Disclaimers: I have not secretly purchased any characters from this anime recently.  

'Chapter 10 ~ Fractured Interlude '

Duo's sudden confession of his desire to return to L1 left me determined to bring his desires to life. After consulting Dr. Hawking, I made the unfortunate discovery that Duo Maxwell's body would be not be able to withstand the changes in cabin pressure that are typical of a shuttle flight for some time. Quatre discussed the idea of our companion moving into the vast Winner estate and returning only for physical therapy with the medical staff. Although the doctors would comply with releasing Duo into the young Winner's care after a week of observation, the stubborn braided boy had other reservations.

His heart set on displaying independence, Duo declined Quatre's invitation, much to the young blonde's dismay. Privately, he told me all he wanted was his own bed: an object that still lay millions of miles away. Still determined to please my love, I consulted a real-estate agent Quatre recommended. Locating a vacant two-story lakeside ranch house approximately twelve miles from the hospital where Duo was undergoing observation.

The house met all practical specifications however it was the landscape that convinced me to make the purchase. Secluded among a small forest of birch trees, the house had a massive deck protruding from the side that overlooked a crystal clear blue lake more than a mile wide. A narrow beach edged the water and backed into the house. The small town surrounding the area was rooted in tourism mostly; and being the early winter months, the serenity of the backdrop would remain undisturbed for quite some time

Un willing to disturb an already distraught Duo with the preparations, I set about furnishing and organizing my new home. Shopping not being my area of expertise, Quatre offered his assistance. I spent the weekend hand picking each little detail with the blonde's help. Remembering that all of Duo's personal possessions, including clothing, still remained on Howard's ship I took the liberty of purchasing a few items. Just the basics: underwear, t-shits, combat boots and a few pairs of jeans, all black of course. The old man promised to ship all of Duo's belongings in a few weeks time.

I did my best to make Duo's room comfortable for him, giving him the master suite. I would like to think that one day it will be our room, but for now it would be best to assume we'd keep separate quarters. The space had two sets of sliding doors that led out onto the terrace and it's own adjoining bathroom with a whirlpool. I know my braided companion enjoys the more simple things in life however during his impending recovery I want him to have all the best at his disposal. A queen-sized bed with jersey cotton sheets and a black leather sofa were my personal contributions, while Quatre purchased a full set of drawers and an antique chest. 

Hilde spent a great deal of time in Duo's hospital room, talking the poor boy's ear off. The two had always been the best of friends and I was glad to see her presence bring a familiar smile to his face. Alas, like Howard and Trowa, she could only stay in Sanq for a few days time. Pressing business back in L2 soon took her away. Trowa departed soon after with his circus troop, leaving only Quatre, Wufei and myself to occupy Duo's time.

Durring my long shopping trips with Quatre, I was informed that he and Wufei had made the decision to part intimate companies. I didn't ask if Trowa's visit play a role in their decision; in fact I didn't say much at all. The blonde offered a drawn out explanation about how pressing matters in their carrier paths would continue to keep them overwhelmed, and this not being the right environment for their relationship to blossom.

Personally, I think he's love for Barton and Wufei's guilt for his actions with Duo drove them apart.

But that's just my opinion.

I spent every night at the hospital, trying to divert Duo's attention from the countless doctor's visits and beeping machinery. We'd play chess or assemble more model kits together. His laughter would fill the room as I let him win a game for the third time in a row. I felt light hearted and free again. Our conversations flowed for hours on end. At night, I'd sleep in the chair by the bed, often waking to find him gazing up at me. I'd smile down into the depths of his violet orbs and tell him to get some needed rest.

His favorite excuse was: 'Heero, I slept for a freaking month! Do you really think I wanna sleep now?'       

The week flew by, and finally came the day I was to take Duo to our new home.

That was the day that changed everything.

The day the silence returned…

***

Night.

The most desolate time is when the twilight falls and the two of us return to our independent spaces. Although, merely a narrow hall separates us, it feels like a mile.

I thought it best to give Duo as much personal space as possible; considering the constant intrusions he suffered while staying in the hospital. Even thought he hadn't seemed discontented with my decision, or voiced and opposition, I wondered if I should have succumb to the desire to crawl into his bed the first night. 

I want to shower him with attention, friendly love, and comfort. However, I must be weary to not overstep my boundaries. The importance of Duo's recovery cannot be obstructed by my own personal desires. I will tell him the truth of my emotions when the time is right. But the question remains; when will the time be right?

He's standing out on the balcony again, I can see his shadow lain out on the floor through the open doorway.

The therapist issued him a walker so that he'd have an easier time moving around. I know he despises the idea of being dependent on the awkward contraption, and so far has forgone its use. He relays mostly on me for assistance moving about the house. At night he struggles along the wall and pushes open the huge double glass doors to view the stars reflected in the lake. At times I find him sleeping on the terrace when I awake, and carry him back to bed.

I wonder if I've made a mistake, insisting he leave the hospital to stay here. Home is what he wants, and I thought I'd done an adequate job of establishing one in this space. But home isn't furniture or wall-to-wall carpet. Home is comfort, warmth, and a place to feel safe.     

Home is wrapped in Duo's arms.  

I hear him stumble as he makes his way back to bed, collapsing with a sigh. I feel his eyes on me again. We lay motionless for a moment before I turn my head to look across the hall and rest my eyes on his torn face. I gaze deep into his eyes for an instant before his hand extends as if reaching for mine.

I want to reach out and feel his fair fingers brush against my skin. My heart clenches in my chest but I can't move. I have to remember that acting too soon could decompose the bonds between us. Pushing back tears, I lay motionless waiting for his eyelids to seal.    

So this is what we've become…

We send each other pleading looks across a narrow hallway until one of us falls victim to unconsciousness.   

Something has to happen.

Something must change.

This pain in my chest has to go away.

But what can I do?

TBC…

A/N: I know this chapter is REALLY short. But it's meant to be kinda a chaplet or interlude for what I have planned next… hence the title…

* Hugs everyone * so keep those reviews coming and I'll do my best to update soon…