Disclaimer: I do not own the Gundam Pilots or anything else that is
affiliated with them. Pretty much anything you recognize. =) I do own the
Andersons, the address, and I made up the city, I didn't even realize there
was one if there is. If it's the same address, then somethin' freaky is
goin' on cause that's just the one that popped into my head.
~*~Chapter 2~*~
Surprise!
"Taxi!" Dou jumped in the air, waving his hands. The taxi stopped in front of him and he rushed up to it and got in before someone else took this one. He'd just arrived in Clayborne about ten minutes before and finally got lucky enough to get a taxi. All the others that stopped were grabbed right before he could get there by someone who was taking advantage of his luck.
"Finally! Hey, could ya take me to 5001 Sidney Road?"
"Anything you want man."
"Thanks."
"You're not from around here, are ya?" The cab driver asked.
"Why do ya say that?" Dou asked in return, staring out of the window in amazement. Actually, disgust is more of the correct term. The streets were littered with waste, the air was hard to breath and held an aweful stench. The city was overcrowded and people slept in doorways and boxes wherever they could. It was only 3:00 P.M., but the sky made it look as though it were 7 or 8 o'clock at night. If you smiled, people looked at you as if they were going to kill you. Towards the inner portion of the city, tall skyscrapers towered above smaller office buildings and businesses.
"You're too polite."
"Ya, I'm coming to pick up a friend who's gonna stay with me for a while."
"I wish there were more people like you kid who used this cab. You seem nice enough, someone I woudn't mind having a conversation with. You look familiar, have we met before?"
Oh no, here we go again. He'll find out I was one of the Gundam Pilots and then there goes the hope of a normal conversation.
"No."
"You look so familiar. I think I've got it. And Thanks."
"For what?"
"You're one of the Gundam Pilots." Dou released a sigh of reluctance. He knew the questions that usually followed. "Aren't you too young?", and, "How did you do it?", or, "What was it like?" He was getting ready to answer them before they were asked, then something caught him off guard.
"You saved my family and helped to give my lil' ones back a normal life. Actually, you and your friends are the ones that gave them a life." He handed back a picture of himself, his wife, and his two little girls. "Gratitude is expressed where it is due, and for as much as you've sacrificed and as much pain as I can only begin to imagine you went through, thanks."
"Sure." This guy was different from the others. He treated Dou like a normal person, though sometimes it was fun being treated like a celebrity or even a god. But one guy can only take so much. He was glad he could help.
"Looks like you have a very wonderful family. I only hope I can one day."
"I love them so, they really make each day worth living, especially in a dump like this. One day, though, I'll be able to give my little girls a real home, and a real life."
They started conversing about the drivers family, and about each other. Dou found out his name was Mathew Anderson, he only asked to be called Mat for short. His wife, Julie, was a nurse, and he had two little girls. Katie was twelve and Emily was fourteen. Mat told him that his little girls would say a prayer every night for their protectors and, to them, their heroes, the Gundam Pilots.
They pulled up to the apartment complex and Dou jumped out, asking Mat to wait because he'd only be gone a few minutes as he went to go and get his friend. Mat obliged and Dou headed off towards the apartments. The building was absolutely a dump. "How can this guy live here?" he asked himself as he headed up the steps which were cracked and chipped. He would have taken the elevator, but that was out of order. The date read "January 4". He reached Heero's door on the fifth level. "116 A. This's got to be the place," he thought to himself as he knocked on the door. It was. Jack answered the door, shook hands with Dou, and led him inside. The radio was on softly and the lamp on the table at the far side of the room was lit. A pile of books lay open on the table.
"I attend night classes at the community college," Jack stated as he noticed Dou looking at where he was previously working.
The apartment was small, but clean and taken care of, except for a window that had plastic taped over it. It looked like it'd been broken for a while.
Dou scanned the room and found Heero, where he was when he last spoke to him, on the couch, only this time, he was asleep. Jack must've covered him with a black and white checkered sleeping bag.
"There been any problems?" Dou spoke just above a whisper as he crossed over to the couch.
"Nope, the guy's been sleeping like the dead the whole time."
Dou reached the couch and knelt down. Man, the guy was so at peace when he slept, and it was hard for Dou to wake him because he really didn't have the heart to. It was like trying to wake up a child that had finally gotten to sleep after a terrible nightmare. Dou wished he could sleep like that.
"Heero," he called, softly shaking his tired friend. Slowly, his eyes opened and began to focus. "It's me, Dou. I finally got here."
Heero pushed himself off the couch, reluctantly. "Took you long enough." He looked down at the blanket, then over to where Jack was gathering his books. "Thanks."
"Dou here told me to take care of ya. Just doing my job. Besides, the guy probably woulda killed me if I didn't." He smiled up at Dou. "He's more protective of you than a mother is of her children."
Heero got up and went to his room to pack his clothes. Dou walked over to Jack. "Appreciate your help man, especially since you didn't have to." Dou shook his hand, then pulled out his wallet to pay Jack for his time.
"What do you think you're doing? Put it back, it was my pleasure and privilage to lend a hand. After all you've done for us, I mean. I know who you guys are, and I couldn't be happier to help. Besides, I got a lot of studying done."
Heero trudged out of his room with a small bag. He dropped it to the floor and leaned against the wall for support. Another "dizzy spell". Dou came to his aid quickly, Jack at his heals.
"You okay man?"
"I'll be fine."
"Let me help the two of you down to your ride." Jack offered.
"Thanks, could you grab his bag?" Jack bent down and grabbed Heero's bag as Dou helped lead Heero back to the couch. "Sit here, I'll take care of everything else. It'll only take a moment." Dou went around the house unplugging everything so as not to raise Heero's utility bill. He even unplugged the fridge after realizing that there weren't any contents in it. "Don't you ever go to the store or something?"
"Didn't have the money this week," was Heero's only reply.
Finishing up, Dou crossed back over to the couch, helped his friend stand, put Heero's arm around his shoulder, and let him use him as support. Jack had returned from dropping off his books into his own apartment. He followed Dou as he lead Heero down the stairs and out the front door. The cab was still waiting for him where it had been. Mat got out of the driver side and unlocked the trunk. He took the bag from Jack and placed it in the trunk, closed it, and opened the door for Dou as he slowly led his friend over.
"Thanks again Jack." Dou called to Jack who headed inside again while Dou helped Heero into the cab.
"No problemo. You take care, especially you Heero!" Heero, gave a small wave and allowed himself and appreciative smile. Dou got in on the other side and they left.
"Thanks for waitin' Mat. Mat, this is my friend, Heero. Heero, this is my new friend, Mat."
Mat smiled as he looked in the rear view mirror, "Hi."
Heero smiled slightly and nodded.
"He's not much of a one for talking," Dou informed. He looked at the meter. This was already costing him $45.00.
Mat saw him look at the meter, then called back, "Don't worry about it. This one's on me."
"You don't have..." He was cut off.
"I also recognize your friend there. Consider this an early Christmas gift from my family to you and your friends. "
Man, he was getting real lucky today. Some of the people here are nicer than they seem. He had to think of something in return though.
"When do you get off work?" Dou asked, thinking that maybe he could return the the gift of charity that was shown to him.
"In about five minutes, why?"
"Hey Heero, our plane doesn't leave for another hour or so. Think you could stay awake for a little while longer?" Heero was confused but responded, "Ya, why?"
They were stopped at a red light.
"Mat here was telling me about himself. He's got a wife, Julie, she's a nurse at the local hospital. He's also got a fourteen and a twelve year old daughter. Emily and Katie. He says they think we're their heroes, the Gundam Pilots anyway." Heero shot Dou an uneasy look. He musta gotten the same questions Dou'd been asked so many times before and was trying to keep a low profile. "Don't worry, everything's cool with him, as he said before, he already knows, and he's different from the others. Anyway, he says their practically in love with us....."
"Madly in love is more like it," Mat added as he turned the corner.
"Well, I don't blame the females for being madly in love with a strong, hot guy like me. Who wouldn't be?"
Heero began to smile and chuckle quietly. "Sometimes you're so full of yourself, you actually amaze me Dou."
Dou looked hurt for a moment, then smiled and continued, "I thought since they were so kind, especially his daughters, to say a prayer or two each night for us while we fought to stay alive, and since they love us so," he looked uncertainly at Heero and the guy began to laugh a little harder, "well, me at least, I thought it'd be nice to maybe make an extra little stop. If you think it'd be alright though, Mat."
"My little girls would love it. Let me just head back to the main building and clock out. Better tell the wife we've got comany."
