Disclaimer: I hate these, and you're a moron if you think I own anything GW related.
Warnings: This is gonna get strange and dark,TWT
Pairings: 1x5, 2x1
Summary: Duo's always been in love with Heero and hoped that one day, perhaps not until after the war, Heero might return his feelings. One day, Duo's dreams come true, or do they?
A/N: This chapter was supposed to be something very different, but because it's Heero-centric it didn't really work. The chapter ended up being split in two, so this one's a tad bit shorter than I would like, and the plot doesn't move along as far as it should have. Oh well.

Short Circuit
by Amyeyl

Chapter Three

Heero wasn't quite sure what he'd gotten himself into. He'd never taken care of anyone apart from himself before. And even then the care was no more detailed than 'fix the immediate problem and ignore any unpleasant side effects, such as pain'. Duo was something all together different.

The unaware hospital staff had taken care of the extent of the pilot's physical injuries, going so far as to prescribe both ritual and medication to lessen the pain and speed the healing. As the only one present to care for Duo when he was released, the good-natured doctor had presented him with a list of everything he may need to know about Duo's injuries and how to help the boy take care of himself. Heero followed those to the letter, making sure to change Duo's bandages as frequently as he was supposed to and reminding him to take his medication on time.

The doctor had also included the names and numbers of some of the best rehabilitation specialists and psychiatrists in the area, for when the cast came off. What Duo would need a psychiatrist for, Heero was unsure, but if seeing one would help bring back the boy Heero was familiar with, he'd take Duo to one now.

He couldn't understand why Duo was so withdrawn and needy. Helping him to the bathroom was something that made sense to Heero, but sitting with him until he fell asleep at night? What purpose could that serve? He didn't know, but he did it anyway. It was easier than dealing with the strange sensation that would well up whenever Duo turned away at Heero's lack of understanding.

Consequently, Heero spent his nights torn between two desires. He sat in a chair next to Duo's bed and watched him shift uncomfortably beneath the light coverings. Every so often his eyes would be drawn to the large, hulking shape occupying the lower half of the bed. Was that his captor? When it was finally removed, would he be free to go on his way? He didn't know, but he hoped. It was important that he be allowed to leave as soon as possible. The need weighed heavily on his mind tonight. Heero could also see the room's only window from his spot in the chair. It faced the direction he and Duo had come from; thousands of miles back that way was his last connection to Wufei.

He couldn't explain this feeling either. He only knew that he needed to find Wufei, and to find him soon. Everything he did and every thought he had were overlaid with the need to find the boy. It colored his memories as far back as he could go. This desire to be near him, to know that he was alright. He didn't understand the feeling, and he didn't want to deal with it, but he couldn't ignore it. So like the sensations Duo evoked, he the only solution was to give in. He would have to find Wufei and make sure he was all right.

He checked to make sure Duo was still sleeping before he stood up and crossed the room to stare out the window at the night sky. It should have bothered him that he gave in so easily when it came to the two of them, but somehow it didn't. He supposed for the time being it wasn't unacceptable. The missions and their overall goal were not being jeopardized by his actions, and that was what really mattered. Duo and Wufei, along with the other two pilots, were the closest things Heero had to comrades. They had the same goals, and so being concerned… was that what this was? …about their well-being was only natural. Wasn't it?

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"Heero?" Duo's soft, questioning tone pulled Heero out of his spiral of thoughts. He turned to face the sleepy looking boy, an eyebrow raised in response. Duo had pushed himself up slightly onto his elbows and was peering at him through the darkness. "What are you doing over there?"

Heero frowned at the question. What exactly was he doing by the window? Standing there night after night didn't accomplish anything more than causing him to miss out on hours of sleep. But there was no time to analyze his actions further; Duo was looking at him, still awaiting an answer.

"I was thinking," he stated simply. Duo continued to stare at him, an expectant look on his face. Heero wasn't sure what else was required of him, and remained silent. Duo heaved a sigh and gestured for Heero to come closer. Heero complied easily enough and returned to his spot in the chair. Duo stared at him for a moment before speaking.

"Um.. what's so important that it has you up at…" he glanced quickly at the digital clock next to his bed, "four in the morning? That can't be right, is it really that early? Heero, you should get some sleep. We'll talk in the morning, later in he morning." With that said, Duo made shooing motions until Heero stood and moved to the bed across the room.

He lay down on the bed and shifted so he was still facing Duo. He remained that way for some long minutes, thoughts drifting, and waited for Duo to return to sleep. It was unlike the boy in the other bed to end a conversation as abruptly as that. Normally he would press and press until he had an answer he was satisfied with. This was just strange. Though everything regarding Duo had been strange of late. And he seemed nervous. He would have to ask Duo to explain himself 'later in the morning'.

TBC...