Title: Learn from past and live for future
Pairings: 1x2
Chapter 9
From Heero's perspective, Dr. Evan's house was a bit strange. Also true was, that he himself never thought about specific of houses. To simplify it, he was ignorant of that specific topic. If someone would ask him, why he had not, he could honestly say he just did not care. For him, houses were there to be used. And also, that interest was really more of Duos and Quatre area. But what he saw in Dr. Evans home was something he never would expect it. Trowa would say "Interesting".
From outside the house looked as normal as any other house, but as soon as Dr. Evan started to lead them through it, the opposite of normal presented itself. From what Heero could see it was all in double or to be specific, under one house were two identical apartments. He was more than intrigued, so he promised himself to ask the doctor about it. Only he knew it was not the time for chit chat, but he couldn't help himself from making a small comment "That is the strangest house I have ever seen."
When Dr. Evan heard Heero, he absently nodded with a smile on his face, "Yes and the story behind it is funny as well."
After following the doc, they were led into premises which he used as veterinarian station. All rooms in it were equipped with furniture for a different purpose. One small room looked like it was being used as an office where owners came to announce themselves, to make an appointment and pay the bill. Next to it were two rooms side by side, one for animal examination and second for operations, but Heero was not a psychic and so he didn't know right away how others use their rooms.
Both rooms had an inscription on the right side of the door like examination room or operation room. There was still one more room, but all Heero could say about it was, that it was a large room. How it was used he could not say.
Inside of examination room, Dr. Evan put the shoebox down on the table and looked into it. "From just looking at that young pup, I can see that both his back legs are swollen probably because of broken bones. His bones don't poke out so we are dealing with closed fractures, probably even muscle tearing and inner bleedings. I will do X-ray to get a better view of his whole bone structure and to get specific locations of broken bones. Then I will have to do a surgery."
"Surgery; wow, that is seriously troublesome for such a small body," commented Duo.
"I know, but the best treatment right now is to use a general anesthetic, X-ray, and surgery," said the Dr. Evan then continued with the explanation "The problem right now is my staff, it's late and they went home. It will take an hour for some to come back. Even so the surgery will have to be done tonight and as soon as possible. I will make some calls. For now, we need to move him out of that small box and prepare him for X-ray." While explaining he looked at each of them, then back to Heero and continued "Mr. Heero, I don't know you as well as I know Mr. Duo so I hope it's okay if I ask him to help out?"
"Of course," replied Heero in surprise.
Duo's nonverbal reply was to look toward Heero with a smile on his face, then gave his attention to the doctor "Evan you know you can use me in any way you need. But just for examination of that puppy of course," explained Duo with a big smile.
"Baka," responded Heero with a warm tone.
"Thank you, I think" Dr. Evan began. "First, we need to get that small body from that shoe box. We will have to pick him up very slowly and with care, but first" with that he pointed a finger up like he remembered something "I, need to get a photo camera and take pictures for the ACO report. Give me a moment, I will be right back." Then he moved out of the room in search of it.
"What did he mean with ACO? Is it related to some kind of animal police?" asked Heero when they were alone.
"Yes, it is," answered Duo "It's in town and it is called Animal Control Office. I had the pleasure to use their services because of Baba and Buch mother. After finding her and calling Evan, I was told to lodge an open report. My main hope was to find the owner, to fine him and find the location where the fighting took place. After a few days, when I got a call from them, I was informed that they could not give me a good news."
Even Heero did not need to be told twice what that meant "So you never figured out who the owner was or where those fights were being held" asked Heero.
"No, we never did. At the end, it was decided that the place had moved. The organizers probably figured out that it would be wiser, to just change the city because no other new dogs were found" explained Duo.
While Duo talked Dr. Evan came rushing into the room with a small hand camera and started to make pictures from different angles. After a few minutes he continued "Okay, I have enough pictures for starters." When the camera was safely put away Dr. Evan realized that Solo had moved to his side, staring at him with concern.
"Can he please get something for the pain," asked Solo suddenly with quiet hiccup voice. "He is in a lot of pain." After saying that the boy plastered himself to Heero's leg and hid his face in it.
"Yes, of course. I should have done it before I went out to get my camera. Thank you for reminding me. Sometimes I wonder if my mind is slipping." Explained Evan then moved to the cupboard. Inside, Heero could see a lot of glass potions and a lot of different pills. In a short amount of time, the doctor prepared liquid anesthetic which he sprayed into a small body with a needle. Afterward, he looked to Solo and continued "The anesthetic starts to work very fast so he won't feel pain any longer. Just give it a minute or two."
