All That You Are and All That You Do
Gomen ne Rae. I didn't mean to but you know how we Goddess's get when we're angry. Please gomen nasi. Rae, aibou, best friend. -_- No Onegai (dramatically falls to ground at Rae's feet.) I'll do anything. Anything? Well, no, but I can get rid of your pesky Ototo for you. (Stands to feet and flicks out hidden flaming green scythe from hammer-space) All I need is your consent. But I love my little brother. Rae's Ototo: Hey Rae, Heero likes to do home crafts. Kill the little turd. (OMWOS spreads her black wings and takes off into flight, heading straight for Rae's little brother, scythe swinging away at anything that moves, cackling madly like an eccentric Goddess should) (Rae's Ototo runs in circles screaming like a girl) AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (Rae watches the scene of her brother running in circles, OMWOS chasing him before turning to readers) OMWOS is too busy to sign off so I'll do it for her. OMWOS. Rae's Ototo- AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! out ^_^
Thank you Chaos for beta-ing my work. Kami know's I need help.
Disclaimer: Gods I wish I owned them but I don't. Warnings: AU, New Chara's, Angst?, maybe some OOC (you try writing with a cast of 6 plus supporting actors plus extra's and when it's been six months since you've seen a episode of G.W. and you're poor and have no job and no money to buy G.W. on video. Darn you college for sucking up what little money I have.) Rated: PG-13 for cursing and violence. Archive: If any one wants to, they can put my story up on their site. As long as you e-mail and tell me, so I can visit and check it out. Feedback: Hell yeah
CHAPTER 7
"What do you mean you cant find her," Duo asked the question yet again.
Quatre sighed inwardly. "I mean every time the bell rings she disappears, poof like a puff of smoke. But then when the bell rings for the next class she's there, poof."
"She must have learned that from Heero," Duo grumbled as he walked down the hallway towards the cafeteria. They had missed Ma-ling each time the bell rung but then as the bell rang for the next class she was there. It was lunchtime now, so the two pilots decided to eat. Duo saw a sudden bloom of sadness in Quatre's eyes but then quickly vanished. "Hey I'm sorry. I know his death affected all of us."
"No, that's all right," Quatre said. "I hardly knew him anyways. In fact the only reason I know so much about Heero is through Ma-ling."
"Yeah, well, I remember the day we all met. That was as exciting as lighting a string of firecrackers attached to a cats tail and letting it lose in an retirement home," Duo replied in a quiet voice.
"What," Quatre had to ask.
Duo smiled. "Nothing Quatre. So you wanna eat with me or are you going to watch me eat again."
"I think I'll skip on both. I'm not hungry."
"As we all told Ma-ling, you gotta eat something."
"I had a big breakfast," Quatre half lied. He did have breakfast if you count half a piece of toast as breakfast.
"Well so did I and I'm hungry," Duo said.
"Yeah but you have a bottomless pit as a stomach," Quatre replied trying not to smile.
"And proud of it. I'll see later then."
"Yeah, I'm going to check out the school some more." Quatre said separating from Duo.
"Bye," the American called over his shoulder as he jogged to get in line for lunch.
A few minutes of jostling through the line Duo had his lunch and headed back to the cafeteria seating area. He paused to scan for a place to sit when he noticed a familiar dark brown bun with a black ribbon dangling in the back.
Smiling he tried his best to sneak up on the unsuspecting teen. He plopped his tray down right in front Ma-ling but got no response. He sat down with the same attitude and still nothing.
Ma-ling was busy writing and never looked up, even when she took a drink from her cup of water she had next to her. Duo opened his can of soda and poured it into a cup, he took a sip and watched Ma-ling, still oblivious to his presence.
Ma-ling reached out again for her cup and Duo had a brilliant idea. He removed her cup and replaced it with his. Ma-ling's fingers brushed against the cup and she picked it up and brought it to her lips. Her eyes widened in surprise and disgust as she spit the contents back into the cup. She coughed and wiped her mouth, glaring at the laughing American.
