Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Pinball ❯ Compromised ( Chapter 10 )

Series: Pinball

Chapter 10: Compromised

Author: Niere

Rating: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: The series Gundam Wing and the characters therein do not belong to me. I'm just putting them in different situations to see how they react.

Summary: It's a world where everyone has psionic abilities…well, most everyone. Another contest is coming up and the undefeated Duo notices a new player, a null, a person with no psionic abilities. Just what is it about this boy and why can't Duo get him off his mind?

Author's Note: My sincerest thanks to all of you that are reading this and especially to those that have let me know. Your comments have really brightened my life and encouraged me to keep writing!

Methods of communication:

"normal speech"

**manual alphabet**

/telepathic speech/

::morse code::

TK=telekinesis, the ability to move things with one's mind. TP=telepathy, the ability to send/receive thoughts. Empathy=the ability to send/receive emotions or feelings. Pyrokinesis=the ability to create/control fire. Pre-cog=the ability to "see" the future.

* * *

**what do you think will happen to me now** Heero asked. He and Duo were in the back of Zechs' car on the way to a safe location. It was a temporary situation, until more long-term arrangements could be made.

**we hide out until they can finish reading your memories, then I don't know for sure** Duo thought about the possible future. **there will probably be a trial**

**and after that** Heero turned his head to 'look' at Duo. **living with J is all I know, even as bad as it was. Who else would want to take in someone like me**

Duo smiled softly. **I would**

Heero's eyes widened, then his head dropped to hide his blushing cheeks. **thank you**

Duo slipped an arm around his new friend. Heero jerked slightly, startled, then relaxed into the embrace. Duo lightly held one of Heero's hands in his free one, relishing the contact, but also remaining available in case Heero wanted to 'talk' more.

* * *

The reservations had already been made. Zechs led the boys through the lobby of a local hotel, up the elevator, and down the hall. A room had been booked for them to stay in for the time being.

The room wasn't fancy, but it was nice. There was a 'living room' area with a couch and coffee table on the wall to the left of the door. Across from that was a desk, complete with chair and lamp. There was a pair of half-walls separating the living room/study area from the bedroom area. A king-sized bed filled the wall space on the same side as the couch. The desk side had a low dresser with a large TV at one end. Beyond the dresser was a small refrigerator with a microwave sitting on top. At the far end of the room was a large counter with a sink in the middle. To the right of the sink, along the same wall as the desk and dresser, was a series of bars to hang clothing on. To the left was a door leading to the bathroom: toilet and tub/shower combination.

Zechs made a couple of phone calls, arranging for someone to stay with the boys, while Duo 'showed' Heero around the room. He couldn't help but smile at the teens as they both realized what the sleeping arrangements were to be.

Duo had noticed immediately. There was only the one bed. He expected that the couch would fold out for a second bed, but that would be where the person staying with them would sleep. He wasn't sure whether to be elated or embarrassed at the situation. It wasn't that he minded sharing a bed with Heero, not at all. The problem would be that with all the dreams he'd had, would he be able to keep away from the dark-haired boy? Would Heero mind sharing the bed with him? He couldn't help the hopeful blush from staining his cheeks at the thought.

I can always sleep on the floor, he thought to himself. That way I know I would keep my…um…hands to myself.

Heero quickly memorized the layout of the room. He also noticed how stiff Duo was as he explained what the different things in the room were. They had worked their way from the door, first the couch area, then down the wall from the desk to the dresser, the refrigerator, and clothes area. The sink was pretty self explanatory, as was the bathroom. As his hands traveled from the bathroom to the bed, he suspected he understood Duo's hesitancy.

The room couldn't be as big as it felt to Heero in his dark, silent world. The bed, however, seemed to go on almost forever. It was huge. Not to mention there was only the one.

He grinned to himself. This could be interesting. He too had been having dreams, although not quite as vivid as the ones Duo'd had. While Duo's were all sight and sound, Heero's were purely tactile. He had spent quite a lot of time with the braided boy, and had a rather good idea of just what his body must be like. He was rather hoping that this would give him an opportunity to discover if his imagination lived up to the reality.

