Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Teardrops ❯ Chapter six ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: leta 
Heero suffers at the hands of Relena while Quatre reunites with his father.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.31.2012 | Pages: 6 | Words: 10.2K | Visits: 311 | Status: Work In Progress
Heero suffers at the hands of Relena while Quatre reunites with his father.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.31.2012 | Pages: 6 | Words: 10.2K | Visits: 311 | Status: Work In Progress
Teardrops
Disclaimers: Same old, same old; I own none of the good stuff and there is no profit being made. All you’re gonna get if you sue me is the few dust bunnies that are left after paying for five years of college.
Warnings: Very A.U, Very O.C. Yaoi, psycho Relena, mentions of forced consent and some serious angst. If you can’t handle any edge to a story then you probably shouldn’t read this. Warnings over.
Pairings: 3x4, 5x13, 2x6, 1xR
Notes: So after three long, painful years I am returning to this story in the hopes that I can finish it! I had most of this chapter written before I went on my three year break but the plot had taken a twist I didn’t like. Between my disappointment and the absolute crazy chaos of finishing school I had no time to go look at it-until NOW. The story has gone through a revamp; I love it again and will hopefully get it finished! Yay!
Please enjoy!
***********
January and February passed as Heero continued to meet with Relena. During that time she continued to collect new photos and videos of the boy’s friends and started blackmailing him into more time spent with her, catering to her every whim. So long as Heero obeyed her demands she kept the secrets that had entrapped him.
His time with her quickly began to have a physical toll on the him. He became depressed and reclusive; spending less time with his friends so that they would not see how ill he was. He was tormented by nightmares making it impossible to sleep at nights. He rarely ate and when he did he was often physically ill. Between exhaustion and malnutrition he began to lose weight and the pallor of his complexion was constantly gray.
These changes went unnoticed as the lives of the other boys became more busy and chaotic. Quatre and Trowa had been working for the Maganac Construction Company (MCC); a construction company that had worked with both the Barton’s and the Winner’s in the past. They had both quickly escalated to management positions during their time there. Between work and school Quatre and Trowa were rarely seen at home and were often so tired they went from dinner directly to bed.
Duo was busy with both the investigation of the fire and several school functions. He was asked to take over as class president when the original president moved to a different school. He was also the head of both the prom and graduation committees. As a result most of his time was spent at the school. Zechs took on the leadership of both committees so that he could spend as much time with the braided boy as was possible. They too were rarely home.
Wufei and Treize were busy with making arrangements for Wufei’s permanent move to the United States. Negotiations with the Dragon Clan were lengthy and the paperwork necessary for Wufei’s citizenship was enormous. When they were not working on his move Treize was teaching increasingly rowdy seniors and Wufei was working on college applications; his clan required a decision to be made before they would finalize his paperwork.
Phones were constantly ringing at the Khushrenada house and doors were constantly swinging. It was a rare occurrence for everyone to be home at one time making it pathetically easy for Heero’s frequent absences to go unnoticed. Between chaos and exhaustion the state of his well being was easily overlooked and Heero did his best to stay unnoticed. His friends, though busy, were happy with the way things were turning out and this knowledge made it easier for Heero to endure Relena’s demands. They were happy and he wanted them to stay that way, no matter the cost to him.
***********
Heero cupped his hands under the cold water and rinsed off his face as he glanced around the bathroom. There was no evidence of his recent illness that he could find. With a sigh he rinsed out his mouth one more time and turned the knob to off. He avoided looking in the mirror as he knew exactly what he would see. His eyes had grown dark and haunted looking; the dark rings underneath making them look that much worse. He was pale and he was much to thin as his now prominent cheeks indicated. He knew he looked like crap and didn’t’ need the mirror to remind him of this fact.
//Nobody else sees it though.// He wasn’t sure if that thought was a relief or not. He didn’t want anyone to notice as that would lead to questions he couldn’t answer. He knew what he was going through wasn’t healthy but there was no choice, he refused to sacrifice his family for himself. It was best that his torment remain a secret. He was only slightly disappointed that it was so easy for him to avoid those questions as there had been a time before the chaos when he had been an essential part to the family. Now he felt like little more then a spare body in the house. //I probably don’t even deserve to be part of the family anymore…not after what I’ve let her do…// He closed his eyes and swallowed repeatedly to try and ease the too familiar gorge thoughts of Relena brought.
He was saved when someone started knocking on the bathroom door. Heero sighed weakly, grabbed a towel to dry off his face and opened the door. He was instantly blinded by the flash of Duo’s camera. Heero growled as he clenched the bathroom towel in his fist. “Maxwell…”
“You look beautiful He-man!”
“I’m going to kill you.” Duo just grinned and took a second picture before ducking the thrown towel laughing. Heero’s sigh was a heavy, long suffering one. “What do you want?”
“Dinner’s ready downstairs. It’s a rare occurrence; we’re all here so hurry up with the beauty routine and come hang out!” Duo grinned as Heero rolled his eyes, waitin as he grabbed a second towel and dried his face off. They then made their way downstairs, Heero muttering a few explicatives about the camera he had mistakenly given Duo for Christmas.
In the kitchen Trowa and Wufei were both working on dinner as Treize graded papers. Zechs and Quatre were at the other end of the table, talking about the building MCC was getting ready to start work on. Zechs looked up when the youngest members of the family walked in and smiled warmly at them. Duo returned the smile and plopped down in the seat next to him.
Treize looked up from his papers when Heero sat near him, frowning. “I just graded your test.”
“Bet it’s another perfect score.” Wufei grouched as he sat the salad bowel in the middle of the table. Heero looked up tiredly to his foster father, frowning when he saw the troubled look in Treize’s eyes.
“No, it’s not.” Treize pulled the paper from his stack; a red 80 was written at the top. “You missed five questions and got none of the bonus problems right.” Heero winced; he’d never had such a low score in his life. “Is there something wrong Heero?”
“I…”
“Oh my god he is human!” Duo yelled as he reached for the math paper to inspect it further. Zechs and Quatre looked over his shoulders to see the test, both of which staring in amazement. Treize continued staring at Heero, whom was trying to do his best to melt into the chair beneath him.
Heero searched his mind for any excuse to explain his falling grades. In reality he had done poorly because Relena had demanded a preschool rendezvous and he had been unable to think of anything else as he was taking the test. The simple reminder of that morning had him feeling nauseous all over again and the smell of cooking food was doing little to help. “I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather Treize; I wasn’t able to concentrate yesterday. I’m sorry.”
Zechs looked up from the paper, frowning as Treize accepted Heero’s explanation with a nod of his head and returned to his papers. “Is it a cold?” As Heero turned towards the blond he watched a moment of panic flicker in Heero’s eyes. Panic was not an emotion he was use to seeing in Heero and there was no explanation for it now. The next moment it was gone, hidden behind dull blue eye and it left Zechs to question if he had actually seen it.
“I think it’s more of the flu…I’ll be alright though.” Heero faked a smile before looking down to his lap. Zechs’ frown deepened.
“Well hopefully you’re not too sick; we made spaghetti for dinner tonight. Treize can you please clear the table?” Trowa asked as he sat down the noodles and sauce. He and Wufei both took their seats as Treize set his tests on the nearby counter. “Bon appetite.”
“It looks great! So much better then a Big Mac from McDonalds.” Quatre laughed as he started serving himself. The next few minutes were taken up with mindless small talk as the three mini groups discussed the positives and negatives of various fast foods. Heero took a small helping of spaghetti when he was handed the food but was unable to attempt eating it; the mere thought had him breaking out in a sick sweat and making a mental map of the nearest places he could run to.
Zechs watched Heero stare as his food as Duo laughed with the other boys. He could tell that Heero wasn’t lying about being ill but there was something in Heero’s demeanor that lead Zechs to believe the reason was more then the flu.
“Oh! I have great news everyone!” Even Heero looked towards Duo at his exclamation. “They finished the investigation.” Instantaneously the mood at the table sobered and Zechs turned from watching Heero so that he could hug Duo comfortingly. “It was the gas leak that they initially suspected. Apparently Father tried to fix it himself but the repairs didn’t hold. I was told that based on their autopsies no one suffered; the fire spread to fast for them to even know what hit them.”
Duo’s eyes were a little misty as he finished his explanation and Zechs tightened his hug. Quatre reached over and pat Duo’s hand comfortingly. “I know it doesn’t ease the pain, but I’m glad you finally know.” Duo nodded in agreement and smiled at the blonds on either side of him.
“I’ll be alright; and I want to thank all of you for being so awesome during this. Not sure I could have done it without you.” Duo grinned, causing every else at the table to return his smile. “Now I get to focus on making our senior finale a huge event! I just have to convince the treasurer that fireworks are worth the cost graduation night.”
The table all laughed at Duo’s antics and returned to their meal. Zechs didn’t laugh, he only sighed heavily as he rubbed his temples. “I regret more and more taking on this assignment; you’re crazy.” Duo grinned deviously, causing Quatre to laugh as he rolled his eyes. “Duo’s got events planned for nearly every day of the final two weeks: Prom, the senior talent show, senior movie day, senior parties and of course graduation and project graduation. He’s going to bankrupt the school.”
“I’ve heard the principle say that several times when I work in the office.” Wufei chuckled. “I think he’ll be glad to get rid of Duo and his posse.” Duo laughed excitedly.
“That’s the way I like it, means I left an impression! So who’s going to do what for the talent show?” His question was answered with silence as Wufei, Trowa and Quatre tried to stuff their mouths with spaghetti to avoid answering. “Come on guys! It’s not that bad!” Still no answer. Duo pouted and looked to his last resource. “You’re still going to sing right Heero? You’ve been working on that song since the beginning of the year.”
Heero looked up from his untouched bowel, his eyes slightly wide. Zechs watched as panic once again radiated from the boy’s blue eyes. Not only panic though; he could also see true, genuine fear and deep despair. He frowned worriedly and only half listened as Heero mumbled an answer to the braided boy before looking down to his meal again. “Heero? Are you sure everything’s alright?”
Heero looked up a second time, trying desperately to rebuild his crumbling defenses. “Ah…just tired…in fact I think I’m going to go upstairs.” He managed to mumble, picking up his bowel and depositing it in the kitchen sink. He carefully avoided making eye contact with anyone as they watched him hurry upstairs.
“He must really be feeling bad; he didn’t even touch his dinner.” Quatre said in surprise.
Treize sighed. “I’ll check on him later. He’s probably just overworking himself again.” The attitude at the table remained subdued until the patriarch cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention again. “I was planning on telling everyone but I’ll just fill Heero in later. Wufei has some great news.”
“He’s going to do kung fu in the talent show!”
“No!” Wufei glared at the braided boy across the table before glancing happily to his boyfriend. “What Treize is talking about is that my clan has finally settled. We will be meeting with them one last time tomorrow to confirm the arrangements agreed upon and then I need only wait for the paper work to be processed.”
“Congratulations Wufei! That’s wonderful news!” Quatre gushed. Duo nodded excitedly in agreement.
