Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Running Out Of Tomorrows ❯ Chapter 4

RUNNING OUT OF TOMORROWS

PART FOUR

* * *

"Hey mommy! Mommy! Look!" A little six-year-old boy called out in excitement, bouncing up and down while pointing eagerly at something. To his side, his mother kept walking, her high heels tapping on the pavement. She sent a quick glance at what he was pointing at and then rolled her eyes. She kept walking forward, taking her son's hand in hers and dragging the little boy with her. The boy pouted and sent a sad look over his shoulder, sad blue eyes watching the store he was pointing at earlier.

The two were walking down the busy streets of L2- V08744. Tall buildings and shops surrounded them, for they were walking in the business district of the colony. L2 had improved quite a lot since the end of the war, now having a useful and working government that saw to the people's needs. In less than a decade the L2 cluster managed to recover financially, now being one of the most important sources for industrial parts and salvaging of old war equipment. The streets were clean and the air was fresh. New vegetation was planted in the once deprived colony and many structures were fixed and rebuild, including the colony's metal casing and outer shell. L2 was now a well-regarded colony, having fully recovered from the damage inflicted by the harsh war.

Many businessman and women walked these streets at that hour in the day, rushing to their place of work. The mother and son were swallowed in a sea of gray office suits, the tapping of expensive shoes, and the hum of the crowd. Hilde Schbeiker made an unpleased face and attempted to straighten her suit. She was unused to wearing these fancy things, feeling quite comfortable with only a pair of jeans and a checkered shirt, but for today, she'll have to try and fit in into the ocean of dress suits. The suit she was wearing was the only thing she had left from the time when she and her ex-husband worked together, and it was quite small on her now. She had adopted herself a more free and casual life style, as an artist, and now she felt ridicules trying to belong and make a good impression.

Having her six-year-old son bouncing next to her, calling out in excitement every two seconds, wasn't helping her either. But she decided that it shouldn't matter. If the boy felt like expressing himself, than he should be allowed to do so in any way he wanted. She didn't believe in restraining him from expressing what he felt. If he chose to act like his silly father, being a loudmouth and a nag, than who was she to stop him? Even though Duo and she didn't end things on the best of terms, she didn't hate him and she had no objections to the way he chose to raise their child. Duo was a good father and he was able to support both himself and Solo. She on the other hand, was an artist struggling to make a living. She still had a little money left from the profits she made while working with Duo on their (formerly) joint company, but even that was running short.

"Mooooommyyyyy! You're not looking!" The little boy repeated, his small voice sounding annoyed. "Mommy!"

"Solo, I did look." Hilde answered calmly, though her voice a bit harsh. "And I told you that we're not stopping in any more toy stores. I have to get to the bank before it closes!"

"But mommy!" Solo whined, taking her hand and trying to drag her back towards the store. He bounced up and down in the air, his chestnut hair jumping up and down as well. His large blue eyes pleaded with her as he continued whining. "But mommy! They had the special edition there!"

"Solo, I can't buy you that right now. You'll have to ask your father." Hilde answered, her tone softer. She squeezed her son's hand lightly, smiling down at him. "Why won't we call your daddy tonight, okay? You can ask him then."

The little boy pouted and hurried to catch up with his mother. "Ohh mommy! He won't buy it! He'll only buy the old one, and EVERYBODY has the plain Jinx collector's album! This is a special edition! There's only a hundred of them left! They said on the news that someone stole almost ALL of them! And those jerks aren't gonna make new ones!"

"Solo! Watch your language!" Hilde rebuked him, and then muttered: "You're beginning to sound like your father..."

"But mommy! I have to buy it! There aren't much left!" Solo whined, sending a sad glance backwards, towards the toy store they just passed.

Hilde rolled her eyes. "Honey, I know that. And that's also the reason why they are so expensive." She informed her son, unable to resist a little smile as she looked down and saw his adorable little pouting face. "Ask your father, sweetie. I don't have enough money right now."

Solo sighed and bowed his head down in defeat. "Yeah... okay..." He mumbled, looking down at his feet as they kept walking, hand in hand. "But I just KNOW that he won't buy it. . ."

Hilde chuckled and ruffled her son's hair. "I know it's hard, baby. Maybe you can ask him to buy you one in the Duty-Free. I bet they'll have one there."

