Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Truth About True Love ❯ Through Valentines ( Chapter 3 )

The Truth About True Love

Chapter 3

January 200 A.C.

2 weeks later

Hospital room 712

Relena held Duo's limp hand as the machines around her just stated the most obvious fact.  He was alive, and he was breathing.

What they didn't tell her was when he would wake up, and if he did, would he be himself, or just a living body.

The idea scared her.

Everyone was so use to seeing Duo so alive that it would kill them if he was reduced to nothing but a vegetable.

She gently stroked his face, marvelling at how innocent he seemed.

A bandage was wrapped around his head.  The surgeons had graciously shaved only the area that they had cut open, allowing the rest of his hair to fall over and cover the bald spot.

But his face was pale, and he was losing body mass due to the liquid diet they were forcing into him.

His cheeky face was no more.  It was thin and made him face look sharp.

It had been two weeks and no sign of him waking.

The doctors weren't even sure.

Tomorrow he would be taken out of the hospital to be cared by private physicians.  Both Quatre and Relena had decided that it was for the best.  The hospital had seemed too plain, and unstimulating.

Quatre firmly believed that a more home like place might do something for Duo.

She only hoped so.

She reached out and moved a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

Then she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss top of his head.

"Come back to us, Duo." X The room was dark.  

A little bit of light from the moon came in through the window.

A shadow fell across the sheets of the comatose young man.

Prussian eyes glittered from the tiny bit of moon light.

The room remained silent save for the sounds of life support working to keep the ex-pilot breathing,  the steady beeping showing his heart rate,  the whooshing sound of air being forced into and out of his lungs.

His face was steady, looking pretty much dead.  Little condensation formed on the air mask, proving that there was some warmth in his body to warm up his breath enough to fog up the device.  

A lean hand reached out and softly played with a strand of hair.

He wasn't suppose to be here.

Visiting hours were over and the nurses were set on a timely rotation.  Years of training had prepared him for things like these.

"Duo..." came the soft whisper.

He hadn't expected things to turn out like this.  What he had expected was that he would have been returning from his honeymoon with Relena to live out the "happily ever after" that people expected them to live.

He thought he was doing the right thing.  After all, he had saved Relena, despite the earlier death threats.  And people talked on and on about it being a fairy tale come to life.

So why did it become tragic?

Duo was suppose to find his own princess, too.  With that Hilde girl.  So why not?

The nights they shared were pleasurable, but it wasn't what the world expected, or probably wanted.  He heard their talks, their wishes, and their versions of the perfect peaceful world.

But the world wasn't entirely peaceful, for that was the reason the Preventors were formed.  So while the people couldn't have their perfect peaceful world, at least they could have their happily ever after wishes for the former Queen of the World and her dark haired prince.

But he hadn't been happy during his time away from Duo, but it had seemed that Duo  had understood and wasn't opposed at all.  Thinking back, if he had seen Duo cry for him then and there... he probably would have given up the foolish notion of finding and courting the princess.  

But he hadn't, and he had assumed that it was because Duo also believed in his words... that it was nothing but a way to relieve tensions.

But hearing Duo's confession moments before he died... after all, he stopped breathing and stopped having a pulse for a time, the words had stunned him to the core.

Never had he been so overwhelmed with emotions that it left him paralyzed while his companions raced around trying to revive Duo.

And Wufei had called him at some point, but Heero couldn't remember if he answered or not.

All he knew, is that he approached the princess instead, feeling detached as Duo was wheeled away.

She was covered in blood...Duo's blood, and it seemed too unreal.  Despite the blood shed, she seemed so pure...painted with Duo's passion.

And when she had lashed out... he was shocked to feel shame in her words.

He had thought he was doing the right thing... instead, he did the reverse.  And now his Duo was laying in a coma, losing conscious under the impression that Heero had never loved him.

He was under the false impression that he would at least be with friends with Duo during his marriage with Relena.

He never realized the depth of their love, nor how much he was killing his former lover. . .

Heero leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on Duo's head.

He was no longer worthy of kissing Duo's sweet lips... but he hoped that he would have the chance to start over when Duo woke up.

In a few hours, Duo would be in a new place, being taken care by Quatre's and Relena's private physicians.  It would be difficult to see Duo in such a place, for Relena showed obvious hate in him now...and with Quatre's sensitive heart, he probably would too be stubborn about letting him in.

But at least he could work on Quatre so that he wouldn't have to sneak in.

The door to the medical room opened, and a nurse stepped in.  She checked around the room and stared out the window, puzzled.

Who could have left it open? X  

February 8th,  A.C. 200

Private room in Quatre's mansion, remote place

Quatre gently combed through Duo's hair, a habit he had taken upon moving him to his mansion.

It was calming, and he felt content to feel it in his hands.  When washed, it was the only thing that showed some life... but even then... it seemed to be thinning out, losing the nutrients that once made it shine.

If he sprayed conditioner, Quatre could almost believe the lie that Duo's hair still had it's healthy glow.  But now... it only shined when wet.