**I can sleep on the floor**

Heero was startled by the statement. Didn't Duo want to share the bed with him? He tried very hard to keep his disappointment from showing. **you don't have to, there's plenty of space**

**you don't mind**

Heero smiled shyly and shook his head. **not if you don't**

Duo just squeezed the hand he held in reply. He was having a hard time keeping the grin from his face. This was perfect. Ok, so it wasn't very private, so meant that he wouldn't be able to do much, but snuggling together was a great start.

"Why don't you two get washed up and relax for a while," Zechs said. "One of the officers will be here shortly with clothing for the both of you and will stay the night on watch. We'll continue with the reading tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan," Duo agreed. He relayed the information to Heero and offered him first chance at the bathroom. Heero agreed, and went to take a shower.

"Will he be all right in there by himself?" Zechs asked.

Duo grinned. "I'm sure he knows how to take care of himself by now, don't you?"

Zechs smirked at him. "Are you sure? He might need help washing his back, you know."

"Zechs!" Duo's face flamed. "I couldn't…"

"I was just teasing," Zechs apologized. "I know how you feel about him."

"Oh, really?"

Zechs' grin widened. "I was there when we recorded your memories, remember? Interesting dreams you have."

Duo felt as if he was going to spontaneously combust. Zechs just laughed.

"It's ok, I won't mention it to anyone."

"Thanks," Duo murmured, still blushing furiously. He threw himself on the bed, turned on the TV and started flipping through the channels. He heard the water in the bathroom stop and tried not to picture a naked Heero, the water running down his body… It wasn't easy.

There was a knock at the door. Zechs looked through the peep-hole, then opened it. In came a young man, apparently about the same age as the blonde officer. He was juggling two bags and a large pizza. Zechs quickly rescued the pizza and placed it on the coffee table. The bags he handed to Duo. "Clothes," he explained.

Duo was slightly disappointed. He'd rather been looking forward to Heero coming out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel. Oh, well, he sighed. Can't have everything. He quickly selected a pair of shorts, t-shirt, and boxers for the boy to wear. They should be comfortable enough to sleep in. Now, how to get them to Heero?

Although he knew Heero wouldn't hear him, Duo knocked on the bathroom door. Opening the door a crack, he stuck in one arm, feeling around to find the other boy. "It would be easier to just look," he thought to himself, "and as much as I would like that, I don't want to embarrass him. That wouldn't be fair."

Suddenly, his flailing hand brushed against a moist back. In a flash, the hand was captured in a vice-like grip. **Heero** he spelled frantically, praying that the boy would be able to figure out who it was…hopefully before fracturing something.

**Duo**

Duo sighed in relief as the grip on his arm eased. **clothes for you** He pulled his arm back, then extended it with the clothing.

Heero took the offering. **thanks** There was a pause, then a small kiss was placed on the almost mangled extremity. **sorry**

**it's ok** Duo pulled his hand back and shut the door, leaving Heero his privacy.

"You two behave yourselves," Zechs said. "Don't give Erik here any trouble. I'll be back in the morning to take you back to the station." He grinned at Duo. "Sleep well."

Duo grinned back. "See you in the morning, then." He reached out a hand to Erik. "Hi, I'm Duo."

"I know," Erik responded. "And the other boy is Heero. Nice to meet you."

"You wouldn't happen to know the manual alphabet by chance?" Duo asked.

"The what?"

Duo shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Heero just won't be able to communicate with you is all." He had a thought. "What about the old morse code?"

"I've heard of it, but that's about all."

About then, Heero emerged from the bathroom. He made his way to the bed, checking carefully to see if it was already occupied, then flopped onto the middle.

"He's really both blind and deaf, isn't he?" Erik observed.

"Yeah." Duo went over to the bed and tickled Heero's nose with the tip of his braid.

