Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Moments ❯ Holiday ( Chapter 5 )

DISCLAIMER: I Don't own GW!!!!!!!!!!!! But, and that's a BIG but, I do feel like I have the right to make Kid's and Odin's personality mine. Though technically it's Bandai and Sunrise that made them up (Heero Yuy and Odin Lowe), I think I gave them something they didn't and so this thing belongs to me. If you disagree, then sue me! I don't care; I don't have any money anyway... BWAHHAHAHA!!!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay, so this is a fill-in for SM, but it focuses mainly on Odin Lowe. That's new, ne? I wanted to explore his character a bit. I think I didn't focus around him enough in SM, so this is my chance. It is set in AC 185, BEFORE Linda's death (meaning Heero is five), when they were all one big happy family... Also, I made up a holiday to the AC calendar. Tell me what you think of it, kay? It should make sense, it does to me anyway.

Luv,

Naomi

HOLIDAY

* * *

AC 185.

The blond assassin smiled as he felt the warm body that lay next to him move, two long arms wrapping themselves around him, and a head coming to rest on his bare chest. He looked down at the mass of long golden hair, that spread all over the woman's slim body, and reached down a hand to stroke the silken strands. His smile grew as the woman let out a soft moan, snuggling against him. He kept watching her as light began to pour into the room, washing her angelic face with a heavenly glow.

Two emerald green eyes fluttered open and the woman turned her head up to meet his eyes. She smiled at him, then turned to look at the clock resting on the nightstand. She yawned and turned back to look at her lover.

"Sleep well?" Odin asked, his hand playing with her long satiny hair.

"Hmm hm." She nodded, pulling up a little so she lay by his side. He put his arm around her and she leaned down, resting her head on his shoulder.

"When did you come back?" She asked sleepily.

Odin sighed. "'Bout two A.M." He leaned down and kissed her hair, inhaling its sweet scent. "Didn't wanna wake you."

"Hm..." She mumbled, eyes closed. "Had a good trip?"

"It was a blast..." He replied bitterly, looking away.

Both remained silent, just looking at the closed door in front of them, watching the light as it grew brighter and brighter.

About half an hour later and they could both hear a door open. Both smiled weakly as they heard some rattling coming from the kitchen. Something fell, followed by a small cry of frustration. Then came more rattling.

Linda chuckled, looking up at her lover. "We have to take care of that tooth, you know."

"You mean it didn't fall yet?"

Linda shook her head. "Nope. You promised you'll take him to the dentist after your little business trip." She said with a sly smile.

Odin sighed; looking up at the door as he heard the familiar sounds of the morning cartoons coming from the living room. "I know, I know... I'll do it tomorrow."

"Right." She said, pulling away from him, throwing the blanket aside.

He watched her as she walked over to a small dresser, picking up a brush. "Ya know, in my days, they would wrap a thread around your tooth, tie it to the door and slam it shut. That'll make that tooth fly right outta there."

Linda smirked. "I would love to see you try doing it to Kid." She snarled, brushing her hair. She put the brush down and straightened the large gray sweatshirt she was wearing, that belonged to Odin. "You don't have the guts to even try it."

"Yeah, well, it worked when my brothers did it to me." He muttered.

"Well, you having abusive brothers doesn't mean you have to make Kid suffer like that."

"Oh, they weren't that bad." He protested, getting up, putting on a pair of pants. "Well, the tenth one was kind of annoying, but Ted and Gary were very nice." He shrugged. "Guess it has to do with me being the smallest. The youngest always suffer the most."

Linda chuckled and walked over to him, placing a light kiss on his forehead and brushing her hand down his cheeks.

He smiled at her and watched her as she walked to the door.

* * *

"Morning Kid." She greeted the little boy who was sitting on the couch, a little brown teddy bear at his side.

"Ohayou." He replied, eyes not leaving the television screen. He dug his spoon into the yogurt he had helped himself to, and without looking away from the TV, brought the spoon to his mouth.

Linda shook her head, smiling in amusement. Nothing could move Kid from the TV while the cartoons were on, she mused as she walked to the kitchen. She warmed up some water and reached up to the cupboard to take two cups.

She listened with half an ear to the overly loud cartoon, smiling lightly as she realized it was in Japanese. Kid always watched this stupid show and she couldn't understand why he liked it. All she knew that there was this little yellow mouse, or whatever, that would yell: "Pika---CHU!!!!!" and then Kid would burst out laughing for some odd reason as this redhead and a guy with purple hair went flying up to the sky, screaming. She shrugged it off though, just contented by the thought of Kid watching something in his mother tongue, meaning that he will not forget it.