"Bakayaro," she seethed in her native tongue.
"Hey, I thought you weren't going to use Japanese anymore." Duo said leaning back in his chair still chuckling.
"What?," Ma-ling asked between gulps of water to get the nasty taste out of her mouth.
"You said you weren't going to speak Japanese anymore because nobody understood it."
"When did I say that."
"That wonderful and glorious day all of us met. Don't you remember, you took a swing at me."
It was Ma-ling's turn to smirk. "I remember. So what do you want Duo."
"Nothing, I just wanted to eat lunch and this was the only table available."
Ma-ling glanced up at the half full cafeteria. "You really suck at lying, you know that."
"Maybe it's because I usually don't lie. Aren't you going to eat."
"I am," Ma-ling said waving her hand in the direction of a still wrapped sandwich on her schoolbooks.
"Yeah, looks like your math book is really enjoying that sandwich."
"Do you want something, or are you just going to bug me." Ma-ling said, impatience and anger rising in her voice.
"I just want to bug you," Duo replied cheerfully." Ma-ling squared her shoulders. "Hey remember were in school. Don't do anything to draw attention."
"I swear Duo you are the most annoying person in the world. No I take that back, you're the most annoying person in the universe." Ma-ling said at her breaking point. She grabbed her pencil and began writing again, ignoring the boy in front of her.
"So what are you writing," Duo asked after taking a bite of his sandwich.
The pencil slipped a little on the paper but continued moving. "I'm finishing an essay about Pearl Harbor." Ma-ling replied not looking up.
"Isn't that hitting kinda close to home."
"It would if I was born at that period of time and actually lived on the Earth. Now leave me alone I have to finish this."
Why? That's not due until next week."
"I'm doing my schoolwork so I have free time after school to plan for my next mission." the pencil wavered over the paper and slipped from Ma- ling's grasp.
"Ma-ling," Duo said quietly. "Ma-ling, are you all right", he asked at her blank expression.
"Don't you hear it," she whispered.
"Hear what," Duo asked. All he heard was regular cafeteria noise, kids talking, plates and silverware clinking, an occasional crash from the kitchen. "I don't hear anything."
"The music." Ma-ling lifted her head and closed her eyes.
Duo was getting slightly worried; he still didn't hear anything.
"I know that music anywhere." Suddenly Ma-ling stood up; leaving her schoolbooks behind she started down the hallway in a sprint.
"Hey wait," Duo yelled grabbing Ma-ling's work and ran after her. He saw her disappear around the corner, just as he reached it she slipped around another one.
Duo rounded the corner and stopped in the middle of the empty hallway. He spun around once. "Crap."
Ma-ling paused outside of the door marked 'Music Hall', the sweet music louder then before. She reached out and opened the door and slipped inside. Shutting the door she leaned against it and closed her eyes. She reopened them when she able to look at the person.
He had changed since the last time. He was no longer the little boy she remembered. He stood straight and tall, his lithe muscles moving the bow gently against strings making the sweet sound she loved. Platinum rays of light fell over closed eyes that she knew were the color of heaven itself. His lean face tilted to the side as he concentrated on each note of the familiar melody.
Suddenly the beautiful music stopped and the light blue eyes showed themselves. The violin slid from its position and dangled in the grasp of the young man.
She had changed since the last time. She was no longer the tiny little girl he remembered. She leaned against the door, taller but still as beautiful as the day they met. Her dark blue eyes were hidden by her tangled mass of dark brown that covered half her face and half her emotions.
"Please," Ma-ling begged taking a step forward. "Please don't stop Quatre."
The wide blue eyes smiled sadly at her but the violin was picked up and once again the breathtaking sounds of music filled the air. Ma-ling closed her eyes and remembered something a long time ago.