"Yeah, but... but he doesn't even know WHICH one to buy!" He cast his gaze down sadly. "...I wish he'll come home already."

Hilde sighed and shook her head. "I know you miss him, honey, but your father has more important issues to deal with right now."

The little boy sighed and continued walking silently by his mother's side. More important things? What could be more important than him?

* * *

Sighing heavily, Duo shifted in his creaking metal chair, yawning widely. He carefully let go of Heero's warm and gentle hand, and raised both his hands up to rub his eyes. He was sitting by Heero's bed, holding the boy's hand as he slept. They spent the last two hours talking and playing cards, until Duo could tell that Heero's strength was leaving him. The Japanese man's hands began to slightly tremble as he lifted the cards, and his eyelids began to slowly flutter shut. He was losing his concentration on what Duo was saying, and only managed to smile weakly at Duo's desperate attempts at a joke.

After seeing that Heero was fighting his exhaustion just so he can be with him, Duo decided to take things into his own hands, and told Heero to go to sleep. Heero's eyes turned to look at him tiredly, reflecting his silent fear of abandonment. Duo smiled at him and kissed his hand gently. He promised that he'd still be there when Heero will wake up. Only after he assured the boy that he's not leaving his side, Heero relaxed enough to sleep. He sent Duo a shy little smile as he lay down, and he was deep asleep even before Duo managed to cover him.

Duo yawned and stretched in his chair. On the bed, Heero's hand twitched, his fingers searching for Duo's warm hand. When they found it missing, a pair of sleepy blue eyes opened halfway, searching. When Duo saw that, he hurried to take Heero's hand in his again, engulfing the frail palm with both his hands.

Heero smiled in gratitude and drifted back to sleep.

Duo sighed, looking at Heero with sad violet eyes. He'd been meaning to go down to the cafeteria and call home, but he was unable to leave Heero's side for even a second. Each time he tried to do so, Heero would look at him with such a forlorn look, that he was simply unable to resist the boy's silent plea. He didn't get out of his chair for nearly two whole days, and besides the fact that his ass hurt like hell, he also wanted to speak to his son. He missed his little-man dearly. He missed his little chirping voice and his sparkling blue eyes. He missed the silly shows he watched on TV, and his stupid friend Johnny who always came over and made a hell of a lot noise. He missed his daily routine of making breakfast and dinner, and he missed the conversations he used to have with his son.

But then, on the other hand... it's only been a week. He hadn't seen Heero in seven years, and already he was homesick?! It was so darn right confusing! All this time he was certain that seeing Heero was the only thing that mattered. He had missed the Japanese man dearly, but... but now that he was here, he also wanted to be home. With Solo.

Does that mean that he doesn't love Heero as much as he thought he did? If he was so willing to just let go of Heero's hand and go home, just to see his son, then does he really love Heero? What kind of love is that?!

And the hug he gave him the other night... was that purely out of love or just an act of happiness, of longing? He had missed Heero and he was very happy to be finally able to see him, but then again, here he was, ready to leave again. Why did he hug Heero so desperately last night? Was it because he really loved Heero? Or was it just because he had missed his best friend and ex-comrade?

What was he thinking!? He's not going to leave Heero's side! He wanted to be with him! He had to be with him! Heero was dying! It was his last chance... his last chance to...

To what? His last chance to see Heero? To speak to him? To tell him that... that what? That he loved him? Did he love him? No. That was a stupid question. Of course he loved him. But was he... was he in love with him? Was he in love with ex-gundam pilot Heero Yuy?

Was he ever in love with anyone!? Did he love Hilde? Was he in love with her? Did they share something deep and profound? And if they did, then why did they ever divorce? Wasn't their love strong enough? How come a son and a good marriage wasn't enough to keep them together? Why did he feel so lonely, even though he shared a bed with a woman that he... loved? Loved as a... as a friend. A good friend. One of the best he ever had. One of the people he was most close to... except for... except for Heero. Heero meant more to him than Hilde did. Much MUCH more. But... in what way?

Argh! So many questions! They kept swirling round and round in his head until he felt dizzy. He had no idea what he was feeling! It was all so confusing! He knew that he loved Heero, and he knew that he used to love Hilde. But in what way!? Both were important to him... Hilde was the mother of his son... His son... Solo... he loved him more than anything in the whole wide world! But that was obvious because he was his son! He was meant to love him! He was meant to be there for him through fire and ice... it was an unconditional kind of love. It was clear in his mind that he loved Solo. And thus it was understandable why he missed him so much. He'd never been away from Solo for more than a day or two.