"Yo buddy!" Odin's voice came in from behind her and she looked back just in time to see the blond charge at the couch, attacking the little boy with tickling fingers. She smiled as she heard the bubbly rich laughter burst out of Kid's lungs.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Odin stop it! Hahaha... Stop it! Stop it, Odin!!! Hahahahahaha!" The boy called through his laughter, over and over, trying hard to catch his breath as the blond buried his face in his stomach and began to blow into it, tickling the child even more.

"Yamero! Yamero!! ODIN!!!" The boy pushed him away, still laughing.

The blond drew back, looking down at the boy with dancing eyes. "Can I have you for breakfast then?" He asked, looking at him with a mischievous grin.

"No!" The boy called, still smiling. "I wanna watch TV!"

Linda chuckled at the boy's reply and turned back to make the coffee.

"You missed him, huh?" She asked softly as Odin walked into the kitchen, putting two arms around her, nuzzling his head in her hair.

"Missed you too, ya know."

"Oh thank you!" She called in a mock-reproach. "It's nice to know that you remembered me!"

"Yeah, well, it was hard, considering I had all my other girlfriends to keep me company..." He teased, holding her tighter.

"Oh right, Don Guan. You think you're sooo great..."

"I know I am." He replied with a smile.

Linda turned around to face him, face radiant. She looked up into his dancing eyes and reached a hand to brush his messy blond bangs away. "Silly man." She accused, then captured his lips with hers.

"Yeah, but you're the one who's going out with me." He shot back, wrapping his arms around her and leaning down for another kiss.

"Awwwe..." Came a little disgusted voice from behind and the couple broke the kiss, looking down at little Kid who stood at the doorway, looking up at them.

"Well, you won't think so when you're older." Odin replied, moving towards the fridge.

Kid snorted, and went to put his empty bowl in the sink.

"I heard that." The blond called from within the fridge.

Linda chuckled as the boy stuck his tongue towards the man, who couldn't see it for he was sticking his head in the fridge!

"And I saw that too!" Odin called and hurried to chase after the little rascal who went running out of the kitchen.

She smiled and turned to make breakfast, the boy's laughter playing in her ears, a sure sign that he did not manage to escape another tickling session.

* * *

"You know what day it is tomorrow?" Linda asked as they drove down the street, after done shopping.

"Um... that's a tough one. Give me a minute... um, Tuesday?"

Linda sighed, shaking her head. "No, think again."

Odin frowned. "Wednesday?"

"I don't mean the actual day!" She snapped, not really angry, but tired of his silly games. "I mean the date."

"Oh." He sighed, and turned his eyes to look up at the rearview mirror, seeing Kid and Yoshi in the back seat, the boy looking out at the colony as they drove. He looked back down, sighing again. "It's Founders day, right?" He asked quietly.

Linda nodded. "Yeah. They hold this great parade at this colony. I thought Kid would like that."

"Didn't they stop celebrating this day after Heero Yui died?" He asked solemnly, glancing up again to look at the little boy.

Linda shrugged. "Guess people are tired of mourning. And besides, don't you think we should celebrate something like the founding of the colonies? It's been almost two centuries now. No one thought it would last that long."

Odin sighed again, taking a sharp turn. "Yeah, I guess we should." He let out. "Watchya got planned?" He asked, turning his head to face her.

For some reason, Linda refused to meet his eyes, looking out the window, fingers fidgeting.

"Hey, Lid," He called, reaching a hand and placing it on her hip. "What's with the face all of a sudden?"

She sighed, turning her head slowly to face him. She smiled weakly. "I was debating whether or not to bring it up for a while now..." She mumbled.

"Bring what up?"

She sighed again, looking away, keeping silent for a long while.

"Odin, look!" Kid called happily from the back seat, pointing eagerly at a small carnival.

Odin sent a glance to the mirror. "In a minute, Kid." He let out quietly, then turned back to face his lover.

Kid slumped back to his seat, sulking.

Odin looked down at his lover, waiting breathlessly for her to continue.

Linda turned to him, smiling faintly. "I was thinking about spending the holiday with my family."

Odin nearly fainted. "Your family?!" He bolted out, shocked. "I thought they were on Earth!"

Linda shook her head. "No, I said that I was from Earth. My family lives here. That's why I came here."

"Oh." He let out, looking back at the road as he digested this new information.

"Odin..." Came Kid's impatient voice. "You promised you'd look!"

"In a minute, kiddo." He quickly said, still trying to think about the complications involved in meeting Lid's family.

Kid sighed, irritated, folding two arms across his chest.

