Hymn
by Nataku
part one: the sleeper
He could not bring himself to touch him- afraid he might shatter like the fragile glass of the peace they had once created together. His breaths were short and painful, he could feel the chapped skin of his lips threatening to tear as the cold wind poured in and out of his sore chest.
~ooO*Ooo~
Duo sat in the sill of a frosted window, simply staring out into the darkness which seemed to come from within him, rather than from the unforgiving night that had consumed all. He wanted more than anything to bury his face in his hands and sob into his own unfamiliar skin- but real men don't cry out loud. He pressed the palms of his hand to his eyes fiercely, trying to block out the memories he had tried so hard to escape. But they always found him. Even now.
Broken sounds of soft uncertain movements reached his ears where he sat, motionless in the dark. A quiet cough told him the other had awakened. Curling his sorrow back into a smiling masque he slid from the sill and crossed the old floor of the silent room.
He found Heero awake and alert where he had left him. His legs were somewhat tangled in the midnight-colored sheets though he had apparently tried to free himself. Duo grinned and sat on the edge of the bed, separating the warm sheets from the limbs of the perfect soldier.
How are you feeling? he asked quietly, knowing the stoic boy might not offer a response. You lost a lot of blood,
was the only sound he made at first, followed later by a flat How long have I been out?
Duo looked around, noticing the delicate light which began to dance through the fractured windows and play across Heero's pale skin, lighting his nebulous eyes with an almost human fire. Duo smiled in spite of himself before answering.
Almost two days, he said in a professional sort of tone, trying unsuccessfully to tear his gaze from that of the burning prussian blue beneath the shadows of Heero's disorderly bangs. Do you want something to eat?
Heero nodded, feeling suddenly hungry.
There are some clothes on the night stand and the shower's to your left, Duo glanced over Heero's messy hair once more. you might want to clean up a little.
Heero nodded again as the realization of his present state struck him. He could feel the ache of healing wounds all over his body.
Duo smiled again and headed for the kitchen humming softly to himself. After he had disappeared around the corner Heero heard him call out. You like toast right? He took Heero's silence as a yes, and began to make their breakfast.
Heero lifted himself from the bed and stumbled awkwardly towards the shower, scooping up the black clothing from the night stand on the way. The bathroom was perhaps the most decent part of the entire house. It was spotless and smelled softly of Duo's hair. Distracted, Heero slipped slightly, wincing as several of his wounds strained with his quick movement. He frowned and shut the door, severing himself from the sounds of Duo's quiet humming.
After adjusting the temperature, he stepped into the rain of warm water. He felt noticeably better as the steady beat of the shower washed over him. He closed his eyes- allowing himself to simply enjoy the feel of the water against his bare skin. He ran through all he could remember of what had transpired. He knew he had been sent on a mission with Duo. He could recall discovering it had been a trap, and then- nothing. He figured he had been injured and Duo had brought him here. *Why?* He was his partner, Heero told himself. It was his duty. But he could not help lingering on the though of something more. It was a weakness. One he thought he had been prepared for- one he was armoured against. But then, why did the meekest thought of the braided baka send that tigerish unfamiliar feeling through him?
~ooO*Ooo~
Duo had just finished setting the table as Heero emerged from the other end of the small house. With his back turned to the other's approach he continued to hum quietly and busy himself with his cooking.
How hungry are ya? he asked without needing to turn around, his years of living on the streets had given him a kind of sixth sense when it came to the proximity of others.
Heero shrugged, realizing Duo could not see him he said Pretty hungry,
Duo laughed excitedly and turned from the stove with a plate of french toast. He lied the steaming toast on the table and motioned for Heero to sit down. Waiting anxiously for his reaction, though not forgetting to note how delicious Heero looked in the form fitting black clothes he now wore, Duo shifted anxiously.
