Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Less Than Dirt ❯ Chapter 3

LESS THAN DIRT

PART 3

* * *

Yawning lazily, Duo stretched his arms like a cat, waddling listlessly towards the large balcony in the living room. He pushed the large glass doors aside, his bare feet padding softly on the wooden floor as he stepped out into the balcony. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and indulging himself in the crispy smell of the ocean. A soft ocean breeze tousled his hair, caressing his skin. He smiled at the feeling, opening his soulful violet eyes and just gazing ahead at the ocean. It's been so long since he felt at peace, and he was grateful for each and every morning he woke up and found himself here, in this beach house.

Duo chuckled and leaned over the thick wooden banister. Of course, it wasn't really morning. His days began no sooner than eleven AM. He enjoyed sleeping late whenever he could, and this small vacation was a great opportunity to catch on some sleep. He enjoyed being lazy whenever he could, one of those small joys in life. He took his time getting ready in the morning, and then when he was done he came out here, to the balcony, and just admired Mother Nature's work.

The sun, which was halfway across the heavens by now, shone down on a beautiful strip of shores. The beach house was a hundred miles from anywhere, and not a hint of civilization was there to spoil the view. The beach was wide and seemed to stretch on into forever, an endless plane of golden sands that disappeared into the horizon. The ocean was vast and blue, the waves sparkling under the bright sunlight. Parallel to the blue ocean, green hills towered over the beach, protecting the little piece of heaven like a great wall. The sand was soft and silky to the touch, the air fresh and salty. Up in the blue skies, a few seagulls batted their wings and dived into the cool waters. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and nature was celebrating this beautiful day.

Looking down at the soft blanket of white and smooth sands, Duo suddenly frowned. The sand was smooth and flawless all through the shore, save for a lone trail of footsteps that cut through the silky surface. The small footsteps, not as small as a child but not as large as an adult, marked a path from the beach house to the sea, stopping right next to the water. There, when he looked up, Duo was surprised to see a slender figure standing in the shallow water. The figure was wearing a pair of black slacks that were folded up so they only reached the knees, and a loose white shirt that was slightly wet from sea spray. Dark wild hair was tousled left and right by the wind, and a pair of tanned and slender arms was reaching down into the water, as if searching for something.

He couldn't help but giggle as he noticed that Heero improvised a rope as a belt to keep his trousers from falling. The Japanese pilot had no change of clothes, so he had to borrow from the clothes Hilde bought for Duo. He didn't expect the clothes to be so large on Heero, but he guesses that it couldn't be helped with the boy's slender figure and narrow waist. Combined with the folded black pants, the unbuttoned white shirt and the rope holding them all together, the young pilot seems like a vision taken out of a Tom Soyer book, searching the shallow waters for his next adventure.

Duo wondered what Heero could possibly be doing down there. In the first three days of their "vacation", Heero wandered around the house like a moonstruck child. Duo felt sorry for the boy who was so used to busy himself with hard work and missions- always on a tight schedule. Always the soldier. Now that he had time off- time only for himself and his benefit - Heero was lost. He felt badly for his fellow pilot, seeing how confused and aimless he was. He simply wandered from one room to another, searching for something to do. Duo did catch him reading a few books, but Heero was such a fast-reader that he "swallowed" a whole bookcase in a blink of an eye.

He tried to spend some time with Heero, trying to keep him entertain, heck- maybe even trying to get to know him better, but somehow it didn't work out. Heero was very quiet each time they were together, and Duo couldn't help but feeling that he was deliberately ignoring him. Even more than usual, that is. Aside from that, there was always something else that distracted him when he tried to spend more than ten minutes with Heero. When he tried to recall what was it that demanded his attention so badly, he simply couldn't. He just couldn't remember what too him away from Heero each time he managed to coax a few words out of the silent boy.

"Duo, do you mind helping me out with this?" Hilde's sweet voice called from the kitchen, stabbing Duo's ears lightly. He sighed deeply, trying to tear his gaze from where Heero's tanned arms dived into the clear water, the boy's slender body slowly bending forward as he searched the shallow reef for... something. He had no idea what it could be, and when Hilde's voice called again, his eyes still refused to let go of the sight of Heero's long and muscled arms immerging from the water, shiny and salty droplets sliding down those powerful arms... A shudder went down Duo's spine and this time he forced himself to look away. Away from that golden, flawless, warm looking skin... away from those glistering droplets that slid so teasingly down his arms...

"Duo! Are you coming or what? I need your help!"

"Uh-s-sure Hilde! I'm coming!" He hurried to blurt out, running into the house as if he was running for his life.

* * *

A million and one stars sparkled up in the heavens, like glistering diamonds caught up in the big black sky. The moon rose high above the calm ocean, washing the waves with a pale glow. The sea sparkled in the moonlight, and the calm rushes of the waves sang a sweet lullaby as they kissed the shore. On the large wooden balcony, a few insects circled a bug-zapper, sending a crackling and sizzling sound as they were slowly drawn into the light. The only other source of light in the balcony was a small lantern that cast a warm orange light over the table. In front of the lantern, set tidily and in rightful order over a clean white cloth, were the small pieces of a disassembled gun. First the Bolt Carrier Assembly, then the Firing Pin, the Bolt Cam Pin and the Bolt Assembly, all washed with the warm glowing light of the lantern. The dark metal glistered as a shadow moved over them, a hand reaching across the lamp. Long and greasy fingers reached for the largest piece of cylinder-shaped metal, taking a gentle hold on the bolt carrier and picking it up.