"Thank you," responded Solo with muffled sound, his face still buried.
While waiting like everyone else Heero absently looked down toward Solo who at that moment looked up at him and raised both his hands.
"You okay?" asked Heero after picking Solo up into his lap.
"Aha," reply Solo, just for Heero to hear, then he circled Heero's neck and hide his face once more into his neck "am sleepy".
"Nothing wrong with it, just close your eyes and try to sleep," whispered Heero back while looking at Duo, who was watching both of them with questioning eyes. Not wanting to talk about Solo with the doctor in the same room, he silently mouthed "later." And with a quick nod Duo once again put all his attention on the doctor.
It was not long after that doctor Evan politely showed all three of them into the room Heero previously could not see. They were told to be patient and wait for him to return. He also informed them to that they could watch TV, talk or sleep.
The room they were led in was wide and looked as an animal heaven. The doctor had some good ideas with it. The yellow walls were for sure a cat's domain. They were full of furniture made specifically for cats, which could cling to them, climb them, play with them and even sleep or hide in some places.
The rugs on the ground were soft in some places and rough in other, a few places even absent with only wood. That was not all, the sofas in the room were all different sizes and shapes. Even Heero could see that those sofas were meant for dogs. So they were the dogs domain.
"What do you think, he uses this room for animals?" Heero asked Duo in wonder.
"I think it's being used as some kind of day care center," replied Duo.
"Day care," wondered Heero, "aren't children meant for day cares?"
"I read in some articles that some people offer their homes as day cares for animals," explained Duo. "They are meant for those animals whose owners can't find anyone in their family to take care of the animal when he/she is not at home. So it's easier for them to bring their pets to these kinds of places."
"I've never heard of it," responded Heero.
"I haven't either, but it's still cool what he has done with that room," said Duo.
"Yes, it is. What time is it anyway? How long have we been here?"
Duo looked at his wrist watch "It's 19:45 pm and we have been in this room for almost an hour and a half. I think I heard some staff members earlier. I would say they started the operation soon after. "
"I want to go home," said Heero absently.
"Me too," replied Duo who was sitting on a very soft green sofa chair. Just the color, the circular shape and Duo half sitting half lying in it made Heero smile.
"Why are you laughing?" wondered Duo, "Do not tell me you are jealous of my sofa, are you?"
"You really look ridiculous sitting on it or should I say lying on it," answered Heero, still smiling.
"Just you wait; I will get one just like that in our bedroom, then we will see who will have the last laugh."
"That doesn't scare me," replied Heero.
"Then I will pick the color pink, just for you," added Duo with a raised eyebrow.
"Then I will have to kill you painfully," responded Heero.
"Yes," continued Duo, "I am still waiting for it."
Both of them were seated opposite themselves on different sofas, waiting for the doctor to reappear and get the end result of the pup's health.
Duo's eyes fell on Solo, "do you think he went to sleep because of the puppy?" asked Duo after the stillness in the room continued for too long. But before Heero could reply he continued "It sure looked that way. Maybe he concentrated too much on the puppy and how he felt or was still feeling."
"Are you done" wondered Heero "Can I reply before you start talking about what I am thinking?"
"Sure am, do continue Lord Heero," said Duo while making hand gesture.
"If we take into account Quartos ability which we know personally I would say yes, he did." His eyes fell upon his son, who was, at that moment, sleeping peacefully between two of them in a larger sofa.
For a while, Duo was quiet once again but continued shortly after he remembered something "Quarto once told me that when he was young and could not control his ability, he could very easily fall into someone else emotions and could not get out of them for a while. He also admitted in his drunken state that those moments were the scariest." While talking Duos eyes traveled all around the backyard, they could see from the only window in the room.
"When was that," asked Heero in wonder, "You never told me that before."
"Just after you self-detonation in Wing," responded Duo absently, "Quatre took me with his Maganac Corps to his base in the Middle East. There we had some time to drink, talk and sleep."
"Oh, Sorry for that."
"No, you are not" responded Duo with a little more force than it was necessary "because we both know you would do the same thing over again."
"Yes, I would," said Heero quietly "At that time my only concern was for my mission and Wing. I had to make sure he would not get into the wrong hands. Let's not think about what happened to your Deathscythe."