Heero approached the table slowly, unsure what to make of Duo's cooking. He could not picture Duo as the domestic type. Easing himself into the seat and cautiously lifting a fork he looked again at Duo. He was leaning against the counter, still waiting for Heero to try his breakfast. He bit his bottom lip and tried to be patient.
Heero let out a quiet sigh. If he had survived Wing's self detonation surly he could survive the other boy's cooking. Using his fork to rip a a small corner of toast and lifting it uneasily to his mouth- all too aware now of how hungry he was- he took a tiny bite.
Duo's eyes widened as he awaited the verdict.
Heero could not believe it. It was wonderful. Without looking up he finished the rest of his plate in record time. Duo took this as a sure sign that Heero liked his breakfast and Heero had a second helping.
Feeling more like himself after showering and a warm meal Heero decided the time right to find out exactly what had happened.
~ooO*Ooo~
*Two days earlier*
He checked hastily over the mission description again. Something didn't seem right. Something was out of place, though he could not put his finger on it.
Are you ready yet? came the harsh call from the Gundam beside his.
Yeah, yeah, keep your shorts on.
Duo tucked his doubts into the back of his mind as he activated Deathscythe and flew into the open sky. Nothing could come close to this feeling, it seemed nearly instinctive. He drew in a deep breath, savoring as always the roar of the engine around him and the vast weightlessness of space.
Heero's face then blinked onto the screen. He looked slightly off, not his usual cold and composed self. Somethin' wrong? Duo asked curiously, wondering what might have put Heero in this state before their mission had even started. You don't look so good.
Hey, Duo?
Do you get the feeling were being set up? Heero lowered his eyes to one of the many control panels within WingZero. Something doesn't- Heero could not finish his sentence. Fire started coming from all sides, and they had flown right into a trap. Surrounded, they began to retaliate, though they might as well have been throwing stones for all the good it did. This blitzkrieg seemed thoroughly planned and executed precisely.
Get out of here!Duo heard Heero's muffled voice call through the com as he was hit hard by a beam cannon.
No way buddy, I'm not leaving without you.
*Baka-* Heero winced as Zero was hit again. *Why wont he go?*
Listen Duo, you have to go. Now! he tried to sound stern without betraying too much emotion. *Doesn't he understand?* Heero was not sure he even understood. Was he trying to save Duo?
Sorry Heero, no can do, *Doesn't he understand? I'm not leaving him like this.* Duo continued to fight, ignoring Heero's commands to save himself. If I go, you're coming with me. We can both escape.
Heero was nearly shaking, rather from anger or pain he did not know. He nodded once and devised the best plan of escape his aching head would allow.
Several minutes later, though it felt like forever- Duo and Heero were making a clever yet dangerous get away. Duo could feel his strength leaving him along with a thick rivulet of warm blood. Impending darkness seemed to loom and push against the corners of his eyes, then he saw him. WingZero had stopped moving. The massive Gundam was floating towards the Deathscythe with a chilling stillness about it.
No response.
Heero, are OK?
Still nothing.
Dammit Heero, answer me! Duo began to panic. Either Heero was ignoring him- which he reasoned did not seem to be the case as he watched Zero drift closer- or he was hurt, maybe worse. Duo bit his bottom lip as images of Heero's bloodied lifeless form invaded his mind. His voice shook like that of a small frightened child.
~ooO*Ooo~
What happened? Heero asked for lack of better words. He looked up to see Duo had not been paying attention. He was standing in front of the kitchens only clouded window transfixed by the color and movement beyond the confines of this house. He seemed to be lost in thought, remembering something lifetimes ago.
Heero cleared his throat, drawing Duo back into the waking world. Heero had to stifle a small gasp as Duo stared back at him with such cold vacant eyes. The dead glossed orbs changed back to the brilliant violet Heero had loved, so quickly he was left wondering if he had not imagined that unforgiving gray gaze which had pierced him from beneath the lashes of Duo's familiar warm eyes.
Did you say something?
