Chapter six, "Come and get me!"
True Violet
~
Heero sat beside Duo in the hospital. Duo lay in bed, eyes closed, yet he was awake, breathing heavily into an oxygen mask. His face, along with everything else, was black and blue. He found that he could not rest, because he was worried about his sister.
"Where's Sis?" Duo said between breaths. "I don't remember what happened."
"You rest, I'll find your sister," Heero leaned forward in his chair. "Listen, I know who did this. I'll get them. They're the ones who killed my grandfather."
Duo nodded. He swallowed and uttered a small sob.
A soft knock arose from the door's direction. A doctor walked in shutting the door gently behind him. "I hope I'm not interrupting an important conversation. Sir, can I speak with you privately?" The doctor's glasses drooped and he pushed it back up with his index finger.
Heero glanced at Duo, whose face was pale and grave. He stood up and silently followed the doctor out of the room. Duo stared long at the shut door, hoping that no evil would reenter the room.
Heero followed the doctor into the hallway, where he took a seat next to him.
The doctor, or Dr. Gillespie, looked over few papers before saying in a low voice, "You're the only one here that knows him. I need his phone number to get a hold of his parents. I think it's fair that I should tell you, you live with the family right?"
Heero nodded his head.
"He's suffered a few broken bones," Gillespie took a breath and gave a small cough before going on, "We've discovered that he's internally bleeding in the stomach."
Heero swallowed and glanced down at his hands before looking back into the doctor's eyes.
"We have the option of surgery which is the only possible choice right now, but we need to contact his parents."
Heero new it was time, he could not stay here any longer. He told DR. Gillespie what he needed to know and ran down the Hall. 'Don't be afraid Duo. Be strong.'
~
Akemi growled as she struggled to get free of the ropes that tied her to a thick pipe. "I swear, I'll kick your ass!" she hissed at a man.
"Yeah, well, talk is cheap!" A girl slapped duck tape over Akemi's mouth. "That asshole gonna' regret the day he messed with us, this is our town and we can take it out whenever we want!"
Akemi narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Boss pulled her ponytail, "Where is he?!" Akemi shrugged casually. "Arrogant bitch," he spat and sat down on a crate.
Heero would come, when the time was right.
~
Heero burst out the front doors of the hospital, leaving surprised nurses and patients behind. He would not stop running, he couldn't afford to, not when two lives were on the line. It was his responsibility, he didn't want to think about what would happen if the Maxwell's lost both their children, he would never forgive himself. 'It's all my fault,' Heero thought frantically, 'I got them mixed up in my affairs. Now I've ruined their lives.' He thought about how he thought his life was being ruined.
He pushed through crowds of people, ignoring their unpleased cries. He was so close; he can't stop now. His eyes brightened when he saw the alley and he turned sharply, around the corner. As he ran down the alley, he withdrew a gun, which had been secretly hidden in his tucked-in shirt.
The building was close. Soon he knocked down the door, gun raised and ready. He looked around the building. It was empty. He took several steps in, on full alert. Suddenly, movements came from overhead and he dropped to the ground rolling to the left. He jumped to his feet and narrowed his eyes. Two men stood before him. He glanced up seeing the rest of the group perching on pipes on the ceiling. The leader fell to his feet standing straight he popped his neck. "Well, look who's back! Ready to take an ass whoopin'?" The others laughed.
Heero saw Akemi tied to the pipe far back in the room. "Akemi!" He took just one step forward.
"Nuh uh uh! Not so fast! We gotta' settle this!" Boss grinned. "We'll let the chickadee go, if you promise us that we could paralyze you so you could never walk again! Or, you could fight me!"
"Sound reasonable," Heero smirked. "No weapons."
