Author's Note: As ever, this one goes out to my very own Nozomi. Okay, she's not mine, but I like her. Heero's chapters are always a pain for me to write. Wufei comes next, and as I already know what's going to happen, I suspect I'll have it written in a week or so. Also, Heero's thoughts on Duo have no relationship to my own. He's actually a favorite of mine.
Pairing: 1x5
Wufei's suitability as a partner had first occurred to Heero during the war. While physical compatibility and mutual interest were of course, factors, it was primarily Wufei's psychological profile that led to Heero's eventual decision to suggest co-habitation. Wufei was a man of honor and determination, a dangerous enemy and a reliable ally. He lacked Duo or Quatre's social instinct, yet, unlike Trowa, did not emotionally distance himself from his activities.
He was also stubborn. It was a difficult trait not to notice after six months of sharing a small space. Wufei did not know how to give, nor how to forgive, anymore than Heero did. His refusal to stay, even when asked, was not surprising. It simply meant moving on to the next plan.
His first thought, was, of course, Duo. Wufei had a certain amount of affection for Deathscythe's pilot which Heero neither shared nor understood. The two of them occasionally went to movies together or met for meals. And, while Heero found Duo's demeanor and energy irritating, Wufei's loyalties were such that voicing such opinions led to less than comfortable relations between them.
Duo answered his phone groggily, his tone reminding Heero, belatedly, that most people found reason to sleep at three in the morning. Still, no man who had once piloted a Gundam could afford to let exhaustion disorient him. Their conversation, if brief, and less than civil, was cohesive enough to impart the necessary information. Wufei had not arranged to stay with Duo.
Trowa answered on the first ring and his voice was as devoid of tiredness as it was of every other emotion. While he did not care for Duo, Heero could think of little that might be said against Trowa. While they did not socialize, it had more to do with their individual inclinations toward solitude than any tension between them. It took only a few brief sentences before Heero knew all he needed. Wufei had contacted Trowa and requested use of his spare room. Trowa had agreed to allow him. He was not willing to rescind the permission he'd already given. He was expecting Wufei some time later in the morning. He did not know how long Wufei planned to stay.
Heero slept, then. His functions were somewhat impaired if he did not sleep for at least four hours a night, especially so if he avoided sleep for more than a day or two. The intelligent thing to do was rest so that he might better deal with the problem in the morning. He slept poorly, his dreams troubling and confused.
When he woke the next morning, Wufei was already in the kitchen, eating. Their eyes met and Heero could think of nothing productive to say. He was struck, instead, by how familiar the sight of Wufei having breakfast had become. Familiar, and something else. Comfortable. Wufei finished his meal without speaking then picked up his duffle bag.
"Goodbye," he said.
But Heero could still think of nothing to say. The door closed on silence.