Chapter 3

It had been two months. Two months of being alone in his and Duo's apartment. Heero had to
keep himself from calling everyday; he had already read their entire book collection and
was spending more and more time on the internet. In chat rooms he could pretend he was in
another place and was another person for a while. He just wanted Duo to be home again.

When he did call, Duo never had much time to talk. He either had more work to do or had to
go run some errands. He seemed to be getting along with his partner; a girl named Hilde.
They were living together and he said he really enjoyed her company. The last time they
had talked, two weeks ago, Duo and Hilde were going out to get dinner. How often had he
and Duo gone out together? Heero could count the times on one hand. Not that they needed
to. Heero was a good cook and he liked making Duo's favorites.

Heero sat down and logged on. It was five o clock, the usual time he made his appearance.
He had chosen the screen name Solo. Why he had chosen the name of Duo's childhood friend,
he couldn't say. He had only been in the chat for five minutes when a private chat window
popped up.

AryoAndine16: Hello Solo.

Solo: Hello.

AryoAndine16: I've been watching you chat and you seem interesting.

Solo: Oh?

The chat continued for some time. Heero found he could really relate to this person. He
looked at the clock, it was already almost 11. Where had the time gone? He said his
goodbyes and signed off. He sighed and walked towards the bedroom to get ready for bed.

~*~

Duo Maxwell stepped out of the restaurant, holding the door for Hilde. He was beginning to
get real feelings for her. They always had a really good time and she seemed like she
really wanted to help the colonies. They had been working very hard. He hoped he could
get back home soon. The colony was doing much better. He wanted to see Heero. He knew he
must be fine though. It was Heero, the perfect soldier, he doubted he got lonely.

They walked down the street towards their apartment. He knew he would be sad to see Hilde
go, but he was happy for her at the same time. She missed her family; she was always
talking about her dad and what a great pilot he was. He had been killed in the war; another
senseless casualty. Duo never mentioned how involved he was. He was afraid it would hurt
Hilde, so he just kept quiet.

They reached the apartment and Duo opened the door for her. "Ladies first." He grinned at
her. She smiled back.

"Well I'm going to bed." She turned and went into her bedroom. Duo sighed. It was hard
having a woman around. It had been so long without feeling a delicate touch from someone.
He really wanted to talk to Heero right then. Just have a nice conversation. He was
always so busy so they never had much time and it was always Heero doing all the calling.
Tomorrow after work he would have to call him.

~*~

Heero was just walking in the door when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey Heero! It's me!"

"Duo?"

"Yeah! I figured it had been a while since we really talked so I thought I should give you
a ring."

"It's good to hear from you Duo. How are things going at the colony?"

"Really good. Things are starting to get back on track. I might be coming home soon."

"Well that's good news."

They kept talking. Heero mostly listening, savoring his time with Duo. He couldn't wait
until he got home.