Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reputations ❯ part 3 ( Chapter 3 )

REPUTATIONS

PART THREE

* * *

It didn't take long for people to notice the little surprise in their Tuna Surprise. In a short while the cafeteria was filled with screams and cursing, and chaos spread all around. People gagged and vomited as they found BUGS hidden in their meals. They hurried to run away, screaming, leaving the cafeteria in one horrid mess.

Twenty-two minutes later, Duo and Heero were sitting in front of the principal's office, awaiting judgment. Duo was sitting with his hands in his lap, head leaning back against the wall, still as a rock. He kept looking up at the ceiling, unable to look Heero in the eye. He had gotten both of them into trouble, and while he was used to this kind of 'visit in the principal's office', Heero was not. And he shouldn't even be here; he had nothing to do with it.

Duo kind of expected Heero to say something to him, yell at him, accuse him of all this mess, anything but what he did. He was just sitting there quietly, his head bowed, and he is deathly silent and unmoving. It was so odd, Duo was used to laugh and crack nervous jokes with his old 'fellow troublemakers', but this time there was none of that. Heero's silence made him feel as if he were waiting for his own execution.

After a long while of waiting, the door to the principal's office opened and the formal looking woman stepped outside.

"Yuy, would you please come in?" She asked coldly and stepped back into the office.

Duo looked up and watched Heero walk over to the door. He reached for his hand, and took it in his, holding him lightly.

"Hey, be strong man, kay?" He managed to smile, but it faltered.

Heero just pulled his hand away and walked straight past him, and into the office.

* * *

"Please, Heero, sit down." The principal offered kindly, sitting behind her large desk.

Heero did as asked, sitting down in the chair in front of her, hands on his lap, fidgeting. He didn't dare to look up at her, keeping his head bowed.

After a few silent and suspenseful moments, the woman got up, sighing. She rounded the desk slowly, coming to stand in front of Heero. She leaned on the desk, crossing her arms over her chest, and sighed again. "Heero," She began sharply and Heero flinched. "I know you didn't do it."

Heero closed his eyes slowly, his head still bowed. He kept silence, forcing himself not to fidget.

"I know you're a good boy. You are an excellent student and you never caused any trouble." She studied the silent boy, frowning a little. He wasn't looking at her, and just kept staring down at his hands. She sighed again, sitting down on the desk. "Heero, I may know this, but it's not enough, do you understand? You were in charge of that stew, and therefore the blame rests on you."

Heero swallowed, and took a sharp breath, trying to clam his nerves down.

The cold woman scowled as she saw he was not responding. "Lunch Lady Doris is furious. The punishment for your supposed actions is great." She was expecting him to say he didn't do it, to point out at whom she knew was to blame, but the Japanese boy kept silent and unmoving. "Heero," She began again, in a more demanding tone. "Heero, there's no reason to throw all you have away, like I said, you are a great student and an asset to this school, don't throw it away. We both know who did this."

This time, Heero's head jerked up, and he glared at her defiantly.

"All you have to do is tell me, then we can forget this ever happened. I cannot do anything until you will tell me who did this."

Heero's mouth formed a thin line and he looked away, unwilling to give away this information.

"Heero, you can't let Duo get away with this."

Heero ignored her, still looking away.

"Heero,"

"I don't rat on people."

This time, it was the principal's turn to glare at him. She folded her arms over her chest, eyebrows drawing near. "Do you realize what this mean for you?" She spat.

"Yes."

"Fine then!" She called, pushing herself off the desk. "Then I have no choice but to punish you." She snarled, sitting down behind her desk, grabbing a pen and paper. "Since your uncle in currently out of town, I'll have to inform him later."

Heero flinched, whirling his head to look at her, eyes wide and fearful.

The woman didn't notice, and kept on talking. "... but until then, you are banished from the cafeteria. I am canceling your rights to eat in the cafeteria for the next week, until your uncle returns."

Heero's eyes widened again, fear, pain and distress shimmering inside dark blue depths. He managed to keep himself from choking out a whimper, but still he felt like crying. His face grew hot and his heart clenched painfully. His hands were shaking, so were his legs, but he managed to look up at the woman. "Miss... please don't, miss. Don't... don't do that... please? I'll do anything! I'll... I'll... anything, but please don't banish me..."

