ceiling and rolling his head from side to side, easing the stiffness from his neck. He looked at the stack of project folders, the blueprint rolls, and the red list of the unread in his in-box. A shuffling patter of bare feet on carpet, and Ryan was back, a soft cover book held out.

"Boxcar Children?" Duo growled, eyeing the cover. "Didn't we finish this at Uncle Quatre's in July?"

"Yeah," Ryan was nodding. "But I like it."

"Alright," Duo sighed in mock resignation, "Let's get on with it then."

Duo sat at one corner of the couch, and Ryan settled against him. Opening the book, Duo began reading the first adventure of Benny and Violet, Henry and Jessie, and not for the first time, he wondered what it would have been like to have brothers and sisters. Even as the Alden children crept from their temporary home, his arm tightened its hold over Ryan's shoulder.

It was barely past three on the following Wednesday, and Heero stopped himself from checking the clock once again. He had never been a clock-watching teenager, waiting for the end of day bell, and even now as a teacher, its sound didn't indicate 'time to go home'.

Anticipation of a different sort coiled in his gut.

Standing at two minutes before the bell, he drew the class's attention. "Time to put your books away, and get ready to leave." He shared a smile with his aides at the eagerness displayed. "Remember that next week is Open House. If you've signed up for demonstration, please bring your parents." The bell rang, several bodies jumped from seats, pulling backpacks from hidden spaces, and papers were shoved inside.

Heero trailed after his students, his eyes on one boy in particular even as he spoke to one earnest girl asking about her duties for the upcoming event. A mother-hen analogy came to mind as students shuffled around and about, and Heero was left with a small gathering of "pick-up" kids hovering about him. Ryan stood at his side, eyes squinting as he listened to another boy telling him about his collection of gundam robots. An invitation was given and accepted (after making sure with his dad first). Heero felt a twinge – a loss for nostalgia he would never have; almost regretting the nostalgia he did have.

Ryan's name was called out in a feminine voice, and Heero turned to look. A moment passed, and Ryan was skipping towards the woman. Heero followed at a fast clip, trying to keep the frown from his expression.

Sunglasses lifted from a pair of startling blue eyes and came to rest on top a head of styled blonde hair. The woman gave an easy smile, her gaze giving Heero a quick sweep before resting on his face. She stepped forward to meet him, a hand held out.

"Mister Yuy," she stated more than asked, and Heero's hand was being carefully – professionally – shaken. "I am Tracy Murdock, Mister Maxwell's assistant, and he's asked me to pick Ryan up for him."

"Ms Murdock," Heero murmured, extracting his hand and reaching for Ryan in an unconsciously protective gesture. "I'm afraid I cannot release Ryan without—"

"I understand, Mister Yuy," she interjected smoothly, lifting her other hand and holding out an envelope. "Here is the notarized limited power of attorney, and I am prepared to contact Mister Maxwell if you so demand." Her smile never wavered.

Taking the envelope, Heero pulled the heavy folded sheet and read the confirmation of her words. It had been years since he'd seen it, but there was no mistaking the bold script and striking curves and loops. He replaced the document, and looked up.

"A call to Ryan's father shouldn't be necessary," he told her. Heero turned to Ryan, squatting down on his heels. "I still need someone to run the micro-reader, if you're interested, and your father wants to come." Heero resisted the urge to straighten the boy's collar.

Ryan grinned. "Yes! Dad will come. He always goes to school stuff." Ryan's grip on his bag tightened.

"Good." Heero limited his touch to a palm on a shoulder, and stood. "I'll see you tomorrow then." He nodded to the woman, adding a quiet, "good day," in her direction.

"I'm sure I'll be seeing you again," she murmured, holding a hand out for Ryan to take. Her eyebrow rose as she lowered her sunglasses.

Heero watched them turn and begin walking toward the parking lot. Ryan twisted around, and waved a final goodbye. His hand rose in response, and Heero went to find his other "pick-up" kids.

"Tracy!"

At Ryan's voice, Heero glanced around to see Mister Maxwell's assistant walking in clipped steps over the concrete. She was in vivid contrast to the other women present; sharply dressed, professional style makeup, and an expensive haircut. Heero wasn't surprised to watch her dismiss all but her goal. Which apparently was he, since she didn't stop when Ryan ran out to meet her.

"Mister Yuy," she said with a smile, her hand sliding her sunglasses from her face. "It's good to see you again."

Heero acknowledged her with a nod. "Ms Murdock." He spotted a familiar van, and sent the student off in the right direction, his eyes following until the girl's mother lowered a window and waved.