And Heero? What about Heero? He hadn't seen him in seven years! Seven years, and now he was here, by his side, holding his hand as he lay there dying. Was it also out of duty to his friend, or was it out of caring and love? Was it as unconditional as his love to his son? Who was more important? WHAT was more important? Solo or Heero? Heero or Solo? Did it really matter? Heero would be gone soon. He'll be dead some time in the near future. So what was the point!? He will never have the chance to tell him that he... that he... that he loved him? He could tell him that right now, but could he also tell Heero that he was in love with him? He didn't know yet! He needed more time! He needed time to find out! But... but there wasn't any time! Time was running out fast! He can't leave it all for tomorrow... there might not be a "tomorrow" for Heero.

How can he let Heero die without telling him... how could he do that to him?! Heero obviously loved him, right? He didn't say it out loud, but it clearly showed... right? Or perhaps he was just lonely all those years... perhaps he was simply happy to see that there was someone here for him, in his finale hour. Or was it love?! Again that large and infinite word! Such a huge term to try and squeeze it all into the fragile human mind! What was love? Who did he love? Who did he love more? Why? Did it really matter? Now that he was almost out of time... did it really matter?

Yes. It did. It mattered more than anything right now. He needed to straighten his feelings fast, before it was too late. He wanted it all out in the open, before Heero will... before he will... before he will die.

God... if only he had more time...

Do you really need time to realize true love? If he had to think THAT long if he loved Heero or not... if it was SO hard to find the answer, then maybe he... maybe he didn't love him at all.

"Oh, God, I need a break..." Duo muttered to himself, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He's been going round and round in circlets for what seemed like hours. He needed some fresh air... as fresh as air could be on L7...

Sighing heavily, Duo carefully uncurled Heero's fingers from around his palm and gently slid out of the boy's hold. He held his breath as he laid Heero's limp hand back on the mattress, and then carefully, silently, got up. He took a deep breath before opening the dirty yellow curtain, and then stepped out into the room. He sent Heero a sad little look before he closed the curtain again, and turned to walk out of the room.

Just then, a nurse walked in with a large cart full of food trays. In a matter of seconds, the large hall came to life, as the patients rose out of their beds and hurried to huddle around the food cart. They looked like a bunch of starved animals as they fought over the trays. It seemed like there wasn't enough food for everyone, and lunchtime became a matter of survival of the fittest. If you had the strength in you to fight someone over a bowl of soup, then it was yours. Some patients even grabbed tow trays and hurried to their dirty corner of the room, glaring at the weaker with animal like stares. It made Duo sick.

Sighing, he walked over to the cart, noticing that the nurse was long gone, probably in a hurry to escape the lion's cage before they will mistake her for their meal. Only a few older patients were by the large, and empty, cart, salvaging all that they could find. Some ate right off the floor, licking their bony fingers hungrily. He nearly stepped on one's hand as he stepped closer to the cart, and he hurried to mumble a quick apology.

The old man just snorted and rolled his eyes. He grabbed his piece of bread, looking up at Duo with warily eyes.

Duo sighed. "Relax, okay? I'm not gonna hurt you. You can eat your fucking bread, okay!? I'm not gonna fight you for it!"

The old man glared at him coldly. "Ch! So I see your friend there finally ran out of the strength to fight for his meal, now did he?! About time too! I was wondering when he would collapse! Just means more food for us!"

Duo gaped at the old man, not believing what he was hearing. The old man just ignored him, and kept glaring.

"You just keep away, lad! If he wants to eat, he can come and get it himself!" The old man spat, gathering all that was left off the floor and staggering up to his feet. "It's unfair to get help! You don't see any of us getting a helping hand, now do you!?"

"Ervin, you old scumbag!" Another elderly patient spat at him. "You shut your mouth! How many times did that young man give up his meal for you!?"

Duo's heart clenched painfully at those words. He turned to look at the old man speaking, his eyes narrowing in anguish. He should have expected Heero to do such a thing... The boy always put himself last. It was no wonder that he was so weak, after giving up his meals to those weaker than him.