Anger flared in the woman's cold eyes and she leaned back in her chair, arms across her chest. "You're protecting a trouble maker, Heero. This school does not preach for such behavior. If you don't want to give me his name, then you carry out the punishment instead of him."

"But... but... you can't..."

"And why not?" She dared him, raising an eyebrow.

Heero looked away, lost as to what to do or say to lighten his sentence.

The woman sat up in her large office chair, still glaring at him. "We'll settle this when your uncle is back in town, then we will discuss a proper punishment. You may leave now."

"Miss, don't tell him, please. Please don't tell him..." Heero begged, unconsciously rubbing his bruised upper arm. He looked at her, lips trembling, eyes filling with tears. "He doesn't have to know, miss. I'll... I'll stay away from the cafeteria... I will... I'll do anything you ask me... please!"

"You. May. Leave." The principal replied coldly, getting up and looking down at the trembling Heero. "Tears will not help you, Yuy. You should learn not to mess with me! No get out, and take that Maxwell brat with you. He's off the hook, I hope you're happy."

He wiped his tears with a trembling hand, and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Head still bowed, he nodded his goodbye and hurried to leave the office.

Once outside, Heero walked right past Duo, ignoring him when the braided boy jumped up to his feet and called after him.

"Heero! Hey! Heero! Wait up!"

* * *

It's been five days since The Cafeteria Incident. Duo hadn't spoken with Heero since. He was surprised when the boy had stepped out of the principal's office, and he was not called in after him. They let him off the hook, and all he could figure is that Heero had taken the blow for him.

He didn't know how to feel about that. On one hand, he felt guilty, incredibly guilty, and wanted nothing but to apologize to Heero. Maybe even say thanks for saving his ass with this one. But then, on the other hand, he was too busy being worshiped by others for what everyone knew he did. The fact that he had managed to frame Heero had made his prank even more special. He was a star now, and most importantly, a proud member of The Gang. He had proven his deep devotion and loyalty to Jack, and that promised him a great future, socially speaking. In a way, what Heero did had helped him get to where he was, and he wondered if he should go and thank him for it.

But then again, Heero was hard to catch nowadays. He was avoiding Duo, ignoring him, doing anything in his power to keep away from him. But Duo was stubborn. He looked for the other boy during recess, but could never find him. He looked for him during lunchtime, but he was nowhere near the cafeteria. He would just VANISH after class.

A few days after The Incident, Duo found out why. He had found out that Heero's punishment was that he was banished from the cafeteria and in addition to that, he had to work during recess, doing maintenance and stuff. Someone had told him that he had heard a rumor that said Heero had made a deal with the principal that he will work during recess and after school, and in return, she will not inform his uncle of his actions. Duo wondered why Heero had made such a deal. He would rather have Joanna yelling at him and being pissed for one night, instead of working his ass off for the school for one whole week!

Today, the fifth day of Heero's punishment, they were playing basketball in PE, and it was the last period for the day. People were anxious to get back home already, and so some were very cranky as they played. The blazing summer heat didn't help either, and they were all exhausted and thirsty.

"Yuy! You're up!" The coach called towards the benches, where a couple of guys were slouching, drinking water. "C'mon Yuy! Hurry up! You're in offense! Now!"

Slowly, the boy complied, getting up and dragging his tired body to the court. He wiped the sweat off his brow and took a deep breath, already panting after walking the short distance to his station.

"Ready!?" The coach yelled at the group.

Heero took his place, body wavering a little as he tried to stand up straight. But the heat was too much, and he was dizzy and tired. He swallowed, but his throat was dry. Again he wiped the sweat off his brow, using his long sleeved sweatshirt. He narrowed his eyes, trying to bring his vision back to focus. But the blurry images remained, and the voices from all around, they seemed nothing but distant echoes in a dream...

"Go!" The coach screamed and blew his whistle.

Duo, who was on offense in the other team, along with Jack and the guys, narrowed his eyes as he noticed Heero was still standing still as the game began. He had watched him all lesson long, and he noticed that something was wrong. Heero seemed more pale than usual. More fragile too, as if a small breeze will cause him to topple over. He wondered what was wrong with him.

