YAY! Annie got her writing program back! YAY! I lost the chapter so it took me a little longer to rewrite it. Sorry!
Same disclaimer and warning as the rest of the story
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CHAPTER 10
Heero hated being led. He was so used to being in control that he didn't know how to resist a guiding hand . . . especially when it was Quatre's. He also hated hospitals, which was where he was being led. Today wasn't a good day.
Quatre, the empath that he was, had sensed Heero's inner conflict, and gently, as in threatened with blackmail photo's of him at Zechs Merquise (Relena's brothers) bachelor party, *(A/n: Don't we all just wish we knew what those pics were?)* persuaded Heero to come with him to visit Duo. Who, though they had only met him a few times, had grown on them with his bright, outgoing manner. Originally the nurse didn't want them to go in, but after some calm persuasion, (It's incredible what power and wealth can get you), were led in.
Heero stared at the frail body that was lying in the bed, full of tubes and a breathing mask over his mouth. It was wrong. Duo was too strong to allow himself to be degraded like this. With a sudden shake, Duo's breathing mask came off, and his head rolled back. A small rumbling began to shake through his chest. Heero looked up.
Suddenly, a monstrous grunt emitted from his mouth. Heero stared in alarm, was that sound normal? Another one followed, and another and another . . .
Heero felt his face begin to twist, the muscles strain as they turned upward, forming as small sort of smile. Duo's snores were tremendous, seemingly making his body vibrate and move. Heero's smile gravitated towards the floor, as Duo's snores began snorting and sounding painful as if he was struggling for air. Heero's eyebrows twitched, this couldn't possibly be normal. He looked around, his eyes alighting on the red button, with a silhouette of a happy nurse on it. He pressed it.
Moments later, a nurse bustled in, a big smile plastered on her round face. [1] It grew even wider as she heard the reason for her call.
"Is something wrong?" Heero asked, hands splayed in front of him to dusplay his helplessness.
"What? That? That's nothing, you should have heard him earlier, it's fine when he is on his side, but when he's on his back, it's . . ." She gestured towards Duo's head. "Why do you think he has the breathing mask?" Her smile was joking as she readjusted his breathing mask and the snores died away.
Heero sighed in relief, Duo's body rolled slightly to the side, Heero stared at him, contemplating. Could he . . . He had an urge to stay, to apologize to Duo, to make it right again . . . if he could. Duo didn't seem one to hold a grudge but he, Heero, had indirectly been responsible for sending him to the hospital. Heero blew out air, ruffling his long bangs. Unconsciously he took Duo's pale hand, and began stroking it with his thumb and forefinger.
"So Duo . . . what now?"
~*~*~
Duo's throat felt dry, his eyes were tired, his body sore and he could've sworn something was holding his hand. It was a hand, a warm hand, a warm calloused hand. Another thing worried Duo, his breath didn't seem to be coming in right, and he slowly became aware of a harsh pounding in his head. He opened his eyes.
It was bright, why did the hospitals have to be so white and . . . bright. He slammed his eyes shut once more, and then, shocked, realized what else he had 'seen.' At least he thought he had. . . Heero?
Once more his eyes opened his eyes, this time no more than a crack. His heart stopped. There was Heero, rubbing his hand, seemingly unaware of Duo's presence. Duo tried to call out to him, but all the came forth was a painful moan. Heero's head turned towards him.
"Hello Duo," Heero's voice was hesitant as he seemed to be asking for permission to speak to him.
"Why are you here?" Duo asked, removing the breathing mask with his free hand, his mind too adled by drugs to care about courtesy. But his voice wasn't accusing or angry, merely wearily curious.
"I heard you were in the hospital, so I thought I would visit you . . ."
"Why now? I thought you were 'ill prepared for this relationship'." Heero flushed, and looked down. It was made even worse by the fact that only sarcasm escaped his mouth, no condemnation.