Heero remained silent for several moments, unable to shake the cold those gray eyes had bled into him. He shook his head and decided instead to stare at the floor.
~ooO*Ooo~
*Two days earlier*
Although he had managed to get Heero and his Gundam back to the safe house, Duo found himself still consumed by the irrational fear that he had lost him. A thorough check assured him that Heero would be all right, though he had suffered considerable injuries- but nothing the Perfect Soldier could not handle. Duo let out a long sigh, noticing then how badly he had been hurt as well. But he was still conscious, which was more than could be said for Heero. He slumped awkwardly against Duo as he tried his best to carry him into the small house though his own wounds tore and pained every movement.
((At morn- at noon- at twilight dim-))
Duo stifled an agonizing cry as he lied Heero on the bed, the strain of his efforts reopening several long gashes along his arms. But for the peaceful slumbering expression on Heero's face, he would have braved Death itself. His hand moved involuntarily to the cross around his neck and the only memories he did not try to forget.
Every bloodied crying pain disappeared at the sight of that sleeping face. Every fight and scar he faced was noting if he could see that serene angelic light in Heero's dreaming smile. All the hurt dripped away beneath his feet as he brushed a hesitant hand across the smooth cheek of the Perfect Soldier.
I'm sorry.
Duo left Heero in the bedroom as he searched the bathroom for any medical supplies that might have been left there. He returned moments later with a basin of water, a small towel and a box of bandages. He sat slowly beside his slumbering soldier and began to clean his wounds with a touch so delicate and comforting it reached Heero through his injured sleep. He leaned into the warm touch without thinking, all he wanted was this closeness, he never wanted it to end- though he feared he would never admit it outside of this soft unconsciousness.
Duo tried to hide his smile as Heero nuzzled his hand. He knew no one could see the hopeless wish in his upturned lips. He knew Heero did not know what he was doing or he never would have moved this close. Closeness was a weakness. It left you venerable- made you helpless. Heero could not afford to be helpless. Not when so much rested on his poor shoulders. The Earth and the colonies needed Heero Yuy to fight for them when they were frightened and without salvation. Heero needed to fight to find himself. He needed the battle to affirm his own worth.
Duo brushed Heero's messy bangs away from his forehead as he cleaned a small wound above his eyebrow. A silent burning rage bit at his every cell as he dabbed the blood away from those hidden blue eyes. If he ever came upon those who had done this to Heero nothing would be able to save them from the horrific deaths awaiting them at Shinigami's hands. Duo scolded himself for caring so much, all he was doing was hurting himself. Heero would never return this love, and so, Duo would never reveal his own. He locked it away with all those awful memories of a past so perfectly remembered. He buried his love with the images and sounds of deaths and cries he could not have prevented- though still blamed himself for. Heero could never know any of it. Never.
~ooO*Ooo~
You look tired, you should go back to bed.
Heero looked up as Duo spoke with a hidden concern. He did not want to sleep, he wanted to stay right here and watch Duo as he stared into the false skies beyond the window's dirty glass. He could only watch him as he seemed so involved in something else and would not feel his lonely stare.
Heero looked at the floor again. He stood slowly as his legs still shook beneath him, still unwilling to hold his weight. As he stumbled slightly Duo was instantly by his side, supporting him tenderly.
Take it easy, he whispered in a soft soothing tone you're never going to heal if you over do it on your first day out of bed.
Duo was right, though Heero would never admit it. He was glad for the care of the braided boy and the strong hand around his waist- though he wold never admit that either. He could not afford this weakness.
Duo helped Heero back into bed, but reluctant to leave, pretended to straighten up the room. He lost count of how many times he repositioned his computer equipment before Heero fell into the arms of sleep and he was able to watch him openly- without the fear and the pressure of Heero's questioning stare.
He pulled a chair to Heero's bedside and simply watched him sleep as he had done so many times before.
~ooO*Ooo~
He found himself standing knee deep in a serene translucent lake. His skin tingled as small waves of cool waters lapped against his legs so tenderly- like the caress of petal soft flesh.