In the silence of the night, Heero sighed quietly and reached a grease-covered hand to wipe the sheen of sweat off his forehead. In the same hand he was holding a small and dirty cloth, which he immediately wrapped around the metal piece and began the task of cleaning it. More sweat began to glister on his forehead as moments passed, and he unknowingly smeared some grease on his brow as he reached to wipe it again.

It was not hot outside, quite the contrary- it was rather chilly, but nevertheless he was sweating. He'd been running a little fever in the past two days, feeling ill and weak, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. It was not as serious to bed-ridden him, so he decided the he could ignore it. And, of course, not to tell Duo about it. It's not like he'd care.

"Isn't it kinda pointless cleaning it with all this sand around?" A soft bittersweet voice asked quietly, washing over Heero like a wave upon the sand. Despite the shivers the voice caused him, Heero did not look up and simply placed the bolt carrier back in its rightful place.

"I mean, heh, what's the point, right?" The voice continued in forced-out cheerfulness, and he could tell that Duo was shifting his weight from side to side even though he wasn't looking. It's what he did when he was uncomfortable or nervous. He was always nervous around him. Everything he said sounded forced. Constrained. Like he never knew what to say or was just too damn afraid to say anything. Why was that? Was he really that scary? He wasn't trying to scare him. He wasn't even looking at him. And even if he was as frightening as people made him feel, it's not like he'll do anything to harm Duo. He would never harm anyone who didn't intend to harm him. Why was it so hard for people to just be with him? Why did they refuse and avoided his company? Why even Duo... why did he act like others did? He was better than this... wasn't he?

Heero sighed and reached to take the next piece. It was his fault, that much was for sure. He didn't know why or what exactly, but it was most definitely his own fault. It always was.

"'Sides," Duo suddenly continued, shrugging and smiling that wide smile of his. "You dun really need it right now..."

"I don't want it to be dirty." Heero answered silently. It felt the words carried such weight to them, that Duo was rendered speechless. This always happened to him around Heero. It was so hard to speak with him. Not because he was nervous, or not because of lack of things to speak about, but because he felt that there was always so much more behind Heero's every word. The Japanese pilot rarely spoke, and when he finally did, Duo would always get the nagging feeling that there was something more behind Heero's words, no matter how trivial they were. Like he was trying to say so many things, without really saying anything at all. Like he was hiding something and at the same time trying to show it. Hiding in the light, speaking from the darkness. Duo never knew what to make of Heero's words. He was always trying to look for something more. He just knew that it had to be there. That it was there.

This search for meaning was something he couldn't control, even when he tried. It always kept him on the edge, on his guard, when he was speaking to the boy. Sure, his mouth could go 145 mph around the boy, chatting nonstop about nothing... but when it came to times like this... when they were alone... and serious... and there was no work and no pressure on their shoulders... it was so hard for him to speak. He wanted his conversations with Heero to mean something. To really say something. To really be heard... It was funny... he never had this desire with Hilde or the other pilots... it was just around Heero. Everything was confusing around Heero. His thoughts... his feelings... his whole physical being... it was all so confusing around Heero. So... unfamiliar and strange. It was confusing and exciting all at once. It felt like blasphemy... like a sin, which only added to his confusion. That's why his mouth failed him so many times... just like now.

Sighing quietly, Duo took a seat in a comfortable easy chair that was across the table from Heero. He watched silently as Heero bent closer to his disassembled weapon, his face now a game of shadows as he was so close to the lantern. Duo's eyes followed the movement of his fingers as they carefully reached to pick up the silver firing pin, holding it so gently as if the piece of metal would break. He studied the way Heero's greasy fingers held the thin rod cautiously, while his other hand worked to skillfully clean the soot off the pin. He followed the movement of the cloth held in Heero's hand as it moved quickly up and down the firing pin, shining it until it was purely silver. His eyes still lingered onto those slim and greasy fingers as they placed the clean piece back in place and turned to pick up the bulky bolt assembly. This little piece was heavier than the previous one, and Duo tensed unknowingly in his seat as he watched Heero's slender fingers curl tightly around the piece. He never realized that he was holding his breath as he watched his silent partner work to carefully clean all the small cracks and shafts inside the immobile ratchet at the edge of the small metal cylinder.

This was another confusing feeling. His eyes would wander on their own... lingering onto sights that he was not sure he should be enjoying as much as he did. It felt almost sacrilegious to be indulging in such sights... to be so utterly fascinated by the way Heero's greasy fingers moved up and down thick metal cylinders... the way his features were washed with warm light and shadows... the light glistering in his striking cobalt eyes... It made his legs weak. It also made him wonder if Heero was really as strong as he let people think. Because in this light... in these large and sloppy clothing... with those tired and sweaty features... when his whole body was slumped and relaxed... Heero seemed just like a regular little boy... A boy of flesh, bone, blood and a warm heart.