"What do you say?" Linda asked hopefully, looking up at him with pleading eyes.

"I dunno, Lid, meeting your folks, I mean..."

She sighed, looking away. "It's okay." She said sadly. "I understand."

No, no you don't. He can't let himself get involved with so many people. Hanging out with strangers, people who ask questions, who want to know what you do for a living... It's risky.

But Kid, Kid would love that sort of thing. And it can be nice, doing something normal like that. Spending a holiday with the family, he hasn't done that since he was a kid. It'll be great.

He put a hand on Lid's shoulder, sending her a beaming smile. "We won't have to bring jelly or something, right?"

Linda smiled back. "You do that, and my dad will kill you."

"Then hot dogs it is!" He replied with a grin, turning back to face the road.

Linda chuckled, shaking her head.

"Hey, buddy, what is it?" Odin asked, glancing back at the kid in the back seat.

Kid pouted. "Doesn't matter anymore. You missed it." He let out sadly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, kiddo. Why won't I make it up to you with a Sunday ice cream?"

"Okay!" The boy called happily.

* * *

Odin could feel Kid press himself closer to his leg and looked down at the boy. The child was holding Yoshi tightly in one hand, the other hand wrapped around the blond's leg as he looked up shyly at the large house they were about to enter. Odin smiled a little, reaching down a hand to ruffle the boy's hair.

"Don't worry, buddy." He whispered, looking up at Linda, who was holding a salad bowl in her hand, pressing the doorbell.

Kid pressed even closer to him, his index finger resting uncertainly on his bottom lip, Yoshi held tight. He looked up at Odin as the man took his hand in his, squeezing it lightly.

The blond smiled reassuringly at the boy, taking a deep breath to calm his own nervousness.

And the door opened.

"OH MY GOD!!! Lid!" An overly high-pitched female voice called and a blurry image of a woman streaked by, charging at Linda with a big hug. "I can't believe you made it!"

Both Odin and Kid took a step back as the two women hugged and greeted each other.

Kid looked up at his caretaker, arching an eyebrow.

The blond only smiled and ruffled the messy brown hair.

"It's been so long! Tootsie said you won't be coming over this year, but then I hear you came up to L6 about a year ago and..." The young woman stopped to catch her breath, turning to look at the tall young man and the little boy that stood by his side. Her eyes grew wide and then she suddenly smiled wickedly, eyeing the handsome blond with a weird gleam in her eye.

Kid took a step closer to Odin, now feeling uncomfortable under the lady's gaze.

Linda coughed nervously. "Sill, I'd like you to meet Odin Lowe."

"Nice to meet you." The woman answered sweetly, reaching up her hand, as if expecting to get kissed.

Odin cleared his throat nervously and only shook her hand. "The pleasure's all mine, um, Sill."

"Oh please, call me Silvia."

"All right then, Silvia." He acknowledged with a nod, glancing over at his girlfriend for some help.

"And this is Kid." Linda continued, gesturing the boy to come closer.

Kid swallowed and took a few steps forward, eyeing the lady suspiciously.

"Oh! I didn't see you, hiding in there!" Silvia exclaimed. She kneeled down by the boy, smiling sweetly. "What a sweet little boy!" She called, pinching his cheeks.

Kid frowned, then pushed her away, glaring.

"Well silly me!" The fervent woman called again. "Come on in! Come on in!" She invited them, guiding Linda into the house. "Auntie Dora would have a fit when she sees you!"

Kid send Odin a hesitant look, as if asking if it's safe to get in. Odin only shrugged, took his hand and went in after Linda.

"My cousin." Linda whispered to him as he came close to her, still dragged by the excited girl. "You'll get used to her." She promised with a smile.

"I can't guarantee that..." He mumbled back.

About a dozen excited voices rose from the kitchen as Linda went in. Odin preferred to stay in the doorway, away form the excited bunch of women.

"Why are they screaming?" Kid whispered, looking fearfully at the happy bunch.

"They're happy." The blond explained, still looking up at the small crowd.

"I don't scream when I'm happy." Kid mumbled, looking down to the floor, shaking his head.

Odin chuckled. "Women, buddy, go fig."

"Odin, come here!" Linda called, waving her hand towards him.

"Oh... Linda brought a boyfriend home..." A couple of young voices called teasingly.

Odin put on a polite smile and walked into the room, feeling Kid's hand still clutching his pants, hiding behind him as he walked.

* * *

Well, the little introduction went pretty well. A few embarrassing moments for both he and Linda, a couple of tries to make Kid come out of his hiding, and it was all over. At least, the hard part was over. Next came the part when he was dragged to the back yard, where most of the family was.