They were twelve. Ma-ling was working on a mission report when Heero stumbled into their shared room. He was hurt badly, Ma-ling could feel her brothers inner voice screaming in pain but his outer shell held nothing to fact that there was blood oozing from a gash above his eye and the numerous cuts and bruises scattered across his body.
Ma-ling stood up from her chair, knocking it over in the process catching the attention of her beaten brother. He put his hand out to stop her from coming over and helping him. He shuffled over to their bunk beds but collapsed before he made it.
Ma-ling in a flash was at his side, she threw his arm over her shoulder and half dragged half-supported Heero as she helped him to his bed. She sat him on the bed and pulled off his muddy shoes and helped him lay down. Heero winced as he moved.
"Don't talk", Ma-ling whispered as her brother opened his mouth.
"I failed Imoto", Heero muttered.
"Failed what."
"I tried to protect your name."
Ma-ling lowered her head. She knew separating them wasn't going to work as smoothly as Dr. J had hoped. She realized Heero had gotten into a fight with some of the personal downstairs. They had been tormenting her ever since she started training with the blue and green Gundam and Heero had to defend his sister's honor. They had called her some pretty nasty names, and Heero finally got fed up with it.
Heero reached up and pressed his fingers against the wound above his eye making blood run down his cheek.
Ma-ling saw this and immediately was at her brother side again. She lifted his head up and sat down, placing Heero's head on her thigh. She brushed back his tangled bangs to get a better look at the abrasion. It was deep and would probably need stitches. Ma-ling grabbed the corner of her sleeve and mopped up the blood, all the while working silently.
A few minutes ticked by and still neither one had said anything, until Heero opened his eyes and glanced up at his sister. "Imoto?"
"Yes Kyodai", Ma-ling said.
"Will you sing your song for me."
Ma-ling tried to smile but found she couldn't, instead she nodded. She hummed a few bars catching the right note. Soon the room was filled with the soft and low haunting voice of the twelve-year-old.
'If it's worth while, then it's worth a few blows Worth a few setbacks and worth a few bruises'
Ma-ling sang the first couple of lines while she checked her brother for other injuries.
'If it's worth while- and it is I suppose- It's worth keeping on through the first struggle loses'
Heero closed his eyes.
'If it's worth while, then its worth a good fight Worth a few bouts with the demon, Disaster Worth going after courage and might Worth keeping on till you've proved you are master'
Ma-ling pressed her fingers along Heero side and she felt him stiffen under the pressure of her hand.
'If it's worth while then it's worth a few pains Worth a few heartaches and worth a few sorrows'
Ma-ling lifted the tail end of her brother's shirt and saw something poking through the skin, a red and yellow bruise forming around it.
'Worth clinging fast to the hope that remains Worth going on through the doubtful tomorrows'
Heero opened his eyes; they were glazed from pain. Ma-ling kept singing as she pressed her hand against the raised surface, moving the broken bone back into place.
'Stand to the battle and see the test through Pay all you in endured and might for it'
Heero grimaced as he felt the pieces of the two halves of his rib come together. He balled his hands into fists and tried not to move. With one final nudge Ma-ling pushed the two rugged pieces of bone together.
'If it's worth while and a good thing to do Then it's worth all it's cost in the fight for it'
Releasing the painful pressure from her brother's side, Ma-ling grabbed one of her brother's fists and gave it a squeeze. The pain subsided enough for Heero to relax, his body trembling from the traumatic experience.
Ma-ling brushed his bangs away from his eyes but they fell back to their original position. A tiny smile played at her lips but refused to show itself completely. Heero reached up and placed his knuckles at her temple, Ma-ling repeated the act and their pain and love were intertwined. Lost halves of a soul became one.
Quatre's whole body moved with the melody of song, swaying back and forth mesmerizing the woman before him. Just as the music started it stopped. Once again the room was filled with an eerie silence that no one could fill.
"That's...my song," Ma-ling managed to whisper.
"I can't seem to get it out of my head," Quatre replied almost apologetically.
"Heero's gone," the Japanese woman whispered again.