The old man who just spoke turned to Duo with a kind smile. "Ervin's just too damn proud to admit that he got help! He's also a stubborn and jealous old man, who would like nothing but to see others fall! I actually regret seeing him give you his meals! You don't deserve such kindness!"

"Ah, shut up!" Ervin spat and then turned away, walking back into his corner of the room.

"Here," The other old man spoke, offering Duo some bread. "You can have this. It's not enough for the two of you... but it's all I have to give."

Sighing, Duo shook his head and pushed the man's hand away. "No thank you. I can't take this from you." He didn't wait for a response, and just turned on his heels, walking back to the back of the room. He pulled Heero's curtain aside and then closed it behind him. He settled back on his chair and took Heero's hand back in his. He continued sitting there quietly, watching Heero sleep, his violet shining with tears.

In all his time here, he never saw such a hideous thing. He didn't remember the patients receiving any meals. All they got was a bowl of soup and maybe an IV to keep them alive. It seemed that a hot meal was only served once in a few days, and thus the patients fought for it like they were fighting for their lives. Which, in a way, they were. And all this time, Heero had given up the privilege of his hot meal, and gave it to others. Such a kind soul... It made his heart bleed as he looked down at the young Japanese man. Such a kind heart... why does it have to be taken away from this world..?

As the rush of activity slowly calmed in the room, the sounds of eating that filled it finally fading, Duo could feel Heero stir slightly in his bed. He heard him moan quietly, and he turned to watch him as Heero slowly licked his lower lip in thirst. Cobalt blue eyes slowly fluttered open, looking up sleepily at Duo.

Duo smiled down at Heero, but his smile faltered. "Hey." He whispered, struggling to keep his smile on. He took Heero's hand up and kissed it gently. "You missed lunch."

Heero sighed and turned away, closing his eyes. "...it doesn't matter."

Duo sighed, his smile fading. The two remained silent for a long time. Heero was drifting back to sleep, his hold on Duo's hand weakening.

"Say, Heero, what would you like to eat?" Duo suddnely spoke, jerking the man on the bed out of his napping.

Heero turned to look at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Duo smiled, shifting in his chair a little. "Doesn't matter what I mean. Just tell me, what would you like to eat, more than ANYTHING in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!"

Heero chuckled weakly at Duo's silly grin. He took a deep breath and then closed his eyes in thought. "Well... I'd like to have some........." He smiled slightly, and turned to look at Duo. "...French fries."

The braided man nodded with a smile, and then gestured at him to continue.

Heero smiled sadly, a bit amused by this game, though he knew that it will get them nowhere. He took another deep breath, thinking. "And I'd also like to have a... a salad." His smile broadened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "A big one."

Duo chuckled and squeezed Heero's hand. "Okay. Anything else?"

"Ummm......... apple pie." Heero let out after some time, licking his lower lip again. He was beginning to feel a little hungry, and he closed his eyes, trying to picture his meal. He smiled a little as more images came to his mind. He could almost taste it...

"...onion rings... and... and chocolate milkshake..." Again he licked his lower lip, his hunger growing. He took a deep breath, and looked up at the ceiling, a ghost of a smile playing on his colorless lips. "...vanilla ice-cream... with nuts on top............... and chocolate syrup.........." His smile grew and he closed his eyes in bliss.

Duo watched him with sorrowful eyes, struggling to contain his tears. He could actually sense Heero's hunger, his own mouth watering. He just realized how hungry he was, after eating nothing but small snacks for the last two days. He inhaled deeply, tightening his hold on Heero's frail hand.

"......and strawberries." Heero finally whispered, as if it was a holy word he had just spoken. "...I'd like to have some strawberries. Fresh strawberries. Ones so sweet and red...... that' will melt in my mouth........."

Duo found that he was holding his breath while listening to Heero's quiet voice. He watched breathlessly as Heero slowly licked his lips, and then turned to look at him, his cobalt eyes shining. He smiled sadly at the braided young man.

"...it's been ages since I last had strawberries......"

Duo nearly whimpered at the sound of his broken voice. He sniffled and nodded his head. "Yeah. Me too." He whispered back, kissing Heero's hand.

"I'd ask for champagne too," Heero's quiet voice spoke up again. The young man closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, trying to keep awake. "... but I'm not allowed to have any alcohol..." He snorted, his tone bitter. His eyes closed briefly and Duo could tell that he was struggling to keep awake.