After a while, Odin found that he sort of liked Lid's family. There were over thirty guests around the house, all coming from different colonies, but most were from L6. They were all very nice and easy going, fun to be around with. Lid's father, Edward, wasted no time in sharing his ideas of a perfect BBQ, while Lid's elder brother made sure Sill would stay out of Odin's way.

Linda had also introduced Kid to her brother's children, and while Kid was very shy at first, and very reluctant to let go of Odin's trousers, he had finally made friends with the other three kids. One was his age, the other was a year older and the smallest was three. Odin couldn't have been happier when he saw those four run around, chasing the family's dog. He was happy for Kid.

"Now let me tell ya the secret, of making the perfect burgers." Edward began with a stern voice, waving his cooking tool in the air before flipping the burgers.

"Be glad to hear it, Ed." Odin replied with a smile, his eyes catching the sight of Linda, not far away, leaning over the long table as she placed a few salad bowls on it, her long braid dangling down as she did.

"Ashes." The old man stated.

"Ashes?!" Odin called, looking down at him in shock.

"Ashes." The man confirmed. "The ashes of yesterday's burger will make the burger of the tomorrow."

"If you say so Ed." Odin said, shaking his head. He looked down at the large scruffy dog that suddenly became very interested in his feet. He pushed him away, never quite liking dogs.

The old man continued to babble on in his ear, talking about anything, from sports and cars and to his little girl Linda, a topic Odin found that he liked.

"Odin!" A familiar little voice called and the blond looked down to see Kid run his way, holding up something in his hand, waving it so he would see.

"Wow! Watch it buddy!" He called as the boy jumped up at him. He lifted him up, holding him with one hand and looked up to meet his dancing cobalt eyes.

"See this? See what I made?" He said enthusiastically, handing up the little white item, made of paper.

Odin frowned. "What is it?"

"It's a bird you baka!" The boy called harshly.

Odin could hear Ed chuckle as he flipped the burgers. He turned back to Kid, who was now glaring at him angrily. He held up his little paper bird, straightening a few folds, showing it to Odin. "Jeremy's mother knows how to make them. She taught us! I made a plane too!"

"That's great, Kid." He said with a smile, reaching up to ruffle the boy's hair.

"Jeremy's mom says that if you make a thousand, it can make sick people feel better! It's a magic bird."

"I'm sure it is Kiddo." Odin replied with a smile.

"I'm gonna make you something too!" The boy stated, releasing himself from the man's grip and jumping down to the ground.

Odin watched him run away and smiled.

"Cute kid." Ed remarked, not looking up from the barbeque. "Yours?"

Odin sighed, shaking his head. "Adopted." He answered solemnly.

"Linda seems to love him too." The father commented, looking up and seeing Kid present his work to the young blond woman. "Can't blame her." He continued, returning his attention to his work. "She's always been fond of children. Always dreamed of having her own." He said bitterly. "Ya know, find herself a good man, settle down somewhere, have kids. Not many women want that nowadays. Most of them are after a career or whatever. Sometimes I think that there's no room for good old traditional family values in these harsh times. It's a shame... That's why we made sure to put good ideas in Lid's head. It'll be a shame to watch them wasted..."

Odin looked up at him, eyes wide, about to reply, when he felt a familiar presence walk his way.

"What are you too gossiping about?" Linda asked with amusement, approaching her father with a light kiss.

"Oh, nothing. How's your mother doing?"

"She's practically drooling over Kimi's baby." She sent a smirk up Odin's way, then turned back to her father. "When food'll be ready?"

Odin watched the two talk for a while, frowning, thinking over what Ed had so subtly hinted.

* * *

As they all sat around the table and lunch was served, Odin couldn't help but smile at the situation he had found himself in. It felt so natural, being among these people, acting like one big happy family. He too came from a big family, ten brothers and a sister, but it had been a long time since he last sat around a table like this. His parents had died when he was very young and he could barely even remember them. Being one of the youngest in the family, he was practically raised by his elder brothers. Times were tough, and sometimes it was very hard for them to bring food to the table. He had to work hard from a very young age, and when the Federation had began recruiting their soldiers, his brothers did not waste any time in joining the army. When he was old enough, being sixteen, he had done the same. The army was good for them, financially and all, but it also made them grow apart, as they were stationed in different areas of the solar system. It's been years since he had last seen any of them.

Pushing the gloomy thoughts away, Odin looked aside at his lovely Linda, who was currently engaged in a conversation with her sister in-law. He smiled as he also spotted Kid, sitting across of him, next to the other kids around the table, also caught inside a little conversation over some cool toy Jeremy was holding.