"Don't tell them who it is, you'll just ruin the surprise." Heero looked at Dou. He almost seemed like a child on Christmas Eve that was anxiously waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. He was surprised at himself, he was laughing, he hadn't done this in years. He couldn't even remember the last time he had actually laughed. It felt good to laugh, that he knew.
"I won't, I won't," replied Mat, having as much fun scheming as Dou was, "but knowing the girls, they'll probably still be in their pajamas and haven't even bothered to at least fix themselves somewhat for public. No offence to them, but you've never seen them when they lounge around the house. Besides the house probably looks like a mess. I just want to give them a surprise, I didn't say I wanted to scar them for life by embarrasement!" Mat started laughing as well, but was sure to watch the road.
"Sounds like Hilde. Ooops! Oh man! don't tell her I said that! She'd kill me if she knew that I said something like that." Heero just shook his head, trying not to laugh at Dou's distress.
"I won't, don't worry. Besides, she'd probably kick me out if she did kill you Dou."
"Naw, she'd be sweet on you."
They stopped by the main office, Dou trying to talk Mat into letting him pay, but Mat wouldn't allow it. He quickly called his family and told them that "special company" was coming over on short notice.
"Will they know who we are, or do we need some proof?" Dou asked, not thinking of it before.
"One look at you and they'll faint."
"Okay, cause we don't have access to our Gundams right now. That's about the only proof we could give them."
As Mat and Dou talked, Heero leaned his head against the cool glass of the window. Not too long ago he was practically freezing. Now he was burning up. Mat, sensing his discomfort called back, "You can open the window if you want, it's not like it's against the law." Heero nodded, then looked over at Dou, making sure that it wasn't going to bother him.
"Go for it man, doesn't bother me in the slightest."
Heero rolled down the window as far as it would go. The cold air caressed his face and his body. He'd grown accustomed to the smell, so it didn't bother him. He felt himself cooling down immediately. He leaned his head against the seat and closed his eyes, letting the cold air wash over him.
Dou, on the other hand hadn't grown use to the smell. He didn't let Heero know, because Heero would probably close the window. If it made his friend feel better, then Dou could put up with it. After all, the guy wasn't feeling well and there wasn't a price too great that he would pay if it would help his friend out.
After about another five minutes they arrived at a small house on the outskirts of the city. It was clean with a well kept yard. It seemed out of place from the old run-down houses with overgrown yards around it.
They pulled into the drive and Dou got out to help Heero who was still shaky. He insisted on standing and walking by himself in front of Mat's family though, after all, he was a Gundam Pilot. Dou understood and helped him out of the car and up to the porch, then
he let Heero stand on his own once he was sure he wasn't going to collapse or fall backwards or something.
Mat opened the door, motioned for the two pilots to step into the main hall, where he asked them to wait. He could be heard greeting his family, his daughters asking who the special visitors were and where they were?
Excitement welled up in Dou as a large smile spread across his face. Heero had to admit, he was feeling a little excited to, he hadn't done this before and he was glad to help out Mat for being so kind to them. After all, it probably would have cost Dou about $70.00 that he would feel guilty about until he paid Dou back, but the hard part would have been getting Dou to accept the money. After all, Dou was doing so much for him already.
"Hold your horses! Now, I was lucky enough to offer my services to two young men who did something great. It's more of a one in a life time chance that something like this could happen. Just consider this an extremely early Christmas present that you get to open, theoretically speaking. This was their idea, so be sure to thank them."
"Who are they?" piped up a little girl, probably Katie.
"You're stalling dad, just tell us who's coming over today." This had to be Emily
"They're already here."
"What?" It was an older woman, Julie.
"Where?" Katie asked.
"Everyone stand up, I'd like you to welcome our guests for about an hour." Mat glanced back at the two teenagers. He waited a moment, not wanting Heero to be embarrased because he needed Dou's help again to steady himself.
"Katie Dawn Anderson, you stay right where you are and don't be rude." He looked back, Heero had regained his composure, but he didn't know for how long. To hide it, he'd have to offer them a seat, or at least Heero, so he didn't use up so much energy. Dou nodded.
"Please welcome our guest, girls try and control yourselves and don't come running after them," he warned. Dou and Heero walked into veiw. Julie's smile remained, but her eyes were full of surprise. Emily and Katie stood with their mouths hanging open, eyes wide in shock. Emily recovered first, quickly combing down her hair. Katie stood there, mouth still wide open, that is until Emily literally shut it and blushed out of embarrassment.
"Hi. My name's Dou, this is my friend Heero," Heero nodded and smiled, "your dad's been telling us about all of you. We thank you for your prayers, it seems they were answered because, hey, we're still alive."
Recovering and remembering to speak, "My name is Julie Anderson." The two boys walked over and shook hands with Mat's wife. "These are my daughters Emily May Anderson," she continued. Heero kneeled before Emily, taking her hand and kissed her knuckles as a knight would a princess. She blushed deeply. Dou followed suit as Heero got up, though it took some effort. As Dou did so, if it was possible, he made Emily blush even more furiously than before. Her breathing became erratic and she was forced to sit down and calm herself before she fainted. Mrs. Anderson continued, "and this is Katie Dawn Anderson." Once again, Heero kneeled, this time before Katie, took her hand and kissed her knuckles. A smile lit her face, and Heero smiled back. Dou repeated his actions as well, making the girl giggle and he chuckle along with her.
Dou stood and looked over at his companion who was trying to focus and keep himself steady, but it took extreme will power. His cheeks were beginning to become flush. Mat and his wife noticed, and Mrs. Anderson offered both boys a seat quickly understanding her husbands intentions now for hesitating to introduce the guests. "Please, take a seat, make yourself at home."
Heero hesitated a moment, feeling as if he would collapse if he didn't sit down, but the room was spinning and he didn't want to trip and fall just trying to get to the chair. Mrs. Anderson came over, and it appeared like she was leading them to the couch which the girls had instantly vacated, but in truth, was helping Heero so that he didn't fall. She knew how embarrassing it could get when you're supposed to be a strong Gundam Pilot and hero and you need help just so you don't trip. They had reputations to protect after all.
"Girls, why don't you offer our guests some drinks?" Emily blushed for forgetting her manners, Katie smacked herself in the forehead for forgetting hers as well.
"Could I get you anything to drink?" asked the elder of the two, walking in front of them. "We have soda, water, milk, orange and apple juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate."
"Just some ice water for me." Then Heero, remembering his manners, added, "Please."
"And what can I get you Mr. Maxwell?"
"You're free just to call me Dou, don't worry about being so formal. I'll have an ice water too."
"Would you prefer I called you anything in particular, Mr. Yuy?"
"You can just stick with Heero."
The girls left for the kitchen. "Man, you sure did raise some extremely polite and formal children." Dou observed. "They're only like that when they want to be." Mat pointed out.
"Thank you, Mrs. Anderson," Heero said suddenly. "For covering up for me, I mean."
"Please call me Julie, Heero. I know you have a reputation to protect, besides, it was nothing. You boys are welcome to stay here as long as you need to," she offered.
"Thanks, but our plane leaves in about an hour and my girlfriend is expecting me home to carry out my punishment."
"Oh, and what is that if I may ask?"
"Go ahead, tell her Dou." Heero urged, a grin spreading across his face.
"I was trying to get a conversation going, and Hilde caught me and now I've got house cleaning and dishwashing duties for about a week."
"He was claiming he was king of his castle, and took orders from no one, but when his punishment was issued, he just backed off and sat like a dog with his tail between his legs." Mat started laughing at Dou's distressed look and at Heero's discription of how Dou's punishment came along. He stopped when Julie called back to him, "You don't think that way, do you honey? You wouldn't dare say something like that, now would you?" She gave him an innocent look. He shook his head and the two boys along with Julie started cracking up. The two girls entered the living room, Emily holding a tray with sandwiches and Katie carrying the glasses of ice water.
Emily hating to be left out, "And what on Earth do you think is so funny?"
"We're just making fun of your father Emily, the usual," she said, in between laughs as she tried to control herself.
"Oh, well in that case...," and she started to giggle along with them at her father's defeated expression.
"You know, I thought that I would have some help from you guys, but yet you take their side,'' Mat said pointing to his family.
"Sorry man, but I just couldn't pass that chance up," Dou explained, getting his laughter under control. They finally stopped as they were running out of breath. Katie handed Dou his glass of water and told him he was welcome when he thanked her. When she handed Heero his glass though, he smiled at her and she only blushed, and ran to her dad, giggling.
"Would you like some sandwiches?" Emily offered. Heero accepted eagerly as Dou declined, for he was still trying to get over the airline's "Last Meal". He explained that they had great service, they just didn't have the greatest food.