"Not that it matters......" Heero continued, his voice sleepy. "It's not like... I'm... risking... my. . . h...health. . ." With a finale and nearly inaudible moan, Heero drifted back to sleep. His hand became limp in Duo's hold and his head lolled to the side.

Sniffling, Duo reached up a hand to wipe away the tears that pooled in his eyes. The faltering smile he struggled to keep on finally faded completely. He looked down at Heero with a pained and miserable expression. He could feel Heero's hand twitch in his hold, and saw the young man's face twist in pain.

"Shhh. . ." He whispered soothingly, reaching down to caress Heero's features. He pushed a few long bangs out of his eyes, his fingertips caressing his forehead lightly. He took a deep breath, fighting off the tears as he studied Heero's pale features. He already looked half dead. How much time he had left? A day? A week? Time was running out. He can't afford to wait. He had to tell Heero how he felt about him. He had to tell him and he had to tell him now!

But... first, he needed to find it out for himself. He wasn't sure about his feelings, and he wanted to be honest both with Heero and with himself. Right now, he was sure about one thing. He wanted to make Heero happy.

With that resolve, Duo carefully let go of Heero's limp hand, and got up. He sent Heero a finale little look before disappearing behind the yellow curtain. Heero remained behind, on the bed, deep asleep. His pale white hand rested limply at his side, fingers twitching ever so slightly as if searching for something.

* * *

"Solo, quit playing with that and come over here!" Hilde called towards her son, who was currently busy trying to move a heavy metal pole out of its place. They were standing in line inside the main bank office of L2-V08744. The lines were separated by a series of ropes, held by short metal pillars holding the ropes. Solo was trying to "rearrange" the pillars to a more desirable position, and all the people in the bank couldn't help but gape at the energetic little boy. When one of the clerks glared at Hilde, she decided that it was enough and called her son.

Sighing, Solo let go of his game and stomped over to his mother, making it clear to EVERYONE around him that he was NOT pleased. He stood by his mother's side, playing with her handbag, swinging it from side to side.

At first his mother ignored it, as much as it bothered her, but as they approached the service window, she reached towards her bag. "Solo, stop it." She muttered, opening the small purse and searching for something.

The little boy sighed in irritation and turned away from her. He looked around him, searching for something to do. He was bored. He hated waiting in lines and he hated banks! His daddy often had to take him to work with him, when he had something urgent in the office, but at least there he had his toys and such. Plus, his father would never miss a chance to take a small break and fool around with him. And if his father was busy, he always had Deena, his father's secretary to talk to. She was a very nice and pretty lady, and he knew that she REALLY liked his father. Though his daddy didn't seem to notice. He never noticed how all the girls smiled at him all the time. Or at least, he didn't respond to their smiles in any special way. He wondered why is that. His father was always alone. His mother had a boyfriend, but his father wasn't seeing anybody. Ever. He had plenty of friends and people he knew from work, but never a girlfriend. It was weird. Smiling to himself, Solo decided that he'd tell his daddy to take Deena out to dinner. She'll probably like it a lot.

"C'mon sweetie." Hilde spoke up all of a sudden, taking his hand and dragging him with her to the front of the line. The little boy sighed as his mother began talking to the receptionist.

"Yes. I'd like to make a withdrawal." She explained, offering the piece of paper she took out of her bag. "It's from a joint account. I understand that I need special clearance?"

The woman behind the counter nodded. "Yes, that will be at cubicle six..."

Solo sighed and rolled his eyes in annoyance. He could tell that this was going to be a looooooooong day.

* * *

The narrow streets of L7-7210183 were littered with garbage and packed with people. Smoke swirled around in the air, and dust and dirt covered every window. Walking past the shops, Duo could barely see through the glass and into the store. Not that it mattered. He was not heading towards any store. He continued walking through narrow alleys and filthy streets, making his way towards the more distant part of the colony. The streets were even busier in this district, where the alleyways were packed with merchants and illegal dealers. It was L7's infamous black market, which was normally packed with traders and crooks. It looked like any flee market Duo had seen in his life, although here the merchandize was solely stolen goods. It was cheaper than the government supported stores, and it had a much larger selection, offering things you couldn't get in the legal shops. Most factories and suppliers didn't ship to the poor L7 cluster, and thus you could only get some things through the black market.