He sighed, content at this serene atmosphere, glad that he had decided to come over. His smile grew as he felt Linda rest her palm on his hip, tapping him lightly. He reached his own hand to hold hers, squeezing it slightly.

"Having a good time?" She whispered to him.

He nodded. "Yeah. Thanks. You have no idea how long it's been since I've last done this."

She smiled kindly. "My mom wants us to spend the night." She informed him quietly. "Says she doesn't want us to drive all the way to the other side of the colony in the dark."

Odin chuckled. "She has nothing to worry about."

Linda smirked. "I know. I think she just doesn't want to let go of Kid..."

Again he giggled, turning his gaze towards the happy little boy across the table. He smiled as he saw Kid play with his little paper plane. He turned back to Linda. "Hey, did ya ask your mother 'bout the tooth thing?"

Linda shook her head. "I forgot. I'll ask after lunch. We need to take care of that. I can tell it's bothering Kid."

"Ohhhh..." A few voices called in surprise and compassion, followed by sounds of laughter and applause.

Odin and Linda looked up, only to see Kid holding up his fallen tooth, and the guests around the table cheer him happily.

"Congrats boy!" Ed called.

"First tooth, huh?" Another voice, a woman, called. "Way the go sweetie!"

Kid just gaped at the tooth in his hand, then turned his gaze up at Odin. "It just fell..." He mumbled and Odin smiled at him kindly.

"It's okay Kid, it's supposed to fall."

"Oh..." He let out and people laughed. He placed a finger where the tooth once were and was startled when he felt something wet. He withdrew his hand and looked at it, shocked. He had blood on his fingers. He looked up at Odin with fright.

"C'mon sweetie," Linda called as she got up quickly, rounding the table and reaching for his hand. "We'll get that cleaned straight away."

He got up, mind numb as he stared at the crimson fluid on his palm. He took Linda's hand and let her lead him into the house, hand covering his mouth all along.

"You be a brave boy now sweetheart!" Dora, Lid's mother, called after him.

"Don't worry. He's a strong kid." Ed assured her and Odin couldn't help but chuckle. These people welcomed him and Kid into their family, no questions asked. It was hard to find people like them at these harsh days. He felt very grateful for their hospitality.

* * *

After the big lunch, when all finished praising the family's chefs, coffee and cake were served. The blond assassin found his own little crowd to sit with, talking about whatever came to mind. To his big surprise, Lid's elder brother, Jake, had served in the same unit as he was, a couple of years back and so they had some old memories to bring up together.

"Odin..." Kid's sad little voice came from somewhere down, followed by two little hands that tugged his shirt. Odin looked away from his coffee mug and down at the little boy. "What is it buddy?"

Kid looked up at him, face sad, eyes filling with tears. "I can't find Yoshi..." He cried, lips trembling as he was about to burst into tears. "I don't know where he is..."

Knowing the gravity of the situation, Odin put down the cup immediately and kneeled down by the boy, taking his two hands in his, looking up into his eyes. "Now don't cry, okay buddy? Just think where you put him, okay?"

Kid struggled to keep his sobs under control, shrugging. "I left him on the chair when Linda took me inside..." He managed to say, voice trembling. "He's not there anymore... I can't find him..." Tiny crystal tears slid down his little cheeks and he sniffed his nose, breath labored as he tried his best not to cry. "Where did Yoshi go..?"

"What's the matter?" Linda's voice came from behind him and she kneeled by the two. Seeing Kid was crying, she immediately placed her hand on his small shoulder, pulling him close. "Oh sweetie... what's wrong?"

Odin watched the two lovingly as Kid wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her golden hair, crying. "I... I... I can't find Yoshi anywhere! He got lost!"

"Oh... honey... don't worry, we'll find him, okay?"

Kid sniffed his nose again, pulling away and rubbing his tearful eyes. "Okay..."

She got up, holding Kid's hand in hers and walked to the head of the table. Odin also rose to his feet, watching his love adoringly as she took hold of a glass and a spoon, tapping the silverware on the glass, getting everyone's attention.

The constant hum of chatter around the table ceased and all looked up at the young woman at the head of the table.

"Kid and I need your help here folks," she began with a slight smile, glancing down at the little blue-eyed boy. "We seem to have one very important person missing around here, and we need to find him."

"Who's missing, Lid?" Dora hurried to call worriedly.

Linda sent Odin a knowing smile before continuing. "Well, he's about two feet tall, has scruffy brown fur and two large brown eyes..." She glanced down at Kid, seeing him look up at her, stunned. She looked back up. "And his name is Yoshi." She concluded. "Did anyone happen to see Yoshi around?"