The group spoke of random subject, Katie interrupting every now and then about her accomplishments and her school work. The boys listened with intrest, almost as if they were part of the family. Katie took to the two as if they were her big brothers, and she made sure they knew how she felt. Dou mentioned the fact that brothers usually get hugs, and he and Heero hadn't yet. Not hesitating, she ran from her father's lap and straight into Dou's arms and gave him a big hug. She hopped off of the couch, turned to Heero, and did the same. "So this is sort of what it's like to have a family," Heero thought. Emily took to the two boys differently, trying to hide it, but was unsuccessful. It was obvious that she had a crush on the two of them. As time when on, their visit drew closer to the end. Soon it was time for the two to head to the airport. They were given the address and phone number and instructed by the two young ladies that they absolutely must call or write from time to time. They promised and then started to say their goodbyes. Katie demanded a hug from each of them, Julie gave each a hug, said she was glad to meet them, and informed them that they were welcome anytime and should they ever need a place to stay, their home was always open. Then it was Emily's turn. She gave Dou a hug goodbye after he took her hand and kissed it once more.
"How many boyfriends have you had?" It was a strange question, but Heero asked none the less.
It caught her off guard, but she replied quickly and with some embarrassment, "None."
"I wouldn't expect that answer from a beautiful young woman like yourself, Emily." He looked straight into her eyes.
She blushed.
"Then I guess you've never been given a true kiss?"
"N..n...no!" Her breathing grew rapid. Her mother looked on and smiled, her father speachless. Heero bent down and gave her a kiss upon her cheek.
"Now you can say you have truly been kissed by a Gundam Pilot, your first, real kiss." He smiled at Emily's astonishment.
"Th....th...they won't be...believe me!" she stuttered.
"Just a minute!" Her mother called as she raced to her room. She came back with a camera.
"I guess they sure as will now," called Dou. After her mother was ready, Heero bent once more to kiss Emily upon the cheek, but instead, she turned her head and kissed him upon the lips. *Click* A perfect shot! Emily was surprised that she'd had the guts to actually pull it off. Heero was surprised himself that she would actually do something like that. Dou let out a whistle and Mat stared on in astonishment. Julie grinned. "That's my girl,"
she cried.
As Dou, Heero, and Mat headed to the car once more, Julie called over her daughters' goodbyes, "Tell your other friends to come and visit sometime. Tell them thank you for us as well." Heero smiled back, Dou turned and waved assurring them that he would. They waved as they pulled out of the drive and headed down the street towards the airport.
Heero had opened the window again and lay with his head against the seat, eyes closed. "Man, the guy really has changed. I never thought I'd see him EVER do something like that. He practically hated to be touched, let alone kissed. Now, he was the one doing the kissing. Wow! Maybe this guy will be more fun to live with than I thought."
Heero's mind drifted into a subconcious state. Visions of Relena filled his mind; each one holding a different expression. Some were joyful, others depressed and forelorn. He hated to make her angry, but realized she was cute when she let her temper take control. He thought of the times he spent with Relena, for whatever purpose, even if it was only for a moment. He recalled their first encounter. Strange how things seemed to turn out, yet not really a surprise. Why were these things filling his mind now? Why did he feel so alone? Why did he feel so troubled and hurt? Everything was so confusing, and he wanted the answers. Now. Could he ask Dou? The guy seemed to know so much about this subject and he knew more about Heero than anyone else. What would Dou think of him though? Maybe he would ask him, but not here, not now. Or maybe, being a girl, Hilde could help him understand these things and tell him, from a girls point of view, if Relena felt the same way. His mind was so full of questions that he feared he'd go mad if he couldn't stop thinking about them. He opened his eyes, they were at the airport and Dou was just getting out of his side.
"You okay Heero?"
Shaking off the questions that still plagued his mind he answered, "Ya."
Dou turned to shake Mat's hand, "Thanks for helpin' us out man."
"My pleasure, and hey, I usually wouldn't say this about this place, but don't be a stranger. You're welcome at our home anytime." Then turning to Heero, "It was great, what you did for my daughters back there, especially Emily. She's at that tough time, you know. You really made their day, and in doing so, you've made mine. Take care." Mat waved as he headed back to the cab and took off down the street back to his family. He'd already given Heero's bag to Dou.
"Well, we best get going or we'll miss the plane." The two headed into the building that had become an almost inpenetrable mass of people and looked for the terminal where their plane would be leaving from.
They walked through the maze of people, Dou still carrying Heero's bag, Heero holding his own as he concentrated on walking. Things were starting to become hazy again, but he tried to focus. "Stop it! Why can't I just get to the plane without all of this trouble. What's wrong with me?" He hesitated as Dou took a few more steps before looking over his shoulder and realizing that Heero wasn't there. He'd disappeared in the moving mass of people as they made their way to their various locations. Suddenly there was a scream, everyone stopping and gathering in a crowd around something.
"Looks like I didn't have to look too far for the guy," Dou thought as he pushed his way through the crowd. An older man was sitting next to Heero who'd collapsed, unconcious on the floor. The man was checking his vital signs. Dou burst through the crowd and knelt beside his friend. "What happened?" He blurted out, taking off his denim jacket, folding it, and placing it under Heero's head.
"Who are you?"
"I'm his friend, now what happened?" Dou's patience was wearing thin, quickly.
"He was standing still one minute, then fell backwards the next."
He'd let Heero push himself too far, he was to blame for what happened to his friend. The security guards were making their way through the crowd. Heero was almost a ghost white, his breathing shallow and forced. He was burning up and unresponsive. The guards burst through.
"What's going on here?" They eyed Heero and immediately called for the medical staff to get there A.S.A.P.
"My friend's been having some trouble lately and hasn't been feeling to well," Dou said, calming down and reminding himself to remember to get after himself for not doing something sooner.
"We've got someoneone coming to help him right now. Are you his brother?"
"Man, I just told you he was my friend, but he's like a brother to me so you'd better help him! I swear if anything happens to him.....," Dou didn't finish. He had to get a grip. One of the guards came around to where he sat and tryed to pull Dou away. "Hey man! I'm not moving from this spot, not from his side. You'll have to arrest me and get an army to take me outta here." The guard stepped back, surprised at Dou's instant eruption of anger. Catching himself, Dou spoke more calmly, "I'm fine, but I'm not gonna leave my friend here. Not after all we've been through, not after all the times I've almost lost him in battle." Then more softly and to himself, "I'm not losing any more of my family."
The crowd began to clear as a group of people, probably E.M.T.'s came through with a gurney. They lifted the unconcious boy onto the bed, of course after making sure that he
wasn't injured critically or was going to go into cardiac arrest or stop breathing or something along those lines, *they aren't that stupid!* and took him to the hospital wing, Dou following in persuit.(grabbing the bag before he left,after being reminded that he'd dropped it by a young boy)
~*~
Heero awoke groggily, his head pounding. Where was he? Why did he feel so awful? He looked and saw that he was in a small, white, square room, with cupboards that were littered with cotton swabs, gloves, and other doctor's utensils. He noticed that he was lying down, Dou sitting next to his bed, forehead leaning against clasped hands that were propped on his knees. He hadn't noticed he was awake.
"Wha....what happened," he asked softly, his head feeling like it was ready to split. Dou looked up almost instantly, relief in his eyes.
"You're in the hospital wing of the airport. You feel unconcious. Do you remember what happened?"
"I was trying to gain my balance, I thought I called out to you as I stopped, then everything went black and the next thing I know I wake up here." He lifted his arm to cradle his aching head in his hands, but his elbow wouldn't bend. He looked down and realized that a small board had been tied to his arm to keep it straight. An I.V. had been injected into him and the liquid was being put into his body as we speak.
"You were running a fever, you were really dehydrated. So, they started an I.V. and I think that this is already the third bag."
"How long have I been here?"
"About four hours now."
A groan escaped his throat. Well, it looks like they missed their plane. He felt bad, he knew it was going to cost Dou even more just to get two more tickets.
"Don't worry, these tickets are round trip, I can still use 'em." A sigh of relief was Heero's reply.
"I'm sorry Dou. I shouldn't have tried to keep going. It was you who told me to rest, but I didn't, and now you've had to put up with me like this." Heero looked over at his friend.
"It was sorta my fault too. I shoulda made you, but instead I let you push yourself," he averted his gaze to his hands which now lay in his lap, "sorry man."
"Let me guess, you started freaking out." He said it so casual that Dou couldn't help but
laugh.
