Chapter three: Traumatic Driving
Duo stepped into the shower. The hot spray assaulted his body turning it a painful red. All the sweat, all the blood, and all the tears from the day slowly began to wash from his body---after the first layer of his skin was stripped, that is. Duo didn't bother to wash his hair for the second time that day; instead he just stood under the spray enjoying the pain that the shower was giving him.
The phone rang.
Duo threw the water off and viciously wrapped a towel around his waist. He walked into his bedroom and pulled the receiver off of the base.
"What?" he demanded.
"Duo, it's me. Sister Helen. I saw your racing on the news for your girlfriend. I wanted to tell you that the church is with you and we are more than happy to start a charity of our own."
"Sister Helen." Duo whispered. "It's---it's been so long."
Duo collapsed onto the bed. "Any help, any help at all, would mean the world to me."
Duo could almost see Sister Helen smile. "Then consider it done, Duo. Even though you've left us you're still in our hearts. And from what I've seen you love that girl."
Duo laughed harshly. "It's funny Sister Helen, that you always told me that God had his reasons for answering and not answering prayers. That he knew what was best for us. He led me to Demeter. I know it. I was going to ask her to marry me next year, Sister, and now I might never have the chance to do that. Ever."
"I'm sure God is looking out for her." Sister Helen replied in a preaching tone. Then suddenly she laughed. "What am I saying? That means nothing to you. It never did. To be frank, Duo, *I* have confidence that everything will work out. You have the entire nation of America behind you since your charity went national. And you'll be forever helping kids who need heart transplants. Don't give up hope Duo. Don't give up hope."
"Thank you, Sister." Duo murmured. "And I would really appreciate if you'd start a charity."
"Like I said; consider it done." She replied. "Well I've already kept you too late. I only meant for this to be a short call. I'll be keeping in touch Duo. And please, just keep in mind that even though you're skeptical about God it sometimes helps to believe in a higher power---especially when you are helpless. Just consider those words."
"I will." Duo replied.
"Goodbye Duo."
"Bye." Duo replied. He turned the phone off and hung it back up. For at least five minutes Duo just laid there, thinking about a higher power. With a concluding nod Duo got up, brushed out his hair and braided it, got dressed, and headed out to his car. Duo drove the speed limit, and obeyed all the stoplights. Finally Duo had reached his destination.
The cathedral.
Duo walked inside the old building and was surrounded by a cool and dark common room. He slowly walked in, feeling a bit shunned. As he walked through a giant wooden arch he was greeted with hundreds of candles, wooden pews, and many stained glass windows. The walls were stone but that was almost impossible to tell because hundreds of wood beams covered the wall giving it an English-Gothic look. Duo's shoes clicked softly against the wood floor as he took slow, unsure steps towards the altar. Duo's hand subconsciously reached under his black T-shirt and pulled out his cross--- the only thing he had kept from the church in which he was raised.
Duo nervously fingered the cross as he continued to walk up to the altar. As Duo reached the steps his courage faltered and he had to take a few deep breaths before ascending the altar. At last, Duo looked up and climbed the three steps. As he walked across the stretch of the altar he began to murmur the prayer that Sister Helen had forced him to recite every evening before bed.
"My father who art in Heaven..."
Closer
"Hallowed be thy name..."
Closer
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done..."
Closer
"On Earth as it is in Heaven..."
Duo kneeled down in front of the cross. The wood hurt his knees.
"Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever..."
Tears began to spill onto Duo's pale cheek.
"Amen."
"Let us pray." A voice concluded the prayer as a priest would behind Duo.
Duo stood up and whirled around only to find *the* priest of the church standing at the base of the altar with his hands in the praying stance.
The priest smiled sadly. "God does listen, thee of little faith."
Duo wiped his eyes and just stared at the priest. He was good in his assumption, but Duo had reason to doubt God.
"No doubt you have your reasons not to believe in the Almighty." The priest continued walking up closer to Duo. "He might have deprived you of the things that meant the most to you. He might not have answered your prayers. Nevertheless, my boy, he does listen. And he does what is best for all of us."
Duo sighed and turned back towards the cross and the picture of Jesus. Duo stared straight into the portrait's eyes. "Then tell me why he gave me an angel and is now threatening to take her away."
The priest put a hand on Duo's shoulder. "My son, I am no Puritan---for even I question God's reasons occasionally. Your angel, no doubt the Lord led you to her. But maybe the Lord led you to her so that if she must leave this earth, she will go with love."
Those were not the words that Duo had wanted to hear. Tears began to slip down his cheeks.
"But then again, maybe God isn't going to take your angel. Maybe this is your ordeal in life to become an angel yourself..."
"I'm no angel. No matter how hard I race for her. No matter how hard I cry for her. It will never be enough to make me an angel."
"You are not one to judge the qualifications for your halo. No mortal can fathom the Almighty's judgments and requirements."
Duo gave a harsh laugh. "That's why I never believed in God. How is it possible to believe in someone that is so *great*? I mean he's a million leagues above me---it's like trying to talk to the president about your friendship issues. No mortal can fathom *that*."
The priest gave Duo's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Then don't imagine that God is so *great*. Not even I, a priest, am one to determine how you personally view God. Imagine God as a priest sitting behind a confession booth. You can't see him, and you rarely hear him but nevertheless, he hears and understands you..." The priest grew quiet knowing that Duo was considering the information.
"I never looked at it that way." Duo replied softly.
"You might try it sometimes." The priest replied. "Duo Maxwell..."
Duo knew that his name was well known but nevertheless, the priest spoke as though he knew the meaning behind the name...and he did.
"Don't think I don't know where you got the name Maxwell from. Sister Helen is a good woman and loved you like a son. When I saw you in the paper and on the TV Helen called me right up and we talked for hours about you."
Duo stared at the man in disbelief.
