12/30/02
2:30 am
FINALLY!! Last Chapter (unless I decide to do a sequel)!!! Yup, I'm done. I told you all it would be done by New Years. See, I stick to my word. Hope you like it.
WARNING: Not for the faint of heart, there is a death in this. * SOB SOB * but it's not who you'd expect. Yes, so be forewarned, it is sad and depressing, with a tint of happiness. Really, I swear there actually is a happy part, its not like funny happy, its just cute.
Thank you to all of you who gave reviews. Sorry I don't have time to write to you all individually. T_T Enjoy Blood Love!
Happy New Year and Ja Ne from Yami Shadoe
BLOOD LOVE - CHAPTER TWELVE
UNTIL THE END OF TIME
"Is there any word on his condition doctor?"
The gundam pilot watched the retreating back of his koi enter Duo's room. "I'm afraid not son. His condition isn't any worse but its not getting any better." The young man nodded and thanked the doctor before heading down the hall to see his friend.
"Duo?" Trowa entered his best friends room. The lights were off and the switch was out. He looked around the area, squinting in the darkness. "Duo? Hey, Duo! Are you in here?"
"Hai." Trowa whirled around to see a candle light up the shadows. A woman stood in front of him, half of her long hair was up the rest cascaded over her shoulders, she held a gun and it was pointed at the banged boys chest. Duo was bound and in the process of being gagged as well by two large men. "What the hell?"
"Ha. That's a very well used phrase around here ne?"
"Who are you and what do you want?"
"Who said I wanted anything?"
"Look, I'm not stupid lady. Why don't you let Duo go and we can talk about this civilly."
"Haha! Of course we can." She laughed. "And we can have tea and chat. Then once Heero gets back here him and Mr. Maxwell can go make love, everyone will be happy." The braided boy began to protest but was silenced by the slender girl. "No. I think not. The bishounen here is coming with me. We are going to have a little 'cession' of our own." She turned and winked at her prisoner.
Trowa frowned. What a bitch, she was annoying as hell. "What do you have against Heero?" The girl scoffed at this "I'm offended Barton. You're just assuming that I'm here to hurt Heero. Maybe I'm just here for Maxwell. He's so adorable don't YOU think Tro-wa?" The tall pilot hid his blush and stepped toward her threateningly "I won't ask how the hell you fucking know my name, but you better keep your hands off Duo, just because you think your all that doesn't mean you can just go around and fuck every bishounen around." The longhaired gundam turned a rather interesting color at Trowa's words.
"Now I'll tell you politely. Let Duo go."
"I think not, I am going to break this love he has for that stupid perfect soldier!" she giggled and turned to look the blue-eyed boy up and down. Then she twisted back to Trowa "Now, I think I'll have to kill you." She raised the gun.
"Stop. Duo can't even remember Heero you baka. He got bashed over the head bitch. Heero saved him, and now he's here. Kuso, Didn't you ever wonder why Maxwell was in the hospital."
"No." she scratched her head in thought. "So... you don't remember your love, you don't remember Yuy?" she cornered Duo who shook his head and made a muffled effort at "No."
"OH GOODIE!" the tall young woman squealed happily. "This should be easier than-" the door handle to Duo's room, rattled "Trowa! Let me in! Not funny." They could hear the blonde gundam complaining quietly outside. "Quatre!" Trowa leapt for the door. "Stop Right there or I'll put a bullet in all three of you." The snobby girl pushed the barrel into Duo's face to make her point known. "But he-"
"Do as I say or I'll kill both him and Duo." Trowa nodded angrily, hate evident in his normally impassive face. "Alright. Now, tell him to leave." She put out the candle and lit another.
"And what, may I ask, am I supposed to tell him?"
"Make up something. Keep him busy until I can get this door open. Oh and Barton, your coming with us too." She removed a curtain exposing a hidden exit. "But-"
"Do it now!" Trowa complied irritably and unlocked the door. Quatre smiled at him and walked forward running straight into his lover's body. "Trowa what are you-" he was cut off by a kiss, one that seemed almost needy, almost wanton. He broke for air and looked around in the darkness.
"What's going on Trowa."
"Oh Quatre, I can't-" he heard the click of three guns and stopped "I love you, God I love you. Never ever forget that please!" The blonde seemed to know what was happening and he began to cry, no excuse was needed. "No. No please dearest, please d-don't cry" Trowa was on the brink of tears himself. "I love you too Trowa. So, so much. I'll see you later OK? Don't leave me, not for good." Trowa hung his head at Quatre's words and hugged the young man closer. "I love you." He whispered and then he shut the hospital door.
Quatre put his hand on the small glass window in the door. He could barley make out the older boys shadowy face. Trowa placed his hand on the outline of his koi's and mouthed 'I love you' one last time.
"Stop the idle chat Barton. Lets go." She grabbed his arm and shoved him in the direction of there escape. Ten minutes later they exited the hospital and kept to the alleyways. Trowa kept an eye on the guns that pointed in his direction. And another more closer look at Duo who was being pushed forward rather un-gently. The boy was tired and kept stumbling along. Blood frequently spilled from Maxwell's nose and mouth. The young woman looked at the banged boy who was staring in a rather concerned way towards his friend. "It's not Duo you should be worrying about. You should have kept your mouth shut at the hospital. That boy, Quatre is probably alerting the police right now. You'd better hope that Winner doesn't come after you, or I'll be forced to put a bullet down his throat."
Trowa had enough and spun around hitting the girls face with both of his bound fists. She fell hard and so did he. A bodyguard caught him across the chest and the air left him. She was up before him and he made a muffled sound as the gun rang out. He stood up shakily but the gundams face remained impassive "I won't let you hurt Quatre!" he lunged. She shot, the guards hit. Trowa didn't stand a chance. Four shots later he laid on the cold stone street, gasping for breath. Duo started forward and was hit in the stomach. He doubled over and threw up blood.
"No! No duo. Stay there. Don't worry about me. Just d-don't hurt your self. Don't give them reason to hurt you." Trowa frowned. These guards were tough. Normally the tall and lithe gundam would have easily taken them out, but it wasn't the guards who worried him. It was that girl. She kept her face in the darkness for most of the time and it seemed she was stronger than she looked.