Duo walked past the many stalls and makeshift shops, his eyes scanning the variety of things offered to him. It was often that a hawker or two would try to drag him into their shop, begging him to buy something, but he refused. He knew that he had the look of someone with money, for he was wearing decent clothing and carrying a wallet in his pocket. He stood out in the poor population of this colony, but that didn't mean that he was "easy-money". He knew well what he came here to buy, and the sellers did not convince him.

After about two hours of searching and bargaining with various dealers, Duo was ready to go back to the hospital. He was now carrying a large paper bag, holding it securely to his chest. He knew these kind of streets very well, and he was aware of the fact that various thieves were eyeing him. As much as his heart ached at the sight of those desperate people, he could not afford to stop and help every beggar he stumbled upon. He came here without much money, and he needed to keep what he had.

The things he bought cost him quite a lot of money, but he assured himself that it was worth it. He had enough money to buy a ticket back home, so as long as he won't waste any more money, he should be fine.

Just as he assured himself that, Duo's eyes were drawn to a certain colorful object in the midst of all the shops. He stopped, looking down at it thoughtfully. He was looking into a small, makeshift, toy store. The small stall was packed with colorful display of cheap toys and other children's merchandize. The most dominate theme in the store, was one Duo knew very well. It was that cursed cartoon show his son admired so much, and never stopped talking about. Seeing all that merchandize made Duo's heartache with longing. He missed his son so much. If Solo was here right now, he would be bouncing up and down with joy, touching and checking out anything he saw in that store. They he would attach himself to Duo's pants or shirt and begin to whine and nag until he bought him something.

Duo smiled at that thought, his violet eyes shining like they always did when he thought of his son.

"So yer a Jinx fan, now are ya?" A rough voice came from behind him and Duo turned around, a bit startled.

"Huh?" He let out, staring down at the old man who stood before him, smirking.

The man chuckled and gestured at the small store. "I'll make ya quite a deal on their latest products. Smuggled them from L1 just two weeks ago. What da ya say, huh lad?"

Still thinking it over, Duo reached a hand into his pocket, and was reminded that he didn't have much money left. He sighed and looked up at the seller. "Sorry, man, but I don't think so."

"Ah! C'mon! Think it over! I'll bet your kid will be happy, now wouldn't he?"

Duo frowned. "My kid?!"

The old man let out a good-hearted laughter. "Boy, I can spot a proud father from a mile away! You know you want it, why not buy it? Just think of the look on the little one's face... It's gotta be worth a few dollars, right?"

Oh... that man was sure pushing him. Once again, Duo reached a hand for his wallet. He only had a few dollars left, and he had to keep them for his ticket back home. But... won't it be nice to come back home bearing gifts for his son?

Chewing his lower lip, Duo looked up at the small store, deep in thought.

"Tell ya what! I'll make this even more worthwhile for ya!" The seller suddenly spoke, pushing Duo towards his store. He rummaged through some stuff, and then finally presented something to Duo. "It's a little bit expensive, but it sure is worth it. There aren't a lot of these going around nowadays."

Frowning, Duo looked down at what the man was offering him. He rolled his eyes. "A Jinx Collector's Album?! Oh, please! I can't buy these ANYWHERE!"

The old man smirked and opened the album. "Not this one, you can't. This is the Special Edition. There's only a hundred of them or so." He ruffled through the pages, showing them to Duo. "This is a genuine article, I assure you. Quality ink, quality paper. It's a bargain."

He could already see Solo's smiling blue eyes, and hear his sweet and bubbly laughter... he will surely be happy about this...

Smiling to himself, Duo reached for the album, flipping through the pages. "How much?" He asked, his eyes scanning the colorful pictures printed on the pages. He still didn't get what was the deal with all these fluffy and gadget-filled little monsters, but if his son liked it... then who was he to argue? He was just there to spend the cash...

"I'll give it ta ya fer two hundred."

"TWO HUNDRED?!" Duo exclaimed, nearly dropping the album. "You're joking!"

The old man's smile turned into a serious glare. "Not at all. And for your information, this thing costs nearly double on the outside market. I'm doing you a bloody favor- selling it for pennies!"