"Mister Yuy," the woman said again, her sunglasses now dangling from her fingers. "It appears we'll be seeing quite a bit of one another."

"You'll be picking Ryan up from now on, then?" Heero asked, reaching for the boy and holding him back from running after a classmate.

She leaned forward, her hand skimmed up Heero's arm. "I will, at least until Duo hires a sitter." Her smile grew at Heero's step back. "He is a very busy man, and it could take some time."

Instead of replying, Heero sent another child being picked up, and raised a hand in greeting.

"I've been given a pair of tickets to Last March of the Leos for Saturday evening." Her smile was back, and Heero was now facing her, his frown faint. "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me…."

"No." The word was out before Heero could phrase it differently. He gave a slight smile, softening his rejection. "I already have plans," he told her.

"Then we'll have to plan on another time." Her hand flashed out, a small pale gray card held between her fingertips. "My card." And her eyebrow rose in a high arch. "In case your plans fall through."

Heero accepted the card, barely glancing at it before slipping it into the front pocket of his slacks. "I'll keep that in mind."

Her eyes followed his hand, and her smile began to fade. "Please do." She snapped her sunglasses on, and held out her hand to Ryan. "Time to go, Ryan. We'll be joining your father out on the site today." With another raking look aimed at Heero, she turned and led Ryan from the school grounds.

It wasn't until after his students were gone for the day that her words circled. Heero was back in his classroom, organizing books, papers, and equipment left out of place. Alphabetizing a stack of story discs, Heero mentally listed families that might watch Ryan after school, and struck off the ones he knew would be unacceptable. Of those left, he ruled out all but four, and those Heero would offer in suggestion to Duo.

If Duo left the picking up of Ryan to his assistant, then Heero would wait until Open House, and find a few minutes to speak with him. The four-ten bell rang, and Heero nodded to himself. He had wanted to find a chance to speak with Duo, to catch up on the missing years, and if the opportunity presented itself, he would invite Duo and Ryan to his house for dinner.

Duo stepped back from the truck after confirming an appointment for the following week, and gave the driver a final wave. He watched as it left the site yard before turning away to look over the progress to date. The early stages of construction packed several such meetings; the surveyor was on site almost as much as the engineer.

A front-end loader approached the long side of the building, and extended its arm with supplies in its bucket. On the far side, the high-powered shriek of metal on metal into metal continued. Plans called for the third story grid to be completed in seven days; the second story was nearly done. Duo watched the conveyors move materials to the higher levels, hand raised to shade his eyes from the sun. In his sight, he imagined what the next few weeks would bring, when the cranes would be doing the lifting and moving work, when the metal frameworks would become enclosed. Fifteen months and the high-rise would be open for occupancy.

"Hey, Duo!"

Turning, Duo raised a hand, acknowledging the shout, and jogged across the compound to the contractor shack – a twenty-by-twenty, two room prefab office with a toilet.

"What's up?" he asked, following the site manager up the stairs.

"Grissom called down from the head office. They sent over some paperwork for you to sign." The man grinned over his shoulder. "And it's going up on three."

"Shit!" Duo checked his watch, and cursed again. "Can the paperwork wait 'til Monday? I gotta jet." He was at the admin's desk, tossing the clipped together pages of the surveyor notes in her in-box. "That needs to be duplicated and filed with the county. Today if possible, otherwise Monday will do."

"It can wait," the manager laughed. "But you might want to take it with you, look it over on your trip." He held out a thick sealed envelope.

Even in his hurry, Duo straightened and stared at the bundle. He swallowed hard, glanced at the manager, and back to the packet. "Is it…?"

"Hell, boy, you'd think someone was handing you your death warrant." And he laughed again.

Duo took the package, turned it over in his hands, read his name typed on the outside with a red "Personal and Confidential" stamped next to it. "Guess this makes it legit, huh?" He knew it was coming, but had thought his "packaged deal" would be done in the human resource office. Shrugging, he managed a short laugh.

"School's going to be let out soon," the admin said, smiling. "Congratulations, boss." She gave him a friendly wink.

"Got that right!" Duo tucked the envelope up under his arm and started for the door. He stopped and looked back from one to the other. "Thanks. It—it means a lot to me." And he was gone, out the door and running back across the compound to his truck. Fifteen miles in city traffic. Fifteen miles in fifteen minutes. His truck roared to life, and he put it in gear; challenges were life's way of keeping a person on their toes.

