Warnings: Yaoi. Song is "That's the Way it is" by Celine Dion.
Shinigami Chapter 13: Love is Painful
Shinigami felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach and an ache in his heart when he saw Duo stalk moodily into his throne room. Their eyes met for but a moment before Duo looked away and Heero stepped in right behind him. He watched Shinigami with a sort of cold wariness as he came up next to Duo and slipped his hand into Duo's palm. "Shinigami... I came to let you know that Duo had found me and I'm going to Summerland. Just in case you cared..." he said quietly but clearly, his voice seeming loud in the stone room.
I can read your mind and I know your story / I see what you're going through, yeah / It's an uphill climb, and I'm feeling sorry / But I know it will come to you, yeah
Shinigami smiled sadly and nodded. "Yes..." he said, rising and crossing the room to stand before them - at a distance, of course; Duo let him know he could stop with a cold glare and a scowl. Shinigami ignored him and looked at Heero. "I'm sorry for everything, Heero. I know it would be asking too much if I asked for your - and Duo's - forgiveness, and I don't expect to be forgiven, but I hope you both do know that I regret what I've done and I wish I could undo it all-" He stopped and sighed. "Well, you get the point. I'm truly sorry."
Don't surrender 'cause you can win / In this thing called love
Duo nodded and Heero smiled slightly. "Thank you for that, Shinigami. We appreciate that you understand how much we mean to each other." He and Duo exchanged grins.
When you want it the most there's no easy way out / When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt / Don't give up on your faith / Love comes to those who believe it / And that's the way it is
Shinigami frowned and looked away. "It certainly puts my mind at ease to know that my wrongs have been righted again." He looked back up at Heero with a slight smile. "Thank you for showing me how to love," he whispered.
When you question me for a simple answer / I don't know what to say, no / But it's plain to see, if you stick together / You're gonna find a way, yeah
Heero felt Duo's hand tighten around his protectively. He squeezed back reassuringly. He looked back to Duo and said quietly, "Let's go."
So don't surrender 'cause you can win / In this thing called love
Shinigami watched them as they left his throne room and he stifled a distressed cry that began to climb up his throat. He gulped and followed them out to the front hall slowly.
When you want it the most there's no easy way out / When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt / Don't give up on your faith / Love comes to those who believe it / And that's the way it is
The two were talking to Wufei, Hikaru, Trowa, and Quatre, and Jemima was standing off to one side, watching sadly. When she spotted Shinigami, her eyes lit up excitedly. She hurried over to him, unnoticed, and beckoned him to lean down so she could whisper in his ear. He shook his head quickly, whispering back fiercely.
When life is empty with no tomorrow / And loneliness starts to call / Baby, don't worry, forget your sorrow / 'Cause love's gonna conquer it all, all!
While they quietly argued, the other six were calmly discussing something. This lasted for about three minutes before they reached an agreement and Jemima convinced Shinigami to give in to her little plan.
When you want it the most there's no easy way out / When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt / Don't give up on your faith / Love comes to those who believe it, ohhhhh
Shinigami strode nervously to the group and stood before them, his expression doubtful and rather fearful. Trowa motioned for them all to follow him out the front door and they did so willingly. Shinigami followed out last.
Don't give up on your faith / Love comes to those who believe it / And that's the way it is
The darkness stood like a black hole outside the light of the castle. Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, and Hikaru talked quietly for a few more minutes while Duo kept a watchful eye on Shinigami who trailed along behind humbly.
Trowa cocked his head, indicating that they should all follow him now. Trowa, Wufei, and Quatre took the lead, Hikaru behind Wufei, and Heero and Duo came up last.
Shinigami's breath came faster as he realized that this was his last chance. His last shot at happiness with the one he loved...
That's the way it is / That's the way it is, babe / Don't give up on your faith / Love comes to those who believe it / And that's the way it is
Catching up to Duo and Heero, he said quietly, "Duo?" Said boy and Heero turned around and Shinigami threw his arms around Duo's shoulders and held tight. He shut his eyes and clenched his teeth, wishing and hoping that Jemima was right... Duo's protesting cries were suddenly drowned out by the earpiercing screams emitted from the throats of the identical braided boys.
Heero and the others (who had turned by now) threw up an arm to shield their eyes from the blinding white light that Shinigami and Duo were giving off. The light turned from white to silver and from silver to purple in a matter of seconds and only one unconscious boy fell to the black ground of the Fifth Level.