Disclaimer: Gundam Wing belongs to them, not to me (which is probably a good thing).
Title: Koko ni Irukara
Author: aomurasakiai
Pairing: Duo/Heero, Heero/Duo
Rating: PG
Warnings: Shounen Ai, Bit of Angst, Bit of WAFF
gw500 challenge: #23 - "security"
Word Count: 570

From a distance, I keep a close watch as Duo meanders through the vacant area where the Maxwell Church once stood years ago. It had taken that long to clean up all the debris due to the war, but I think he still remembers exactly where everything had been. Holding a single rose in his hand, he traces his memories, walking around as if the church is still standing. But, he has a more dejected stride, unlike his usual, confident step. And sometimes he pauses to stare at one spot with a small, albeit sad smile appearing across his lips.

I can do nothing more but stand here.

I wonder to myself why he invited me, of all people, to accompany him to L2 to visit the Maxwell Church. I am aware that I'm not the most sensitive person in the world; Quatre would have been a better choice. At least he knows what to say to comfort him, especially during a moment like this when he needs it the most.

After what seems like hours, he places the rose on the ground. He makes the cross over his body and finally turns to look at me with a small hint of sorrow in his eyes.

"Arigato [Thank you], Heero." My eyebrows draw together.

"Nande [Why]? I haven't done anything," I tell him. He smiles and gives me a small shrug as if he doesn't have an answer for me. But, when he turns to walk away, he whispers softly to me.

"Ne [Hey], Heero… Just you being here was enough." I blink in surprise.

'Duo?'

As we both wait for other people to board the shuttle heading back to Earth, I glance over at Duo. One hand is under his chin and he's leaning towards the window, watching L2 with half-lidded eyes.

"Arigato again, Heero."

"Aa [Okay]," I respond back before silence reigns over the both of us. The shuttle finally begins to move and soon we are in orbit, heading towards the planet. I keep a close watch on my companion, knowing that he's not exactly feeling like himself. At least I'm not that insensitive.

Hours later, I wonder if I should wake Duo for some food. Maybe it will do him some good. He is curled up uncomfortably on his side, facing away from me so I shake his shoulder.

"Duo, wake up," I lean over to whisper. When he opens his eyes, I recoil quickly in shock; both of them shine brightly with suppressed tears. He places a hand over his face.

"Gomen [I'm sorry]," he apologizes. Watching him, I think about what Quatre would do, what any other person would do. The very least I can do is try. Grabbing the hand he's using to hide his face, I pull him towards me. He lets out a surprised sound from his throat before I wrap my arms awkwardly around his shoulders. We both remain still, his head resting on my chest and his hand holding onto my shirt.

"Heero…" he barely whispers to me before closing his eyes against his tears. Staring down at him, I realize that I never knew he was trying his hardest to not cry. But I want to tell him it's okay.

"Daijoubu [It's alright]." I tighten my embrace. He nods against me and I close my eyes as well.

'Koko ni irukara [I will be here for you].'

Owari