Duo took a few deep breaths, "The past is the past. Let us get back to the present," said Duo out of blue, "just the thought of war brings out every one of my unwanted emotions and memories."
"Agree, we can always talk about it at nights if either one of us can't sleep," replied Heero as an invitation to Duo, then he continued "Maybe we can ask Quatre for his thought about the whole puppy & Solo event."
"My…" Duo's talking was broken abruptly when the Dr. Evan came into the room holding in his right hand a folder of their puppy in which Heero could see x-ray photos and some papers. Just from his body posture and face expressions, they could tell that the operation went well and whatever he had to say was good.
Before he spoke his eyes went toward sleeping Solo, then moved to the similar single sofa as Duos but with yellow color "Sorry, for the long wait."
"No problem," said Duo "we are very good at waiting we had it specialized in the time of war. What can you tell us?"
"First, that puppy is very lucky to have a strong spirit and will to be alive. Second, the x-ray showed me exactly what I suspected all along."
Before he could continue Duo spoke up, "that is really good doctor continue please."
"Oh, yes, I did forget how impatient you can get. Anyway, both his back legs were broken cleanly. By the way, how they broke, I can predict that something very heavy came down on the pup who was somewhere he should not be. It was probably an accident and owners or owner got scared so they threw him away."
"That is not an excuse," added Heero coldly.
"Some people just don't think about how their life will change after getting an animal in their home." Responded Duo absently.
"I agree with both of you. Those are ignorant humans. But I also met a lot of people who did not want an animal or did not like it anymore so they went and got rid of it. Afterward, they were telling their family members a lie like the cat or dog run away; in truth, they just went a few miles away and threw them or it away."
For few second all was quiet and Heero was horrified with what the doc experienced. "Can you identify what it was that injured the puppy?" asked Heero.
"I did not confirm it yet so I can only speculate, but it was probably some kind of heavy window or garage door or something similar. Whatever it was, came down very fast and squeezed the puppy down." While he explained he made palm movements for them to easily understand and imagine it.
"So if he was squeezed down how come only his back legs are broken and not his front legs," asked Duo.
"You can see it here," while explaining he opened the folder and took out an x-ray photo. On it was a bone structure of small pup. Then he raised it so that all three of them could easily see what he was talking about and continued "and here, where both legs were broken. Also, here on the spine, we can easily see bruising and swelling in the bone. That is the spot where it landed."
When both of them nodded their heads he put down the photo and continued "as I was saying, he is really one lucky pup. Whatever fell down on him had to be very heavy and could kill him on that spot or even crippled him, but it did neither. I wish everyone had such luck."
"Are you telling us that he will recover 100%" wondered Heero.
"He had some inner bleeding, but I stopped it. Also, both his legs are in a cast and he will be in my care for whole two weeks or more. All depends on him and how quickly he will heal. But if it goes as I plan it, then yes, he will fully recover."
"Oh, thank the Lord for that," Duo said happily.
"What about the owners," continued Heero "can we do something?"
"Yes, that is also the topic I wanted to talk about. Before we continue, let me give you the paper on which I wrote all what I know now about the puppy and his injury." Once again, he opened the folder and took out a Dog information paper, then gave them to Duo who would give it to Heero, afterward he continued. "It was really lucky for us and ignorance of the owners into buying a pup from a licensed breeder. It seems they did not know about the breeding number every pup gets in his ear. The number is the only link to the breeder and indirectly to the buyer. With it, I was able to get the information we needed. Of course, I had to make a few phone calls, but it was worth it and now we got a telephone number and his home address."
"Did you try to call him" wondered Duo.
"More than that, when I got him on the phone and describe to him what happened, he got all emotional and angry at the same time. He told me to count on his help any way he can but before he does, he want to see the puppy and make sure it's really one of his pups. He also informed me that he lives 3 hours from our city in some rural land and is willing to come here tomorrow." Dr. Evans eyes lit up with every word. The same way a little kid who was getting a lollipop would.
"So, what's the plan for tomorrow when he gets here" asked Heero.
"Wait, wait, wait," said Duo "what is the name of that breeder?"
"Oh, right, I forgot to mention that," while talking he opened the folder and pulled out the third paper on which all information about the breeder were being written down. "His name is Sam Collins; he is 43 years old and breed dogs as a business."