"Nearly killed anyone that got near me, practically erupted on the guy who found ya and was helpin' ya, the usual." Heero started to chuckle, but stopped, immediately regretting it because it only made his headache worse.
"So, what's wrong with me?"
"I swear, you're always so calm about everything. I could tell you that you only had another hour to live and you'd treat it as no more than a paper cut."
"You've got a point."
Dou let out a quiet laugh. "Besides being extremely dehydrate, they say you are extremely....what were the words that they used....under-nurished, that's it. In other words, you haven't been eating well, but by the looks of it, you hadn't been eating period. You mind explaining why?" It wasn't a request.
"Didn't have the money, didn't have a job to get the money. The place I was working at closed and I hadn't been able to find a job for about a week and a half now."
"Why didn't you call earlier? You knew if you needed the money, I woulda gladly handed it over. But knowing you, you were too independent and stubborn to ask for help." He let out a sigh of frustration. When he looked back at his friend, his eyes only held compassion.
"Heero, I know you don't like to ask for help, but come on. If it bothered you that badly, then you coulda paid me back when you had the money. Even I know when it's time to ask for help. Asking for help isn't a weakness, actually, it's a strength. It's even a greater strength when you have friends to ask and they offer you the help you need."
"Thanks Dou." Just then, the doctor came in. It was a female. Dou hadn't noticed before, but caught the name on her name tag. KRISTEN J. WINNER.
"Excuse me, but are you related to Quatre Raberba Winner by any chance?" Dou questioned.
"As a matter of fact, I am. He's my younger brother. Do you know him?"
"You kidding? We probably know your brother about as well as you do."
"You must be two of his friends that faught with him in the war. Were you rebel fighters or.....wait, I recognize you now! Dou is it? Yes, we met when you were with my brother here on Earth! No wonder you seemed so familiar."
"How's he doing?" Dou asked as Dr. Winner checked the bag of liquid that was suspended in the air while its contents dripped slowly down the small tube and into Heero's arm.
"He's good, though he could really use a vacation. He spends most of his time stressing himself out over papers that lay in stacks on his desk. The stacks never seem to get smaller, the poor guy."
"Hmph. Hey, when can Heero leave?" Heero opened his eyes at the mention of his name as he lay silently listening.
"When he feels he's up to it, as soon as this bag finishes draining. It should only take another five minutes."
"We'll leave after that." Heero spoke, feeling he had the energy this time to make it to the terminal.
"When does the next flight take off for Skyeview?" Dou asked, because if it wasn't for a while yet, he was going to make Heero take advantage of the extra time they had and rest.
"In about twenty minutes. I'll have a friend of mine give you a lift to the gate, this way you don't hurt yourself." She smiled as she gazed over at Heero. He just rolled his eyes. Dr. Winner turned and left, quietly leaving the room.
"I'll be back in a minute," Dou said as he got out of his chair, "I'm gonna go call Hilde again and tell her we're about ready to leave for the plane and it should be leaving here pretty soon. Just so she doesn't get worried. Hey, you hungry? It's after dinner, actually a while after dinner and I seriously wouldn't recommend the plane's food. It might actually kill you in your weakened state." Heero just glared at his friend. "Now there's the Heero I know, though I admit the other guy was a lot more fun." Heero just closed his eyes. Now that he thought about it, he felt somewhat sick to his stomache because he hadn't eaten.
"Hey, we could always grab some pizza or somethin'," Dou offered again.
"Sounds good. Just as soon as I get out of this uncomfortable God foresaken bed." Dou started to laugh as Heero smiled.
"I think I've finally corrupted you. I'm also starting to finally understand you too." Dou left with a smile. A nurse walked in the door just after Dou had left. She was a short, but very cherry and humble looking woman.
"Well, I hope you're feeling better. We nearly did have to call in an army just as your friend said we would just to calm him down. Dr. Winner always has a way with people, though. A little conversation did the trick." She picked up a small, but thick square of guaze and a piece of tape and came over to the quiet young man. She took off the small velcro straps that held the board to his arm, removed the board, then took his arm into her
small hand. She had a gentle touch, just like Relena. "Relena."
"This may feel a little weird, but only for a few seconds," she warned as she grabbed the part of the needle that wasn't inserted into his arm, and peeled away the tape that held it in place. She removed the long needle in one swift motion and had the guaze pressed over the small puncture wound and was taping it in place. "There, all done." She took the needle over to the "HAZARDOUS WASTE" bin that was covered tightly with a lid. She stepped on the peddle, dropped in the needle, and let the lid close. "Is there anything I can get you?" she asked before leaving the room. Heero was about to reply, "No," but thought better of it and asked for an aspiren. She said the doctor would bring it in, because she would know the safe dosage for the nurse wasn't sure what medication was given to him. She left and Dou came right back in.
"Feelin okay?"
"Besides a headache the size of Jupitor, I'm just dandy."
"Wow! You actually used that word?!?! I'm surprised you even knew it."
"You gonna stand there, or do you think you could help me out here a little bit?"
"Oh, right." Dou crossed over to where Heero was getting down from the bed. His legs gave out, but thankfully Dou was there to catch him.
"Let me ask for a wheelchair, it'd be a lot easier on the both of us." Dou suggested.
"I'm fine, just a little shaky still." Dou looked at him uneasily, but Heero was confident. Dr. Winner returned once more. She held two cups, one with water and the other held two small pills.
"This should take care of your headache," she said handing him the glasses, "and my friend is right outside. He'll give you a ride to wherever you desire." She made it sound as if it were a magical chariot that would take them to the stars if they so wished.
They walked out into the hall and found a girl about their age waiting in a motorized cart. It resembled a golf cart, but it didn't have the canopy and was a little smaller in width.
"Pizza sound good?" Dou asked.
"Sure," was all Heero said, sleep beckoning to him. He wished he could go back to sleep, since he finally was getting the sleep that he'd been deprived of so many nights before. But, he was also extremely hungry and the sound of pizza was very tempting. He'd be able to fall asleep once they were on the plane.
"Hey, could you give us a lift to the food courts first?"
"Sure thing boss," the girl called over her shoulder, giving Dou a mock solute.
"Just call me Dou," he laughed, the girl's solute was hillarious. She had a good sense of humor, and Dou knew he was going to get along with her just fine.
"Cool, my name's Jamie, but everyone just calls me Star. Kristy said to give you guys the royal treatment, so sit back, relax, and enjoy. Just be sure to keep all appendages and belongings inside the cart, because this place can be dangerous." She gave the guys a wink.
"Hey, Star, wanna join us for some pizza?" Dou asked, as they headed to where the delicious scents originated.
"Sounds great!"
They arrived outside of the food court where they parked. They each ordered a couple of slices of pizza and a pop, Dou getting sausage and a Coke, Heero getting plain cheese and a Mountain Dew, and Star pepperonie with a Pepsi. The three sat and converesed on random subjects while they at, though they couldn't stay too long, for the guys did have a plane to catch. They found out Star was a 17 year old who lived on her own, (she was orphaned during the war by OZ) and this was only a part time job. She was a was a senior in high school(she was smart enough to skip a grade) and was going to be top of her class when she graduated and valedictorian.
They finished their meal and headed off for gate 23 to Skyeview. They got there with five minutes left to spare as they said their goodbyes. Dou and Heero headed onto the plane and star left for the hospital wing once more.
"Go ahead and sit down, I'll put your bag up," Dou instructed, he could see that Heero was very tired. He handed his friend a pillow that the stewardess retrieved for him by request and sat down himself. Heero's things were safely put away.
"It's gonna be a while man, you might as well......" Dou trailed off as he looked over at his companion. He was going to suggest that Heero catch up on some sleep, but it appeared he beat him on that. The plane was fairly empty, so Heero'd leaned back his seat and had fallen asleep almost instantly. He'd fallen into an exhausted sleep, one without a dream or a thought lingering in his mind. Dou smiled, his friend needed all the sleep he could get. The stewardess returned once more and handed Dou a blanket which he used to cover his sleeping comrade. Dou leaned his seat back somewhat, took the headphones from their compartment above his head, and listened to a modern instrumental station, it was the only station he could pick up. Surprisingly, it was soothing and relaxing. He closed his eyes and listened to the music as he felt the plane sudder slightly beneath him as it took off into the air, onto it's next destination.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
-Lady Stardancer
Author's note:
How'd ya like it? I know, Heero's a bit out of character, but in Chapter one and I think this one, ya it is, I said he changed. I hope ya liked it. I didn't really think of putting all of the detours in between Dou getting Heero and getting back to the airport. I like the ending of the visit with the Andersons if I do say so myself. Talk about a girl with guts, kissing a guy like that that she didn't even know. PLEASE REVIEW, and be kind if you're gonna critisize. I can only change the stories to make my readers happy if you tell me what's wrong! THANKIES!