Boss shrugged and took the pocketknives from his pockets. Heero dropped his gun and kicked it to one side. The others weren't so keen on clean fighting, but they agreed anyway, watching from their perches the ceiling pipes. Akemi narrowed her eyes. Heero threw down his jacket, likewise Boss did. Heero spat and put up his fists. Boss snickered and took his own pose. The two stared each other down, the others cheering for their leader like a pack of wolves.
Suddenly Heero ran at him, ducked and punched at Boss's stomach. He feinted to one side and slid towards the other. He threw another punch and Boss caught his fist. He stared evilly into Heero's eyes and squeezed Heero's fist, causing his knuckles to pop painfully. Heero gritted his teeth and struck Boss in the face. Boss recovered quickly and kicked Heero across the room.
Heero looked up and caught the look on Akemi's face. She was making the gesture to come to her. He knew she had a plan, but he didn't know if he trusted her.
"Ooff!" Heero was kicked in the stomach.
"Get up!"
Heero staggered to his feet, putting up his fists again. He had taken several steps towards Akemi before he lashed out at Boss again. Boss again caught his fist, and he twirled Heero around, his arm around Heero's neck, punching him in the stomach. Heero tucked his chin under the man's arm, grabbed onto the arm and leaned forward elbowing Boss in the groin.
"Sorry what a dirty trick!" Heero scorned.
"Eeer!" Boss looked up at the boy. Angrily he staggered up, knees shaking. Heero stepped towards Akemi. He was within nine meters of her. He had to get closer without letting Boss catch on. Boss charged at Heero catching his face. Heero spat blood from his mouth and high kicked bosses face. With each attack, Heero stepped closer to Akemi.
Soon he was within three meters of her. He just needed the perfect attack to get closer. An idea popped into his head. He punched at Boss letting him catch his fist then letting him twirl him around again. This time, Heero rolled forward, rolling over Boss and into the wall next to Akemi. While Boss was down, Heero quickly took out the knife he had hidden on his ankle in a holster. He cut Akemi loose, and she ripped off the duck tape, "Let's go!"
People booed as both Heero and Akemi fought with Boss. "Come and get me!" Akemi warned. He punched her in the face she recovered and did a "tornado kick" in his stomach. When he leaned over clutching his stomach, Heero grabbed his face and kneed it and pushed him down to the ground. When Boss staggered back up, Akemi launched herself onto his back and bit his ear until it bled while Heero punched him.
Finally Boss fell to the ground exhausted. "Two against one isn't fair," he said between breaths. Heero and Akemi stared down at him with calm eyes.
The rest of the group jumped down from their perches on the pipes. Akemi and Heero moved out of the way. They surrounded Boss like wolves. "What are you looking at? Get them!" They just looked at Boss with dull eyes. He was no longer fit to lead. They looked upon Heero with affectionate eyes.
"No. I cannot be your leader. You are free to go." Heero heard sirens. Someone had called the cops. "Akemi, let's go!" The two ran from the building, leaving the others to confront the cops and tell them all that had happened. The group was apologetic. They would make sure that Boss went to prison, especially for killing Grandpa J.
~
Heero was in the lead of Akemi. "Heero slow down, what's the matter?"
Heero could not tell her, but he knew that it was right. "It's your brother!"
It was then that Akemi realized they were running towards the hospital. She grabbed Heero's arm and jerked him to a stop, almost causing him to fall. "What happened?! Where's Duo? He's alright, I know it!"
"He's in the hospital," Heero said calmly. "We don't have a lot of time. Your parents may already be there."
Akemi bolted, running as fast as her legs would take her. She would not wait for people, pushing them aside. Heero took a breath before chasing after.
As they reached the parking lot, Akemi began to slow down. Something was telling her to stay back. She slowed to a jog, allowing Heero the opportunity to catch up. "C'mon," he urged on.
Through the twin glass doors they went. Akemi's heart pounded so fast her chest felt like it was about to split open. It was as if a rock had formed in her stomach. She caught site of her parents. "Mom! Dad!" she ran to them throwing herself into there arms. Heero stopped and watched, his face cold and pale. Akemi looked up into her father's eyes.