"Pennies?! You can buy half the colony for that amount!"

The seller rolled his eyes. "Not if you plan on getting out of here soon. Now spare the cash or let me find another costumer." He spat, and reached his hand for the album.

Duo shoved the damn album into the man's hand, his expression angered. He turned to take his paper bag, and began marching out of the shop. This proved to be a total waste of time! But...

But...

Solo...

"Ah, heck! I'll buy it on L2! It's bound to be cheaper there!" Duo assured himself, tightening his hold on the paper bag.

But what if there are none left on L2?

What if there aren't any left in the whole God damned universe?!

What if his son will never have what he wanted?

What if he'll be sad?

His little-man... what if he'll be sad..?

"Fuck it..." Duo muttered, and hurried to turn on his heels. He stomped back into the store, using one hand to take off his wristwatch. He shoved it into the man's hand.

"Would this be enough?"

Startled, the old man looked down at the expensive watch, and then smiled. He turned to look up at the young man, noticing that he looked quite angered and upset, his long hair messy and he is slightly panting. He nodded his head and smirked.

"Of course."

* * *

"But I'm telling you that I DO have his consent! For the love of God, am I talking to a wall here or are you just not listening!?" Hilde's voice echoed throughout the bank's halls, as the woman shouted at a clerk in anger. She waved a bunch of documents in her hand, looking at the poor man with flaring and angry eyes.

To her side, stood Solo, a smirk on his face as he watched the clerk squirming and sweating in his seat. It wasn't that he was enjoying seeing two people argue, he hated it when his parents used to, and sometimes still do, argue. They used to shout so loud that he was sure the windows were going to break. But since they divorced, they didn't, yell so much, and things were much happier. In fact, Solo always felt sorry for anyone who was subjected to his mother's wrath, especially his daddy.

But he sure enjoyed watching when someone deserved it. Which, this man obviously did, otherwise his mother wouldn't be so angry. Unlike his father, it took a lot to make his mother angry, but when she did get mad, she was just as bad and as intimidating as his father. The only difference was, that his mother's hair didn't bounce up and down and in all directions when she was angry. His dad's hair was longer, and sometimes it seemed like it was alive and had a mind of its own. That was part of the reason Solo loved his father's hair so much. It was another "friend" to play with...

"I'm sorry miss, but I'm am not authorized to approve this withdrawal without your husband's consent." The man finally replied, taking shelter behind his terminal. "You'll have to get him to sign the papers."

"Argh! You thick headed asshole!" Hilde growled, her face angry. "He is NOT my husband and I do have his bloody signature! It's right here!" The woman barked, shoving the papers into the clerk's face. "See?! I have it right here!"

Flinching, the man pulled back a little, and reached for the papers. After scanning them briefly, he looked at the angry woman once again. "Miss, these documents are outdated. They go back nearly four years."

"That's because this account was frozen four years ago. I want to "unfreeze" my money and withdraw it! And I need to do it N.O.W!"

"Miss, the problem is that it isn't only your money. It belongs to your hus... err, ex-husband as well. We need his signature in order to release the money."

"But it's a JOINT account!" Hilde protested, jumping out of her seat, ready to punch the man in the face. "I have the right to claim the money as well!"

"Not if you're divorced. This calls for a different procedure."

Taking a deep breath, Hilde sat down and ran a hand through her hair. She sent a glance over to her son, just to make sure that he's okay, and then looked back at the man.

Solo was beginning to lose interest, and his blue eyes searched for something to play with. His face lighted with joy as he spotted a few small items on the man's desk- a few office accessories- and he hurried to take them and begin playing.

"Listen," Hilde began, her voice calmer. "This is a joint account my ex-husband and I opened AFTER we were divorced. It's just some savings to put our son through college. We both have the right to withdraw the money when needed, check your papers. I need that money- now."

Raising an eyebrow, the clerk sent a glance at the little six year old who was currently busy making a mess out of his desk. He looked back at Hilde, his gaze skeptic. "You're sending him to college... now?"

"No you idiot!" Hilde burst again, and Solo looked up from his game, intrigued. "Just give me my damn money! I don't have to tell you what it's for!"

"I'm sorry ma'am, but these are new policies. I need that authorization. Mr. Maxwell will have to come down here and sign these papers."