He was running late, and knew it. But at least he knew Ryan would be out front waiting for him with Heero standing guard. Duo started to laugh silently, shaking his head. Coming to Earth after years of colony living hadn't been his first choice, but the offer was too good to pass up. Leaving behind friends, taking Ryan from all he knew and pushing him into the unfamiliar – from house to air to school to manner of speaking – had been hard. But, the jobs weren't there. His education was going to waste; home might have been on L2 a month ago, but home was East Coast America now.

His thoughts slipped easily from L2 to what the envelope package meant to him, meant for Ryan. This trip home would be their last, and the business of settling in would become his next priority. Idly, he wondered if Heero was married, if he had any children; suddenly wished he had taken the time to say more than three or four words to the man.

"After this trip," he muttered to himself, turning off the main thoroughfare and looking for the right street sign to the school. The night before, Ryan had mentioned something about an open house, and Duo nodded his head. "I'll be there, find out what's happening with Heero."

Smiling once more, plans fitting neatly in place, Duo pulled up in the pick-up line, and scanned the front of the school for signs of Ryan…and suddenly feeling strangely nervous. When he was close enough, he put the truck in park, and got out. Ryan was already running his way, Heero right behind him.

"Hey, buddy!" Duo called, reaching out to swing Ryan up into a quick hug. He sat him back on his feet, and looked up smiling to greet Heero. "Hey, Heero."

"Duo," Heero answered. He stood as if frozen to the spot, and Duo's smile faltered.

"Something happen?" he asked, pulling Ryan close.

"No!" Heero said quickly, his look startled. "It's Friday, and I was going to ask if you had plans. I thought we might go to this pizza place and catch up…" his words came to a halt.

"Oh God, Heero," Duo said, raking a hand through his bangs. "I've been thinking the same thing, but this weekend's a bust." He grinned quickly down at Ryan. "We're on our way to the 'port, and back to L2 for a couple of days." He glanced back up to Heero. "I'm really sorry, man, but I've got to go."

"That's all right," Heero said. "We can get together some other time then."

"Great." Duo looked at his watch, and bit back a curse. "I hate to run off, but we really have to get going," and he was nudging Ryan toward the truck, "I'll see you Tuesday," he called out, shutting Ryan's door. The pleased look Heero gave had Duo pause for a moment. "We don't have anything going on next weekend," he added cautiously. "If you wouldn't mind showing the new guy around the city?"

"Roger that," Heero told him. "It's a date."

And it was Duo's turn to give a startled look. Heero raised a brow, smirking; Duo was still laughing as they pulled away from the school.

It was closing in on midnight, the cabin was quiet, but for the far distant whirl noise that was such an integral part of space travel. Duo sighed, letting his head fall back against the seat cushion, and closing his eyes. L2 in less than four hours, not enough time to sleep, too long to stay awake. Opening his eyes, he turned his head to check on Ryan, a blanket-covered lump still asleep on the lower bunk. His smile was wistful, and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to curl up behind his son, pretend it was going to be a lazy Saturday morning, with only cartoons and breakfast waiting on them.

Forcing himself upright, Duo gathered the papers he'd been reading, stacked them neatly, and returned them to their envelope. He'd have to make time to go over them again, but it looked like everything he'd asked for, everything he'd been promised was written into his contract. He sealed the envelope and put it back in his case. Leaving the light on in case Ryan woke, Duo left their cabin, and made his way up deck to the galley.

Caffeine was a twenty-four hour business on a cargo ship, and the Ticonderoga class cruiser was no exception. The pot of coffee was fresh, and Duo sat at a table cradling his cup more than drinking from it. Ghosts of the past, memories of other trips wove between thoughts of the present, dreams of the future.

Twelve years before, he sat at a table very much like this one, his thoughts spinning in circles. He left Earth to find a life, to make a home, and put the war in his past. His mind – then – had been divided, his desires no less.

"You're supposed to be sleeping."

Duo jerked upright, a slow grin forming. "Hey, Old Man, who's driving this tub if you're down here?"

Howard snorted loudly, and finished levering himself onto the bench seat. "Not the captain, boy. Retired, remember?"

It was Duo's turn to snort. "You? Get off! I'll be retired a hundred years before you finally give it up."

"Think what you will," Howard said affably. "You will anyway." He sniffed the contents of his mug, sipped, and pulled a long face.

"Who is captain?" Remembering his own coffee, Duo lifted his mug.

Howard reached for a sugar packet, and stirred it into his cup before answering. "Don't think you know him." He drank from his mug once again, and nodded his head. "Fella by the name of McMichaels. Runs a tight ship."

"You really retired?" Duo leaned forward.

"We dock at four," Howard said, reaching for another sugar packet. "But we don't start unloading 'til seven. I'll come wake you for breakfast."

