Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Laila Bli Cohav (a night without a star) ❯ Chapter 2

LAILA BLI COHAV

(A NIGHT WITHOUT A STAR)

PART TWO

* * *

"Do you mind running that by me- AGAIN?!" Wufei demanded, his onyx eyes flashing with irrational anger.

Quatre sighed, straightening the folds on his dark trousers. They were all sitting around the dinner table, after Duo broke the news about Heero's state. They left the surveillance equipment aside for now, having something much more urgent to deal with. Mission or no mission, they couldn't just go on like nothing was happening. Their friend and fellow pilot was lying upstairs, deathly ill and possibly dying. And there was nothing they could do about it! Not a damn thing! They were miles out of ANYWHERE, and except for the base, there was nowhere they could turn for help. They didn't have enough medicine to take care of someone ill, they were completely unprepared. Except for the occasional cold, no one in their groups had EVER fallen ill. Especially NOT Heero. He was always the one to glare at them for looking so weak and pathetic while sick. He was also the one who would always help them and nurse them back to health, no matter HOW indifferent he tried to look.

Now, it seemed, the tables were turned. Now they had to take care of Heero. The question was- how?

Finally, Quatre looked up, meeting the Chinese pilot's eyes with his own worried gaze. "You heard it correctly, Wufei. Heero has less than a week to live, unless we get hold of that vaccine… somehow."

"Quatre is right." Trowa spoke for the first time since they entered the kitchen. "We can't afford to wait until J sends it. It might get held back by OZ."

"Or worse. It might never get here." Duo added bitterly, mostly talking to himself. He was sitting in the far edge of the table, slumped into the chair, his shoulder slumped and his head bowed. His features were pale, his violet eyes haunted. He was very quiet the whole evening. His voice was frighteningly quiet and cold while he broke the news to his friends. Something was bothering the Deathscythe pilot, but he didn't say a thing. He kept playing with the tip of his braid, as he sat there, drowning in his own gloom.

"Dammit!" Wufei called out angrily, punching the table. His worry had translated into anger, and he had to force himself to keep calm. Taking a deep breath, he threw himself back into his chair.

The dim kitchen fell silent, the only sound was the wind hitting against the window shades. Dark and orange shadows flickered over every corner, and the silence grew prolonged.

Once in a while, some wood would creak or the old pipes of the house would rattle with some strange noise, but other than that, it was only the wind and the cracking of the small flames.

The silence was then broken by a series of muffled coughs, coming from the upper floor.

The four boys looked up at the ceiling, their gaze worried. Heero's bedroom was located RIGHT above the kitchen, and they could hear the bed screech against the rotten wooden floor, as it moved under the coughing that assaulted Heero's body.

"What do we do?" Quatre whispered sorrowfully, turning his pained gaze away from the ceiling.

Trowa took a deep breath, looking down as well. "First of all, we need to find out all that we can about this disease." He stated, and Wufei nodded with agreement.

"What's to know?" Duo mumbled bitterly. "Your body rots inside and outside until you're nothing but fucking jelly inside. You cough out blood and shit and your body burns with fever. You get a little delusional and then you die!" His voice was quiet and bitter, but his eyes were shooting out lightening. Hate, fear, bitterness and aggression were all boiling beneath the surface.

The other three pilots could do nothing but to stare and blink for a few moments, startled but Duo's outburst.

The braided boy was panting now, looking at them with angry eyes. Finally fed up with the stares he was receiving, Duo pushed his chair back stormed out of the room, running out of house, and into the twilights of the setting sun.

The door slammed shut behind him.

The three pilots kept staring, confused.

"I better go talk to him..." Quatre muttered, and then got up, sighing.

* * *

Up in the pink-room, Heero tossed in his bed, sheets damp with sweat getting tangled around long limbs. He coughed weakly, and then took a few deep breaths, trying to control his breathing. He moaned silently, miserably, and turned again, still trying to find a comfortable position. He turned so he was now facing the door, glazed blue eyes blinking against the darkness of his room. The door was wide open, letting in some cool air from the hall. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, indulging himself in the cool feeling.