"What are you doing?"

"That's how he knows it's me," Duo informed the officer with a grin.

Heero smiled and grabbed the offending hair. He gently pulled, hand over hand, until Duo, laughing, collapsed on the bed next to him.

**I smell pizza**

**how about I get you some then I'll go get a bath**

**thanks**

Heero crawled up the bed to settle against the headboard while Duo placed two slices on a plate. He handed over the plate and popped a soda, placing it on the nightstand next to the bed and showing the other boy where it was. **I won't be too long** Duo spelled, *I just want to soak for a bit**

**enjoy** Heero grinned in his direction. **I promise not to go anywhere**

Duo chuckled and headed for the bathroom.

* * *

Heero was in heaven. Pizza was something he adored, but rarely had been allowed. That, combined with the fact that he was to be spending the night in the same bed with the boy he had quickly come to care for, made having to remember all that he'd been through almost bearable. He shuddered slightly at the memories.

The reading had been extremely hard on him. Trying to remember, in as much detail as possible…it was like reliving the entire horrible experience again. He'd not wanted to quit, though. As hard as it was, Duo's arms around him helped…more than he wanted to admit.

He tried analyzing the feelings he was having. He cared for this boy, that much he knew, but just how much? He had little experience with the kinder emotions. Most of what he knew was either fear or pain…or deprivation.

He hadn't thought about his parents in years. Their faces were no longer in his memory, but the warm, happy feeling of their presence was still there, although faintly. He remembered the fights he'd overheard between them and Dr. J. J had wanted to try out his experiments on him, but his parents wouldn't allow it. That had been the reason J had them killed. He'd wanted Heero, and the potential the boy possessed, and had been determined to have him. That had been burned permanently into his memory. Dr. J was an extremely powerful telepath, and had no problem with using his talent to his own ends. Heero distinctly remembered being held, crying, and watching as J mind-fucked with his parents. Then, they had left him. They had followed their instructions exactly. The road had been winding, often close to the edge of the cliffs. It hadn't taken much with the speed of the car to send them over the edge. The ensuing explosion hadn't left much to be analyzed, much less buried. Dr. J'd had no trouble explaining to the authorities that he'd been watching over Heero while his parents had gone out. The story was that they'd been celebrating their recent promotions and had crashed by accident.

Heero, of course, had known better, but what could he do? He was only eight at the time. Then J had blocked him. No longer could he pick up the thoughts of those around him. The loss of his talent was traumatizing. He'd retreated into himself, taking no notice of the world around him. Eventually, the trauma lessened, and he attempted to come back to the world. He'd been horrified to discover that the block had been deeper than even J had planned. Not only was his talent gone to him, but also gone were his senses of sight and sound. His world had become limited to what he was able to pick up through his sense of touch or smell. J was still able to "talk" to him, via his telepathy, but that was all. He couldn't answer back, the block wouldn't allow it.

Then his "training" had begun. Physical exertion to strengthen his muscles, dexterity was improved, he was even taught fighting. Discipline was immediate and harsh. Painful slaps would come out of the dark when mistakes were made. He learned quickly not to balk at anything he was instructed to do. Such behavior would cause him to be thrown into a sensory deprivation tank. All he had left was his sense of touch. To lose that also was to much to bear. It hadn't happened often, thankfully, but each time it did Heero had been sure that he would lose what little sanity he felt he had left.

A faint movement in the air patterns pulled him from his musing. It seemed that someone had opened the door to the room. Maybe Zechs had returned? "I wonder why," Heero thought. He sensed some sort of commotion coming from the direction of the couch…then nothing.

Heero reached out with everything he had. What was happening? Duo would be able to tell him, but he was still in the bath.