“Yeah congrats! I’m glad you only have one more meeting so maybe you can start taking your happy pills again!” Wufei glared at the boy and started to get up when Zechs took the liberty to whap Duo over the head. “Ow! Hey! What was that for?”
“Being an idiot.”
“Thank you Zechs.” The blond grinned in acknowledgment before returning to his meal. Duo pouted for a minute or two longer before he too continued eating. The remainder of the evening was spent in idle conversations circling around the comings and goings of their busy schedules.
***********
The room was silent with the exception of a clicking keyboard and Heero’s erratic breathing. He had started working on a computer program in an attempt to distract himself; unfortunately for him the routine was so familiar that memories were still able to torment his current thought process.
“Heero come show Mommy you love her.” The woman pulled him into her lap and started kissing down his neck, ignoring the tears that slipped from his clenched eyes. “Good boy…Mommy is going to love you forever.” The sound of the program beeping gradually drew Heero’s attention back to the computer. He had shut his eyes tightly and slammed his hands onto the keyboard, causing the alarm. Heero took a deep breath to calm his trembling body and ignored the dampness on his cheeks.
“There is absolutely no way you’re gay Heero.” Relena laughed as she kissed him deeply, running her fingers into his boxers. “You wouldn’t be able to please me so if you were.” The girl laughed again. “No…you’re not gay. You’ve just been waiting for me, haven’t you? Don’t worry, I’m yours and you’re mine; forever.” Heero chocked and reached up to rub his eyes tiredly. When he looked up again he saw that he had mistakenly typed a wrong line into the program he was creating. Sighing heavily he backspaced and corrected the error. He rubbed his eyes harshly in an attempt to regain his focus and once again started typing.
He was able to complete nearly half of the program before his phone started ringing. Cold dread washed through his veins and his fingers started trembling again as he reached across his desk and picked it up. “H…hello?”
“Heero!” He flinched at Relena’s unnecessarily loud voice. “Great news baby, I cleared my schedule so we can spend the whole afternoon together. Isn’t that wonderful?” She squealed, causing him to flinch again.
Her words caused cold nausea to join the trembling of Heero’s body. His eyes glanced around the room nervously, like a caged animal at the zoo. He felt like a caged animal, he was trapped. “Relena…” he swallowed. //I can’t do this anymore…I can’t…// Heero’s vision blurred with the renewal of his illness and he shook his head, stealing himself for the fury that was to come. “Relena I can’t do it tomorrow.”
“What?! Why not?! This had better be good Heero or else I’ll-”
“I’m not feeling well Relena.” She stopped mid tirade. “I’ve been sick most of the evening and on top of that I need to get some work done; if I don’t I’m going to lose my job.” He heard her sigh heavily, which wasn’t all together a bad sign. She was at least listening to him this time. “Honestly Relena, I need to get better before I get worse. Remember, when we started this we agreed it wouldn’t interfere with my normal life.”
“Are you saying I’m not part of your life?!”
Heero clenched his jaw shut and took a deep breath before continuing. “You know what I mean. I can’t lose my job Relena and if I don’t get some rest and finish some work I’m going to.”
Heero waited silently as the girl contemplated on the other end. This was the first time he’d asked for a day off and he had no idea how receptive she would be. He did know that he couldn’t possibly meet with her the next day. He was too weak, too tired. He desperately needed the break. He just hoped she’d listened and heard the plea in his voice.
“Alright, I’ll let you have tomorrow off if we go out on Saturday. And I mean all day.”
Trapped. Heero swallowed a second wave of nausea. “Alright Relena.”
“Eee! That’s so much better anyway! Okay, I’ll talk to you later!” Heero listened for the click on the other end before setting his phone down, dropping it half way his hand was trembling so badly. He knew he’d made his situation worse as he would now have to spend an entire day with her without the buffer of school.
And he hadn’t even fought her. He was truly hers.
Heero immediately rushed to the bathroom after that thought. He hadn’t eaten anything since his last bout of sickness and as a result all he did was dry heave. The action was so violent it caused his body to cramp up and pained tears entered his eyes. Minutes passed as Heero fought desperately to regain control of his body and emotions.
“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were pregnant.” Heero weakly looked up to the boy in the doorway, trembling so hard his body was literally shaking. “You’re not are you? That’ll kill your figure.”
Despite the pain he was in Heero managed a small, miserable smile at the joke. “No Duo, I’m not pregnant.” Duo smiled back before turning to get a washcloth and running it under cool water. Heero leaned back against the bathtub, closing his eyes in exhaustion. When Duo sat the washcloth on his forehead he barely managed to open his eyes; it took even more effort to reach up and hold the cloth to his own head. “Thanks…”
“Sure. You gonna be okay?”
Heero shrugged tiredly, fighting the drooping of his eyes as he did so. “Ah, just don’t feel well.”
“I see that. I also know you haven’t been sleeping well lately.” Heero’s eyes snapped open in shock and looked up to the braided boy questioningly. “I hear you pacing at night.” Heero frowned weakly. “So I repeat, are you okay Heero?”
The blue eyed boy made the mistake of looking into Duo’s eyes. There was worry there, and a pleading look that had Heero opening his mouth to confess everything to him.
“Remember Heero, your friends can’t know about us. They’ll only get in the way and try and stop us from meeting. You are mine now. No one is going to change that and I will not hesitate to ruin them if they do get in the way. It’s your job to protect them from that ne?”
Heero snapped his mouth shut quickly and shook his head, forcing a very weak smile. “I’m fine Duo…just some insomnia. Probably how I managed to get sick though.” Violet eyes continued to stare at him until Heero had to look down to escape them. He was trapped; there was no hope for him. He removed the now warm washcloth from his forehead and stood up slowly, holding perfectly still once up to try and ease the vertigo the motion caused. //My body’s shutting down…I need sleep and nourishment…it’s a heavy price to pay but I need tomorrow to recuperate some. I’m losing control.//
Duo watched the other boy sway for a second before stepping forward and wrapping his arm around his waist, stabilizing him. “Let’s get you to bed.” Heero nodded weakly and leaned heavily against the braided boy as they started for his room. As they were walking Heero was vaguely aware of the fact that Duo smelled like vanilla. It was a warm smell, welcoming; just like Duo himself. Heero relaxed further into his friends hold, vaguely realizing that vanilla was his favorite smell.
Duo helped his friend climb into bed, frowning when Heero made no attempt to change out of his school clothes beforehand. “Is there anything I can get you Heero?”
Heero forced his eyes to stay open as he looked up to the braided boy. “Maybe tea?” Duo nodded and turned to head downstairs. “Thank you…Duo.”
“Of course Heero.” Duo smiled warmly at the boy and shut the door behind him. Heero was asleep within seconds.
**********
Zechs looked up when the braided boy walked into the kitchen, frowning when he saw the worry in his boyfriend’s eyes. “Duo…?”
“Where are the others?” Duo asked, glancing around the kitchen. Zechs was the only one in sight and he hadn’t seen anyone else as he made his way downstairs.
“Quatre and Trowa went to bed. Treize forgot something at the school and he and Wufei went to grab it before the alarms are turned on.” Duo nodded before grabbing a tea pot and making his way to the stove. Zechs’ eyes widened in horror and he quickly took the pot from the boy. “You know the rules.” Duo pouted before slouching over to Zechs’ recently vacated seat. The blond laughed at the pout before looking at the teapot questioningly. “Wait…you don’t even drink tea.”
“It’s for Heero.” Duo’s eyes instantly darkened with worry and he looked down to his hands. Zechs turned on the stove before leaning over and placing a hand on top of Duo’s.
“There’s something wrong with him and I sincerely doubt it’s the flu.” Duo nodded in agreement, sighing heavily. “Were you able to get anything out of him?”
“No…almost. I could tell he was about to tell me something but then he got distracted and instantly clammed up again. He said he’s sick because he hasn’t been sleeping lately. For a normal person that might make sense…but not Heero. I’ve never seen him sick Zechs; never. When I went upstairs I found him doubled over in the bathroom dry heaving.”
Zechs frowned worriedly. “That is unlike him.” Duo sighed heavily, frowning. “What are you thinking?”
“There’s something causing this. I just don’t know what.”
“So we’ll start looking.” Duo’s frown disappeared and he looked up to the blond. “If your puppy look didn’t work there’s no way we’ll be able to force it out of him. We’ll keep an eye on him and we’ll figure out what’s wrong. With all of your thieving skills it shouldn’t be a problem for you right?”
Duo’s eyes lit up and he grinned from ear to ear. “I’m dating a genius.” Zechs laughed and happily complied as Duo pulled him forward for a deep kiss. Just then the kettle started whistling and Zechs turned back to the stove to prepare Heero’s tea. “Add a lot of honey; I don’t think he’s eaten all day and he needs the nourishment.” Zechs nodded in agreement and grabbed the sweetener. “I’ll take it up to him.”
“And I’ll tell Treize that Heero’s too ill for school tomorrow.” Duo nodded in agreement and took the cup from the blond. Zechs watched him leave, crossing his arms in thought. //I don’t like this…//
***********
Wufei looked up when Treize walked into their bedroom, frowning at the worried look on his boyfriends face. “What did Zechs say?”
Treize sat down on the bed, toeing off his shoes as he did so. “Heero’s not going to school tomorrow. Apparently he’s been ill all night and Duo said he needs rest.”
“He said he had the flu.” Wufei reminded as he grabbed his comb and started running it through his hair. Treize nodded, sighing heavily. “You think it’s something else?”
“I don’t know. As long as I’ve known Heero he’s never been ill; he’s never even had a cold. This will be the first time he’s ever missed school. It just seems weird.”
Wufei grunted, setting the comb down and quickly changing into his pajamas. “Heero himself has been weird ever since Duo and Zechs got together.” Treize paused halfway through taking off his shirt, frowning questioningly. “He’s been really reclusive since Christmas. He hangs out by himself, doesn’t include us in anything and he doesn’t talk. Granted, we’ve all been fairly busy but he’s been ridiculous. The few times I’ve talked to him he’s kept the conversation short with no details about himself.”
“He use to always talk to you…” Treize said, frowning more as he continued changing.
Wufei shrugged. “He use too, now he’s just an ass.”
Treize frowned in annoyance at the Chinese boy, causing him to laugh at the continued argument about language. Treize finished dressing and sighed as he fell back into the bed. “Well…we’ll have to figure it out later. Tomorrow we have our final conference with your clan and then we should be a bit freer time wise.”
Wufei smirked, kneeling beside the elder man. “I’m looking forward to all of that time.” Treize eyed the boy before laughing and pulling him down for a fairly deep kiss.
*********
Duo walked out of Treize’s classroom with him and Wufei the next morning. “So this is your last meeting right Wufei? That’s got to be exciting!” The Chinese boy nodded.
“It’ll be a relief to know all this boring paperwork is behind us.” Duo chuckled then looked up when his least favorite person walked up to them, smiling sweetly. Wufei and Treize both frowned as well, glaring at Relena. “What do you want woman?”
“I just noticed that Heero wasn’t here and wondered why. Honestly you queer boys are so inhospitable.”