"I know," the Arabian said setting his violin on the chair next to him.
"My brother," Ma-ling's voice cracked. "Kyodai... is dead," she took a deep breath and her lips quivered. A single tear painfully squeezed from the corner of Ma-ling's eye.
Quatre's eyes widened and he took a step forward and stopped. Ma-ling just stared at him, tears, so many tears kept falling, and they wouldn't stop. She wrapped her arms around herself to stop shaking but failed. Ma- ling shut her eyes tightly trying to block out the cold hard truth of what happened.
She didn't feel him coming, until his hands were on her shoulders, pulling her into a tight hug.
She struggled slightly against his embrace but Quatre was determined. He held her against him, comforting the broken soldier, until everything became too much. Ma-ling sagged against Quatre, a cry escaping her lips, she sobbed into his shoulder and felt his arms tightened around her making her feel safe to release the emotions she had forgotten she had.
What would Heero think of her now? The all mighty cast iron bitch. Bawling like a baby on Quatre's shoulder. He would say... 'It's about time.'
Still the tears wouldn't stop, but at least she quieted her sobs to nothing. She was glad Quatre was here, Ma-ling rested her head on his shoulder. She wished she could stay like this forever, Quatre's embrace keeping out all the evil but she had to move away.
Suddenly she pushed herself away from Quatre and stood back, wiping at the last of the tears. She closed her eyes to keep fresh ones from falling when she saw the compassion in those war torn yet still innocent eyes.
'Please don't look at me like that.'
"I.," Ma-ling couldn't continue. There was no need to; Quatre knew what she wanted to say.
"Me too." she heard him whisper. She felt something-warm brush against her hand and she opened her eyes. She saw Quatre's hands covering hers, which were clenched together.
Duo closed the door and leaned against it. He had finally found Ma- ling, and as an added bonus Quatre. He ran his hand over his hair and started down the hallway, leaving the two old comrades to themselves to rekindle their friendship. An empty feeling rising in him.
TBC.
Gomen ne Rae. I didn't mean to but you know how we Goddess's get when we're angry. Please gomen nasi. Rae, aibou, best friend. -_- No Onegai (dramatically falls to ground at Rae's feet.) I'll do anything. Anything? Well, no, but I can get rid of your pesky Ototo for you. (Stands to feet and flicks out hidden flaming green scythe from hammer-space) All I need is your consent. But I love my little brother. Rae's Ototo: Hey Rae, Heero likes to do home crafts. Kill the little turd. (OMWOS spreads her black wings and takes off into flight, heading straight for Rae's little brother, scythe swinging away at anything that moves, cackling madly like an eccentric Goddess should) (Rae's Ototo runs in circles screaming like a girl) AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (Rae watches the scene of her brother running in circles, OMWOS chasing him before turning to readers) OMWOS is too busy to sign off so I'll do it for her. OMWOS. Rae's Ototo- AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! out ^_^
Thank you Chaos for beta-ing my work. Kami know's I need help.
Disclaimer: Gods I wish I owned them but I don't. Warnings: AU, New Chara's, Angst?, maybe some OOC (you try writing with a cast of 6 plus supporting actors plus extra's and when it's been six months since you've seen a episode of G.W. and you're poor and have no job and no money to buy G.W. on video. Darn you college for sucking up what little money I have.) Rated: PG-13 for cursing and violence. Archive: If any one wants to, they can put my story up on their site. As long as you e-mail and tell me, so I can visit and check it out. Feedback: Hell yeah
CHAPTER 7
"What do you mean you cant find her," Duo asked the question yet again.
Quatre sighed inwardly. "I mean every time the bell rings she disappears, poof like a puff of smoke. But then when the bell rings for the next class she's there, poof."
"She must have learned that from Heero," Duo grumbled as he walked down the hallway towards the cafeteria. They had missed Ma-ling each time the bell rung but then as the bell rang for the next class she was there. It was lunchtime now, so the two pilots decided to eat. Duo saw a sudden bloom of sadness in Quatre's eyes but then quickly vanished. "Hey I'm sorry. I know his death affected all of us."