"Ah, damn it!" Duo muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly, chasing away those sinful thoughts. He better start talking before his corrupted mind will begin to mentally undress Heero or something.

Heero for his part didn't seem to have heard Duo's silent cursing and merely continued to work on cleaning his weapon. He was aware of Duo's presence, the back of his mind registering every sound or movement, but he showed no outer sign to have acknowledged Duo's presence.

"Say... Heero..." Duo began, still stumbling to find words. "You... you feeling any better?"

As if trying to expose the lie he was about to say, Heero let out a small cough and then quickly nodded his head. He swiftly wiped the sweat off his forehead and continued to work on his cleaning. "Yes."

Duo raised a skeptic eyebrow, examining Heero carefully. "You sure?"

This time he held back the cough, so his voice came out strained as he answered: "Yes."

"Hmm..." Duo let out as a skeptic reply, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. "Your lungs still need time to heal."

Heero didn't answer and placed the last piece of the bolt carrier assembly on the table. He then began to quickly reassemble it. Duo watched the swift movement of his fingers as if caught in a trance. Heero sure moved quickly.

"So, uh... you feel like having dinner?" He finally asked, glad to have found something useful to say. "Hilde made some burgers. Ain't it neat? It's been AGES since I last had me some mean burgers!"

Cobalt eyes still refused to look in Duo's direction, their gaze focused solely on the weapon he was holding, sliding the bolt assembly back into place and then closing the gun. He was trying so hard to focus on nothing but his task, that he didn't even notice when the words slipped his mouth: "I don't eat meat."

The silence was longer this time, and Heero blinked, realizing what he'd just said. He sighed and reached for the greasy cloth again, scrubbing his weapon clean so he won't have to look at Duo. He was sure that the Deathscythe pilot was not interested to know such a personal detail about him. He supposed that Duo's silence was only there to support his assumption.

"Oh." Duo finally let out, frowning slightly. "That sure explains a few things..." He mumbled, scratching his head for he suddenly felt awkward. He didn't know how to react to this situation. Heero was actually sharing something about himself with a fellow human being. It was quite a shocking situation.

"Is there, um... is there a particular reason for it?" He finally asked, raising a hopeful look towards Heero. He was nearly holding his breath, his heart beating slightly faster with the hope that he was actually going to have a real and meaningful conversation with Heero.

For a long time, the Japanese boy didn't answer, merely kept his head bowed as he cleaned the gun resting on his lap. The only sound around the balcony was the whispering of the waves and the sizzling of the bug-zapper. That was until Heero sighed quietly and turned to place his gun on the table. His gaze still didn't meet Duo's, his eyes focusing on the glistering metal of the gun.

"I just... I don't like the thought that someone killed just so I could eat the corpse..." He took a deep breath and then finally turned to look at Duo, his cobalt eyes glistering under the light of the lantern. "Dead meat... it makes me nauseous." He confessed silently, his features stony as he expected Duo to burst into laughter any minute now. His heart was already pounding in pain, refusing his inner shouts that scolded it and told it to shut up. His heart never listened to his mind. His heart... it didn't take orders. Not from himself and not from others. It was a weakness he was trying hard to fight.

However, it wasn't laughter to lighten Duo's features, but a small and gentle smile. "I never thought of that." He answered quietly, reaching up to push a few bangs out of his eyes. "It does kinda take all the fun out of digging into a mean burger... doesn't it?"

He almost smiled in return. Almost. Maybe he would have, if it wasn't for the sharp voice that suddenly cut through the silence and ruined the moment.

"Duo! Dinner's ready!"

If he wouldn't have turned his head away, Heero might have been able to see the disappointed look that flashed over Duo's face. Instead, he simply fixed his gaze on the near ocean, watching the waves as he inwardly scolded his heart once more. What a fool it was... despite all that happened to it... what a foolish heart he had.

"You gonna come?" Duo asked, something close to an apology in his voice.

"No." Heero replied shortly, unmoving as he kept watching the ocean. "You go. She's waiting for you."

A strong wind blew then, tousling their hair and blowing sand into their eyes. Duo closed his eyes sadly and slowly got up. He took a deep breath as he walked into the house, sending one last look over his shoulder before he entered. When Duo entered the house, Heero was leaned over his gun again, cleaning it furiously from the sand the wind just blew.

* * *

Strong rays of sunshine filtered through white drapes, washing Duo's room with a bright glow. Despite the harsh light hitting his face, the longhaired boy was deep asleep, lying sprawled on the bed in a limp heap of limbs, hair and sloppy clothes. His long ponytail was falling apart, long chestnut hairs lying carelessly over his back and pillow. His sloppy black t-shirt was pulled up a little, exposing his smooth lower back, and his long legs peeked out of the thin white sheet he used as a blanket. The sheet had been mostly thrown aside during the night, since it was a little hot and humid, and now in only served to cover a small portion of Duo's lean body.