The priest smiled. "You might not remember me, but I was the man that found you in the alley that night so long ago. God led me to you and in turn led you to your angel."
Duo turned his head back to the cross and stared beyond it, back into his past. "It truly is a small world. And I'm not sure how well I like that."
The priest started to back away from Duo. "Keep racing Duo, the clock tells me it is time for me to return to the choir room, but listen to me Duo. Never stop racing. In your car and in your life. You're driven Duo, that's a rarity among your age. Keep at it, never give up."
Duo watched the priest leave the room and head down the stairs. Duo sighed. He didn't really care too much that that man had saved his life all those years ago though it had left him with a weird feeling.
Duo turned back to the cross and the portrait. And smiled wickedly. "You want her?" He asked aloud. "Come get her. I'll see you on the track."
With that Duo walked out of the church feeling confident and strong. He would be able to face his pale and weak girlfriend tonight with a smile and a shoulder to lean on.
~*~
Duo walked into the room and noticed Demeter facing away from him. She was on the phone. As holy as Duo was feeling, he leaned against the doorframe and listened in on the conversation.
"Well, they found a heart." Demeter said.
A pause.
"The only problem is the surgery has to be done in Maine. I mean, that's not a bad thing but it's so far from home...I don't know if I'd feel comfortable."
Demeter laughed softly. "Yeah, I'm sure Duo would be right there for me. I don't know what I'd do without him. He's acting as my heart right now--- giving me strength. I love him. Besides him, I'm only living for Heero, Hera, and my friends. But Duo's the only one I can picture spending the rest of my life with. No matter how long it is. I know he grows tired and ragged from looking after me but he'll never know how grateful I am for his love and support."
Demeter laughed at whatever comment the other person had made. "Yeah, Demeter Maxwell, a Greek name and an American last name. I like it. Oh but I don't know. I don't know if he's thought about marriage. God knows it's always on my mind. I guess I secretly hope it's on his..."
Duo smiled. Oh, was Demeter in for a surprise.
"Alright, I'll talk to you later, hun. Yes, oh yes. Don't worry. We'll get you over to America soon enough. Okay, later."
Demeter hung up the phone and sighed. Though for once it wasn't in sadness and her shoulders didn't sag as Duo had expected. Demeter's head bent back over a phone book---the task she must have been at before the phone call.
Duo snuck up behind Demeter and wrapped his arms around her waist. Demeter gasped and tensed.
"Easy..." Duo murmured against her neck kissing it softly. "Mrs. Maxwell..."
"Why you little---"
Duo kissed Demeter's mouth silencing her sufficiently. Duo began to pull back as he felt himself want to deepen the kiss. The doctor had told him not to push Demeter into anything. But Demeter's hand reached up to his face and held him where he was. She softly bit on his lower lip and Duo found himself leaning over Demeter's shoulder to kiss her more adequately. His arms tightened around her waist and he felt her body mold perfectly to his. Duo's tongue slipped into Demeter's mouth and it was Duo who moaned first. He hadn't kissed Demeter passionately for a month---since October. Demeter, driven by Duo giving in first, kissed him fervently, her tongue battling with his. Duo fought back and as he had suspected he won. Duo explored Demeter's warm mouth getting reacquainted with territory he had been suspended from.
Finally, after minutes of just kissing Duo backed off and Demeter put her full weight against Duo resting her head on his shoulder. Duo looked down at his girlfriend. Her slightly swollen lips were in a happy, content smile and her eyes were closed in peacefulness. Duo slowly rocked back and forth just enjoying the moment.
"They found a heart." Demeter whispered, elation in her voice. "It's already in Maine---waiting for me."
Duo gave Demeter a small squeeze and again he felt tears threaten to spill-- -this time for joy. What had seemed like the worst day of his life had suddenly become the best.
"My angel." Duo whispered lovingly. Duo bent his head wanting just once more to kiss Demeter. Demeter tilted her head but just in that instant that their lips touched the phone rang.
Duo let go of Demeter but she just smiled at him. "Hold that thought, lover, you might actually get what you want..."
"What do you mean?" Duo asked in shock, trying to sound innocent.
"Oh, don't think I don't know what's going through that mind of yours right now." Demeter laughed before her face straightened and she picked up the phone. "Hello?" Demeter's face grew stone cold and her eyes took on a harshness like her twin's. "Nobody do anything. I'm on my way."
Demeter slammed the phone down and grabbed Duo by the wrist. "Heero's been in a crash. He's okay---but Treize tried to knock him off course. The judges know he did it this time. But we've gotta go."
"Wait did you say Treize?" Duo nearly yelled.
"Yes." Demeter growled throwing the car door open and then shut. She threw on her seatbelt and revved the engine to its max.
"Great, if Heero's not dead Treize is going to make sure he is." Duo replied. "He was talking at school yesterday that today would be Heero's last race."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"Heero knew about it. He promised me that he'd be careful and that nothing would happen. Treize makes empty threats. I never thought he'd do the same thing again."
"Oh he won't." Demeter snarled. "This time I'm making sure of it." She swore racing down the road...Treize wouldn't get away with the same shit twice.
~*~
Heero stumbled out of his car. He had finished first though his car was now on fire and his ribs were slightly bruised. Hera ran onto the racetrack and grabbed onto Heero's waist, crying.
"It's okay." Heero hissed. "It's okay." He repeated.
Relena came sprinting onto the track and Hera then tore herself from her brother to hold tightly to Relena who stroked her hair and looked at Heero.
"Are you okay?" She asked, her eyes showing the concern of a lover---not a friend.
Heero's eyes stared back in the same way. "A quick checkup at the doctor's and I'm fine. Are you okay?" He asked looking at the gash on Relena's arm.
"Yeah, I slipped jumping over the rail." She replied. "Heero..." She warned her eyes looking over Heero's shoulder.
Heero turned to see an angry Treize walking up to him.