Treize glared very potently at the girl. “Ms. Peacecraft, names like that are not necessary and I strongly encourage you to show your peers more respect then you are currently doing.” Relena looked up to the older man before shrugging her shoulders and turning back to Duo and Wufei.
“I’m sorry, that was terribly rude of me wasn’t it.” Wufei’s glare intensified as Duo rolled his eyes. “Where is Heero if you don’t mind my asking? I missed looking at him during class. It is such a boring class after all.” Treize glared even more potently.
“Ms. Peacecraft this is your last warning.”
Duo frowned, the hairs on the back of his neck sticking up on end. There was something not right here. Relena had never come up to them before; she focused on Heero and acted as if the rest of the group didn’t exist. The only other member of their group she did like to torment on occasion was her brother, and he wasn’t with them. He’d have to talk to Zechs later. “Heero’s sick at home, as if it’s any of your concern. Now go away.”
Relena’s cocky smirk only increased as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and turned to leave. “You might have the rest of the school convinced you’re normal Maxwell, but you don’t fool me.” She smiled venomously then turned to leave. “Wish him well for me; he’s the only thing worth seeing at this ridiculous school.”
They watched as she walked down the hall, all with frowns on their face. “Gods that girl is annoying.” Wufei grumbled. “I can’t wait till we graduate and I can knock some sense into her without worrying about being expelled.” Treize chuckled then looked down to his watch.
“Then you’d just have to worry about hospital bills and law suites.” Wufei chuckled. “Damn, we need to get going or we’ll be late. Duo have a good rest of the day.”
“Ah, thanks. Good luck you two.” Duo grinned and watched them head towards the front doors. //Zechs is subbing for Treize while he’s gone so I’ll have to wait till after school to talk to him. There’s something seriously wrong with that girl. //
**********
Heero…you know you’re mine right? I’m never going to let you go.
Heero started tossing and turning, his hands clenching into fists in his sheets. “No…please don’t…”
You know you like it baby. Why else do you come back to me each time? We’re going to be together forever; just you and me. You’re never going to get away.
“No…” Tears spilled from beneath his eyelids and down his cheeks. “I don’t want to…”
You’re mine Heero, you know you are.
“No!” Heero sat up abruptly, panting heavily as sweat trickled down his arms. He could feel his hands trembling as they clung to the sheets and frowned minutely. Slowly he released the death grip he had and watched his fingers tremble a bit. Just then he heard the crinkle of a paper bag and he looked up, eyes wide and body tense with absolute fear until he identified the other body in the room with him. “Duo…”
“Hey…!” Duo’s eyes were slightly wide but he quickly hid his shock when he grinned. “I skipped out of school during lunch break to bring you this. I know you haven’t been eating and I thought some of your favorites might awaken your appetite.”
The braided boy sat the brown bag and paper cup on Heero’s bedside. Heero leaned over to peer into the bag before smiling weakly. “Is that a BLT wrap from Coffee Cream?”
“You bet; a milkshake too. You like vanilla best right?” Heero looked up to the braided boy and nodded, a genuine smile bringing a little light to his eyes. It was only then that Duo realized how haunted Heero’s eyes looked and had been looking for a while now. “So, how’re you feeling? Did you get some rest? It looked like you were having a pretty nasty nightmare when I walked in.”
Heero sighed heavily before looking up to Duo and trying to fake a reassuring smile. “I rested and I do feel better.” Heero reached into the bag and pulled out the wrap; it was the first time in weeks that food actually held appeal to it. “Thank you for bringing this.”
//End of subject…// Duo succeeded in plastering a grin on his face. “Of course, now I just need to get Zechs’ keys back to him before he realizes they’re gone.” Heero chuckled and nodded. Duo leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. “See you in a little while Heero.” Heero looked up at him with wide eyes then nodded slowly. Duo grinned then dashed through Heero’s bedroom door.
Heero stared at the door for a minute before sighing heavily and turning back to his meal. //I wish it was only a nightmare Duo…then maybe it could be chased away. //
***********
Treize watched the screen in front of him as Wufei’s elders leafed through various forms. Wufei was looking over the same forms, confirming the arrangements made between the two parties. He would be going to school near by; he would be staying with Treize and commuting back and forth. The trust he was to inherit would be sent in small increments to aid with any expenses going to college may incur.
And in one short month he’d be a U.S Citizen, there would be no way for him to be deported back to China if he didn’t want to. The fight for that particular detail was what had held up the paperwork the longest. Wufei’s in-laws, Meiran’s parents, insisted that he still owed their family allegiance despite the demise of the young girl. They had disagreed with his initial transfer to the United States and were quite outraged when they became aware of the fact that Wufei was filing for citizenship. They had tried to bring Wufei back and when that failed they had threatened his trust fund.
There had been two things that weighed in Wufei’s favor. The first was the proximity of his eighteenth birthday; which was a mere month away. The second was Wufei’s enthusiasm to learn abroad and his conviction that he wouldn’t be able to fully acclimate to the U.S culture if he wasn’t a legal part of it. After much deliberation the clan elders had ruled in Wufei’s favor and shut down any further protests his in-laws might have made. Now the only obstacles that remained was to finalize the details, sign the papers and finally process the paperwork.
Wufei glanced over to the elder man, smirking when he saw the happiness in Treize’s eyes. With his left hand he reached under the table and laced his fingers with his boyfriends; out of view of the teleprompter. “It looks to be in order on my end Elder, though I am still weary that my in-laws may try and corrupt the paperwork.”
“Fear not young one; their custody of you will be nullified when you reach eighteen and this paperwork will be completed at that time. We have reached agreements with the U.S government and all is in order.” The elder shuffled through a few more papers before looking up to Treize. “Khushrenada it is very generous of you to continue boarding Wufei even after his transfer agreement is complete.”
“It is my honor Elder. Wufei is an exemplary young man and has become part of the family. We would all miss him if he were to go.”
“Ah yes, you do have two foster children don’t you?”
“Yes, he does; and they have become my best friends. They have taught me much while I’ve been here.”
The elder grunted in acknowledgment before looking down to the paperwork in front of him. When he was satisfied he looked up one last time. “Well Wufei, it is with great sadness that we see you go but it is also with great pride. Continue making us proud, Chang Wufei.”
Wufei smiled and nodded his head. “I will.” The smile grew as he watched the elder sign the documents and place them in the sealed folder. The teleprompter went black and he sat back with a huge sigh of relief. “It’s done.”
“Now the fun part, waiting.” Wufei glanced over to Treize before pulling him forward for a deep kiss.
“We can handle it.” Treize nodded as he threaded his fingers in Wufei’s hair and pulled him closer.
**********
“Mr. Barton you have three messages and Mr. Rashid would like your input on the Johnson building.” Quatre nodded, reaching for the three slips of paper the office secretary was holding out to him. “Mr. Barton the blue prints you requested are on your desk.”
“Ah, thanks.” Trowa said before leaning down and kissing Quatre. “I’ll talk to you later.” The blond nodded smiling then walked into his office. He grabbed the folder off his desk that contained the plans and began looking over them closely, making adjustments as needed.
It wasn’t until he was nearly finished with the plans that he remembered his messages and hit play on the machine. The first two were fairly normal and only required half of his attention but the third caught him completely off guard and ripped his attention from the building plans that had so engrossed him for the past hour.
Quatre…it’s your father. I heard you got a job at MCC and I must say I’m impressed, you’ve come far. Look…this whole thing has gotten completely out of control and I’d like to meet with you and try and work things out. I’ll be at the Bluffs tonight at eight. I hope to see you then.
Frowning in both wonderment and confusion Quatre played the message three times to make sure his mind wasn’t playing a trick on him. When he was sure of the content he smiled weakly and hurried over to Trowa’s office. The other boy was on the phone but did not hesitate to smile at his husband, holding up a finger asking for a minute to complete the phone call.
“That’s excellent news Wufei; we’re both very happy for you.” Quatre walked over to lean against the taller boy’s desk as he watched Trowa nod a couple times in answer to whatever their Chinese friend was saying. “Yeah, no I’m sure we can get off in time. Eight thirty? Sounds great we’ll see you then!” Trowa cradled the phone then reached over to pull Quatre into a kiss. “Wufei said that everything went according to plan and he just needs to wait for the paperwork to be finalized. They’re predicting about a month so it should be just in time for his birthday.”
“That’s great!” Quatre said excitedly.
Trowa nodded his head. “He and Treize want everyone to go out for dinner to celebrate.”
Quatre’s brows furrowed a bit and he started chewing on his lip nervously. “Well…actually I was wondering if I could drop you off at the house and take the SUV for the evening.”
“Oh? Got a hot date I don’t know about?” Trowa asked, smirking. Quatre laughed and shook his head. “You’re not filing for divorce are you?” At Quatre’s absolutely appalled look Trowa couldn’t help but laugh as well. “I give, where are you going? Not that you needed to ask to begin with.”
Quatre winced and started chewing on his lip again. “This…is the part you won’t like so I’ll remind you that you love me and give me everything I want.” Trowa’s eyebrow crept up his forward and he started absently tapping his fingers on Quatre’s knee. “Dad called, he said he wants to work things out…since they didn’t go so well before. He asked me to meet him for dinner tonight.”
Trowa’s eyes had begun to harden the second he heard the word dad and by the end of Quatre’s speech he was shaking his head adamantly. “No, absolutely not!”
“Trowa!”
“No Quat! Do you remember what he did to you before? All of the bruises and fake accidents; he’s a monster and you know it!” Trowa stood up and started pacing the office to work off some of his agitation. Quatre watched him for a second before standing up as well and placing a comforting hand on Trowa’s arm.
“Trowa, I know. Trust me, I do.” Trowa stopped, turning back towards the blond; wrapping his arms around his waist possessively. “But he’s my father Trowa…and I miss my family. I want this chance to try and work things out with him.”
“I don’t like it Quatre.”
The blond smiled weakly then hugged Trowa tightly. “I know…but I’m not going into this blind and I will be careful. I promise…but I need to do this Trowa, so I know I’ve tried every option.”
Trowa frowned even as he hugged the other boy tightly. “Alright…alright go. But you better be beyond careful Quatre. Don’t let that bastard get anywhere near you.” Quatre smiled and nodded. “Damnit I’ve got to stop letting your puppy eyes win every time.” Quatre laughed and pulled Trowa down for a kiss.
**********
Treize knocked quietly on Heero’s door before peeking inside. “Feeling well enough to work I see.” Heero glanced over his shoulder then turned back to the computer program he was working on. “Wufei said you weren’t coming tonight?”
Heero sighed heavily and turned around in his chair to face his foster father; it was obvious he wouldn’t be able to get back to work until Treize was gone. “I told him I wasn’t sure if I felt up to it or not. I still feel really tired but the nausea’s gone for the most part.” Treize walked over and placed a hand on Heero’s forehead to check for a temperature.
“You don’t have a fever.” Heero nodded absently. “You should come, it would mean a lot to Wufei and you’ve been acting pretty isolated lately. It’s becoming worrisome. It might even be a good idea if you went to see Sally tomorrow.”
Heero frowned to mask how ill that idea made him. “Why; because I’m a little under the weather and don’t feel like going out for Chinese food? You’re acting paranoid Treize.”