Dark blue-green eyes stared coldly down. Her lip dribbled blood and in the dying light, a patch of dark bruise began to appear under her eye. "Don't try anything stupid again Barton, or I swear to you I will ask one of my men to hunt down your blonde love and use him for target practice." She motioned for one of her sentry's. This man was the taller of the two; he wore only a hood to conceal his face, unlike the dark mask of his counterpart. The hood sufficed and hid his appearance in shadow. But Trowa caught the smirk. He could feel the man laughing inwardly at his condition. "Now. Shall we continue?" the girl turned on her heel and marched away. One man picked up Duo, while the hooded stayed put. Right in front of the fallen gundam. "You heard Miss Hakumei." He spoke "Get up."
Trowa gave a blank look 'Hakumei? Why was that name so familiar.' The guard shoved him with a booted foot and the tall gundam glared. "I'm not moving." It wasn't just the drawling in the mans tone that made Barton angry, it was the pain that was now shooting agonizingly through his body. The sting that screamed 'Ha! You can't do anything now! You are worthless, you feel pain.'
"Then perhaps I shall have to..." the guard cocked his gun and turned towards Duo's retreating form "Shall we say, terminate a friend?"
"No!"
"Hm?"
"No. Don't. Leave him out of this." His legs shook unsteadily as he stood. Blood pooled on the ground before him and left marks from where he had lay. Trowa took a hesitant step forward and nearly fell back to the stone. His wounds were on fire. 'For Duo' he thought 'For Duo'
Heero smiled as Nagina nudged his face. Toumai was jumping out of the water in a splendid show for Hakumei. The stars sparkled and no longer laughed maliciously at the young man. This little excursion with a stranger had really proven helpful. Almost comforting. "So Heero-san! Do you like them?" asked Hakumei as they clambered awkwardly back into the boat. "Hai." He nodded almost vigorously which caused the black haired girl to smile. "I'm glad you had fun." She stole another quick glance at him and then waved Good Bye to her two flipper fitted friends.
"Mei?" he called her by her preferred nickname. It was shorter, and... brought less painful memories.
"Yes?"
"Why did you bring me out here?"
"Because you looked stressed. I like helping people out Heero; I have needed to help people, ever since... ever since my mother was killed. When she died I-I just snapped and since then I have helped people smile. I guess you could call it a hobby, but really it's a necessity. I mean..." she chuckled lightly "Usually it's Nagina or Toumai who make the person finally smile, but still... It makes me feel good to know, that I have given someone a reason for life." She sighed heavily, starting the small houseboats engine and steering back towards the port.
Heero stayed quiet the remaining distance. Lost deep in thought. It was then he realized his reason for living.
Duo Maxwell.
That was the only thing that kept the perfect soldier living and breathing each and everyday. That bright and sometimes exaggerated smile, those beyond sky blue eyes, that silky smooth skin and the smart yet sometimes cocky attitude of never giving up. That was Duo, and Duo was the reason that Heero Yuy could live.
"Thank You."
"Huh?" Mei turned to look at her passenger. "What?"
"I said Thank You. Thank You for making me think about my life, and making me realize what I have to live for." She grinned slowly and stepped towards him "Oh Heero! I'm so glad I could help! I never thought I'd get you to cheer up!" His lips twitched and he gave a slight but noticeable smile. His damp hair covered his eyes though they sparkled through with real joy.
The boat anchored and Hakumei waved him on his way. The dark haired boy promised to visit her again once Duo got well enough to come out to sea. She had listened intently to their story and was eager to meet the longhaired boy. Heero walked lightheartedly towards the hospital. He was smiling inwardly, he felt like he was walking on air and then his world came crashing down in front of him as Quatre began to yell.
"HEERO! HOW COULD YOU LEAVE LIKE THAT!?" The blonde pounced on Heero and began pummeling him. With ease the smaller boy had been removed from his clinging position on Yuy but kept screaming like mad. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!"
"Quatre what's wrong?" Heero struggled to keep the Arabs hands from his face and neck. "What do you mean what's wrong! You baka! They took Duo!" At that the older gundam froze, his reflexes failing. Quatre punched the side of his face and the young man fell. "And it's your fault too Heero! Trowa is probably dead now because he had the guts to protect Maxwell, unlike you! You lied Heero! You lied! You told him, told us that you would never leave his side and now he's gone. AND SO IS TROWA! How could you be so stupid!"
Quatre stopped his administrations and fell numbly to the ground beside his friend. The smaller boy's body was wracked with deep heaving sobs. "God Damn you Yuy! God Damn you! I hate you! I h-hate..." his voice failed him and Quatre R Winner lay still passed out with grief.
"Barton!" No response.
"Trowa Barton!" Silence.
A booted foot hit the lithe gundams side but he ignored it. 'Never give in to their wishes' a voice in his head nagged 'Make sure Duo is safe' another urged.
'Don't let them see your pain, nothing hurts you' hissed the first.
'Don't give up hope, save your friend' whispered the other.
Trowa shut the voices from his mind and concentrated on the present. They had been led to some kind of underground chamber. Both gundams had been thrown into a fairly large cell. Metal bars lined the exit. Both of their captors body guards had been put in the room as well. The hooded guard stood nearest. Duo had been untied and was staring blankly into the air. He'd lost hope. Lost love. Lost his memory. Almost his life. If anyone had a reason to give up, it was definitely Duo. But Trowa decided indefinitely that no matter what, he would make sure Duo had something to live for. Something to make that once bright and cheerful face bright and content once again.
Heero stood up torpidly. Quatre had described everything he had seen in great detail up to the amount of tears of Trowa's face. It had taken a long time, to long to calm the blonde down. "We are wasting time. Come, we follow the exit and track them." Winner nodded curtly. He had made it extremely clear in his fury that if Trowa was in any way harmed that all peace would be gone and he himself would destroy earth.