"Yuy, where's your punctured lung?" Treize laughed.
Heero stood his ground. "Get Hera out of here Relena."
Relena told Hera to go over to Quatre and she did as she was told. Relena stayed where she was.
"You too, Relena. Go. Now."
Relena stood next to Heero. "You'll have to kill me first."
"I asked you a question, Yuy." Treize demanded stepping up next to Heero. The crowd grew silent.
"Not here Treize, we can settle this later." Heero warned.
"Where's your father, Yuy?" Treize nearly yelled. "Huh, where's Daddy? Or did you lose him too?"
Heero remained silent.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." Treize laughed spitting on Heero's shoe.
"And whatever happened to that twin of yours?" Treize asked again.
The crowd grew tense.
"I'm right here." Demeter replied walking out onto the track with Duo right by her side.
In the background Quatre sighed with relief.
"Well, well, well if it isn't the racing *goddess* and her lover boy. Haven't seen you on the track lately."
Demeter smiled. "So where's Dorothy? Or was my brother just too much for her to resist?"
"Bitch."
"Come on Treize; don't speak so lowly of your mother. She'd be ashamed."
Treize took a step up to Demeter but Duo's arms flexed from his tanktop--- walking out onto the track he had taken his T-shirt off knowing a fight was bound to break out.
"And I thought your dad was rich. What's with this charity? Is racing suddenly not enough money? Tell us, why are you stealing other people's money for your pleasure? I thought you were an honest person."
The crowd seemed to become even tenser and a few murmurs broke out.
Demeter knew she had to tell the truth or a very good lie. "My dad---won't pay for my heart."
The crowd gasped. Was she lying?
"And why's that? I thought daddy loved you."
Already the news reporters were everywhere.
Demeter grew silent.
Treize laughed. "Won't tell the truth, will you? Oh, I know your daddy won't pay for your heart. But I also know something that you've been keeping even from your doctors."
Demeter's eyes grew wide but she held her ground.
"Your dad's an alcoholic. He's been abusing you. That's where your attacks started. He'd beat you and make you cry. And then he'd go right back to drinking. You'd take his beating until he passed out and then you'd limp to your room and cry yourself to sleep or run to Duo's house. And then your attacks started and you were forced to go to the doctors. You claimed your injuries were from racing but you haven't raced for a long time. So what's it like to be so famous and to have a drunk-ass father?"
Demeter's hand subconsciously rested against her ribs where the pounding began to start. Her heart was already racing and it hurt to breathe.
"Huh? What's it like, Demeter? Tell everyone, I'm sure their dying to hear."
Demeter looked at Heero and then glanced at Duo before she took a few steps forward.
"Tell me Treize, what's it like to go to sleep every night knowing that you've failed? We all know what your intentions were that day that you tapped my tire. The judges believed you when you said it was an accident. But just as you have resources to get scandals on me, I have resources to get the intentions behind your 'accidents.'" Demeter took another step forward. "You purposefully hit my tire that day. But you failed Treize. I lived through your plot. I'm not dead. I didn't die like you had planned. Oh yes, I could die any day---my surgery could fail. And your nice attempt to scare me into another one of my attacks has failed. So that's twice you've failed. Look around you Treize. You might have exposed my secret but now I've exposed yours. My father abused me. He'll be sent to jail. But you tried to kill me. Maybe you'll share a cell. But take a good look around you. Where are your friends? Mine have you surrounded and so do my supporters. The people that have given their money to pay for my heart and hundreds of hearts for children all over the US. The money doesn't go to me, Treize---it's in the hands of the national government. Next time you should do your research."
At that instant police sirens were heard and when Treize tried to make a break for it Demeter reached out. In a panic Treize punched Demeter. The crowd gasped and some screamed. Demeter's hands flew up to her ribs and just as she started to fall backwards Duo grabbed her.
"NO!" Duo screamed as he caught her. The couple sank to the asphalt and Duo screamed for Heero. "Her lungs, they're closed!"
Heero was immediately by Duo's side while Relena grabbed a hysteric Hera that jumped out of the crowd.
"On my count..." Duo replied holding his mouth near hers. "One, two, THREE."
Heero slammed down on her heart in a manner that the doctor had taught him. Demeter's body jerked and as she tried to inhale uselessly Duo gave her his breath.
"One, two, THREE." Duo repeated.
Again Heero pushed and Duo breathed.
"Damn!" Duo cursed. "One, two, THREE!"
Heero slammed down and Duo gave her all his breath.
Demeter gasped and arched her back as her heart started up again and her lungs began to function again. Duo's eyes started to water and he caught Demeter's head before it could hit the asphalt again. Demeter's eyes were squeezed shut and her breathing was ragged.
"Duo, Duo, Duo." She gasped between breathes.
"I'm right here, babe, I'm right here."
The police ran in that moment and two men took Treize away. A few judges were following the policemen explaining the evidence they could show at court. Another policeman walked up to Heero.
Heero stood up from his spot next to his sister and faced the policeman.
"Mr. Yuy?" the policeman asked, though it was more of a greeting than a question.
"Yes."
"Your father has been placed under arrest for abuse, battery, and alcoholism and for stealing money from his company."
Heero's eyes went wide. Stealing money?
"Don't worry---the possessions will stay with you. Except your younger sister. She'll be going with me."
"No!" Demeter cried trying to stand up.
Duo held her down and stared up at Heero.
Heero turned back towards the policeman. "I'm afraid officer; I won't let you do that."
"And I'm afraid you have no choice."
Suddenly, there was Millardo. "Officer, I believe there's a slight misunderstanding here. Hera has been under our supervision for months. She has no right to be taken."
The officer seemed to take Millardo's word over Heero's.
"Very well then. That's all." The officer replied before walking off.