~*~Chapter 2~*~
Surprise!
"Taxi!" Dou jumped in the air, waving his hands. The taxi stopped in front of him and he rushed up to it and got in before someone else took this one. He'd just arrived in Clayborne about ten minutes before and finally got lucky enough to get a taxi. All the others that stopped were grabbed right before he could get there by someone who was taking advantage of his luck.
"Finally! Hey, could ya take me to 5001 Sidney Road?"
"Anything you want man."
"Thanks."
"You're not from around here, are ya?" The cab driver asked.
"Why do ya say that?" Dou asked in return, staring out of the window in amazement. Actually, disgust is more of the correct term. The streets were littered with waste, the air was hard to breath and held an aweful stench. The city was overcrowded and people slept in doorways and boxes wherever they could. It was only 3:00 P.M., but the sky made it look as though it were 7 or 8 o'clock at night. If you smiled, people looked at you as if they were going to kill you. Towards the inner portion of the city, tall skyscrapers towered above smaller office buildings and businesses.
"You're too polite."
"Ya, I'm coming to pick up a friend who's gonna stay with me for a while."
"I wish there were more people like you kid who used this cab. You seem nice enough, someone I woudn't mind having a conversation with. You look familiar, have we met before?"
Oh no, here we go again. He'll find out I was one of the Gundam Pilots and then there goes the hope of a normal conversation.
"No."
"You look so familiar. I think I've got it. And Thanks."
"For what?"
"You're one of the Gundam Pilots." Dou released a sigh of reluctance. He knew the questions that usually followed. "Aren't you too young?", and, "How did you do it?", or, "What was it like?" He was getting ready to answer them before they were asked, then something caught him off guard.
"You saved my family and helped to give my lil' ones back a normal life. Actually, you and your friends are the ones that gave them a life." He handed back a picture of himself, his wife, and his two little girls. "Gratitude is expressed where it is due, and for as much as you've sacrificed and as much pain as I can only begin to imagine you went through, thanks."
"Sure." This guy was different from the others. He treated Dou like a normal person, though sometimes it was fun being treated like a celebrity or even a god. But one guy can only take so much. He was glad he could help.
"Looks like you have a very wonderful family. I only hope I can one day."
"I love them so, they really make each day worth living, especially in a dump like this. One day, though, I'll be able to give my little girls a real home, and a real life."
They started conversing about the drivers family, and about each other. Dou found out his name was Mathew Anderson, he only asked to be called Mat for short. His wife, Julie, was a nurse, and he had two little girls. Katie was twelve and Emily was fourteen. Mat told him that his little girls would say a prayer every night for their protectors and, to them, their heroes, the Gundam Pilots.
They pulled up to the apartment complex and Dou jumped out, asking Mat to wait because he'd only be gone a few minutes as he went to go and get his friend. Mat obliged and Dou headed off towards the apartments. The building was absolutely a dump. "How can this guy live here?" he asked himself as he headed up the steps which were cracked and chipped. He would have taken the elevator, but that was out of order. The date read "January 4". He reached Heero's door on the fifth level. "116 A. This's got to be the place," he thought to himself as he knocked on the door. It was. Jack answered the door, shook hands with Dou, and led him inside. The radio was on softly and the lamp on the table at the far side of the room was lit. A pile of books lay open on the table.
"I attend night classes at the community college," Jack stated as he noticed Dou looking at where he was previously working.
The apartment was small, but clean and taken care of, except for a window that had plastic taped over it. It looked like it'd been broken for a while.
Dou scanned the room and found Heero, where he was when he last spoke to him, on the couch, only this time, he was asleep. Jack must've covered him with a black and white checkered sleeping bag.
"There been any problems?" Dou spoke just above a whisper as he crossed over to the couch.
"Nope, the guy's been sleeping like the dead the whole time."
Dou reached the couch and knelt down. Man, the guy was so at peace when he slept, and it was hard for Dou to wake him because he really didn't have the heart to. It was like trying to wake up a child that had finally gotten to sleep after a terrible nightmare. Dou wished he could sleep like that.
"Heero," he called, softly shaking his tired friend. Slowly, his eyes opened and began to focus. "It's me, Dou. I finally got here."
Heero pushed himself off the couch, reluctantly. "Took you long enough." He looked down at the blanket, then over to where Jack was gathering his books. "Thanks."
"Dou here told me to take care of ya. Just doing my job. Besides, the guy probably woulda killed me if I didn't." He smiled up at Dou. "He's more protective of you than a mother is of her children."
Heero got up and went to his room to pack his clothes. Dou walked over to Jack. "Appreciate your help man, especially since you didn't have to." Dou shook his hand, then pulled out his wallet to pay Jack for his time.
"What do you think you're doing? Put it back, it was my pleasure and privilage to lend a hand. After all you've done for us, I mean. I know who you guys are, and I couldn't be happier to help. Besides, I got a lot of studying done."
Heero trudged out of his room with a small bag. He dropped it to the floor and leaned against the wall for support. Another "dizzy spell". Dou came to his aid quickly, Jack at his heals.
"You okay man?"
"I'll be fine."
"Let me help the two of you down to your ride." Jack offered.
"Thanks, could you grab his bag?" Jack bent down and grabbed Heero's bag as Dou helped lead Heero back to the couch. "Sit here, I'll take care of everything else. It'll only take a moment." Dou went around the house unplugging everything so as not to raise Heero's utility bill. He even unplugged the fridge after realizing that there weren't any contents in it. "Don't you ever go to the store or something?"
"Didn't have the money this week," was Heero's only reply.
Finishing up, Dou crossed back over to the couch, helped his friend stand, put Heero's arm around his shoulder, and let him use him as support. Jack had returned from dropping off his books into his own apartment. He followed Dou as he lead Heero down the stairs and out the front door. The cab was still waiting for him where it had been. Mat got out of the driver side and unlocked the trunk. He took the bag from Jack and placed it in the trunk, closed it, and opened the door for Dou as he slowly led his friend over.
"Thanks again Jack." Dou called to Jack who headed inside again while Dou helped Heero into the cab.
"No problemo. You take care, especially you Heero!" Heero, gave a small wave and allowed himself and appreciative smile. Dou got in on the other side and they left.
"Thanks for waitin' Mat. Mat, this is my friend, Heero. Heero, this is my new friend, Mat."
Mat smiled as he looked in the rear view mirror, "Hi."
Heero smiled slightly and nodded.
"He's not much of a one for talking," Dou informed. He looked at the meter. This was already costing him $45.00.
Mat saw him look at the meter, then called back, "Don't worry about it. This one's on me."
"You don't have..." He was cut off.
"I also recognize your friend there. Consider this an early Christmas gift from my family to you and your friends. "
Man, he was getting real lucky today. Some of the people here are nicer than they seem. He had to think of something in return though.
"When do you get off work?" Dou asked, thinking that maybe he could return the the gift of charity that was shown to him.
"In about five minutes, why?"
"Hey Heero, our plane doesn't leave for another hour or so. Think you could stay awake for a little while longer?" Heero was confused but responded, "Ya, why?"
They were stopped at a red light.
"Mat here was telling me about himself. He's got a wife, Julie, she's a nurse at the local hospital. He's also got a fourteen and a twelve year old daughter. Emily and Katie. He says they think we're their heroes, the Gundam Pilots anyway." Heero shot Dou an uneasy look. He musta gotten the same questions Dou'd been asked so many times before and was trying to keep a low profile. "Don't worry, everything's cool with him, as he said before, he already knows, and he's different from the others. Anyway, he says their practically in love with us....."
"Madly in love is more like it," Mat added as he turned the corner.
"Well, I don't blame the females for being madly in love with a strong, hot guy like me. Who wouldn't be?"
Heero began to smile and chuckle quietly. "Sometimes you're so full of yourself, you actually amaze me Dou."
Dou looked hurt for a moment, then smiled and continued, "I thought since they were so kind, especially his daughters, to say a prayer or two each night for us while we fought to stay alive, and since they love us so," he looked uncertainly at Heero and the guy began to laugh a little harder, "well, me at least, I thought it'd be nice to maybe make an extra little stop. If you think it'd be alright though, Mat."
"My little girls would love it. Let me just head back to the main building and clock out. Better tell the wife we've got comany."
"Don't tell them who it is, you'll just ruin the surprise." Heero looked at Dou. He almost seemed like a child on Christmas Eve that was anxiously waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. He was surprised at himself, he was laughing, he hadn't done this in years. He couldn't even remember the last time he had actually laughed. It felt good to laugh, that he knew.
