Author: aomurasakiai
Warnings: AU, Angst, Sap, Shounen ai/Yaoi
Pairings: 2+1, 1+2, 2x1
Spoilers: None
Rating: PG-13
*Everything above may be
subject to change*
Fragile Faith: Chapter 10 – Opening Up
When they finally left the aquarium Duo was mentally cheering himself since he was able to make Heero open up to him even more. To see him smile and even laugh was the most rewarding thing in the world and he was willing to do anything and everything to see it again.
Well, perhaps not only to see it again… but to keep it there.
"Hey Heero. You wanna eat now?" It was close to dinnertime and they hadn't eaten since around noon, also ramen doesn't tend to fill one up for too long. Duo watched as Heero looked away to ponder a moment. Duo smiled as he studied Heero's profile; he couldn't help but think that this boy in front of him was getting more beautiful each time he saw him.
"You pick this time." Duo blinked when he heard Heero's soft voice. He smiled gently.
"Nah, it's okay Heero. You can choose. I don't know if what I choose will suit you. I like some pretty weird things after all!" he laughed.
"No you… you've done a lot for me already." Heero lowered his head not wanting Duo to see the pain that was probably evident in his eyes.
'You've done a lot… more than anyone…'
He was surprised when Duo came up to him and wrapped his arms around his body. He stiffened until he heard Duo speaking quietly in his ear.
"I wish I could do more… Heero." The Japanese boy hesitated before laying his head on the American's shoulder. He brought his arms up slightly to loosely wrap them around the other's waist. It was almost like before… inside the mall. He felt warm in Duo's embrace.
Cared for. Protected. Needed.
Needed.
That word echoed in his mind. Needed… Did Duo really need him? Heero tightened his hold as he closed his eyes, trying to keep his tears inside.
'At least… let me fool myself for right now.'
"Well then…" Duo spoke barely in a whisper. "How about Chinese? Or Italian? You like Italian? Mexican is good too. Or maybe…" As Duo continued, Heero couldn't help but smile.
"Italian sounds good," he replied. Duo pulled away and smiled.
"I know a good place. The pasta is great there." Seeing Heero nod, Duo clasped onto the other's hand almost like second nature and led him to the car.
Nothing overly exciting happened during dinner. They had lasagna and Heero ate mechanically again but Duo saw that he was eating more slowly than before, almost as if he was enjoying the taste. That made Duo smile.
Opportunity hit when Duo spotted some sauce at the corner of Heero's lip. His heart pounded as he debated whether or not he should go for it.
"Duo?" Heero's voice caused Duo to look up. The Japanese boy had stopped eating and was looking at him in confusion. Duo realized that he was staring but managed a smile.
"You have some sauce right here."
Before he could change his mind he reached forward and gently rubbed his
thumb across Heero's lips, wiping the sauce away. His heart was pounding in his chest as he felt how incredibly
soft and smooth the other's lips were.
"A… Arigato," Heero said in a whisper. Duo blinked when he saw the Japanese boy blush pink. He didn't mention it and they continued to eat in silence.
Once they were done, Duo looked at the western skies to see the sun just about to set. An idea popped into his mind and he quickly grabbed Heero by the wrist and pulled him to the car. After driving through the nearly deserted streets he parked on the curb and got out.
"You'll love this Heero," he said to the confused teen. Before Heero could react, a hand closed over his wrist again and he ran to keep up with the American boy. He didn't have any clue where Duo was taking him but still… he trusted him. As Duo slowed down, he heard… water. They climbed up some stairs and when they reached the top, Heero gasped softly.
It was a fountain; and a large one at that. It wasn't all that intricate but it was still breathtaking as the water flowed almost calmly down the stone structure. The circular fountain was high off the ground so that the stone allowed people to sit and lean against it without getting wet.
Duo ran around the fountain and Heero followed. Once they reached the other side Heero had to close his eyes quickly because of the setting sun. When they adjusted to the light, his mouth parted in amazement as he watched the sun disappear slowly into the distant ocean. Duo walked forward.
"I used to love coming here at this time. The sun is incredibly beautiful when it sets." He turned around and smiled at the Japanese teen. Heero couldn't help but smile back. They both moved to sit at the fountain and leaned back on the stone as they watched the sun set slowly. A cool breeze blew by and Duo glanced out of the corner of his eye. Heero looked so stunning with his hair moving in the wind and the warm colors chasing the shadows away from his face.
Heero, on the other hand, was too busy focusing on the setting sun and how it reminded him of the CD that Duo had given him. It was the exact same scene that appeared on the cover. He raised one hand and moved it in the air as if to caress the sight before him.
"It's… kirei. Beautiful." With the sounds of the falling water behind him and the quiet, calm scene in front, he blinked slowly as the day's events finally caught up to him. Before long he was asleep and Duo looked at him in surprise. An inner debate with his conscience ensued but his desire for the Japanese boy won.
Duo nodded with determination before swallowing hard. He carefully slid closer to the sleeping Japanese teen and slowly wrapped his arm around the other's shoulders. Duo didn't have a chance to move any further since Heero immediately leaned into the warmth that Duo's body was radiating. The American just smiled as he watched the peaceful boy sleep in his arms until the stars came out.
When the wind picked up increasing the chill of the cool night air, he carefully lifted Heero up and carried him to the car. During the drive back to the orphanage Heero didn't wake, nor did he stir. Lady Une immediately opened the door when he arrived and she smiled in relief when she saw Heero asleep. She helped Duo open the door to Heero's room before leaving them to go check on the kids.
Duo saw that Heero's pillow and blankets were already laid out on the window seat and silently thanked Lady Une. He carefully placed Heero upon the soft pillow and pulled the blankets up. Still kneeling beside the sleeping boy he smiled as he realized just how lucky he was to have met him. Reaching out he caressed Heero's cheek.
"You are beautiful Heero," he whispered and he leaned close to kiss him softly on the other cheek.
"Sweet dreams." Reluctantly he stood and made his way to the door. Once it closed, a pair of cobalt blue eyes filled with tears opened slightly.
tbc…