Author's note:
Hey….I know, I know. Where have I been, right? Well, lets just say that life hasn't been treating me kindly.
However, here's a mini-update for you all. This chapters more of a filler than anything else, but don't disregard it, there's lots of background info here!
I've had writer's block on this for a while now, so I might put it on hiatus as I have quite a few other one shots and stuff that's got a lot more done at the mo….
First, Snow: The fic wars are ON dude! Every time I add something to our c2, you add something better! Woe is me! Yep, the smooth sailing is definitely over. No more mrs nice author!
Yilun: Lotsa info here for you. This is pure plot-fodder, so enjoy.
Bunches: Nope, Helen and Father are not considered survivors, but I'll tell you more about that later. Most of your other questions will be answered here!
Dannie: Thanks for the compliments, but I don't quite think I'm better than Cjmarie. Her work is absolutely awesome and I consider it a privilege that I managed to get to know her. I do however, hope my stories are to your liking in future!
Lise and Aya-chan, thanks for reviewing. Creative? Moi? Hehehe…
Onwards and downwards!
Predawn Light by Hikishi
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not mine, I don't own it and I've lost my boxsets sob.
Pairings: 1+2
Warnings: Language.
Genres: AU, Friendship.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The next day dawned bright but everyone seemed depressed and worried.
Heero took it upon himself once the others had gone home to call at the Maxwells, but there was no answer. No response came when he tried that evening either.
Monday passed in a blur, and Heero didn't bother listening in any of his classes at school. His mind was still on the braided teen and the scene he had witnessed. One of his teachers commented on it, but it went no further.
Quatre called up at lunchtime the next day to tell him he'd just driven past the Maxwell's and their car was in the driveway. The blond only had a half day in private school on Tuesdays, as he was home schooled for his advanced classes.
Heero went straight over as soon as school was over, shoving his book bag in his locker and jogging all the way there. Helen opened the door as soon as he hit the front porch.
"Good afternoon Heero."
"Is Duo home?" He asked anxiously. She nodded, looking tired, but better.
"Yes. He's resting in his room right now."
"How is he?"
"A little shaken and exhausted," The blonde woman replied carefully, obviously still in a similar state herself. "I'm sorry we ruined your sleepover."
Heero found himself shaking his head.
"That's okay Mrs Maxwell. I was hoping I could see Duo though, maybe find out how he's doing? I mean," He tried to search for the right words as she frowned. "I want to apologise. We had no idea about the church. Wufei didn't know he would upset him like that."
"I'm sorry Heero." Helen blurted, twisting her hands together in what must be a nervous habit. "We should have warned you about Duo's past, But - I don't know. I felt that he was doing so well…" She shook herself and took a breath, before meeting his gaze again. "Come in. He's awake, and I'm sure he will be happy to see you."
The brunette followed her into the darkened hallway. As usual, all the curtains in the house were firmly closed the keep out that dangerous sunlight. They went up the stairs quietly, and Helen turned to him as they paused at the top.
"I'll have to ask you not to speak of the Maxwell orphanage." Maxwell. That name again. What was it about this family that was so strange? "Duo doesn't fully remember what happened and it only upsets him to bring it up."
"If it's not too rude to ask, Mrs Maxwell, what DID happen?"
Helen sighed heavily, and rubbed her palms together, looking first left, then right. She seemed unsettled and agitated.
"Well….Duo used to live there with Solo and the other children, some of whom had been in there street gang. It was Christmastime. Solo had died recently and Duo was very depressed. We - that is, Father Maxwell and I - had been having Duo help us for evening mass in the church. It seemed to take his mind off things. We allowed him to light the candles most days and thought he could do it for the midnight mass. It was Christmas Eve you see."
Helen smiled wistfully, but it quickly faded and she grimaced unhappily.
"He was so happy. I even said he could start lighting them early, so He could help Father Maxwell with the sermon. But rebels broke into the church before the congregation arrived and barricaded us in. They attacked Father Maxwell when he told them to leave and Duo went to help fight them off. Some of the candles were knocked over the scuffle and a fire broke out. We tried to put it out, but it spread too quickly…."
She paused and took a deep breath, shoulders shaking slightly. "We finally managed to escape the church, but the fire consumed everything. It grew and spread to the orphanage. There was nothing we could do. They all died, excepting him. Duo blamed himself. Said if only he hadn't lit the candles early…" Helen swiped at a tear.
"He had to go into hospital for a long time after that. He was in shock and completely shut down. We were so happy when the doctors got him to interact again. He began to talk, however, he couldn't seem to remember anything. The doctors said that his mind had subconsciously blocked it out. We decided that it would be for the best if we didn't say anything. Confident that his memory would come back on its own. He seemed to get better, and began to smile again. We thought he'd really be okay…" She trailed off.
"I understand." Heero said awkwardly, though he really didn't.
Helen straightened up and tried to compose herself.
"Anyway, I'm sure your company will cheer him up immensely. Go on in, Duo's room is third door on the right. I'll be down in the kitchen if you need anything."
She bustled off down the hall, leaving Heero standing in the darkened hall.
He took a breath, and started down to where Duo's room was. He stopped at the door and took in the stickers and posters he hadn't had time to register the last time he'd been here. Each one indicated the young teen's taste in music and video games. He knocked lightly on the door, sticking his head around it when there was no answer.
"Duo? It's me, Heero?"
He saw his friend sat cross-legged on his three quarter bed, working on a picture. Pencils were scattered over the green comforter and Duo had his personal minidisc playing.
"Put the wood in the hole, Yuy." Duo drawled in an irritated fashion and the Japanese youth hastened to comply.
End Chapter Eight
