Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from GW
Note: This was for a contest from Shades of Color. It didn't win and I wanted to post it somewhere.
Trowa comes off as an asshole, sorry.
word = Italics
// word \\ = thoughts
PART TWO
Chapter One
"Ready?"
"I hope so."
"Can we get on with it?"
"Oh, be nice."
"Onna."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
"I'm shutting it down now."
"Good!" Three voices shouted.
"Sheesh." The man shook his head as he threw the switch. "Now we wait."
***
Feeling was coming back. He was cold. Remembering everything the pilot silently wondered if it had worked. It felt as though he had only closed his eyes. Slowly, Heero opened said eyes and looked around. He was still inside the cylinder, but somehow, he knew it had worked. Everything was different. // I wonder how different. \\ He sighed.
Suddenly there was someone in front of him and the door was opened. Heero looked up in disbelief. "Duo?" He whispered.
Duo grinned as tears stung his eyes. "Hey Hee-chan." His voice was deeper, more grown up. He looked grown up too. His braid still hung down his back, the tip of it just reaching his thighs. "I missed you." He whispered and Heero noticed the tears shimmering in his tired violet eyes.
Not knowing why, tears fell from Heero's eyes and he threw himself into Duo's waiting arms. Then he began to sob uncontrollably. He was glad when Duo held him tighter and ran fingers through his hair. When the youth finally pulled away he looked up at Duo. "How long?" He asked, his voice hoarse and choked.
"Twenty years." Duo breathed. "Come here, you're shivering. And now that your blood's flowing again we have to give you the antidote for Gemini." Duo easily picked Heero up and carried him to a lab table. Heero had not noticed that he was shivering until Duo mentioned it, now it was beginning to bother him.
Duo left to get the supplies when he came back he wrapped a blanket around Heero's shoulders. "Where was Gemini administered?" He asked. Heero pointed to the spot on his side. Duo could actually see the needle prick in Heero's pale skin just below his ribs. "We found a cure by using two similar cancer virus' and combining them. Then with a little bit of research we were able to determine how to use Cancer HQ." He explained.
"What is HQ?" Heero questioned.
Duo blushed, "Ah.Heero and Quatre?" He shrugged. "Gemini was a Zodiac and the virus, as we later learned had the same characteristics. It even morphed into a twin stage. You had said something to Trowa before you were frozen. Um.something that Gemini was at the top of the food chain. We needed to find something to prey on it so we mixed a few viruses and came up with Cancer HQ." Duo said.
"Anyway, about eleven years ago we were about to give up. We had the best scientists helping us out but we were getting no where. Then Trowa remembered the conversation with you. Doctor J and them were still around, so they helped us with the beginnings of Project: Cancer HQ. We only finalized it two years ago and have been testing it ever since."
Heero nodded. He had been listening and heard what Duo had said, but he couldn't believe it. He was about to say something but someone entered the room. "Dr. Barton, Dr. Chang is having a problem with 04." The man replied.
Duo growled. "His name is Quatre! Find Trowa, tell Dr. Chang that he'll be able to help." With that Duo turned back to Heero and gave him the cure.
Heero watched the man leave. "Dr. Barton?" He asked quietly. He hadn't figured that Duo would wait for him, but it hurt to know that his koi had moved on.
Duo stood up and went over to a small table, busying himself so he wouldn't have to look at Heero. He cleared his throat. "Yeah, about seven years ago I became Duo Maxwell-Barton." His voice was soft and Heero could tell that he was feeling guilty. "I was depressed and struggling for a few years, then I decided to read your letter. I couldn't bring myself to read it for a long time." A soft smile appeared on his face. "I knew that you understood. I still love you very much, but it's changed.I've changed."
To Duo's astonishment, Heero smiled. "I wrote the letter sincerely and I meant every word. Congratulations Duo, you deserve to be happy." He said between chattering teeth.
Duo sighed, relieved, then he smiled. "Thanks Hee-chan, it means a lot to me. Now, we'll get you something to eat once we can calm Quatre down." He helped Heero off the table and led the boy out of the room. Together the two of them walked down a corridor. Heero noticed how much things had changed as he held the blanket closer to him.
They stopped and Duo opened a door and stopped, Heero peered in and gasped. The room had been completely trashed. A table had been overturned and glass littered the floor. There were people, six of them. Two Heero recognized as Wufei and Sally Po. The other four were new faces. They were all surrounding a small blonde boy who was panicking on the Zero.
Heero looked up at Duo. "Quatre's still on the Zero system?" He seemed surprised.
Duo nodded. "We couldn't reach him while he was frozen and we can't take him off it until we've fixed him with Cancer HQ." Duo mumbled, then tried to think of away to get through to Quatre. He stepped forward. "Hey, Q, remember me?" He asked, kneeling down.
"No! Let me out of this room!" Quatre growled.
Duo shook his head; "We can't little buddy. Not until you calm down and we cure you of Gemini." He spoke softly. Quatre snorted then began to curse in Arabic and within the blink of an eye the Arabian boy had grabbed a gun from a man who was a security guard. Quatre cocked the gun and pointed it at Duo. Duo could see the boy shivering and the gun wasn't steady, but with the close range Quatre wouldn't miss.
Suddenly someone stepped in front of Duo. Duo looked up to find Heero staring at Quatre. "Quatre, do you recognize me?" He asked slowly.
Quatre squinted, trying to figure out who the boy was. He finally lowered the gun slightly. "He.Heero?" He asked. "What happened?" He asked, his tone quivering from his violent shaking.