"No, that's all right," Quatre said. "I hardly knew him anyways. In fact the only reason I know so much about Heero is through Ma-ling."
"Yeah, well, I remember the day we all met. That was as exciting as lighting a string of firecrackers attached to a cats tail and letting it lose in an retirement home," Duo replied in a quiet voice.
"What," Quatre had to ask.
Duo smiled. "Nothing Quatre. So you wanna eat with me or are you going to watch me eat again."
"I think I'll skip on both. I'm not hungry."
"As we all told Ma-ling, you gotta eat something."
"I had a big breakfast," Quatre half lied. He did have breakfast if you count half a piece of toast as breakfast.
"Well so did I and I'm hungry," Duo said.
"Yeah but you have a bottomless pit as a stomach," Quatre replied trying not to smile.
"And proud of it. I'll see later then."
"Yeah, I'm going to check out the school some more." Quatre said separating from Duo.
"Bye," the American called over his shoulder as he jogged to get in line for lunch.
A few minutes of jostling through the line Duo had his lunch and headed back to the cafeteria seating area. He paused to scan for a place to sit when he noticed a familiar dark brown bun with a black ribbon dangling in the back.
Smiling he tried his best to sneak up on the unsuspecting teen. He plopped his tray down right in front Ma-ling but got no response. He sat down with the same attitude and still nothing.
Ma-ling was busy writing and never looked up, even when she took a drink from her cup of water she had next to her. Duo opened his can of soda and poured it into a cup, he took a sip and watched Ma-ling, still oblivious to his presence.
Ma-ling reached out again for her cup and Duo had a brilliant idea. He removed her cup and replaced it with his. Ma-ling's fingers brushed against the cup and she picked it up and brought it to her lips. Her eyes widened in surprise and disgust as she spit the contents back into the cup. She coughed and wiped her mouth, glaring at the laughing American.
"Bakayaro," she seethed in her native tongue.
"Hey, I thought you weren't going to use Japanese anymore." Duo said leaning back in his chair still chuckling.
"What?," Ma-ling asked between gulps of water to get the nasty taste out of her mouth.
"You said you weren't going to speak Japanese anymore because nobody understood it."
"When did I say that."
"That wonderful and glorious day all of us met. Don't you remember, you took a swing at me."
It was Ma-ling's turn to smirk. "I remember. So what do you want Duo."
"Nothing, I just wanted to eat lunch and this was the only table available."
Ma-ling glanced up at the half full cafeteria. "You really suck at lying, you know that."
"Maybe it's because I usually don't lie. Aren't you going to eat."
"I am," Ma-ling said waving her hand in the direction of a still wrapped sandwich on her schoolbooks.
"Yeah, looks like your math book is really enjoying that sandwich."
"Do you want something, or are you just going to bug me." Ma-ling said, impatience and anger rising in her voice.
"I just want to bug you," Duo replied cheerfully." Ma-ling squared her shoulders. "Hey remember were in school. Don't do anything to draw attention."
"I swear Duo you are the most annoying person in the world. No I take that back, you're the most annoying person in the universe." Ma-ling said at her breaking point. She grabbed her pencil and began writing again, ignoring the boy in front of her.
"So what are you writing," Duo asked after taking a bite of his sandwich.
The pencil slipped a little on the paper but continued moving. "I'm finishing an essay about Pearl Harbor." Ma-ling replied not looking up.
"Isn't that hitting kinda close to home."
"It would if I was born at that period of time and actually lived on the Earth. Now leave me alone I have to finish this."
Why? That's not due until next week."
"I'm doing my schoolwork so I have free time after school to plan for my next mission." the pencil wavered over the paper and slipped from Ma- ling's grasp.
"Ma-ling," Duo said quietly. "Ma-ling, are you all right", he asked at her blank expression.