The voice was louder now, coming closer. He squinted against the sunlight reflected on the glassy top of the lake, trying to identify who had called his name. It was so familiar. Suddenly, the silhouette of a slender girl breathed across the horizon and cast her shadow onto the water. He knew he recognized her, but could not place her voice nor remember the details of her face.
Wake up,
~ooO*Ooo~
Wake up. Heero nudged the boy sleeping in the chair beside him with his head bent onto the covers. Duo woke suddenly- jumping from the chair as he realized where he was.
he called quickly as he tried to smooth his rumpled clothes.
Heero merely looked at him with the ever present question in his eyes. A question Duo would rather not answer. He looked instead at his watch, hoping for some distraction to remove those cold blue eyes from his nervous face.
It's about lunch time, he said casually. Do ya want me to go pick something up?
Heero shrugged and Duo was all to happy to leave the room- and the house for that matter. He needed some fresh air. A brisk walk into town would do him worlds of good. Without looking back, he slipped on his coat and shut the door behind him.
Duo had always enjoyed watching carefree smiling people stroll along the quiet streets of the colony. He wished he could be one of them. They were so sheltered, so naive. It was comforting to see the death and War beyond the colony had not changed the hearts of these people. They spoke and laughed and moved with a blind air of happiness which confused yet delighted Duo.
He loved nothing more than to sit in the park and watch the children play and giggle and fall sleepily into the waiting arms of their parents. Had his parents once loved him like that? He often found himself wondering what they were like- his mother and father. Were they kind and brave like Quatre? Where they strong and patient like Trowa? Where they honorable and quiet like Wufei? As a child he used to spend hours daydreaming of life with his parents. He would imagine things like this- playing in the park, going to a circus or even just listening to his mother's soothing voice sing as he fell asleep in her arms. Had she loved him terribly before she died? Had his father? Did he love them too?
His thoughts then turned to the girl in his dream. He still could not quite remember though he knew he had heard that voice so many times before. He searched his memories for that voice. Where had he heard her before? Had it been in a similar dream? No- he knew she was real, he just could not remember, though something in him knew he should. Her voice was calm and placid,, though not as still as Heero's. Her words held a certain warmth and care he could feel inside himself, like hot cocoa on a winter's eve, or a blazing autumn fire paled against a wondrous sunset. She was kind and strong, even courageous. He did not know how he could tell so much from the few words she had spoken- but somehow he knew. He remembered that much.
Duo stopped in front of a small Chinese restaurant, noticing they had takeout, he made his way inside and waited to be helped. A tall chinese boy about his age and strangely resembling Wufei took Duo's order and politely showed him to a seat where he could await the preparation of his food.
After nearly fifteen minutes, Duo was handed a brown paper bag full of warm food. The rich smells were enough to cause his mouth to water. He paid the Wufei-like boy, and made his way back to the safe house, hoping to get back before the food was cold and undesirable.
~ooO*Ooo~
Heero woke from a light dreamless sleep as he heard the front door swish open and click shut, followed by the unmistakable sounds of Duo. Heero had to fight back a smile as Duo called out, and scampered exuberantly into the room Heero now occupied.
Okaeri nasai, Heero said quietly as Duo plopped down on the bed beside him.
I hope Chinese is all right with you, he said as he began to pull the small white takeout boxes from the bag he carried with him. Heero nodded and began eating anxiously- eager to regain his strength. Duo spoke animatedly of several people he had come across during his venture into town, but Heero was not paying much attention. He stopped eating and simply watched the movements of Duo's mouth as he talked quickly about the Wufei-boy in the restaurant.
Though you could not tell by the look on his face, Heero adored the sound of Duo's voice- even when he paid no attention to the individual words. He could sit hour upon hour and just listen to the deep soothing hush of the other's miraculous sounds.
Duo continued to chatter until the light began to disappear from the windows, but he never told Heero what had happened after he had lost consciousness which did not bother Heero much as long as Duo continued to speak. Soon his eyelids felt heavy and the gentle call of sleep consumed him.
Quatre called a few days ago, just to say hi'. Says he's been real busy with running the family business and all but- Duo stopped talking as his gaze fell upon Heero's closed eyes. He smiled and pulled the blankets around him, tucking him into bed like a child. He ran his fingers over the other boys disorderly hair and smiled again, a sad smile this time. A smile he would never know.
~ooO*Ooo~
Without opening his eyes he knew where he was. He could feel the swaying water on his legs and the embrace of warm sunlight on his face.
Duo. . . The girls voice seemed sad now, perhaps disappointed though she hid her emotion well. But he could still feel it. Why wont you look at me?
He was startled to hear her voice so close to him. She sounded less than an arms reach away. He opened his eyes then to see the girl standing right in front of him. So close that he could only see her eyes. He knew those eyes- but from where? Where had he seen those brilliant blue eyes before? These eyes were trembling slightly though it seemed she was fighting harshly not to cry and seem brave.
I'm dying, she said softly, barely loud enough for Duo to hear. but I don't want anyone to cry for me. I don't want them to be sad. Will you tell them, please? The girl looked away from Duo's eyes. Her honey blond hair was lifted by a light wind and twirled around her solemn features. She took a step backwards, extending the space between herself and the unusually quiet Duo. Then he knew.
She smiled halfheartedly. A smile full of tears she hid from her eyes and cheeks. She then closed her eyes and tilted her face towards the sun, letting the comforting light dance on her skin.
I want you to promise me something, she said without turning her face from the warm hold of the sunlight. promise you'll come and see me again. I don't want to be alone. Not like this.
I don't understand, Duo said softly as he found his voice again.
You will, she assured him. soon enough.
~ooO*Ooo~
Duo woke to an unfamiliar darkness. He had long ago come to know darkness, but this was different- somehow, wrong. He rubbed sleepily at his eyes and tried to shake away the dream of Relena, and her seemingly courageous acceptance of her own death. He felt without seeing that he was stretched out on the couch, but he did not remember falling asleep or even lying down. He looked at his watch- Two AM.
*Now what?* he asked himself. He knew he would not be able to get back to sleep, but it was too early to be awake. He remained on the couch, curling his knees up to his chest and hugging himself protectively. It was an childhood comfort habit he had not yet broken. He felt oddly safe in his own small armoured ball. He slowed his breaths and tried just to relax, hoping beyond hope that he might return to sleep.
This hope was soon crushed by a rushed stream of sounds from the bedroom. Duo leapt to his feet, nearly toppling over as he had tried to stand to quickly. He hastily regained his balance and darted towards the bedroom. He opened the door- instantly greeted by Heero and a gun.
Duo stammered, raising his hands slightly as Heero's eyes darted back and forth along the room.
Did you hear something? he asked without lowering his weapon.
Uh, yeah, Duo said with distinct unease.
Heero nodded and pushed past Duo and into the darkened living room. The same dash of sounds broke through the silence sending Heero quickly into a fighting stance though the fast movement sent a hot pain down his still weak legs.
What is it? Duo asked in a faint whisper.
Shh. . . Heero strained to pick up another burst of noise. Turning in the direction the sound had last come from he motioned for Duo to stay where he was- Duo promptly refused with a swift shake of the head, then proceeded to follow Heero through the eerily dark halls.
Quick footsteps sounded, followed by a thundering crash. Before Duo knew what was happening he hit the floor hard with a warm weight on top of him. Assuming the close noises to be some sort of danger, Heero had tackled Duo to the ground behind the couch. Duo was, to say the least, shocked.
He did not know what confused him more- the fact that he was now on the floor, or that Heero had sent him there in an attempt to protect him. He could feel Heero's hot breath against his neck as the footsteps came through the door. A brilliant light shot across the room making both boys squint, then the footsteps stopped in front of them.