Heero stood calmly in front of the gun. "We were frozen. It's been twenty years since we were infected with Gemini." His voice was amazingly calm for how shaken up inside he was. Even though he had been a Gundam pilot it was weird to see Quatre pointed a gun at Duo's head. "Duo, Trowa and Wufei found a cure and woke us. I've already been cured. Quatre, you're still infected with Gemini. You have to let them help you." Heero reached and took the gun slowly. Quatre let him take it.
"Are.they still alive?" Quatre asked, his arms dropping to his sides. He was still only wearing his boxers and a T-shirt. Heero was still in his spandex and tank top.
Heero nodded. "They are but we'll have time to talk later." He held out his arms, which were blanketed. Quatre hesitated then leaned forward into Heero's embrace. Heero held the boy as everyone but Duo, Wufei and Sally left the room.
"Where was he infected?" Wufei asked as he got a syringe ready.
"His ass." Heero spoke. "When can you take him off the Zero?" He asked.
"Once Cancer HQ has taken effect." Duo promised as he moved behind Quatre and knelt down. Heero rested his head against Quatre's and held the thin boy tighter as Quatre squirmed suddenly. "I found it." Duo spoke then took the syringe Wufei handed him.
"Baka." Quatre growled and Heero figured that Duo had struck him with the needle.
Duo stood up and grinned. "You'll be thanking me in a few minutes Q, when we'll be able to take you off the Zero." He reminded as he went over to Sally. "Our plans.have they changed?" He asked softly.
"No." Wufei shook his head. "Justice has even offered her room." He smiled, thinking of his little girl.
Duo grinned. "Great. Now, we just need Trowa here." He sighed then looked over at the two teenagers standing in the middle of the room. They hadn't moved at all. He shook his head then looked at the couple in front of him. "It was a good idea at the time. But now it's not fair to them." He said softly, not wanting them to over hear.
Wufei nodded, but Sally disagreed. "They have a chance to be regular teenagers now. Go to school, go to movies, go on dates, do all the fun things you guys never got to do because you had been Gundam pilots." She said, looking on the brighter side.
"Yeah, I suppose." Duo nodded, then checked his watch. "Well, let's get Q off that system." Together the three of them joined Heero and Quatre. "It's time for the system to be removed." Duo explained.
Heero nodded and separated from the quiet boy. Quatre allowed Duo near enough to shut off the ear piece and slip it from his ear. Quatre collapsed almost immediately, but Heero caught him before he hit the floor.
It took Quatre a minute before he moved again. "I think I'm okay." He whispered, then looked up at Heero. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to panic. I didn't hurt anyone did I?" His voice was soft and it brought tears to Duo's eyes, just as Heero's had.
Heero shook his head as he gathered Quatre into his arms and pulled him into his lap as Heero sat on the floor. "No. You only held the gun." He said softly.
"Why did you stand in front of me? I could have shot you!" Quatre mumbled into Heero's shoulder.
"No you couldn't have." Heero replied as everyone, including Quatre looked at him questioningly. "The safety on the gun was still on." He explained. "And you were pointing the gun at Duo."
Quatre eyes widened. "Duo?" He looked up until he found the braid. Then he looked up at Duo. "I'm so sorry! I-"
Duo cut him off. "Don't worry about it Quatre." He said. "You were panicking and nobody was hurt. Now, let's get you guys something to eat." Duo smiled gently. Carefully he helped Quatre to his feet.
***
Heero sipped at the warm soup slowly. Duo had promised to explain a few things after they had eaten something. Nobody had spoken a word and their friends had disappeared as well. Heero glanced beside him at Quatre who sat motionlessly, staring at the soup in front of him.
"You should eat." Heero broke the silence and got Quatre's attention.
Quatre only sighed. "I haven't seen Trowa." He whispered.
"He's on his way." Heero promised, remembering the conversation between Duo and that other doctor.
"Yeah, but where is he now?" Quatre was scared. He couldn't help it. He needed and wanted to see Trowa. For Trowa to hold him. Everything was frightening and Quatre kept hoping that it wasn't real, that any moment the blonde was going to wake up and Trowa would be holding him, telling him that it was all just a dream, that there was no Gemini. "Where is he?" He repeated weakly.
"I'm right here little one." A quiet voice spoke from the door leading into the small room. Both Heero and Quatre looked up and Quatre whimpered.
"Trowa?" His voice was barely above a whisper. The man in front of him nodded. He was taller, but nothing else had changed much. Quatre jumped up and bounded over as Trowa kept down just in time to catch his former lover.
"I missed you mon petit ange." Trowa choked back a sob as he held the little boy tightly. "I'm glad you're okay." He whispered. Quatre soaked in the warmth of the man, but then he opened his eyes and spotted Trowa's hands. A gold wedding ring occupied Trowa's left hand. The blonde swallowed and pulled away. "Quatre?" Trowa asked questioningly before he noticed what Quatre was looking at. "I've moved on." He whispered.
Quatre forced a smile though tears fell from his eyes. He looked up at Trowa. "I'm glad." He nodded. "Really I am.it's a little hard though." He looked back at the floor. "Can I ask who?" He wondered, trying not to sound sad.
"Duo." Trowa replied.
Quatre nodded. "That's great." He smiled sincerely.
Duo came into the room. "It's getting pretty late, are either of you tired?" He asked. "I'll show you to your cabin. We won't be staying here much longer now." He shrugged easily. Both teenagers nodded and Duo grinned, "Well, lesgo!" He led the way.
With Trowa and Duo in front and Sally and Wufei behind the six made there way down another long corridor, this one had large windows showing the outside world. Just as they were passing an open window a shadow loomed over them and Quatre and Heero gasped and ducked so the large monster wouldn't see them.