Suddenly, his nose picked up something. "Oh, gods, no," his mind pleaded. "not him. Not here"

Many was the time that this man had used his body. Heero had no idea why it was allowed to happen, but he was unable to refuse. He'd tried that the first time it had happened, and had been back in the deprivation tank. It could have been minutes or hours he'd been in that tank. It was all the same to Heero. When he'd been allowed out, this man had tried again. Heero had learned his lesson. He permitted the abuse of his body. As bad as it was, it was better than the total nothingness of the tank. Anything was better than that!

The edge of the mattress dipped as someone sat beside him. A rough hand traveled it's way up his leg. Heero just shuddered. His body knew the results of resisting. Where was the officer that was supposed to protect them? What had happened to him?

The hand stroked his face.

J had been arrested, he remembered. The deprivation tank was no longer a threat. He could fight back! He could stop the man from doing what he knew was coming. Besides when Duo came out…

Oh, gods, Duo!!

Duo didn't have his training. He wouldn't be able to fight. The man was strong, Heero knew. He knew himself to be stronger, but Duo? Somehow he had to keep this monster away from his friend.

A slight rise in the humidity of the room notified Heero that Duo was exiting the bathroom. He had to do something and he had to do it now!

Shoving his revulsion as far down as he could, Heero reached out to where he thought the man's head was. He quickly found it and cupped the face with his hands. Pulling gently and raising himself from the headboard, Heero forced himself to kiss the man that had used him.

"Distract him," Heero thought. "I have to keep him distracted before he notices Duo. I can't chance him freezing me and going for him." Heero hoped to be able to keep the man's attention long enough to get his hands around his throat. If he did, it wouldn't take that much to snap his neck. Then Duo would be safe.

* * *

The water was just beginning to cool when Duo heard a noise from the other room. He couldn't place it. Then he heard a voice coming through the wall. 'Erik knows that Heero can't hear him,' he thought, 'who would he be talking to?' Duo strained his ears to hear what was being said as he got up from the tub and started to dry himself.

"Did you miss me?" he heard. The voice was coarse and unfamiliar. "Imagine my surprise to see you coming out of the Preventer station. What would you be doing there, huh? I know that J would never permit that, not with all the information locked in that pretty head of yours. Did something happen to him? I can't allow that, not with all that that man has done for me. I've missed you. You're tight, hot little body. You were the best reward J could have given me."

Duo was horrified. Whoever this was had hurt Heero! Where was Erik? Why was he allowing this creep to even be around?

He finished drying himself and realized that he'd forgotten to bring clothing in with him. Great. Now what? He didn't want to leave Heero out there with whoever that was, but to go out in the nude? Not an idea he liked. Especially with the things the creep was saying.

Wait a minute. Maybe he could use that. If he could get close enough to touch him, he could use his talent to take the guy out. Duo was a good fighter, especially with the use of his talent backing him up.

Duo shuddered at the thought, then steeled himself. He tightened the towel around his hips and opened the door.

The man sitting on the bed beside Heero had to be the ugliest person Duo had ever seen. Scraggly black hair, filthy clothing, and the body odor was unmistakable. It had been a very long time since this person had been introduced to a bar of soap.

Duo watched is horror as his friend felt his way to the man's head. The revulsion in Heero's face was clear to Duo, although it was obvious also that he was trying to hide it.

"Oh, so you're finally willing to play nice," the creep was saying. Heero had a hold of the man's face and was pulling it toward him, apparently to kiss him. There was no way Duo was going to allow that!

"Excuse me," Duo said, using the most seductive voice he could muster. "I believe that is my boyfriend you're molesting."

The man jerked around. His eyes widened and the lust on his face was unmistakable. "Oh, is that so…gorgeous?"

Duo was unable to move. His entire body had become frozen. The man stood, grinning, and stalked toward him. Heero began to lunge in their direction, but the man glanced over his shoulder and the boy's body also froze, falling onto the bed.

"I'll get to you later," the man said to Heero, then turned back to Duo. "But first, I want a taste of this pretty thing."

Duo felt himself lifted off the floor. 'TK,' he thought, 'he has to be telekinetic.' His body slowly floated to hover over the bed next to Heero.

