Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Walking On Glass ❯ Walking On Glass part 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimers: They aren't mine and I am making no money for writing this or any other story nor do I own the rights to 'The Little Mermaid' by Hans Christian Anderson.

Pairings: 1x2 5+2 1xR

Category: Fusion/Angst/Death/AU

Warnings: YAOI and death

Ratings: R

Title: Walking On Glass

Author: yellowhorde

Feel free to send comments/constructive criticism to yellowhorde@hotmail.com

WALKING ON GLASS

Part Three

Heero and Duo strolled along the shore, their horses plodding along behind them. The air was warm and a gentle sea breeze ruffled their hair and clothes. The sun was making its slow descent back towards the horizon. All in all, it had been a fascinating day… for both of them.

The two had wandered, with no particular set plan or destination, for hours. They had visited the village, the docks, and the various plantations that dotted the island. There had been so many unusual and downright amazing things for Duo to see. And Heero was delighted to share all of these everyday experiences with his new friend. His reactions to many things puzzled Heero at times. It was as if he had never seen fire, of looms, or so many of the everyday items that Heero took for granted. Still, it was rather refreshing, like showing a small child the whole wide world for the first time ever. It made the Japanese boy appreciate these mundane items, as he had never done before. It was all so difficult to explain or understand. It could only really be felt.

The feeling in Heero had felt the day before had returned, stronger than ever. He knew that emotion, and it was difficult to accept. After all, he was to be married to Relena Peacecraft tomorrow. He simply could NOT be in love with the boy that strolled happily by his side, the silent boy with the beautiful laughing violet eyes. And yet, he did love him just the same. And it felt so right, so good.

Much to Heero's surprise, Duo was a very expressive individual, even though he was unable to verbally communicate. (Unable or unwilling?) His mind spoke up. (Does it really matter?) He retorted back. (Just because he doesn't speak, doesn't mean he can't communicate.)

The eternally silent boy made his thoughts and feelings wonderfully clear through the subtle use of his expressive eyes, his eloquent facial expressions, his body language, and his gestures. There were a few times when the two friends had been unable to perfectly understand each other, but Heero chalked that up to possible cultural differences. For the most part, they understood each other just fine.

Duo tapped Heero on the shoulder and pointed out towards the sea, making a smooth undulating gesture with his hands that made the other boy think of waves. Heero grinned. He enjoyed the pantomime and often correctly guessed what his friend was trying to "say". It was a fun and challenging means of communication.

"Waves?" Heero guessed. Duo shook his head, smiling and repeated the gesture. "No? Hmm. The ocean?"

A nod told him he was on the right track. Duo swung his arms as if he were moving through water.

"Swimming? Yes, swimming. You want to go swimming?"

Duo nodded happily then pointed from himself towards Heero and back to himself again. He did this several times.

"You want both of us to go swimming?"

An emphatic nod and a huge grin told him he had, indeed, guessed correctly.

"Sure, why not? Let's go swimming!"

Duo danced around with obvious enthusiasm and ran towards the surf with large smile lighting up his face while Heero tethered the horses to a nearby post. Grinning, Heero joined his friend in the sea. Soon the two were engaged in a water battle, each sending huge splashes of briny water at the other in a playful attempt to drown each other. Both were laughing uncontrollably, though the only one making any sound was Heero.

(Duo is very comfortable in the water.) Heero mused, watching his friend submerge and glide, almost without effort, beneath the surface. (He swims like one born to the sea...so graceful and obviously in his element. On land he walks so carefully, as if he would lose his balance if he weren't careful. I wonder...)

Heero's mind flashed back to the day he had been rescued. Back to what he had seen, or thought he had seen. A creature with the upper torso of a man and the bottom of a fish, retreating back to the waves after giving his name, the same name as the boy who was now by his side.

(No, I must have been suffering from shock, or swallowed too much seawater.)

Some time later, as the pair reclined on the sand watching the waves throw themselves against the jagged base of the cliffs to the north, Duo began to absently massage his feet, his mind miles away and five fathoms deep. He was aware of the waves killing themselves on the unfeeling rock. But he did not really register what he was seeing, what he was feeling. His mind was elsewhere, where his body could no longer go. A blanket of melancholy had been draped over his young shoulders with almost a physical weight.