"Relax." Duo said, "It's only Hilde!" He said and looked up at the Leo suit. It opened and a girl popped out.
She smiled. "Sector 1867 is ready to be tested." She said then spotted Heero and Quatre as they both got up. "Nice to see you boys back." She winked then ducked back down in her suit.
Heero looked at Duo, "Why are you using the MS's?" He asked.
"And what of our Gundams?" Quatre wondered.
"The Mobil Dolls and Mobil Suits came in handy for rebuilding what the war had destroyed. Even Deathscythe Hell, Heavyarms and Shenlong came in handy. Nobody has touched Wing ZERO or Sandrock." Duo explained. "They're still on earth with the Maguanacs." He shrugged.
They continued walking in silence until Trowa and Duo began a conversation. Out of habit they both held the others hand forgetting about the two behind them. Heero looked up and saw their hands but didn't make it known. He knew Duo had moved on and was happy, at least he hadn't suffered long.
Quatre spotted their hands and his chest began to hurt. He was happy that Trowa had found someone but he missed the taller boy. It was going to be hard. Wufei nudged Sally gently. "We'll have to remember to remind Duo and Trowa that Heero and Quatre are awake now and that they're still living their lives from before." He whispered. "Barton and Maxwell don't realize how it will hurt them." Wufei still referred to Duo as Maxwell to stop any confusion. Sally agreed as she noticed Quatre look away, but then he looked up.
"Trowa? Where will we stay? I mean to live." Quatre wondered as they continued down the hall. They entered a small room and Duo used his ID code to open the doors to the sleeping ward for everyone who worked at the lab.
"One of you will live with Wufei and Sally. The other will live with Duo and I." Trowa replied shortly.
"Why don't I just go live with one of my sisters? I'm sure you have done enough-"
"You'll be living with us." Trowa interrupted.
Quatre sighed, "But I don't want to be a bother." He explained. // And I don't want to see you with someone else. I was sure that I was going to die. \\
"That's the way it is." Trowa said sharply as they turned a corner.
Quatre became angry at his tone. "I don't care how old you are Trowa Barton or whatever your name is now, but I have the right to live where I want to liv-"
Trowa whirled around making Quatre walk right into him, cutting the smaller boy off. "You can't live with your sisters because they're all dead! They were killed in an explosion thirteen years ago! And you are still fifteen- years old, I am thirty-five! Times have changed Quatre Rabarba Winner and so have I!" Trowa yelled loudly then pointed to a room. "This is where you will be staying tonight until we go back to Earth." He was calmer now. "In the morning we'll discuss things and answer your questions." With that Trowa turned and left the hallway. Minutes later they heard a door slammed.
Both Heero and Quatre jumped.
// I already know where I'm staying. \\ Quatre thought miserably as everyone stood in uncomfortable silence. A tear fell from his eye. // They're all dead.and he just.blurted it out like.I thought he cared. \\
Duo cleared his throat. "Um, I'll see you two in the morning, sleep well." Duo hugged Heero and messed Quatre's hair. Heero watched him go in the direction that Trowa had gone, and then he turned back to the others.
Sally smiled softly as she held Quatre by the shoulders. "If you need anything at all Wufei and I are right across from you. Now, do you need anything?" She asked, "There's a closet full of clothes that you can change into."
"Thank you." Heero spoke. "We'll be fine." The room was simple; there were two beds a closet and a nightstand with a lamp between the two beds. When Wufei and Sally had gone and the two boys were in the room, Heero turned to Quatre. "Are you alright?"
Quatre shook his head. "I didn't want to wake up in a world without Trowa, but I did." He whispered as he sat on one of the beds. "And.my family." He sniffed, then composed himself and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry Heero. You're in the same position I am and I'm crying like a baby." He mumbled.
Heero sat beside the blonde on the bed. "Quatre, you just found out that your family is dead, grieve, please." He spoke softly knowing that Quatre was hurting. They looked at each other for a few seconds before Quatre burst into tears. Slowly, Heero rested his arm across Quatre's shoulders to comfort him. He was used to comforting Duo after a scary nightmare. // Guess that's Trowa's job now. \\ Heero sighed to himself as he leaned his head against Quatre's.
After a few minutes Quatre calmed down. "Thanks Heero." He whispered as the former Wing pilot pulled away.
"Feel better?" Heero asked, getting up from the bed and sifting through the closet.
"A little." Quatre confessed as he got up and joined Heero at the closet, though he didn't feel all that great. "Anything interesting?" He wondered.
"Not unless you like black." Heero sighed, pulling down a T-shirt and boxers, both black. He chuckled. "But that's Duo for you."
Quatre pulled down a pair too and they both changed and climbed into their beds. "Good night Heero." Quatre yawned.
"Night." Heero flipped off the lamp, casting the room in darkness.
***
"What the hell was that about Trowa?" Duo asked as he looked at the body lying across the bed. "You could have been a little more gentler couldn't you? I mean; Quatre wakes up thinking he's going to be attacked by us because he doesn't recognize anyone, then once he finally does realize who we are he finds out that you and I are together. Then, because, hey I mean it's not like it's hard enough on either of them, you decide to give Quatre a fucking lecture like he's some.hooligan! And to make it worse, you tell him that all his sisters are dead!"
Trowa sighed, knowing that Duo was right. "I'm not going to argue about this Duo. You're right, I was in the wrong, but I.couldn't help it, and I know I should have but I couldn't. I never thought that this day would come." He shook his head.
