Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Souls ❯ Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I don't own the G boys, I just borrow them to play with from time to time and return them relatively undamaged... honest... :)

Rating: NC 17, Angst, Yaoi, Sap, masturbation, sad in parts, LEMON.

Pairings: 3x4, 2xH, 5+S, OCx2, eventual 1x2x1

Notes: Set 2 years after Endless Waltz. The pilots have all gone their separate ways but still keep in touch. Duo is with Hilde on L2 but cannot forget Heero.

" Lost Souls "

May 2002 ShenLong

Chapter 9

The sound of the helicopter's engines changed slightly indicating they were approaching the Winner estate. Moments later they were on the ground and Heero was pulling the stretcher from the aircraft. Shane helped and the two of them carried Duo up the steps and into the mansion. Sally directed them to the room that had been prepared for Duo and they gently lifted the man onto the bed.

"Right!" barked Sally. "Thanks but now I need to be alone and examine Duo thoroughly. I need to draw blood and run some tests so please leave me to it."

Heero folded his arms across his chest. "Iie. I'm not going anywhere Sally."

Sally looked at the stoic pilot. "Heero please..."

"Hn. I'm staying right here."

"But what about Shane?"

"He can wait for the others out front. They wont be much longer. I'm sure he understands." said Heero flatly.

Shane looked up. He really didn't want to stay in this room while Sally did whatever it was she was going to do. "I'll go wait for the others." he said and disappeared from the room closing the door behind him.

Heero moved over to the bed that Duo now lay on. "Tell me what to do and I will help you." he said with an air of finality.

Sally sighed. "Okay Heero you win but I warn you some of this isn't going to be pleasant."

"Hn. Lets just get on with it." Heero wanted Sally to do what she had to as quickly as possible, then they could start to make Duo well again. He also wanted to get his love cleaned up. If Duo could see how dirty his hair was he would have fifty fits Heero thought. The American had always been so careful with his hair, treating it with love and affection. Heero sensed it held some special meaning for the man... he just didn't know what that meaning was. He was determined however to have his Duo clean and fresh just as soon as Sally had finished with her medical necessities.

Sally moved over to the bench and extracted a couple of needles and syringes from the drawer. Returning to Duo she ordered Heero to roll the mans sleeve up and bring the vein ready for her to draw the blood.

Heero complied and watched as his loves rich red fluid filled the syringe. Swabbing the arm and placing a small piece of cotton over the pin point he lowered the sleeve again.

Sally took a deep breath. "Okay now I need to give him a full examination. Are you sure you want to stay Heero?"

"Hai."

"Okay then, but please if you feel the need leave at any time.... no one will think any less of you if you do."

"Hai."

"Lets get started then. I need to remove all his clothing..."

Heero swallowed hard and pulling back the sheet he began to remove Duo's shirt.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The limo moved swiftly up the long driveway and came to a smooth halt outside the main doors of the mansion. The boys all sat with their faces plastered to the windows.... they couldn't believe their eyes at the size of the house before them.

"How many of ya live ere" asked Benny in awe.

"Just Trowa, myself and a few of the staff. The rest of my so called extended family have smaller dwellings scattered around the estate." replied Quatre.

"Cor... Ya could fit a whole army of people in there." said Mickey.

"Don'cha need a map or somefin to find ya way around the place?" asked Benny.

Trowa laughed. "No it's not that hard to navigate. Most of the living areas are on the ground floor and the sleeping quarters are on the first floor."

"Wow. I bet'cha could get lost an no one would find ya for days." Colin added in an attempt to tease the younger ones.

"Could ya really?" A pair of blue gray eyes stared at Colin as the thought of being lost in the house sank into Benny's mind.

"Stop scarin them Colin." Paul said with a glare that would have rivaled Heero's.

Climbing out of the limo and picking Toby up into his arms Quatre faced the group. "Lets all go inside and I will show you around."

"Are we really gonna stay here wiv ya? I mean this ain't some trick or somefin?" Mickey asked.

"It's no trick Mickey. This house has room enough for all of you and you are welcome to stay here as long as you want to." replied Quatre.

Toby looked down from his place in Quatre's arms at his friends. "Well I sure intend to stay as long as Mr. Quatre says I can. I like you Mr. Quatre."

Quatre smiled.

"I wanna know what the catch is..." muttered Paul under his breath.