He leaned his head forward holding her close. She tried to wrest herself free, but he had a tight grip. She looked up holding his gaze. Suddenly, he put his hand on her head, leaning his head against hers.
Heero waited impatiently.
Finally Father spoke.
"He's gone."
Akemi wrenched herself free, pushing her dad away roughly in the process. "Duo. Duo. Duo," she repeated his name. No tears came from her eyes.
Heero narrowed his eyes and hung his head. He felt the agonizing pain of guilt. He had rejected Duo. All he ever wanted was to be loved by somebody without being rejected by the world and Heero ruined his hope. Heero realized sadly.
Nobody had said goodbye.
~
The next few days passed. Akemi and her mother did not eat. They didn't have the heart to. Both were pale and Mother's eyes were sore and red after crying over her lost child, her baby.
Akemi had not cried yet. That kind of pain had not hit her yet. She was still in a shocked state. Once, her Father had shut Duo's bedroom door. Akemi had gone into fury saying, "No! Don't do that! I don't want you to do that!" Her father had let go of the doorknob and pushed it softly back open. She still felt like a large stone was in her stomach.
The night that Duo had died, Heero had gone up and into Duo's room. He had stood straight arms limp at his side, looking at everything. They were just how Duo left them, the bed unmade, a pair of shoes lying beside the open closet, a jacket thrown upon the floor. It was all there, just how Duo had left it. Heero felt a sudden emptiness and loneliness, like he felt after Grandpa J's death. So Heero sat in the middle of the room until the time had reached midnight. Then he had climbed up on Duo's bed, carefully so he would not wreck the way the covers had been left. Soon, Akemi had made her way into the room, and crawled on the other side of the bed, careful not to disturb Heero from his sleep. She had dug her face into his pillow Duo smells were all over it.
That same night, Heero had dreamed of Grandpa J, standing under the sunlight. Heero was a little boy again, small and full of energy. Then it happened. Duo, his fifteen year old self, walked up beside Grandpa J and looked down at Heero. He smiled lovingly.
Heero had woken up. He stared into the open eyes of Akemi. He could not deny it then. He had loved Duo and never realized it until then. He had lost two people, who he had loved dearly. Tears came to his eyes, suddenly and he buried his face into his pillow, his throat hurt and he choked back hot tears. Akemi scooted beside him, until their sides were touching and she lay her head on his back, holding back her own tears, that finally came to her.
~
Akemi woke one morning. The house was cold and she crossed her arms hoping that would give her some heat. She softly entered Duo's room. Half- heartedly, she looked about the room. She looked down at Heero's make shift bed. Heero was gone.
She walked into the room looking at everything that belonged to her brother. She looked at the picture frames on his desk. There was the picture of him as a child in their Father's arms, a picture of him and her, and one that they took last year, but the picture that stood out the most, was the picture of Heero. The one Duo had taken from her room. She knew that Duo loved Heero.
Then suddenly, she noticed a small piece of paper. She picked it up reading the words carefully.
I'm sorry, but I must not stay here. I have caused too much trouble for your family. I must leave you in peace. Remember, we may meet again in the future.
Sincerest apology, Heero Yuy
~
Heero Yuy sat on a bus. Where it was taking him, he did not know. As long as he could get away from that town, he'd be happy again. Duo still lingered in his mind and he still felt the emptiness. He had lost the ones he loved, there was no one left. Akemi was thought of as a friend, somehow Heero found that strange. He thought he had feelings for her, but he realized those feelings were misdirected. He was actually aiming for Duo. Akemi never appealed to him.
Heero would find a new life, and would hopefully cope with the loss of Duo Maxwell.
~
Akemi smiled wearily, holding the paper in her hands, "Yes Heero. Spread your wings and fly away. You will always be Duo's true violet."
Owari
How did you like it? Personally, I think it was a cruddy ending but oh well, at least it's over.