He was so hot... he felt as if his body was on fire. Every muscle ached and throbbed painfully, and those who didn't just felt like useless jelly. He was covered with sweat, his T-shirt clinging to his heated skin, making it hard to breathe. His head was pounding hard, his temples pulsing. But most of all, was his breathing. It was so hard to breathe, and even the smallest movement made his breath labored.

Sighing deeply, Heero reached up a trembling hand, trying to push his sweat-soaked bangs out of his eyes. They thick locks of hair clung to his sweaty features, making him uncomfortable and hot. He glared up at his messy bangs, but it did him little good. Letting his hand drop limply down onto the pillow, he let out a small cough and sighed.

Sick on a mission... how humiliating. Out of all the times to be ill! He had to lie up here while others did his work for him?! That was UNACCEPTABLE! He was supposed to be the strong one! He was NOT supposed to get sick! The way J looked at him... he couldn't see the man, but he knew that look. He knew it all too well. He didn't like that look. Not one bit. It always spelled trouble.

"Chk!" Heero snorted softly, closing his eyes. As if that old geezer can cause him any trouble right now... that was the LEAST of his worries! Right now, he had to concentrate on getting better. Four days... maybe even more... he wasn't sure he could make it. He barely made it the first time he had fallen ill... If it weren't for Odin getting him that medicine... he would have surely died.

Heero frowned, scowling at himself. Why was he thinking about that man now? Out of all the times to be thinking about him... Chk! He should stop it! He hated being sick! His mind kept wandering like that and it was NOT good. It made him feel out of control. And being out of control meant that he wa---

TAP. TAP. TAP.

Suddenly, Heero became aware of a certain noise. He wasn't sure what it was, so he quickly snapped his eyes open, wincing in the dark.

Tap.Tap.Tap.

It sounded like tapping, against wood. Or was it against the floor? Was someone coming upstairs?

Tap... Tap... Tap...

Heero turned his gaze at the door, and waited. But no one passed through the hallway.

Tap. . . Tap. . . Tap. . .

Frowning, Heero narrowed his eyes, trying to see well in the dark.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

He could hear the tapping getting closer, but still saw nothing. With an effort, he forced himself up on one elbow, and wiped the sweat off his brow. Senses as alert as they could be in this condition, Heero watched the door closely.

Tap.Tap.Tap.Tap...

His eyebrows drew closer, and the sound of the tapping approached his door. He found that he was holding his breath, and berated himself for it. Shaking his head slightly, cursing at the dizziness, he looked up at the door, waiting.

Taptaptaptaptaptap...

His entire body tensed, and he promised himself that if it was someone playing a joke on him, they're dead! But he knew that it wasn't the case. He was pretty dame sure. He was sure because, he had heard that sound before. Last night, while they were having dinner. He could have sworn that he heard something bang against the ceiling. Like tapping on wood...

The tapping ceases all of a sudden, and Heero turned his gaze up at the door.

His eyes widened in brief surprise, then quickly narrowed.

Rolling down the hallway floor, slowly passing by his bedroom door, was a single, pink, ball.

* * *

"Duo?" Quatre's voice came soft and hesitant as he walked carefully towards the sulking boy. He found Duo sitting outside, in the small grove, busying himself with 'checking on the equipment'.

"Duo, are you all right?" He asked timidly, coming to sit down by Duo. The wind was picking up, and the treetop rattled as they fought against the strong breeze. Duo's long bangs also flipped violently under the warm and dusty wind, a few stray hairs that escaped his braid were flying about in all direction.

"Duo?" Quatre tried again, reaching a hand towards his friend, who was squatting in front of some monitors, holding one piece of their gear up to his face, checking it over under the dim moonlight.

Quatre sighed and looked away. "Duo, please say something."

"There's nothing to say." Duo let out coldly, looking through a set of thermo vision goggles. He looked at Quatre's heat-print, smiling bitterly to himself. "They better start searching for a new pilot, that's all."

"Duo!" Quatre exclaims, a hand over his heart. "How dare you say such a thing!"

"Well face it, Q-man, someone will have to pilot Wing!" Duo spat, throwing the gear aside. It crashed into a pile of other equipment, making a loud sound in the process.

"Duo..." Quatre whispered softly, placing a gently hand on the other boy's shoulder. "Duo, there's no use to be thinking like that."