"Hey! Duo! Head's up!" Someone called, passing him the ball.

Duo immediately caught it and began to dribble the ball, approaching the other team's hop. They continued playing the game, and all the while Duo noticed how Heero failed to catch the ball or even notice it was coming his way. It hit him in the back once, and the boy fell down to the floor. Duo wanted nothing but to come and help him, as he watched Heero struggle to get up, but he knew he couldn't.

It was so odd, the way Heero was playing. Duo had seen him in other PE lessons, and he knew Heero was good enough in this game, even if he wasn't always picked out to be on a team. This exhibition of weakness was unlike him. What could be wrong?

The coach blew his whistle, signaling the end of the game. "Good game boys, now get your sorry asses out of here and into the showers!" He called, wrinkling his nose.

A few guys laughed and went to get their gear.

Duo searched the small crowd, trying to spot Heero's slender form among it. He looked back, and saw him, slowly approaching the benches, struggling to walk straight, as if dizzy or something. He was reaching out for something, to keep himself from falling, but there was nothing there, and the boy collapsed down to the floor.

A few laughs were heard.

"The game's over, Yuy, you can stop falling now!" Jack called, laughing his heart out as he loaded his backpack on.

Duo ignored the mocking laughter, worry stirring up inside of him as he saw that Heero wasn't moving, or trying to get up.

"Shit, man, I think something's wrong!" Someone whispered from within the group.

"Fucking asswhole! You hit him too hard!"

"Wasn't me! It was Jack who-"

"Shut up!" Jack roared, whirling around to glare at him.

"Coach!"

Even before the guys went to call the coach, Duo was already kneeling down at Heero's side, slowly and carefully turning his prone body to lie on his back. He seemed to be unconscious.

"Heero?" He whispered, voice shaking. "Heero, can ya hear me?"

The boy moaned in a response, turning his head aside, face contracting in pain. His hand was twitching, as if he was trying to move it, but not succeeding.

Ignoring all the alarm bells in his head, telling him that there were people around, Duo reached down and took the pale hand in his. "Heero?" He whispered again, voice fearful. He squeezed the boy's sweaty hand, reaching up another hand towards the dark mop of hair falling over Heero's haggard face.

Again the Japanese boy moaned, his lips parting as he took in slow and shallow breathes. Duo could tell that his lips were moving, like he was speaking, but he couldn't make out what he was saying. He leaned closer to Heero, his ear merely two inches above the boy's face.

"...shower..."

Duo's eyes widened in bewilderment.

"...need... shower..." The boy repeated feebly, his voice barely a whisper. His mouth slowly formed the words, and he opened his eyes partly, glazed blue orbs staring up at Duo in plea. "I have to... now... or... I... have... to. . ."

"Shhh... it's okay." Duo soothed him, again running his hand through Heero's sweaty dark bangs. "Don't speak. I'll get you to the nurse."

"I... no. . . sho--wer. . ." The boy tried once last time, and then gave up. His eyes closed and his hand went limp, his head tilting aside in unconsciousness.

"COACH!" Duo yelled, whirling around to the gym's door. "COOOOOOOOACH!!!"

* * *

Duo stood aside nervously as the school nurse examined Heero. He was standing in the school's small infirmary, after the coach and he had brought Heero in. All the students and the teaching staff were on their way home, and so was the nurse, until Duo shouted at her that she must help Heero NOW!

So they laid Heero on a makeshift bed, which was more like a bunch of mattresses on top of each other, in the nurse's office. The nurse, a young woman of twenty something, switched all the lights back on and began to examine her unconscious patient. She had already determined that he had twisted his ankle in the fall, and right now, Duo was watching as she took his blood pressure, after already done with other things. Once she finished, she folded the device and set it aside, sighing.

Duo tensed a little as he watched her pull Heero's shirt up, and feel his stomach. Done with that, she sighed again, shaking her head. She turned back to Duo, eyes worried.

"Wha---what is it?" Duo managed to choke, voice worried.

"Duo, do you know when Heero had last ate?"