A slight wave of mumbles rushed through the table, until Silvia got up, placing two hands on the table in determination. "I say we go look for little Yoshi!" She called, causing the low rumble of talking to reappear. "Why for all we know he's out there in the dark and cold, all alone!"

"Yeah, we go look for him!" Jeremy's little three-year-old brother called. "We go find him now!"

"Yeah!" Jeremy agreed, getting up to stand on his chair.

Linda smiled down at Kid as more people showed their agreement, getting up and beginning to search the place. Kid smiled up at her, wiping the last of his tears out of his eyes.

"C'mon Kiddo," Odin called as he lifted him up in the air. "Lets go find Yoshi, kay?"

Kid only nodded, wrapping his small arms around Odin's neck as the blond took hold of Linda's hand and the three joined the search.

* * *

After watching the parade as it passed down the street and waiting for the fireworks as it got dark, people began to leave. Unfortunately, as much as everybody were willing to help, Yoshi was not found anywhere. As the guests left the large house, saying their goodbyes, they also apologized to little Kid for not finding his friend.

Having no other choice, Odin and Linda decided to stay the night, until Yoshi was found. The boy was now very sad and depressed, worrying for his friend's fate. He kept close to Odin, snuggling against his body, not even letting him go to the bathroom. After a long while Odin had managed to break free and go, and returned only to find Kid sitting on the carpet in the living room, along with Lid's mother, a large pile of toys surrounding him.

He sat back down on the couch, next to Linda, putting an arm around her. She leaned her head on his shoulder and both watched as Dora played with the little boy, cheering him up a little as they built castles out of colorful play cubes.

Odin watched the little boy, a smile on his face. Two years ago, if you would have came and told him that he would be sitting in his girlfriend's parent's house, spending a pleasant evening watching his little boy play with his 'granny' while his lovely girlfriend snuggled against him, he would have surely laughed, then kill you for even brining it up. But now it was different. Now it felt right.

He could not believe the changes that occurred in his life since he had found Kid. Moreover, he couldn't believe the changes that went through him. Before he had found the little blue-eyes angel, his life were empty and bitter. His whole attitude towards life was sour and cynical, ever since AC 175. Back then he was still young, just following orders. And he had made a mistake. But since then he had decided to work on his own accord, always following his emotions. Always.

Nevertheless, that mistake he had made then made him see his entire life as useless and void, devoid of any real purpose or joy. He would fill his nights with hookers and is days with booze. And when he was sober, he would sulk.

Even after he found the boy, he did not intend to keep him. He just couldn't let him stay there in the dark and cold ruins, but he didn't consider keeping him long. But then something changed in him. He would come home after a mission, bitter and depressed, and suddenly there would be someone there to greet him. Someone there to hug him lovingly and tell him all about his day and ask him why he was so sad. Once he had even welcomed him with a drawing he had made, and while it didn't look like it, the boy claimed that it was Odin he had drawn. He had drawn Odin and him together. The little drawing had touched his heart and he kept it till this day. The little blue-eyed boy he had found was like a loving little pet. He gave so much love and asked for so little in return. His adorable looks and sweet little voice were so hard to resist, constantly tapping against the cold shell he had built around his heart.

And it began to crack. He became very protective towards the boy. He would think about him in each and every second when he was away on missions, always worrying about him, thinking he shouldn't have left him alone, even for an hour or two.

He chuckled as he remembered the first time the boy got sick. Boy, did he go crazy with worry. He had actually rescheduled a mission because of it. That was when he first realized what the boy meant to him. That and the time the kid got lost in a spaceport, also a very stressing time for him. That's when he had made the final decision to keep the boy for as long as he could.

But he was still afraid. Afraid of letting people too close. He had lost two parents, he had let go of the only family he had, not even knowing if his brothers and sister were alive. Maybe that's why he didn't give Kid a name. That would be making him permanently his. That would mean the boy was there to stay, and he couldn't afford the risk. Besides, he could never think of a proper name. And it didn't feel right, giving the boy a new name. It would be taking his real parent's rights. They had given him a name and so it should stay. It saddened him that the boy could no longer remember his own name, but it didn't change the fact that he did not want to take the parent's rights away. When he first asked the boy for his name, stammering in Japanese, a dictionary in his hand, the boy had shook his head sadly, saying his mother had called him 'little-angel', but that wasn't his name. He couldn't remember it. So Kid it was. Kid was a name as good as any, and the boy didn't seem to mind. He himself had claimed that it was now his name, not Odin. And so it stayed. He had explained it to Linda and the woman agreed that if Kid wishes it to be his name, then it is.