"Sam Collins, hmm…. Never heard of him," said Duo then looked at Heero "You?"
"Yes, Duo he is my best BFF whom I have coffee with every other day," responded Heero.
The response from Heero pulled a huge smile on Duo's face "that's what I want to hear, great work Heero." While he congratulated Heero with his thumb up, he continued "My boy is growing up so fast," then he wiped away his invisible tear.
"The next joke you make will get your ass kicked to the moon," Hero muttered.
Surprisingly to everyone in the room Duo just winked to Heero then before getting all serious. "How long will puppy need to heal" asked Duo, as a peace offering toward Heero.
"That small pup, went through a very painful experience and got serious injuries. His post-operative healing will be greatly enhanced with strict rest to prevent walking, running or jumping. I will have him in extended course of antibiotics and painkillers. For a few days, I will even let him sleep, that way his body can start to heal without the stress. I estimate the healing time to be for four to six weeks," replayed Dr. Evan.
"That is a long time, but if we take into account that he probably had a concussion, broken bones, muscle tearing, inner bleedings or was outside for a while in such a stake, then a month is nothing compare to his health. At least, he will get better. When he is okay, we take him home." While Heero talked, he was looking at his sleeping son, then at Duo as to get a response.
"Of course, Baba and Buch and even Shiny will be happy to have a new companion," said Duo, smiling.
"What about the Animal Control Office," asked Heero.
"I called them already," said the Dr. Evan "and made an appointment for tomorrow. One of the officers will come by to take a look at the puppy to take all the information's we got and also to take his own photos and take mine. Then all we can do is to wait for them to do their jobs."
"Great to hear," stated Duo then stood up "do you need us for anything else?"
"No," responded Evan then looked towards small sleeping Solo "do you want to see the puppy before you go home?"
"Can we," asked Heero "it really would help Solo to see him and say goodbye for now."
"Sure he can," added Dr. Evan.
While Dr. Evan and Duo waited, Heero moved toward the sofa where Solo slept. When he was by his side, he crouched down and with the caressing of his hair and peaceful talking woke Solo up. Then he explained with a few quiet words why he was waking him up and asked Solo if he wanted to see the pup before they went home. The only reply he got was a confirmation with his head. When Heero stood up Solo automatically raised his hands in the air to be carried. After Heero had done so Solo circled his father's neck with his small hands and pulled his head into his neck looking at everything in a half awake, half asleep state. Then they were ready.
Doc Evan took them into the operation room where the small puppy was now sleeping peacefully on a post-operation table. His small body was all clean up and enclosed into bandages and casts around the legs and bandages everywhere else. To Heero, he looked like a mummy.
"Can I touch him" wondered Solo with his eyes fixating on the pup's sleeping form.
"Of course, you can. But don't forget he is in a deep sleep so he won't react to you," explained the doctor to Solo.
When Solo was once again on his own legs all three of them watched him slowly moving toward the sleeping pup. For a time he just watched the pup, then with his left hand, he started caressing him, quietly whispering with a peaceful smile on his face.
While watching his son, Heero once again thought about the house "Doc Evan, now that all is actually done and we have some time to spare, can you please tell us what is the secret of your house."
"Wow a secret, huh…" Dr. Evan smiled more to himself than others "to be honest with both of you the history of my house is not a secret." After being quiet for a few seconds, he continued "When I came to the town I wanted to find a house for me and also a place I could use for a business. My hope was to get both of them near to each other or even next to it. Also, the process of getting information about houses, locations, going through their history was too complicated and time-consuming, so I went into a real estate agency and hired them."
"Oh, I never had a chance to use their services," said Duo but then went quiet to listen.
"They were very professional and good. Also, the work they were doing was splendid" smiled Evan.
"Why are you smiling that way," asked Duo again.
"Because after showing me 20 houses they or specific my agent looked really annoyed. I thought he would pluck my head off."
"It's seems he did not," prompted Duo once again.
Dr. Evan just looked at Duo and shook his head as to convey his no verbal message to be quiet and to listen, then continued "Once, after showing me a house which I did not like, he looked at me with a murder in his eyes. Afterward, he just stormed out, slamming the front doors with such a force that I thought they would fall off. Thereafter, I haven't heard from him for a while a week maybe or more. But, when he did call he sounded calmer and happier. He also persisted that he found what I was searching for. He assured me I will be able to use if for living in it and my business."
"I guess it did," added Heero.