A strong ocean breeze burst into the room like a tidal wave, toying wildly with the curtains and caressing the sleeping teen with a cool touch. Duo moaned in his sleep and turned around, lying on his side facing the window. His hair got tangled around him and wrapped itself around his neck and shoulder. Some impish chestnut hairs made their way up, with the aid of the wind, and tickled his nose. The young pilot wrinkled his nose and frowned in response, raising a numb hand to push the annoying hairs aside.

A streak of violet suddenly peeked from behind a curtain of messy bangs, staring numbly at the way the drapes were tousled up and down by the wind. He took his time in waking, stretching lazily like a cat, his long legs getting tangled in the sheets as they made a soft rustling sound.

Considering if he should try and squeeze a few more hours of sleep from his already sleep-saturated mind, Duo let out a big yawn and forced himself to sit up. Again he stretched, pulling his arms up until his shoulders popped, and then slowly began to get ready for another day full of... nothing. All he ever did around here was absolutely nothing, and it was starting to get on his nerves. Three weeks of free time were WAY too much free time. More than he could handle, apparently. Unless... unless he had something to do, or... or someone worthwhile to spend his time with... That only made him think of the small and quiet conversation he and Heero had shared last night. It was the most fulfilling thing he had done since he got here. He ached to speak with Heero again. He dressed quickly and ran downstairs, determined to find his fellow pilot and do whatever it will take in order to spend the day with him.

It was the wonderful scents of cooking that drew him to the kitchen instead of beginning his search for Heero straight away. His bare feet padded softly on the polished wooden floor as he moved around the kitchen to sniff around.

"Hi Hilde." He greeted with a smile, looking at the girl standing by the stove, adding a few vegetables to a boiling pot. "Smells good." He added, bending over her shoulder to sneak a peek at what she was doing.

The dark haired girl smiled pleasantly and leaned a little closer to him, for he was still "hovering" over her shoulder. But the minute she turned her head around so that she was nearly kissing his cheek, the young pilot took a step back and walked over to the refrigerator. A black shadow flashed briefly in her dark eyes, and she turned her attention back to her work. She began cutting more vegetables, her knife descending swiftly and harshly over the cutting board, making loud and violent sounds.

By the fridge, Duo was standing with a carton of milk in his hand, drinking. His gaze was set numbly on Hilde's laboring hands, and then his violet eyes slowly shifted to look around the house. He scanned the kitchen, then the living room, a small peek at the large porch and then back where he started. Heero was nowhere to be found.

"Hey, Hilde, did you see Heero around?" He asked casually, putting the milk back in the fridge.

Again her sharp knife descended brutally on a helpless carrot, but her soft smile and easygoing features were a complete contrast to her violent actions. Her voice was soft and sugary when she spoke. "He went outside a while ago." She answered with a shrug, picking up the wooden cutting-board and throwing the vegetables into the boiling water. "I offered that he'd stay for lunch, but he refused." She placed the board aside and proceeded in stirring her dish. "He said that he wasn't hungry."

At that answer, Duo wrinkled his nose in displeasure. Not hungry? But Heero has barely eaten in days! In fact, he wasn't sure he had seen the boy place something in his mouth since they got there! Each day Hilde slaved at the kitchen all day long, and when she called them to the table, Heero always found an excuse to decline the invitation. He either said that he was tired, busy, and not hungry, or simply shook his head silently and left. What was up with him?! Did he have something against Hilde? Or maybe... against her cooking? Did he have a problem with the fact that someone was actually taking care of him? Did he dislike it when people did things for him? When they stayed at various dorms or safe houses together, Heero always took care of his own meals. At the last school they were at, they had different schedules and Duo remembered that each time he would come back to the dorm, Heero was already there, making himself a small salad or something of that sort. He never went to the cafeteria... why was that?

Duo's eyes widened briefly and he nearly slapped himself on the head. Of course! How could he forget!?

"Say, Hilde... what are you making?" He asked, approaching the boiling pot.

"Beef stew." The girl answered, still stirring the dish with a wooden spoon. "Why? Is it not to your liking?"

"Uh..." Duo let out dumbly, feeling the small pieces of his puzzle fall into place. No wonder Heero always excused himself around dinnertime... All Hilde ever made had meat in it!

"Duo? Is something wrong?" Hilde questioned worriedly, watching the Duo's frowning face with slight apprehension. The last thing she needed right now is Duo refusing to eat her meals! "Don't you like it? Would you like me to make something else?"

"Uh... no, that's not it... Hilde... I've got no problem with what you make. It's really neat, but..." He sighed and slumped his shoulders. "See, I'm a little worried about Heero not eating... do you think... do you think you could make some more, uh, vegetarian food? Ya know, once in a while, or maybe just a small veggie dish each time so he could eat with us?"

"Eat... with... us..?" She let out slowly, until realization hit her. A sly smile curled at the edges of her lips. "Sure, Duo. No problem." She answered sweetly, and then turned to add a few spices to her dish, tearing a small brown plastic bag and spilling its content into the dish. "I'd love to." She repeated with an unwavering smile, stirring the spices in the dish.