True Violet
~
Heero sat beside Duo in the hospital. Duo lay in bed, eyes closed, yet he was awake, breathing heavily into an oxygen mask. His face, along with everything else, was black and blue. He found that he could not rest, because he was worried about his sister.
"Where's Sis?" Duo said between breaths. "I don't remember what happened."
"You rest, I'll find your sister," Heero leaned forward in his chair. "Listen, I know who did this. I'll get them. They're the ones who killed my grandfather."
Duo nodded. He swallowed and uttered a small sob.
A soft knock arose from the door's direction. A doctor walked in shutting the door gently behind him. "I hope I'm not interrupting an important conversation. Sir, can I speak with you privately?" The doctor's glasses drooped and he pushed it back up with his index finger.
Heero glanced at Duo, whose face was pale and grave. He stood up and silently followed the doctor out of the room. Duo stared long at the shut door, hoping that no evil would reenter the room.
Heero followed the doctor into the hallway, where he took a seat next to him.
The doctor, or Dr. Gillespie, looked over few papers before saying in a low voice, "You're the only one here that knows him. I need his phone number to get a hold of his parents. I think it's fair that I should tell you, you live with the family right?"
Heero nodded his head.
"He's suffered a few broken bones," Gillespie took a breath and gave a small cough before going on, "We've discovered that he's internally bleeding in the stomach."
Heero swallowed and glanced down at his hands before looking back into the doctor's eyes.
"We have the option of surgery which is the only possible choice right now, but we need to contact his parents."
Heero new it was time, he could not stay here any longer. He told DR. Gillespie what he needed to know and ran down the Hall. 'Don't be afraid Duo. Be strong.'
~
Akemi growled as she struggled to get free of the ropes that tied her to a thick pipe. "I swear, I'll kick your ass!" she hissed at a man.
"Yeah, well, talk is cheap!" A girl slapped duck tape over Akemi's mouth. "That asshole gonna' regret the day he messed with us, this is our town and we can take it out whenever we want!"
Akemi narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Boss pulled her ponytail, "Where is he?!" Akemi shrugged casually. "Arrogant bitch," he spat and sat down on a crate.
Heero would come, when the time was right.
~
Heero burst out the front doors of the hospital, leaving surprised nurses and patients behind. He would not stop running, he couldn't afford to, not when two lives were on the line. It was his responsibility, he didn't want to think about what would happen if the Maxwell's lost both their children, he would never forgive himself. 'It's all my fault,' Heero thought frantically, 'I got them mixed up in my affairs. Now I've ruined their lives.' He thought about how he thought his life was being ruined.
He pushed through crowds of people, ignoring their unpleased cries. He was so close; he can't stop now. His eyes brightened when he saw the alley and he turned sharply, around the corner. As he ran down the alley, he withdrew a gun, which had been secretly hidden in his tucked-in shirt.
The building was close. Soon he knocked down the door, gun raised and ready. He looked around the building. It was empty. He took several steps in, on full alert. Suddenly, movements came from overhead and he dropped to the ground rolling to the left. He jumped to his feet and narrowed his eyes. Two men stood before him. He glanced up seeing the rest of the group perching on pipes on the ceiling. The leader fell to his feet standing straight he popped his neck. "Well, look who's back! Ready to take an ass whoopin'?" The others laughed.
Heero saw Akemi tied to the pipe far back in the room. "Akemi!" He took just one step forward.
"Nuh uh uh! Not so fast! We gotta' settle this!" Boss grinned. "We'll let the chickadee go, if you promise us that we could paralyze you so you could never walk again! Or, you could fight me!"
"Sound reasonable," Heero smirked. "No weapons."
Boss shrugged and took the pocketknives from his pockets. Heero dropped his gun and kicked it to one side. The others weren't so keen on clean fighting, but they agreed anyway, watching from their perches the ceiling pipes. Akemi narrowed her eyes. Heero threw down his jacket, likewise Boss did. Heero spat and put up his fists. Boss snickered and took his own pose. The two stared each other down, the others cheering for their leader like a pack of wolves.