"Yes, indeed. Just look at it," he spread his hands and turn all around then continued, "it's perfect for me."
"But how come it's built the way it is," wondered Heero.
"The house was made for two twin sisters. Twins usually have a special bond with each other or so I was told. Those specific sisters were together from their young age, so living apart was unthinkable. Even so, they longed for their own individual living quarters. The result was what you see here," he again circled his right head all around himself, then continued "the house is divided into two independent living quarters. Under my house, I have two identical apartments under one roof. Can you imagine it? From outside it looks just like a simple house."
"Wow," emphasized Duo.
"Exactly my point," he added, "So, when I saw it the first time I was automatically skeptical. Even so my agent did not mind it and was happily waiting for me to enter the house and look around. It took me just a step inside, a look to the left and then to the right and I knew." At that, Dr. Evan smiled more to himself than to them. "The contract was made the same day."
"Twin sisters," repeated Heero.
"Yes, twin sisters. Because of it, I can use one apartment to live in it and one, for my business."
"When we were in your veterinary living room we saw it has furniture for cats and dogs. Are you offering a service for dogs and cat's day care," asked Duo.
"My main patients are dogs or cats. Therefore, my living room is specifically arranged for them," explained Dr. Evan.
"Do you employ extra hands for it" wondered Duo once again.
"No, I have the luck that College of Veterinary Medicine allows me to use students as free volunteers in return I am bound to let them study dogs and cat behaviors. All, in all its a good deal and students who come to me, are usually those who do care for animals. I sometimes even take them into an operating room and allow them to be part of it. That way they have the opportunity to see if they have the nerves for it or not."
The talk was broken by Solo who came to the Dr. Evan while they talked and started to pull on his coat.
"Dr. Uncle Duo said that Baba and Buch are Rottweil…. something" tried to explain Solo but could not pronounce the word correctly.
"Rottweilers," added Duo.
"Yes, that" he pointed toward Duo while continuing "that is why they are all black. But my puppy is all white with small black spots. What does that mean?"
At Solo's question, Dr. Evan crouched down to be at Solos eye level, then answered "Your puppy is a Dalmatian. He will be very intelligent and active friend to you and others on the farm. You will have a lot of fun with him."
"Dalmatian," repeated Solo then once again looked toward sleeping puppy "thank you." When he got the information he wanted he turned and went to Heero circling his right leg "I am ready to go home now."
"You heard what our small companion said, we are ready to go home; go us." While saying that Duo started to pull on his coat.
"Before you go," Dr. Evan looked toward Solo "what will you name the puppy. Everyone needs a name even he does."
"How come he has no name," asked Solo in wonder "everyone has one."
"He probably did have one," started Dr. Evan but was interrupted because of Heero's question to him.
"What about the owners, is it a guarantee that they will not take the pup from us after he is healthy again" wondered Heero unwilling to give his son a hope of a new puppy before they even named him.
The look Dr. Evan gave him was with same face expression as he gave Duo earlier when he was stopped while talking "As I was saying, he probably did have a name from previous owners, but they wounded him, thrown him away and left him there to die. In my eyes, they have no right for him anymore. Because it was Solo who found him, we could save him, therefore he has the right to name him. Also, they won't take the puppy from you. I won't allow it. If they start making problems because of it, they will show to everyone how little honor they have."
"Honour, ha," said Duo aloud with a big smile on his face "we had a lot of opportunities to hear all about someone's honor many times did we not, Heero".
"What are you talking about," asked the Dr. Evan in wonder, but was ignored by both.
"Told you so," replied Heero and only Duo knew what he was saying.
"Good to know," said Duo "OMG, we gonna have so much fun when we get home."
For now Heero decided to just ignore Duo, they could talk about it later, meanwhile he looked down toward his son "Solo, you hear the doc, what will you name the pup."
Heero could see that even while talking about a name for the puppy even then his son did not think that far. But to his relive Duo saw it too and tried to help Solo.
"It's not that hard Solo, just take your time. Just look at him and the name will come to you," said Duo with a smile.
Heero could see on his son face that he took Duos suggestion seriously. So, he gave all his attention on the sleeping puppy and his face got serious as he sometimes got while being deep in thoughts. After a while he had a small smile on his face, so all just waited.
"He has many black spots on him" started to explain Solo "and all of them look like bubbles so that's what he will be from now on, Bubbles." He looked at Duo as to see if he approved.