Duo smiled in thanks and patted her lightly on the shoulder. "Thanks Hildy, you're a real pal!" He thanked her cheerfully, and then ran up to his room to get his shoes. He needed to find Heero.

Back in the kitchen, Hilde rolled her eyes and tore another brown bag, spilling it swiftly into the stew.

* * *

The high-noon sun was looking down at the strip of shores from high above in the heavens, washing the golden sands with a blinding bright light. The green hills that surrounded the shore looked greener than ever in this bright light. Their color such a brilliant and lush green, the kind that was usually seen on tropical islands and evergreen forests. It was a blessing for eyes that were mostly used to the darkness of space, the cold gray colors of the colonies and the dim surrounding of a narrow cockpit. The great outdoors were nothing short of a blessing to the eyes of the young Gundam pilot.

Taking a deep breath as he stepped out of the beach house, Duo grinned at the world and placed his sunglasses on. He regretted bothering to put his shoes on as he stepped onto the soft sand, but his smile still didn't waver. The salty ocean air and the beauty of nature all around him made this small mishap insignificant and easy to fix. He immediately kicked his shoes off and then opened in a light sprint towards the clear blue water.

Held securely in his arms, was a small paper bag, its content rattling as Duo ran. He followed the set of small footprints that trailed from the house and down to the water, his smile growing as a tiny thought caressed his mind. The tingly thought ran swiftly past his mind before he even had a chance to catch it or stop it from making him smile. He just couldn't help thinking how adorable those footprints looked. So small and perfect... like the delicate feet of a child. He wanted to frown at the analogy, but found that he could not. There was just no denying it, he found them adorable!

The trail of footprints ended a few meters from the house, where the waves kissed the honey-colored sand. Heero's shirt (or more like the shirt he let Heero borrow) was thrown carelessly on the wet sand. Duo couldn't help but shake his head like a rebuking parent as he saw that his white shirt - one of a few brightly colored clothing he owned - was covered with some sand and was now dirty. However his frown soon faded as he caught the sight of what lay next to the shirt. Lying by the discarded white shirt was a large pile of seashells. There had to be more than fifty or so, lying neatly on the sand in an orderly manner. They were of all shape, color and sizes, some simple looking and some so colorful and complex in texture that it was astonishing to the eye. The large collection of seashells was still wet from the salty waters and their shiny surface glistered in the sun. They were all clean and some were so purely white that it hurt to look at them.

Duo smiled broadly and looked up at the water. His eyes sparkled with a smile as he watched the young Japanese boy standing in the shallow water, his baggy slacks folded up to his kneecaps. Like the day before, a rope tied carelessly around the edges, supported the large trousers. A few inches of the dark fabric peeking above the improvised belt and curling downwards. Heero's bronze torso was washed by the strong sunlight, looking suntanned and... hot. The waves gathered around the boy's slim body, splashing sea spray that trickled down his golden skin. The wind tousled his wild bangs as he bent forward, and a few waves moved by him, wetting his already soaked trousers. Duo watched as Heero bent down and sent two searching arms into the perfect blue ocean. The boy seemed too caught up in looking down at the water, that he didn't notice that he was being watched.

After some time of searching, Heero drew something out of the water. He studied it carefully as he stood up again, and Duo narrowed his eyes in order to see what it was. It was another seashell, a rather large one, looking more like a small conch. It was perfectly round and white, though a few seaweeds and sand marred its perfectly smooth surface. Duo continued to watch as Heero reached two slender fingers to clear the seaweeds that clung to the round shell and then wiped it clean with the edges of his saggy pants.

Placing his paper-bag down on the sand, Duo bent down to fold his own pants up and then skipped towards the cool water.

"Hey, Heero!" He called, waving towards the boy as he flashed him a wide grin.

Heero raised his head a little and tilted it to the side with a baffled look. He blinked in puzzlement, and then hurried to turn away from the boy running towards him, splashing about in the water. His cheeks blushed ever so slightly, his expression sheepish like a child caught with his hand in the cookie-jar. Fortunately for him, his skin was already red and raw from the sun, that his blushing went unnoticed.

"Nah, Heero, I think you should put your shirt back on... you dun wanna get a sunburn now do ya?" Duo reproached as he came to stand by the boy, making sure not to invade his personal space. He refused to let his eyes wander down the length of Heero's body, though they refused to listen and made a quick scan nevertheless. Standing this close to the boy, Duo could now see how red and raw Heero's skin was. When the boy turned to face him, Duo couldn't help but chuckle as he noticed that his nose had been burnt as well by the strong sunshine, and it was redder than the rest of his face. Added to that was Heero's slightly stunned expression, which could only be described in one way- adorable. Even more than a child.

Still amused, Duo shook his head in a reprimanding way and waved a finger at his fellow pilot. "After all, this is not the colonies. The sun is not just a big light shining up in the skies... it's dangerous."

