Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.

Rascal

Chapter 11

RING RING

Milliardo reached out for the phone on his nightstand and smiled when he saw the name on the display.

"Are you calling to check up on me, Heero?"

There was silence on the other end and Milliardo wondered if Heero hung up before he could answer the phone, but finally he heard someone clear their throat and a familiar deep voice sounded in his ear.

Yes.

"I appreciate the sentiment."

How did you know it was me calling?

Ooops. Oh well, there's nothing I can do now.

"I have your number programmed into my phone. You know, in case I end up in the hospital and I need someone to pick me up."

Milliardo kept his voice casual, maybe a little teasing, hoping Heero would accept his excuse and drop the subject.

I told you to call Chang next time.

"I have his number too. But H comes before W."

There was an aggravated sigh on the other end and Milliardo chuckled.

"Oh lighten up, Heero."

I should have known better.

Heero's voice sounded distant, as if he weren't really talking into the phone and he was talking out loud to himself. Milliardo frowned and tried to get Heero's attention.

"Heero? Hey, you still there?"

Yes, I'm here. What.

Milliardo sighed and closed his eyes.

"Thanks for checking on me."

A moment of silence passed before Heero's hesitant voice sounded on the other end.

You're welcome.

Milliardo frowned as he heard a grunt and then a sound of aggravation.

"Heero? What are you---?"

Gotta go.

And just like that the line went dead. What the hell was that all about? If he was in the middle of something why did he call? Milliardo pulled the phone back and stared at it as if it would clear up his confusion. Then he heard the sound of his front door closing, and Rascal sprang to his feet and left Milliardo behind to greet their unknown visitor.

He wasn't kept in suspense for long before Heero appeared in the doorway looking annoyed, box in hand.

"I'll be damned."

"Hmph. Join the club."

Heero entered the room and deposited the box on the dresser and began to empty its contents. There were cups of what Milliardo presumed to be coffee, a white bag full of bagels if the moniker Bagel Hut was to be believed, and a few items wrapped in foil. And there he is, acting as if this is all perfectly normal and expected.

"How are you feeling?"

"…fine."

Heero turned and fixed Milliardo with a disbelieving glare.

"Alright, I'm in more pain today than I was last night, but right now I'm more astounded than anything. How did you get in here?"

"Front door."

Milliardo narrowed his eyes at the flippant answer and Heero smirked as he handed Milliardo a cup of coffee.

"Are you honestly surprised I can pick a lock, or is it the fact that it was your lock in particular?"

Milliardo smiled as he brought the cup to his nose and inhaled the dark brew's aroma. What a wonderful way to start the day. I should get hurt more often.

"Thank you for this, Heero, I'm feeling much better now that you're here."

He saw Heero falter as he brought his own cup of coffee up to drink and his joy increased. Heero didn't respond to Milliardo's comment and proceeded to drink his coffee.

Meow

Heero looked down at the feline who was rubbing himself against his leg. He sighed and put his coffee down.

"Fine." He looked to Milliardo and didn't like the pleased look on his face. "Would you like your bagel toasted?"

"Please. With butter and jam."

Heero grabbed the bag and left without a word, followed by Rascal.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Heero helped Milliardo out to the living room where they ate breakfast and watched some TV before Milliardo's painkillers kicked in and he slept most of the afternoon away. When he woke up he was surprised, but pleased to find Heero sitting right where he left him, reading a book, Rascal curled in his lap.

"You look content."

Cerulean eyes turned their gaze on him and Milliardo felt that nervous sensation in his gut again. He knew what it meant but he wasn't sure if Heero was willing to accept it or not.

Heero didn't say anything. He just let the book drop into his lap, displacing Rascal who quickly found a new perch on the sofa arm.

"Heero…why did you come here today?"

There was a moment where Heero forgot himself and let his surprise show through. But it was brief and all too soon he'd schooled his features back to the calm façade. He scoffed and got up, heading into the kitchen.

Milliardo pushed himself up into a sitting position and watched as Heero poured a glass of iced tea. He looked up at Milliardo as he brought the glass up to his mouth and paused when he saw pale blue eyes studying him. He put the glass down, untouched and cleared his throat

"The sooner you recover, the sooner you can get back to work."

"You sound like my boss."

"You said you didn't want anyone to know you hurt yourself. What did you tell Une?"

Milliardo grinned and ran his hands through his hair, hating the feel of the tangled, oily hair. I have got to take a shower. But I seriously doubt Heero will help me with that.

"I actually have a nagging problem with my back so I simply told her it was acting up and I would be out for a few days."

"Nagging problem?"

Milliardo waived off Heero's curiosity.

"Happened years ago. Nothing worth talking about."

Milliardo decided he wanted to change topics before Heero could ask anymore questions.

"So what's your excuse? Surely you didn't tell someone at the shop that you wouldn't be in today to care for an injured friend."

"Hmph."

Heero grabbed the iced tea and drank deeply. When he put the empty glass down he had an arrogant smirk.

"I'm the boss. I answer to no one."

Milliardo chuckled.

"Touché."

Milliardo swung his legs around and tossed the blanket off as he prepared to stand up.

"Wait. I'll help."

"No. I am perfectly capable of going to the bathroom by myself."

Heero stayed at the breakfast bar and watched, jaw clenched and ready to spring should Milliardo be proven wrong. But once he managed to stand up, Milliardo moved easily enough and as he passed Heero on the way to the hallway he turned and stuck out his tongue.

At first Heero was shocked at the childish gesture, but then he couldn't help himself and he laughed. Who would have thought that The Lightning Count, Zech Marquis, could be so immature?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Milliardo was sorry to see Heero go but he knew there was no way Heero would stay the night. I'd have to get him stinkin' drunk for that.

He smiled as he settled down into his bed, recalling how thoughtful Heero had been today.

Although it did not escape my attention that he didn't answer my question. Why did he come here today? Not only to deliver breakfast, but to keep me company and make sure I had dinner. Is it possible I'm becoming important to him? Maybe I should see how far I can take this….

To be continued…..