Hearing this small piece of discord Wufei moved to stand at the dark haired boy's side. He placed his hand upon the boy's chin and turned his head to make eye contact. Wufei could read the confusion that lay in those blue depths. "I think we should have a talk."

Paul stared back into those obsidian orbs but couldn't read a thing there. Wufei was very good at keeping his emotions from his eyes. Deciding that he really had no other option at this point he shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah whatever."

Trowa turned towards the mansion steps, "Come on then guys, lets go pick out a bedroom for each of you."

Instantly Benny was by his side and wormed his small hand into Trowa's larger counterpart. He smiled up at the tall man whose face always seemed to be partly obscured by that piece of hair. A warm smile was given in return and the two strode up the steps and through the doors.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Sally peered down the microscope, swiveling the tiny dial to bring the machine into better focus. The slide she was scrutinizing blurred a little before clearing and giving up its secrets to her eyes. She studied the wriggling little world with a satisfied smile. "Diagnosis confirmed" she thought to herself. Leaning back in her chair she ran her hand through her hair and sighed. Stretching her arms above her head and relishing in the popping sounds of her spine as she eased the kinks from it, she stood and made her way back into the other room where Heero sat waiting for the results.

Hearing Sally enter, Heero looked up from his position by Duo's bedside, the question visible in his eyes.

"Yes Heero, I have confirmed my diagnosis."

"And?"

"I can now treat him specifically. I will explain in layman's terms for you. The disease that Duo has, is in a lot of ways similar to the HIV/Aids virus that plagued the earth many years ago. Fortunately our ancestors managed to develop a vaccine and drugs to combat the disease but not before massive loss of life. The disease however was not eradicated completely, it still exists but is extremely rare. There have been several mutations of it appear from time to time. Duo has contracted one of these mutations."

Heero swallowed hard. He understood most of what Sally was saying but she still had yet to answer the most important question. "Is...is he going to be all right?"

Sally's brow furrowed. "I will be honest here with you Heero. The drugs that Shane has been giving him have helped to keep the spread of the virus in reasonable check. If he hadn't have had them he would have died long before now."

Heero drew in a sharp breath.

"The disease is well and truly established and its going to take all the medicines I have available to me to fight it. I can kill off the disease Heero..." Sally's face took on a distant look as she thought.

Heero stood and placed his hand on Sally's arm. "But?"

Sighing she turned to face the former world savior. "The drugs themselves aren't going to be enough. He needs a reason to fight this Heero. Without Duo's will to overcome this virus then the battle is lost. The drugs will cure him but they cannot cure his emptiness."

Carefully digesting this Heero nodded. "I will give him all the reason he needs to fight." Turning his prussian eyes to meet hers he added softly, "I love him Sally. I always have but it took me two years..... two years of hell and self torture to realize that I couldn't live without him... that I was a fool to deny my feelings. I made him promise me he would fight this thing. I intend to see that he does. I will use every means that I have to ensure that he knows just how much he means to me and that I don't give a damn about what has happened to him in his past. I let him go once...... I will not let him go a second time."

Sally squeezed Heero's shoulder gently. "If anyone can get him to come back to us Heero I know that you can."

"Hn."

"I'm afraid there's a little more though."

Heero's head snapped up. "More?"

"Yes. Shane had said he had been pretty badly torn inside... When I examined him I found he was right. Duo has healed but there is quite a lot of scar tissue there. Heero... I need to operate to remove a lot of that tissue. If I don't then he could have a lot of problems once he is better."

"Operate?" Heero felt the sting of tears.

"Yes Heero. But not now. I will wait a couple of days until he is stronger. I don't want to risk an anesthetic while he is this weak. I also hope to talk to him first and explain why I need to do this."

"Hai. Any ideas how long he will be unconscious for?"

"No Heero. He will probably drift in and out of consciousness for the next 24 hours. Unless you have any more questions for me I will go and get the drugs organized that I will need."

"Hai." Heero felt as if his soul had been ripped from his body, shredded and then returned in pieces. The emotions he suddenly found within himself were to say the least frightening. Never before had he had to deal with such things and now he found himself drowning in the flood. Somehow though he would find a way.. he had to for Duo's sake. Fully aware now of the implications and what could have been relating to Duo's illness, he was glad he had found Duo when he did. He shivered at the thought of what could have happened to the American. Pushing those thoughts into the recess of his mind he spoke once more. "Is it all right if I clean him up a bit?"