The crowd grew quiet as the policemen left. Heero wiped his eyes and looked over at Demeter who was now standing but hugged tightly against Duo's chest. Both of them had tears in their eyes.
"Heero!" Relena's voice cut through Heero's daze.
Heero saw Relena running towards him and he found himself willingly opening his arms to her. She fell into his arms and he held her tightly.
"Oh god." He whispered. "Relena."
"I know, I know." Relena replied almost reading Heero's thoughts.
They just held each other for a long moment.
The announcer suddenly came over the intercom. "Show's over, people, go home." The crowd started to head out, though slowly.
Heero pulled away from Relena. "Come to my house tonight. Nine?"
Relena nodded once. "I'll be there. But right now, I need to get Hera back to our house."
"Okay. See you." Heero replied. He hugged Relena once more and then started off.
Heero noticed Duo and Demeter had already left. No doubt Demeter was at her wit's end.
Heero sighed. Everything had happened so fast. And the night wasn't over yet. He had something he had to tell Relena before he could sleep. He couldn't wait any longer.
~*~
Demeter sighed as she flopped onto the bed. She was dressed in her usual PJ's: Capri sweats and a long T-shirt. Duo came out just in sweats and got in bed.
"So, now everyone knows the truth. Your father's in jail. Treize is up for trial. Hera's almost permanently at the Dorlian's. You're alive..." Duo's voice broke. "I was so scared, Demeter, you weren't responding for a moment."
Demeter was just silent but her body titled towards Duo.
"Demeter?" Duo asked after a long, silent moment.
"You know something, Duo?"
"What?"
"I'm happy."
Duo looked over at her. Demeter propped herself up on her elbow. "Dad's gone, everyone knows the truth, Hera's safe. I'm alive. Treize will soon be gone. My heart's in Maine." Demeter sighed and then laughed. "There's only one thing that's left undone."
"And what's that?" Duo replied, shocked at her happy mood. But then he realized that Demeter's life was no longer lies and fright. She was free--- though she had paid a price. But nevertheless, his angel was now free.
"I do believe that we were in the middle of something. I told you not to lose that thought." Demeter replied smiling wryly. Demeter leaned over Duo and began to kiss him passionately.
Duo pulled his girlfriend fully against his body and let his mind rid itself of the traumatic night and focus on what was happening now.
~*~
Heero heard the doorbell ring as expected. He put down his book and walked to the front door and opened it.
"Relena." He replied softly.
"You said you wanted to see me. Nine, right?"
"Yeah," Heero replied a bit dazed. "Come in."
Relena walked in and took off her coat. Heero took it from her arms and hung it up.
"Can we talk in the living room?" He asked gently.
"Of course." Relena answered following Heero into the room. Heero motioned for her to sit in a nice white armchair and she did so. Heero sat down across from her. "So is there something in particular you wanted to talk about?"
"Yes, actually, there was something I wanted to, uh, talk about." Heero replied finding his hands very interesting.
"Well?" Relena encouraged.
"Relena, we're friends right?" Heero asked.
"The best of friends." Relena replied sitting forward. "Why Heero?"
"And nothing will ever change that right?" Heero asked again, looking into Relena's eyes.
"No, nothing." Relena said in a firm but questioning voice. "Heero...I'm not understanding where you're going with this."
Heero sighed. "This friendship means a lot to me. You're almost as close to me as Duo. But I feel different around you. I," Heero sighed. "I have to tell you this, Relena, because it's killing me to keep it bottled up." Heero groaned, ran a hand through his hair and then stared straight at Relena. "I think I love you."
Relena just sat there, in shock. Sure, she loved him. But he was almost unemotional. She would have never dreamed that he'd love her in return.
"Heero...I..." Was all Relena could say.
"I know, I don't expect you to feel the same."
Relena rolled her eyes almost not believing her luck. In a sudden burst of courage she stood up and knelt down in front of Heero.
"No Heero, I never expected *you* to feel the same." She replied. Before Heero could react her lips had met his and she held her mouth against his for a brief moment before withdrawing.
Heero looked at Relena in shock, happiness (what happiness he could conjure on a face such as his) and almost disbelief. "You love me too?"
"Are you kidding me? How do you think I sleep so well at night?" Relena laughed, relieved.
Heero tried out a laugh and though it felt strange to him it felt good to join in with Relena.
"So I guess it wouldn't shock you if I asked you to be my girlfriend...?"
Relena just laughed and ran a hand down his clean-shaven face. "Heero, I'd be shocked if we didn't date. Of course I'll be your girlfriend." She replied, her voice lowering.
Heero decided to reach out on a limb. He brought his face close to hers. Relena knew that Heero wanted to do this on his own so she held perfectly still.
"It's okay to kiss me Heero." She whispered.
Heero took one last breath before his lips met hers again and soon their timid kissing became open and Heero was almost shuddering with the passion flowing through him. Heero had sunk down to his knees and pulled Relena close against his body as they kissed fervently. Heero's tongue, though inexperienced, learned quickly from Relena's and soon there was no difference between the two.
When Heero started to feel strange stirrings in his body he decided to pull away. "Relena, I don't think we should go on anymore." He rasped.
Relena rested her forehead against his. "You're right and it's ten o'clock anyways. I was a little late arriving. I think I should go home."
"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow?" Heero asked standing up and walking her to the door.
"Of course, Heero, and the day after that and the day after that." She replied as she slipped into her coat.
"Goodnight Heero. Sleep well." She said softly.
There was a moment of hesitation before they kissed quickly but lovingly.
"Goodnight." Heero replied as Relena walked out to her car.
Heero watched her drive off before he shut the door and started up to his room.
Finally he could sleep.
AN: Okay, just for a quickie---for all of you who picked up the part where Demeter refers to her family being GREEK, I did that on purpose. I know Heero's Japanese or whatever but for certain reasons, I needed to change the ethnicity of the family. I hope no one minds that too much. I hope you enjoyed the story!