"How else should I think..?" Duo mumbled, casting his gaze down. He slumped down on the ground, drawing his knees up to his chest, hugging them. He rested his chin on his kneecaps, staring down at the base's lights, sparkling down in the valley.

Quatre sighed, trying to think of a proper response. There was none.

He inched closer to his friend, sitting down beside him. He rested an arm over the braided boy's shoulder, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Duo."

Sighing, Duo turned to look up at him, violet eyes shimmering with unshed tears, gleaming in the moonlight.

"Duo, have faith in him. I know I do. He overcame so much already... I'm sure he can win this over."

"And if not?" Duo asked, his voice hoarse from tears. "What if he dies, right here, right under our noses?! Huh?! What if I have to watching him die again?! What if he'll... what if I'll be alone again!?"

"Duo..." Quatre whispered his name, tightening his hold around the boy. He was pretty sure it was not Heero the boy was talking about. At least, not all of it was about Heero.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked, after he calmed down a little.

"No." Duo answered, turning away from the blond's touch. He slowly got up, and smiled sadly down at his friend. "Thanks Q-man."

Quatre smiled back. "Anytime."

Duo nodded his thanks, and turned to look up at the house, about a hundred meters away. He could not see any lights, which was a good thing, of course, and his eyes immediately looked up at the second floor, at Heero's window. More tears welled up in his eyes, but he did not let them pour out. Taking a deep breath, he looked away and began to advance back towards the house.

Quatre hurried to follow.

* * *

Heero followed the small ball with his eyes, a curious light shinning in those dark blue depths. His breath quickened as he tried to sit up, wanting to get a better look as the pink ball slowly rolled into the room, making a silent scrapping sound as it brushed against the rough wooden floor.

Mystified by the strange ball, Heero watched as it roll all the way down to the corner of the room, stopping by a small chest drawer that stood in the corner, by the window. It came into a silent halt, and just stood there, unmoving.

But still Heero couldn't get his eyes off of it. Slowly, he turned to the door, blue eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Duo?" He croaked, voice husky. He shifted a little on the small bed, and it creaked when he leaned forward, trying to see if someone was hiding in the corridor, beyond his line of sight. There was a movement, he was sure of that, and his eyes narrowed even more. "Duo? This isn't funny."

Again he caught a movement, but it was mostly out of his line of sight.

Rolling his eyes in spite of the dizziness, Heero slumped back into his mountain of covers. "You just keep standing there, Duo." He called weakly, not amused. "I'm sure you're having the time of your life!" He grunted, crossing his arms over his chest.

He didn't bother to look up as he saw a movement in the corner of his eyes, and someone was now standing at his door. But the figure didn't move, and Heero smirked to himself, closing his eyes in satisfaction.

"Hn. Baka. Got tired of your game?" He snarled, but no answer came. That was weird, considering Duo will NOT let such a thing pass. Opening his eyes, Heero sneaked a peek from behind messy bangs, looking up at the door.

He gasped.

Standing in his doorway, large hazel eyes looking up at him, was a small, blonde, girl. She was wearing a beautiful little dress, which was mostly white but with some pink on it. Or so he guessed, for it was too dark to really tell. His eyes widened, as he looked her up and down, mouth slightly open in shock as he examined her dark blonde hair, held back in a small ponytail, held by a single blue ribbon.

He had to force himself to breathe, for he was holding his breath the whole time, just gaping at the little girl. He reached up a trembling hand and rubbed his eyes as hard as he could. But the girl was still there, looking at him in amusement.

Heero gulped silently and hit himself on the head, trying to knock some sense into himself.

Looking up again, he saw the girl giggle in response.

Heero felt his face drain of all color as the small girl skipped into the room, smiling happily. She skipped over to the corner of the room, Heero's stunned blue eyes watching her all along. He watched as she bent down to pick up her ball, tossing it up in the air only to catch it when it came down.

Forcing himself to breath again, Heero blinked, feeling the sweat sliding down his temples and onto his cheeks.

A hallucination... It must be... He thought to himself, reaching up a shaking hand to touch his own forehead. He was burning up. That must be it. The... the fever... that must be it... Heero thought desperately, watching the girl as she sat down by the small chest drawer, small legs straddled.