Suddenly Heero ran at him, ducked and punched at Boss's stomach. He feinted to one side and slid towards the other. He threw another punch and Boss caught his fist. He stared evilly into Heero's eyes and squeezed Heero's fist, causing his knuckles to pop painfully. Heero gritted his teeth and struck Boss in the face. Boss recovered quickly and kicked Heero across the room.
Heero looked up and caught the look on Akemi's face. She was making the gesture to come to her. He knew she had a plan, but he didn't know if he trusted her.
"Ooff!" Heero was kicked in the stomach.
"Get up!"
Heero staggered to his feet, putting up his fists again. He had taken several steps towards Akemi before he lashed out at Boss again. Boss again caught his fist, and he twirled Heero around, his arm around Heero's neck, punching him in the stomach. Heero tucked his chin under the man's arm, grabbed onto the arm and leaned forward elbowing Boss in the groin.
"Sorry what a dirty trick!" Heero scorned.
"Eeer!" Boss looked up at the boy. Angrily he staggered up, knees shaking. Heero stepped towards Akemi. He was within nine meters of her. He had to get closer without letting Boss catch on. Boss charged at Heero catching his face. Heero spat blood from his mouth and high kicked bosses face. With each attack, Heero stepped closer to Akemi.
Soon he was within three meters of her. He just needed the perfect attack to get closer. An idea popped into his head. He punched at Boss letting him catch his fist then letting him twirl him around again. This time, Heero rolled forward, rolling over Boss and into the wall next to Akemi. While Boss was down, Heero quickly took out the knife he had hidden on his ankle in a holster. He cut Akemi loose, and she ripped off the duck tape, "Let's go!"
People booed as both Heero and Akemi fought with Boss. "Come and get me!" Akemi warned. He punched her in the face she recovered and did a "tornado kick" in his stomach. When he leaned over clutching his stomach, Heero grabbed his face and kneed it and pushed him down to the ground. When Boss staggered back up, Akemi launched herself onto his back and bit his ear until it bled while Heero punched him.
Finally Boss fell to the ground exhausted. "Two against one isn't fair," he said between breaths. Heero and Akemi stared down at him with calm eyes.
The rest of the group jumped down from their perches on the pipes. Akemi and Heero moved out of the way. They surrounded Boss like wolves. "What are you looking at? Get them!" They just looked at Boss with dull eyes. He was no longer fit to lead. They looked upon Heero with affectionate eyes.
"No. I cannot be your leader. You are free to go." Heero heard sirens. Someone had called the cops. "Akemi, let's go!" The two ran from the building, leaving the others to confront the cops and tell them all that had happened. The group was apologetic. They would make sure that Boss went to prison, especially for killing Grandpa J.
~
Heero was in the lead of Akemi. "Heero slow down, what's the matter?"
Heero could not tell her, but he knew that it was right. "It's your brother!"
It was then that Akemi realized they were running towards the hospital. She grabbed Heero's arm and jerked him to a stop, almost causing him to fall. "What happened?! Where's Duo? He's alright, I know it!"
"He's in the hospital," Heero said calmly. "We don't have a lot of time. Your parents may already be there."
Akemi bolted, running as fast as her legs would take her. She would not wait for people, pushing them aside. Heero took a breath before chasing after.
As they reached the parking lot, Akemi began to slow down. Something was telling her to stay back. She slowed to a jog, allowing Heero the opportunity to catch up. "C'mon," he urged on.
Through the twin glass doors they went. Akemi's heart pounded so fast her chest felt like it was about to split open. It was as if a rock had formed in her stomach. She caught site of her parents. "Mom! Dad!" she ran to them throwing herself into there arms. Heero stopped and watched, his face cold and pale. Akemi looked up into her father's eyes.
