Christmas Blessings

by Star Kindler

and

Duo's Chick

Chapter Four

Disclaimer: We don't own GW, never have and never will.

Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, violence, and angst!

***

Duo gulped nervously as he felt the grip on his shoulder tighten slightly. He was terrified. There was an overwhelmingly larger number of them against him, and who knew what they were planning to do. Duo began to tremble as many thoughts ran their course throughout his head. He was sure that whatever it was, it wasn't good.

"What's wrong, pretty boy? Scared?" the bully who held tightly onto his shoulder sneered, leaning down and whispering in Duo's ear. "You know, you're awfully beautiful for a boy…I'll bet you fuck around with mostly anybody."

Duo turned white. He knew where this was going.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" the bully prodded, removing his arm from Duo's shoulder and gave a rather rough tug on his braid, causing Duo to yelp in pain. The bully dragged Duo by his braid and slammed him to the ground. Duo's head hit the hard concrete, and he blinked repeatedly, seeing stars.

"Hey, Robert," one of the other teens shouted, "you think he's a fag?"

Robert laughed, looking down at Duo, who had his eyes squeezed shut in pain. "Must be…he's too pretty to be straight." Robert bent down and grabbed Duo's shirt, pulling him up. "Tell me," he snarled, "do you like to get fucked in the ass?"

Duo remained silent. He began to tremble more violently, never more terrified in his whole life than he was at this moment.

Robert began to grow angry. "Answer me, damn it!" he yelled. When Duo remained silent still, an evil smile began to make its way across Robert's face. "Well, I guess if you won't answer me, I'll find out another way."

Duo's eyes widened. He knew what Robert meant…those jerks were going to try to rape him! There was no way Duo would let this happen. Mustering up all of his strength, Duo raised his fist and punched Robert in the jaw.

"Son of a bitch!" Robert cursed, letting go of Duo and rubbing his face tenderly. Duo saw his chance. He made a run for it, sprinting as fast as his legs could carry him.

However, Robert's other cronies were much faster, and in a matter of seconds, they had Duo on the ground. Duo continued to squirm, trying his best to fight off these bullies. He wouldn't allow them to take advantage of him.

Unfortunately, it was no use. Those bullies were just too powerful. Whimpering, Duo felt his body being lifted from the ground, as he came face-to-face with Robert once more. Before Duo had time to react, he felt Robert's fist make contact with his stomach. But Robert didn't stop there. Duo felt blow after blow to his stomach, groaning in intense pain.

"This…will…teach…you…not…to…mess…with…me!" Robert yelled, continuing to attack Duo. Duo knew he couldn't last much longer. His vision grew more blurry with each blow to his chest. His eyes began to slowly shut, but Robert wouldn't allow it. A punch to the face sent Duo's eyes flying open. He groaned, dropping his chin to his chest.

"Stay awake, mother fucker!" Robert demanded, continuing to give Duo the beating of his life. However, it just wasn't possible. The last thing Duo felt before he lost consciousness was his incredibly sore and tired body hit the ground.

***

Heero was growing frantic. For hours, he had been searching for Duo, but he wasn't any closer to finding him than he was when he had first started looking for him. Sighing, Heero turned a corner, going down one street he hadn't checked yet.

As Heero came closer, he could make out a gang of teenagers crowded around someone. At a time like this, Heero wouldn't have cared, except one thing caught his eye, and he stopped the car.

The victim of that gang had some very familiar features. As Heero got out of the car and walked closer, Heero could see a familiar shade of chestnut hair adorn the victim's head. And that chestnut mane was in a braid.

Growing scared, Heero raced over, hoping and praying that he was wrong, that it wasn't Duo lying unconscious on the city sidewalk. However, Heero saw that he was right. It was Duo…and things did not look good.

"Hey, get your hands off of him!" Heero yelled menacingly. The five boys took one look at Heero and made a run for it, leaving Duo lying on the sidewalk.

Heero stared for a few moments at the retreating backs of the teenagers, then averted his gaze to Duo. The beautiful boy Heero loved was lying almost motionless on the sidewalk, the only sign of life being the slight rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

Heero raced over to Duo and pulled him into his arms. He rocked back and forth, stroking Duo's hair gently. "Please, Duo, wake up," Heero pleaded silently, fearing the worst, but hoping for the best.

Heero let out a sigh of relief as Duo groaned and stirred in his arms. He opened his eyes and looked up at Heero. "Heero?" Duo asked quietly, wincing in pain.

"Ssh…it's okay, Duo. We're going home. I've got you," Heero reassured Duo, speaking in a gentle voice that was so unlike Heero. Cradling Duo in his arms, Heero rose and walked over to car. He placed Duo in the backseat, wanting his love to be as comfortable as possible. Then Heero got into the driver's seat, started the car, and made his way back to the safehouse.

***

"Duo, we're home," Heero whispered gently, shaking Duo's shoulder, trying to rouse him from the slumber he had slipped into on the ride home. Duo moaned as he opened his eyes, feeling the pain claim his body once more.

"Wha…what? We're home?" Duo asked, a confused tone in his voice.

Heero smiled, nodding. "Yeah. Will you be able to walk on your own, or do you need my help?" he asked gently.

"I think I'll be fine," Duo replied, getting out of the car, with Heero's help. As the two walked to the safehouse, Heero's arm slung around Duo's shoulders, confused thoughts raced through Duo's mind. Why was Heero being so nice to him? It had to be because of the feelings Heero had towards him. Duo was beginning to see it all. He knew Heero cared for him—and it was more care than a friend would show just another friend.

As they entered the safehouse, Heero asked, "How would you feel about decorating the Christmas tree, Duo? Feel up to it?" Duo looked at Heero, seeing that the Japanese boy had an actual genuine smile on his face.

"Sure, Heero, I'd love to," Duo replied, his suspicions confirmed. He knew Heero loved him…there was no doubt in his mind about it now.

"Well, then, let's go," Heero said gently as he led Duo to the living room, a smile slowly making its way across his lips.

***

A few hours later, Duo and Heero sat on the couch, admiring the beautiful Christmas tree. It looked exquisite…it shown with beautiful radiance as the lights blinked and the tinsel reflected something totally genuine.

"It's pretty ealy, Duo. Is there anything you'd like to do today?" Heero asked.

This question took Duo by total surprise. He smiled, knowing this was his chance to get Heero to open up and admit his feelings. Nodding, Duo replied, "Let's go to the mall, Heero. I'm dying to look through the stores and see everything decorated for Christmas!"

"Well, let's go, then," Heero said, taking Duo by the arm and leading him out the door. All the while, Duo grinned, knowing his plan would not fail. In a few short hours, he and Heero would officially be together.

***

Comments? Criticism? We wanna know what you think! ~Duo's Chick and Star Kindler