"Yeah well, it did. So we live with it." Duo replied, then he sighed gently. "Look, it's getting late and we've had a long day. Let's go to bed." He yawned. Trowa had no objection.
***
Heero opened his eyes, confused about where he was. He lay still, remembering all that had happened the day before. He was back, frozen for twenty years. Duo was with Trowa and together the two of them, as well as Wufei and Sally Po had brought he and Quatre back. Quatre.
Heero looked at the other bed. Quatre was sitting up, looking at him. Heero gave him a questioning look. Quatre blushed, "I didn't sleep much last night.and I didn't want to go anywhere alone." He mumbled.
Heero nodded as he dragged himself out of the bed. "We'd better go find Duo. They were going to explain everything to us." He went to the door and waited until Quatre joined him. // I know you're hurt and you don't want to see Trowa right now, but we have to find out about this world. \\
Together the two walked down the hall, the same way they had come the night before. Heero had a feeling that everyone was in the lab room where he and Quatre had been frozen for two decades. Probably cleaning up the mess Quatre had made. Whatever they were doing, he knew they were there.
And he had been right. Wufei and Trowa were just sweeping up the last of the glass that had covered the floor. Duo and Sally were cleaning up the lab equipment in the Cryogenics lab. Duo turned around when he heard the two come in. He grinned, "Glad to see you guys up." He finished up the work. He turned to face them, "Let's say we talk over breakfast 'cause I haven't eaten yet!" He said.
Once in the small dining room set up where the two boys had been the night before Duo allowed them to ask questions. "What happened to Treize?" Heero asked.
"He's dead." Wufei replied. "He was in an explosion." // The same one as Quatre's sisters. \\ He sighed when he found both Quatre and Heero looking at him questioningly. "The same one that your sisters were killed in." He spoke gently and Quatre nodded.
"What did he do when he woke up again?" Quatre asked curiously, then smiled slyly, "And did they ever figure out what Akab Ahctog really was?" He looked innocent.
Duo grinned, "Akab Ahctog? Oh, you mean Gotcha Baka! Yes, the great mastermind woke up and figured it out, he was pissed but there wasn't much else he could do since Relena had already taken over."
"And the others? Zechs? Noin? Relena?" Heero questioned.
"Zechs and Noin are both on earth, Zechs got a teaching degree and Noin is a part of the Preventers, a group that was formed after the war to prevent other wars and such. Lady Une is in charge of that and tried to get us to join, but we had something else important to do." Duo shrugged. "Relena actually funded a lot into Project: Cancer HQ. If it wasn't for her help then we'd never have gotten half as far."
"Hilde, as you met yesterday has been working on our construction crew, the same as Dorothy Catalonia. The girl may be a bit weird, but she's grown up a lot in the past twenty years." Trowa continued. "Catherine got married a long time ago and she lives on earth as well."
"The one that lives with us should know that we have a daughter." Wufei said, then smiled, "She's wanted to meet both of you for the longest time. And just so you don't get confused, Heero, she thinks you're a dragon because of the stories we told her of your strength. And Quatre, she believes you to be golden, like the sun, so she'll probably call you 'Sunshine'."
Quatre giggled softly. "What's her name Wufei?" He wondered.
"Justice." Wufei beamed proudly.
Heero snorted as he began to laugh. "Sally, did you let Wufei choose the name?" He asked.
Sally smiled, "How could you tell?"
"Alright, that's enough you two." Wufei growled. "Once we have you both settled in you will go to school. Twenty years ago you were smarter than the average person, but a lot has changed since then."
"Would we be going to the same school?" Quatre asked quietly.
"Yes." Trowa replied. "You'll start out in grade 9. We can't tell you if you're in the same classes or not so you'll have to wait to find that out." He said emotionlessly. Duo shot him a glare and Quatre saw it. Trowa sighed, "About who you'll be living with, if it's alright with you two Sally and Wufei volunteered to take you Heero. If either of you have a problem with it we can always switch before we get to earth." Quatre was surprised, he was sure that he'd be the one to live with Sally and Wufei, even if they had volunteered to take Heero.
"That's fine." Heero shrugged. At least he wouldn't have to see Duo with Trowa every day. Quatre only nodded.
"Good. Are there any other questions while we're talking?" Duo asked. Both of the boys shook their heads. "Alright, we'll be leaving with in the next five hours. In the mean time you two can explore or do whatever you want."
After separating Heero went to find a computer. Quatre went to find Trowa. He found him in the room he shared with Duo. He was packing. Quietly, he knocked on the already open door, not wanting to invade Trowa or Duo's privacy. Trowa turned and looked at him. "Come in." He replied monotonously.
Quatre took a small step forward into the room. "I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for spending so much time to find a cure." He said softly, suddenly shy.
Trowa kept his back to him and shrugged. "Duo promised Heero that he'd find a cure." He said as he continued to pack.
Quatre swallowed as he slowly went over to the dresser where a picture was sitting. He could easily see that it was Duo and Trowa's wedding picture. "You two looked very happy." He noted with satisfaction. Trowa had moved on and had led a presumably happy life.
"Yes, we are. I hope that you can respect that and the fact that what we had is gone." Trowa glanced over his shoulder as he stared at the boy.
Quatre was a little surprised. Had Trowa actually thought that he'd try to come between them? // I'm not that selfish.am I? \\ Quatre wondered to himself as he went back to the door. Before he left he turned back to look at Trowa. "I'd never try to ruin your happiness Trowa, that's the only thing I wanted for you.I loved.love you, I thought you knew that." He whispered then left the room.
To be continued.
Dija like it? Review please!!
Note: This was for a contest from Shades of Color. It didn't win and I wanted to post it somewhere.
Trowa comes off as an asshole, sorry.
word = Italics
// word \\ = thoughts
PART TWO
Chapter One
"Ready?"
"I hope so."
"Can we get on with it?"
"Oh, be nice."
"Onna."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
"I'm shutting it down now."
"Good!" Three voices shouted.
"Sheesh." The man shook his head as he threw the switch. "Now we wait."
***
Feeling was coming back. He was cold. Remembering everything the pilot silently wondered if it had worked. It felt as though he had only closed his eyes. Slowly, Heero opened said eyes and looked around. He was still inside the cylinder, but somehow, he knew it had worked. Everything was different. // I wonder how different. \\ He sighed.
Suddenly there was someone in front of him and the door was opened. Heero looked up in disbelief. "Duo?" He whispered.
Duo grinned as tears stung his eyes. "Hey Hee-chan." His voice was deeper, more grown up. He looked grown up too. His braid still hung down his back, the tip of it just reaching his thighs. "I missed you." He whispered and Heero noticed the tears shimmering in his tired violet eyes.
Not knowing why, tears fell from Heero's eyes and he threw himself into Duo's waiting arms. Then he began to sob uncontrollably. He was glad when Duo held him tighter and ran fingers through his hair. When the youth finally pulled away he looked up at Duo. "How long?" He asked, his voice hoarse and choked.
"Twenty years." Duo breathed. "Come here, you're shivering. And now that your blood's flowing again we have to give you the antidote for Gemini." Duo easily picked Heero up and carried him to a lab table. Heero had not noticed that he was shivering until Duo mentioned it, now it was beginning to bother him.
Duo left to get the supplies when he came back he wrapped a blanket around Heero's shoulders. "Where was Gemini administered?" He asked. Heero pointed to the spot on his side. Duo could actually see the needle prick in Heero's pale skin just below his ribs. "We found a cure by using two similar cancer virus' and combining them. Then with a little bit of research we were able to determine how to use Cancer HQ." He explained.
"What is HQ?" Heero questioned.
Duo blushed, "Ah.Heero and Quatre?" He shrugged. "Gemini was a Zodiac and the virus, as we later learned had the same characteristics. It even morphed into a twin stage. You had said something to Trowa before you were frozen. Um.something that Gemini was at the top of the food chain. We needed to find something to prey on it so we mixed a few viruses and came up with Cancer HQ." Duo said.
"Anyway, about eleven years ago we were about to give up. We had the best scientists helping us out but we were getting no where. Then Trowa remembered the conversation with you. Doctor J and them were still around, so they helped us with the beginnings of Project: Cancer HQ. We only finalized it two years ago and have been testing it ever since."
Heero nodded. He had been listening and heard what Duo had said, but he couldn't believe it. He was about to say something but someone entered the room. "Dr. Barton, Dr. Chang is having a problem with 04." The man replied.
Duo growled. "His name is Quatre! Find Trowa, tell Dr. Chang that he'll be able to help." With that Duo turned back to Heero and gave him the cure.
Heero watched the man leave. "Dr. Barton?" He asked quietly. He hadn't figured that Duo would wait for him, but it hurt to know that his koi had moved on.
Duo stood up and went over to a small table, busying himself so he wouldn't have to look at Heero. He cleared his throat. "Yeah, about seven years ago I became Duo Maxwell-Barton." His voice was soft and Heero could tell that he was feeling guilty. "I was depressed and struggling for a few years, then I decided to read your letter. I couldn't bring myself to read it for a long time." A soft smile appeared on his face. "I knew that you understood. I still love you very much, but it's changed.I've changed."
To Duo's astonishment, Heero smiled. "I wrote the letter sincerely and I meant every word. Congratulations Duo, you deserve to be happy." He said between chattering teeth.
Duo sighed, relieved, then he smiled. "Thanks Hee-chan, it means a lot to me. Now, we'll get you something to eat once we can calm Quatre down." He helped Heero off the table and led the boy out of the room. Together the two of them walked down a corridor. Heero noticed how much things had changed as he held the blanket closer to him.
They stopped and Duo opened a door and stopped, Heero peered in and gasped. The room had been completely trashed. A table had been overturned and glass littered the floor. There were people, six of them. Two Heero recognized as Wufei and Sally Po. The other four were new faces. They were all surrounding a small blonde boy who was panicking on the Zero.
Heero looked up at Duo. "Quatre's still on the Zero system?" He seemed surprised.
Duo nodded. "We couldn't reach him while he was frozen and we can't take him off it until we've fixed him with Cancer HQ." Duo mumbled, then tried to think of away to get through to Quatre. He stepped forward. "Hey, Q, remember me?" He asked, kneeling down.
"No! Let me out of this room!" Quatre growled.
Duo shook his head; "We can't little buddy. Not until you calm down and we cure you of Gemini." He spoke softly. Quatre snorted then began to curse in Arabic and within the blink of an eye the Arabian boy had grabbed a gun from a man who was a security guard. Quatre cocked the gun and pointed it at Duo. Duo could see the boy shivering and the gun wasn't steady, but with the close range Quatre wouldn't miss.
Suddenly someone stepped in front of Duo. Duo looked up to find Heero staring at Quatre. "Quatre, do you recognize me?" He asked slowly.
Quatre squinted, trying to figure out who the boy was. He finally lowered the gun slightly. "He.Heero?" He asked. "What happened?" He asked, his tone quivering from his violent shaking.