"Don't you hear it," she whispered.
"Hear what," Duo asked. All he heard was regular cafeteria noise, kids talking, plates and silverware clinking, an occasional crash from the kitchen. "I don't hear anything."
"The music." Ma-ling lifted her head and closed her eyes.
Duo was getting slightly worried; he still didn't hear anything.
"I know that music anywhere." Suddenly Ma-ling stood up; leaving her schoolbooks behind she started down the hallway in a sprint.
"Hey wait," Duo yelled grabbing Ma-ling's work and ran after her. He saw her disappear around the corner, just as he reached it she slipped around another one.
Duo rounded the corner and stopped in the middle of the empty hallway. He spun around once. "Crap."
Ma-ling paused outside of the door marked 'Music Hall', the sweet music louder then before. She reached out and opened the door and slipped inside. Shutting the door she leaned against it and closed her eyes. She reopened them when she able to look at the person.
He had changed since the last time. He was no longer the little boy she remembered. He stood straight and tall, his lithe muscles moving the bow gently against strings making the sweet sound she loved. Platinum rays of light fell over closed eyes that she knew were the color of heaven itself. His lean face tilted to the side as he concentrated on each note of the familiar melody.
Suddenly the beautiful music stopped and the light blue eyes showed themselves. The violin slid from its position and dangled in the grasp of the young man.
She had changed since the last time. She was no longer the tiny little girl he remembered. She leaned against the door, taller but still as beautiful as the day they met. Her dark blue eyes were hidden by her tangled mass of dark brown that covered half her face and half her emotions.
"Please," Ma-ling begged taking a step forward. "Please don't stop Quatre."
The wide blue eyes smiled sadly at her but the violin was picked up and once again the breathtaking sounds of music filled the air. Ma-ling closed her eyes and remembered something a long time ago.
They were twelve. Ma-ling was working on a mission report when Heero stumbled into their shared room. He was hurt badly, Ma-ling could feel her brothers inner voice screaming in pain but his outer shell held nothing to fact that there was blood oozing from a gash above his eye and the numerous cuts and bruises scattered across his body.
Ma-ling stood up from her chair, knocking it over in the process catching the attention of her beaten brother. He put his hand out to stop her from coming over and helping him. He shuffled over to their bunk beds but collapsed before he made it.
Ma-ling in a flash was at his side, she threw his arm over her shoulder and half dragged half-supported Heero as she helped him to his bed. She sat him on the bed and pulled off his muddy shoes and helped him lay down. Heero winced as he moved.
"Don't talk", Ma-ling whispered as her brother opened his mouth.
"I failed Imoto", Heero muttered.
"Failed what."
"I tried to protect your name."
Ma-ling lowered her head. She knew separating them wasn't going to work as smoothly as Dr. J had hoped. She realized Heero had gotten into a fight with some of the personal downstairs. They had been tormenting her ever since she started training with the blue and green Gundam and Heero had to defend his sister's honor. They had called her some pretty nasty names, and Heero finally got fed up with it.
Heero reached up and pressed his fingers against the wound above his eye making blood run down his cheek.
Ma-ling saw this and immediately was at her brother side again. She lifted his head up and sat down, placing Heero's head on her thigh. She brushed back his tangled bangs to get a better look at the abrasion. It was deep and would probably need stitches. Ma-ling grabbed the corner of her sleeve and mopped up the blood, all the while working silently.
A few minutes ticked by and still neither one had said anything, until Heero opened his eyes and glanced up at his sister. "Imoto?"
"Yes Kyodai", Ma-ling said.
"Will you sing your song for me."
Ma-ling tried to smile but found she couldn't, instead she nodded. She hummed a few bars catching the right note. Soon the room was filled with the soft and low haunting voice of the twelve-year-old.
'If it's worth while, then it's worth a few blows Worth a few setbacks and worth a few bruises'
Ma-ling sang the first couple of lines while she checked her brother for other injuries.
'If it's worth while- and it is I suppose- It's worth keeping on through the first struggle loses'
Heero closed his eyes.
'If it's worth while, then its worth a good fight Worth a few bouts with the demon, Disaster Worth going after courage and might Worth keeping on till you've proved you are master'
Ma-ling pressed her fingers along Heero side and she felt him stiffen under the pressure of her hand.
'If it's worth while then it's worth a few pains Worth a few heartaches and worth a few sorrows'
Ma-ling lifted the tail end of her brother's shirt and saw something poking through the skin, a red and yellow bruise forming around it.
'Worth clinging fast to the hope that remains Worth going on through the doubtful tomorrows'
Heero opened his eyes; they were glazed from pain. Ma-ling kept singing as she pressed her hand against the raised surface, moving the broken bone back into place.
'Stand to the battle and see the test through Pay all you in endured and might for it'
Heero grimaced as he felt the pieces of the two halves of his rib come together. He balled his hands into fists and tried not to move. With one final nudge Ma-ling pushed the two rugged pieces of bone together.
'If it's worth while and a good thing to do Then it's worth all it's cost in the fight for it'
Releasing the painful pressure from her brother's side, Ma-ling grabbed one of her brother's fists and gave it a squeeze. The pain subsided enough for Heero to relax, his body trembling from the traumatic experience.
Ma-ling brushed his bangs away from his eyes but they fell back to their original position. A tiny smile played at her lips but refused to show itself completely. Heero reached up and placed his knuckles at her temple, Ma-ling repeated the act and their pain and love were intertwined. Lost halves of a soul became one.
Quatre's whole body moved with the melody of song, swaying back and forth mesmerizing the woman before him. Just as the music started it stopped. Once again the room was filled with an eerie silence that no one could fill.
"That's...my song," Ma-ling managed to whisper.
"I can't seem to get it out of my head," Quatre replied almost apologetically.
"Heero's gone," the Japanese woman whispered again.
"I know," the Arabian said setting his violin on the chair next to him.
"My brother," Ma-ling's voice cracked. "Kyodai... is dead," she took a deep breath and her lips quivered. A single tear painfully squeezed from the corner of Ma-ling's eye.
Quatre's eyes widened and he took a step forward and stopped. Ma-ling just stared at him, tears, so many tears kept falling, and they wouldn't stop. She wrapped her arms around herself to stop shaking but failed. Ma- ling shut her eyes tightly trying to block out the cold hard truth of what happened.
She didn't feel him coming, until his hands were on her shoulders, pulling her into a tight hug.
She struggled slightly against his embrace but Quatre was determined. He held her against him, comforting the broken soldier, until everything became too much. Ma-ling sagged against Quatre, a cry escaping her lips, she sobbed into his shoulder and felt his arms tightened around her making her feel safe to release the emotions she had forgotten she had.
What would Heero think of her now? The all mighty cast iron bitch. Bawling like a baby on Quatre's shoulder. He would say... 'It's about time.'
Still the tears wouldn't stop, but at least she quieted her sobs to nothing. She was glad Quatre was here, Ma-ling rested her head on his shoulder. She wished she could stay like this forever, Quatre's embrace keeping out all the evil but she had to move away.
Suddenly she pushed herself away from Quatre and stood back, wiping at the last of the tears. She closed her eyes to keep fresh ones from falling when she saw the compassion in those war torn yet still innocent eyes.
'Please don't look at me like that.'
"I.," Ma-ling couldn't continue. There was no need to; Quatre knew what she wanted to say.
"Me too." she heard him whisper. She felt something-warm brush against her hand and she opened her eyes. She saw Quatre's hands covering hers, which were clenched together.
Duo closed the door and leaned against it. He had finally found Ma- ling, and as an added bonus Quatre. He ran his hand over his hair and started down the hallway, leaving the two old comrades to themselves to rekindle their friendship. An empty feeling rising in him.
TBC.