The two made their way quietly down the small hidden hospital corridor. "Since when was there hidden doors in the hospital?" asked Quatre in a rather annoyed voice. Heero just shrugged though that question had come to mind over an hundred times the past ten minutes. It was pitch black, no light was available. They discovered the end when Heero ran into what seemed to be a wall. Quatre hit him over the head and started mumbling obscenities while the dark haired boy found the door handle. It was locked and a few livid kicks later the wood lay in splinters.
It was then that Quatre saw what would lead them to their friends. A small blood trail dripped its way down the winding street. What seemed like hours later they arrived at a scene that had the younger boy nearly crying.
Bullets, blood pools, smears and worst of all Trowa's black leather jacket. It had two bullet holes in it; the material was shredded, most likely from being drug along the ground. Quatre had given that jacket to his green- eyed lover a year ago. Heero kept on, fastening the pace a bit.
It seemed like a switch had been snapped. Quatre now had his jaw clenched in a harsh line; the gundams face was etched with resentment and hatred. Heero barley recognized the blonde as the once calm and cheerful pacifist known as Quatre Winner. And when they arrived at the steel door on the north side of a building sure to be where Trowa and Duo were, the Arab neither smiled nor prayed. His gun clicked and seconds later he had bashed the lock, nothing was too strong for love... or hate.
"Hey Barton!" he stayed still, only moving his eyes to look at his captor, the honey colored dark eyed girl known as Hakumei. "I am talking to you." He rolled his eyes at her comment and said offhandedly "So." She snarled angrily and lifted him off the floor by his shirt collar. "Don't get cocky with me. I could kill you right now-"
"Then why don't you?" Trowa interrupted. The girl glared and dropped him to the stone. A small gasp slipped from his lips. The bullet wounds stung, his blood began to flow again. At this rate he'd die of blood loss. That wouldn't happen. Ever. He was a gundam. 'I won't give up. I won't let them get away with this.'
"Bitch." He spat out the word like foul tasting water. Hakumei spun around and stared at him in shock and wrath. "Excuse me?"
"Hai. You heard me right. Don't play dumb. You can't seriously think that I respect you..." he paused and moved his head, staring her straight in the face "Or fear you." That did it. He knew it would. Assassins like her always had a weak spot. Their pride. She paced forward and slapped him across the jaw "Baka!"
"Oh am I? Or is it you that's the fool."
"I-"
"Hm?"
"Shut up clown. You should fear me. Everyone fears me."
"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?" Trowa kept his face unreadable and sat up with concealed difficulty. "Do you really believe that every one is scared of you? Because if you do, you're wrong. Very wrong." She backed away "Who isn't? Who! Tell me if you are so certain of yourself!"
"Fine." He nodded his head solemnly and glared up at her between his bangs. "For one, me. I don't fear you. Personally you disgust me, you and all others who think that they alone can control another persons fate." He paused and looked for a reaction. Her face remained stony but her eyes were burning. "And then there's Duo. Whether you think it or not he IS NOT scared of you. He almost died; he has gone through hell, lost memory of the best thing that ever happened to him. And if anyone else was stuck in his shoes, they would be scared right now. But I know Duo. And he will never fear someone who kills just for the hell of killing, never."
"You mean Heero?" Hakumei looked at him, she stared into his eyes, but no longer angry, no longer full of hate. They were voids, voids of haunted sorrow. "Nani?" the emerald-eyed boy was truly lost but kept his face unreadable. "He-Heero. He's the best thing-the best thing that's ever happened to Duo?" She hid her face and Trowa could hear a soft sob. "Tell me it's not true. Please Trowa," she sucked in a rattled breath and whispered harshly "Please, please! You would know, don't lie, don't lie to me. Is this Lo-this love, is it genuine?"
"Hai, it is. The feelings that Heero and Duo had were... are true." Barton paused uneasily, what did this girl, this total stranger care if Heero and Duo were together? Why should she care? Whatever the reason Hakumei stood up rigidly and pointed to the cell door. "Guards, leave us." They obeyed hesitantly "Out you fools!" Obviously Trowa wasn't the only one surprised at her sharpness. Both guards hurried out and Duo gave a startled whimper. Hakumei fell to her knees in front of her bound captive and began to sob. "Why? Why did it have to be Heero? Why did he have to love-to love another!" Trowa felt his head spin at the reality. So that was it? This girl, Hakumei had fallen in love with Heero.
Yet another person out to steal the heart of the heartless Trowa mused.
"You love Heero-san?"
"No!" the girl shrieked. Her tone turned softer as she explained. "He is my brother." Trowa's eyes got wide, for once unable to hide his surprise. "Your-your brother?"
"Hai."
"Then why the hell are you out to kill his only love!"
"Because look at his love!" The two turned and laid eyes on the unbound pilot. His long braid was halfway undone, tear stained cheeks were bruised, his body was so small. So fragile. He stared up at them blankly.
However blank his stare had looked Duo was actually quite aware of everything. He had just discovered something. A memory. One of Heero.
**** FLASHBACK ****
He had woken to hear the voice of the one he loved, it was angry and hurt but the words went deep. "I LOVE DUO! I love him beyond words. I would never give him up, NEVER! He is the world to me, he means more than life itself. I would gladly DIE for him, he's all I have ever dreamed of, he is the very air I breathe. I.LOVE.HIM." it was then that the longhaired boys vision cleared slightly. Heero stood above a man. The same man who had ruined everything. "Really?" Duo asked in disbelief. And he got his answer.
"Yes, yes Duo. I meant everything I said! God, god Duo, I-I... Love you."
**** END FLASHBACK ****
It was all true. Heero did love him. He was in love. Duo knew now why Heero had felt so hurt. It was all coming back. 'If only I lived long enough to tell him' the boy thought angrily. And then he turned, once more listening to his best friend Trowa Barton.
"I see no point to your outrage Hakumei. If I were you I would be helping Heero, not hurting him." Trowa finished in an angered tone. "But Heero- san... MY brother; LOVES another MAN!" The tall brown haired pilot smirked and narrowed his eyes. "So that's it."
"That's what?"
"You just can't be happy for him. Your one of those idiots who is grossed out by true love if it is between two members of the same sex."
"That is not true love!"