Heero stood calmly in front of the gun. "We were frozen. It's been twenty years since we were infected with Gemini." His voice was amazingly calm for how shaken up inside he was. Even though he had been a Gundam pilot it was weird to see Quatre pointed a gun at Duo's head. "Duo, Trowa and Wufei found a cure and woke us. I've already been cured. Quatre, you're still infected with Gemini. You have to let them help you." Heero reached and took the gun slowly. Quatre let him take it.
"Are.they still alive?" Quatre asked, his arms dropping to his sides. He was still only wearing his boxers and a T-shirt. Heero was still in his spandex and tank top.
Heero nodded. "They are but we'll have time to talk later." He held out his arms, which were blanketed. Quatre hesitated then leaned forward into Heero's embrace. Heero held the boy as everyone but Duo, Wufei and Sally left the room.
"Where was he infected?" Wufei asked as he got a syringe ready.
"His ass." Heero spoke. "When can you take him off the Zero?" He asked.
"Once Cancer HQ has taken effect." Duo promised as he moved behind Quatre and knelt down. Heero rested his head against Quatre's and held the thin boy tighter as Quatre squirmed suddenly. "I found it." Duo spoke then took the syringe Wufei handed him.
"Baka." Quatre growled and Heero figured that Duo had struck him with the needle.
Duo stood up and grinned. "You'll be thanking me in a few minutes Q, when we'll be able to take you off the Zero." He reminded as he went over to Sally. "Our plans.have they changed?" He asked softly.
"No." Wufei shook his head. "Justice has even offered her room." He smiled, thinking of his little girl.
Duo grinned. "Great. Now, we just need Trowa here." He sighed then looked over at the two teenagers standing in the middle of the room. They hadn't moved at all. He shook his head then looked at the couple in front of him. "It was a good idea at the time. But now it's not fair to them." He said softly, not wanting them to over hear.
Wufei nodded, but Sally disagreed. "They have a chance to be regular teenagers now. Go to school, go to movies, go on dates, do all the fun things you guys never got to do because you had been Gundam pilots." She said, looking on the brighter side.
"Yeah, I suppose." Duo nodded, then checked his watch. "Well, let's get Q off that system." Together the three of them joined Heero and Quatre. "It's time for the system to be removed." Duo explained.
Heero nodded and separated from the quiet boy. Quatre allowed Duo near enough to shut off the ear piece and slip it from his ear. Quatre collapsed almost immediately, but Heero caught him before he hit the floor.
It took Quatre a minute before he moved again. "I think I'm okay." He whispered, then looked up at Heero. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to panic. I didn't hurt anyone did I?" His voice was soft and it brought tears to Duo's eyes, just as Heero's had.
Heero shook his head as he gathered Quatre into his arms and pulled him into his lap as Heero sat on the floor. "No. You only held the gun." He said softly.
"Why did you stand in front of me? I could have shot you!" Quatre mumbled into Heero's shoulder.
"No you couldn't have." Heero replied as everyone, including Quatre looked at him questioningly. "The safety on the gun was still on." He explained. "And you were pointing the gun at Duo."
Quatre eyes widened. "Duo?" He looked up until he found the braid. Then he looked up at Duo. "I'm so sorry! I-"
Duo cut him off. "Don't worry about it Quatre." He said. "You were panicking and nobody was hurt. Now, let's get you guys something to eat." Duo smiled gently. Carefully he helped Quatre to his feet.
***
Heero sipped at the warm soup slowly. Duo had promised to explain a few things after they had eaten something. Nobody had spoken a word and their friends had disappeared as well. Heero glanced beside him at Quatre who sat motionlessly, staring at the soup in front of him.
"You should eat." Heero broke the silence and got Quatre's attention.
Quatre only sighed. "I haven't seen Trowa." He whispered.
"He's on his way." Heero promised, remembering the conversation between Duo and that other doctor.
"Yeah, but where is he now?" Quatre was scared. He couldn't help it. He needed and wanted to see Trowa. For Trowa to hold him. Everything was frightening and Quatre kept hoping that it wasn't real, that any moment the blonde was going to wake up and Trowa would be holding him, telling him that it was all just a dream, that there was no Gemini. "Where is he?" He repeated weakly.
"I'm right here little one." A quiet voice spoke from the door leading into the small room. Both Heero and Quatre looked up and Quatre whimpered.
"Trowa?" His voice was barely above a whisper. The man in front of him nodded. He was taller, but nothing else had changed much. Quatre jumped up and bounded over as Trowa kept down just in time to catch his former lover.
"I missed you mon petit ange." Trowa choked back a sob as he held the little boy tightly. "I'm glad you're okay." He whispered. Quatre soaked in the warmth of the man, but then he opened his eyes and spotted Trowa's hands. A gold wedding ring occupied Trowa's left hand. The blonde swallowed and pulled away. "Quatre?" Trowa asked questioningly before he noticed what Quatre was looking at. "I've moved on." He whispered.
Quatre forced a smile though tears fell from his eyes. He looked up at Trowa. "I'm glad." He nodded. "Really I am.it's a little hard though." He looked back at the floor. "Can I ask who?" He wondered, trying not to sound sad.
"Duo." Trowa replied.
Quatre nodded. "That's great." He smiled sincerely.
Duo came into the room. "It's getting pretty late, are either of you tired?" He asked. "I'll show you to your cabin. We won't be staying here much longer now." He shrugged easily. Both teenagers nodded and Duo grinned, "Well, lesgo!" He led the way.
With Trowa and Duo in front and Sally and Wufei behind the six made there way down another long corridor, this one had large windows showing the outside world. Just as they were passing an open window a shadow loomed over them and Quatre and Heero gasped and ducked so the large monster wouldn't see them.