"I think that would be good Heero. There's some towels and bowls in the other room along with antiseptic soap and other stuff you may want to use. Help yourself. I'm going to pop to the hospital and fetch the rest of the things I am going to need. I will inform Quatre and the others of the current status." Sally turned to leave.

Heero caught Sally's arm before she could exit and pulled the stunned woman into a warm embrace. "Thank you Sally. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Sally let herself be hugged and returned the gesture, pulling the ex pilot close. She looked into tear filled tired eyes and realized just how much strain Heero had been under these last few weeks. She also read the love and devotion there. "Lets just get him well again hey?" and with that she left.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Trowa, Quatre and Wufei found themselves standing in the large foyer with a bunch of wide eyed slightly stunned boys. The various heads swiveled around as they took in the size and beauty of the Winner mansion.

"Wow..."

"You can say that again.."

"Are we really gonna live 'ere?"

"Yes. Your all welcome to stay for as long as you want." said Quatre in amusement.

"I've never seen such a big 'ouse." said Mickey as he tried to take it all in.

"Don't let it overwhelm you. Once you learn your way around it wont seem so big." Wufei said.

"Come on... I will show you all around the ground floor and then we can sort out your sleeping arrangements. Once we get you all settled you can explore as much as you like." and with that Quatre proceeded to head down the hallway that led off to the right.

The boys all followed quietly as they took in the dining area, kitchen and lounge room.

"This is my study and office." said Quatre as he paused outside a large mahogany door. "If you need to speak with me then this is most often where you will find me. But please remember that this room is off limits unless either Trowa or myself are in there. Its not that I don't trust any of you but ... well I have a lot of important stuff in here and I prefer to have quiet when I am working so if you need to enter at any time make sure you knock first and wait until asked to enter."

The boys all nodded.

"Sure thing Mr. Quatre. We won't go in there unless you tell us we can." spoke Colin.

"Good. This next room is what I like to refer to as the family room." said Quatre as he opened the door to reveal a large comfortable area. There was a pool table set over by one wall, a television and stereo on another and a large lounge suite occupied the centre. French doors on the remaining wall opened up to reveal a small courtyard with basketball hoop and pathway leading down into beautifully manicured gardens. "Here is where we tend to spend most of our time relaxing. I hope you boys will use it a lot. There are some old vid games of Duo's still here and a large selection of CD's. Please treat this room as your own and use it whenever you like."

Toby's eyes lit up when Quatre mentioned vid games. He had never had the luxury of playing one but he had heard all about them and was eager to have a try.

"Shall we sort out the bedroom situation now?" asked Trowa.

"Yes I think that would be a good idea. They can get settled in and freshen up." replied Quatre.

"If you will excuse me I shall go and see what news there is of Maxwell." said Wufei and he left the boys with Quatre and Trowa.

Returning to the main foyer Trowa headed up the stairway to the first floor with five shadows behind him. As they reached the top so they were met by Shane. Toby immediately detached his hand from Quatre's and raced into the older boy's arms.

"Shane... Where ya bin? How's Duo doin?" he asked.

Shane caught the youngster in a hug. "He's with Sally and Heero. They need ta run some tests an do some medical stuff so I left them to it. Sally said she would let us know what's happening as soon as she has some results."

"He's gonna be all right though... aint he?" asked Benny.

"They are doing everything they can fer him Benny. Now what say we follow Trowa and Quatre and sort out our sleeping arrangements."

Trowa smiled at the lanky youth. He could see the strain of the last few weeks written in the lines of his face and he felt sorry for the boy. It must have been hard for them all but Shane especially. He reminded Trowa of Duo in a lot of ways, growing up on the streets and being forced into adulthood long before he should have. Shaking himself from his musings he continued down the hall. There would be plenty of time for them all to find out the details of these lost boys lives later. Right now they needed warmth and security.

Several doors lead off the long hallway. Quatre paused at the first one on his left. "This is Trowa's and my room." he said softly and then waited for some sort of response from the group.

"Cool..." said Benny as he stared around the room noting the thick carpet and large four poster bed in the middle.

"So you two together then?" asked Toby in wide eyed innocence.

Trowa moved closer to the blonde and slid his arm around his love's waist. "Yes we are together Toby. Does that bother you?"