“And you’re acting like an ass Heero. Wufei’s your best friend and you’re not going to go celebrate the fact that he gets to stay here permanently now? No, you are coming tonight and you are going to go see Sally tomorrow. I don’t know what’s come over you lately; I don’t know if you’re relapsing of if you’re still having a hard time with Duo but whatever the cause this behavior has got to stop. Get ready to go, now.”
Heero watched Treize stalk out of the room, his frown deepening as he glared down to his hands. //I’m ruining everything…//
**********
“You think it has something to do with Relena?” Zechs asked as he and his lover drove to the restaurant; the rest of their group was riding in Treize’s Jaguar.
Duo crossed his arms. “I know she was acting really weird today when she came up to Wufei and I; like she knew something and we didn’t. It could just be that your sister’s a psychopath-”
“That is a given.”
Duo chuckled and nodded in agreement. “Ok, so that’s a given. I just think she has something up her sleeve that might have to do with Heero’s behavior lately. I feel it in my gut.”
Zechs reached across the car and laced his fingers with Duo’s. “I trust you Duo, and if anyone knows what a sneaky, conniving, bitch Relena can be it’s me.” Duo chuckled and nodded, leaning his head against the window and watching the silver car in front of them. The blond glanced sideways for a moment then tightened his hold on Duo’s hand. “Duo…I’m worried too.”
The braided boy looked over to his boyfriend before nodding with a grin. “We’ll figure it out. He’s no match for the two of us.” Zechs laughed and turned into the restaurants parking lot.
************
“Are you sure Relena?” The girl only smiled at her sister.
************
At dinner Heero sat with his head slumped into his fist, picking at the food in front of him. Treize made it a point to ignore the down trodden boy; instead his attention was focused on Wufei and Duo. The braided boy had somehow convinced Wufei to teach him how to use chopsticks, an adventure that was giving Wufei an astronomical headache and making both Zechs and Treize laugh. Trowa managed a few small smiles during the charade but his smile faded as he checked his cell phone every few minutes.
Heero was the only one who noticed Trowa’s fidgety behavior. After watching Trowa repeated the process of picking up and setting down his phone five times Heero frowned and sat up a little, setting his chopsticks in his bowel. “Trowa? Is something wrong?” The banged boy looked across the table before sighing heavily and looking at his phone again.
“I just wish Quatre’d check in.”
“Where is he? All you two said was that he had dinner plans.” Trowa picked up his chopsticks and took two bites of his beef and broccoli meal before checking his phone again. The more nervous Trowa seemed to get the less lethargic Heero began to feel as true worry took exhaustions place. “Trowa?”
Trowa sighed heavily and double checked his phone. “He’s having dinner with his father.” Trowa watched as Heero’s eyes opened wide and then narrowed in anger. He started to open his mouth to protest when Trowa held up a hand to stop him. “I know, I made the same arguments as I’m sure you’re about to make. The damn bastard called while we were at work and told Quatre that he wanted to work out their problems. Quatre misses his family and he thinks that this meeting is going to solve all their problems.”
“You could have said no, he would have listened to you.”
Trowa growled at the other boy, glancing to the other side of the table as Wufei jumped to his feet and started yelling at Duo in Chinese; throwing down his chopsticks. Duo squeaked as he hid behind his blond lover in an attempt to avoid his infuriated friend. “Do you think I actually smiled and said “sure Quatre, go and have dinner with your father, I hope you have a great time!”? No, I said no. I expressed my concern and he gave me those damn puppy eyes that I can never say no to.” Trowa took a few more nervous bites of his meal before checking his phone again.
Heero watched him for a minute, picking up his chopsticks again. He tried a small bite of his sushi before frowning weakly and setting it back down; his stomach not quite ready for the raw fish. “Trowa we don’t like it; but, Quatre is smart. He’ll take care of himself.”
“Not when it comes to his dad Heero…he lets him intimidate him…what if…”
“If you’re so worried just call him.” Trowa frowned, contemplating the idea before sighing in aggravation and setting his phone down in the middle of the table.
“No, you’re right. Quatre’s smart; I should trust him.” Heero nodded and looked back down to his meal. Trowa looked over to the rest of their group. Duo was smirking at Zechs as he demonstrated an expert use of the chopsticks he had just frustrated Wufei with. Zechs started laughing, which caused Treize and Wufei to look up and over to the braided boy. Wufei instantly started yelling again in Chinese and attempting to get up and cause physical harm to the boy. Treize rolled his eyes as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend to keep him in his seat.
Heero managed a slight smile at the antics as he once again attempted to stomach his once favorite meal. Trowa watched him for a second, poking at his own food now. “You’re still not feeling well?”
“No, not really. You’d think I’d be able to eat sushi since I was able to stomach the milkshake Duo brought me today.”
“Oh?” Trowa’s eyebrow crept up his forehead. “He brought you food?”
“Ah, he stopped by during lunch.” Trowa’s eyebrow rose further and he glanced over to the braided boy whom was once again hiding behind Zechs as Wufei continued to rant at him. He then glanced back to Heero with a knowing look. Heero frowned then his eyes widened. “It’s not like that. He’s my friend; he brought me some lunch because he knew I haven’t been eating much. Nothing more.”
“Are you sure?”
Heero glared at his friend weakly. “Yes, I’m sure. He’s my friend; always has been and always will be. It would be great if I could speak to him without everyone assuming I’m trying to get in his pants. I’ve accepted the fact that he’s with Zechs and I wish you all would accept the fact that I’m not pining after him.” Trowa watched Heero for a long moment before nodding his head slowly in acknowledgment.
Trowa went back to his meal as Heero continued to pick at his. On the other end of the table Duo was now attempting to steal part of Zech’s meal and the blond was holding his plate out of his reach. Wufei had finally calmed enough to begin eating his meal and was dissecting the ingredients with his boyfriend. After several minutes of Zechs holding his plate above his head he finally sighed in aggravation and ordered Duo a second plate, much to the braided boy’s pleasure. Trowa rolled his eyes in amusement while Heero smiled weakly.
When the check came Wufei passed out the fortune cookies as Treize fished for his credit card. Duo looked at his fortune and started laughing. “You will conquer any obstacle with perseverance…in bed!”
His voice was so sleazy Zechs couldn’t help but laugh at the braided boy. “It doesn’t say that!”
“No but it’s funnier this way. What’s yours say?”
Zechs cracked his cookie open and pulled out the paper to read his fortune. “Never give up.”
“In bed!” Zechs started laughing all over again and shook his head in disbelief. Treize chuckled as he too opened his cookie and read his fortune. He, Wufei and Heero were all treated to the same antics.
Trowa was the last to open his and his complexion paled as he read the small slip of paper. “Hold onto what you love lest it slip away…”
“Ah, that ones gloomy no matter what you do to it!” Duo complained obnoxiously. Trowa quickly reached for his phone and dialed Quatre’s number. Duo frowned in worry seeing this. “Trowa is everything ok?”
Everyone had been watching Trowa when he began reading his fortune; they were all now frowning in worry. Heero glanced away from Trowa and upon seeing their confusion decided to enlighten them. “He’s had a bad feeling all night. Quatre’s having dinner with his father.” The table immediately lapsed into silence, watching as Trowa tapped his thumb anxiously while listening to the phone ring.
After the sixth ring a female’s voice answered the phone, causing Trowa’s complexion to change from pale to pasty. “Hello?”
“I’m looking for Quatre Winner, this is his phone. Who’re you?”
“Sir, who am I speaking with?”
The hand that had been tapping on the table suddenly clinched into a fist, crushing the cookie as he ground his teeth in frustration. “This is his fucking husband! Where is he? Who the hell are you?!”
“Sir, I am a nurse at Saving Grace Hospital. This phone was found on a young man that was brought into the ER this evening.” Trowa’s eyes became haunted and his fist was now trembling. Treize gave the waitress his card and told her to hurry while the others started preparing to leave. “Can you come to the hospital to make an identification? We believe he’s the one you’re looking for.” Trowa wasn’t sure if he agreed before the phone fell from his now numb fingers.
***********
Heero sat with the rest of the group in the waiting room, all of them desperate for any news. Once they had arrived at the hospital Trowa had been escorted back into the emergency room and they hadn’t heard anything since then. The nursing staff would tell them nothing as they were not related to the patient in question. So they sat, with no news for three very long hours.
During that time each of them had taken their turn pacing anxiously, fetching coffee or harassing the staff at the front desk. Now Duo was sitting beside Zechs, dozing on his shoulder as Zechs wrapped his arms around the braided boy comfortingly. The blond had laid his head against his boyfriends and was about to doze off as well. Treize and Wufei sat across from them, the older man typing up his lesson plans for a substitute the next day while Wufei numbly looked over a National Geographic. Heero sat apart from the group, watching the latest story on the local news.
“We are standing outside of Saving Grace Hospital where Quatre Rebaba Winner was rushed after he was found in The Bluffs parking lot this evening. Employees of the restaurant claim that the Winner heir was having dinner with his father when they began arguing. Winner Senior left just before his son and is now being held for questioning. Police have taped off the area and are releasing few details. Winner is said to be in serious condition.”
The news changed from Quatre to the sports front and Heero looked away, his eyes drooping as he laid his head back against his chair. Besides the TV there was little sound in the waiting room, each member too tired and too anxious to attempt conversation.
At a quarter to one Trowa stumbled into the waiting room, his eyes red rimmed and surrounded by dark circles. Heero was the first to notice him and stood up immediately. “How is he?” His question roused the others and they all stood up immediately to envelope their friend.
“He’s in surgery.” Trowa whispered, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “He said Winner left the restaurant angrily when Quatre refused to divorce me.” Heero moved aside so that Trowa could sit down in the chair he’d recently vacated, the rest of the group following suite. “He said he stayed long enough to pay their bill before leaving, he was almost to the car when he was grabbed from behind and assaulted. When he couldn’t move anymore his attacker left him lying there…that’s when he was run over.”
“What?! Who would do that?” Duo asked in shock.
“His father did…it was his car.” Heero’s eyes narrowed in anger, as did Wufei’s. Zechs simply swore under his breath. “His leg is broken in three different spots; the doctor said he’s going to have to put a rod in so that it will heal normally. Besides that he’s got some broken ribs, a concussion and a lot of bruising.”
“He’ll be alright though?” Treize asked, frowning in worry. Trowa nodded slowly, his head drooping in exhaustion.
“Physically he’ll heal. It’s the mental trauma that I’m worried about.”
Heero rubbed Trowa’s shoulders supportively. “We’ll see him through it Trowa, he’ll be alright.”
Trowa’s sigh was shaky and he leaned into the support Heero offered. “I shouldn’t have let him go Heero…I should have stopped him.” Tears spilled down his cheeks and he started sobbing uncontrollably into Heero’s shoulder.
**********
I hope the wait was worth it and that you’re all enjoying the story! I promise that it will not be three years before this story is finished! Reviews and comments are strongly encouraged and will hasten the release of the next chapter. ^_~
Next time: Quatre recovers from his assault while Duo and Zechs attempt to discover the mystery of Heero’s behavior.