At that, Heero snorted and went back to cleaning his seashell. "I know that, baka." He let out with a frown, having a hard time to get rid of a certain stain that tainted the whit clam. "Stop lecturing me as if I was a child." He added in annoyance, sending a sharp glance at the longhaired boy, his eyes lingering to the faint freckles that covered his nose and cheeks. They were barely visible, but they were still there. They made Duo look even more childish than he was, Heero mused. He returned his attention to his clam, though his eyes kept wandering back to where Duo's long bangs were tousled by the ocean breeze, obscuring his shiny violet eyes.

"I brought you lunch." Duo finally stated, looking seriously at Heero as he waited to see his reaction. The boy didn't show any response and simply brushed past him, heading back to shore. Duo sighed and slumped his shoulders. Heero was the master of avoiding conversation when he was not interested. Or was it simply because he didn't know how to respond?

"I'm sure you don't feel like having beef stew for lunch," He continued casually as he turned around to follow Heero, his smile returning. "So I picked up a few things for you to eat. What do you say? Feel like having a little picnic?" He finished just as his wet feet sunk into the warm sand and he was standing in front of Heero.

"What about Hilde?" Heero asked indifferently, his back facing Duo as he bent to pick his shirt up and carefully slipped into it.

"Well, uh, I didn't bring anything for her." Duo tried to avoid answering the question, smiling sheepishly as Heero sent him a sharp look while dusting off his shirt. His glare was nothing short of suspicious and skeptic, as if he knew what Duo was trying not to say. Nevertheless, Heero shrugged and slumped down on the sand.

"Fine." He muttered, running a hand through his bangs and pushing them backwards.

Duo grinned and came to sit on the sand by Heero. He reached for his paper bag and began pulling things out of it, handing them to Heero. "Lets see... I brought you some crackers, and uh... oh! Peaches... and yogurt, and... heh! Salted cheese, gotta love that... and umm... lemonade!" He called cheerfully as he took out a cool glass bottle out of the bag and placed it by the small heap of foods at Heero's feet. "Heh, it's not a feast made for kings, but it's all I could think of fetching out of the fridge..." He apologized nervously as he saw his friend merely looking down at the food, unblinking.

To say that he was stunned would have been the mother of all understatements. Heero was overwhelmed with... he didn't even know how to classify this emotion. He was... touched that Duo bothered to bring him food. He was even more surprised by the fact that Duo actually peeled and sliced the sweet-looking peaches and placed the small chunks of salty white cheese in a crystal bowl along with them. The orange-colored slivers of fresh peach were glistering under the sun, looking too sweet and too inviting to resist.

Smiling shyly, a smile so small that it was nearly invisible, Heero wiped his hands on his pants and reached for a slice. "Thank you." He whispered and then took a small bite, feeling too sheepish to eat right now.

The two sat silently on the warm white sand, the whisper of waves and the cool ocean breeze their only company. The sun sent warm rays of light that blazed on the top of their head and made the waves glister. There was a comfortable silence between the two, and Duo leaned back, supporting himself by two elbows that sunk into the silky sand. He threw his head back and closed his eyes, letting himself be washed with golden sunshine. By his side, Heero continued to sit straight, his legs folded Indian style. He ate silently, looking thoughtfully at the water as he coated a small cracker with cheese and served it to his lips. His eyes were distant and pensive, like he was pondering over the greatest riddles of the universe. In truth, he was just trying to find something to say, so he could speak with Duo. He wanted to make the best out of this rare situation, having Duo all to himself for more than five minutes. But nothing came up.

"Would you like some?" He finally asked, turning around to face Duo, who was now lying sprawled on the sand, his arms folded behind his head. He handed the braided teen a shiny sliver of peach, coated with salty cheese. "It's quite good." He added, trying not to frown at his own words. He hoped that he didn't sound too desperate to make conversation. It was hard to speak as it is. He was always afraid of saying the wrong thing and chase Duo away.

Reaching a sand-covered hand to pull his sunglasses down a bit, just enough to expose a hint of his inquiring eyes, Duo smiled kindly and shook his head. "Nah, thanks man, but... ya know... Hilde's been slaving in the kitchen all day, I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings or something', ya know..." He mumbled and then pushed the glasses back up with the tip of his finger, hurrying to hide his eyes in case Heero will see how bad he felt for saying such a thing. It was stupid, really. Why should he feel bad? And why didn't he want Heero to know that he did? It was so darn right confusing...

"Oh." Heero let out quietly, turning back to face the ocean. His shoulders were slumped as he reluctantly ate the fruit he just offered Duo. The silence between them was a little less comfortable now.

"So..." Duo finally decided to speak, pushing himself up with a swift move so he was sitting properly next to Heero. He sent a look over the beach and then turned to face his friend with a smile. "What are you searching for all the time? Don't tell me! A treasure box!" He grinned, his features lighted with his smile, which only made the faint scar on his forehead appear again. Like it did each time Duo smiled. Heero took a moment to just stare sadly at that small scar, and then snorted softly, looking away.

"Baka." He muttered, throwing another cheese-coated cracker into his mouth. "I'm trying to find a conch." He said slowly after a while, reaching for the bowl of peaches and taking another peachy slice.

"Huh?" Duo let out dumbly, turning to face him with raised eyebrow, which also served to show his newly acquired scar. "What... you're starting a seashell collection or somethin'?"