Quatre gently rubbed his face in Duo's hair, rinsing it with the few tears that escaped his eyes.

He never realized how much he had depended on the loud American, how much he would miss the smile that constantly showed up on Duo's face.  Miss the crazy antics he did when he was high on sugar.

So many times had Quatre shouted at him in anger, something unusual for him until Duo showed up.  But the anger didn't even last that long.  In the end, Quatre just laughed with him and thanked him, having distracted him from his dull routine life.

And Quatre wasn't sure if he had ever told, or showed Duo, how much he appreciated his friendship.

"Duo," he whispered.  "Please come back and let me show you how much I appreciate you." X February 10, A.C. 200

Wufei closed the book as he finished reading it, then looked at Duo's monitors.  He had heard somewhere, that when in a coma, it was always best to talk to the person, and even touch them.

He also heard that people could learn in their sleep, and Duo had always shown a thirst for knowledge, as long if it wasn't taught in a class setting.

So he had taken it upon himself to read some Chinese myths to Duo, for he once had commented that he had a secret need to know every myth out there.  Of course, expressing his desire didn't make it a secret any more, but that was how Duo was.  Giving hints to everyone about what he liked.

Wufei sighed as he reached over and brushed away some stray strands of hair.

Heero was an idiot.

He had something precious, even Wufei knew that.

There was no denying it, Wufei didn't approve of relationships like theirs.  But they were friends, and with Quatre and Trowa originally pairing up, he had no choice but to accept their decision.  With no family to turn to, all that was left was his friends.

But then Quatre and Trowa went their separate ways, and Wufei couldn't help but think that Quatre had made the same mistake that Heero did.  But Quatre still had that second chance, if he opened his eyes before his marriage to whatever that girl was named.

Heero...

Well, if Duo woke up, there was no guarantee that Heero would have a second chance.  

Wufei couldn't help but grin to himself.

When they were younger, Duo would constantly express how much he was annoyed by Relena.  How ironic that the girl who annoyed him to no extent now doted upon him quietly, and gently.

Wufei's smile faded.

"Love sucks, ne?" he said, softly.

Duo had his problems with Heero.

Trowa with Quatre.

And he...

Well...

"Duo, amazing what we have in common.  For once, Heero was blind to what he had.  Although Quatre had made the same mistake first.  As for me, I would give anything to have the one I love.  Don't get me wrong, I still think onnas are weak, but... Sally is everything but weak.  And I know it's wrong to dream about a married woman.  I envied you for a while, Duo.  You had love, I had nothing.  But now... I realize that I should not have been so bitter about that.  Cause what I did have was friends.  You.  Trowa.  Quatre.  Heero.  Do you know that I'm starting to get to know Howard?  I would have never thought of associating with a man like that." Wufei chuckled.  "What an interesting experience it must have been growing up around him.  Amazing you accomplished the training you did."

Wufei glanced at his watch.

"Une is going to give me a lecture about tardiness if I show up late again today.  Until next time, Maxwell."

Wufei stood up and tucked the book underneath Duo's head.  There were still fourteen more stories, all waiting to be told.  Wufei gave a gentle smile, and walked out the door.  Him, tardy for work on a frequent basis these past two weeks... who would have known... X February 12, A.C. 200

Howard placed a lump of metal on a table next to Duo's bed.  "I made you a paper weight," he said.  "Figured you'd need it to keep all your papers in place when you get back to work.  Knowing Une, she'll probably be breathing down your neck that the air conditioner alone won't keep you cool, man.  I can probably set up a large fan to help, but, like I said...all those papers, flying around.  Might actually be funny."

Howard sighed and sat down in the chair that has been used almost non stop since the incident.

Living his lifestyle, he had resigned to the fact that he would never live a normal male life... having a wife, five kids, a home with a picket fence on the colonies...  But having Duo around gave him a small taste of what it could have been like.  One kid was enough!  But he didn't regret it one bit.  

Sure Duo wasn't a little kid when he came into his life, but just the same, he was a tiny person running around, acting grown up and occasionally resorting to childish pranks to get even with those who teased him.

He brought life to the Sweepers, and Howard was positive that even G held a tiny bit of affection for his chosen pilot.  After all, to let Duo "steal" his most prized possession...

That had to have taken a lot of trust, and respect.

And the way Duo just grew on you... the tiny smidgen of affection.

"Kid, we're all missing you," he said.  "Come back and talk our ears off, okay?" X February 13, A.C. 200

Night was falling, and Trowa was staring out at the stars.

He hardly spoke, but he almost knew that Duo could just feel his presence.

But there were a couple of nights in which he talked away.  Like tonight...

"Quatre's been avoiding me.  Avoiding everyone, really.  Only time we see him is when he comes to visit you.   He seems guilty.  He's completely shut himself off that I can no longer guess what is going on inside his head."

Trowa turned to look at Duo.

"Your fault, I think.  He only acts like this when he feels guilty.  You're the only one I can see in a state to make him feel guilty.  Then again, his flowers aren't blooming.  Maybe he's blaming himself for that."