"Oh but it is. I know! I KNOW! Duo was in love with Heero and Heero is in love with Duo. They were-they are meant for each other" he choked on his words, they hurt "and you Can-not stop that! No one can Hakumei. Don't you want what's best for Heero? Don't you care if he's happy? Because I sure as hell want what's best for Duo. I would do anything to make him happy, and if that means... if that means helping him find Heero in his memory and helping them start their lives to-together, If that means that I should die for him...than I will!" He stood up shakily.
Angry eyes gleamed "So be it." The gun raised and then a shot rang out. Trowa winced and waited. But no more pain ensued. The honey haired girl dodged the bullet, it hit her arm. He looked around wildly. Standing at the sell gate was Quatre, firearm in hand. His eyes were hard and unrecognizable. "Quatre look out!!!" a guard rammed the small blonde up against the bars. With surprising strength and brutality Quatre hit the mans jaw and broke both his arms faster than the sentry could react. Two more arrived. They were met with equal strength, though one met his end sooner by a bullet.
"HEERO!" the chestnut haired pilot struggled to his feet. The room soon swarmed with guards and bullets. Duo felt himself being pushed to the ground. He instinctively turned to hit the attacker. Strength failed him and he fell limply into some ones arms. Looking up he smiled weakly. "Heero... Heero I remember."
Those words shocked Yuy into a state of near paralysis. In two quick strides he reached the wall and set Duo down gently. "Stay here. Try not to get shot. Here." Heero handed his love a gun and brushed a piece of hair from the boys pale face. "I love you Duo." Slowly he leaned forward. Their lips touched sending sparks through each of their bodies. It was soft, gently, loving. And that was all either of them needed to know that they were and would always be together, in love, never to be separated.
Heero turned and shot through the darkness and was rewarded with a grunt and thump of a guard. Quatre had two guns and was shielding Trowa. That was his reason for not seeing what was about to happen. The banged pilot predicted the movement even before it took place; no one else seemed to see. No one.
She stalked in the corner firearm at ready, smoke hiding her, blood on her face, a smile creeping across her lips. The metal object was pointed towards his heart, he would die. Her trigger finger itched, but she would wait. She would kill him and end his pathetic love for that brat and then she would once again be known as the great assassin Hakumei. Killing had been her only thing to live for since the bullet had pierced her skin at the young age of eight. And it was fully Heero's fault. Karasu had always favored Heero and she had been caught in the middle. "I will kill h-" the bullet zipped like lightning past her chest into her heart. No longer could she be known as the greatest assassin alive.
Duo shot twice, two men down. There! There was another one running straight for the exit. The gun snapped back and the bullet was sent. Straight passes the guard and right towards... "HEERO!" he screamed knowing it was too late.
Trowa jumped with precise timing before he even had knowledge of what he had done he was there. And it was there as well. He fell. The shock shuddering through his head, blood spilled over his face and he fell, falling blind.
The guns went off, the guards fell. None were lucky enough to escape.
"TROWA!!!!" Quatre's scream echoed through out the empty building. Heero fell backwards, propelled by the tall and bloody gundam pilot. Trowa landed hard on the ground. Heero Yuy sat in stunned silence. Everything went seemingly in slow motion. He vaguely felt Quatre push him aside and rush to his koi. Duo stumbled over the dead bodies and landed hard on his knees. "Trowa! Trowa look at me Trowa are you OK?" It was obvious he wasn't but Duo couldn't help himself. The gundam pilots face was dripping with blood.
His eyes opened everything was blurry and red. "Du-Duo. Now, now you'll be happy. That's all I ever wanted, and I knew, I knew you would die with out Heero so-" he choked. Duo Maxwell was at a loss for words. How could this happen? All for him.
Trowa Barton turned to Quatre and raised his hand to caress a soft pale cheek. "I love you Quatre. I-I-" the banged boy was losing consciousness, losing sight. "I love you too, I love you Trowa! Don't leave me! Don't you dare leave me!" the blonde sobbed. "I love-I love-"
"No! God no!"
"Quatre."
"Trowa no! Please!" but his words fell upon deaf ears. Trowa's hand slipped from the one whom held it. Bloodied and bruised he lay battered and cold upon the cell that was now a death filled tomb. Heero crawled over to the man who had saved his life. Blood spilled from that handsome face, once life filled sparkling green eyes stayed open, brow slightly furrowed in pain and grief. Delicately the no longer perfect soldier shut his friend's eyes.
**** One month later (New years eve, 11:55pm) ****
"Hey Quatre! Thanks for inviting us! This party rules!" The Gundams all nodded in agreement with Duo who was back to his obnoxiously normal life for the most part. He had some trouble remembering how to use things or say things, and some past acquaintances slipped his mind now and then but the doctors had said very clearly that Duo Maxwell was in time going to be fine and was indeed very lucky. Heero of course took extra care of the longhaired blue-eyed boy. The perfect soldier had become the perfect man for Duo (not that he needed to change to receive Duo's unending love).
Wufei smiled kindly and gulped down a glass of champagne. "Truly Winner, this is a great New Years Bash." The black haired pilot set his glass down hard enough to break it. Fortunately it stayed in one solid piece. "Well, back to the ladies eh Wu-man?" asked Duo bluntly. Chang Wufei blushed ever so slightly and walked off muttering under his breath.
With no other guest to talk to Quatre was forced to watch his two friends. It wasn't that he disliked them. He loved them, as friends. Dearly. Duo sat happily on his lovers lap and leaned back for a long and very drawn out kiss.
"Heero?"
"Yes?"
"Will you dance with me?"
"Of course. Will you excuse us Winner?" Quatre smiled politely "Sure guys. Have fun." Heero gave a brief smile and whisked Duo off to the dance floor, leaving the blonde quite alone. To cry his tears on his own yet another night.
"Duo?" the older boy leaned in close and whispered into his lover's ear. "You know what?" He felt Duo shiver at the warmth. "What?"
"I love you." Duo Maxwell smiled brightly and leaned his head against Heero's shoulder. The cobalt-eyed man wasn't usually one to show public affection.
"I know Heero. And I love you."
Together they stayed, locked in each other's embrace.
Even when the lights had dimmed and the music stopped, even when the guests had gone.
There they remained.