He threw himself down into the bed, watching the girl with numb eyes as she tossed the ball up in the air, only to catch it and then again.

He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths.

A hallucination... that must be it... a hallucination...

* * *

"We cannot afford to get ill ourselves." Wufei began sharply, once Duo and Quatre came back into the kitchen. "We have a mission to complete after all. So I guess the first thing we have to find out is if it's contagious."

"Extremely." Duo spat bitterly, sitting the same way he was sitting before he had left, playing with his braid. "There's a fucking REASON they called it a fucking plague!"

"Duo." Quatre tried to calm him, sending him a comforting look.

"Sorry." The braided boy mumbled, slumping even more into the chair. He sighed deeply before looking up at Wufei. "It's a highly contagious disease. Anyone who was not immune got it. Only those who were 'important' enough to the Federation got the vaccine." He looked up in the direction of Heero's room, and his gaze turned a few degrees colder. "Not that it helps much, huh?" He muttered bitterly, casting his gaze down again.

All were silent for a while, until Trowa finally dared to speak. "I remember, a few years back, some soldiers came to us, in the Barton foundation, they gave us all shots. I don't recall for what, but I have a pretty good guess."

"Same with me." Quatre spoke quietly, bowing his head in sorrow. "I remember I complained to my sisters about having to go through with those, um, commonly shots..." He admitted, blushing slightly.

"The same was in our colony." Wufei spoke last, his voice quiet. "I remember they took us out of class, and Meri--" He paused, sighing deeply. "Some of us thought that taking the shots would be admitting our weakness. Sh--they had to be convinced in order to take the shots..."

Duo looked down at the end of his braid, keeping silent. No one dared to even THINK about vaccinating street kids... they were unimportant and left to die a horrid death on the streets. It still baffled him why he had survived, but who was to say that he was to survive this time? Chk! That would be fitting. To die of the same disease, on the same day it took Solo away from him... He just had to smirk at the irony.

"Duo?" Quatre's voice spoke up softly, and Duo could feel everyone's gaze on him. He looked up, only to meet three pairs of worried eyes.

Snorting softly, he flipped his braid back, and looked up at them sharply. "No one bothered with us street rats." He said, voice cold and bitter.

The silence returned after that, as all three pilots looked down at their fidgeting hands. Duo just folded his arms across his chest, scowling at the wall ahead.

Finally, Wufei spoke. "Then it would be wise if you will stay away from Yuy."

Duo's head shot up, and he glared defiantly at him.

"Duo, think this over." Trowa added silently, his stern green eyes looking up at the stubborn boy. "It will do little good to have another pilot down."

"A PILOT DOWN!?" Duo burst, punching the table. "Gee, Trowa, that was sweet! Remind me to send you a 'thank you' card later!"

"Duo!" Quatre called, trying to calm the spirits around the table. "Please, Duo. Shouting won't help!"

"And what will, huh?!" Duo yelled once again, jumping out of his chair, causing the thing to fall back. "It's always the mission, huh?! Nothing else! It's all for the sake of the FUCKING CAUSE! WELL, EXCUSE ME FOR CARING! REALLY!" He shouted, tears in his eyes as he glared accusingly at his friends. "If you want me, I'll be upstairs, trying not to COMPROMISE the PRECIOUS MISSION!!"

And with that said, Duo stormed out of the kitchen and ran up the stairs.

Quatre flinched a little as he heard Duo's door slam shut, and then silence fell over the house.

Outside, the wind kept blowing, fat and warm drops of rain falling against the windows.

* * *

Much later that night, after the moon had long risen over the grassy hills, Duo's bedroom door creaked open. The house was silent, except for the sound of the harsh winds and a few tree branches that scrapped against the windows. The hallway was a bit chilly, sending a shiver down Duo's spine as he slowly padded down the dark corridor, his steps were silent, as the old and dusty carpet that decorated the wooden floor swallowed them.

He had just spent the last few hours in his room, lying curled up on his bed, glaring at the walls or looking out the window. Tears shone in his eyes while he lay there, watching dark storm clouds drift lazily over the nearly full moon. But he didn't shed even one tear. He doesn't cry. Boys don't cry. Solo's last words to him, he had to promise not to cry. Boys don't cry.