"I don't think you'll be needing that anymore," the creep cackled, and the towel dropped from Duo's body. "Nice," he drooled, "very nice."

Duo was fighting throughout the entire experience. He couldn't move, he couldn't talk…nothing. He was totally helpless against whoever this person was. Despair began to wash through him. He knew what was coming. He wasn't stupid. He also knew that this person was going to hurt Heero as well. It seemed that he'd done it before, and was looking forward to doing it again…to both of them.

Duo's body dropped to the bed. "Will you scream for me?" the man asked. "That's the only thing I didn't enjoy about my times with Heero. He can't scream, you know."

Suddenly, Duo was able to move his mouth. He was able to talk again!

"Wouldn't it be more fun if you had a willing playmate?"

"Willing? Yeah, right. Try again, kid."

"No, really." Duo gave him his most seductive smile. "I'm a healer. Ever hear of a 'feedback loop'? I can make it really worth your while…if only I could touch you."

"Somehow I don't trust you."

Duo tilted his head back slightly. "Only one way to find out, isn't there?" he purred.

That was too much for the man. His hormones took over and Duo was able to move a bit.

"That's right," Duo breathed, "come closer. I can't do anything with all that clothing on you. Let me take it off, huh?"

His eyes full of disbelief in his apparent luck, the man moved to hover over Duo. The boy ran his hands over the chest in front of him, stimulating the skin beneath as best he could. The man moaned in pleasure.

"See? I told you." Duo began unbuttoning the shirt. Slowly, caressing the skin as it was revealed. He managed not to shudder at the dirt encrusted flesh he was exposing. "Isn't that better?" he said, running his hands over the now bared chest. "Want to see what else Shinigami can do?" Duo murmured, a grin on his face and fire in his eyes.

"Oh, yes," the man gasped.

Duo concentrated for all he was worth and focused his talent on his hands. "This is for everything you have ever done to Heero!" He let his talent go in a single burst.

The man's eyes widened and he made slight gurgling noise as Duo's talent flared…and his heart exploded.

* * *

Heero gasped as the man pulled away from him. 'Duo!' his mind screamed and he lunged in the direction of the bathroom. He was too late, though. His body became frozen and, overbalanced, fell onto the bed. Luckily, he'd been turned slightly, or he'd be face down and possibly smother.

'Gods, please, not Duo,' he begged silently. 'Do what you want with me, but leave him alone.'

After a short time, Heero felt the mattress dip as someone was dropped next to him. Judging by the weight, it was Duo. Despair filled the boy. He knew what this monster was capable of, and there was absolutely nothing he was able to do to stop it. As long as he was able to concentrate, their bodies would remain frozen and useless.

He felt the addition of a third body to the bed, on the other side of Duo. Heero was close enough to feel the heat radiating off his friend. If only he could move the slightest bit, he would be able to touch him. It wouldn't help them, but the contact would make him feel better.

Then, he felt slight movement coming from the body next to him. Duo was being allowed to move? This was unusual. Heero was used to just being maneuvered into position by the telekinesis, then used as desired. The pain caused meant nothing to his torturer. What was going on?

Suddenly, something heavy fell onto him. He was able to move again! Judging from the smell, it had to be the man. But why was he just laying there?

Heero felt around until he found the man's neck. There was no pulse. Duo had managed to save them, but how?

The body was shoved off of him. It had to be Duo that did it. Heero felt around until he found his new friend.

Duo was sitting up on the bed, his legs pulled up and he was hugging his knees. His entire body was shuddering.

Heero began rubbing his back, trying to sooth him. He quickly realized that Duo wasn't wearing any clothing. What had happened to him, and had it happened before he'd killed their molester?

Heero pried one hand loose. **Duo** he spelled. He knew that Duo could see his fingers, but the contact might help sooth him. There was no response. Heero found that Duo's head was buried in his knees. He gently pulled the braided head upward and placed a kiss on the cheek.