Lovers and until the end of time
2:30 am
FINALLY!! Last Chapter (unless I decide to do a sequel)!!! Yup, I'm done. I told you all it would be done by New Years. See, I stick to my word. Hope you like it.
WARNING: Not for the faint of heart, there is a death in this. * SOB SOB * but it's not who you'd expect. Yes, so be forewarned, it is sad and depressing, with a tint of happiness. Really, I swear there actually is a happy part, its not like funny happy, its just cute.
Thank you to all of you who gave reviews. Sorry I don't have time to write to you all individually. T_T Enjoy Blood Love!
Happy New Year and Ja Ne from Yami Shadoe
BLOOD LOVE - CHAPTER TWELVE
UNTIL THE END OF TIME
"Is there any word on his condition doctor?"
The gundam pilot watched the retreating back of his koi enter Duo's room. "I'm afraid not son. His condition isn't any worse but its not getting any better." The young man nodded and thanked the doctor before heading down the hall to see his friend.
"Duo?" Trowa entered his best friends room. The lights were off and the switch was out. He looked around the area, squinting in the darkness. "Duo? Hey, Duo! Are you in here?"
"Hai." Trowa whirled around to see a candle light up the shadows. A woman stood in front of him, half of her long hair was up the rest cascaded over her shoulders, she held a gun and it was pointed at the banged boys chest. Duo was bound and in the process of being gagged as well by two large men. "What the hell?"
"Ha. That's a very well used phrase around here ne?"
"Who are you and what do you want?"
"Who said I wanted anything?"
"Look, I'm not stupid lady. Why don't you let Duo go and we can talk about this civilly."
"Haha! Of course we can." She laughed. "And we can have tea and chat. Then once Heero gets back here him and Mr. Maxwell can go make love, everyone will be happy." The braided boy began to protest but was silenced by the slender girl. "No. I think not. The bishounen here is coming with me. We are going to have a little 'cession' of our own." She turned and winked at her prisoner.
Trowa frowned. What a bitch, she was annoying as hell. "What do you have against Heero?" The girl scoffed at this "I'm offended Barton. You're just assuming that I'm here to hurt Heero. Maybe I'm just here for Maxwell. He's so adorable don't YOU think Tro-wa?" The tall pilot hid his blush and stepped toward her threateningly "I won't ask how the hell you fucking know my name, but you better keep your hands off Duo, just because you think your all that doesn't mean you can just go around and fuck every bishounen around." The longhaired gundam turned a rather interesting color at Trowa's words.
"Now I'll tell you politely. Let Duo go."
"I think not, I am going to break this love he has for that stupid perfect soldier!" she giggled and turned to look the blue-eyed boy up and down. Then she twisted back to Trowa "Now, I think I'll have to kill you." She raised the gun.
"Stop. Duo can't even remember Heero you baka. He got bashed over the head bitch. Heero saved him, and now he's here. Kuso, Didn't you ever wonder why Maxwell was in the hospital."
"No." she scratched her head in thought. "So... you don't remember your love, you don't remember Yuy?" she cornered Duo who shook his head and made a muffled effort at "No."
"OH GOODIE!" the tall young woman squealed happily. "This should be easier than-" the door handle to Duo's room, rattled "Trowa! Let me in! Not funny." They could hear the blonde gundam complaining quietly outside. "Quatre!" Trowa leapt for the door. "Stop Right there or I'll put a bullet in all three of you." The snobby girl pushed the barrel into Duo's face to make her point known. "But he-"
"Do as I say or I'll kill both him and Duo." Trowa nodded angrily, hate evident in his normally impassive face. "Alright. Now, tell him to leave." She put out the candle and lit another.
"And what, may I ask, am I supposed to tell him?"
"Make up something. Keep him busy until I can get this door open. Oh and Barton, your coming with us too." She removed a curtain exposing a hidden exit. "But-"
"Do it now!" Trowa complied irritably and unlocked the door. Quatre smiled at him and walked forward running straight into his lover's body. "Trowa what are you-" he was cut off by a kiss, one that seemed almost needy, almost wanton. He broke for air and looked around in the darkness.
"What's going on Trowa."
"Oh Quatre, I can't-" he heard the click of three guns and stopped "I love you, God I love you. Never ever forget that please!" The blonde seemed to know what was happening and he began to cry, no excuse was needed. "No. No please dearest, please d-don't cry" Trowa was on the brink of tears himself. "I love you too Trowa. So, so much. I'll see you later OK? Don't leave me, not for good." Trowa hung his head at Quatre's words and hugged the young man closer. "I love you." He whispered and then he shut the hospital door.
Quatre put his hand on the small glass window in the door. He could barley make out the older boys shadowy face. Trowa placed his hand on the outline of his koi's and mouthed 'I love you' one last time.
"Stop the idle chat Barton. Lets go." She grabbed his arm and shoved him in the direction of there escape. Ten minutes later they exited the hospital and kept to the alleyways. Trowa kept an eye on the guns that pointed in his direction. And another more closer look at Duo who was being pushed forward rather un-gently. The boy was tired and kept stumbling along. Blood frequently spilled from Maxwell's nose and mouth. The young woman looked at the banged boy who was staring in a rather concerned way towards his friend. "It's not Duo you should be worrying about. You should have kept your mouth shut at the hospital. That boy, Quatre is probably alerting the police right now. You'd better hope that Winner doesn't come after you, or I'll be forced to put a bullet down his throat."
Trowa had enough and spun around hitting the girls face with both of his bound fists. She fell hard and so did he. A bodyguard caught him across the chest and the air left him. She was up before him and he made a muffled sound as the gun rang out. He stood up shakily but the gundams face remained impassive "I won't let you hurt Quatre!" he lunged. She shot, the guards hit. Trowa didn't stand a chance. Four shots later he laid on the cold stone street, gasping for breath. Duo started forward and was hit in the stomach. He doubled over and threw up blood.
"No! No duo. Stay there. Don't worry about me. Just d-don't hurt your self. Don't give them reason to hurt you." Trowa frowned. These guards were tough. Normally the tall and lithe gundam would have easily taken them out, but it wasn't the guards who worried him. It was that girl. She kept her face in the darkness for most of the time and it seemed she was stronger than she looked.