P.S-I have tried posting this chapter in every way I know how and it either posts in such an obnoxious format that it’s impossible to read or half of the thing is italicized. I will keep working on that. >_<
Converting /tmp/phpBKwXKr to /dev/stdout
Disclaimers: Same old, same old; I own none of the good stuff and there is no profit being made. All you’re gonna get if you sue me is the few dust bunnies that are left after paying for five years of college.
Warnings: Very A.U, Very O.C. Yaoi, psycho Relena, mentions of forced consent and some serious angst. If you can’t handle any edge to a story then you probably shouldn’t read this. Warnings over.
Pairings: 3x4, 5x13, 2x6, 1xR
Notes: So after three long, painful years I am returning to this story in the hopes that I can finish it! I had most of this chapter written before I went on my three year break but the plot had taken a twist I didn’t like. Between my disappointment and the absolute crazy chaos of finishing school I had no time to go look at it-until NOW. The story has gone through a revamp; I love it again and will hopefully get it finished! Yay!
Please enjoy!
***********
January and February passed as Heero continued to meet with Relena. During that time she continued to collect new photos and videos of the boy’s friends and started blackmailing him into more time spent with her, catering to her every whim. So long as Heero obeyed her demands she kept the secrets that had entrapped him.
His time with her quickly began to have a physical toll on the him. He became depressed and reclusive; spending less time with his friends so that they would not see how ill he was. He was tormented by nightmares making it impossible to sleep at nights. He rarely ate and when he did he was often physically ill. Between exhaustion and malnutrition he began to lose weight and the pallor of his complexion was constantly gray.
These changes went unnoticed as the lives of the other boys became more busy and chaotic. Quatre and Trowa had been working for the Maganac Construction Company (MCC); a construction company that had worked with both the Barton’s and the Winner’s in the past. They had both quickly escalated to management positions during their time there. Between work and school Quatre and Trowa were rarely seen at home and were often so tired they went from dinner directly to bed.
Duo was busy with both the investigation of the fire and several school functions. He was asked to take over as class president when the original president moved to a different school. He was also the head of both the prom and graduation committees. As a result most of his time was spent at the school. Zechs took on the leadership of both committees so that he could spend as much time with the braided boy as was possible. They too were rarely home.
Wufei and Treize were busy with making arrangements for Wufei’s permanent move to the United States. Negotiations with the Dragon Clan were lengthy and the paperwork necessary for Wufei’s citizenship was enormous. When they were not working on his move Treize was teaching increasingly rowdy seniors and Wufei was working on college applications; his clan required a decision to be made before they would finalize his paperwork.
Phones were constantly ringing at the Khushrenada house and doors were constantly swinging. It was a rare occurrence for everyone to be home at one time making it pathetically easy for Heero’s frequent absences to go unnoticed. Between chaos and exhaustion the state of his well being was easily overlooked and Heero did his best to stay unnoticed. His friends, though busy, were happy with the way things were turning out and this knowledge made it easier for Heero to endure Relena’s demands. They were happy and he wanted them to stay that way, no matter the cost to him.
***********
Heero cupped his hands under the cold water and rinsed off his face as he glanced around the bathroom. There was no evidence of his recent illness that he could find. With a sigh he rinsed out his mouth one more time and turned the knob to off. He avoided looking in the mirror as he knew exactly what he would see. His eyes had grown dark and haunted looking; the dark rings underneath making them look that much worse. He was pale and he was much to thin as his now prominent cheeks indicated. He knew he looked like crap and didn’t’ need the mirror to remind him of this fact.
//Nobody else sees it though.// He wasn’t sure if that thought was a relief or not. He didn’t want anyone to notice as that would lead to questions he couldn’t answer. He knew what he was going through wasn’t healthy but there was no choice, he refused to sacrifice his family for himself. It was best that his torment remain a secret. He was only slightly disappointed that it was so easy for him to avoid those questions as there had been a time before the chaos when he had been an essential part to the family. Now he felt like little more then a spare body in the house. //I probably don’t even deserve to be part of the family anymore…not after what I’ve let her do…// He closed his eyes and swallowed repeatedly to try and ease the too familiar gorge thoughts of Relena brought.
He was saved when someone started knocking on the bathroom door. Heero sighed weakly, grabbed a towel to dry off his face and opened the door. He was instantly blinded by the flash of Duo’s camera. Heero growled as he clenched the bathroom towel in his fist. “Maxwell…”
“You look beautiful He-man!”
“I’m going to kill you.” Duo just grinned and took a second picture before ducking the thrown towel laughing. Heero’s sigh was a heavy, long suffering one. “What do you want?”
“Dinner’s ready downstairs. It’s a rare occurrence; we’re all here so hurry up with the beauty routine and come hang out!” Duo grinned as Heero rolled his eyes, waitin as he grabbed a second towel and dried his face off. They then made their way downstairs, Heero muttering a few explicatives about the camera he had mistakenly given Duo for Christmas.
In the kitchen Trowa and Wufei were both working on dinner as Treize graded papers. Zechs and Quatre were at the other end of the table, talking about the building MCC was getting ready to start work on. Zechs looked up when the youngest members of the family walked in and smiled warmly at them. Duo returned the smile and plopped down in the seat next to him.
Treize looked up from his papers when Heero sat near him, frowning. “I just graded your test.”
“Bet it’s another perfect score.” Wufei grouched as he sat the salad bowel in the middle of the table. Heero looked up tiredly to his foster father, frowning when he saw the troubled look in Treize’s eyes.
“No, it’s not.” Treize pulled the paper from his stack; a red 80 was written at the top. “You missed five questions and got none of the bonus problems right.” Heero winced; he’d never had such a low score in his life. “Is there something wrong Heero?”
“I…”
“Oh my god he is human!” Duo yelled as he reached for the math paper to inspect it further. Zechs and Quatre looked over his shoulders to see the test, both of which staring in amazement. Treize continued staring at Heero, whom was trying to do his best to melt into the chair beneath him.
Heero searched his mind for any excuse to explain his falling grades. In reality he had done poorly because Relena had demanded a preschool rendezvous and he had been unable to think of anything else as he was taking the test. The simple reminder of that morning had him feeling nauseous all over again and the smell of cooking food was doing little to help. “I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather Treize; I wasn’t able to concentrate yesterday. I’m sorry.”
Zechs looked up from the paper, frowning as Treize accepted Heero’s explanation with a nod of his head and returned to his papers. “Is it a cold?” As Heero turned towards the blond he watched a moment of panic flicker in Heero’s eyes. Panic was not an emotion he was use to seeing in Heero and there was no explanation for it now. The next moment it was gone, hidden behind dull blue eye and it left Zechs to question if he had actually seen it.
“I think it’s more of the flu…I’ll be alright though.” Heero faked a smile before looking down to his lap. Zechs’ frown deepened.
“Well hopefully you’re not too sick; we made spaghetti for dinner tonight. Treize can you please clear the table?” Trowa asked as he sat down the noodles and sauce. He and Wufei both took their seats as Treize set his tests on the nearby counter. “Bon appetite.”
“It looks great! So much better then a Big Mac from McDonalds.” Quatre laughed as he started serving himself. The next few minutes were taken up with mindless small talk as the three mini groups discussed the positives and negatives of various fast foods. Heero took a small helping of spaghetti when he was handed the food but was unable to attempt eating it; the mere thought had him breaking out in a sick sweat and making a mental map of the nearest places he could run to.
Zechs watched Heero stare as his food as Duo laughed with the other boys. He could tell that Heero wasn’t lying about being ill but there was something in Heero’s demeanor that lead Zechs to believe the reason was more then the flu.
“Oh! I have great news everyone!” Even Heero looked towards Duo at his exclamation. “They finished the investigation.” Instantaneously the mood at the table sobered and Zechs turned from watching Heero so that he could hug Duo comfortingly. “It was the gas leak that they initially suspected. Apparently Father tried to fix it himself but the repairs didn’t hold. I was told that based on their autopsies no one suffered; the fire spread to fast for them to even know what hit them.”
Duo’s eyes were a little misty as he finished his explanation and Zechs tightened his hug. Quatre reached over and pat Duo’s hand comfortingly. “I know it doesn’t ease the pain, but I’m glad you finally know.” Duo nodded in agreement and smiled at the blonds on either side of him.
“I’ll be alright; and I want to thank all of you for being so awesome during this. Not sure I could have done it without you.” Duo grinned, causing every else at the table to return his smile. “Now I get to focus on making our senior finale a huge event! I just have to convince the treasurer that fireworks are worth the cost graduation night.”
The table all laughed at Duo’s antics and returned to their meal. Zechs didn’t laugh, he only sighed heavily as he rubbed his temples. “I regret more and more taking on this assignment; you’re crazy.” Duo grinned deviously, causing Quatre to laugh as he rolled his eyes. “Duo’s got events planned for nearly every day of the final two weeks: Prom, the senior talent show, senior movie day, senior parties and of course graduation and project graduation. He’s going to bankrupt the school.”
“I’ve heard the principle say that several times when I work in the office.” Wufei chuckled. “I think he’ll be glad to get rid of Duo and his posse.” Duo laughed excitedly.
“That’s the way I like it, means I left an impression! So who’s going to do what for the talent show?” His question was answered with silence as Wufei, Trowa and Quatre tried to stuff their mouths with spaghetti to avoid answering. “Come on guys! It’s not that bad!” Still no answer. Duo pouted and looked to his last resource. “You’re still going to sing right Heero? You’ve been working on that song since the beginning of the year.”
Heero looked up from his untouched bowel, his eyes slightly wide. Zechs watched as panic once again radiated from the boy’s blue eyes. Not only panic though; he could also see true, genuine fear and deep despair. He frowned worriedly and only half listened as Heero mumbled an answer to the braided boy before looking down to his meal again. “Heero? Are you sure everything’s alright?”
Heero looked up a second time, trying desperately to rebuild his crumbling defenses. “Ah…just tired…in fact I think I’m going to go upstairs.” He managed to mumble, picking up his bowel and depositing it in the kitchen sink. He carefully avoided making eye contact with anyone as they watched him hurry upstairs.
“He must really be feeling bad; he didn’t even touch his dinner.” Quatre said in surprise.
Treize sighed. “I’ll check on him later. He’s probably just overworking himself again.” The attitude at the table remained subdued until the patriarch cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention again. “I was planning on telling everyone but I’ll just fill Heero in later. Wufei has some great news.”
“He’s going to do kung fu in the talent show!”
“No!” Wufei glared at the braided boy across the table before glancing happily to his boyfriend. “What Treize is talking about is that my clan has finally settled. We will be meeting with them one last time tomorrow to confirm the arrangements agreed upon and then I need only wait for the paper work to be processed.”
“Congratulations Wufei! That’s wonderful news!” Quatre gushed. Duo nodded excitedly in agreement.
“Yeah congrats! I’m glad you only have one more meeting so maybe you can start taking your happy pills again!” Wufei glared at the boy and started to get up when Zechs took the liberty to whap Duo over the head. “Ow! Hey! What was that for?”
“Being an idiot.”
“Thank you Zechs.” The blond grinned in acknowledgment before returning to his meal. Duo pouted for a minute or two longer before he too continued eating. The remainder of the evening was spent in idle conversations circling around the comings and goings of their busy schedules.
***********
The room was silent with the exception of a clicking keyboard and Heero’s erratic breathing. He had started working on a computer program in an attempt to distract himself; unfortunately for him the routine was so familiar that memories were still able to torment his current thought process.
“Heero come show Mommy you love her.” The woman pulled him into her lap and started kissing down his neck, ignoring the tears that slipped from his clenched eyes. “Good boy…Mommy is going to love you forever.” The sound of the program beeping gradually drew Heero’s attention back to the computer. He had shut his eyes tightly and slammed his hands onto the keyboard, causing the alarm. Heero took a deep breath to calm his trembling body and ignored the dampness on his cheeks.
“There is absolutely no way you’re gay Heero.” Relena laughed as she kissed him deeply, running her fingers into his boxers. “You wouldn’t be able to please me so if you were.” The girl laughed again. “No…you’re not gay. You’ve just been waiting for me, haven’t you? Don’t worry, I’m yours and you’re mine; forever.” Heero chocked and reached up to rub his eyes tiredly. When he looked up again he saw that he had mistakenly typed a wrong line into the program he was creating. Sighing heavily he backspaced and corrected the error. He rubbed his eyes harshly in an attempt to regain his focus and once again started typing.
He was able to complete nearly half of the program before his phone started ringing. Cold dread washed through his veins and his fingers started trembling again as he reached across his desk and picked it up. “H…hello?”
“Heero!” He flinched at Relena’s unnecessarily loud voice. “Great news baby, I cleared my schedule so we can spend the whole afternoon together. Isn’t that wonderful?” She squealed, causing him to flinch again.
Her words caused cold nausea to join the trembling of Heero’s body. His eyes glanced around the room nervously, like a caged animal at the zoo. He felt like a caged animal, he was trapped. “Relena…” he swallowed. //I can’t do this anymore…I can’t…// Heero’s vision blurred with the renewal of his illness and he shook his head, stealing himself for the fury that was to come. “Relena I can’t do it tomorrow.”
“What?! Why not?! This had better be good Heero or else I’ll-”
“I’m not feeling well Relena.” She stopped mid tirade. “I’ve been sick most of the evening and on top of that I need to get some work done; if I don’t I’m going to lose my job.” He heard her sigh heavily, which wasn’t all together a bad sign. She was at least listening to him this time. “Honestly Relena, I need to get better before I get worse. Remember, when we started this we agreed it wouldn’t interfere with my normal life.”
“Are you saying I’m not part of your life?!”
Heero clenched his jaw shut and took a deep breath before continuing. “You know what I mean. I can’t lose my job Relena and if I don’t get some rest and finish some work I’m going to.”
Heero waited silently as the girl contemplated on the other end. This was the first time he’d asked for a day off and he had no idea how receptive she would be. He did know that he couldn’t possibly meet with her the next day. He was too weak, too tired. He desperately needed the break. He just hoped she’d listened and heard the plea in his voice.
“Alright, I’ll let you have tomorrow off if we go out on Saturday. And I mean all day.”
Trapped. Heero swallowed a second wave of nausea. “Alright Relena.”
“Eee! That’s so much better anyway! Okay, I’ll talk to you later!” Heero listened for the click on the other end before setting his phone down, dropping it half way his hand was trembling so badly. He knew he’d made his situation worse as he would now have to spend an entire day with her without the buffer of school.
And he hadn’t even fought her. He was truly hers.
Heero immediately rushed to the bathroom after that thought. He hadn’t eaten anything since his last bout of sickness and as a result all he did was dry heave. The action was so violent it caused his body to cramp up and pained tears entered his eyes. Minutes passed as Heero fought desperately to regain control of his body and emotions.
“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were pregnant.” Heero weakly looked up to the boy in the doorway, trembling so hard his body was literally shaking. “You’re not are you? That’ll kill your figure.”
Despite the pain he was in Heero managed a small, miserable smile at the joke. “No Duo, I’m not pregnant.” Duo smiled back before turning to get a washcloth and running it under cool water. Heero leaned back against the bathtub, closing his eyes in exhaustion. When Duo sat the washcloth on his forehead he barely managed to open his eyes; it took even more effort to reach up and hold the cloth to his own head. “Thanks…”
“Sure. You gonna be okay?”
Heero shrugged tiredly, fighting the drooping of his eyes as he did so. “Ah, just don’t feel well.”
“I see that. I also know you haven’t been sleeping well lately.” Heero’s eyes snapped open in shock and looked up to the braided boy questioningly. “I hear you pacing at night.” Heero frowned weakly. “So I repeat, are you okay Heero?”
The blue eyed boy made the mistake of looking into Duo’s eyes. There was worry there, and a pleading look that had Heero opening his mouth to confess everything to him.
“Remember Heero, your friends can’t know about us. They’ll only get in the way and try and stop us from meeting. You are mine now. No one is going to change that and I will not hesitate to ruin them if they do get in the way. It’s your job to protect them from that ne?”
Heero snapped his mouth shut quickly and shook his head, forcing a very weak smile. “I’m fine Duo…just some insomnia. Probably how I managed to get sick though.” Violet eyes continued to stare at him until Heero had to look down to escape them. He was trapped; there was no hope for him. He removed the now warm washcloth from his forehead and stood up slowly, holding perfectly still once up to try and ease the vertigo the motion caused. //My body’s shutting down…I need sleep and nourishment…it’s a heavy price to pay but I need tomorrow to recuperate some. I’m losing control.//
Duo watched the other boy sway for a second before stepping forward and wrapping his arm around his waist, stabilizing him. “Let’s get you to bed.” Heero nodded weakly and leaned heavily against the braided boy as they started for his room. As they were walking Heero was vaguely aware of the fact that Duo smelled like vanilla. It was a warm smell, welcoming; just like Duo himself. Heero relaxed further into his friends hold, vaguely realizing that vanilla was his favorite smell.
Duo helped his friend climb into bed, frowning when Heero made no attempt to change out of his school clothes beforehand. “Is there anything I can get you Heero?”
Heero forced his eyes to stay open as he looked up to the braided boy. “Maybe tea?” Duo nodded and turned to head downstairs. “Thank you…Duo.”
“Of course Heero.” Duo smiled warmly at the boy and shut the door behind him. Heero was asleep within seconds.
**********
Zechs looked up when the braided boy walked into the kitchen, frowning when he saw the worry in his boyfriend’s eyes. “Duo…?”
“Where are the others?” Duo asked, glancing around the kitchen. Zechs was the only one in sight and he hadn’t seen anyone else as he made his way downstairs.
“Quatre and Trowa went to bed. Treize forgot something at the school and he and Wufei went to grab it before the alarms are turned on.” Duo nodded before grabbing a tea pot and making his way to the stove. Zechs’ eyes widened in horror and he quickly took the pot from the boy. “You know the rules.” Duo pouted before slouching over to Zechs’ recently vacated seat. The blond laughed at the pout before looking at the teapot questioningly. “Wait…you don’t even drink tea.”
“It’s for Heero.” Duo’s eyes instantly darkened with worry and he looked down to his hands. Zechs turned on the stove before leaning over and placing a hand on top of Duo’s.
“There’s something wrong with him and I sincerely doubt it’s the flu.” Duo nodded in agreement, sighing heavily. “Were you able to get anything out of him?”
“No…almost. I could tell he was about to tell me something but then he got distracted and instantly clammed up again. He said he’s sick because he hasn’t been sleeping lately. For a normal person that might make sense…but not Heero. I’ve never seen him sick Zechs; never. When I went upstairs I found him doubled over in the bathroom dry heaving.”
Zechs frowned worriedly. “That is unlike him.” Duo sighed heavily, frowning. “What are you thinking?”
“There’s something causing this. I just don’t know what.”
“So we’ll start looking.” Duo’s frown disappeared and he looked up to the blond. “If your puppy look didn’t work there’s no way we’ll be able to force it out of him. We’ll keep an eye on him and we’ll figure out what’s wrong. With all of your thieving skills it shouldn’t be a problem for you right?”
Duo’s eyes lit up and he grinned from ear to ear. “I’m dating a genius.” Zechs laughed and happily complied as Duo pulled him forward for a deep kiss. Just then the kettle started whistling and Zechs turned back to the stove to prepare Heero’s tea. “Add a lot of honey; I don’t think he’s eaten all day and he needs the nourishment.” Zechs nodded in agreement and grabbed the sweetener. “I’ll take it up to him.”
“And I’ll tell Treize that Heero’s too ill for school tomorrow.” Duo nodded in agreement and took the cup from the blond. Zechs watched him leave, crossing his arms in thought. //I don’t like this…//
***********
Wufei looked up when Treize walked into their bedroom, frowning at the worried look on his boyfriends face. “What did Zechs say?”
Treize sat down on the bed, toeing off his shoes as he did so. “Heero’s not going to school tomorrow. Apparently he’s been ill all night and Duo said he needs rest.”
“He said he had the flu.” Wufei reminded as he grabbed his comb and started running it through his hair. Treize nodded, sighing heavily. “You think it’s something else?”
“I don’t know. As long as I’ve known Heero he’s never been ill; he’s never even had a cold. This will be the first time he’s ever missed school. It just seems weird.”
Wufei grunted, setting the comb down and quickly changing into his pajamas. “Heero himself has been weird ever since Duo and Zechs got together.” Treize paused halfway through taking off his shirt, frowning questioningly. “He’s been really reclusive since Christmas. He hangs out by himself, doesn’t include us in anything and he doesn’t talk. Granted, we’ve all been fairly busy but he’s been ridiculous. The few times I’ve talked to him he’s kept the conversation short with no details about himself.”
“He use to always talk to you…” Treize said, frowning more as he continued changing.
Wufei shrugged. “He use too, now he’s just an ass.”
Treize frowned in annoyance at the Chinese boy, causing him to laugh at the continued argument about language. Treize finished dressing and sighed as he fell back into the bed. “Well…we’ll have to figure it out later. Tomorrow we have our final conference with your clan and then we should be a bit freer time wise.”
Wufei smirked, kneeling beside the elder man. “I’m looking forward to all of that time.” Treize eyed the boy before laughing and pulling him down for a fairly deep kiss.
*********
Duo walked out of Treize’s classroom with him and Wufei the next morning. “So this is your last meeting right Wufei? That’s got to be exciting!” The Chinese boy nodded.
“It’ll be a relief to know all this boring paperwork is behind us.” Duo chuckled then looked up when his least favorite person walked up to them, smiling sweetly. Wufei and Treize both frowned as well, glaring at Relena. “What do you want woman?”
“I just noticed that Heero wasn’t here and wondered why. Honestly you queer boys are so inhospitable.”
Treize glared very potently at the girl. “Ms. Peacecraft, names like that are not necessary and I strongly encourage you to show your peers more respect then you are currently doing.” Relena looked up to the older man before shrugging her shoulders and turning back to Duo and Wufei.
“I’m sorry, that was terribly rude of me wasn’t it.” Wufei’s glare intensified as Duo rolled his eyes. “Where is Heero if you don’t mind my asking? I missed looking at him during class. It is such a boring class after all.” Treize glared even more potently.
“Ms. Peacecraft this is your last warning.”
Duo frowned, the hairs on the back of his neck sticking up on end. There was something not right here. Relena had never come up to them before; she focused on Heero and acted as if the rest of the group didn’t exist. The only other member of their group she did like to torment on occasion was her brother, and he wasn’t with them. He’d have to talk to Zechs later. “Heero’s sick at home, as if it’s any of your concern. Now go away.”
Relena’s cocky smirk only increased as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and turned to leave. “You might have the rest of the school convinced you’re normal Maxwell, but you don’t fool me.” She smiled venomously then turned to leave. “Wish him well for me; he’s the only thing worth seeing at this ridiculous school.”
They watched as she walked down the hall, all with frowns on their face. “Gods that girl is annoying.” Wufei grumbled. “I can’t wait till we graduate and I can knock some sense into her without worrying about being expelled.” Treize chuckled then looked down to his watch.
“Then you’d just have to worry about hospital bills and law suites.” Wufei chuckled. “Damn, we need to get going or we’ll be late. Duo have a good rest of the day.”
“Ah, thanks. Good luck you two.” Duo grinned and watched them head towards the front doors. //Zechs is subbing for Treize while he’s gone so I’ll have to wait till after school to talk to him. There’s something seriously wrong with that girl. //
**********
Heero…you know you’re mine right? I’m never going to let you go.
Heero started tossing and turning, his hands clenching into fists in his sheets. “No…please don’t…”
You know you like it baby. Why else do you come back to me each time? We’re going to be together forever; just you and me. You’re never going to get away.
“No…” Tears spilled from beneath his eyelids and down his cheeks. “I don’t want to…”
You’re mine Heero, you know you are.
“No!” Heero sat up abruptly, panting heavily as sweat trickled down his arms. He could feel his hands trembling as they clung to the sheets and frowned minutely. Slowly he released the death grip he had and watched his fingers tremble a bit. Just then he heard the crinkle of a paper bag and he looked up, eyes wide and body tense with absolute fear until he identified the other body in the room with him. “Duo…”
“Hey…!” Duo’s eyes were slightly wide but he quickly hid his shock when he grinned. “I skipped out of school during lunch break to bring you this. I know you haven’t been eating and I thought some of your favorites might awaken your appetite.”
The braided boy sat the brown bag and paper cup on Heero’s bedside. Heero leaned over to peer into the bag before smiling weakly. “Is that a BLT wrap from Coffee Cream?”
“You bet; a milkshake too. You like vanilla best right?” Heero looked up to the braided boy and nodded, a genuine smile bringing a little light to his eyes. It was only then that Duo realized how haunted Heero’s eyes looked and had been looking for a while now. “So, how’re you feeling? Did you get some rest? It looked like you were having a pretty nasty nightmare when I walked in.”
Heero sighed heavily before looking up to Duo and trying to fake a reassuring smile. “I rested and I do feel better.” Heero reached into the bag and pulled out the wrap; it was the first time in weeks that food actually held appeal to it. “Thank you for bringing this.”
//End of subject…// Duo succeeded in plastering a grin on his face. “Of course, now I just need to get Zechs’ keys back to him before he realizes they’re gone.” Heero chuckled and nodded. Duo leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. “See you in a little while Heero.” Heero looked up at him with wide eyes then nodded slowly. Duo grinned then dashed through Heero’s bedroom door.
Heero stared at the door for a minute before sighing heavily and turning back to his meal. //I wish it was only a nightmare Duo…then maybe it could be chased away. //
***********
Treize watched the screen in front of him as Wufei’s elders leafed through various forms. Wufei was looking over the same forms, confirming the arrangements made between the two parties. He would be going to school near by; he would be staying with Treize and commuting back and forth. The trust he was to inherit would be sent in small increments to aid with any expenses going to college may incur.
And in one short month he’d be a U.S Citizen, there would be no way for him to be deported back to China if he didn’t want to. The fight for that particular detail was what had held up the paperwork the longest. Wufei’s in-laws, Meiran’s parents, insisted that he still owed their family allegiance despite the demise of the young girl. They had disagreed with his initial transfer to the United States and were quite outraged when they became aware of the fact that Wufei was filing for citizenship. They had tried to bring Wufei back and when that failed they had threatened his trust fund.
There had been two things that weighed in Wufei’s favor. The first was the proximity of his eighteenth birthday; which was a mere month away. The second was Wufei’s enthusiasm to learn abroad and his conviction that he wouldn’t be able to fully acclimate to the U.S culture if he wasn’t a legal part of it. After much deliberation the clan elders had ruled in Wufei’s favor and shut down any further protests his in-laws might have made. Now the only obstacles that remained was to finalize the details, sign the papers and finally process the paperwork.
Wufei glanced over to the elder man, smirking when he saw the happiness in Treize’s eyes. With his left hand he reached under the table and laced his fingers with his boyfriends; out of view of the teleprompter. “It looks to be in order on my end Elder, though I am still weary that my in-laws may try and corrupt the paperwork.”
“Fear not young one; their custody of you will be nullified when you reach eighteen and this paperwork will be completed at that time. We have reached agreements with the U.S government and all is in order.” The elder shuffled through a few more papers before looking up to Treize. “Khushrenada it is very generous of you to continue boarding Wufei even after his transfer agreement is complete.”
“It is my honor Elder. Wufei is an exemplary young man and has become part of the family. We would all miss him if he were to go.”
“Ah yes, you do have two foster children don’t you?”
“Yes, he does; and they have become my best friends. They have taught me much while I’ve been here.”
The elder grunted in acknowledgment before looking down to the paperwork in front of him. When he was satisfied he looked up one last time. “Well Wufei, it is with great sadness that we see you go but it is also with great pride. Continue making us proud, Chang Wufei.”
Wufei smiled and nodded his head. “I will.” The smile grew as he watched the elder sign the documents and place them in the sealed folder. The teleprompter went black and he sat back with a huge sigh of relief. “It’s done.”
“Now the fun part, waiting.” Wufei glanced over to Treize before pulling him forward for a deep kiss.
“We can handle it.” Treize nodded as he threaded his fingers in Wufei’s hair and pulled him closer.
**********
“Mr. Barton you have three messages and Mr. Rashid would like your input on the Johnson building.” Quatre nodded, reaching for the three slips of paper the office secretary was holding out to him. “Mr. Barton the blue prints you requested are on your desk.”
“Ah, thanks.” Trowa said before leaning down and kissing Quatre. “I’ll talk to you later.” The blond nodded smiling then walked into his office. He grabbed the folder off his desk that contained the plans and began looking over them closely, making adjustments as needed.
It wasn’t until he was nearly finished with the plans that he remembered his messages and hit play on the machine. The first two were fairly normal and only required half of his attention but the third caught him completely off guard and ripped his attention from the building plans that had so engrossed him for the past hour.
Quatre…it’s your father. I heard you got a job at MCC and I must say I’m impressed, you’ve come far. Look…this whole thing has gotten completely out of control and I’d like to meet with you and try and work things out. I’ll be at the Bluffs tonight at eight. I hope to see you then.
Frowning in both wonderment and confusion Quatre played the message three times to make sure his mind wasn’t playing a trick on him. When he was sure of the content he smiled weakly and hurried over to Trowa’s office. The other boy was on the phone but did not hesitate to smile at his husband, holding up a finger asking for a minute to complete the phone call.
“That’s excellent news Wufei; we’re both very happy for you.” Quatre walked over to lean against the taller boy’s desk as he watched Trowa nod a couple times in answer to whatever their Chinese friend was saying. “Yeah, no I’m sure we can get off in time. Eight thirty? Sounds great we’ll see you then!” Trowa cradled the phone then reached over to pull Quatre into a kiss. “Wufei said that everything went according to plan and he just needs to wait for the paperwork to be finalized. They’re predicting about a month so it should be just in time for his birthday.”
“That’s great!” Quatre said excitedly.
Trowa nodded his head. “He and Treize want everyone to go out for dinner to celebrate.”
Quatre’s brows furrowed a bit and he started chewing on his lip nervously. “Well…actually I was wondering if I could drop you off at the house and take the SUV for the evening.”
“Oh? Got a hot date I don’t know about?” Trowa asked, smirking. Quatre laughed and shook his head. “You’re not filing for divorce are you?” At Quatre’s absolutely appalled look Trowa couldn’t help but laugh as well. “I give, where are you going? Not that you needed to ask to begin with.”
Quatre winced and started chewing on his lip again. “This…is the part you won’t like so I’ll remind you that you love me and give me everything I want.” Trowa’s eyebrow crept up his forward and he started absently tapping his fingers on Quatre’s knee. “Dad called, he said he wants to work things out…since they didn’t go so well before. He asked me to meet him for dinner tonight.”
Trowa’s eyes had begun to harden the second he heard the word dad and by the end of Quatre’s speech he was shaking his head adamantly. “No, absolutely not!”
“Trowa!”
“No Quat! Do you remember what he did to you before? All of the bruises and fake accidents; he’s a monster and you know it!” Trowa stood up and started pacing the office to work off some of his agitation. Quatre watched him for a second before standing up as well and placing a comforting hand on Trowa’s arm.
“Trowa, I know. Trust me, I do.” Trowa stopped, turning back towards the blond; wrapping his arms around his waist possessively. “But he’s my father Trowa…and I miss my family. I want this chance to try and work things out with him.”
“I don’t like it Quatre.”
The blond smiled weakly then hugged Trowa tightly. “I know…but I’m not going into this blind and I will be careful. I promise…but I need to do this Trowa, so I know I’ve tried every option.”
Trowa frowned even as he hugged the other boy tightly. “Alright…alright go. But you better be beyond careful Quatre. Don’t let that bastard get anywhere near you.” Quatre smiled and nodded. “Damnit I’ve got to stop letting your puppy eyes win every time.” Quatre laughed and pulled Trowa down for a kiss.
**********
Treize knocked quietly on Heero’s door before peeking inside. “Feeling well enough to work I see.” Heero glanced over his shoulder then turned back to the computer program he was working on. “Wufei said you weren’t coming tonight?”
Heero sighed heavily and turned around in his chair to face his foster father; it was obvious he wouldn’t be able to get back to work until Treize was gone. “I told him I wasn’t sure if I felt up to it or not. I still feel really tired but the nausea’s gone for the most part.” Treize walked over and placed a hand on Heero’s forehead to check for a temperature.
“You don’t have a fever.” Heero nodded absently. “You should come, it would mean a lot to Wufei and you’ve been acting pretty isolated lately. It’s becoming worrisome. It might even be a good idea if you went to see Sally tomorrow.”
Heero frowned to mask how ill that idea made him. “Why; because I’m a little under the weather and don’t feel like going out for Chinese food? You’re acting paranoid Treize.”
“And you’re acting like an ass Heero. Wufei’s your best friend and you’re not going to go celebrate the fact that he gets to stay here permanently now? No, you are coming tonight and you are going to go see Sally tomorrow. I don’t know what’s come over you lately; I don’t know if you’re relapsing of if you’re still having a hard time with Duo but whatever the cause this behavior has got to stop. Get ready to go, now.”
Heero watched Treize stalk out of the room, his frown deepening as he glared down to his hands. //I’m ruining everything…//
**********
“You think it has something to do with Relena?” Zechs asked as he and his lover drove to the restaurant; the rest of their group was riding in Treize’s Jaguar.
Duo crossed his arms. “I know she was acting really weird today when she came up to Wufei and I; like she knew something and we didn’t. It could just be that your sister’s a psychopath-”
“That is a given.”
Duo chuckled and nodded in agreement. “Ok, so that’s a given. I just think she has something up her sleeve that might have to do with Heero’s behavior lately. I feel it in my gut.”
Zechs reached across the car and laced his fingers with Duo’s. “I trust you Duo, and if anyone knows what a sneaky, conniving, bitch Relena can be it’s me.” Duo chuckled and nodded, leaning his head against the window and watching the silver car in front of them. The blond glanced sideways for a moment then tightened his hold on Duo’s hand. “Duo…I’m worried too.”
The braided boy looked over to his boyfriend before nodding with a grin. “We’ll figure it out. He’s no match for the two of us.” Zechs laughed and turned into the restaurants parking lot.
************
“Are you sure Relena?” The girl only smiled at her sister.
************
At dinner Heero sat with his head slumped into his fist, picking at the food in front of him. Treize made it a point to ignore the down trodden boy; instead his attention was focused on Wufei and Duo. The braided boy had somehow convinced Wufei to teach him how to use chopsticks, an adventure that was giving Wufei an astronomical headache and making both Zechs and Treize laugh. Trowa managed a few small smiles during the charade but his smile faded as he checked his cell phone every few minutes.
Heero was the only one who noticed Trowa’s fidgety behavior. After watching Trowa repeated the process of picking up and setting down his phone five times Heero frowned and sat up a little, setting his chopsticks in his bowel. “Trowa? Is something wrong?” The banged boy looked across the table before sighing heavily and looking at his phone again.
“I just wish Quatre’d check in.”
“Where is he? All you two said was that he had dinner plans.” Trowa picked up his chopsticks and took two bites of his beef and broccoli meal before checking his phone again. The more nervous Trowa seemed to get the less lethargic Heero began to feel as true worry took exhaustions place. “Trowa?”
Trowa sighed heavily and double checked his phone. “He’s having dinner with his father.” Trowa watched as Heero’s eyes opened wide and then narrowed in anger. He started to open his mouth to protest when Trowa held up a hand to stop him. “I know, I made the same arguments as I’m sure you’re about to make. The damn bastard called while we were at work and told Quatre that he wanted to work out their problems. Quatre misses his family and he thinks that this meeting is going to solve all their problems.”
“You could have said no, he would have listened to you.”
Trowa growled at the other boy, glancing to the other side of the table as Wufei jumped to his feet and started yelling at Duo in Chinese; throwing down his chopsticks. Duo squeaked as he hid behind his blond lover in an attempt to avoid his infuriated friend. “Do you think I actually smiled and said “sure Quatre, go and have dinner with your father, I hope you have a great time!”? No, I said no. I expressed my concern and he gave me those damn puppy eyes that I can never say no to.” Trowa took a few more nervous bites of his meal before checking his phone again.
Heero watched him for a minute, picking up his chopsticks again. He tried a small bite of his sushi before frowning weakly and setting it back down; his stomach not quite ready for the raw fish. “Trowa we don’t like it; but, Quatre is smart. He’ll take care of himself.”
“Not when it comes to his dad Heero…he lets him intimidate him…what if…”
“If you’re so worried just call him.” Trowa frowned, contemplating the idea before sighing in aggravation and setting his phone down in the middle of the table.
“No, you’re right. Quatre’s smart; I should trust him.” Heero nodded and looked back down to his meal. Trowa looked over to the rest of their group. Duo was smirking at Zechs as he demonstrated an expert use of the chopsticks he had just frustrated Wufei with. Zechs started laughing, which caused Treize and Wufei to look up and over to the braided boy. Wufei instantly started yelling again in Chinese and attempting to get up and cause physical harm to the boy. Treize rolled his eyes as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend to keep him in his seat.
Heero managed a slight smile at the antics as he once again attempted to stomach his once favorite meal. Trowa watched him for a second, poking at his own food now. “You’re still not feeling well?”
“No, not really. You’d think I’d be able to eat sushi since I was able to stomach the milkshake Duo brought me today.”
“Oh?” Trowa’s eyebrow crept up his forehead. “He brought you food?”
“Ah, he stopped by during lunch.” Trowa’s eyebrow rose further and he glanced over to the braided boy whom was once again hiding behind Zechs as Wufei continued to rant at him. He then glanced back to Heero with a knowing look. Heero frowned then his eyes widened. “It’s not like that. He’s my friend; he brought me some lunch because he knew I haven’t been eating much. Nothing more.”
“Are you sure?”
Heero glared at his friend weakly. “Yes, I’m sure. He’s my friend; always has been and always will be. It would be great if I could speak to him without everyone assuming I’m trying to get in his pants. I’ve accepted the fact that he’s with Zechs and I wish you all would accept the fact that I’m not pining after him.” Trowa watched Heero for a long moment before nodding his head slowly in acknowledgment.
Trowa went back to his meal as Heero continued to pick at his. On the other end of the table Duo was now attempting to steal part of Zech’s meal and the blond was holding his plate out of his reach. Wufei had finally calmed enough to begin eating his meal and was dissecting the ingredients with his boyfriend. After several minutes of Zechs holding his plate above his head he finally sighed in aggravation and ordered Duo a second plate, much to the braided boy’s pleasure. Trowa rolled his eyes in amusement while Heero smiled weakly.
When the check came Wufei passed out the fortune cookies as Treize fished for his credit card. Duo looked at his fortune and started laughing. “You will conquer any obstacle with perseverance…in bed!”
His voice was so sleazy Zechs couldn’t help but laugh at the braided boy. “It doesn’t say that!”
“No but it’s funnier this way. What’s yours say?”
Zechs cracked his cookie open and pulled out the paper to read his fortune. “Never give up.”
“In bed!” Zechs started laughing all over again and shook his head in disbelief. Treize chuckled as he too opened his cookie and read his fortune. He, Wufei and Heero were all treated to the same antics.
Trowa was the last to open his and his complexion paled as he read the small slip of paper. “Hold onto what you love lest it slip away…”
“Ah, that ones gloomy no matter what you do to it!” Duo complained obnoxiously. Trowa quickly reached for his phone and dialed Quatre’s number. Duo frowned in worry seeing this. “Trowa is everything ok?”
Everyone had been watching Trowa when he began reading his fortune; they were all now frowning in worry. Heero glanced away from Trowa and upon seeing their confusion decided to enlighten them. “He’s had a bad feeling all night. Quatre’s having dinner with his father.” The table immediately lapsed into silence, watching as Trowa tapped his thumb anxiously while listening to the phone ring.
After the sixth ring a female’s voice answered the phone, causing Trowa’s complexion to change from pale to pasty. “Hello?”
“I’m looking for Quatre Winner, this is his phone. Who’re you?”
“Sir, who am I speaking with?”
The hand that had been tapping on the table suddenly clinched into a fist, crushing the cookie as he ground his teeth in frustration. “This is his fucking husband! Where is he? Who the hell are you?!”
“Sir, I am a nurse at Saving Grace Hospital. This phone was found on a young man that was brought into the ER this evening.” Trowa’s eyes became haunted and his fist was now trembling. Treize gave the waitress his card and told her to hurry while the others started preparing to leave. “Can you come to the hospital to make an identification? We believe he’s the one you’re looking for.” Trowa wasn’t sure if he agreed before the phone fell from his now numb fingers.
***********
Heero sat with the rest of the group in the waiting room, all of them desperate for any news. Once they had arrived at the hospital Trowa had been escorted back into the emergency room and they hadn’t heard anything since then. The nursing staff would tell them nothing as they were not related to the patient in question. So they sat, with no news for three very long hours.
During that time each of them had taken their turn pacing anxiously, fetching coffee or harassing the staff at the front desk. Now Duo was sitting beside Zechs, dozing on his shoulder as Zechs wrapped his arms around the braided boy comfortingly. The blond had laid his head against his boyfriends and was about to doze off as well. Treize and Wufei sat across from them, the older man typing up his lesson plans for a substitute the next day while Wufei numbly looked over a National Geographic. Heero sat apart from the group, watching the latest story on the local news.
“We are standing outside of Saving Grace Hospital where Quatre Rebaba Winner was rushed after he was found in The Bluffs parking lot this evening. Employees of the restaurant claim that the Winner heir was having dinner with his father when they began arguing. Winner Senior left just before his son and is now being held for questioning. Police have taped off the area and are releasing few details. Winner is said to be in serious condition.”
The news changed from Quatre to the sports front and Heero looked away, his eyes drooping as he laid his head back against his chair. Besides the TV there was little sound in the waiting room, each member too tired and too anxious to attempt conversation.
At a quarter to one Trowa stumbled into the waiting room, his eyes red rimmed and surrounded by dark circles. Heero was the first to notice him and stood up immediately. “How is he?” His question roused the others and they all stood up immediately to envelope their friend.
“He’s in surgery.” Trowa whispered, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “He said Winner left the restaurant angrily when Quatre refused to divorce me.” Heero moved aside so that Trowa could sit down in the chair he’d recently vacated, the rest of the group following suite. “He said he stayed long enough to pay their bill before leaving, he was almost to the car when he was grabbed from behind and assaulted. When he couldn’t move anymore his attacker left him lying there…that’s when he was run over.”
“What?! Who would do that?” Duo asked in shock.
“His father did…it was his car.” Heero’s eyes narrowed in anger, as did Wufei’s. Zechs simply swore under his breath. “His leg is broken in three different spots; the doctor said he’s going to have to put a rod in so that it will heal normally. Besides that he’s got some broken ribs, a concussion and a lot of bruising.”
“He’ll be alright though?” Treize asked, frowning in worry. Trowa nodded slowly, his head drooping in exhaustion.
“Physically he’ll heal. It’s the mental trauma that I’m worried about.”
Heero rubbed Trowa’s shoulders supportively. “We’ll see him through it Trowa, he’ll be alright.”
Trowa’s sigh was shaky and he leaned into the support Heero offered. “I shouldn’t have let him go Heero…I should have stopped him.” Tears spilled down his cheeks and he started sobbing uncontrollably into Heero’s shoulder.
**********
I hope the wait was worth it and that you’re all enjoying the story! I promise that it will not be three years before this story is finished! Reviews and comments are strongly encouraged and will hasten the release of the next chapter. ^_~
Next time: Quatre recovers from his assault while Duo and Zechs attempt to discover the mystery of Heero’s behavior.
P.S-I have tried posting this chapter in every way I know how and it either posts in such an obnoxious format that it’s impossible to read or half of the thing is italicized. I will keep working on that. >_<
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