Heero smiled a little and shook his head, still chewing his peach. Once he swallowed, he answered. "No, not a seashell, a conch."

"Oh! One of those huge seashells that you can use as a trumpet or something... cool!" Duo let out excitedly, and before he even finished his sentence, he jumped up to his feet, taking his sunglasses off as he jumped. He then turned to look beamingly down at Heero, offering him a hand. "Mind if I help you look for one?"

The Japanese boy jerked his head up, startled, looking at Duo who was now towering above him. "Uh..." He let out; still a little stunned that Duo took interest in this silly quest of his. All he really wanted was to pass the time; he didn't care much for the conch. It was just a nearly impossible objective he had found, and was determined to achieve. A self-appointed mission, if you may. It was just to pass the time...

But then again, if he could spend this time with Duo, searching along with him... this little "mission" will be more worthwhile than he'd initially thought.

Dusting off his pants, Heero rose to his feet and nodded his head. "Aa." He said, looking at Duo with sparkling eyes. "Although, I don't believe we'll find one. This reef is rather poor..."

"Nonsense! We'll find one! You'll see!" Duo declared cheerfully, already grabbing Heero's hand and dragging him towards the shallow water.

* * *

He was right. Searching for the conch along with Duo was much better than searching by himself. Suddenly there was a sense of a purpose and excitement to this insignificant quest. He was no longer strolling along the shore by himself, but running in the shallow reef and diving deep into the ocean with the only person in the world who could make him feel alive. As much as he hated to admit it, he felt like a child again. Finding joy and meaning in the simplest of things, being filled with a carefree feeling that made his heart as light as a feather... it was truly the feelings of a child. Feelings he had forgotten long ago, and thanks to Duo, he had a chance to taste them again.

They held a swimming contest to the end of the reef, where the shallow waters ended, where their color became darker and corals were even more magnificent than before. They forgot about the results of their little contest the minute Duo offered they dive down deep and search the corals. They spent hours diving up and down from the smooth sands of the deep and up to the surface, taking a short break for air and then diving back again. Barely any words were exchanged, they communicated perfectly underwater without the use of words. At some point they got separated, while circling a large reef of corals from both sides, and when Heero made it past the last turn in order to reach Duo, he was mesmerized by the sight of the longhaired pilot with his hair loose underwater, flowing gracefully all around him. If he didn't know any better, he would have mistaken the ethereal pilot for a merman or something of that sort. However the charm was gone the minute they resurfaced for air, and Duo kept cursing and complaining about losing his hair band, and having his hair get in the way all the time.

Heero wanted to laugh, and he was pretty sure that he giggled, because Duo sent him a sharp glare then, peeking angrily from behind wet chunks of hair that clung to his face. He then started laughing as well, not before punishing Heero with a large splash of salty water. It was the wrong thing to do, as Duo found out a second later, because Heero was not the type to let such an attack slide. A fierce water fight broke out, the two splashing about and chasing each other deep underwater, Duo's hair getting tangled all around them as they quarreled and wrestled underwater. The fight would have lasted an eternity if it weren't for Duo begging Heero to stop as the Japanese boy nearly drowned him. Heero immediately let go of his partner, having no wish to really harm him (though he had to admit that he got a little carried away), but in return Duo shoved him hard into the water. He used both his legs to push Heero further down by placing his feet on Heero's shoulders, pushing him down forcefully, before the boy had the chance to swim up.

A few long moments passed and Heero did not merge out of the water. Duo was getting worried, so he hurried to gather the masses of hair that floated around him, held them back and dove quickly after Heero. He met the boy half way, a few bubbles escaping his mouth as he gasped underwater, looking stunned at Heero's smiling face. The boy was smiling widely, his chocolate bangs floating under the water, dancing over his head and for once not hiding his face. It made Heero's smile shine even more; the light in his eyes glistering like pearls underwater. Duo was enchanted by the sight - remembering how badly he wanted to know what the boy looked like when he smiled - and indeed, he was beautiful. He was so captivated by his smile that he nearly missed the reason for it all together. He looked down at the boy as Heero handed him something, raising both hands up towards him as he continued to smile.

In his hand, he was holding a large, no... HUGE white conch, with a beautiful spiral shape and lovely golden patterns that decorated the shell. Duo smiled back, raising his gaze up to meet Heero's lively eyes. For a few moments, the two just floated in the depth of the ocean, their legs moving elegantly back and forth to keep them in place. Duo's hair was dancing about him again, and since the longhaired boy was floating a little higher than Heero, the long strands of hair served to hide the strong rays of light coming from the surface, creating a faint game of shadows on the boy below him. Heero was still looking up at him, his short brown hair also tousling in all directions, his eyes so blue and lively, that they nearly matched the color of their surrounding. The ocean-blue eyes were more than just a pair of jewels in the depths of the ocean. They looked like a part of it.

Duo was so absorbed in watching Heero's eyes, that he failed to notice the burning in his lungs. Heero's lips were moving now, as if he wanted to speak, but Duo ignored the trail of bubbles ascending from his mouth, and just kept gazing into his eyes. A hint of annoyance flashed through Heero's face as the boy grabbed Duo by his wrist, and began swimming quickly to surface, dragging Duo with him. It took the longhaired teen a moment more to realize that he nearly DROWNED in Heero's eyes, literally, and then his legs began to work as well, kicking into action to aid his resurface.