Duo stepped into the shower. The hot spray assaulted his body turning it a painful red. All the sweat, all the blood, and all the tears from the day slowly began to wash from his body---after the first layer of his skin was stripped, that is. Duo didn't bother to wash his hair for the second time that day; instead he just stood under the spray enjoying the pain that the shower was giving him.
The phone rang.
Duo threw the water off and viciously wrapped a towel around his waist. He walked into his bedroom and pulled the receiver off of the base.
"What?" he demanded.
"Duo, it's me. Sister Helen. I saw your racing on the news for your girlfriend. I wanted to tell you that the church is with you and we are more than happy to start a charity of our own."
"Sister Helen." Duo whispered. "It's---it's been so long."
Duo collapsed onto the bed. "Any help, any help at all, would mean the world to me."
Duo could almost see Sister Helen smile. "Then consider it done, Duo. Even though you've left us you're still in our hearts. And from what I've seen you love that girl."
Duo laughed harshly. "It's funny Sister Helen, that you always told me that God had his reasons for answering and not answering prayers. That he knew what was best for us. He led me to Demeter. I know it. I was going to ask her to marry me next year, Sister, and now I might never have the chance to do that. Ever."
"I'm sure God is looking out for her." Sister Helen replied in a preaching tone. Then suddenly she laughed. "What am I saying? That means nothing to you. It never did. To be frank, Duo, *I* have confidence that everything will work out. You have the entire nation of America behind you since your charity went national. And you'll be forever helping kids who need heart transplants. Don't give up hope Duo. Don't give up hope."
"Thank you, Sister." Duo murmured. "And I would really appreciate if you'd start a charity."
"Like I said; consider it done." She replied. "Well I've already kept you too late. I only meant for this to be a short call. I'll be keeping in touch Duo. And please, just keep in mind that even though you're skeptical about God it sometimes helps to believe in a higher power---especially when you are helpless. Just consider those words."
"I will." Duo replied.
"Goodbye Duo."
"Bye." Duo replied. He turned the phone off and hung it back up. For at least five minutes Duo just laid there, thinking about a higher power. With a concluding nod Duo got up, brushed out his hair and braided it, got dressed, and headed out to his car. Duo drove the speed limit, and obeyed all the stoplights. Finally Duo had reached his destination.
The cathedral.
Duo walked inside the old building and was surrounded by a cool and dark common room. He slowly walked in, feeling a bit shunned. As he walked through a giant wooden arch he was greeted with hundreds of candles, wooden pews, and many stained glass windows. The walls were stone but that was almost impossible to tell because hundreds of wood beams covered the wall giving it an English-Gothic look. Duo's shoes clicked softly against the wood floor as he took slow, unsure steps towards the altar. Duo's hand subconsciously reached under his black T-shirt and pulled out his cross--- the only thing he had kept from the church in which he was raised.
Duo nervously fingered the cross as he continued to walk up to the altar. As Duo reached the steps his courage faltered and he had to take a few deep breaths before ascending the altar. At last, Duo looked up and climbed the three steps. As he walked across the stretch of the altar he began to murmur the prayer that Sister Helen had forced him to recite every evening before bed.
"My father who art in Heaven..."
Closer
"Hallowed be thy name..."
Closer
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done..."
Closer
"On Earth as it is in Heaven..."
Duo kneeled down in front of the cross. The wood hurt his knees.
"Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever..."
Tears began to spill onto Duo's pale cheek.
"Amen."
"Let us pray." A voice concluded the prayer as a priest would behind Duo.
Duo stood up and whirled around only to find *the* priest of the church standing at the base of the altar with his hands in the praying stance.
The priest smiled sadly. "God does listen, thee of little faith."
Duo wiped his eyes and just stared at the priest. He was good in his assumption, but Duo had reason to doubt God.
"No doubt you have your reasons not to believe in the Almighty." The priest continued walking up closer to Duo. "He might have deprived you of the things that meant the most to you. He might not have answered your prayers. Nevertheless, my boy, he does listen. And he does what is best for all of us."
Duo sighed and turned back towards the cross and the picture of Jesus. Duo stared straight into the portrait's eyes. "Then tell me why he gave me an angel and is now threatening to take her away."
The priest put a hand on Duo's shoulder. "My son, I am no Puritan---for even I question God's reasons occasionally. Your angel, no doubt the Lord led you to her. But maybe the Lord led you to her so that if she must leave this earth, she will go with love."
Those were not the words that Duo had wanted to hear. Tears began to slip down his cheeks.
"But then again, maybe God isn't going to take your angel. Maybe this is your ordeal in life to become an angel yourself..."
"I'm no angel. No matter how hard I race for her. No matter how hard I cry for her. It will never be enough to make me an angel."
"You are not one to judge the qualifications for your halo. No mortal can fathom the Almighty's judgments and requirements."
Duo gave a harsh laugh. "That's why I never believed in God. How is it possible to believe in someone that is so *great*? I mean he's a million leagues above me---it's like trying to talk to the president about your friendship issues. No mortal can fathom *that*."
The priest gave Duo's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Then don't imagine that God is so *great*. Not even I, a priest, am one to determine how you personally view God. Imagine God as a priest sitting behind a confession booth. You can't see him, and you rarely hear him but nevertheless, he hears and understands you..." The priest grew quiet knowing that Duo was considering the information.
"I never looked at it that way." Duo replied softly.
"You might try it sometimes." The priest replied. "Duo Maxwell..."
Duo knew that his name was well known but nevertheless, the priest spoke as though he knew the meaning behind the name...and he did.
"Don't think I don't know where you got the name Maxwell from. Sister Helen is a good woman and loved you like a son. When I saw you in the paper and on the TV Helen called me right up and we talked for hours about you."
Duo stared at the man in disbelief.