Trowa stared at Duo's face, imagining the grin Duo would have had to have heard a joke coming from him.

Not to mention a pleased look.  Duo always looked please when someone talked to him, instead of just listening, or pretending to listen.

"Relena's coming tomorrow.  Your room is probably going to be covered in pink.  But she does have a point.  Black may be your favorite, but it would look to depressing.  Maybe she'll choose white."

Trowa turned back to look out the windows.  "It's beautiful outside.  Just the right temperature.  A night's breeze might be good for you, eh?"

Trowa unlocked the window, and pulled it up two inches.

A soft breeze trailed in, and Trowa stepped back.  "A fine night for loved ones," he murmured.  "Good night, Duo."

Trowa left the room. X A figure stole into the room.

It stayed by Duo's side for a long time, whispering soft words.

A gentle hand caressed the face, and held his hand.

A couple hours later, the figure left. X February 14, A.C. 200

Relena stepped into Duo's room, humming a song she just heard as she placed  baskets and balloons all over Duo's room.  Each basket held pink and white carnations, and a stuffed animal.  The balloons were all aluminum, with a variety of decorations upon them.

"Happy Valentine's," Relena said, as she sat down next to Duo.  "I bought you a box of chocolate.  I know you can't eat it like I can, but I still think we can share.  Sort of.  They're kind of melted." Relena made a face as she opened the box.  She pulled off her gloves and pick one chocolate up.  She bit into it, and placed it back down.  Her fingers came away  coated in melted chocolate.  She slowly reached over and gently pried Duo's lips open, before swabbing one finger gently against his tongue.  Then she closed his mouth and watched the monitors as she licked the chocolate off her remaining fingers.  

A few moments later, she could have sworn she saw some brain activity register.  Then it was gone.

Relena sat back, a content look on her face.  "You wake up, and I'll make sure you have a box every day.  Well, once a week.  Somehow, I don't think you want to be fat in a month.  Then again, having heard how much you eat, you just might work it all off, then I'll get all depressed and eat myself to such a fat state trying to keep up with you!"  Relena giggled, knowing that she was spouting off nonsense, but it made her feel good.  "You know, Duo... I'll even be happy if you woke up long enough to tell me to shut up.  Not to mention Howard won't visit you as much.  He leaves the strangest gifts for you, you know that?  

"I wonder... does anyone else talk as much as I do?  I know Wufei reads you stories.  He's a good guy.  Trowa... does Trowa tell you anything at all?  He doesn't say much to me.  I don't think he says much to anyone.  Quatre, though, I bet he talks a lot to you.  Does he play his violin?  Sometimes I hear music, but I don't know if it's from a music disk, or his own.  If so, he plays well.  I like it.  Although..."  Relena pulled out a CD from her purse and inserted it into the disk player.  "I know you like this band.  Hee...one of your friends... told me."

Relena stumbled over her words.

"Hmph... guess we have to talk about him sometime."  

Rock music could be heard coming from the player, it's volume low.

"You know, I hate to admit it, but if you hadn't saved me, I think I would have hated you.  I may even have married Heero just to spite you!" She sighed.  "But you opened my eyes, Duo.  You let me see what real love was like.  Why do romances have to be so tragic?  I don't even know what will happen when you do wake up.  Will you try to start over with Heero again?  Does he even want to start over with you again?"

Relena frowned.

 "I'll admit, I haven't been very nice.  I refuse to have him step into this room.  Duo, he's the reason you're like this now.  I mean, if he appreciated what he had, he wouldn't have put you in such a situation.  I mean, having you as his best man!  I don't know how he broke the news to you, Duo....but I can only imagine how sad it must have made you.  But you were strong.  You are strong.  I think I would have killed myself if someone I loved as much as you love Heero left me."

Relena blushed.

"I'm still having some trouble imagining the two of you... uh... you know... I guess I'm a bit weirded out... but still..." Relena reached over to caress Duo's cheek.  "No one deserves that much pain.  No one."  Then she flushed red. "Except Heero, maybe...He'll be damn lucky if anyone one of us will give him a second chance.  More importantly, you.  Cause believe me, I won't take him back.  I can't take him back.  Especially knowing that someone loved him so much more than me.  Oh, Duo... I think we can still be great friends.  Come back to me, please?"

Relena stood up and leaned over, brushing her lips over Duo's forehead.  She gave him a smile and turned to leave.

She paused when she noticed something she hadn't seen before upon entering.

One of the basket of flowers she had placed on the table nearly crushed it.

A single dark red rose lay there, with two velvet ribbons tied around the stem, one black, the other white.  The thorns had been meticulously cut off, so that no one would injure themselves when picking it up.

Relena frowned.

Who could have placed it there...and when? X Farmer's Pick Grocery Store

As Trowa walked down an aisle, his green eyes met cobalt colored ones.

Each person nodded once, giving thanks, and acknowledging the silent thanks.

Both parted and went separate ways.

tbc