Disclaimers: Same as they were-I don't own the show, but I wish I did, so
don't waste your time on me.
Kurai
Tami Icefall
Waking
slowly the pilot known as Death laughs quietly as his stomach growls. I hear you man I'm hungry too. Shifting his legs out of the bed he
blinks in the eternal darkness that has surrounded him for the past three days.
Padding
across his now neatened room he bumps into his dresser. Running his hands over the top of it he
grins as he finds the clothes Quatre was kind enough to lay out for him last
night. Thanks Q. I'd ask Heero to do it for me, but I'm not
quite sure he'd lie out something nice for me.
Awkwardly
he manages to tug his pants and shirt on. Buttoning his black over shirt was entirely another matter. Cursing at the darn things he drops his
hands to his sides. Maybe
somebody'll be nice enough to help me with these damn things.
Stumbling
over to his bed he fishes through the covers in search of his hairbrush. Sighing he plops down onto the bed only to
hop back up as he falls onto his brush. Smiling he begins the task of brushing the snags out of his long, sunny
hair. Finishing he grumbles at the
unfairness of not being able to put it in his customary braid.
Moving
cautiously to the door he takes a deep breath before stepping into the deserted
hallway. Shutting his door he rests a
palm against the wall to aid him in his quest for the stairs. Slowly he makes his way to the top of the
stairs only to realize that he's never gone down these stairs without
help. I could call for help, but
then I'd seem like I couldn't do anything on my own and-
Jumping
as a hand is placed on his shoulder he whirls to face the person, staring with
sightless eyes. Sorrow in his sunny
face Quatre asks, "Duo, would you like me to help you?" Sighing inwardly he accepts the blonde's
kind offer.
As
his feet touch the foot of the stairs Duo murmurs his thanks and heads towards
the smells of food. Now this is what
I call following your nose, he quips silently. Unable to resist the urge he giggles for a few moments before
continuing his quest.
Palming
a warm doorknob he twitches his nose before twisting the knob and pushing the
door open. Sneezing he recognizes the
scent of gunpowder mingled with coffee and ink. Heero's in here, I can tell by that gunpowder.
"Ohayo
Duo-san," the Japanese murmurs as he glances up from his coffee and the morning
reports. Eyes softening at Duo's broad
grin he sets down his coffee and moves to help Duo to a seat. Leaning slightly into his touch Duo chuckles
as he finds himself plopped into a chair.
Grabbing
a plate and some silver Heero sets the before Duo. "Fork's on your left, knife's on you right, napkin under the
fork, and orange juice above the knife," the soldier recites as Duo stares
expectantly at him. Shaking his head he
murmurs, "Toast at the top, eggs below it to the right, bacon to the left, and
potatoes on the bottom."
"Thanks
Heero," Duo mumbles absently as he digs into his breakfast with zeal.
Smirking
Heero quips, "Being blind sure doesn't effect your appetite Duo-sama."
Sticking
his tongue out the chatterbox swallows his mouthful. "Heero don't be so mean to me," he whines.
Poking
him in the shoulder he replies, "I was merely stating a fact that I had
observed."
"But
it was mean," the other complains.
Much
to Duo's shock he feels the brush of Heero's lips against his throat offering a
feather soft kiss as apology. "Gomen
nasai Duo-sama," the cobalt-eyed boy murmurs against Duo's throat. Squeezing his shoulder affectionately he
returns to his seat and takes a sip of his coffee.
Eating
slower Duo mulls over that sudden tenderness. Why is he being so nice to me all the sudden? Does he know how I feel about him? He's acting like he's afraid to loose
you. Like your death would kill
him. "Never thought I'd live to
hear that," he mumbles softly.
Glancing
up at him Heero questions, "Ne Duo? What'd you say?"
"Said,
I never thought I'd live to hear you apologize to anyone."
So
he does think I'm a cold, heartless soldier. Well, as much as it goes against my training and what Dr. J would've
told me, I promise I will show this silly pilot that I do have emotions. Chuckling softly Heero watches as Duo returns his sightless purple
eyes to his breakfast.
Reaching
for his fork he accidentally knocks it off the table. Clattering to the floor it skids under the table. K'so, look what I've done. How in the world am I supposed to find it
again? Dropping to the floor he
blindly searches for it. I could ask
Heero to help, who knows maybe this weird mood'll come to my advantage.
Show
him you care. Help him. Nodding in silent agreement to his inner thoughts Heero drops to
his knees and reaches for Duo's lost fork. Fingers closing around it he pushes it toward the other's hand. Brushing across it Duo turns smiling eyes
upon Heero's face. I'll do anything
in my ability to get another smile like that.
Softly
Duo murmurs, "Thanks."
Grazing
his cheek with a butterfly soft kiss Heero purrs, "Not a problem Duo."
Giggling
weakly Duo pulls himself back into his chair. Something's really wrong with Heero. Not that I mind the change in behavior. Grinning at the thoughts in his head he giggles again. It's kind a nice to have him pay
attention to me rather then threaten to kill me.
