"A Christmas Story" Chapter 12

Heero stood in the study doorway until his sister noticed him. "Heero why didn't you say something? What can I do for you?"

"Well I was wondering if you would take me shopping," Heero said looking down.

"Oh, for what?" Relena asked standing up.

"A gift for Duo..."

"Oh well of course, let me get my coat," she agreed with a warm smile.

"Thank you."

Walking around the mall Heero didn't have a clue what Duo would like. They wandered in and out of stores and he was feeling absolutely lost. As they rest on a bench he just wanted to give up. "I just don't know... this was a dumb idea."

"No it wasn't, you'll know the perfect gift when you see it, I promise," Relena said stopping his negative thoughts.

"You think so?" He asked still unsure.

"Yes I do," she urged. "Now come on there are several stores left."

They continued through the mall until Heero found what he thought was the perfect gift. The store even wrapped it for him. Surprisingly he felt happy with the weight of the bag in his hand. He smiled at Relena who smiled warmly back. She was happy to see these changes for the better and all thanks to Duo. She hoped the man who had changed her brother's life would like her gift.

"Duo told his friends the party is going to start at five on Christmas Eve... only a week away. How are you feeling?" Relena wondered as they walked home.

"All right..." Heero replied slowly.

"I know this time of year is going to be hard for you. Just know there are people who care about you and always will. Heero I love you so much," she said slipping her arm around his shoulders.

"I love you too Lena," Heero finally said leaning closer to her.

"Hey what do you say we make some cookies?" Relena offered as they approached the front door.

"I think that would be fun."

"All right put your gift under the tree and meet me in the kitchen," Relena said opening the front door.

Relena stopped in the doorway causing Heero to bump into her back before her hand came to grip his arm. Heero looked up surprised but then his heart stopped. Everything in the entryway had been knocked over or broken.

Heero followed Relena further into their home to peak in the living room where their tree had been toppled over and everything was in disarray. Relena grabbed the cordless phone off the floor and dialed 9-1-1. Heero was about to approach the fallen tree when she grabbed his arm again.

"Hello police, yes my house was broken into. I think they are already gone," she said into the phone her voice heavy. She gave them their address then hung up. "Come on lets wait outside."

Heero followed her numbly, shock overwhelming him. Relena dialed another number on the phone as they sat on the front steps. She spoke quietly into the phone Heero only catching a few words in his numb mind.

Several moments later a car pulled up to the curb in front of their home. A man and woman climbed out slowly approaching them. "You called about a burglary?" The woman asked softly.

"Yes," Relena answered pulling Heero closer.

"We're going to check the house ma'am, you wait here," the man said before going inside followed closely by the woman.

"Relena, Heero are you two all right?"

Relena looked up at the sound of Duo's voice, the man running through the yard toward them. She nodded slowly. "We weren't home... why would anyone do this and so close to Christmas."

Duo sat down beside Heero gently laying his hand on the young man's shoulder. "That is hard to say... I'm just glad you both are safe. Heero?"

"He hasn't said a word, I don't know if it is just shock..." Relena answered.

Duo wrapped his arm around Heero's waist when the young man suddenly collapsed against him. He wanted nothing more then the comfort Duo's arm brought. Duo held him tighter when the two officers reappeared.

"Everything is secure. Do you know if anything was taken?" The woman asked.

"Haven't really looked, I just called as soon as I saw the entryway," Relena answered standing from the porch steps.

"All right, well if you do find anything missing give us a call," the woman replied handing over a card.

"I will and thank you."

"You're welcome, oh ma'am where are your parents?"

"They died, I have custody of my little brother until he is eighteen," she answered not looking at Duo.

"Oh, well call us if you get any information."

The two officers left as Duo pulled Heero to his feet. He ushered the young man inside followed by Relena. Heero pulled away from Duo seeing the tree. "It's ruined," he shouted before running upstairs.

Duo helped Relena stand the tree back up properly and collect the ornaments from the floor. Relena refused to meet his eyes, "Doesn't look like anything was broken."

"Relena about your answer," Duo insisted not allowing the subject to drop.

"No they aren't dead," she said sitting on the sofa. "But I did get custody of Heero when they left. The accounts that they had placed in mine and Heero's name were also given to me. We both have enough money that neither of us would have to word."

"Why didn't you just say something before?" Duo asked sitting down.

"I wanted you to see Heero, not the money or family problems."

"I've always just seen Heero, none of that other stuff matters," Duo assured her. "I think I'm gonna go and see him now, make sure he is okay."

"Thank you Duo," she said as he stood up.

"What for?"

"Everything," she said before shooing him upstairs.

Duo gently pushed Heero's bedroom door open to see the room miraculously untouched. Heero sat in the bay window his head buried before his knees. Duo approached quietly sitting across from him. "Heero nothing is ruined, the tree is fine. Just have to do a little cleaning and the place will look just like before."

"Lena looked so sad... I don't want her to be sad," Heero whispered. When Duo opened his arms Heero quickly buried himself in the embrace. "I hate people."

"Yeah well some people are just not nice no matter the season," Duo explained squeezing Heero tighter. "You know what I'm gonna find out who did this and make them pay."

Heero lifted his head to meet Duo's eyes; he was surprised Duo would say such a thing with such conviction. "Why?"

"Because I refuse to allow the most important person in my life to be hurt by anyone," Duo answered protectively.

"Relena?" Heero asked timidly.

"No, you silly," Duo said with a smile. "We're still going to have the party here next week right?"

Heero nodded his head unable to find the words to speak. Duo had said hew as the most important person in his life. Why would he say such a thing? Could he possibly mean it? Heero just wasn't sure at all, not anymore.