Ate?! Duo remained still as a rock, too shocked to answer. He thought he managed to shake his head, but he wasn't sure. His body was too numb as one more piece was added to his puzzle.

The nurse sighed deeply and went to sit behind her desk, scribbling down a few notes. "It seems that Heero has not eaten in days." She informed him quietly, still writing. "He had probably collapsed from fatigue. Dehydration and malnutrition had taken their toll on him."

"Is he-is he going to be all right?"

The nurse set her pen down and looked up at Duo sternly. "He needs to go to a hospital, where they can administrate an IV and give him the proper treatment. I can't do that here."

"Then why aren't you calling them!?"

Again the nurse sighed, leaning back in her chair, her fingers playing with her pen as she spoke. "Unfortunately, Heero does not have any insurance. The hospital will not take him."

"WHAT?!" Duo burst, nearly jumping up at her. "What the fuck do you mean 'not take him'?! He needs help!"

"He needs money first."

Duo froze, eyes wide. "He doesn't have any money?!" He turned around, sending a gaze towards Heero's still figure lying on the bed.

"We need to call his uncle, only he can take care of it." The nurse concluded, picking up the phone.

"But he's not home!" Duo stomped his foot on the floor in frustration.

"Then we'll get him here." The nurse answered, flipping through her phonebook.

"...no..."

Duo whirled around as he heard the weak voice whisper from behind. He ran towards the bed. "Heero? Heero!" He grabbed the boy's limp hand, squeezing it lightly. "Heero, you're awake!" He called happily, grinning like an idiot.

"No... call...ing..." Heero begged quietly, shaking his head from side to side, his eyes still closed. "P...lease..."

"I'm sorry, Heero." The nurse's voice came from behind him, and Duo wondered why she sounded so sorrowful. "But I have to call."

Heero whimpered, his head coming still.

Duo could hear the nurse dialing and he looked down at Heero, whose eyes were slowly fluttering open. He felt his heart clench painfully as he was faced with the fear and anguish reflected in Heero's ocean blue eyes. He couldn't help it, and he reached a hand to stroke the boy's soft cheek. "Shh... don't worry, it'll be fine..."

Heero closed his eyes under the gentle touch, leaning his head into the soft palm that was caressing him. He let out a small whimper, a shiver running down his body. He let himself forget about all that was around him, and just focused on the gentle touch, the warm and strong hand holding his own... it wasn't long before he fell back into deep slumber.

* * *

Three hours later, Duo was sitting by Heero's bed, soaking a small cloth in cold water. The school was now completely abandoned; even the nurse went home, leaving Duo and Heero alone with the janitor to keep an eye on him. But the guy was busy cleaning and closing everything up, and so Duo and Heero were all alone in the dimly lighted office.

It was dark outside, but it was still very hot, especially inside the small and cramped office. Duo had taken the liberty to take Heero's long shirt off, for the poor boy was sweating like hell. He had run the cool cloth over Heero's pale and sweaty face, doing his best to keep the boy comfortable while they waited. Heero hadn't woken up yet, and a heavy silence hung in the room.

After throwing the cloth into the bowl of water, Duo got up and walked to the far edge of the bed. He mumbled a small apology as he took Heero's shoes and socks off, wrinkling his nose at the smell. He may not be a doctor or something, but it wasn't too hard to recognize the sprained ankle. It was swollen to a size of an apple!

After rolling Heero's trousers up a bit, Duo took the cloth out of the water, and placed it gently on the swollen ankle. Heero moaned silently at the cool assault, but didn't wake. Duo released the breath he didn't realize he was holding and looked down at his work. He took his time at just staring at Heero's delicate ankles. Like his wrists, they were slender and frail, a quality that Duo found very appealing. He had once read this poem, which spoke about this woman and her gentle ankle, but he never got what was the big deal about something like an ankle. Now, he thought he knew. There was something very soft, very gentle, and almost feminine, about Heero's ankles. Duo found it very attractive.

He held his breath and reached down a hand, tracing it gently up and down Heero's slender ankle. A smile tugged at his lips at the touch of Heero's warm and soft skin. He was rather hairless, which made the pale leg seem even more appealing to him.