The priest smiled. "You might not remember me, but I was the man that found you in the alley that night so long ago. God led me to you and in turn led you to your angel."
Duo turned his head back to the cross and stared beyond it, back into his past. "It truly is a small world. And I'm not sure how well I like that."
The priest started to back away from Duo. "Keep racing Duo, the clock tells me it is time for me to return to the choir room, but listen to me Duo. Never stop racing. In your car and in your life. You're driven Duo, that's a rarity among your age. Keep at it, never give up."
Duo watched the priest leave the room and head down the stairs. Duo sighed. He didn't really care too much that that man had saved his life all those years ago though it had left him with a weird feeling.
Duo turned back to the cross and the portrait. And smiled wickedly. "You want her?" He asked aloud. "Come get her. I'll see you on the track."
With that Duo walked out of the church feeling confident and strong. He would be able to face his pale and weak girlfriend tonight with a smile and a shoulder to lean on.
~*~
Duo walked into the room and noticed Demeter facing away from him. She was on the phone. As holy as Duo was feeling, he leaned against the doorframe and listened in on the conversation.
"Well, they found a heart." Demeter said.
A pause.
"The only problem is the surgery has to be done in Maine. I mean, that's not a bad thing but it's so far from home...I don't know if I'd feel comfortable."
Demeter laughed softly. "Yeah, I'm sure Duo would be right there for me. I don't know what I'd do without him. He's acting as my heart right now--- giving me strength. I love him. Besides him, I'm only living for Heero, Hera, and my friends. But Duo's the only one I can picture spending the rest of my life with. No matter how long it is. I know he grows tired and ragged from looking after me but he'll never know how grateful I am for his love and support."
Demeter laughed at whatever comment the other person had made. "Yeah, Demeter Maxwell, a Greek name and an American last name. I like it. Oh but I don't know. I don't know if he's thought about marriage. God knows it's always on my mind. I guess I secretly hope it's on his..."
Duo smiled. Oh, was Demeter in for a surprise.
"Alright, I'll talk to you later, hun. Yes, oh yes. Don't worry. We'll get you over to America soon enough. Okay, later."
Demeter hung up the phone and sighed. Though for once it wasn't in sadness and her shoulders didn't sag as Duo had expected. Demeter's head bent back over a phone book---the task she must have been at before the phone call.
Duo snuck up behind Demeter and wrapped his arms around her waist. Demeter gasped and tensed.
"Easy..." Duo murmured against her neck kissing it softly. "Mrs. Maxwell..."
"Why you little---"
Duo kissed Demeter's mouth silencing her sufficiently. Duo began to pull back as he felt himself want to deepen the kiss. The doctor had told him not to push Demeter into anything. But Demeter's hand reached up to his face and held him where he was. She softly bit on his lower lip and Duo found himself leaning over Demeter's shoulder to kiss her more adequately. His arms tightened around her waist and he felt her body mold perfectly to his. Duo's tongue slipped into Demeter's mouth and it was Duo who moaned first. He hadn't kissed Demeter passionately for a month---since October. Demeter, driven by Duo giving in first, kissed him fervently, her tongue battling with his. Duo fought back and as he had suspected he won. Duo explored Demeter's warm mouth getting reacquainted with territory he had been suspended from.
Finally, after minutes of just kissing Duo backed off and Demeter put her full weight against Duo resting her head on his shoulder. Duo looked down at his girlfriend. Her slightly swollen lips were in a happy, content smile and her eyes were closed in peacefulness. Duo slowly rocked back and forth just enjoying the moment.
"They found a heart." Demeter whispered, elation in her voice. "It's already in Maine---waiting for me."
Duo gave Demeter a small squeeze and again he felt tears threaten to spill-- -this time for joy. What had seemed like the worst day of his life had suddenly become the best.
"My angel." Duo whispered lovingly. Duo bent his head wanting just once more to kiss Demeter. Demeter tilted her head but just in that instant that their lips touched the phone rang.
Duo let go of Demeter but she just smiled at him. "Hold that thought, lover, you might actually get what you want..."
"What do you mean?" Duo asked in shock, trying to sound innocent.
"Oh, don't think I don't know what's going through that mind of yours right now." Demeter laughed before her face straightened and she picked up the phone. "Hello?" Demeter's face grew stone cold and her eyes took on a harshness like her twin's. "Nobody do anything. I'm on my way."
Demeter slammed the phone down and grabbed Duo by the wrist. "Heero's been in a crash. He's okay---but Treize tried to knock him off course. The judges know he did it this time. But we've gotta go."
"Wait did you say Treize?" Duo nearly yelled.
"Yes." Demeter growled throwing the car door open and then shut. She threw on her seatbelt and revved the engine to its max.
"Great, if Heero's not dead Treize is going to make sure he is." Duo replied. "He was talking at school yesterday that today would be Heero's last race."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"Heero knew about it. He promised me that he'd be careful and that nothing would happen. Treize makes empty threats. I never thought he'd do the same thing again."
"Oh he won't." Demeter snarled. "This time I'm making sure of it." She swore racing down the road...Treize wouldn't get away with the same shit twice.
~*~
Heero stumbled out of his car. He had finished first though his car was now on fire and his ribs were slightly bruised. Hera ran onto the racetrack and grabbed onto Heero's waist, crying.
"It's okay." Heero hissed. "It's okay." He repeated.
Relena came sprinting onto the track and Hera then tore herself from her brother to hold tightly to Relena who stroked her hair and looked at Heero.
"Are you okay?" She asked, her eyes showing the concern of a lover---not a friend.
Heero's eyes stared back in the same way. "A quick checkup at the doctor's and I'm fine. Are you okay?" He asked looking at the gash on Relena's arm.
"Yeah, I slipped jumping over the rail." She replied. "Heero..." She warned her eyes looking over Heero's shoulder.
Heero turned to see an angry Treize walking up to him.