As to give Solo an answer, Duo went to sleeping puppy and with the slow caressing of his small head said "Hello, there Bubbles. It's nice to meet you. You had a hard time, so far and your old owners did not treat you well, but now you belong to us and we will take good care of you. For now your only job is to get healthy, then we will show you your new home."
As a thank you gesture Solo plastered himself on Duos leg to hug it then he raised both his hands as a request to be picked up in his lap. That was something Solo never done before with anyone besides Heero, so it did startle him a little, but Duo did not show it on his face even if Heero could read his body posture.
To fulfil Solo request, Duo lifted him into his lap just the way he saw Heero doing earlier. When Solo felt secure in his Uncles arms, he circled his small hands around Duos neck and moved his head into Duo's neck while whispering "Thank you Uncle Duo."
"You are welcome, young man," he answered back then looked to Heero who gave him a warm smile in return.
"Bubbles, is a good name," said the Dr. Evan in relief "I will make a note in his files later".
"Okay then, let's move" replied Duo turning toward the corridor which would lead them out of the house.
While they were moving towards the parked car Duo said, "I forgot to call Joe or Tom to tell them that we will be late. They are probably already asking themselves what happened."
"The faster we get home the faster they will get the news," added Heero in reply "or you call them while we drive home."
"Yes, I will call on the way" decided Duo.
When they were all inside the car with Heero once again behind the steering wheel Dr. Evan mentioned "I will call you in a few days to report about pup's health. Oh, and also after Animal Control Officer Leaves."
"Thanks again Evan. If you need anything from us just call, if not, let us know when we can come to visit the puppy" said Duo.
"Of course," said doc Evan. After they drove off
The drive home compared to the drive toward Dr. Evan house was more enjoyable. Solo able to sleep earlier got all the energy of a 5 years boy. He talked animatedly about his friend Bubbles, his new bedroom, listened to songs on the radio and even tried to sing along with Duo. The whole atmosphere in the car was easier, happier.
That changed as soon as Heero pulled into the driveway toward Duo's home. Then a silver gray colored mustang came galloping toward the car.
"Why am I not surprised," said Heero aloud.
When he reached them, Heero had to stop his driving to minimize because Shiny circled around their car for few times. Afterward, he again ran toward the house so fast that they lost him, but as soon as they did, he came galloping back and stopping before their path as to expecting for incoming vehicles to stop. Right behind him a black dog was running toward them.
"What happens if a driver doesn't stop," wondered Heero while watching Shiny galloping up and down their path not letting them pass.
"I would kill the driver," said Duo coldly with no joking around.
Ignoring Duos comment he continued "does he know who is coming or maybe remembers the car?"
"Don't know, I never thought about it. Maybe it's the sound of the motor or the colors."
While they talked Solo rolled down his window, intending to pet Buch, who was meanwhile running all around the car barking at them like crazy.
"Solo, don't," said Heero in ways to stop his son, but was too late because as soon as the window was rolled down Buch took advantage of the open space and jump into the back seat next to Solo. Then he started to lick first Solo's face as a thank you gesture, then Duos and last Heero's."
"Oh no," said Duo in a pained voice while trying to pull Buch face away from him.
"What," wondered Heero while watching both Solo and Duo with.
"Now, Shiny will try to get in and we won't get anywhere" warned Duo.
"He cannot get into the car," said Heero.
"That's why I said he will try to," respond Duo but as soon he did Shiny shove his big head inside Solo's open window and started making noises only he could do. And if that was not enough Buch started to wail and bark as to give his best friend a support.
"OMG, for Christ Sake Duo please do something" responded Heero while putting his hands on his ears.
"What should I do," asked Duo puzzled.
"Don't know and don't care, just do it" responded Heero in annoyance.
"All right, all right," said Duo then got out of the car. As soon as he was out Shiny got his head out and came around to Duo with fast movements bumping his head in his chest as to welcome him.
"What, you missed me?" Duo asked his horse with a smile on his face. "I missed you too." While he talked he petted his horse all around his head talking to him with calm voice making sure the horse got calmer. When he was sure he achieved it, he continued "Now take us home. Can you do that?" In response, Shiny nodded his head up and down, then turned and started to move slowly toward the house.
When Duo once again got back in his seat he was met with a dispreased look from Heero but not from Solo. The small kid was calmly caressing Buch, who was by now lying almost on top of Solo.
