AN: Just a small note. I don't have the 28 chapters I originally thought I did. I saw how small my chapters were and began adding a few together so I might come up a bit short but don't worry I'll be getting the rest out to you soon enough.
Thanks to all those who have stuck with me even though I'm a horrible updater! ARIGATO!
G-Boys: Finish the Goddamned story already!
HDA ::sniffs:: slave drivers….
Warnings: Shounen ai (FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! HALEJUIAH!!!!!!!!! Whooooo! ::much banging of cymbals and celebrating and such::) shortness….GOMEN!! And I really can't think of anything else.
Italics denote thoughts
There is no scene change to I'm not even bothering with the symbol so there. ;p
Spoils of War: Chapter 21
Sighing Duo set the jar on his dresser before climbing up onto the bed with Heero. Looking at the boy's still face, Duo realized how close he'd come to loosing the strong ally and friend he'd found. That thought struck something deep inside him. He gently ran long fingers through the soft chaotic tangle of hair that crowned Heero's head then over one full, tan cheek. The pale digits trembled as Duo wonderingly stroked the soft skin, mindful of the bruise that was forming on the dark skin, staining it an ugly off yellow green. Inhaling suddenly without even realizing he'd been holding his breath, Duo was stunned and mildly ashamed to feel tears running down his cheeks. Dashing away the errant drops, Duo fought for control. Heero stirred slightly, bleary blue eyes opening painfully.
"Nani?…"
The softly breathed question had barely left his mouth before Duo had pulled up and into a gentle embrace. The advisor showed surprising strength and tenderness as he avoided the majority of Heero's injures.
"Oh, God. I was so worried." Duo sniffled slightly as he tried to pull the boy closer without aggravating his wounds. He was unmindful of the new tears of relief clouding his already blurred vision.
"Duo…" not understanding, the slave allowed himself to be held trying desperately to remember what happened.
"I'm sorry, I should have known they were up to something!" Duo pressed his face into the boy's shoulder.
"Up to something?…" Heero repeated in a daze. Why do I ache all over?….
"Yeah, a guard barged into the meeting and told me that you'd been caught trying to escape and that they had taken care of the situation." Duo ran his fingers through Heero's hair, though to sooth Heero or himself he wasn't sure.
A shudder racked his body as he remembered Heero strung up at the whipping post, the pain and betrayal etched so clearly, so vividly on his face. Tears pricked Duo's eyes again in memory. Coherent thought was slow to return to Heero, but then the memories returned in a wave. He remembered the pain of seeing Duo, knowing Duo hadn't trusted him…. But if Duo didn't trust him than why was he apologizing? Heero started slightly when he felt moisture on his neck. He pulled back and looked questioningly at Duo who was scrubbing his eyes with the back of his wrists.
"Duo?"
"I'm fine…" the braided boy sniffed. "I'm just being stupid."
Heero reached up and gently pulled Duo's hands from his face. The pale cheeks were flushed and glistened with tears that had been smeared by Duo's efforts to stop them. Heero watched in mute fascination as one final tear escaped its violet prison and trekked its way down Duo's cheek. Brushing his thumb across Duo's face, Heero caught the small droplet, halting its progress.
Prussian met cobalt as Heero lifted his gaze to meet Duo's, it was then that the ex-soldier realized how close they were. Their breath mingled between them as Duo's gaze bore into his. He watched in confusion as Duo's eyes lidded and the boy began leaning towards him. His eyes widened in shock as Duo's lips connected softly with his.
He stared unblinking at Duo's face as he felt the advisor's hands cup his cheeks. After a moment, Duo gently drew back and slowly opened his eyes. He blinked twice before his eyes widened in absolute horror. He jerked back suddenly, releasing Heero. His hands and jaw were clenched in fury as he stared at the floor. After a moment, Heero lifted a hand reaching for Duo.
"I'm sorry." The whispered words were sharp and full of regret. Before Heero could reply the braided boy had stood, snatching up his shirt and cloak before stalking out the door.
Heero winced as the door slammed shut before him. Reaching up, the blue-eyed boy traced his lips in wonder.
AN: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH….another cliff hanger. And just when you thought they were going to get together too…. Muwhahahahahahahahahahahahah…..coughcough pant pant pant MUWHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!