"Duo . . ." Heero was stuck, what could he say to explain? What indeed, he had to tell the truth. "I know."
Duo watched him curiously, "What exactly?" He wasn't going to give anything away.
Heero's face looked around helplessly. He placed his hand delicately on Duo's stomach, "This."
"I thought so." He nodded in acknowledgement. "How?"
"Quatre."
Duo looked surprised, that was something he hadn't considered. "How do you- you know him?"
"He's been my closest friend for many years, though I may not appear it, I am a very good listener. Quatre enjoys talking to someone willing to listen as a friend, and not just as some business venture." Duo's face must have looked confused, because Heero continued, "Quatre is the owner of Winner Enterprises, didn't you know?" Duo's jaw dropped, apparently not.
"H-He is? Wow, that explains why the doc was always sucking up to him, like a leech on a dog." Heero grinned at the vivid analogy. Duo matched Heero's grin. It felt so right, them being together, everything was right . . . except him being full of drugs and needles.
"Heero? Why are you here? Really?" Duo's voice cracked and his face grew perfectly serious, his eyes narrowed.
"I missed you," The bodyguard sounded ashamed. "I was scared, I didn't know what to do. The whole idea intimidated me."
"You should have talked to me, I could have explained. I wasn't asking for any sort of commitment."
"I know."
"So . . . ?"
"I'm sorry."
"I wasn't asking for an apology, I was kind of hoping for a where-are-we going sorta thing. If you are just going to run away again . . ." Duo was getting upset, it was obvious. He was panting now, his face growing pale,his hands shaking in Heero's grasp.
"Duo? I won't this time." Heero's voice was earnest, his face sincere, "If you are willing to give me another chance." Duo nodded, clearly exhausted, before passing out on the bed. Heero frowned, sighed and then reapplied the breathing mask before calling for a nurse. . .
tsuzuku
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I am really sorry this took more than a week, my comp deleted the chapter. I am aiming to update every Thursday cause I usually have those days off.
Thanks to all my nice reviewers!
Arigatous:
IchigoPocky: I didn't notice that . . . Hehe, that's great! I love that! Things like that make me laugh, nine days, nice chapters. It's sorta true with this chapter as it took place the next day . . .
TaraSaturn: Hehe, your reviews make me laugh, I am glad you got to talk to your friend. Don't worry, there will be some . . . next chapter or so.
Gundam Gurl 06: I did, and it's fun that we both like WWS. YAY! I can't wait for yours! hides in corner Though I am not used to death threats . . . did I update soon enough!?
WhiteWolfSearching: glomps back YAY! You must post more if you want me to love you! ^_^ jk!
Chibidark angel: I don't know if you saw it but your review helped inspire the conversation between Duo and Heero. I totally agree and your review really meant a lot to me.
Glass Shoe: Douitashimashite! hands chapter on platter
Super Poodle: I KNOW! How could he!? I am glad you make up your own words and umm . . . I think Duo will stick with bottles. ^_^ falls over from laughter
Dark Tenchi: Thanks so much! I really appreciate the offer and the review!
Shy Girl: I promise to continue unless something horrid and devastating occurs.
Devylzangyl: (yay I didn't have to look for spelling this time) I suppose but he is a man, what do you expect? Even one as awesome as Heero, he isn't the most commonsensical.
AtomicBlue: SMUG! laughs insanely No the world didn't end, for which I am extremely grateful. (okay, that is a Gandalf line . .. woah)
lillie chan: Perhaps, yes of course. I agree, poor Duo!
Stacy: Alright, you didn't have to wait long, this review came at just the right time, just enough to give me the boost to finish the chapter. Thanks!
Alright, seriously more weekly from now on, if I can. I promise. Thanks so much to my dear reviewers. If I forgot you please tell me! THANKS!
Any ideas on whose POV it should be from next? I realize in this chapter it kinda switched around a lot but . . . SORRY!
~Annie
