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Rascal
Chapter 10
"Hello?"
May I speak to Mr. Yuy please?
Heero frowned at the cold voice and immediately picked up on the noises in the background. A hospital?
"Speaking."
Mr. Yuy my name is Dr. Muraki and I'm calling on behalf of Milliardo Peacecraft. He's currently under our care and he's given us your name as a medical contact.
Heero couldn't find his voice. His mind was too busy hurtling questions for him to muster enough of his faculties to respond. Is this some sort of joke? Why the hell would he have me as a contact? What about Relena? And if I'm his contact, does that mean my name is part of his Preventor file? If this is for real….even if it's not for real….I'm going to kill him with my bare hands.
Mr. Yuy?
"Yes."
Mr. Peacecraft's injuries are not serious but we still need you to come to the hospital and check him out. He cannot drive and will need someone to help care for him at home.
Heero's mouth opened and closed a few times and he stared at the floor in disbelief. Pick him up? Take care of him? Is he serious?
Mr. Yuy? I realize this call may come as a bit of a shock but please……Will you be able to come to the hospital for Mr. Peacecraft?
Heero cleared his throat and frowned at the impatient voice on the other end of the phone.
"I can come get him. Which hospital?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Milliardo sat in the hospital bed waiting for the inevitable barrage of anger to come spewing forth from the pacing man in his room. Heero had arrived ten minutes ago and hadn't spoken a single word. He entered the room as expected: the door slamming open, revealing glinting blue eyes that promised unbearable pain. But to Milliardo's surprise he hadn't yelled or throttled him yet. As a matter of fact, all he could seem to do was pace, glare and let the occasional growl loose.
"You're mad."
A grunt was Milliardo's only response.
"Ok, you're pissed. And you're wondering why I had them call you instead of any number of people. Well, I have a perfectly vain reason."
Heero stopped and gripped the rails at the end of the bed, the white of his knuckles showing through.
"I don't want anyone to know that I'm hurt because of some stupid fall down the stairs."
Heero stood there, his anger forgotten as he blinked a few times in surprise. Stairs? He fell….down the stairs? That's why I'm getting so worked up right now? Because his clumsy ass fell down some stairs?!
The more Heero thought about the situation, the more ridiculous and amusing it became. And suddenly, he found he couldn't do anything other than laugh.
"Go ahead, I know, very funny. But it hurts like hell, I'll have you know."
Heero made his way to the chair at the bedside and slumped down into it, still chuckling.
"What did you do, trip over that hair of yours?"
Milliardo's cheeks flushed and he narrowed his eyes at Heero's amusement, but then he realized that he'd never seen Heero so relaxed and happy. He's still guarded, even at the bar. But now….he's laughing and smiling. My god….he looks so…..
"You fell down the stairs? Who does that? It's so cliché."
Milliardo just smiled and waited for Heero's musings to subside, enjoying the rare sight and sound. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for Heero to regain his composure and once he realized Milliardo was watching him, his cheeks flamed up and he sat up straight, clearing his throat, back to his normal self.
"Alright, fun time is over. Let's get out of here."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So why did you have them call me, really?"
"Because you can keep a secret."
Heero lowered Milliardo onto the edge of his bed and backed away, crossing his arms over his chest and narrowing his eyes. The car ride to Milliardo's had been silent, as well as the ride up the elevator and the slow trek to and through Milliardo's apartment to his bedroom where Heero had just deposited the injured blonde. He'd been supporting Milliardo's body against his own since arriving from the hospital and now that the blonde was no longer attached to his hip, he suddenly felt cold.
"And?"
"And nothing. I trust you. And you're strong enough to help me get home. It's that simple."
Heero studied the wounded man and the more he looked into the pale blue eyes, the more he realized Milliardo was telling the truth. There was no hidden motive. Of course not. What was I expecting? His logic makes perfect sense. So why am I not satisfied with his answer?
Heero spun on his heels and exited the bedroom to retrieve Milliardo's medication and a bottle of water, yelling to Milliardo from down the hall.
"Fine. But the next time call Chang! Walking into a Preventors medical center is not my idea of keeping a low profile!"
Milliardo smiled and reached over to pet Rascal who was nudging his elbow.
"We know better, don't we, Rascal?"
Heero quickly returned and Milliardo gratefully took the offered pills.
"The doctor said you would need help. I'll stop by tomorrow."
"I'm fine, Heero. I've dealt with worse. I just need some rest and painkillers."
Heero studied Milliardo as he slowly removed his shirt, burying a cringe as dark purple and blue bruises were revealed all along his ribs. What the hell kind of stairs do that kind of damage? He's lucky he didn't crack something.
Milliardo's actions were slow and pained, as evidenced by the grimace on his face and the occasional hiss. Damn stubborn fool. He's lying. But Heero knew the thought process well. Do for yourself. Ignore the pain.
"Where are your pajamas?"
"Huh? Oh…third drawer down."
Milliardo stopped and watched Heero as he retrieved a pair of pajama pants and shirt and laid them down next to him on the bed. Is he really going to help me dress?
Without making eye contact, Heero took the button-up shirt and guided it up one arm and then another, leaving the buttoning to Milliardo. Then he turned on his heels and mumbled as he left the room.
"I'll be outside if you need anymore help."
Milliardo chuckled, despite the pain it caused in his ribs as he set about changing into his pajama bottoms and buttoning his shirt. Once done, he called out for Heero.
The door opened and Heero entered the room and promptly came to Milliardo, assisting him in maneuvering completely onto the bed and settling him into the soft bed and deep pillows. Milliardo let out a grateful sigh as he sank into the comfort of his own bed.
"Thanks for coming, Heero. I really do appreciate it."
Heero gave a curt nod.
"If you need anything…..call me."
Heero wanted to respect Milliardo's decision even though he felt a strong urge to show up tomorrow and check on the wounded man. I know how pissed off I would be if our roles were reversed. Granted, if our roles were reversed I wouldn't have fallen down the stairs to begin with.
Milliardo's smile widened as Heero looked away and reached out to rub Rascal's ears as he kneaded a spot at the foot of the bed.
"I will. Goodnight, Heero."
"'Night."
Milliardo heard the front door close with a soft click and that's when he allowed the painkillers to work their magic. Rascal had already settled down and Milliardo closed his eyes, letting images of a smiling and laughing Heero send him off to pleasant dreams.
To be continued…..