"Yuy, where's your punctured lung?" Treize laughed.
Heero stood his ground. "Get Hera out of here Relena."
Relena told Hera to go over to Quatre and she did as she was told. Relena stayed where she was.
"You too, Relena. Go. Now."
Relena stood next to Heero. "You'll have to kill me first."
"I asked you a question, Yuy." Treize demanded stepping up next to Heero. The crowd grew silent.
"Not here Treize, we can settle this later." Heero warned.
"Where's your father, Yuy?" Treize nearly yelled. "Huh, where's Daddy? Or did you lose him too?"
Heero remained silent.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." Treize laughed spitting on Heero's shoe.
"And whatever happened to that twin of yours?" Treize asked again.
The crowd grew tense.
"I'm right here." Demeter replied walking out onto the track with Duo right by her side.
In the background Quatre sighed with relief.
"Well, well, well if it isn't the racing *goddess* and her lover boy. Haven't seen you on the track lately."
Demeter smiled. "So where's Dorothy? Or was my brother just too much for her to resist?"
"Bitch."
"Come on Treize; don't speak so lowly of your mother. She'd be ashamed."
Treize took a step up to Demeter but Duo's arms flexed from his tanktop--- walking out onto the track he had taken his T-shirt off knowing a fight was bound to break out.
"And I thought your dad was rich. What's with this charity? Is racing suddenly not enough money? Tell us, why are you stealing other people's money for your pleasure? I thought you were an honest person."
The crowd seemed to become even tenser and a few murmurs broke out.
Demeter knew she had to tell the truth or a very good lie. "My dad---won't pay for my heart."
The crowd gasped. Was she lying?
"And why's that? I thought daddy loved you."
Already the news reporters were everywhere.
Demeter grew silent.
Treize laughed. "Won't tell the truth, will you? Oh, I know your daddy won't pay for your heart. But I also know something that you've been keeping even from your doctors."
Demeter's eyes grew wide but she held her ground.
"Your dad's an alcoholic. He's been abusing you. That's where your attacks started. He'd beat you and make you cry. And then he'd go right back to drinking. You'd take his beating until he passed out and then you'd limp to your room and cry yourself to sleep or run to Duo's house. And then your attacks started and you were forced to go to the doctors. You claimed your injuries were from racing but you haven't raced for a long time. So what's it like to be so famous and to have a drunk-ass father?"
Demeter's hand subconsciously rested against her ribs where the pounding began to start. Her heart was already racing and it hurt to breathe.
"Huh? What's it like, Demeter? Tell everyone, I'm sure their dying to hear."
Demeter looked at Heero and then glanced at Duo before she took a few steps forward.
"Tell me Treize, what's it like to go to sleep every night knowing that you've failed? We all know what your intentions were that day that you tapped my tire. The judges believed you when you said it was an accident. But just as you have resources to get scandals on me, I have resources to get the intentions behind your 'accidents.'" Demeter took another step forward. "You purposefully hit my tire that day. But you failed Treize. I lived through your plot. I'm not dead. I didn't die like you had planned. Oh yes, I could die any day---my surgery could fail. And your nice attempt to scare me into another one of my attacks has failed. So that's twice you've failed. Look around you Treize. You might have exposed my secret but now I've exposed yours. My father abused me. He'll be sent to jail. But you tried to kill me. Maybe you'll share a cell. But take a good look around you. Where are your friends? Mine have you surrounded and so do my supporters. The people that have given their money to pay for my heart and hundreds of hearts for children all over the US. The money doesn't go to me, Treize---it's in the hands of the national government. Next time you should do your research."
At that instant police sirens were heard and when Treize tried to make a break for it Demeter reached out. In a panic Treize punched Demeter. The crowd gasped and some screamed. Demeter's hands flew up to her ribs and just as she started to fall backwards Duo grabbed her.
"NO!" Duo screamed as he caught her. The couple sank to the asphalt and Duo screamed for Heero. "Her lungs, they're closed!"
Heero was immediately by Duo's side while Relena grabbed a hysteric Hera that jumped out of the crowd.
"On my count..." Duo replied holding his mouth near hers. "One, two, THREE."
Heero slammed down on her heart in a manner that the doctor had taught him. Demeter's body jerked and as she tried to inhale uselessly Duo gave her his breath.
"One, two, THREE." Duo repeated.
Again Heero pushed and Duo breathed.
"Damn!" Duo cursed. "One, two, THREE!"
Heero slammed down and Duo gave her all his breath.
Demeter gasped and arched her back as her heart started up again and her lungs began to function again. Duo's eyes started to water and he caught Demeter's head before it could hit the asphalt again. Demeter's eyes were squeezed shut and her breathing was ragged.
"Duo, Duo, Duo." She gasped between breathes.
"I'm right here, babe, I'm right here."
The police ran in that moment and two men took Treize away. A few judges were following the policemen explaining the evidence they could show at court. Another policeman walked up to Heero.
Heero stood up from his spot next to his sister and faced the policeman.
"Mr. Yuy?" the policeman asked, though it was more of a greeting than a question.
"Yes."
"Your father has been placed under arrest for abuse, battery, and alcoholism and for stealing money from his company."
Heero's eyes went wide. Stealing money?
"Don't worry---the possessions will stay with you. Except your younger sister. She'll be going with me."
"No!" Demeter cried trying to stand up.
Duo held her down and stared up at Heero.
Heero turned back towards the policeman. "I'm afraid officer; I won't let you do that."
"And I'm afraid you have no choice."
Suddenly, there was Millardo. "Officer, I believe there's a slight misunderstanding here. Hera has been under our supervision for months. She has no right to be taken."
The officer seemed to take Millardo's word over Heero's.
"Very well then. That's all." The officer replied before walking off.
The crowd grew quiet as the policemen left. Heero wiped his eyes and looked over at Demeter who was now standing but hugged tightly against Duo's chest. Both of them had tears in their eyes.