"Nah... its 'kay. I mean everyone's gotta have someone don't they? I mean I know what we did on the streets but that was different... we did that to survive..." Toby's eyes closed with the painful memories.

Quatre hunched down next to the small boy and rested his palm against that small cheek. "You haven't had an easy life by any means Toby. None of us have. But no one and I mean no one should have to do what you guys did to live. I hope you will all find happiness here with us and never have to do anything like that again to survive. It's true what you say though.... everyone should have someone, and there is someone out there for everyone, it just takes time for some of us to realize that and find the one we are meant to be with."

"You mean like Duo an Heero? From what Heero told us it took im a long time to find his partner." said Colin slightly confused.

Trowa smiled again. "It's quite a bit more complicated than that Colin but lets settle in first and get to know each other better, then we can discuss things like this a little more."

Moving down the hallway a bit further Quatre stopped again. "This is Heero's room."

"Where's Duo's room then? Ain't he stayin wiv Heero?" asked Mickey.

"Duo needs to get better first Mickey. I'm sure that once he is well enough then he will share the room with Heero." said Shane softly and looked at Quatre for conformation of this fact.

"Yes. Shane's right. Once Duo is better he and Heero will share the room... I'm sure of it." replied Quatre.

"Okay."

"This is Wufei and Sally's room." said Trowa with a wink

Paul pulled a face and Toby giggled.

Choosing to ignore the mirth Quatre swatted his teasing partner. "Enough of that, Wufei and Sally make a good couple." he said, then added a little more quietly, "Even if Wufei doesn't realize it yet."

"What did ya mean by that? Mr. Quatre" asked Toby who's quick hearing had picked up the quietly spoken words.

Quatre blushed. "I'll explain later Toby." he said and gave the boy's hair a ruffle. "Now here we are... these are your rooms." and Quatre threw open three doors.

The boys all gasped at the size of each room.

"I though it would be best to put the three little ones together in one room, Paul and Colin in the one next to them and Shane you can have the one opposite them both." Quatre waited to see how the boys liked this idea.

"Wow! That's cool... yer mean we get to have this whole room just to ourselves?" asked Benny.

"That's right, you and Mickey along with Toby can have this one all for yourselves." said Quatre as he entered the room.

Moving across the thick carpet Mickey opened the door that led into the ensuite bathroom. "Hey guys... check this out." he called.

Instantly Toby and Benny were by his side staring at the large tub.

"I bet'cha could go swimmin in that." said Benny.

"Just don't get drownin in it. In case yer forgot yer can't swim." said Paul who was feeling slightly jealous.

Leaving the three youngsters to explore their room Trowa took Colin and Paul into theirs.

Seeing that their room was almost identical to the younger ones room, complete with large tub as well Paul began to feel a little guilty at his jealous feelings.

Trowa however could understand and pulled the youth to one side. "It's okay to feel jealous." he said quietly. "You guys have been through a lot together and you are used to being in control and having to look after the younger ones, it's only natural that you should feel threatened and jealous now that they have someone else to take on the role. Believe me I understand more than you know."

Paul's blue eyes clashed with one green one. He sighed. "I know and I try ta keep reminding myself...."

"But?..."

"It's really hard to take all this in... I mean we are so used to fending for ourselves... this all seems too good to be true. I guess I just don't want em to get their hopes up too high and have em all dashed when it's taken away."

Taking Paul firmly by the shoulders, Trowa looked at him. "I know this has all come as a bit of a shock to you but please try to believe me when I tell you that none of it will be taken away. You are all welcome here for as long as you wish. In fact Quatre has a lot of people working for him that actually live here on this estate. They are more like family to him, even if he does have a large blood kin. Some of these people cannot have children of their own and would love nothing more than to have a child in their midst. If I am correct in my guess I think this is what Heero was thinking when he brought you all back with him."

Paul stared in stunned silence, than finding his voice he whispered, "You mean we 'ave the chance to be adopted?"

"That's exactly what I mean. But we need to discuss it as a group first. No one will be forced to be adopted if it isn't what they want. Let's get you all settled in first and take a few days to get to know each other and the people that work and live here, then we can talk some more about adoption and the like. Okay?"

Paul felt the tension leave his body. "Sounds good ta me. I promise not to say anythin to the others yet if that's what ya would like."