And so the drive which could be completed in 10 minutes was prolonged into 25 minutes. When they stopped in the driveway Joe was sitting on the porch watching the incoming with a big smile on his face with Baba patiently waiting for them to get out of the car.
"Now, that is something tourists would pay to see," said Joe but when both Duo and Heero did not comment on it he continued "How was the shopping mall? Did you get what you were looking for?" While talking, he stood up and moved toward the trunk helping with all new bought things.
"Yes," answered Duo absently "We got everything that we were looking for. Where is your better half?"
"Tom is in the kitchen preparing something light for the supper." Joe explained, "We thought you guys will need something after a long day in the Mall."
"So right you are," said Duo absently looking at Solo who was by now out of the car moving between both dogs and Shiny caressing each of them as he was moving between them. Somehow it all looked like they were playing.
When the trunk was empty and all new items on the porch by the front door Duo looked towards Shiny and the dogs and barked aloud "Shiny, Baba, Buch it's sleep time." When all three animals heard their names they stopped what they were doing. After commending them, they turned toward the barn moving toward their own sleeping quarters.
"I have to go with them," said Duo absently looking toward his own horse "Shiny was alone for a whole day. I need to give him some time, with me."
"Good, while you are gone, I will get those packages into the house" replied Heero absently.
"Uncle Duo, will Bubbles sleep in the barn too," asked Solo right now standing beside Heero while looking toward both dogs and Shiny.
"Bubbles," asked Joe.
"A story Heero and Solo can tell you both while I am gone," explained Duo to Joe. Then he looked down toward Solo "He can, if you want to, but I was hoping you would have him with you because he will need a lot of loving."
As a reply he got only small "I want to, I will be the best friend he has."
"Good, now take the smallest package you see and take it to the living room. It's getting cold." While saying that he laid his hand on Solo's head and caressed him. Before he moved he looked toward Heero and said, "Give me an hour and I will be back." When a nod from Heero came, he turned and followed his horse toward the barn.
"Are they always so obedient," asked Heero absently while watching Duo calling after his dogs and Shiny.
"Yes, they are but only for him. With me and Tom, they do as they please" explained Joe.
It was exactly one hour later when Duo got back to the house. When arriving inside, he took off his coat and hung it up. Then he moved to his living room where he found Solo on the sofa looking once more at some animal documentary. Around him, some kids toys were lying.
"Hey, Kido don't you like to watch some good animations?" The only response he got was a negative shake of the head. "Okay, you know what you want. Where is your daddy?" Without verbal communication, he got only a hand gesture toward the kitchen. "Solo, we will really need to work on your vocabulary, but I am too tired to start it today. What do you say we really start using words from tomorrow on?"
"Okay, Uncle Duo" replayed Solo already looking at TV screen how some crocodile swam toward something. Seeing that all was okay and Solo was fine, he turned toward the kitchen from where voiced could be heard.
When he got into the kitchen, he found Heero, Tom and Joe behind the dining table talking to each other. "OMG am I hungry, have you guys eaten?"
"No, we were waiting for you," replied Joe while Tom started to put all they would need to eat on the table.
"Sorry, what are we eating anyway," wondered Duo while helping arrange accessories on the table.
"Vegetable-Beef Stew" responded Tom "and you will love it."
"I already love it; just the name makes me hungry. Let's move people one hungry guy wants to eat."
It wasn't long when everything that they need was on the table and Heero called for Solo to join them. A few minutes after the food was rearranged on each plate all someone could hear was clinking of the spoons.
"So, has Heero had the time to talk about Bubbles," asked Duo after dinner was finished and the table cleaned out. At the table now only four grown-ups were sitting while Solo already returned to the living room.
"Yes, he informed us about the whole puppy situation," said Tom.
"I still cannot believe," stated Joe "that someone would throw away a wounded animal, what poor puppy; he will need a lot of affection to forget his suffering."
While they were talking first about Duos & Heero's day they about Tom & Joe's day on the farm Tom phone start ringing. "Who could it be at such a late hour?" wondered Joe while watching Tom fishing out his ringing phone.
"Let me see," stated Tom "Oh, it's my sister."
"I just hope it's nothing bad," said Joe absently.
TBC
Author note: That's' for now. I hope you all will like the new chapter. Whoever will take a look at it, thanks for reading it and hope to see more reviews.
To my Beta reader: Poisonsnake23, thank you big time for staying with me.