(I wonder how my brothers are doing? Do they miss me? Will I ever see them again?)

In his mind's eye Duo conjured up the images of his two siblings. Trowa, with his long dark bangs forever falling into his face, his older brother who was always so silent and reserved. Quatre, the baby of the family, with his platinum blond hair, lively and eager to please, his eyes the same bluish green as the sea. The three brothers cared deeply for each other.

(Will they be able to understand why I did what I did? Can they find it in their hearts to forgive me? I miss them SO MUCH! But I have made my decision. There is no going back.)

A single tear slid down Duo's cheek as he silently bid farewell to his friends, his family, and his home.

Heero had been watching Duo for some time now. The silent boy seemed so alone and so sad. What could he be thinking? Seeing the single tear glide unnoticed down the smooth face of his friend, Heero's heart lurched in his chest.

"Duo." The Japanese boy called gently, hesitantly. When the braided boy finally turned his head to acknowledge that voice, Heero gathered up his nerve and kissed those pale, soft lips. It was brief; so brief…a brush of flesh against flesh. It was over in a heartbeat.

Duo pulled back, startled. A fiery blush crept over his cheeks. He was surprised to see that Heero was blushing as well. Duo opened his mouth as if to speak and then knowing no sound would come forth he shut his mouth again. How did one respond to such an unscrupulous personal assault? Why, you kiss back! And that was just what Duo did.

Duo leaned in closer to Heero, his braid spilling over his shoulder to pool in between the two friends who were fast becoming more than either would have dared imagined. Closing his own eyes, he pressed his own lips against Heero's, returning that first kiss with interest. Heero's deep blue eyes slid closed as, with a sigh, he wrapped his arms around the smaller boy. Their lips locked and the kiss deepened, became more passionate.

Heero's mind screamed protests, blared warnings to him. (This is not right! You are going to be married tomorrow! To Relena Peacecraft! What do you think you are doing? What will your father say?)

Heero chose to ignore those warnings, though he could not block them out, not entirely. He loved this boy, honestly loved him. How could something that felt so good, so right, be wrong? It was obvious that Duo shared his feelings. Heero abandoned himself to the fire that raged through him. He surrendered himself unconditionally, throwing caution, and common sense, to the wind.

Duo felt Heero's tongue as it gently found it's way past his parted lips. A jolt shot through him as he recalled the only other time he had been kissed in such an intimate way. By Lady Une! Involuntarily, Duo stiffened and broke off the kiss. His heart was beating a frantic tattoo. He gasped for breath and stared back at the equally startled Heero.

Heero allowed the boy to pull away, his heart filling with an aching regret. He carefully withdrew his arms from about Duo's slender body and glanced away, his face flaming with embarrassment. He had let his emotions carry him away. He had assumed that the boy he held in his embrace, the boy he loved with all of his heart, had been just as ready and willing as he had been. Obviously, he had been wrong. Without meeting his love's eyes (and what else would you call a boy you had just kissed more passionately than any other living being) he mumbled a stammered apology and rose as if to leave.

"I-I'm sorry, Duo. I didn't mean to. I'll leave now."

(Oh, what have I done?) Duo's mind screamed. (I chased him away!)

Duo's hand shot out and he caught Heero's wrist as he was standing. Heero turned back to face him, and gasped at what he saw in those violet eyes. Those eyes spoke volumes. They were brimming with all the love and adoration that Heero felt in his heart. Duo's eyes reflected the love that he himself felt. Words would not have been enough to convey the depths of these feelings.

Heero fell to his knees in front of Duo, his own eyes filling with tears. Duo loved him! He really loved him! Happiness filled his soul as he pressed his body against that smooth, muscular form. He wrapped his arms once more about his love as he carefully lowered them down towards the warm sand.

*****

Duo ran recklessly through the night, blinded equally by his tears as by the lack of illumination. He lost his footing as the sand treacherously gave way beneath his weight, sending the distraught boy tumbling to his knees. Sobbing him misery, Duo picked himself up and continued his headlong flight to the one place where he would find peace. His heart was breaking into a thousand pieces. All of the joy, all of the happiness he had experienced just a few short hours earlier had been destroyed, burned to ash in one devastating moment.