"Can't sleep."

Howard snorted softly, but drank from his mug instead. "McMichaels is a good man, by the book, though." He nodded in agreement with his words. "Better watch your mouth around him, too," he added.

"Why?" Duo started to grin. "He doesn't like a smartass?"

"Close." Howard chuckled. "He'll fine you if he hears you cuss." His mouth went on a downturn.

"Shit, no kidding!" Though he was grinning, Duo shot a quick look around the room.

"Thing with McMichaels is, ninety-five percent of the time, his way is the right way, but the other five percent…" And Howard shrugged off-handedly, both hands on his mug. "Man doesn't like to deviate from his plan."

"But that's going to happen," Duo protested mildly. "It's all about adapting, finding new routes from A to B if the direct one doesn't work."

"Exactly." Howard was nodding. "You were never a 'by the book' pilot, my boy." And Howard drank from his mug, finishing off its contents.

Duo's eyes narrowed at his long time friend. "You got something to say?"

Howard looked startled for a moment, and then shrugged. "Tell me about this new job," he said, ignoring Duo's question.

Rather than answer immediately, Duo continued to stare, and Howard stared back blandly. Relenting, Duo turned on his seat, bringing his feet up to the bench, and wrapped his arms around his legs.

"Not much to tell. I'm doing what I went to school for—" he shot a look to Howard, and went back to contemplating his shoes. "Mostly project work for now."

"You designing?" Howard asked, frowning down at his empty cup.

"Not yet, but it's written in the contract." Duo yawned, covering his mouth with the back of his hand. "Oh, hell, did I tell you? Heero's Ryan's teacher." He was grinning, turning to look at Howard.

Howard paused in adding sugar to Duo's cup, his eyebrows shadowing what was his hairline. "The kid's a teacher?" Duo nodded. "Well, what do you know about that." He set his spoon aside, and drank from Duo's mug.

"Surprised me, too."

"You still holding that torch?" Howard's look sharpened.

"None of your business, Old Man." Duo dropped his feet back to the floor. "Never should have said anything."

"You ever going to say something to him?" And he lifted the mug again.

"I don't even know if he's married or involved with anyone!" Duo lowered his head to his hands, and closed his eyes.

Draining the last of the coffee in Duo's mug, Howard set it next to his own empty cup. "Don't you think it's about time to find out?"

"I will when we get back," Duo mumbled. "I shouldn't be thinking this shit, Howard. There's too much going on to add more to it."

"Come on, kid," Howard said, rising to his feet. "Let's get you to bed before you fall over." Duo groaned, but stood and began following Howard toward the cabin block. At the cabin door, Howard patted a gnarled hand on Duo's shoulder. "Just remember, you're not a 'by the book' pilot."

Duo's laugh was short and sharp, but he was smiling again. He clasped Howard'a arm in his hand, and gave it a quick squeeze. "Thanks, Old Man," he said, and went inside, his thoughts giving way to sleep, and plans for the next day.

On Tuesday evening, during the fifth week of school, third grade students from Mister Yuy's class reentered the classroom. Heero stood in front of his desk, being introduced to parents and welcoming them to the Open House. Some parents were recognized, and some known from involvement around the school, or from a current student's older sibling. Mister Yuy's pupils were encouraged to 'show them around', and parents were dashed from section to section, where eight and nine year olds displayed knowledge gained since school had began.

Accompanied by his parent, Heero's newest student arrived at six on the dot. And after a brief greeting, not having time enough to give more, Heero had Ryan give his father a quick tour before heading off to do his duty at the microreader. For the next several minutes, even as he spoke with students, and their parents, Heero continued to watch Duo follow his son around the classroom; watched Duo sit at Ryan's desk, and look through his accomplishment folder; watched Duo fit the virtu-set over his head, and listen to his son explain how it worked, what it did.

Duo had been there to pick Ryan up that afternoon, and Heero could only wave a greeting, unable to break away from another parent. Duo had returned the wave with a wide smile, and Heero found his attention drifting from the woman's conversation to watch Duo as he buckled Ryan in his truck; Heero watched as Duo rounded his truck, climbed inside, and drove away. The day faded, and night wasn't coming fast enough, the hours between last bell and the start time lasted an eternity.

About twenty minutes into the event, there was a pause in the steady stream of entrances and exits. Heero used his sudden freedom to wander over to where Duo watched Ryan show another student's parents how the reader operated. Coming to stand just a little behind Duo and off to his side, a nod and a quick lift of lips acknowledged his presence. He couldn't help noticing that Duo had changed clothes since picking Ryan up from school. Where he'd worn jeans and a chambray shirt before, he now sported casual dress pants and a polo shirt. Now that he was this close, and looking, Heero suspected Duo had shaved as well.

"You're a builder now?" Heero more stated than asked, pretending to pay attention to what Ryan was telling Jenny's mother, and not how nice the hint of Duo cologne smelled.

Duo turned his head with a short smile. "Somewhat," he said cryptically. "I'm rather a jack-of-all-skills on the current project." Duo rocked on his heels. "And you're a teacher."

Heero inclined his head. "I try, at any rate."

"Ryan talks about you all the time." Duo grinned, glancing at his son. "You've made quite the impression on him."

"He's a quick learner," Heero told him, eyes flicking to Ryan and back to Duo. "Though he excels in some subject material, he is at par with his peers in others." Heero stopped, giving Duo a slight smile. "I apologize. Conferences are next month."

"No need to apologize. Ryan's one of my favorite subjects." Duo was grinning.

Heero smiled in return, but was pulled from responding by a student having difficulty with a piece of equipment. Indicating he'd be there shortly, he turned back to Duo. "If you have a few minutes, and don't mind missing the refreshments, there is something I would like to discuss with you. And no, it's nothing bad." Heero's smile was reassuring. "It might be welcome news."

"Okay," Duo said, nodding. "I'll hang out after school for you." And he winked.

Sharply at seven, the principal announced through the overhead speakers that refreshments were being served in the cafeteria. The constant buzz of voices and movement from the hallway rose in volume; Heero's own students (and their parents) joined the chorus, and made their way to cookies and watery punch. Heero was in place, offering to call parents with their child's progress, thanking each person for coming.

And then they were two.

Having seen Ryan wriggling out the door with a schoolmate, Heero knew the boys would head for the cookies. Classroom door closed against the noise, he began straightening the room, even as he kept his eyes on Duo.

"Your assistant mentioned that you're looking for someone to watch Ryan after school?" Heero began, making it more a statement than question.

"Tracy? Yeah, I looked when we first arrived, but most facilities won't work with my schedule, and I'm not too keen on Ryan hanging out for hours in some stranger's home." Duo was standing by the windows, alternately looking out over the playground and watching Heero shelf books, stack papers, and turn off equipment.

"Oh," Heero managed, turning to stare at Duo, a reading primer in hand. Plans were made to change, and his did before giving it voice. The carefully selected list of childcare givers was left in his pocket. "Ryan can come home with me." Heero bit off anything else his mouth might say, and instead, kneeled, turning his focus to putting away books. "Until you have the chance to find someone, that is. I can take care of him for you."

"What?" Duo crossed the room. "You're with him all day. Why would you…?"

Heero straightened, facing Duo. "It's been ten years since I last saw you," he said softly. "We were friends, once, and I want the chance to be friends again."

Duo ducked his head, but Heero saw the smile. "I was hoping you'd feel that way, too." His smile dimmed as he lifted his head. "But you don't have to watch Ryan for that to happen."

"That wasn't a condition of the offer," Heero said quickly. "But, as a friend and someone Ithink you still trust – would trust with your son – I have to do something." Heero's mouth twisted in a half-rueful smile. "I actually have a list of four names, parents of students or former students who offer after school services and ones I believe you might find acceptable." He felt the flush begin at his collar, and rushed on. "You can have the list, but if it will help, I don't mind keeping an eye on Ryan, taking him home with me, and keeping him occupied until you can pick him up."

Duo was nodding. "Okay, if you're sure…" Heero gave him a sharp nod. "I guess he won't have an excuse for not doing his homework," he laughed softly.

"That he won't." Heero moved to his desk, and wrote his address and phone number on a pad of paper. He added a small map to the bottom, and tore off the sheet, handing it to Duo. "My house isn't hard to find – only a couple of blocks from the park."

"And not too far from where we live," Duo added, looking at Heero over the paper. "We're neighbors!"

Heero leaned back against his desk, his lips curving upward at the delight in Duo's voice upon that discovery. "We are." Duo was shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't have anything game or toy-wise for Ryan, but if you want to bring over a few things, I have room to store it."

"If you're sure," Duo hedged, folding the sheet and sliding it in his pocket. "Ryan's good about finding things to do or making things up, but I can pack up a small bag he can bring to school tomorrow – stuff that doesn't make too much noise or a mess."

"That will work well, then." A brief silence settled between them, and Heero watched Duo, who was watching him. "You've done a great job with Ryan," he told Duo suddenly. "He is mature for his age, but still very much his age. It's a hard balance to achieve in a child."

Duo's smile went tender. "I wasn't there as much as I should have the first year or so." His expression twisted ruefully. "Hilde and I were having problems, and with school, and work, staying away seemed to be for the best."

"I was sorry to hear of her passing," Heero said immediately.

"Thank you." Duo dropped his gaze and stuck his hands in his pockets. "It's been more years than we were together, even after the divorce. But sometimes…" He shot Heero a brief, wavering smile. "I regret that Ryan has to grow up without his mother."

"You were—divorced?" Heero asked, startled. Flushing instantly, he held out his hands. "I'm sorry. That was rude. It's just that, I'd heard you had gotten married, but nothing after that. I didn't know."

"It's okay," Duo said. "It's not that we made a big deal about it." He shrugged slightly. "We hadn't even been divorced a year when she… when the accident happened." His look steadied, pinning Heero against the desk. "I thank God that Ryan was with me that night, and not in the car."

"We can talk about it some other time… unless you want to continue?" Heero asked, a knot of unease loosening in his gut.

"Yeah, let's save the history for some place else." Duo gave a rough laugh. His hand rose to span his forehead; his finger and thumb pressed gently against his temples.

"Are you okay?" Heero leaned forward.

Duo sighed deeply, letting his hand fall away. "Yeah." He gave a fleeting smile. "It was rough, but Quatre and Trowa helped a lot." Suddenly, he was frowning. "Hey, they were there this weekend to help out. I didn't tell them about you—I wasn't sure if you wanted anyone else to know."

"It's alright," Heero told him. "I lost touch with everyone of my own volition. More from inertia than deliberate intent." Heero canted his head to the side. "If the opportunity presents itself, I would enjoy reestablishing contact with them as well."

"Good," Duo laughed lightly. "Quatre's talked about you, wondered about you from time to time." A distant bell rang, and Duo's attention went to the hallway. "Is that the cue for parents to get the hell out?"

Heero laughed this time. "Something like that," he said, nodding his head to the door. "Principal Belding will be finished with her 'parents, teachers, and students working together' speech. This year's PTA chairperson would have indoctrinated volunteers, and the scouts will recruit a new crop."

"So cynical." Duo's smile flashed.

"Don't misunderstand me," Heero hurried to reassure. "Scouts and the PTA are excellent organizations, for the most part, and the principal is the best I've worked for, but…" Heero shrugged. "After hearing it for the past eight years, it's more routine than interesting."

"I guess this means I should probably collect the boy and head for home." Duo pushed off the front row desk he'd been leaning on, and started for the door. "You know, I sometimes have to work late, and might not make it out to pick Ryan up until six or later." He cast a look over his shoulder.

"I've gotten that impression," Heero said from behind him. "I understand there might be fluctuating times." Heero reached around Duo to open the door, and stood back, waving him through. "If you're late, we'll have dinner without you."

As Duo turned off the main road, the park that Heero spoke of was instantly there, four blocks wide and many more again as long. This would be a place to explore. Making a left, Duo was on Heero's street, and he couldn't help the laugh. Heero, in the middle of suburbia. Heero's house was up on the right, and just like the others in the neighborhood, it was a single story ranch with an attached garage and a bit of yard out front, much like his own.

His truck seemed to dwarf the driveway; Heero's car went unseen, and Duo suspected it lay behind the garage doors. He took a moment to look around. It was a quiet block, though five or six houses farther down showed three young children playing out in the yard. Duo glanced at his watch and wondered if there only a few households with children, or the neighborhood kids were all involved in other activities.

Ryan jerked the front door open before the tones of the doorbell died. His hand grabbed immediately, Duo was instructed to take off his shoes, and only then was he tugged inside.

"Mister Yuy's in back," Ryan informed him. "He's watering." Ryan's free arm gestured toward the back wall, and Duo glimpsed a wooden deck, and hints of green through the blind-covered, sliding glass door. "C'mon!" Ryan pulled on his hand, dragging his hesitant feet. "You have to meet Mister Peabody!"

"Mister who?" Duo held fast, resisting Ryan's effort. "We should wait here for Heero…" he began, though his eyes were on the hallway. He had wondered if Heero was married, if Heero was attached to someone.

"But Mister Yuy said I could show you," Ryan insisted, his body bent nearly double trying to force his father to move.

"It's alright," Heero said from behind them. "Ryan can introduce you."

Surprised, Duo turned, his smile already forming. "Heero," he said by way of greeting. Heero was in the parted doorway, sliding out of slip-on shoes before closing the door. Ryan stopped pulling on his arm, and Duo's hand slid in almost automatic response down to Ryan's shoulder.