The head turned in his direction. **Duo are you all right**

Still nothing in response. It seemed that Duo might be going into shock. What could he do? He couldn't see or hear. Somehow he had to get a hold of someone to help them, but how? And who? But in order to do anything, he first had to get Duo's attention.

One possible way to snap the boy out of it would be to slap him. But Heero didn't want to hurt him, not at all. Would a kiss work? It was worth a try.

Heero began running his hand over Duo's head, petting him. He held him closely and started placing small kisses over that sweet face. Slowly, Duo seemed to become more aware.

Heero remembered the phone on the stand beside the bed. He reached out and grabbed it, pulling it close. **Duo I need you to call for me…please**

Duo was more responsive, but still pretty out of it. Heero wasn't sure if he understood or not. If he did manage to get his friend to place a call, apparently he was in no condition to explain things. Somehow it would be up to Heero to get them help.

Trowa! He would be able to communicate with Trowa. Heero knew that he would not be able to make out any responses, but knew that Trowa would be able to understand. All he had to do now was get the number. He would be able to tell when the phone was answered by the change in vibrations since the phone was audio only. Then he could tap out the information. Trowa would understand and could get them help.

Problem. Heero had no idea where they were. Zechs had brought them to this place, but he wouldn't be able to understand Heero's tapping. An idea came to him. It was a long shot…a very long shot…but it was all they had.

Now, to get Duo alert enough to dial.

* * *

Duo watched in jubilation as his plan worked. The creep would never hurt his Heero again. 'I did it!' he rejoiced, 'I killed him!'

Then realization set in. He had killed a man, something he had never thought himself capable of before. He also realized that the still-warm corpse was draped across his and Heero's bodies.

With a cry, he shoved as hard as he could. The body moved off of them and slid off the foot of the bed to the floor. Then Duo's mind began whirling:

I did it

yes you sure did

I killed him

You killed him…and in cold blood too

Oh no

Oh yes

What have I done?

Duo flung himself back from the edge of the bed. Over and over again, the same thoughts chased each other around in his head. He tried to hide from them, pulling his legs up and burying his face in his knees. His body was shaking in reaction.

He barely noticed when his head was lifted. He had no control over his body any more. All he could do was shudder.

Slowly, as through a dense fog, Duo became aware of the hand petting his braid. A strong body was holding him and kisses were being feathered all over his face.

It was him!

But he's dead!

I killed him

Then who?

Something was moving in his hand. The motions seemed vaguely familiar.

Duo's eyes opened. A blurred face was before him. The face had dark hair and deep blue eyes. He knew that face, didn't he?

He looked down at the movement in his hand. The fingers were moving in familiar contortions. **Duo call Trowa I need you to call Trowa I don't know the number please Duo call Trowa**

Trowa? But he would be at Quatre's house. How would calling Trowa help anything?

He looked blankly at Heero, frowning. The phone was thrust into his hands. **dial Trowa's number I need you to call Trowa**

He could try Trowa's cell. He usually had it with him. He punched the buttons on the phone. He could hear it ringing then a voice answering. It was Trowa's voice. Was he supposed to say something to Trowa? Why did he call him?

Heero pulled the phone from him and began tapping into the mouthpiece.

* * *

Heero was elated when Duo's head turned to look at his hand. He was getting through! **Duo call Trowa I need you to call Trowa I don't know the number please Duo call Trowa** He kept repeating his plea. He grabbed the phone and handed it to Duo. **dial Trowa's number I need you to call Trowa**

His elation soared as Duo dialed a number. He could only hope that it was the right one. Heero kept one finger on the earpiece of the phone. He could tell that it rang three times, then the vibrations changed. He took the receiver and began his attempt to communicate.

::Attention Trowa Duo and I are in trouble. Someone has been killed. Zechs brought us to a place, I don't know where. We are all right at the moment. Wufei can get a hold of Zechs. Please send help as soon as possible::

* * *

Trowa pulled away from the kiss when his cell began to ring.