Dark blue-green eyes stared coldly down. Her lip dribbled blood and in the dying light, a patch of dark bruise began to appear under her eye. "Don't try anything stupid again Barton, or I swear to you I will ask one of my men to hunt down your blonde love and use him for target practice." She motioned for one of her sentry's. This man was the taller of the two; he wore only a hood to conceal his face, unlike the dark mask of his counterpart. The hood sufficed and hid his appearance in shadow. But Trowa caught the smirk. He could feel the man laughing inwardly at his condition. "Now. Shall we continue?" the girl turned on her heel and marched away. One man picked up Duo, while the hooded stayed put. Right in front of the fallen gundam. "You heard Miss Hakumei." He spoke "Get up."
Trowa gave a blank look 'Hakumei? Why was that name so familiar.' The guard shoved him with a booted foot and the tall gundam glared. "I'm not moving." It wasn't just the drawling in the mans tone that made Barton angry, it was the pain that was now shooting agonizingly through his body. The sting that screamed 'Ha! You can't do anything now! You are worthless, you feel pain.'
"Then perhaps I shall have to..." the guard cocked his gun and turned towards Duo's retreating form "Shall we say, terminate a friend?"
"No!"
"Hm?"
"No. Don't. Leave him out of this." His legs shook unsteadily as he stood. Blood pooled on the ground before him and left marks from where he had lay. Trowa took a hesitant step forward and nearly fell back to the stone. His wounds were on fire. 'For Duo' he thought 'For Duo'
Heero smiled as Nagina nudged his face. Toumai was jumping out of the water in a splendid show for Hakumei. The stars sparkled and no longer laughed maliciously at the young man. This little excursion with a stranger had really proven helpful. Almost comforting. "So Heero-san! Do you like them?" asked Hakumei as they clambered awkwardly back into the boat. "Hai." He nodded almost vigorously which caused the black haired girl to smile. "I'm glad you had fun." She stole another quick glance at him and then waved Good Bye to her two flipper fitted friends.
"Mei?" he called her by her preferred nickname. It was shorter, and... brought less painful memories.
"Yes?"
"Why did you bring me out here?"
"Because you looked stressed. I like helping people out Heero; I have needed to help people, ever since... ever since my mother was killed. When she died I-I just snapped and since then I have helped people smile. I guess you could call it a hobby, but really it's a necessity. I mean..." she chuckled lightly "Usually it's Nagina or Toumai who make the person finally smile, but still... It makes me feel good to know, that I have given someone a reason for life." She sighed heavily, starting the small houseboats engine and steering back towards the port.
Heero stayed quiet the remaining distance. Lost deep in thought. It was then he realized his reason for living.
Duo Maxwell.
That was the only thing that kept the perfect soldier living and breathing each and everyday. That bright and sometimes exaggerated smile, those beyond sky blue eyes, that silky smooth skin and the smart yet sometimes cocky attitude of never giving up. That was Duo, and Duo was the reason that Heero Yuy could live.
"Thank You."
"Huh?" Mei turned to look at her passenger. "What?"
"I said Thank You. Thank You for making me think about my life, and making me realize what I have to live for." She grinned slowly and stepped towards him "Oh Heero! I'm so glad I could help! I never thought I'd get you to cheer up!" His lips twitched and he gave a slight but noticeable smile. His damp hair covered his eyes though they sparkled through with real joy.
The boat anchored and Hakumei waved him on his way. The dark haired boy promised to visit her again once Duo got well enough to come out to sea. She had listened intently to their story and was eager to meet the longhaired boy. Heero walked lightheartedly towards the hospital. He was smiling inwardly, he felt like he was walking on air and then his world came crashing down in front of him as Quatre began to yell.
"HEERO! HOW COULD YOU LEAVE LIKE THAT!?" The blonde pounced on Heero and began pummeling him. With ease the smaller boy had been removed from his clinging position on Yuy but kept screaming like mad. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!"
"Quatre what's wrong?" Heero struggled to keep the Arabs hands from his face and neck. "What do you mean what's wrong! You baka! They took Duo!" At that the older gundam froze, his reflexes failing. Quatre punched the side of his face and the young man fell. "And it's your fault too Heero! Trowa is probably dead now because he had the guts to protect Maxwell, unlike you! You lied Heero! You lied! You told him, told us that you would never leave his side and now he's gone. AND SO IS TROWA! How could you be so stupid!"
Quatre stopped his administrations and fell numbly to the ground beside his friend. The smaller boy's body was wracked with deep heaving sobs. "God Damn you Yuy! God Damn you! I hate you! I h-hate..." his voice failed him and Quatre R Winner lay still passed out with grief.
"Barton!" No response.
"Trowa Barton!" Silence.
A booted foot hit the lithe gundams side but he ignored it. 'Never give in to their wishes' a voice in his head nagged 'Make sure Duo is safe' another urged.
'Don't let them see your pain, nothing hurts you' hissed the first.
'Don't give up hope, save your friend' whispered the other.
Trowa shut the voices from his mind and concentrated on the present. They had been led to some kind of underground chamber. Both gundams had been thrown into a fairly large cell. Metal bars lined the exit. Both of their captors body guards had been put in the room as well. The hooded guard stood nearest. Duo had been untied and was staring blankly into the air. He'd lost hope. Lost love. Lost his memory. Almost his life. If anyone had a reason to give up, it was definitely Duo. But Trowa decided indefinitely that no matter what, he would make sure Duo had something to live for. Something to make that once bright and cheerful face bright and content once again.
Heero stood up torpidly. Quatre had described everything he had seen in great detail up to the amount of tears of Trowa's face. It had taken a long time, to long to calm the blonde down. "We are wasting time. Come, we follow the exit and track them." Winner nodded curtly. He had made it extremely clear in his fury that if Trowa was in any way harmed that all peace would be gone and he himself would destroy earth.