* * *

They arrived to shore a while later, exhausted, soaked to the bone, but content. They collapsed on the warm sand, uncaring as it clung to their wet bodies, hair and clothes. They lay on their stomach, facing each other, the sides of their faces buried in the sand. Panting, they merely stared at one another, until the warm rays of sunshine drove the chill out of their bodies, and suddenly they realized that they were still holding hands. Heero didn't let go since he grabbed Duo's wrist and dragged him to surface, and Duo didn't let go either. Embarrassed, they both pulled their hands away quickly, casting their gazes down to the sand.

By now, the sun was making its way to the ocean, wishing to melt into the horizon and end another day. The sand was still warm, its color less bright and more golden than before. Taking a deep breath, Duo rolled over to lie on his back, watching the skies as they slowly changed color, blue melting into yellow, mixing with orange, purple and pink. A few seagulls cut through the skies and a cool evening breeze caresses the green hills above the shore and tousling Duo's bangs. Duo closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the scent of the ocean. Next to him, he could hear Heero turn over as well, his wet clothes rustling loudly.

There were a few more moments of silence, in which both boys let themselves absorb the heavenly atmosphere. When the first few stars began to sparkle faintly in the colorful skies, and the main OZ satellite could be seen making its course throughout the heavens, Duo took a deep breath and then sighed. He tore his gaze away from the sky and reached a hand towards his hair, which was still loose and lying sprawled on the sand. He frowned as he felt his hair with his fingers, feeling how straw-like and dirty it became.

"Shit... I'm gonna have to spend half a night getting rid of these tangles..." He muttered, sitting up heavily and gathering his hair, bringing it to the front so he could examine it closely.

Lying next to him, Heero opened his eyes, looking sadly at the heavens. "I'm sorry." He whispered, slowly sitting up.

Duo frowned, raising his gaze up from where he was bent over his own hair. "Huh? What for?" He asked, then cast his gaze down again and began the task of untangling his hair with his fingers.

"For getting you dirty." Heero explained quietly, bowing his head.

Duo snorted absentmindedly and waved his hand in a dismissive manner. "Yeah, right. That's not something to be sorry for. Dun worry about it, Hee-man."

Heero didn't answer and merely kept staring at the ocean. The water was a darker shade of blue now, and the large golden sun was marking a trail of gold over the sea. The waves were calm as they reflected the evening sky, whispering soft melodies to the sand. Looking away, Heero sighed deeply and reached for the conch lying by his side. He pulled it up to his lap and examined it with sad eyes. He ran his fingers over the smooth surface, scratching off a little sand that clung to the shell. He sighed sadly, his expression miserable.

"It's dirty." He stated, throwing the conch away. It landed on the sand between he and Duo.

The longhaired pilot looked at the conch, baffled. He reached for it and carefully picked it up. "What are you talking about, Heero? It's beautiful." He said, holding the conch up and then handing it to Heero.

"Look at it, Heero." He asked, looking at his friend with shining and pleading amethyst eyes. "Don't throw it away just cuz it has a few stains on it. We can clean it up and it will be like new."

Heero sighed and turned his head the other way, looking up at where the beach house stood, looking like a dark shadow in the sunset. "It's a bit broken too..." He mumbled sadly, bowing his head in sorrow. "Perhaps it would be better to search for a different one..."

Duo frowned, looking at Heero's hands, which were placed on his lap, clenched into tight fists. It seemed that the boy was really upset by it. Taking a deep breath, Duo looked up again, his eyes determined.

"Heero, just because it has a few cracks in it, doesn't mean that you should throw it away. We searched all day for it, and it's a miracle that you actually FOUND one! This thing is one in a million, ya know that? So what if it's a little cracked... it's beautiful! We'll just patch it up a little and it will be perfect."

"You really think so?" Heero asked, turning back to face Duo, his eyes full of question, maybe even uncertainty.

Duo smiled. "Of course I'm sure." He replied softly, getting up with a soft groan. He held the conch securely in one hand, and reached the other towards Heero. He smiled kindly as the boy turned his head to look up at him. "C'mon, lets go see if I have some polish left from 'Scythe..." He offered, tilting his head aside a little as an invitation. His hair was messy and all around him, filled with sand and hard like straw.

Looking up at Duo from where he was still sitting, Heero mused that it didn't look like Duo minded it at all. He didn't mind being so dirty... it was not disturbing to him at all...

Still, he hesitated as he reached his own sand-covered hand towards Duo's. He nearly regretted and drew back once he saw that Duo's hand was clean, and he will only smear it with sand again, but then Duo reached for his hand and just pulled him up to his feet. "C'mon, it's getting dark. Lets go back, okay?"

Following Duo as they made their way towards the beach house, Heero was baffled and stunned that despite the fact that he'd already helped him up to his feet; Duo didn't let go of his dirty hand...

Part 4

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