Heero's lips parted ever so slightly, and he moaned quietly, tilting his head aside. Duo continued to caress the soft flesh, slowly, gently, looking up at Heero's face in fascination. He studied his flushed cheeks, the small drops of sweat trickling on his temples, and his lips, soft and tempting pink, slightly parted as he breathed. A word snuck up to Duo's head, and this time, unlike many other times, he let it stay there.

Beautiful.

Heero was beautiful.

But why was he so afraid? What went on with him?

Duo's hand retreated and he slumped back into his chair, burying his face in his palms. He thought about all the 'symptoms' Heero displayed, and came up with only one conclusion, based on his own experience. But it didn't add up!

He thought that because Heero seemed to shower only at school, once a week after PE, when no one is around, he mustn't shower at home. And he washes his uniforms at school too, and doesn't have anything else to wear but them, so he mustn't have any other things at home. And now, when he didn't eat for five days, ever since he was banished from the cafeteria, so this must mean he doesn't eat at home. Add to that list that Heero does not have any insurance, or money to go to a hospital, Duo could reach only one conclusion- that he didn't HAVE a home. That he lived on the streets, much like he did when he was young.

But that wasn't possible! He had an uncle! Everybody said that he did! The nurse just called the guy, so he can't be someone Heero had made up to cover for his poor status. And the welts! He saw welts on Heero's back. And other injuries as well, ones he could almost guaranty that Jack and The Gang did not cause. And the way Heero was always afraid... afraid of something, no - someone- else but Jack and his boys. It had to mean SOMETHING!

Heero's light moan distracted Duo from his thinking, preventing him from reaching any conclusions at the moment. He sat up and turned to face the bed. He smiled down at Heero as he saw the boy was slowly waking up.

Heero blinked a few times, trying to adjust his vision to the dim light. He arched an eyebrow in puzzlement as he saw Duo's face hovering above him. What was Duo still doing here? Why didn't he go home?

"Heya Hee-chan!" Duo called, jumping up to his feet, taking Heero's hand in his. "Boy, I was beginning to think you'd NEVER wake up!"

He waited all this while? Heero wondered, slowly closing his eyes.

"Man, are ya hungry? Nurse Chappell said I have ta feed ya a little. You up to it?"

Nurse? Feed? Up to it??? What had happened?

Suddenly, Heero gasped and his eyes snapped open in fear. "Jay!" He choked out, trying to push himself up.

"Hey! Hey! Easy there man!" Duo called, trying to force Heero gently back to the bed.

"I have to go!" He blurted out, struggling to sit up.

"Hey! Hey! You're not going anywhere with that ankle!" Duo reproached, putting two hands on each of Heero's shoulders, guiding him back down. "You lie down and I'll get you some food."

"No! I have to. . ." Heero tried again, but he was too tired to talk. He rested his head back on the soft pillow, closing his eyes. He had used what little energy he had gathered by trying to get up.

Heero sighed as he heard Duo walk out of the room. He forced his eyes to open and looked down at his body. His ankle, which was still throbbing painfully, was covered with a cool cloth, which eased the pain a bit. He was surprised to find that he was wearing no shirt, and his bruised ribs were clearly showing. He bit down his lower lip, looking away in shame and embarrassment. Duo had seen the bruises, again... What is he going to think of him? No one must know... he didn't want them to know... especially not Duo...

He had thought that maybe Duo and he could become friends, and did his best to try and be nice and sociable with him. That was until Duo had pulled that stunt. He didn't tell on Duo, because he knew it wasn't right. He had grown to consider Duo his friend in the few days they worked together, and he didn't want to get the boy into trouble. He was used to getting punished, so what's another bruise to his growing collection?

He thought that maybe Duo would appreciate what he had done for him; not that he was looking for appreciation, that's not why he did it, but it would have been nice to get it. But Duo getting off the hook had only increased his popularity. He couldn't get anywhere near the braided boy, and he was sure Duo didn't want him to get near. Duo had probably just acted nice to him, because that's the way he is with people. But when he didn't have to be only with him, he ignored him. So what the hell was he doing here now, taking care of him?!