"He can't come here cuz he's out of the colony right now." Hilde muttered, her voice bitter. "He won't be able to come for quite some time, and I need the money now. I have his agreement, I assure you."

The clerk sighed and shook his head sorrowfully. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but unless he comes to sign these papers, you'll have to make this withdrawal through a lawyer. Come back tomorrow and we'll arrange it."

"But I can't WAIT for tomorrow! I don't have time for that! I told you- I need that money now!"

The clerk sighed and shrugged helplessly. "There's nothing I can do now, ma'am. We close in an hour. Come back tomorrow."

Growling, Hilde jumped out of her seat and grabbed her handbag. She reached for Solo's hand and hurried to drag him out of there.

"Thanks for nothing!" She barked at the clerk, her eyes narrow with anger.

Solo just grinned as he saw that they were leaving this place and he hoped that they'd be home in time for Jinx. He REALLY didn't want to miss an episode. But as he hurried to catch up with his mother as she walked quickly down the street, Solo was horrified to see that they were not headed home. Confused, he looked up at his mother.

"Mommy? Where are we going?"

"To see my lawyer." She answered quickly, not looking down at her son as she kept walking, her eyes searching for the building where her lawyer's office was stationed.

Solo sighed. "Oh, mommy! Can't it wait for tomorrow?"

"No. It can't." Hilde whispered sadly, her gaze softening. She sighed and sped her walking pace, squeezing her son's hand as she dragged him with her. "Some things can't wait for tomorrow."

"Why not?" The little boy mumbled, his blue eyes sad.

"Because unlike Jinx, honey, some things don't have 're-runs'."

The little boy frowned, looking up at his mother with a confused gaze. When he saw that she wasn't going to elaborate her answer, he looked down at his feet and sighed again. "But I hate watching re-runs..."

* * *

"C'mon... connect already... c'mon..." Duo whispered urgently, his foot tapping on the floor in impatience. He was holding the vid-phone's receiver in his hand, looking at the screen anxiously. He was standing in the cafeteria, his paper bag resting securely between his feet. In his hand, he held a few quarters, which he used for the vid-phone. He was trying to call Hilde, but so far had no luck. With the poor technology of the colony, it was a miracle that ANY long-distance call ever connected.

But he was really in a hurry to call his ex-wife. He was supposed to call about an hour ago, but since he didn't have his watch anymore, he simply didn't notice the time. When he entered the hospital he saw a large digital clock in the lobby and immediately rushed down to the cafeteria in order to make the call. He had asked Hilde to take care of a few things for him in the office, and he hoped that she had managed to do so. He had a few more things he wanted to ask from her, and so they agreed that he should call her this afternoon.

"C'mon... shit... please connect... c'mon..." He whispered over and over, his eyes pleading the screen to light up and connect the call. He looked down at the bag between his feet, cursing himself as he realized that the food that he bought will be cold by the time he'll go up to the third floor and give it to Heero. That only made him wonder how his Japanese friend was doing. He had left him for quite a long time, without even telling him that he was leaving. He hoped that Heero was okay.

Duo's attention was drawn back to the phone when he heard a voice coming out of the receiver.

"We're sorry, but due to technical difficulties, we were unable to connect your call. Please try again later."

"Shit!" He cursed, slamming the phone shut. "I don't have a 'later'!" He growled, glaring at the phone. "Stupid L7 junk..."

Sighing deeply, Duo picked up his paper bag and climbed heavily to the third floor.

He had no choice. He had to wait for tomorrow.

After climbing up the stairs (the hospital didn't have any elevators for the visitors, only the medical staff), Duo walked into Heero's room. HE made his way slowly through the rows of hospital beds towards Heero's corner. He prepared to push back the yellow curtain, but the curtain was already pulled aside, like it was opened by force. Confused, Duo turned to the bed, wanting to ask Heero what happened.

Only the Japanese man wasn't there.

The bed was empty, the blanket tossed aside and the pillow on the floor.

There was blood on the pillow.

Duo's eyes widened.

"Heero!" He called, voice panicked. He whirled around, his eyes scanning the room frantically. "Heero!!!"

But the young man was nowhere in the room.

"Ah shit! Where did he go?!" Duo muttered, throwing his bag to the floor.

"HEERO!" He shouted, beginning to run out of the room, searching.

"Heero- where are you!? Heero!"

Part 5.

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