Smirking at the obviously amused Shinigami Heero
smirks and returns to his reports and coffee.
Watching
Duo out of the corner of his eye Milliard Peacecraft sighs in contentment. It was kind of them to offer me a place
to rest and heal before I go to face my sister. So kind to me even after all I did against them during the battle
for control and world peace. Chuckling
softly he listens to the sweet music coming from the violin cradled beneath
Quatre's chin.
Closing
his eyes the former Lightning Count drifts back in time to his home before it
was destroyed. Lovely memories, all
of them. Even the ones with my dear
Treize are sweet and gentle. Blinking
he gazes around at the five Gundam pilots. Not even mad at Wufei for what he did to Treize.
Picking
up his flute Trowa begins to play. Sweet trills of music blend peacefully with the scent of the blooming
gardens outside as Duo fiddles with the tip of his braid. Gazing at the two musicians Milliard starts
when a hand is placed on his shoulder.
Turning
he grins at Dorothy. "She did so
believe that you survived Sir and now with you safely here I believe it," she
exclaims joyfully. Planting a brief
peck on his upturned cheek she motions for Noin to come over.
Eyes
lighting up Noin murmurs, "So you did decide to return to us Milliard. I'm so glad that you're alive and
well." Smiling at her cheerfully he
applauds as Trowa and Quatre stop.
Emerald
eyes twinkling with amusement Trowa bends his lips to his blond angel's. Blushing the latter accepts the kiss with
sweet passion. Breaking the kiss the
pilot of Heavyarms sits on the couch beside the still red Arabian.
Ah,
so those two do have an intimate relationship. Such a pleasure and comfort during the wars to have somebody to turn to.
Of course you also worry for that
special person endlessly. Standing the prince tosses his
main of platinum blond hair over his shoulders.
"Milliard,
where are you going," a cheerful voice questions. Twisting to face the voice he gazes at Duo's face. Unseeing violet orbs stare at him as he
moves towards the boy. Blinking he
drops his braid allowing it to swing back behind him as he pushes himself to
his feet.
"Just
getting up to stretch Duo, nothing more," he replies grabbing hold of the
younger boy's elbow as he totters. Flashing a bright grin up at him Duo manages to find his balance. Moving closer to the prince Duo grabs his
shoulders.
Standing
on his toes he whispers, "Trowa kissed Quatre, didn't he?" Laughing Milliard nods at the urgency in
that persistently cheerful voice. Dropping back to his feet he blinks at the dim noise coming from one of
the council rooms. Turning towards it
he screams as the volume grows.
Gunshots
and screams of terror echo around them as they all stare in confusion. Explosions rock the room as though they were
being set off next to them. Screaming
Duo clutches at Milliard's shirtfront as the racket continues. Above it all the cry of a young boy's horror
stricken promise is heard.
"I'll
kill you all, all of you! All of you!"
Sobbing
Duo screams, "Turn it off! Take it
away!" Blind eyes wide as saucers he
swallows weakly. "I remember it all. Every last scream and shot is engraved in my
memory you demon!" Turning he buries
his face in Milliard's arms all the while mumbling incoherently about the
memories.
As
suddenly as the noise began it stops leaving the house dead silent other then
the soft sobbing of the American. Staring down at the trembling form in his arms the prince gasps as he
remembers where that noise came from. "The Maxwell Church massacre," he murmurs disbelievingly to the others.
"Come
back to me," a ghostly voice purrs causing the terrified boy to shudder.
Pushing away from Milliard he mutters, "Never. Never will I return to one so evil as you,
demon." With that proclamation he turns
and marches out of the room.
Curling
up on his bed Duo whispers, "Why is she doing this to me? I know that she liked me, but has she gone
mad?" Shuddering he pulls the rubber
band out of his hair. Undoing the thick
rope of hair he runs his fingers through it.
Hearing
a crack he smells the scent of a newly lit match followed by the soothing aroma
of vanilla. Sighing he murmurs, "Thanks
Quatre." Murmuring his reply the
Arabian softly shuts the door, leaving Duo alone, again. Wrapping a blanket around himself he starts
to hum.
"Duo? May I come in?" a gentle voice asks.
"Hai,"
the other replies before returning to his humming.
Shutting
the door behind himself the perfect soldier gazes at the black form perched on
the bed. I wish I knew how to help
you Duo, I really do wish I knew how. Turning
sightless eyes on him Duo starts as he sits on the edge of the bed. Resting a hand on his friend's shoulder
Heero asks, "Duo-sama, are you okay?" Nodding the Deathscythe pilot continues to hum.
Stopping
he murmurs, "It's a lullaby that Sister Helen used to sing to me every night
before I fell asleep."
Sitting
in silence the two boys listen to the wind as it rustles through the leaves
outside. A quiet peace descends over
them as the candle burns. Snuggling
into Heero's arms Duo rests his head against his shoulder. Eyes widening for a second the soldier
smiles as he wraps his arms gently around the other.
"Hilde."
Where'd
that come from? "Ne Duo?" Raising his head he repeats what he
said. "What about Hilde?" Heero asks, masking his hatred of the
girl.
Lips inches from Heero's Duo murmurs, "Hilde's the
one doing this to me. I know it."
Eyes
wide with unleashed fury the young girl slams the book against the wall. "Why does that cold hearted, good for
nothing, boy get his attention?!" Screaming she rips the curtains off of a window. Dusty morning light streams into the room
shedding a glimmer of hope into her mind. "I will have him or I shall die!" Hilde crows to the morning.
Starting
at the loud pounding at her door she turns to glare at it. Muffled angry words cut through her darkness
birthing a tiny spark of fear as she realizes that the voice belongs to Heero.
"K'so,"
she hisses scurrying to the back door. Pounding down the stairs she darts into an alley. Risking a glace behind her she gasps as
Heero jumps from the top of the stairs to the ground easily. That thing isn't even human!
Chasing
her through the twists and turns of the alley he allows a glimmer of pride to
show in his eyes as he corners the panting girl. Laughing he murmurs, "So, you are guilty of the crime." She'll pay for even thinking that she
could harm Duo.
Starting
at his ingenious plan she curses. Hoisting a brick into her hand she hisses, "I will have my Duo, even if
I have to kill you to get him!" Hurling
the brick at his head she darts past him as he falters in pain as it crashes
into his shoulder. Hissing he clutches
at his shoulder and twists to follow her.
"Heero,"
a kind voice calls after him, "Duo asked me to come and bring you back." Stopping he turns and nods his consent to
Quatre. Eyes wide he murmurs, "You're
hurt." Resting a hand on the bleeding
shoulder he cringes at the look of pain in Heero's eyes.
"It's nothing," he murmurs as the two of them walk
to the car waiting for them.
Uh-huh
sure, it's nothing. Who are you trying
to be, the Incredible Hulk™? Climbing the stairs slowly
he grins as he discovers Duo sitting there, waiting. Did he know that I'd come to him first? Twining a piece of dark green ribbon
around his fingers he glances up as Heero reaches the top of the stairs. Smiling he murmurs, "Duo-sama."
Staring
at him with sightless eyes he whispers, "You're hurt Heero-san."
"What
do you mean Duo?"
Sighing
the braided one whispers, "Your voice Heero, there's pain in it."
Plopping
down beside Duo he avoids the topic by stating, "You were right about her. She was the one behind these things." And mark my word Duo; I'll make her pay
for hurting you.
Nodding
the priest rests a hand on Heero's wounded shoulder. Cringing out of reaction he shrugs away the light touch. Rolling his eyes Duo runs his fingers over
the huge bump on the other's shoulder. Hissing in pain Heero starts as Duo taps his fingers against his leg.
"I'll
be fine Du-"
Shaking
his head the priest lays a hand over Heero's mouth silencing him. "No you won't, you liar. You need medical attention on this
one." Smiling weakly the soldier kisses
Duo's palm. Blinking he drops his hand
from Heero's mouth and turns sightless eyes to it.
"I'll
go, but on one condition Duo." Nodding
the blind one waits for the condition to be mentioned. Bending forward Heero lifts his chin so his
face is level with his. "You promise me
that you'll let me-" drawing off he stares at Duo, "-know what it is that
you're scared of and how I can help you."
Surprise
in his face he does nothing as Heero leans forward and captures his lips. Lips parting in surprise as Heero traces his
tongue over his lower lip Duo gasps as Heero slips his tongue into his mouth. Hesitantly he meets Heero shying away almost
instantly in embarrassment. Breaking
the kiss softly the soldier brushes his bangs out of his eyes.
"Promise
me Duo," he whispers in the startled pilot's ear. Nodding slowly Duo licks his lips. Leaning forward Heero plants a brief kiss on his nose before
tugging him to his feet. "I'll go now,"
he murmurs. Nodding again Duo reaches
out with his fingers to determine where the other's mouth is.
Smiling as he finds it he leans forward and plants a
soft kiss on his lips.
Duo:
(eyes sparkling) Aw, how kawaii. Don't
ya think so Heero?
Heero:
….
Duo:
(laughs nervously) Please don't kill me.
Tami:
Okay boys; break it up, no fighting allowed now.
Heero:
Who says I was going to do anything to him?
Duo:
He, funny Heero.
Heero:
(leans forward and bops Duo on the head) Baka.
Duo:
Am not!
Tami:
Boys…
Heero:
(kisses Duo)
Tami: (sweatdrop) And now onto the comments…
Well,
there's the second part. Hope you
enjoyed it and didn't think the characters were too OOC.
Third part coming soon, so don't go too far or
you'll miss it.
Duo:
(shoves Heero out of his lap) Ya'll come back now, ya hear!
Heero:
Shut up.