"Thank you Paul. You're a good kid." and Trowa gave the boy a hug.

Shane walked in the room at that moment and sensed a change in Paul. The boy was usually quiet to the point of being sullen but he had a heart of gold and would protect the others to his dying breath if need be. It was this fierce sense of loyalty and honor that Wufei had picked up on. "Cool rooms eh guys?" he said with a question in his eyes.

"Yeah, they're neat." said Paul and flashed an answer in his own eyes that clearly said he was okay.

"I guess you guys could use a little freshening up so Trowa and I will leave you to it. Once your all done come on down to the family room where we will have some milk and cookies waiting for you all." said Quatre appearing in the doorway.

"Thanks Quatre. We could all do with taking a bath. Water as you know is pretty scarce on L2, and even rarer when yer live on the streets." answered Shane.

"See you downstairs then." and Quatre turned, pulling Trowa with him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Sally met up with Wufei as she headed towards the stairs to find the ex pilots.

"Ahh Wufei, where are the other two?" she asked.

"They are showing the boys to their various rooms. What news of Maxwell?"

Sally frowned a little and then taking Wufei's arm she continued to walk towards the stairs. "Lets get Trowa and Quatre first and then I will fill you all in."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Trowa and Quatre met up with Sally and Wufei and headed into the library. Once everyone was sitting comfortably Sally began.

"I have completed my tests and now have a full understanding of Duo's condition. I will keep it simple and short, you can ask questions once I'm done."

Three heads nodded.

"Duo has contracted a mutation of the rare HIV/aids virus. Fortunately I can cure it but I need specific drugs to do so which is why I am heading straight to the hospital now to get them. The emotional trauma he has suffered is another thing entirely. He is going to need a lot of support and understanding from us all to help him get over this."

Three heads once again nodded.

Sally sighed, "He also needs an operation to remove scar tissue that will cause him major problems later on if its left where it is."

Quatre raised his hand to cover his mouth but the small cry still found its way out of his throat. Trowa pulled the blonde closer to him and began to stroke his back.

"It's not a dangerous operation but I will wait a few days until Duo is stronger. I don't want to risk the anesthetic while he is this weak. Also I will need a couple of you to help me when I operate."

"I will help." said Trowa.

"I will also." said Wufei.

"Thanks guys. I don't want Heero to be present in the room when I do the op." Sally said.

"Heero wont like that one bit." commented Quatre. "And I don't want to be the one to tell him either."

"Let me take care of Heero. " said Sally. "After all he can't Omae o korosu me or there won't be anyone to perform the surgery." she said in an attempt to lighten the mood. "Well unless any of you have any questions for me I will get going to the hospital and get the rest of the supplies I need."

"Any idea how long it will take him to recover?" asked Quatre.

"That depends."

"Depends? On what?"

"His will Quatre. The drugs can only do so much for him... Oh yes they will kill off the disease but Duo needs to fight this as well, he needs to fight it in order to return to his usual maniacal self. So we need to give him a reason to fight, the will to go on."

"If anyone can get through to Duo then I'm sure Heero can." Trowa said softly.

"Okay then, if there are no more questions I'm off to the hospital. Heero is looking after him while I'm gone so there is no need to worry. I have my pager with me so if you do need to contact me just call the number. Wufei, will you come with me?"

Wufei stood and followed Sally out the door and within seconds they were on their way. Trowa pulled Quatre into his lap and stroked the Arabs cheek.

"Duo will be all right, he has Heero and Sally looking after him now." he said.

"I know but I can't help feeling so helpless. If only we had looked harder, if only we had started to search for him sooner...."

Trowa reached for Quatre's lips and silenced the blonde with a kiss. "Now my love don't go beating yourself over the head with this, we did everything we could and the most important thing is that we found him and he is going to get better."

"Yes you're right." answered Quatre and he wriggled around a bit in Trowa's lap. When he began to get stressed out too much he found sex to be a wonderful release.

Trowa realized what the blonde was up to and smiled to himself. Casually he dropped his hand to Quatre's thigh and began a series of teasing touches.

Quatre moaned. "Do you think we have time to take this to the bedroom?"

"I'm sure we can." Trowa replied as he nuzzled the blondes neck.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Quatre jumped up off Trowa's lap and headed for the stairs, Trowa followed right behind.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~