After a few hours, hunger and thirst made him pull out of his gloom and walk out of his little sanctuary. He had skipped dinner, and lunch, AND breakfast, so naturally, he was VERY hungry. He hoped he could make it down to the kitchen without tripping down the stairs and breaking a bone. After all, the last thing they needed was another pilot down...

As he crossed the large hallways, he could feel the chilly air cause Goosebumps to appear all over his exposed arms. It was warm enough in his room, and he had been wearing a t-shirt all day. Maybe the storm had brought some cool air with it, he mused, rubbing his upper arms and trying to stifle a sneeze. It would do little good to wake the others in such an un-Godly hour. He wondered who was on shift outside in the storm, but shrugged it off quickly. Right now, he REALLY didn't care.

He stopped for a minute when he reached Heero's door. It was closed, but still, Duo could feel Heero's presence from behind the door. It was odd, and it was scary.

Sighing deeply, Duo prepared to walk away, reminding himself that he was NOT allowed into that room. He took a few steps forward, but then quickly halted. He was sure he heard something...

Turning around slowly, Duo took a good look at the wooden door, and frowned. There it was again... just a faint little sound... Heero?

He quickly jumped back in front of the door, reaching a hesitant hand to the round doorknob. He took a deep breath, and then slowly, silently, opened the door. He held his breath, and then finally dared to peek in.

His eyes took in the dark room, the pale light from the window illuminating the small bedroom like a weak projector of light, aimed straight at the bed. Lying on the bed, damp sheets tangled around his body, was Heero. He was lying on his back, the blanket drawn down a bit, exposing his sweat soaked t-shirt, and one pale leg.

Duo swallowed, turning to examine Heero's face. The boy was obviously sleeping, his features washed over with pain and perspiration, sticky bangs of dark hair clinging to his face. His breath was labored, his chest heaving up and down with every breath, as his body struggled for oxygen. All in all, he did NOT look good.

Duo swallowed and prepared to close the door. Heero was sleeping, so he couldn't possibly have made that sound. Sighing deeply, Duo prepared to look away.

That's when he heard again, just a whisper, but now, with the door open, he could make it out clearly as it rang in the silence of the night.

"...wa...ter..."

He flinched, his heart clenching painfully.

"...p...l...ease..."

Slowly, he turned back; amethyst eyes shinning with unshed tears. That voice, so weak and pleading, hoarse with thirst and sickness. Just like Solo's before he...

"Ahhh..."

The soft moan made Duo look up again, and he gasped silently as he saw Heero lick his lips with thirst, thrusting his head aside, face contracting in pain. "P...please..."

Swallowing hard, Duo opened the door wider, and slowly, uncertainly, walked into the room. He padded silently to Heero's bed, holding his breath all along. He made it quickly to the small nightstand by the bed, where a bowl of water, a cloth and a few other things were lying. Among them, was a jug of water and a glass.

Lungs burning for oxygen, Duo hurried to fuddle with the jug and glass, pouring Heero some water. In his haste, he accidentally spilled some of it, but dismissed it as unimportant. He then turned to face the bed, frowning at Heero's slumbering form.

He then reached down clumsily for Heero's hand and shoved the glass into his hand, struggling to curl his limp fingers around the glass, so it will not fall. He was desperate to get out and breathe. The minute Heero had some sort of grip on the glass, which now lay on the bed next to him; Duo tapped quickly on his shoulder, and prepared to run out of the room.

But the glass just slipped and fell, shattering into a million pieces.

Duo came into a quick halt, his face turning red from the need for oxygen. He whirled around, a pained expression on his face. He saw Heero's hand twitch a little, his fingers searching for the glass, even in his sleep.

"P...p-please..."

But he obviously couldn't find it, and he let out a small, desperate whimper.

That did it. Duo rushed back towards the bed, taking deep breaths on the way. He kneeled down by the nightstand, searching for another glass. But there were none. Sighing to himself, Duo picked up the jug from the nightstand and carefully sat down on the bed, next to Heero's heated body.