"Relax." Duo said, "It's only Hilde!" He said and looked up at the Leo suit. It opened and a girl popped out.
She smiled. "Sector 1867 is ready to be tested." She said then spotted Heero and Quatre as they both got up. "Nice to see you boys back." She winked then ducked back down in her suit.
Heero looked at Duo, "Why are you using the MS's?" He asked.
"And what of our Gundams?" Quatre wondered.
"The Mobil Dolls and Mobil Suits came in handy for rebuilding what the war had destroyed. Even Deathscythe Hell, Heavyarms and Shenlong came in handy. Nobody has touched Wing ZERO or Sandrock." Duo explained. "They're still on earth with the Maguanacs." He shrugged.
They continued walking in silence until Trowa and Duo began a conversation. Out of habit they both held the others hand forgetting about the two behind them. Heero looked up and saw their hands but didn't make it known. He knew Duo had moved on and was happy, at least he hadn't suffered long.
Quatre spotted their hands and his chest began to hurt. He was happy that Trowa had found someone but he missed the taller boy. It was going to be hard. Wufei nudged Sally gently. "We'll have to remember to remind Duo and Trowa that Heero and Quatre are awake now and that they're still living their lives from before." He whispered. "Barton and Maxwell don't realize how it will hurt them." Wufei still referred to Duo as Maxwell to stop any confusion. Sally agreed as she noticed Quatre look away, but then he looked up.
"Trowa? Where will we stay? I mean to live." Quatre wondered as they continued down the hall. They entered a small room and Duo used his ID code to open the doors to the sleeping ward for everyone who worked at the lab.
"One of you will live with Wufei and Sally. The other will live with Duo and I." Trowa replied shortly.
"Why don't I just go live with one of my sisters? I'm sure you have done enough-"
"You'll be living with us." Trowa interrupted.
Quatre sighed, "But I don't want to be a bother." He explained. // And I don't want to see you with someone else. I was sure that I was going to die. \\
"That's the way it is." Trowa said sharply as they turned a corner.
Quatre became angry at his tone. "I don't care how old you are Trowa Barton or whatever your name is now, but I have the right to live where I want to liv-"
Trowa whirled around making Quatre walk right into him, cutting the smaller boy off. "You can't live with your sisters because they're all dead! They were killed in an explosion thirteen years ago! And you are still fifteen- years old, I am thirty-five! Times have changed Quatre Rabarba Winner and so have I!" Trowa yelled loudly then pointed to a room. "This is where you will be staying tonight until we go back to Earth." He was calmer now. "In the morning we'll discuss things and answer your questions." With that Trowa turned and left the hallway. Minutes later they heard a door slammed.
Both Heero and Quatre jumped.
// I already know where I'm staying. \\ Quatre thought miserably as everyone stood in uncomfortable silence. A tear fell from his eye. // They're all dead.and he just.blurted it out like.I thought he cared. \\
Duo cleared his throat. "Um, I'll see you two in the morning, sleep well." Duo hugged Heero and messed Quatre's hair. Heero watched him go in the direction that Trowa had gone, and then he turned back to the others.
Sally smiled softly as she held Quatre by the shoulders. "If you need anything at all Wufei and I are right across from you. Now, do you need anything?" She asked, "There's a closet full of clothes that you can change into."
"Thank you." Heero spoke. "We'll be fine." The room was simple; there were two beds a closet and a nightstand with a lamp between the two beds. When Wufei and Sally had gone and the two boys were in the room, Heero turned to Quatre. "Are you alright?"
Quatre shook his head. "I didn't want to wake up in a world without Trowa, but I did." He whispered as he sat on one of the beds. "And.my family." He sniffed, then composed himself and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry Heero. You're in the same position I am and I'm crying like a baby." He mumbled.
Heero sat beside the blonde on the bed. "Quatre, you just found out that your family is dead, grieve, please." He spoke softly knowing that Quatre was hurting. They looked at each other for a few seconds before Quatre burst into tears. Slowly, Heero rested his arm across Quatre's shoulders to comfort him. He was used to comforting Duo after a scary nightmare. // Guess that's Trowa's job now. \\ Heero sighed to himself as he leaned his head against Quatre's.
After a few minutes Quatre calmed down. "Thanks Heero." He whispered as the former Wing pilot pulled away.
"Feel better?" Heero asked, getting up from the bed and sifting through the closet.
"A little." Quatre confessed as he got up and joined Heero at the closet, though he didn't feel all that great. "Anything interesting?" He wondered.
"Not unless you like black." Heero sighed, pulling down a T-shirt and boxers, both black. He chuckled. "But that's Duo for you."
Quatre pulled down a pair too and they both changed and climbed into their beds. "Good night Heero." Quatre yawned.
"Night." Heero flipped off the lamp, casting the room in darkness.
***
"What the hell was that about Trowa?" Duo asked as he looked at the body lying across the bed. "You could have been a little more gentler couldn't you? I mean; Quatre wakes up thinking he's going to be attacked by us because he doesn't recognize anyone, then once he finally does realize who we are he finds out that you and I are together. Then, because, hey I mean it's not like it's hard enough on either of them, you decide to give Quatre a fucking lecture like he's some.hooligan! And to make it worse, you tell him that all his sisters are dead!"
Trowa sighed, knowing that Duo was right. "I'm not going to argue about this Duo. You're right, I was in the wrong, but I.couldn't help it, and I know I should have but I couldn't. I never thought that this day would come." He shook his head.