The two made their way quietly down the small hidden hospital corridor. "Since when was there hidden doors in the hospital?" asked Quatre in a rather annoyed voice. Heero just shrugged though that question had come to mind over an hundred times the past ten minutes. It was pitch black, no light was available. They discovered the end when Heero ran into what seemed to be a wall. Quatre hit him over the head and started mumbling obscenities while the dark haired boy found the door handle. It was locked and a few livid kicks later the wood lay in splinters.
It was then that Quatre saw what would lead them to their friends. A small blood trail dripped its way down the winding street. What seemed like hours later they arrived at a scene that had the younger boy nearly crying.
Bullets, blood pools, smears and worst of all Trowa's black leather jacket. It had two bullet holes in it; the material was shredded, most likely from being drug along the ground. Quatre had given that jacket to his green- eyed lover a year ago. Heero kept on, fastening the pace a bit.
It seemed like a switch had been snapped. Quatre now had his jaw clenched in a harsh line; the gundams face was etched with resentment and hatred. Heero barley recognized the blonde as the once calm and cheerful pacifist known as Quatre Winner. And when they arrived at the steel door on the north side of a building sure to be where Trowa and Duo were, the Arab neither smiled nor prayed. His gun clicked and seconds later he had bashed the lock, nothing was too strong for love... or hate.
"Hey Barton!" he stayed still, only moving his eyes to look at his captor, the honey colored dark eyed girl known as Hakumei. "I am talking to you." He rolled his eyes at her comment and said offhandedly "So." She snarled angrily and lifted him off the floor by his shirt collar. "Don't get cocky with me. I could kill you right now-"
"Then why don't you?" Trowa interrupted. The girl glared and dropped him to the stone. A small gasp slipped from his lips. The bullet wounds stung, his blood began to flow again. At this rate he'd die of blood loss. That wouldn't happen. Ever. He was a gundam. 'I won't give up. I won't let them get away with this.'
"Bitch." He spat out the word like foul tasting water. Hakumei spun around and stared at him in shock and wrath. "Excuse me?"
"Hai. You heard me right. Don't play dumb. You can't seriously think that I respect you..." he paused and moved his head, staring her straight in the face "Or fear you." That did it. He knew it would. Assassins like her always had a weak spot. Their pride. She paced forward and slapped him across the jaw "Baka!"
"Oh am I? Or is it you that's the fool."
"I-"
"Hm?"
"Shut up clown. You should fear me. Everyone fears me."
"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?" Trowa kept his face unreadable and sat up with concealed difficulty. "Do you really believe that every one is scared of you? Because if you do, you're wrong. Very wrong." She backed away "Who isn't? Who! Tell me if you are so certain of yourself!"
"Fine." He nodded his head solemnly and glared up at her between his bangs. "For one, me. I don't fear you. Personally you disgust me, you and all others who think that they alone can control another persons fate." He paused and looked for a reaction. Her face remained stony but her eyes were burning. "And then there's Duo. Whether you think it or not he IS NOT scared of you. He almost died; he has gone through hell, lost memory of the best thing that ever happened to him. And if anyone else was stuck in his shoes, they would be scared right now. But I know Duo. And he will never fear someone who kills just for the hell of killing, never."
"You mean Heero?" Hakumei looked at him, she stared into his eyes, but no longer angry, no longer full of hate. They were voids, voids of haunted sorrow. "Nani?" the emerald-eyed boy was truly lost but kept his face unreadable. "He-Heero. He's the best thing-the best thing that's ever happened to Duo?" She hid her face and Trowa could hear a soft sob. "Tell me it's not true. Please Trowa," she sucked in a rattled breath and whispered harshly "Please, please! You would know, don't lie, don't lie to me. Is this Lo-this love, is it genuine?"
"Hai, it is. The feelings that Heero and Duo had were... are true." Barton paused uneasily, what did this girl, this total stranger care if Heero and Duo were together? Why should she care? Whatever the reason Hakumei stood up rigidly and pointed to the cell door. "Guards, leave us." They obeyed hesitantly "Out you fools!" Obviously Trowa wasn't the only one surprised at her sharpness. Both guards hurried out and Duo gave a startled whimper. Hakumei fell to her knees in front of her bound captive and began to sob. "Why? Why did it have to be Heero? Why did he have to love-to love another!" Trowa felt his head spin at the reality. So that was it? This girl, Hakumei had fallen in love with Heero.
Yet another person out to steal the heart of the heartless Trowa mused.
"You love Heero-san?"
"No!" the girl shrieked. Her tone turned softer as she explained. "He is my brother." Trowa's eyes got wide, for once unable to hide his surprise. "Your-your brother?"
"Hai."
"Then why the hell are you out to kill his only love!"
"Because look at his love!" The two turned and laid eyes on the unbound pilot. His long braid was halfway undone, tear stained cheeks were bruised, his body was so small. So fragile. He stared up at them blankly.
However blank his stare had looked Duo was actually quite aware of everything. He had just discovered something. A memory. One of Heero.
**** FLASHBACK ****
He had woken to hear the voice of the one he loved, it was angry and hurt but the words went deep. "I LOVE DUO! I love him beyond words. I would never give him up, NEVER! He is the world to me, he means more than life itself. I would gladly DIE for him, he's all I have ever dreamed of, he is the very air I breathe. I.LOVE.HIM." it was then that the longhaired boys vision cleared slightly. Heero stood above a man. The same man who had ruined everything. "Really?" Duo asked in disbelief. And he got his answer.
"Yes, yes Duo. I meant everything I said! God, god Duo, I-I... Love you."
**** END FLASHBACK ****
It was all true. Heero did love him. He was in love. Duo knew now why Heero had felt so hurt. It was all coming back. 'If only I lived long enough to tell him' the boy thought angrily. And then he turned, once more listening to his best friend Trowa Barton.
"I see no point to your outrage Hakumei. If I were you I would be helping Heero, not hurting him." Trowa finished in an angered tone. "But Heero- san... MY brother; LOVES another MAN!" The tall brown haired pilot smirked and narrowed his eyes. "So that's it."
"That's what?"
"You just can't be happy for him. Your one of those idiots who is grossed out by true love if it is between two members of the same sex."
"That is not true love!"
"Oh but it is. I know! I KNOW! Duo was in love with Heero and Heero is in love with Duo. They were-they are meant for each other" he choked on his words, they hurt "and you Can-not stop that! No one can Hakumei. Don't you want what's best for Heero? Don't you care if he's happy? Because I sure as hell want what's best for Duo. I would do anything to make him happy, and if that means... if that means helping him find Heero in his memory and helping them start their lives to-together, If that means that I should die for him...than I will!" He stood up shakily.
Angry eyes gleamed "So be it." The gun raised and then a shot rang out. Trowa winced and waited. But no more pain ensued. The honey haired girl dodged the bullet, it hit her arm. He looked around wildly. Standing at the sell gate was Quatre, firearm in hand. His eyes were hard and unrecognizable. "Quatre look out!!!" a guard rammed the small blonde up against the bars. With surprising strength and brutality Quatre hit the mans jaw and broke both his arms faster than the sentry could react. Two more arrived. They were met with equal strength, though one met his end sooner by a bullet.
"HEERO!" the chestnut haired pilot struggled to his feet. The room soon swarmed with guards and bullets. Duo felt himself being pushed to the ground. He instinctively turned to hit the attacker. Strength failed him and he fell limply into some ones arms. Looking up he smiled weakly. "Heero... Heero I remember."
Those words shocked Yuy into a state of near paralysis. In two quick strides he reached the wall and set Duo down gently. "Stay here. Try not to get shot. Here." Heero handed his love a gun and brushed a piece of hair from the boys pale face. "I love you Duo." Slowly he leaned forward. Their lips touched sending sparks through each of their bodies. It was soft, gently, loving. And that was all either of them needed to know that they were and would always be together, in love, never to be separated.
Heero turned and shot through the darkness and was rewarded with a grunt and thump of a guard. Quatre had two guns and was shielding Trowa. That was his reason for not seeing what was about to happen. The banged pilot predicted the movement even before it took place; no one else seemed to see. No one.
She stalked in the corner firearm at ready, smoke hiding her, blood on her face, a smile creeping across her lips. The metal object was pointed towards his heart, he would die. Her trigger finger itched, but she would wait. She would kill him and end his pathetic love for that brat and then she would once again be known as the great assassin Hakumei. Killing had been her only thing to live for since the bullet had pierced her skin at the young age of eight. And it was fully Heero's fault. Karasu had always favored Heero and she had been caught in the middle. "I will kill h-" the bullet zipped like lightning past her chest into her heart. No longer could she be known as the greatest assassin alive.
Duo shot twice, two men down. There! There was another one running straight for the exit. The gun snapped back and the bullet was sent. Straight passes the guard and right towards... "HEERO!" he screamed knowing it was too late.
Trowa jumped with precise timing before he even had knowledge of what he had done he was there. And it was there as well. He fell. The shock shuddering through his head, blood spilled over his face and he fell, falling blind.
The guns went off, the guards fell. None were lucky enough to escape.
"TROWA!!!!" Quatre's scream echoed through out the empty building. Heero fell backwards, propelled by the tall and bloody gundam pilot. Trowa landed hard on the ground. Heero Yuy sat in stunned silence. Everything went seemingly in slow motion. He vaguely felt Quatre push him aside and rush to his koi. Duo stumbled over the dead bodies and landed hard on his knees. "Trowa! Trowa look at me Trowa are you OK?" It was obvious he wasn't but Duo couldn't help himself. The gundam pilots face was dripping with blood.
His eyes opened everything was blurry and red. "Du-Duo. Now, now you'll be happy. That's all I ever wanted, and I knew, I knew you would die with out Heero so-" he choked. Duo Maxwell was at a loss for words. How could this happen? All for him.
Trowa Barton turned to Quatre and raised his hand to caress a soft pale cheek. "I love you Quatre. I-I-" the banged boy was losing consciousness, losing sight. "I love you too, I love you Trowa! Don't leave me! Don't you dare leave me!" the blonde sobbed. "I love-I love-"
"No! God no!"
"Quatre."
"Trowa no! Please!" but his words fell upon deaf ears. Trowa's hand slipped from the one whom held it. Bloodied and bruised he lay battered and cold upon the cell that was now a death filled tomb. Heero crawled over to the man who had saved his life. Blood spilled from that handsome face, once life filled sparkling green eyes stayed open, brow slightly furrowed in pain and grief. Delicately the no longer perfect soldier shut his friend's eyes.
**** One month later (New years eve, 11:55pm) ****
"Hey Quatre! Thanks for inviting us! This party rules!" The Gundams all nodded in agreement with Duo who was back to his obnoxiously normal life for the most part. He had some trouble remembering how to use things or say things, and some past acquaintances slipped his mind now and then but the doctors had said very clearly that Duo Maxwell was in time going to be fine and was indeed very lucky. Heero of course took extra care of the longhaired blue-eyed boy. The perfect soldier had become the perfect man for Duo (not that he needed to change to receive Duo's unending love).
Wufei smiled kindly and gulped down a glass of champagne. "Truly Winner, this is a great New Years Bash." The black haired pilot set his glass down hard enough to break it. Fortunately it stayed in one solid piece. "Well, back to the ladies eh Wu-man?" asked Duo bluntly. Chang Wufei blushed ever so slightly and walked off muttering under his breath.
With no other guest to talk to Quatre was forced to watch his two friends. It wasn't that he disliked them. He loved them, as friends. Dearly. Duo sat happily on his lovers lap and leaned back for a long and very drawn out kiss.
"Heero?"
"Yes?"
"Will you dance with me?"
"Of course. Will you excuse us Winner?" Quatre smiled politely "Sure guys. Have fun." Heero gave a brief smile and whisked Duo off to the dance floor, leaving the blonde quite alone. To cry his tears on his own yet another night.
"Duo?" the older boy leaned in close and whispered into his lover's ear. "You know what?" He felt Duo shiver at the warmth. "What?"
"I love you." Duo Maxwell smiled brightly and leaned his head against Heero's shoulder. The cobalt-eyed man wasn't usually one to show public affection.
"I know Heero. And I love you."
Together they stayed, locked in each other's embrace.
Even when the lights had dimmed and the music stopped, even when the guests had gone.
There they remained.
Lovers and until the end of time