"Heero!" Relena's voice cut through Heero's daze.
Heero saw Relena running towards him and he found himself willingly opening his arms to her. She fell into his arms and he held her tightly.
"Oh god." He whispered. "Relena."
"I know, I know." Relena replied almost reading Heero's thoughts.
They just held each other for a long moment.
The announcer suddenly came over the intercom. "Show's over, people, go home." The crowd started to head out, though slowly.
Heero pulled away from Relena. "Come to my house tonight. Nine?"
Relena nodded once. "I'll be there. But right now, I need to get Hera back to our house."
"Okay. See you." Heero replied. He hugged Relena once more and then started off.
Heero noticed Duo and Demeter had already left. No doubt Demeter was at her wit's end.
Heero sighed. Everything had happened so fast. And the night wasn't over yet. He had something he had to tell Relena before he could sleep. He couldn't wait any longer.
~*~
Demeter sighed as she flopped onto the bed. She was dressed in her usual PJ's: Capri sweats and a long T-shirt. Duo came out just in sweats and got in bed.
"So, now everyone knows the truth. Your father's in jail. Treize is up for trial. Hera's almost permanently at the Dorlian's. You're alive..." Duo's voice broke. "I was so scared, Demeter, you weren't responding for a moment."
Demeter was just silent but her body titled towards Duo.
"Demeter?" Duo asked after a long, silent moment.
"You know something, Duo?"
"What?"
"I'm happy."
Duo looked over at her. Demeter propped herself up on her elbow. "Dad's gone, everyone knows the truth, Hera's safe. I'm alive. Treize will soon be gone. My heart's in Maine." Demeter sighed and then laughed. "There's only one thing that's left undone."
"And what's that?" Duo replied, shocked at her happy mood. But then he realized that Demeter's life was no longer lies and fright. She was free--- though she had paid a price. But nevertheless, his angel was now free.
"I do believe that we were in the middle of something. I told you not to lose that thought." Demeter replied smiling wryly. Demeter leaned over Duo and began to kiss him passionately.
Duo pulled his girlfriend fully against his body and let his mind rid itself of the traumatic night and focus on what was happening now.
~*~
Heero heard the doorbell ring as expected. He put down his book and walked to the front door and opened it.
"Relena." He replied softly.
"You said you wanted to see me. Nine, right?"
"Yeah," Heero replied a bit dazed. "Come in."
Relena walked in and took off her coat. Heero took it from her arms and hung it up.
"Can we talk in the living room?" He asked gently.
"Of course." Relena answered following Heero into the room. Heero motioned for her to sit in a nice white armchair and she did so. Heero sat down across from her. "So is there something in particular you wanted to talk about?"
"Yes, actually, there was something I wanted to, uh, talk about." Heero replied finding his hands very interesting.
"Well?" Relena encouraged.
"Relena, we're friends right?" Heero asked.
"The best of friends." Relena replied sitting forward. "Why Heero?"
"And nothing will ever change that right?" Heero asked again, looking into Relena's eyes.
"No, nothing." Relena said in a firm but questioning voice. "Heero...I'm not understanding where you're going with this."
Heero sighed. "This friendship means a lot to me. You're almost as close to me as Duo. But I feel different around you. I," Heero sighed. "I have to tell you this, Relena, because it's killing me to keep it bottled up." Heero groaned, ran a hand through his hair and then stared straight at Relena. "I think I love you."
Relena just sat there, in shock. Sure, she loved him. But he was almost unemotional. She would have never dreamed that he'd love her in return.
"Heero...I..." Was all Relena could say.
"I know, I don't expect you to feel the same."
Relena rolled her eyes almost not believing her luck. In a sudden burst of courage she stood up and knelt down in front of Heero.
"No Heero, I never expected *you* to feel the same." She replied. Before Heero could react her lips had met his and she held her mouth against his for a brief moment before withdrawing.
Heero looked at Relena in shock, happiness (what happiness he could conjure on a face such as his) and almost disbelief. "You love me too?"
"Are you kidding me? How do you think I sleep so well at night?" Relena laughed, relieved.
Heero tried out a laugh and though it felt strange to him it felt good to join in with Relena.
"So I guess it wouldn't shock you if I asked you to be my girlfriend...?"
Relena just laughed and ran a hand down his clean-shaven face. "Heero, I'd be shocked if we didn't date. Of course I'll be your girlfriend." She replied, her voice lowering.
Heero decided to reach out on a limb. He brought his face close to hers. Relena knew that Heero wanted to do this on his own so she held perfectly still.
"It's okay to kiss me Heero." She whispered.
Heero took one last breath before his lips met hers again and soon their timid kissing became open and Heero was almost shuddering with the passion flowing through him. Heero had sunk down to his knees and pulled Relena close against his body as they kissed fervently. Heero's tongue, though inexperienced, learned quickly from Relena's and soon there was no difference between the two.
When Heero started to feel strange stirrings in his body he decided to pull away. "Relena, I don't think we should go on anymore." He rasped.
Relena rested her forehead against his. "You're right and it's ten o'clock anyways. I was a little late arriving. I think I should go home."
"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow?" Heero asked standing up and walking her to the door.
"Of course, Heero, and the day after that and the day after that." She replied as she slipped into her coat.
"Goodnight Heero. Sleep well." She said softly.
There was a moment of hesitation before they kissed quickly but lovingly.
"Goodnight." Heero replied as Relena walked out to her car.
Heero watched her drive off before he shut the door and started up to his room.
Finally he could sleep.
AN: Okay, just for a quickie---for all of you who picked up the part where Demeter refers to her family being GREEK, I did that on purpose. I know Heero's Japanese or whatever but for certain reasons, I needed to change the ethnicity of the family. I hope no one minds that too much. I hope you enjoyed the story!