"I won't, I won't," replied Mat, having as much fun scheming as Dou was, "but knowing the girls, they'll probably still be in their pajamas and haven't even bothered to at least fix themselves somewhat for public. No offence to them, but you've never seen them when they lounge around the house. Besides the house probably looks like a mess. I just want to give them a surprise, I didn't say I wanted to scar them for life by embarrasement!" Mat started laughing as well, but was sure to watch the road.
"Sounds like Hilde. Ooops! Oh man! don't tell her I said that! She'd kill me if she knew that I said something like that." Heero just shook his head, trying not to laugh at Dou's distress.
"I won't, don't worry. Besides, she'd probably kick me out if she did kill you Dou."
"Naw, she'd be sweet on you."
They stopped by the main office, Dou trying to talk Mat into letting him pay, but Mat wouldn't allow it. He quickly called his family and told them that "special company" was coming over on short notice.
"Will they know who we are, or do we need some proof?" Dou asked, not thinking of it before.
"One look at you and they'll faint."
"Okay, cause we don't have access to our Gundams right now. That's about the only proof we could give them."
As Mat and Dou talked, Heero leaned his head against the cool glass of the window. Not too long ago he was practically freezing. Now he was burning up. Mat, sensing his discomfort called back, "You can open the window if you want, it's not like it's against the law." Heero nodded, then looked over at Dou, making sure that it wasn't going to bother him.
"Go for it man, doesn't bother me in the slightest."
Heero rolled down the window as far as it would go. The cold air caressed his face and his body. He'd grown accustomed to the smell, so it didn't bother him. He felt himself cooling down immediately. He leaned his head against the seat and closed his eyes, letting the cold air wash over him.
Dou, on the other hand hadn't grown use to the smell. He didn't let Heero know, because Heero would probably close the window. If it made his friend feel better, then Dou could put up with it. After all, the guy wasn't feeling well and there wasn't a price too great that he would pay if it would help his friend out.
After about another five minutes they arrived at a small house on the outskirts of the city. It was clean with a well kept yard. It seemed out of place from the old run-down houses with overgrown yards around it.
They pulled into the drive and Dou got out to help Heero who was still shaky. He insisted on standing and walking by himself in front of Mat's family though, after all, he was a Gundam Pilot. Dou understood and helped him out of the car and up to the porch, then
he let Heero stand on his own once he was sure he wasn't going to collapse or fall backwards or something.
Mat opened the door, motioned for the two pilots to step into the main hall, where he asked them to wait. He could be heard greeting his family, his daughters asking who the special visitors were and where they were?
Excitement welled up in Dou as a large smile spread across his face. Heero had to admit, he was feeling a little excited to, he hadn't done this before and he was glad to help out Mat for being so kind to them. After all, it probably would have cost Dou about $70.00 that he would feel guilty about until he paid Dou back, but the hard part would have been getting Dou to accept the money. After all, Dou was doing so much for him already.
"Hold your horses! Now, I was lucky enough to offer my services to two young men who did something great. It's more of a one in a life time chance that something like this could happen. Just consider this an extremely early Christmas present that you get to open, theoretically speaking. This was their idea, so be sure to thank them."
"Who are they?" piped up a little girl, probably Katie.
"You're stalling dad, just tell us who's coming over today." This had to be Emily
"They're already here."
"What?" It was an older woman, Julie.
"Where?" Katie asked.
"Everyone stand up, I'd like you to welcome our guests for about an hour." Mat glanced back at the two teenagers. He waited a moment, not wanting Heero to be embarrased because he needed Dou's help again to steady himself.
"Katie Dawn Anderson, you stay right where you are and don't be rude." He looked back, Heero had regained his composure, but he didn't know for how long. To hide it, he'd have to offer them a seat, or at least Heero, so he didn't use up so much energy. Dou nodded.
"Please welcome our guest, girls try and control yourselves and don't come running after them," he warned. Dou and Heero walked into veiw. Julie's smile remained, but her eyes were full of surprise. Emily and Katie stood with their mouths hanging open, eyes wide in shock. Emily recovered first, quickly combing down her hair. Katie stood there, mouth still wide open, that is until Emily literally shut it and blushed out of embarrassment.
"Hi. My name's Dou, this is my friend Heero," Heero nodded and smiled, "your dad's been telling us about all of you. We thank you for your prayers, it seems they were answered because, hey, we're still alive."
Recovering and remembering to speak, "My name is Julie Anderson." The two boys walked over and shook hands with Mat's wife. "These are my daughters Emily May Anderson," she continued. Heero kneeled before Emily, taking her hand and kissed her knuckles as a knight would a princess. She blushed deeply. Dou followed suit as Heero got up, though it took some effort. As Dou did so, if it was possible, he made Emily blush even more furiously than before. Her breathing became erratic and she was forced to sit down and calm herself before she fainted. Mrs. Anderson continued, "and this is Katie Dawn Anderson." Once again, Heero kneeled, this time before Katie, took her hand and kissed her knuckles. A smile lit her face, and Heero smiled back. Dou repeated his actions as well, making the girl giggle and he chuckle along with her.
Dou stood and looked over at his companion who was trying to focus and keep himself steady, but it took extreme will power. His cheeks were beginning to become flush. Mat and his wife noticed, and Mrs. Anderson offered both boys a seat quickly understanding her husbands intentions now for hesitating to introduce the guests. "Please, take a seat, make yourself at home."
Heero hesitated a moment, feeling as if he would collapse if he didn't sit down, but the room was spinning and he didn't want to trip and fall just trying to get to the chair. Mrs. Anderson came over, and it appeared like she was leading them to the couch which the girls had instantly vacated, but in truth, was helping Heero so that he didn't fall. She knew how embarrassing it could get when you're supposed to be a strong Gundam Pilot and hero and you need help just so you don't trip. They had reputations to protect after all.
"Girls, why don't you offer our guests some drinks?" Emily blushed for forgetting her manners, Katie smacked herself in the forehead for forgetting hers as well.
"Could I get you anything to drink?" asked the elder of the two, walking in front of them. "We have soda, water, milk, orange and apple juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate."
"Just some ice water for me." Then Heero, remembering his manners, added, "Please."
"And what can I get you Mr. Maxwell?"
"You're free just to call me Dou, don't worry about being so formal. I'll have an ice water too."
"Would you prefer I called you anything in particular, Mr. Yuy?"
"You can just stick with Heero."
The girls left for the kitchen. "Man, you sure did raise some extremely polite and formal children." Dou observed. "They're only like that when they want to be." Mat pointed out.
"Thank you, Mrs. Anderson," Heero said suddenly. "For covering up for me, I mean."
"Please call me Julie, Heero. I know you have a reputation to protect, besides, it was nothing. You boys are welcome to stay here as long as you need to," she offered.
"Thanks, but our plane leaves in about an hour and my girlfriend is expecting me home to carry out my punishment."
"Oh, and what is that if I may ask?"
"Go ahead, tell her Dou." Heero urged, a grin spreading across his face.
"I was trying to get a conversation going, and Hilde caught me and now I've got house cleaning and dishwashing duties for about a week."
"He was claiming he was king of his castle, and took orders from no one, but when his punishment was issued, he just backed off and sat like a dog with his tail between his legs." Mat started laughing at Dou's distressed look and at Heero's discription of how Dou's punishment came along. He stopped when Julie called back to him, "You don't think that way, do you honey? You wouldn't dare say something like that, now would you?" She gave him an innocent look. He shook his head and the two boys along with Julie started cracking up. The two girls entered the living room, Emily holding a tray with sandwiches and Katie carrying the glasses of ice water.
Emily hating to be left out, "And what on Earth do you think is so funny?"
"We're just making fun of your father Emily, the usual," she said, in between laughs as she tried to control herself.
"Oh, well in that case...," and she started to giggle along with them at her father's defeated expression.
"You know, I thought that I would have some help from you guys, but yet you take their side,'' Mat said pointing to his family.
"Sorry man, but I just couldn't pass that chance up," Dou explained, getting his laughter under control. They finally stopped as they were running out of breath. Katie handed Dou his glass of water and told him he was welcome when he thanked her. When she handed Heero his glass though, he smiled at her and she only blushed, and ran to her dad, giggling.
"Would you like some sandwiches?" Emily offered. Heero accepted eagerly as Dou declined, for he was still trying to get over the airline's "Last Meal". He explained that they had great service, they just didn't have the greatest food.
The group spoke of random subject, Katie interrupting every now and then about her accomplishments and her school work. The boys listened with intrest, almost as if they were part of the family. Katie took to the two as if they were her big brothers, and she made sure they knew how she felt. Dou mentioned the fact that brothers usually get hugs, and he and Heero hadn't yet. Not hesitating, she ran from her father's lap and straight into Dou's arms and gave him a big hug. She hopped off of the couch, turned to Heero, and did the same. "So this is sort of what it's like to have a family," Heero thought. Emily took to the two boys differently, trying to hide it, but was unsuccessful. It was obvious that she had a crush on the two of them. As time when on, their visit drew closer to the end. Soon it was time for the two to head to the airport. They were given the address and phone number and instructed by the two young ladies that they absolutely must call or write from time to time. They promised and then started to say their goodbyes. Katie demanded a hug from each of them, Julie gave each a hug, said she was glad to meet them, and informed them that they were welcome anytime and should they ever need a place to stay, their home was always open. Then it was Emily's turn. She gave Dou a hug goodbye after he took her hand and kissed it once more.
"How many boyfriends have you had?" It was a strange question, but Heero asked none the less.
It caught her off guard, but she replied quickly and with some embarrassment, "None."
"I wouldn't expect that answer from a beautiful young woman like yourself, Emily." He looked straight into her eyes.
She blushed.
"Then I guess you've never been given a true kiss?"
"N..n...no!" Her breathing grew rapid. Her mother looked on and smiled, her father speachless. Heero bent down and gave her a kiss upon her cheek.
"Now you can say you have truly been kissed by a Gundam Pilot, your first, real kiss." He smiled at Emily's astonishment.
"Th....th...they won't be...believe me!" she stuttered.
"Just a minute!" Her mother called as she raced to her room. She came back with a camera.
"I guess they sure as will now," called Dou. After her mother was ready, Heero bent once more to kiss Emily upon the cheek, but instead, she turned her head and kissed him upon the lips. *Click* A perfect shot! Emily was surprised that she'd had the guts to actually pull it off. Heero was surprised himself that she would actually do something like that. Dou let out a whistle and Mat stared on in astonishment. Julie grinned. "That's my girl,"
she cried.
As Dou, Heero, and Mat headed to the car once more, Julie called over her daughters' goodbyes, "Tell your other friends to come and visit sometime. Tell them thank you for us as well." Heero smiled back, Dou turned and waved assurring them that he would. They waved as they pulled out of the drive and headed down the street towards the airport.
Heero had opened the window again and lay with his head against the seat, eyes closed. "Man, the guy really has changed. I never thought I'd see him EVER do something like that. He practically hated to be touched, let alone kissed. Now, he was the one doing the kissing. Wow! Maybe this guy will be more fun to live with than I thought."
Heero's mind drifted into a subconcious state. Visions of Relena filled his mind; each one holding a different expression. Some were joyful, others depressed and forelorn. He hated to make her angry, but realized she was cute when she let her temper take control. He thought of the times he spent with Relena, for whatever purpose, even if it was only for a moment. He recalled their first encounter. Strange how things seemed to turn out, yet not really a surprise. Why were these things filling his mind now? Why did he feel so alone? Why did he feel so troubled and hurt? Everything was so confusing, and he wanted the answers. Now. Could he ask Dou? The guy seemed to know so much about this subject and he knew more about Heero than anyone else. What would Dou think of him though? Maybe he would ask him, but not here, not now. Or maybe, being a girl, Hilde could help him understand these things and tell him, from a girls point of view, if Relena felt the same way. His mind was so full of questions that he feared he'd go mad if he couldn't stop thinking about them. He opened his eyes, they were at the airport and Dou was just getting out of his side.
"You okay Heero?"
Shaking off the questions that still plagued his mind he answered, "Ya."
Dou turned to shake Mat's hand, "Thanks for helpin' us out man."
"My pleasure, and hey, I usually wouldn't say this about this place, but don't be a stranger. You're welcome at our home anytime." Then turning to Heero, "It was great, what you did for my daughters back there, especially Emily. She's at that tough time, you know. You really made their day, and in doing so, you've made mine. Take care." Mat waved as he headed back to the cab and took off down the street back to his family. He'd already given Heero's bag to Dou.
"Well, we best get going or we'll miss the plane." The two headed into the building that had become an almost inpenetrable mass of people and looked for the terminal where their plane would be leaving from.
They walked through the maze of people, Dou still carrying Heero's bag, Heero holding his own as he concentrated on walking. Things were starting to become hazy again, but he tried to focus. "Stop it! Why can't I just get to the plane without all of this trouble. What's wrong with me?" He hesitated as Dou took a few more steps before looking over his shoulder and realizing that Heero wasn't there. He'd disappeared in the moving mass of people as they made their way to their various locations. Suddenly there was a scream, everyone stopping and gathering in a crowd around something.
"Looks like I didn't have to look too far for the guy," Dou thought as he pushed his way through the crowd. An older man was sitting next to Heero who'd collapsed, unconcious on the floor. The man was checking his vital signs. Dou burst through the crowd and knelt beside his friend. "What happened?" He blurted out, taking off his denim jacket, folding it, and placing it under Heero's head.
"Who are you?"
"I'm his friend, now what happened?" Dou's patience was wearing thin, quickly.
"He was standing still one minute, then fell backwards the next."
He'd let Heero push himself too far, he was to blame for what happened to his friend. The security guards were making their way through the crowd. Heero was almost a ghost white, his breathing shallow and forced. He was burning up and unresponsive. The guards burst through.
"What's going on here?" They eyed Heero and immediately called for the medical staff to get there A.S.A.P.
"My friend's been having some trouble lately and hasn't been feeling to well," Dou said, calming down and reminding himself to remember to get after himself for not doing something sooner.
"We've got someoneone coming to help him right now. Are you his brother?"
"Man, I just told you he was my friend, but he's like a brother to me so you'd better help him! I swear if anything happens to him.....," Dou didn't finish. He had to get a grip. One of the guards came around to where he sat and tryed to pull Dou away. "Hey man! I'm not moving from this spot, not from his side. You'll have to arrest me and get an army to take me outta here." The guard stepped back, surprised at Dou's instant eruption of anger. Catching himself, Dou spoke more calmly, "I'm fine, but I'm not gonna leave my friend here. Not after all we've been through, not after all the times I've almost lost him in battle." Then more softly and to himself, "I'm not losing any more of my family."
The crowd began to clear as a group of people, probably E.M.T.'s came through with a gurney. They lifted the unconcious boy onto the bed, of course after making sure that he
wasn't injured critically or was going to go into cardiac arrest or stop breathing or something along those lines, *they aren't that stupid!* and took him to the hospital wing, Dou following in persuit.(grabbing the bag before he left,after being reminded that he'd dropped it by a young boy)
~*~
Heero awoke groggily, his head pounding. Where was he? Why did he feel so awful? He looked and saw that he was in a small, white, square room, with cupboards that were littered with cotton swabs, gloves, and other doctor's utensils. He noticed that he was lying down, Dou sitting next to his bed, forehead leaning against clasped hands that were propped on his knees. He hadn't noticed he was awake.
"Wha....what happened," he asked softly, his head feeling like it was ready to split. Dou looked up almost instantly, relief in his eyes.
"You're in the hospital wing of the airport. You feel unconcious. Do you remember what happened?"
"I was trying to gain my balance, I thought I called out to you as I stopped, then everything went black and the next thing I know I wake up here." He lifted his arm to cradle his aching head in his hands, but his elbow wouldn't bend. He looked down and realized that a small board had been tied to his arm to keep it straight. An I.V. had been injected into him and the liquid was being put into his body as we speak.
"You were running a fever, you were really dehydrated. So, they started an I.V. and I think that this is already the third bag."
"How long have I been here?"
"About four hours now."
A groan escaped his throat. Well, it looks like they missed their plane. He felt bad, he knew it was going to cost Dou even more just to get two more tickets.
"Don't worry, these tickets are round trip, I can still use 'em." A sigh of relief was Heero's reply.
"I'm sorry Dou. I shouldn't have tried to keep going. It was you who told me to rest, but I didn't, and now you've had to put up with me like this." Heero looked over at his friend.
"It was sorta my fault too. I shoulda made you, but instead I let you push yourself," he averted his gaze to his hands which now lay in his lap, "sorry man."
"Let me guess, you started freaking out." He said it so casual that Dou couldn't help but
laugh.
"Nearly killed anyone that got near me, practically erupted on the guy who found ya and was helpin' ya, the usual." Heero started to chuckle, but stopped, immediately regretting it because it only made his headache worse.
"So, what's wrong with me?"