(How could he? How could he? How could he?)

Reaching the end of the wooden pier, Duo flung himself into the air. For one moment, he soared as if flying, the length of his body bathed in the dimly silver light of the crescent moon, and then he plunged down, down, into the cold, silent depths of the sea.

*****

Heero sat on the wooden glider, his eyes as empty as his heart. He had known this would happen, this or something very similar to it. He had known that his love for Duo would be their undoing. And he had been right. He should have told Duo the truth.

(What had I been thinking? I hadn't been thinking. Not really. I let myself get carried away. And now look at the mess I'm in now. Poor Duo.)

Dimly, Heero recalled the sound of tiny pearls, pearls Duo had retrieved from the sea that golden afternoon, striking the wooden floor and rolling in one hundred different directions. The look of total betrayal on the silent boy's expressive face had shredded his heart. He would have given anything to take away the hurt in those eyes, but he had been rooted to the spot, the slender arms of Relena Peacecraft wrapped around his shoulders.

*****

Heero had agreed to help Duo string the pearls he had gathered from the depths of the ocean that afternoon. Upon reaching the house, Duo had skipped directly to the room when the two new lovers had returned from their joyous romp on the beach. He had indicated through his unique combination of body language and gestures that he wanted to take a quick bath first. Then he and Heero would sort out the flawed pearls from the tiny pile he had accumulated.

Feeling totally relaxed and at peace for the first time in his life, Heero had poured himself a drink and slowly wandered out to the front porch to watch the fireflies engage in their nightly dance. He was eagerly awaiting Duo's return. A soft hum flowed past his lips.

Reality hit him hard in the stomach when he found his fiancé, Relena Peacecraft, sitting alone on the wooden glider. She wore a lovely pink strapless summer dress with elbow length white gloves. A matching straw hat sat on the swing besides her.

"Relena! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?" Heero's lips spread in a pathetic parody of a smile. (Why is she here? What does she want?)

Relena rose gracefully, smoothing her skirt as she did so. It seemed like a rather nervous gesture. Or so Heero had thought. She tossed her head, and brushed one delicate glove encased hand through its smooth length. She smiled sweetly at her intended bridegroom.

"Why, I came to see you, Heero. I've been so lonely." The girl replied, a tiny, seductive pout on her ruby lips. "I just couldn't wait anymore. I just had to see you tonight. So, here I am."

The young girl stood in front of her future husband and wrapped her arms about his shoulders. She leaned towards him, her face turned up so she could see his blue eyes. Her own eyes were dreamy and filled with longing.

"Kiss me, Heero." She demanded in that oh so sweet voice. Her lips looked inviting, so inviting that he found himself leaning towards her. He stopped himself, his own lips bare millimeters from hers.

Flustered, Heero tried to gently disengage himself from her embrace, but he was having some difficulty. His body just would not listen to his mind.

"Relena, we mustn't. I mean… the wedding is tomorrow, right? One more day won't make any difference."

The young woman shook her head in a dismissive gesture. "No, Heero. I don't want to wait anymore. I want you now." For a moment, the girl looked down shyly, but then she strengthened her resolve and looked deeply into the man's eyes. She pleaded gently, silently for him to grant her deepest desire. One hand slid behind Heero's neck, entangling itself in his dark thick hair. With her other hand, Relena took Heero's large, calloused hand and held it gently, but firmly, to her bosom.

(Please…feel my desire for you, Heero.)

"You have no idea how horrible I felt when I thought I had lost you during that awful hurricane. I thought I would just die! Please, Heero…please love me."

Standing on tiptoe, Relena pulled Heero's face down towards hers until their lips meet. A faint moan of protest escaped Heero's throat, but he did not pull away. He could not pull away. He didn't have the strength to resist. His mind however, did resist, for all it was worth.

(No, no, no! What about Duo?)

Too late! The sound of many tiny spherical items hitting the hard wood floor and rolling told Heero that his infidelity had been discovered. He broke the kiss and found himself staring into a very hurt, very angry pair of lilac eyes. