Disclaimer: Neither the anime nor the characters belong to me, and as much as I hate to admit it, I don't even get anything for this.
Warnings: None yet. Maybe later, if you really want some. Okay, I think I should put in sap. By the author, not the story.
Notes: Hmm…I got part of the idea from a story I read before. Oddly enough, it's a fanfic, too, but different series. And the other part, I got from a book. Guess what, I don't even own the book. Jeez…
In Dreams
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There was a time sometime ago
When every sunrise meant a sunny day, oh a sunny day
And now when the morning light shines in
It only disturbs the dreamland where I lay, oh where I lay
I used to thank the Lord when I'd wake
For life and love and the golden sky above me
But now I pray the stars will go on shining,
You see in my dreams you love me…
—"In My Dreams" REO Speedwagon
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I walked in the room. It had been left untouched for…how long? Five days? Eight months? A decade? I can't remember. It seems the years have finally caught up with me.
Looking around, I saw that everything had been left the way it has always been. In fact, if I close my eyes, I could still see the place, brand new. Just like the day we moved in.
Walking across the room, with the floor creaking under me, I brush my hands on the surface of a desk. Actually, it was a dressing table. The mirror's still in tact, but it, too, like everything in here, is old. I could feel the dust accumulating in my fingers as I brush it along the edges of the table.
My gaze travel around the room before it finally focused on the bed. Still made as if it had been slept on the night before. The sheets that used to be pristine were now covered with dust and cobwebs.
Tears start to collect at the corners of my eyes. This is foolish; I'm too old to for melancholies. Then again, that's all I'm left with, right? Memories. Memories of a distant past that won't leave me in peace, always haunting the very edge of my self.
Slowly, I walked over to the bed. If I had it my way, I would've moved faster, but the years had made my bone brittle, making it impossible for any strenuous movements.
Where is it? Oh, right there.
Amongst the dirt and grime lay a picture frame. Suddenly weakened by the sight of it, I gently lowered myself to the bed and set my cane aside, I willed my hands to pick it up. Raising my left hand to the surface, I brushed the dust from it. Ever so slowly, I uncovered a portrait. Of two young boys who, once upon a time, lived life contentedly. As if they were invincible. Heh, weren't we all? Invincible, I mean. I remember when I was young; clearly, how I always dared to do everything, thinking that I have super strength of sorts that would ward off any harm that might befall on me. Now, looking at myself, I guess I passed that stage already. I'm way past it.
Turning my attention back to the photos, I smile. Two pairs of cheerful eyes faced me, as if daring me to wipe that look away from their faces. I chuckled—my voice thinned from age, but still strong when considering how old I am now—yes, I remember very clearly my childhood. I thought I had forgotten, but it seems to be surging back to me, in the eyes of these two energetic youths.
Oh, have I forgotten to mention what's in the picture? Again, I'm sorry. I seem to be forgetting a lot of things nowadays. In the picture, the boys—one purple-haired and the other brown-haired—had their arms around each other's shoulders. The younger boy's—the brown-haired one—bright brown eyes spoke of an intelligence that surpassed those of his age. A supreme leadership under the cool demeanor. The smaller, yet older one, on the other hand, had purple eyes that screamed of mischief. His small frame hiding an incomparable strength, all of heart, body and soul. It was taken on a bright summer day, as one of the boys—the taller one—held a soccer ball in his hand, while the other was wearing the gloves of a goalie. It was the day of championship, with their team the victor.
Why do I know such small details, you ask? Well, how could I not? One of those boys was me. Can you tell which one?
I wipe my eyes as a tear finally managed to escape the confines of my eyelid, wrinkled and almost translucent.
Setting the frame back to its position under the lamp, my eyes trailed to a piece of paper. Browned by age and stained with water. Raindrops, I guess. When I said earlier that this very room had not been touch for some time, that included fixings. This must be filled with things that needed to be fixed now that I thought about it. The owner would be displeased. But no, I'm the owner. I don't care. I don't have to fix this room if I don't want to.
Where was I? Oh yeah, the paper. I look at it as if expecting some impending doom to fall upon me if I touch it. You old fool, this could not hurt you anymore, could it? It already took everything away from you. It can't hurt you anymore.
Tracing the patterns on the frame one last time, my hand traveled to the piece of bond paper lying beside it. Lifting it up so I can read the contents, I frown. Even the letters faded due to the length of time it just sat here, waiting to be noticed. But I don't have to read what's written here, right? I knew it then, I know it now. The moment my eyes laid on the insignia at the top of the page, I knew. This paper would change the rest of my life.
You want to know what it contains? Well, I'll tell you. But you have to be ready for this. I am old, but I know the story still makes me weak. After all, I have lived it. It had been my life. No, it had been what changed my life.
Now, I'm going to ask you again, are you ready?
Duo: Ne…that's scary.
Q: eh? What d'ya mean scary?
Duo: You. Making a serious fic. Scary.
Q: *grits teeth* take that back.
Duo: Ha! Make me.
Q: Damn right, I will.
Duo: Nyanya…
Q: Oh, you are so gonna be sorry after I'm done with you!
Duo: uh-oh…Heero!!!!!
Q: *rubs hands together* Heh. Good riddance. So…whaddya think? *assumes old man's voice* are you ready? Review!