"There ya go!" Duo called as he bounced happily back into the room. "I got you a double cheese, extra lattés, garlic flavored sandwich!" He frowned, coming to stand by Heero's bed. "Hm, doesn't sound that yummy when I say it that way, but I promise you, this sandwich rocks! I mean, it better, it's the most expensive one in the machine, eh?" He chuckled at his own joke, but soon came quiet as he saw Heero was not responding. The Japanese boy was just lying there, with his head facing the window, ignoring Duo completely.

Duo sighed and slumped down into his chair. "Hey, Hee-chan, ya there?"

"Why are you here?" Heero suddenly asked.

Duo frowned. "What do you mean? I brought you food."

"No," Heero sighed, turning to look him in the eye. "Why here, with me?"

For a few moments, Duo was completely speechless. He was unable to look away from Heero's intense gaze, and he swallowed, putting the sandwich down. "Because... because I'm sorry and I... I'm your friend." He managed to stutter.

"My friend?" Heero asked, voice suddenly cold.

"Well... yea--- yeah. Yes. I'm your friend." He was beginning to feel very uncomfortable under the cold glare Heero was sending him. He forced himself to breathe, for it was so hard to do that under that gaze. "Heero," He began softly, reaching for the boy's hand.

But Heero quickly pulled away.

"I didn't eat for a week, Duo!" He yelled, pushing Duo's hand aside. "I was cleaning the toilets while you and your friends were chatting along in lunchtime! Is that the kind of friend I am to you!?"

"No! No! Heero! That's not what I..." Duo tried to explain, tears filling his eyes. "I didn't mean for you to take the blame for that stunt!" He called, wiping away the tears with his sleeve. "I didn't know you were gonna-"

"What did you suppose I would do, huh!? If I would have told on you, I would get beat up by your friends! Or didn't you consider that when you pulled that stunt behind my back!?"

Duo flinched, bowing his head in shame.

"Maybe you would have told on me, Duo, but I would never do that, not to you and not to anyone else."

"Well you should!" Duo burst, jumping off his seat. "If you do that, maybe Jack and the guys will be taken care of! Did you think about that, huh?!"

Heero rolled his eyes and snorted, looking away. "Do you think what they do to me really matters? It's nothing compared to-" He stopped himself, clamping his mouth shut. He then whirled around face Duo, wild blue eyes glaring at him accusingly. "I thought you were my friend, I really did. I thought that maybe you... maybe we could... that you'll..." He was crying now, tears sliding down his cheeks, his quick and restrained sobs preventing him from speaking any further. "I wanted you to... I thought... URGH!" He suddenly called, throwing a hand over his eyes, looking away. "I guess I thought wrong, ne?" He chuckled bitterly, sniffing his nose, trying to stop the tears. "Baka ne... honto ni baka ne..."

Duo kept his head bowed, unable to look at Heero. He was feeling so sorry now, so full of guilt; he had no idea how to make up for it.

"You better leave now, Duo." Heero's broken voice spoke after a long while. "You don't have to stick around me anymore."

But he did know how to make up for it! He did! He'll make it up to Heero. He will.

"I'm not leaving."

Heero snorted, hand still over his eyes. "I said leave!"

"And I said no!" Duo shot back. "I'm NOT leaving."

This time, Heero didn't answer.

They kept silent for a long while, only the sound of Duo's harsh breaths accompanying their stubborn silence.

A few moments of that and then Duo threw himself back at the chair, snatching the sandwich off the table. He tore up the wrapping violently, making a hell lot more noise than needed.

Heero peered out through his arm, wanting to know what Duo was doing. He gasped quietly as he saw Duo taking a piece out of the sandwich and handing it to him. He pulled his arm down slowly, still gaping at Duo.

"Chappell said you have ta eat." Duo explained silently, his eyes begging Heero to take his offer.

Feeling the empty black hole that was his stomach respond by twitching painfully, Heero reached up a shaking hand to take the offered piece. He took it hesitantly from Duo and brought it slowly to his mouth. That only served in increasing his appetite by tenfold, and he suddenly realized how hungry he was. He hurried to sit up and grab the sandwich from Duo's hand.

Duo chuckled at the display. "Easy there, boy. Take it slowly. It's not good to eat this much all at once. Makes yer stomach swollen and all."