"Mister Peabody should be in my bedroom," Heero announced, coming into the living room. "He's probably sleeping."

"That's okay," Duo rushed, almost backing away from the hallway now. "I don't want to disturb his sleep."

Heero looked at him, his eyebrows drawn in puzzlement. But Ryan had his hand again, and was pulling him down the hall. "Come on, Dad."

With a glance back to see Heero following, Duo forced his mouth to move, shoving his lips in an upward motion, and held his breath as Ryan pushed open the bedroom door. Two steps in, and no man could be seen. Duo hesitated, and turned to look at Heero.

"See! Isn't he the best?" Ryan was leaning forearms to the mattress, his hand stroking a very white, longhaired cat.

"A cat?" Duo muttered, moving forward on stilted feet. "A cat," he said, a wry twist on his lips.

"Mister Peabody," Ryan purred, scratching behind the cat's ears.

"Mister Peabody?" Duo looked at Heero, who shrugged slightly.

"An old cartoon character. A very intelligent terrier," he supplied.

Duo started to laugh, and the cat's ears laid flat. "A cat named after a dog? Heero…" He reached out a hand, wanting to pet along the cat's ruff and see if its fur was a soft as he thought. The cat drew back immediately, hissing; his lips curled back, revealing teeth. Duo jerked his hand away. "Whoa!" He reached for Ryan instinctively. "Get away from there!"

"Stop that!" Heero said sharply, his fingers snapped along side the cat's head. "He won't bite you," he told Duo. Mister Peabody jumped to his feet, glaring his displeasure and walking stiffly to the other side of the bed. "I thought…" Heero gave Duo a rueful smile. "He liked Ryan, and I thought he would take to you as well."

"Maybe it's just a first impression thing," Duo said cautiously, watching the cat settle back on the comforter, and wrap his tail about his body. "I'll test him again some other time." He gave Heero a tentative smile, and turned Ryan about by his shoulder. "We should probably head out now. I've got some work to finish up and there's dinner…"

"But you have to see the fish!" Ryan cried, ducking out from under his hand and spinning around to walk backwards. "Mister Yuy's got a pond and everything! It's cool, Dad!"

His smile growing with his amusement, Duo arched an eyebrow at Heero even as he started after his son. "Fish? A pond and everything?"

Heero was smirking slightly. Nodding to the doorway, he challenged, "See for yourself." His eyebrows wagged. "I have it on good authority, 'it's cool'."

Ryan was waiting by the open sliding glass door, a pair of slip-on sandals in his hands. "Mister Yuy says he's gonna get me my own pair, but I can use these ones for now." He thrust the pair in his hands at Duo. "These are company shoes."

Taking the sandals from Ryan, Duo glanced at Heero who was becoming more amused by the minute. But the man nodded softly in agreement with Ryan's statement.

"Ryan," Heero said turning to the boy. "It's 'Mister Yuy said he will get me my own pair'."

"Yeah, that's what I said."

Duo hid his amusement; his index finger guided Ryan's face to look in his direction. "Respect, and listen," he admonished, releasing his son as soon as he acknowledged the rebuke.

"Sorry, Mister Yuy," Ryan said in a clear voice, his eyes meeting Heero's.

"Accepted." Heero jerked his chin to the door. "I thought you were going to show your dad the koi?"

"Yeah! Come on, Dad!" And Duo barely had time to slip his borrowed footwear over his socks before Ryan was pulling him out the door.

"Whoa," Duo uttered, coming to a halt. He resisted Ryan's tug, taking his time to look around Heero's backyard. From the veranda, a wooden pathway led to a large, rock-bordered pond, flanked by graduating brush into towering reeds that reminded him of… "Bamboo?" Duo asked, stepping onto the pathway, not sparing a glance to see if Heero followed.

Even as his mind registered Heero's answer, Duo was already stopping en route. Flowers in symmetrical order lined twin sand and pebble paths that appeared to circle the pond. Wisteria and iris plants rubbed leaves with azaleas and lotus. A hint of statuary peeked from between foliage, and Duo was tempted to step off the path. The ground and plants showed signs of a recent watering, and Ryan's earlier comment clicked into place.

"This must have taken you years," he said instead, and let Ryan led him the rest of the way to the pond.

"Six, actually, and I'm still working on it," Heero called from the veranda. Duo glanced back over his shoulder, and nearly stopped again – Heero was leaning against a post, his arm above his head, and his body curved nicely.

"Beautiful," Duo told him, smiling. But, he turned away, and tuned in to what Ryan was telling him.

