Author: Dae Yuy
Archive: Nowhere at the moment
Warnings:churchness, shounen-ai, heavy cursing, Duo and Heero angst, friendship
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: 31, 121 (in a friendship way)
Disclaimer: I don't own Trowa and Heero or Duo, the story is mine though
Spoilers: No, not really
Feedback: Pwitty Pweeze?
Author's Notes: Number four! I'm quite a bit happier with this one and for those of you looking for some Trowa/Heero action there isn't much in this story, there is Duo-ness though! I'm afraid I may have got the whole church thing wrong, I'm not Catholic, I don't know anyone who is strictly Catholic who I would be comfortable asking questions to. So I apologize in advance if I offend anyone! bows
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Heero woke up to sunshine splashing his face. Its rays, waking him up gently, and he was warm all over. He smiled slightly as he thought of the night before and remembered the promise he had made to himself and Trowa. He crept out of bed, careful not to disturb his tall lover, knowing the slightly older man was rather grumpy if he woke up before he wanted to, or needed to. Pulling on one of Trowa's shirts, the Japanese young man moved to the kitchen, planning to prepare breakfast when he noticed a light blinking on his laptop, set out on the kitchen table the prior afternoon. Curiously approaching, he clicked the icon.
Ever realized how peaceful churches are? They're always a good place to go if you
want to get away. kuroi hane no tenchi.
Heero gasped, pushing away from the table and rushed back to the bedroom, he hopped into a pair of jeans, grabbing the keys from the bedside table. Catching a sleepy green eye, Heero offered a light smile and a kiss, before leaving the room. He just hoped he knew where to go.
He remembered one time when he and Duo were visiting the city together, there was a massive Catholic church that Duo insisted they went to. It was beautiful and in impeccable condition, considering it was from the pre-colony era. It held modest ceremonies and the priests and sisters were very understanding and kind. Driving over the speed limit through the midmorning traffic, Heero found himself becoming nervous. What if he had interpreted the information all wrong? What if it wasn't even what he thought it was? What if it was just some stupid junk mail that managed to bypass his system? He knew the last was rather farfetched, but the what if's were spiralling around his mind. It hadn't been all that long, but Heero missed the braided idiot more than he cared to admit sometimes.
Pulling into the parking lot, he sat in the drivers seat for a few moments more, collecting himself for the impending confrontation, or he hoped it was impending anyway. Taking a deep breath he exited the car and walked reservedly up to the steps of the church, pushing one of the heavy wooden doors open. A priest greeted him solemnly and Heero returned it in the same manner. He wasn't Catholic himself, but he always respected other religions and was familiar enough with this particular one as both his lover and best friend practised it in their own way.
His steps seemed heavy and loud in the vast room as he approached the alter and bowed his head, offering a few quick words. He turned and walked to one of the smaller, private prayer rooms, announcing his presence and letting himself in. A huddled black clad figure sat within it, looking at the many burning candles set up.
"Aren't they pretty?" his voice was ruff as he spoke.
"Very." Heero answered softly, standing awkwardly before the door.
"You can come in you know." the young man said.
"I know I just feel..." he drifted not finding the words.
"Awkward?" Duo offered, "You don't have to the Lord doesn't care how you worship in His house. If you have something to believe in."
"Shinto his about as far from Catholic as you get." Heero elaborated, walking slowly into the room and sitting next to Shinigami, "What happened?"
Duo grinned darkly, "Death happened. The reaper claimed another victim."
Understanding dawned, "That woman, you were treating..."
"Is on her way to Hades as we sit." Duo answered, "That poor little girl." his fist clenched and Heero feared blood. He slowly opened Duo's hands and took them in his own.
"Why didn't you contact me sooner?" Heero asked.
"Your jackass boyfriend wouldn't tell me where you were." Duo answered, anger in his eyes, "I warned you about that one."
"He's history." Heero answered, trying to reassure his friend, "Trowa's been taking care of me."
Duo smiled, "Trowa. Now that one I told you to hang on to."
Heero took a deep breath, "I... I would have liked to have held on to you." he said hesitantly.
"I'm to stained Heero. You don't want someone like me." the braided one stood up and walked over to the candles, running his hand through the flames then tightening his fists, "The fire is even too pure to burn me. Scald me with its cleansing flame. Sometimes I want to throw myself into those fires Heero, those fires of warmth and light. Watch it all melt away. Ashes to ashes."
Heero felt tears burn his eyes, "Never. I can't loose you Duo. You taught me to be me. And I need your help again."
"Trowa." Duo whispered.
"What?" Heero asked.
"He'd like to help you." the braided one elaborated.
"He'd like to protect me." Heero countered, "I love him, but you Duo, you show me when I'm being an idiot. You tell me when my decisions are wrong. Trowa sugar-coats it and tries to make all the bad disappear. I may not listen, but I hear you. And I thank you. I may have held on to Andy longer than was good for me, if it wasn't for you Duo. You help me, you can't go away. Not again."
Duo turned to face the Japanese, a self-deprecating smile on his face, "Is that so? You don't need me."
Heero stood up, "Damnit Duo! Yes I fucking do need you. Don't tell me what I do and I don't need. I know what I damn well need! And that's your sorry ass in my hellhole of a life!" Duo stared at Heero wide-eyed, he never swore that much at one time, that was Quatre's and his own habit, not Heero's. Yes Quatre could curse like a champ when you got him going.
"So don't be a bastard and walk away again. Because if you do, God help me, even Trowa won't be able to pull me out of it." Heero's words were quiet now, as his deep sapphires pleaded with amethyst. Duo crumbled and trudged over to the smaller boy, hugging him tightly.
"You win." was all he said, Heero smiled into the American's shoulder.
End Story Four