Heero looked up at him in question, surprised at what he had said. It sounded as though he spoke from experience.

"What do you do on weekends?" Duo dared to ask when Heero was halfway through his sandwich.

Heero shrugged.

"You just don't eat?!" Duo marveled, shocked.

Heero kept silent, concentrating only on his meal, not daring to look up at Duo.

"And on holidays? What then?"

"Jay sends me to camps." Heero answered quickly, taking another large bite from his sandwich. "It's like summer school. They got three meals a day there."

Duo felt a painful pang in his heart, remembering the days when he had marveled at getting three meals a day. It felt like heaven, after living so long in the streets. The food in the orphanage wasn't that great, but it was better than nothing. Plus, it was THREE times a day! He felt so bad to see another person, especially this particular one, treat this seemingly common fact as something special.

"Who's Jay?" He dared another question, feeling guilty as he saw Heero wince at the question. "You said it before, when you wanted to leave."

"He's my uncle." Heero answered simply, mouth full. He swallowed and then began to pick on the small piece that was left of the sandwich.

"Oh." Duo let out, unsure how to continue, so he just let it out directly. "He's the one who hurts you?"

This time Heero really flinched, dropping the sandwich. He bowed his head, looking down at his bruised body. He did not answer, but he didn't have to either. It was too damn obvious not to notice. Duo was sure he had his answer now. He knew what was wrong with Heero.

"You can get help, ya know." He continued silently, carefully choosing his words.

"It's none of your business." Heero spat, looking up at him angrily.

"It's not right, what he does to you." Duo insisted.

"Just shut up, all right?! Shut! Up!"

"Heero," He tried again, reaching his hand towards the boy.

But Heero shoved him away. "I don't need your sympathy, you hear?! I don't need it!"

"But Heero, you can't just-"

"Mind your own business, okay!? Just butt off!"

"I was only trying to-"

"Fuck off!"

"I will not!"

"Boys!"

Both boys whirled around to face the door, where the voice had come from. The old janitor was standing there, leaning one hand against the doorframe. "C'mon, time ta go. There's this guy waiting far ya." He gestured at Heero with his head. "Says you should hurry, the car's running." He turned to look at Duo. "Got one waitin' far ya too, boy. The broad looks kinda angry, ya better hurry too."

Duo rolled his eyes and groaned. "Christ, just what I need now... an angry Joanna!" He hit himself in the head, already picturing her pissed off face. He didn't notice Heero, who had already put his shirt back on, and was now struggling to get up. The boy collapsed and Duo had to catch him before he hit the floor.

"C'mon, I'll help ya to the car." Duo said with a sigh, helping Heero stand up straight.

Despite their earlier argument, Heero let Duo help him. He felt Duo sneak a hand around his waist and he put his own arm around Duo's shoulder. He bounced on one foot, supported by Duo, until they reached a few feet from a large, black, Lincoln. Then Heero stopped and turned to face Duo.

"I can handle it from here. Thank you."

Duo was too shocked by the sight of the car to really respond, so Heero just detached himself from the boy and slowly limped towards the car. Before he got in, his hand on the door's handle, he stopped and turned to look at Duo, blue eyes shimmering in the dark. He then turned and climbed back into the car.

"Then why aren't you calling them!?"

"Unfortunately, Heero does not have any insurance. The hospital will not take him."

"WHAT?! What the fuck do you mean 'not take him'?! He needs help!"

"He needs money first."

"He doesn't have any money?!"

"We need to call his uncle, only he can take care of it."

No money! Ch! Right! And he supposed they just stole that car! Something was VERY wrong about this picture. Very VERY wrong indeed.

"Duo Maxwell, you drag your ass down here now! You got some explaining to do!" Joanna's angry voice called from somewhere back, and Duo swallowed, forcing himself to turn and face her. But just before he did, he managed to sneak a peek at the driver of the black Lincoln as it drove past him. He only managed to get a quick glance, of an old man, bearded and dressed formally, wearing thick glasses that gave him a very stern look. He was saying something, angrily it seemed, while he drove, but he didn't look back. If he had looked back, he would have been able to see what Duo had seen: Heero looking out longingly through the window, waving Duo a small goodbye.

Part 4

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