Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car
Blind
Chapter 13
"He's completely oblivious ya know."
Duo saw Heero's body stiffened just slightly and he smiled. Duo had invited himself over for dinner a few days before Heero's surgery, curious to see Wufei and Heero interact some more, knowing now that Heero had a thing for Wufei. Things had been normal enough, if a tad bit out of synch for their group, and Duo observed how Heero seemed to follow Wufei's movements, detecting them with the barest of sounds. He's completely focused on 'Fei.
But now that Wufei was in the kitchen Duo was determined to say something to Heero. After a lengthy pause Heero's voice finally sounded, distant, almost monotone.
"I don't understand. Who is oblivious?"
Duo's smile curved into a smirk and he scoffed. I should have known he wouldn't just come right out and confess.
Duo noted Heero's clenched jaw and his stiff posture and one fist clenched at his side as he sat perfectly still on the sofa. Maybe I shouldn't push things. Heero looks tense enough already and he doesn't need the stress before surgery. Besides, 'Fei will kick my ass if I upset him. I guess it'll just have to wait for later. Damn. I was looking forward to putting Heero's feet to the flames.
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"So are you nervous?"
They had just started eating dinner and Duo was determined to keep it from being a quiet affair, still looking to get some amusement.
"No reason to be. It's just routine surgery."
Heero sounded like his normal, confident self, but Duo noticed the tension in Wufei's jaw and he fought to suppress his smile. He's worried.
Dinner continued with small conversations here and there and just after dessert was served, Duo poked the proverbial sleeping bear once again.
"I bet you'll be happy to get back home, huh, 'Fei?"
Wufei looked to Heero first, then Duo, before clearing his throat.
"Of course."
Wufei couldn't hold Duo's gaze and dropped his focus to his dessert again, moving the mousse around in its dish absently.
Hm. Duo looked to Heero and noted the down turned corners of his mouth. He doesn't seem too pleased either. But what I don't understand is if Heero really does want 'Fei, then why hasn't he said anything? What the hell is he waiting for?
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Wufei stood in the open doorway, watching as Duo slipped on his coat and headed toward him. When he got to the door he stopped, regarded Wufei with a soft smile and then leaned in just enough so he would only have to whisper.
"Don't worry, he's going to be just fine."
Wufei's eyes widened slightly at Duo's words, but then he just sighed and hung his head, mumbling.
"I feel so helpless."
Duo wanted to reach out and comfort his friend like he would normally do, but he didn't think they were ready for that yet. I'm so sorry, 'Fei.
Duo put a reassuring hand on Wufei's shoulder and squeezed. Wufei looked up, questioning his longtime friend.
"I'll be there to wait with you, ok?"
Wufei nodded once and offered a small smile of thanks and watched as Duo walked out the door. He closed the door and leaned against it for a few moments, and silently observed Heero as he sat on the sofa, reading one of his Braille books. He will be fine. He has to be. He's too strong not to beat this.
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They walked hand-in-hand from the car, into the medical facility, and eventually down to the doctor's office where the surgery would be performed. The entire time neither said a word, but their grip kept mutually tightening ever so slightly the closer it came time for Heero's surgery.
When they finally called Heero in, Wufei's heart jumped and he started, suddenly clenching Heero's hand as if for dear life. This feeling….it's almost like when I had that nightmare. That feeling of complete helplessness. Not being able to help him, protect him….
Heero brought his other hand over, encasing both their hands.
"I'll be fine. One way or another--"
"Stop. There is only one way. You got that?"
Heero smirked and scoffed lightly.
"Yeah, got it."
He rubbed Wufei's hand for a brief moment and then slowly stood up, pulling Wufei with him. Before he entered the office he stopped and turned to Wufei.
"I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you."
"Anytime."
Heero gently slipped from Wufei's grasp as he entered the surgical room, leaving Wufei to stand there, heart wrenching in his chest as he prayed for Heero's vision to return.
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Wufei sat in the waiting room, book in hand, staring blankly at the pages. He couldn't clear thoughts of Heero from his mind enough to concentrate. He looked up at the clock again and only ten minutes had passed since the last time he looked. Where the hell is Duo? He said he would--
"Sorry I'm late. There was an accident and I was re-routed."
Wufei's head snapped up to reveal a smiling Duo standing next to him.
"Any news?"
"No."
Duo chuckled at the agitated voice and sat down next to Wufei. He never was one for patience. For a guy who meditates, you'd think he'd have more.
"Relax, 'Fei. Everything is going to be fine. The doctor said this was a very minor corrective surgery."
"The doctor is an idiot."
Come to think of it, he's never been much for doctors either.
Duo shook his head and grabbed Wufei's book, placing it on the nearby table and grabbing both Wufei's wrists, tugged him up onto his feet.
"Come on. Let's go get some coffee and bad cafeteria food while we wait."
"No, I want to stay here in case--"
"In case what? Heero dies? Or he comes walking out, better than new?"
"Maxwell!"
"'Fei, I know you're worried and you feel helpless right now. That's why I'm here. To save you from yourself."
"Excuse me?"
"That's what friends do. Now come on."
Wufei allowed himself to be led away, but when he tried to pull his wrist free, Duo held firm.
"Duo, let go."
"No."
Duo looked over at Wufei with his patented playful grin and Wufei offered a sly smirk in response.
"Oh really?"
Wufei yanked again, harder, causing Duo to gracelessly stumble sideways. Duo righted himself, but as he stood straight, he gave Wufei's wrist a tug, sending Wufei flailing behind Duo, but managing to stay on his feet by grabbing hold of Duo's shirt.
"Ack!"
Duo reached up for his collar, making exaggerated choking noises. Wufei yanked on the fabric for good measure before letting go and rejoining Duo's side as they continued down the corridor, Duo maintaining his grip on Wufei.
"That was childish, 'Fei."
"You're one to talk."
To be continued…..