"And that one's named Charlie," Ryan said, pointing to a nearly white koi. "That's Ralph, and there's Chairman Meow…"

"Chairman Meow?" Duo asked, looking from Ryan back to Heero.

"I let my class name the fish when I add a new one." Heero shrugged. "We were studying the rise and fall of Communism at the time."

"But, Meow?"

"It's a story about two cats, Chairman Meow and Mou Sae Tongue," Heero laughed. "We'll be covering it in the spring, and Ryan will have a copy then."

"Dad!" Ryan said, demanding his attention. "This one's Yang, but he's all alone since Ying died. And Mister Yuy say—said that we get to name his new fish when he gets another one."

"That is cool," Duo said with a smile. "How'd you learn all their names so quickly?" Except for the nearly all white 'Charlie', the orange piebald fish looked too much alike for Duo to tell them apart.

"Mister Yuy told me a story for each name." Ryan grinned up at his father. "Wanna hear?"

"Okay, tell me. What's the story behind Ralph?"

Ryan pointed to one fish with deep orange markings. "He's a mouse!" And Duo laughed.

"From another children's story," Heero called.

"The one about a motorcycle?" Duo asked, grinning back.

"Affirmative." Heero was nodding. "It's good you know classic literature."

"And Charlie?" Duo was asking Heero now.

Heero's smile fell away. "A student," he said, straightening and turning his head away.

"Charlie went away," Ryan said quietly. "He was really sick, Mister Yuy said."

Duo's hand tightened over Ryan's. "Thank you for telling me the stories," he said softly. "How 'bout we head for home now?"

"Okay," Ryan agreed, adding as they began retracing their steps, "Can we have mac-n-cheese for dinner?"

"Sure, buddy."

Heero held the door while footwear was replaced, and followed after when Duo and Ryan reentered the house. To Duo, he seemed quieter, more subdued than he had been. At the front door, Duo told Ryan, "Go get your things."

Once Ryan was out of sight, Duo turned to Heero. "I'm sorry—"

"About Charlie—" Heero began at the same time. Duo gave a short laugh, and Heero flashed a smile. "Don't be sorry," he inserted immediately. "Charlie was a unique student, who fought every day for one more day." Heero's expression gentled. "He was a living inspiration, and is no less so in death."

"What did he… pass away from?" Duo asked, his glance drifting to the hallway Ryan disappeared down.

"The LaGrange strain of Leukemia."

Duo sucked in a sharp breath, shooting a look at Heero. "Shit."

"Mister Yuy said I can leave my activity bag here," Ryan said, coming back into the room. "He showed me where to put it when I wasn't using stuff from it."

"That's good." Duo reached out and pulled Ryan into a quick hug.

"Dad," Ryan protested, pulling away.

"Oops, forgot." Duo grinned at Heero over Ryan's head. "Now, thank Mister Yuy, and let's give him his house back."

"Thanks, Mister Yuy!" Ryan said, giving Heero a replica of Duo's grin.

"You're welcome, Mister Maxwell," Heero answered with a grin of his own. He lowered himself into a squat, and at eye level with Ryan. "How about we make a deal?" he asked, his eyes flicking to Duo then back to Ryan. "When you're here – or anywhere outside of school – you call me Heero." He held out his hand for Ryan to shake. "Deal?"

Ryan looked at his father first, and receiving his approval, his hand flashed into Heero's. "Deal!"

"Good." Heero stood. "Just remember Mister Yuy in class, please."

"Go get in the truck," Duo instructed, and turned back to Heero. "I'd like to add my thanks." He was smiling softly. "Ryan wasn't happy being cooped up in my office after school."

"He wasn't any trouble at all," Heero said. "He helped with the watering."

"Listen," Duo hesitated, chewing on the inside of his lip. "About payment… I can pay you however—"

"Don't worry about it," Heero interjected. "We'll work something out – a trade perhaps?"

"Trade?" Duo asked, and tried to ignore the sudden leap his stomach made.

"Does your jack-of-all-skills come with architect training?"

"You bet your ass," Duo confirmed immediately. "You thinking of remodeling?"

"Something like that," Heero said. "We can talk about it later. It's just an idea I have, and wanted to discuss with an architect."

"You got it." Duo grasped Heero's hand in both of his, and shook it. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

Duo was grinning, walking to his side of the truck. Still grinning as he backed out of Heero's driveway; still grinning while he waved to Heero on his front step, watching them drive off.

And, he was still grinning, if with a little less enthusiasm, later that evening after Ryan was in bed, and a stack of paperwork faced him.


The characters depicted in this work of fiction are over the age of minority.