"Yeah well, it did. So we live with it." Duo replied, then he sighed gently. "Look, it's getting late and we've had a long day. Let's go to bed." He yawned. Trowa had no objection.
***
Heero opened his eyes, confused about where he was. He lay still, remembering all that had happened the day before. He was back, frozen for twenty years. Duo was with Trowa and together the two of them, as well as Wufei and Sally Po had brought he and Quatre back. Quatre.
Heero looked at the other bed. Quatre was sitting up, looking at him. Heero gave him a questioning look. Quatre blushed, "I didn't sleep much last night.and I didn't want to go anywhere alone." He mumbled.
Heero nodded as he dragged himself out of the bed. "We'd better go find Duo. They were going to explain everything to us." He went to the door and waited until Quatre joined him. // I know you're hurt and you don't want to see Trowa right now, but we have to find out about this world. \\
Together the two walked down the hall, the same way they had come the night before. Heero had a feeling that everyone was in the lab room where he and Quatre had been frozen for two decades. Probably cleaning up the mess Quatre had made. Whatever they were doing, he knew they were there.
And he had been right. Wufei and Trowa were just sweeping up the last of the glass that had covered the floor. Duo and Sally were cleaning up the lab equipment in the Cryogenics lab. Duo turned around when he heard the two come in. He grinned, "Glad to see you guys up." He finished up the work. He turned to face them, "Let's say we talk over breakfast 'cause I haven't eaten yet!" He said.
Once in the small dining room set up where the two boys had been the night before Duo allowed them to ask questions. "What happened to Treize?" Heero asked.
"He's dead." Wufei replied. "He was in an explosion." // The same one as Quatre's sisters. \\ He sighed when he found both Quatre and Heero looking at him questioningly. "The same one that your sisters were killed in." He spoke gently and Quatre nodded.
"What did he do when he woke up again?" Quatre asked curiously, then smiled slyly, "And did they ever figure out what Akab Ahctog really was?" He looked innocent.
Duo grinned, "Akab Ahctog? Oh, you mean Gotcha Baka! Yes, the great mastermind woke up and figured it out, he was pissed but there wasn't much else he could do since Relena had already taken over."
"And the others? Zechs? Noin? Relena?" Heero questioned.
"Zechs and Noin are both on earth, Zechs got a teaching degree and Noin is a part of the Preventers, a group that was formed after the war to prevent other wars and such. Lady Une is in charge of that and tried to get us to join, but we had something else important to do." Duo shrugged. "Relena actually funded a lot into Project: Cancer HQ. If it wasn't for her help then we'd never have gotten half as far."
"Hilde, as you met yesterday has been working on our construction crew, the same as Dorothy Catalonia. The girl may be a bit weird, but she's grown up a lot in the past twenty years." Trowa continued. "Catherine got married a long time ago and she lives on earth as well."
"The one that lives with us should know that we have a daughter." Wufei said, then smiled, "She's wanted to meet both of you for the longest time. And just so you don't get confused, Heero, she thinks you're a dragon because of the stories we told her of your strength. And Quatre, she believes you to be golden, like the sun, so she'll probably call you 'Sunshine'."
Quatre giggled softly. "What's her name Wufei?" He wondered.
"Justice." Wufei beamed proudly.
Heero snorted as he began to laugh. "Sally, did you let Wufei choose the name?" He asked.
Sally smiled, "How could you tell?"
"Alright, that's enough you two." Wufei growled. "Once we have you both settled in you will go to school. Twenty years ago you were smarter than the average person, but a lot has changed since then."
"Would we be going to the same school?" Quatre asked quietly.
"Yes." Trowa replied. "You'll start out in grade 9. We can't tell you if you're in the same classes or not so you'll have to wait to find that out." He said emotionlessly. Duo shot him a glare and Quatre saw it. Trowa sighed, "About who you'll be living with, if it's alright with you two Sally and Wufei volunteered to take you Heero. If either of you have a problem with it we can always switch before we get to earth." Quatre was surprised, he was sure that he'd be the one to live with Sally and Wufei, even if they had volunteered to take Heero.
"That's fine." Heero shrugged. At least he wouldn't have to see Duo with Trowa every day. Quatre only nodded.
"Good. Are there any other questions while we're talking?" Duo asked. Both of the boys shook their heads. "Alright, we'll be leaving with in the next five hours. In the mean time you two can explore or do whatever you want."
After separating Heero went to find a computer. Quatre went to find Trowa. He found him in the room he shared with Duo. He was packing. Quietly, he knocked on the already open door, not wanting to invade Trowa or Duo's privacy. Trowa turned and looked at him. "Come in." He replied monotonously.
Quatre took a small step forward into the room. "I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for spending so much time to find a cure." He said softly, suddenly shy.
Trowa kept his back to him and shrugged. "Duo promised Heero that he'd find a cure." He said as he continued to pack.
Quatre swallowed as he slowly went over to the dresser where a picture was sitting. He could easily see that it was Duo and Trowa's wedding picture. "You two looked very happy." He noted with satisfaction. Trowa had moved on and had led a presumably happy life.
"Yes, we are. I hope that you can respect that and the fact that what we had is gone." Trowa glanced over his shoulder as he stared at the boy.
Quatre was a little surprised. Had Trowa actually thought that he'd try to come between them? // I'm not that selfish.am I? \\ Quatre wondered to himself as he went back to the door. Before he left he turned back to look at Trowa. "I'd never try to ruin your happiness Trowa, that's the only thing I wanted for you.I loved.love you, I thought you knew that." He whispered then left the room.
To be continued.
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