"Ignore it," Quatre argued.

"You know no one ever calls me unless it's important."

"I know," the blonde sighed.

"Hello, Trowa here."

"What is it?" Quatre asked, noting his lover's frown.

Trowa's eyes widened and he waved Quatre to be quiet as he concentrated on the noise coming from his phone. "Oh, no," he whispered as the connection was severed.

"What?" Quatre was getting annoyed.

Quickly Trowa dialed another number. "Come on, answer."

"Wufei"

"Wufei, Duo and Heero are in trouble. Zechs knows where they are. Someone has been killed, but the guys are ok for the moment. We need you to get in touch with Zechs as soon as possible."

Trowa heard muttered cursing in Wufei's native language, then "Zechs!"

"Hello?"

"Zechs, I just got a call from Heero. He said that there's been trouble and someone has been killed. He and Duo are ok for the moment, but they need help!"

"Wait a minute," Zechs sounded confused. "You just got a call from Heero? How is that possible?"

"I don't know how he got my number, maybe Duo dialed it. But it was Heero. He and I know the old morse code. He tapped out his message to me."

"Shit! We're on the way!"

"Wait!"

"Trowa," it was Wufei again. "I don't know what's happening, but come over. We'll figure it out from here."

"Where are you?"

"Zechs' place." Quickly Wufei gave the directions and they hung up.

"Come on Quatre, I'll explain on the way." The two boys hurried out the door, intent on doing whatever they could to help their friends.

* * *

Duo watched as Heero hung up the phone and replaced it on the stand. Heero moved back and wrapped his arms around him. It was soothing to his frazzled nerves. His mind began to slow in it's whirling. The thoughts quieted.

The air conditioner kicked on and he shivered. He realized that he wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing. At any other time, being naked in Heero's arms would be a good thing, but at the moment, being that vulnerable rather unnerved him. He reached out and wrapped Heero's fingers around his hand. **clothes** he spelled.

Heero nodded and loosened his hold. It dawned on Duo that in order to obtain the required clothing, he would have to leave the safety of the bed. He could see the bag sitting just across on the dresser. It was only a couple of feet. In fact, he would be able to reach it by just leaning over.

The problem was, there was a body on the floor between the bed and the dresser. He would have to reach across it to get to the bag. At the moment, he couldn't see it, which was what was keeping the panic at bay.

**I can't**

**why**

**the bag is on the dresser and…**

Heero thought about what Duo said. Then he remembered how the corpse was shoved off of him and in which direction it had gone. It was on the floor…between them and the bag of clothing. He pictured in his head the layout of the room. It would be possible…embarrassing maybe…but possible. Why not? He could live with embarrassment. **understood**

Heero gave Duo a quick kiss, then made his way off the side of the bed closest to the door. He wasn't sure of the exact location of the body and was as repulsed at the thought of touching it as he knew Duo was of seeing it.

He stood in the small space between the bed and the half-wall separating it from the couch area. It was only a couple of feet. A large step should put him at the dresser. It did. And he didn't step on 'anything', thankfully. He climbed up on the dresser and crawled to the bag. He tossed it in the direction of the bed, praying that he'd judged correctly. He didn't relish the idea of feeling his way around to find it if he'd missed.

He backed up to the end and retraced his steps. Quickly, he climbed back on the bed with Duo.

The other boy had already pulled on shorts and was pulling out a t-shirt. In seconds he had it on and was back in Heero's arms.

The room was chilly, and the boys were in shorts and t-shirts. Even huddled together, they were starting to get cold. There was no reason to suffer any further, so Heero pulled back the covers of the bed and helped Duo to burrow underneath. They wrapped themselves around each other, snuggling close. Now there was nothing to do but wait.

It wasn't long before the emotional upheaval they both had been through and the general exhaustion caught up with them. There were two dead bodies in the room and no idea if help was on the way. It didn't matter, they had each other.

They slept.

* * *

TBC