Carefully, gently, he pulled Heero's head up, supporting him with a few pillows. He then poured some water into his palm, which was cupped next to Heero's dry lips. And then, cautiously, he served the cool liquid to Heero's lips, watching him carefully as he drank.

Heero sipped the water gratefully, moaning silently as his sore throat was washed with the cool liquid. His cobalt eyes slowly fluttered open, and he blinked against the darkness, trying to see where he was and who was with him. He only got a blurry vision of an image, a silhouette, illuminated from behind by some pale moonlight, making it look like the shadow had a magical aura around him.

Struggling to keep his eyelids open, Heero continued to drink as more of the blessed liquid was served to his lips. He gulped it hungrily, sending quick glances to the corner of the room. But there was nothing there. Nothing but a small chest drawer, and single, small, pink ball.

Heero's eyes widened at the sight and he nearly choked on his drink, for he was so startled. He began coughing loudly, taking in shaky breath for air, his eyes on the ball all along.

"Hey... easy there..." A voice whispered soothingly, but Heero could not bring himself to calm down. His lungs burned, and the coughing continued, until he fell down to the bed, exhausted.

Long and cool fingers settled carefully on his forehead, and Heero sighed, his coughs subsiding. His heavy eyelids threatened to close as he looked up at the ethereal creature hovering above him, gently pushing his damp bangs out of his eyes. Heero blinked, trying to adjust his blurry vision, but sleep was already threading at the edges of his consciousness.

"Shhh... go back to sleep..." The voice whispered soothingly, and Heero sighed heavily, unable to resist any longer. "Shh... Heero... shhh..." The voice continued, and Heero's eyes opened wide for a second, looking up in surprise.

Duo? He blinked, unsure, but after a few tries, his eyes just remained closed and Heero drifted back into a dreamless sleep.

Duo... was it Duo? Was he... was he real?

* * *

Quatre wringed the cloth over the bowl by Heero's bed, sighing quietly to himself. He turned to face the sleeping boy on the bed, gently wiping the sweat off his worn features. He smiled slightly to himself as he noticed the boy was slowly waking up, and soon enough he found himself looking down into a pair of confused blue eyes.

"Hey." He whispered with a smile, reaching down to wipe Heero's damp forehead. "Nice of you to wake up, sleepy head."

The boy on the bed just blinked a few times, trying to stay awake. He struggled to lift his head up and look at the room, but Quatre's gentle hand carefully pushed him back down. He was too weak to resist.

"Just lie down, everything is okay. The mission is going fine. We just had to make a small change in shifts."

Heero rolled his eyes. It was NOT what he wanted to know!

He blew some bangs out of his eyes in irritation, and turned to look up at Quatre. "D-Duo?" He asked, voice rough and almost screechy. He frowned at his own voice.

"Oh, he takes the nightshifts." Quatre informed him casually.

Heero fought back the urge to roll his eyes again. He sighed, looking at the door. He tried to open his mouth and explain to Quatre that he merely wanted to know where the baka was, but then thought better of it. Why should it matter where the baka was? He wasn't here last night, now was he? He was on his nightshift. So the creature in his dream... he was just that, a dream. Another hallucination caused by his fever.

Heero sighed sadly and closed his eyes. The baka was probably in his room, snoring and drooling all over his pillow!

"We added a few more hours for each shift, to cover up for yours." Quatre told him carefully, pouring some water into a plastic cup. He had cleaned the broken glass earlier, musing that Heero must have flung the glass down in his sleep.

He turned to serve the drink to Heero's lips, smiling apologetically as he helped the Wing pilot raise his head up.

"We'll take our turns in taking care of you. I hope you don't mind our help, Heero, but it's for the best." He said, sighing silently. "Duo won't be able to come in here, because he is not immune to the disease. But the rest of us are, and we'll do our best for you."

Not immune to the disease? Heero mused sadly, closing his eyes. Duo couldn't come here... so he was a hallucination after all... He didn't know why, but for some reason, it made him feel... well, he wasn't sure, but he didn't like it.

Heero closed his eyes and turned away from Quatre, wanting to go back to sleep. He felt too upset to keep awake.

But why would he feel upset? Was it the vision of the little girl? Or was it because of him... that... that baka who was probably slobbering all over his pillow?

Part 3.

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