"I swear, you're always so calm about everything. I could tell you that you only had another hour to live and you'd treat it as no more than a paper cut."
"You've got a point."
Dou let out a quiet laugh. "Besides being extremely dehydrate, they say you are extremely....what were the words that they used....under-nurished, that's it. In other words, you haven't been eating well, but by the looks of it, you hadn't been eating period. You mind explaining why?" It wasn't a request.
"Didn't have the money, didn't have a job to get the money. The place I was working at closed and I hadn't been able to find a job for about a week and a half now."
"Why didn't you call earlier? You knew if you needed the money, I woulda gladly handed it over. But knowing you, you were too independent and stubborn to ask for help." He let out a sigh of frustration. When he looked back at his friend, his eyes only held compassion.
"Heero, I know you don't like to ask for help, but come on. If it bothered you that badly, then you coulda paid me back when you had the money. Even I know when it's time to ask for help. Asking for help isn't a weakness, actually, it's a strength. It's even a greater strength when you have friends to ask and they offer you the help you need."
"Thanks Dou." Just then, the doctor came in. It was a female. Dou hadn't noticed before, but caught the name on her name tag. KRISTEN J. WINNER.
"Excuse me, but are you related to Quatre Raberba Winner by any chance?" Dou questioned.
"As a matter of fact, I am. He's my younger brother. Do you know him?"
"You kidding? We probably know your brother about as well as you do."
"You must be two of his friends that faught with him in the war. Were you rebel fighters or.....wait, I recognize you now! Dou is it? Yes, we met when you were with my brother here on Earth! No wonder you seemed so familiar."
"How's he doing?" Dou asked as Dr. Winner checked the bag of liquid that was suspended in the air while its contents dripped slowly down the small tube and into Heero's arm.
"He's good, though he could really use a vacation. He spends most of his time stressing himself out over papers that lay in stacks on his desk. The stacks never seem to get smaller, the poor guy."
"Hmph. Hey, when can Heero leave?" Heero opened his eyes at the mention of his name as he lay silently listening.
"When he feels he's up to it, as soon as this bag finishes draining. It should only take another five minutes."
"We'll leave after that." Heero spoke, feeling he had the energy this time to make it to the terminal.
"When does the next flight take off for Skyeview?" Dou asked, because if it wasn't for a while yet, he was going to make Heero take advantage of the extra time they had and rest.
"In about twenty minutes. I'll have a friend of mine give you a lift to the gate, this way you don't hurt yourself." She smiled as she gazed over at Heero. He just rolled his eyes. Dr. Winner turned and left, quietly leaving the room.
"I'll be back in a minute," Dou said as he got out of his chair, "I'm gonna go call Hilde again and tell her we're about ready to leave for the plane and it should be leaving here pretty soon. Just so she doesn't get worried. Hey, you hungry? It's after dinner, actually a while after dinner and I seriously wouldn't recommend the plane's food. It might actually kill you in your weakened state." Heero just glared at his friend. "Now there's the Heero I know, though I admit the other guy was a lot more fun." Heero just closed his eyes. Now that he thought about it, he felt somewhat sick to his stomache because he hadn't eaten.
"Hey, we could always grab some pizza or somethin'," Dou offered again.
"Sounds good. Just as soon as I get out of this uncomfortable God foresaken bed." Dou started to laugh as Heero smiled.
"I think I've finally corrupted you. I'm also starting to finally understand you too." Dou left with a smile. A nurse walked in the door just after Dou had left. She was a short, but very cherry and humble looking woman.
"Well, I hope you're feeling better. We nearly did have to call in an army just as your friend said we would just to calm him down. Dr. Winner always has a way with people, though. A little conversation did the trick." She picked up a small, but thick square of guaze and a piece of tape and came over to the quiet young man. She took off the small velcro straps that held the board to his arm, removed the board, then took his arm into her
small hand. She had a gentle touch, just like Relena. "Relena."
"This may feel a little weird, but only for a few seconds," she warned as she grabbed the part of the needle that wasn't inserted into his arm, and peeled away the tape that held it in place. She removed the long needle in one swift motion and had the guaze pressed over the small puncture wound and was taping it in place. "There, all done." She took the needle over to the "HAZARDOUS WASTE" bin that was covered tightly with a lid. She stepped on the peddle, dropped in the needle, and let the lid close. "Is there anything I can get you?" she asked before leaving the room. Heero was about to reply, "No," but thought better of it and asked for an aspiren. She said the doctor would bring it in, because she would know the safe dosage for the nurse wasn't sure what medication was given to him. She left and Dou came right back in.
"Feelin okay?"
"Besides a headache the size of Jupitor, I'm just dandy."
"Wow! You actually used that word?!?! I'm surprised you even knew it."
"You gonna stand there, or do you think you could help me out here a little bit?"
"Oh, right." Dou crossed over to where Heero was getting down from the bed. His legs gave out, but thankfully Dou was there to catch him.
"Let me ask for a wheelchair, it'd be a lot easier on the both of us." Dou suggested.
"I'm fine, just a little shaky still." Dou looked at him uneasily, but Heero was confident. Dr. Winner returned once more. She held two cups, one with water and the other held two small pills.
"This should take care of your headache," she said handing him the glasses, "and my friend is right outside. He'll give you a ride to wherever you desire." She made it sound as if it were a magical chariot that would take them to the stars if they so wished.
They walked out into the hall and found a girl about their age waiting in a motorized cart. It resembled a golf cart, but it didn't have the canopy and was a little smaller in width.
"Pizza sound good?" Dou asked.
"Sure," was all Heero said, sleep beckoning to him. He wished he could go back to sleep, since he finally was getting the sleep that he'd been deprived of so many nights before. But, he was also extremely hungry and the sound of pizza was very tempting. He'd be able to fall asleep once they were on the plane.
"Hey, could you give us a lift to the food courts first?"
"Sure thing boss," the girl called over her shoulder, giving Dou a mock solute.
"Just call me Dou," he laughed, the girl's solute was hillarious. She had a good sense of humor, and Dou knew he was going to get along with her just fine.
"Cool, my name's Jamie, but everyone just calls me Star. Kristy said to give you guys the royal treatment, so sit back, relax, and enjoy. Just be sure to keep all appendages and belongings inside the cart, because this place can be dangerous." She gave the guys a wink.
"Hey, Star, wanna join us for some pizza?" Dou asked, as they headed to where the delicious scents originated.
"Sounds great!"
They arrived outside of the food court where they parked. They each ordered a couple of slices of pizza and a pop, Dou getting sausage and a Coke, Heero getting plain cheese and a Mountain Dew, and Star pepperonie with a Pepsi. The three sat and converesed on random subjects while they at, though they couldn't stay too long, for the guys did have a plane to catch. They found out Star was a 17 year old who lived on her own, (she was orphaned during the war by OZ) and this was only a part time job. She was a was a senior in high school(she was smart enough to skip a grade) and was going to be top of her class when she graduated and valedictorian.
They finished their meal and headed off for gate 23 to Skyeview. They got there with five minutes left to spare as they said their goodbyes. Dou and Heero headed onto the plane and star left for the hospital wing once more.
"Go ahead and sit down, I'll put your bag up," Dou instructed, he could see that Heero was very tired. He handed his friend a pillow that the stewardess retrieved for him by request and sat down himself. Heero's things were safely put away.
"It's gonna be a while man, you might as well......" Dou trailed off as he looked over at his companion. He was going to suggest that Heero catch up on some sleep, but it appeared he beat him on that. The plane was fairly empty, so Heero'd leaned back his seat and had fallen asleep almost instantly. He'd fallen into an exhausted sleep, one without a dream or a thought lingering in his mind. Dou smiled, his friend needed all the sleep he could get. The stewardess returned once more and handed Dou a blanket which he used to cover his sleeping comrade. Dou leaned his seat back somewhat, took the headphones from their compartment above his head, and listened to a modern instrumental station, it was the only station he could pick up. Surprisingly, it was soothing and relaxing. He closed his eyes and listened to the music as he felt the plane sudder slightly beneath him as it took off into the air, onto it's next destination.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
-Lady Stardancer
Author's note:
How'd ya like it? I know, Heero's a bit out of character, but in Chapter one and I think this one, ya it is, I said he changed. I hope ya liked it. I didn't really think of putting all of the detours in between Dou getting Heero and getting back to the airport. I like the ending of the visit with the Andersons if I do say so myself. Talk about a girl with guts, kissing a guy like that that she didn't even know. PLEASE REVIEW, and be kind if you're gonna critisize. I can only change the stories to make my readers happy if you tell me what's wrong! THANKIES!