He leaned his head forward holding her close. She tried to wrest herself free, but he had a tight grip. She looked up holding his gaze. Suddenly, he put his hand on her head, leaning his head against hers.
Heero waited impatiently.
Finally Father spoke.
"He's gone."
Akemi wrenched herself free, pushing her dad away roughly in the process. "Duo. Duo. Duo," she repeated his name. No tears came from her eyes.
Heero narrowed his eyes and hung his head. He felt the agonizing pain of guilt. He had rejected Duo. All he ever wanted was to be loved by somebody without being rejected by the world and Heero ruined his hope. Heero realized sadly.
Nobody had said goodbye.
~
The next few days passed. Akemi and her mother did not eat. They didn't have the heart to. Both were pale and Mother's eyes were sore and red after crying over her lost child, her baby.
Akemi had not cried yet. That kind of pain had not hit her yet. She was still in a shocked state. Once, her Father had shut Duo's bedroom door. Akemi had gone into fury saying, "No! Don't do that! I don't want you to do that!" Her father had let go of the doorknob and pushed it softly back open. She still felt like a large stone was in her stomach.
The night that Duo had died, Heero had gone up and into Duo's room. He had stood straight arms limp at his side, looking at everything. They were just how Duo left them, the bed unmade, a pair of shoes lying beside the open closet, a jacket thrown upon the floor. It was all there, just how Duo had left it. Heero felt a sudden emptiness and loneliness, like he felt after Grandpa J's death. So Heero sat in the middle of the room until the time had reached midnight. Then he had climbed up on Duo's bed, carefully so he would not wreck the way the covers had been left. Soon, Akemi had made her way into the room, and crawled on the other side of the bed, careful not to disturb Heero from his sleep. She had dug her face into his pillow Duo smells were all over it.
That same night, Heero had dreamed of Grandpa J, standing under the sunlight. Heero was a little boy again, small and full of energy. Then it happened. Duo, his fifteen year old self, walked up beside Grandpa J and looked down at Heero. He smiled lovingly.
Heero had woken up. He stared into the open eyes of Akemi. He could not deny it then. He had loved Duo and never realized it until then. He had lost two people, who he had loved dearly. Tears came to his eyes, suddenly and he buried his face into his pillow, his throat hurt and he choked back hot tears. Akemi scooted beside him, until their sides were touching and she lay her head on his back, holding back her own tears, that finally came to her.
~
Akemi woke one morning. The house was cold and she crossed her arms hoping that would give her some heat. She softly entered Duo's room. Half- heartedly, she looked about the room. She looked down at Heero's make shift bed. Heero was gone.
She walked into the room looking at everything that belonged to her brother. She looked at the picture frames on his desk. There was the picture of him as a child in their Father's arms, a picture of him and her, and one that they took last year, but the picture that stood out the most, was the picture of Heero. The one Duo had taken from her room. She knew that Duo loved Heero.
Then suddenly, she noticed a small piece of paper. She picked it up reading the words carefully.
I'm sorry, but I must not stay here. I have caused too much trouble for your family. I must leave you in peace. Remember, we may meet again in the future.
Sincerest apology, Heero Yuy
~
Heero Yuy sat on a bus. Where it was taking him, he did not know. As long as he could get away from that town, he'd be happy again. Duo still lingered in his mind and he still felt the emptiness. He had lost the ones he loved, there was no one left. Akemi was thought of as a friend, somehow Heero found that strange. He thought he had feelings for her, but he realized those feelings were misdirected. He was actually aiming for Duo. Akemi never appealed to him.
Heero would find a new life, and would hopefully cope with the loss of Duo Maxwell.
~
Akemi smiled wearily, holding the paper in her hands, "Yes Heero. Spread your wings and fly away. You will always be Duo's true violet."
Owari
How did you like it? Personally, I think it was a cruddy ending but oh well, at least it's over.