Oh my!
Heero rolled partially off Duo as he recognized the owner of the surprised exclamation to Be Quatre Raberba Winner. Duo sat bolt upright blushing so badly he seemed to be on fire. Quatre stared blankly at the two of them sprawled on the floor- Heero still slightly on top of Duo.
It's not what you think! Duo sputtered, waving his arms slightly. Quatre did not say anything and Heero tried to hide the blush on his own cheeks with greater success than Duo.
Quatre shook his head but still did not speak. Duo then noticed Quatre was shaking lightly.
What's wrong? he asked as he pulled himself to his feet, quickly followed by Heero. They stood several feet apart, both feeling more than a little awkward.
Quatre opened his mouth as if to speak but closed it and shook his head again. He turned around quickly as more footsteps neared their position. Duo wished idly that Heero might tackle him again but was quickly brought back to a rational line of thought as Trowa's sleek form entered the room behind Quatre. Quatre stared pleadingly at Trowa, begging for the words he himself could not speak.
Trowa nodded at his fair-haired companion and then said in a low hushed voice; Relena is dead.
Duo stared blankly at Trowa. She could not be dead- could she? She was the Dove of Peace, the hope of the people- how could she die?
Heero asked in the same quiet tone Trowa had spoken in.
Duo's head was spinning.
When did it happen? he asked in a broken sort of voice.
Quatre began shakily, She was shot less than ten miles from here, we were going to go to the hospital- his voice trailed off and Trowa, after giving Quatre's shoulder a sympathetic squeeze- continued;
The assassin shot off two rounds before escaping. Relena was taken to the nearest hospital where she held on for about sixteen hours, Duo looked at his watch, sixteen hours ago he had been asleep- and had visited Relena's waters for the first time. We caught the first flight to the colony, but we were too late. Noin contacted our shuttle fifteen minutes ago and told us- we came here instead, I thought you knew.
Heero shook his head. Sixteen hours and no one had bothered to contact him.
Was she in a lot of pain?
The other three pilots turned to face Duo as he asked his trembling question.
Trowa said in a strong calming voice. she wasn't
~ooO*Ooo~
The four of them sat around the kitchen table of the small safe house. Trowa had his arm around Quatre who was still trembling softly. Duo secretly wished Heero might make some move to comfort him, but he seemed just as shocked and angry as Duo.
Do they have any suspects?
Duo stared into his coffee mug. *Relena told me she was dying.* His mind kept finding itself dwelling on the dream he had had less than an hour ago- right as Relena had drawn her last anguished breaths. *I'm so confused.*
Heero stole several sideways glances at Duo who seemed ready to faint. He was taking this harder than any of them had imagined. Duo and Relena had not always gotten along, seeing as though the first time they met Duo found himself playing the bad guy in one of Heero's numerous attempts to extinguish the young Princess. But apparently, he had cared. He had spent time with the vibrant well spoken girl who had become the Vice-Foreign Minister. He had even thought of her as a friend.
((Maria! thou hast heard my Hymn!))
Duo scarcely recognized his own voice as he asked the question they were all wondering, though none could hope to answer. It was wordless. All they knew was Relena Peacecraft was dead- and her assassin remained free.
We should all get some rest, Quatre suggested after a long painful silence. Trowa nodded and helped the blond boy to his feet. We'll see you later?
Don't go, Duo begged in an almost breathless voice. There's a spare room, Quatre smiled weakly and Trowa nodded again.
Quatre and Trowa settled quickly into the small room and after a long agonizing day, fell asleep quickly within each other's arms.
Heero and Duo remained where they were for some time. Duo did not know whether he wanted more to cry or track down the son of a bitch who had done this and kill him with his bare hands. He looked up to find Heero staring back at him. After an all too short moment they both looked away.
You should go to bed, Duo said in a selfless voice after Heero had averted his gaze. You need to rest.