He leaned his head down and kissed Linda's sweet hair. He was grateful for her as well. She had changed him a lot in the last few months they were together. She walked into his and Kid's life like an autumn breeze; her light laughter and gentle smile lighting their shabby apartment. Kid had fallen for her as well, and Odin knew she loved him like a son. In the last few months he really felt like he had a family. And today made this feeling stronger. It was a bit frightening, for he didn't know if he could handle a family or a long time commitment. He was used to living by the hour, not staying in one place long enough to plant roots, never letting himself get attached to one woman. But if he opened his heart for Kid, why not open it for the woman he knew that he loved?

Edward's words came back into his mind and Odin looked away, sighing. What was frightening the most, is that he was beginning to agree with Linda's father. He too wanted this family. He wanted Kid and he wanted Linda. He wanted out of the business and a normal, happy life. He was still young, just turning twenty eight, and he can easily earse all of his past life and settle down somewhere safe, building a home with thses two people he loved.

Kid's laughter made him look up and he smiled, seeing both of Linda's parents play with the boy, Ed raising a cube high up in the air and Kid jumping up to get it. He detached himself from Lid and went over to sit by the three. Linda joined in as well. Odin decided to let himself completely go, forgetting all about current dilemmas. He signaled Ed to throw him the cube and when he caught it, he held it high in the air as well.

"Hey!" The boy called, pouting." No fair! You're taller!" And he ran towards him, bouncing up in the air, hands up high, trying to catch the cube in order to complete his castle.

Odin rose up to his full height, still holding the cube up.

"C'mon bakamone! Give it!" He jumped higher, clinging onto Odin's broad shoulders trying to push himself up.

"Over here!" Linda called from the other side of the living room, gesturing at Odin to give her the cube. The blond complied and threw it away.

"No wait!" Kid cried, letting himself drop down from the tower that was Odin and ran towards Linda.

Linda only laughed and handed the cube to the boy.

"Traitor." Odin and Ed called all at once, looking at Linda with a mock-scowl.

The woman only laughed, sitting down to play with the boy.

* * *

Odin opened half an eye as he heard the door crack open and soft light poured into the room. He tensed in reflex, turning around to look at the door. Kid was standing there, wearing his sloppy teddy bears pajamas (the ones Linda bought him of course), his little face sad.

"What is it buddy?" Odin whispered, sitting up.

The movement made Linda stir awake as well, for she was lying against Odin. "What's wrong sweetie?" She asked, worried, while sitting up.

"I can't sleep." Kid let out miserably.

"Oh... come here sweetheart." Linda called compassionately, tapping on the spot next to her.

Kid closed the door behind him and walked to the bed. Lid and Odin made room for him as he crawled up to lie between them.

"I don't know if he's okay..." He mumbled sadly, looking up at Linda as she tucked him in tightly.

"I'm sure he's fine." She assured him softly.

"But he's all alone with no one to protect him..." The boy cried, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"Don't worry, kiddo. We'll find him in the morning and he'll be just fine." Odin promised, petting the boy sympathetically. He pulled out his pillow and handed it to Kid. "Here, have this."

Kid took the pillow, hugging it tightly, snuggling into the covers.

"Do you remember you used to have a pillow?" Odin asked softly.

Kid nodded, smiling slightly, hugging the pillow tightly as he yawned a little yawn.

"I still keep it, ya know." Odin announced with a grin.

Both Linda and Kid smiled, and Kid yawned again. He wrapped one hand around the pillow, and the other reached to take Odin's hand in his. The assassin smiled, looking down lovingly at the boy, watching as the little angel drifted into a peaceful slumber.

A few minutes later and Linda fell asleep as well, one of her arms around Kid's little form. Odin smiled as he watched those two together, sleeping calmly under the pale light that sneaked into the room. He spent the entire night watching them, lost in thought. By dawn he had come to a decision, a decision to change his life and get what he and Kid deserved.

He smiled to himself, truly happy about his resolution, and he turned to lie on his side, facing Kid. He put his arm around him, resting on Linda's arm as it was also wrapped around the boy. He snuggled closer to the two, and allowed himself a few precious hours of sleep.

* * *

He had slept in well into the late morning hours, waking up to find the bed empty. He dressed quickly and hurried down stairs. He was greeted by the delicious aroma of cooking. He walked into the kitchen to snoop around, greeting Dora with a smile as he saw her frying some eggs by the stove.

"Morning sleepy head." Linda greeted him, coming over and placing a light kiss on his cheek.