I can't, Heero said without realizing. He was too shocked to know what to do anymore.
Duo said, trying to smile but failing miserably. He took Heero's hand. He expected him to pull away and perhaps punch him, but Heero made no move to sever the grasp of Duo's warm fingers. As he helped him to his feet, Heero noticed a large bandage beneath Duo's shirt which he had been trying his best to hide. He started to ask him about it but decided it better to wait- at least until morning.
Duo led Heero back to the bedroom with the midnight-colored sheets and hesitantly released his hand. He then turned and walked back to the couch where he lied down and curled back into himself, seeking warmth, or perhaps comfort.
He nearly jumped as someone spread a thick blanket over him. He looked up to see Heero standing beside the couch. His face remained expressionless nevertheless, a deep hurt resounded in those prussian blue eyes. He looked like he wanted to say something, but could not find the words. Duo sat up as he felt that hurt in his eyes dance through the air and into his own heart.
Do you want to sit down?
Heero nodded and sat beside Duo on the soft welcoming cushions.
I can't believe it.
Duo had never heard this kind of pain in Heero's voice. His shoulders shook ever so slightly. He could not stand to see him this way- so broken. Without caring about the consequences, Duo leaned against Heero and much to his surprise- Heero leaned back.
She doesn't want you to be sad, he closed his eyes as he spoke. He shifted slightly and lied his head in Heero's lap. It felt right. He felt safe and warm here with him. she doesn't want us to cry, but even as he spoke, tears escaped his eyes- no matter how fiercely he fought them back.
Shh. . . He stroked Duo's hair tenderly, soothing him with his touch and unspoken compassion.
Duo fell into the arms of sleep there, lying so close to Heero, his soft finger tips gliding through his hair and over his tear stained cheeks.
~ooO*Ooo~
You came back, Relena had her back to him as he appeared in the calm transparent waters. but you broke your promise.
I'm sorry.
Don't be, she said in a whisper as she turned to him. I just don't want you to be sad. She took several steps across the sun-lit liquid.
Relena stopped walking. She smiled sadly at him and reached to brush his bangs away from his eyes. I don't know why.
Who did this to you?
She shook her head, That's not why I'm here.
I don't understand Relena, why did you have to die?
Don't think of it like that, she said in a soft diplomatic voice. I'm here, with you now aren't I? But she knew it was not the same. It was not real. She sighed and turned her face to the sun once more. It's wonderful isn't it? It's a beautiful day.
Duo could see nothing beautiful about it. He could not understand why she had to die. The people needed her. He needed her. In these past months they had become closer than any of the other pilots could imagine. She was his confidant- his kindred spirit. He trusted her with his darkest secrets, and she confided her everything in him. He had found in her a friend he could never have fathomed and feared he did not deserve- now God had taken her away. Just like all the others.
How long will you stay with me like this?
Until you don't need me anymore, she whispered.
Forever then.
~ooO*Ooo~
When he woke Heero was gone- like he had never been there at all. Duo was afraid he had dreamt that loving touch just as he dreamt of Relena. They had received word that her funeral was going to be held on the Earth on October eleventh. They had several days to make arrangements, the Sanc Kingdom was waiting for them once again. Wufei had called to give his condolences and promise to meet them at the cathedral. Duo spent the next days somewhere between a dream and his reality. Relena's ghost returned to his nightly, giving him what comfort she could. She tried to remind him of happier times- of times they had spent together.
Trowa and Quatre kept to themselves, and Heero remained as cold and hard as ever, but with a certain solemnness about him. A sadness that hurt Duo. He tried to smile and laugh and joke but his masque was slipping. He could not play the clown forever. He was not strong enough.
Are you ever going to tell him? Relena had asked him one night as they walked along the shore of her lake.
Tell who what? Duo had asked quizzically.
Relena had merely shrugged and changed the subject, but that devious little spark usually found in Duo played in her eyes.