"Mumm... morning luv..." He mumbled, pulling her closer for a hug and a kiss. After breaking the kiss, he walked out of the kitchen, towards the dinning room. He found Kid sitting by the table, a tall pile of pancakes in front of him. Ed was sitting at the head of the table, a cup of coffee in one hand, and a paper in the other. "Oh, sleeping beauty decided to wake up..." He called, not unkindly, making Kid chuckle.

Odin blushed a bit and sat down in front of Kid, reaching out to pour himself some orange juice. "Thanks Ed... Good morning to you too."

Edward straightened his paper, then folded it and placed it on the table. "No, no! From now on it's ohio gozaimasu!" He declared with a wide grin.

"Ohayou!!" Kid corrected, chuckling, legs swinging back and forth as they dangled down the chair.

"Yurushite kudasai Kido-san!" Ed apologized with a light bow. "I'll never do it again."

Again the boy chuckled, looking up with dancing eyes at Odin.

The man smiled back kindly at the boy. "What are you so happy about kiddo?"

Kid just kept grinning, biting down his lower lip, trying to hold back another laugh. He drew something from underneath the table, holding it up to Odin. "TADA! Look who we found!"

Odin chuckled, reaching to take the small teddy bear. "Yoshi, now where have you been?" He spoke harshly to the bear, waving a reproaching finger at him.

"Apparently Yoshi decided to take a walk with the dog!" Dora explained as she exited the kitchen, carrying a tray full of appetizing foods.

"And you didn't take Kid with you?!" Odin continued to reprimand the bear. "Shame on you, Yoshi. Now you have to make it up to him."

Kid chuckled again and looked up at Linda as she came to sit by him, across of Odin. She ruffled his hair lightly, smiling back. "Maybe Yoshi can make it up to you by going to the fair, huh?" She turned to face her boyfriend with a wink, then looked down at the scruffy little bear. "What do you say, Yoshi, will you take Kid to the carnival?"

Odin made the small toy nod his head and all burst into laughter. They began to have their breakfast, when suddenly a loud BEEP! cut through the pleasant silence. Linda put down her fork and looked up at Odin. The man only nodded, and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Excuse me." He said, getting up, rushing upstairs.

Dora looked questionably at her daughter.

"It's his laptop." Kid explained, pushing some little pieces of bacon away from his omelet. "It always beeps when he has work to do." He continued bitterly, looking up sadly at the elderly couple. "It means he has to go now."

Linda placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder before excusing herself and walking upstairs.

* * *

"You're leaving?" Linda asked as she entered the guest room, seeing Odin sitting by a small desk, typing on his laptop.

The man sighed, pressing the enter key. He turned around to face Linda, who was now leaning on the doorframe, arms folded across her chest, scowling. He sighed again, getting up. "I'm sorry. It's an urgent job." He explained sorrowfully.

The woman sighed in exasperation. "I don't see why they can't take someone else to make all these jobs of yours!" She called, waving her hand in the air angrily.

"Lid, calm down..." He pleaded her softly, approaching her from behind and wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close. He nuzzled his head in her hair, speaking tenderly into her ear. "Besides, I'm the only idiot who would do it."

She sighed, reaching her hand backwards to run through his hair.

"Don't worry. It's a short trip. I'll be back in three days. And I promise the waiting will be worth while..."

"Oh? And why is that Mr. Don Guan?" She asked teasingly, turning around to face his dancing eyes.

He grinned, leaning down to kiss her lips lightly. "Because when I come back, I've got a surprise for you..."

She smiled back at him, now wrapping two arms around his slender neck, pushing up to her tiptoes and catching his lips with hers. "Come back to me soon, you hear?" She said as she broke the kiss. "I hate waiting around for surprises..."

"Don't worry. It'll be worth the wait. Take care of Kid for me, kay?"

"You know I will."

He smiled and nodded his head, pulling away and turning to pack his things. He kissed her goodbye again and walked downstairs to say his thanks and farewell to Kid and Lid's parents. Linda, Kid and Yoshi stood out on the porch, waving their goodbye at him as he drove away.

That same week, L6 was attacked.

*Sniff...* OWARI...

I feel like crying now! Why, why, why am I so cruel to him??! WHY?!!!!

Oh well, angst is what I live for. That and fluff. But why did I do this?! I could have given him a happy life... why... why..? *cries, calms down, looks around and then gulpes* I just hope Hee-Chan won't kill me for abusing him so...

Heero: Naomi, omae o-

Naomi: Yeah, yeah, I know.

Heero: *Death glares*

Naomi: Eeep! *Runs away screaming* Duo-Chan! Duo-Chan!!! He's after me again!!! DUO-CHAN!!!!!!!

Naomi

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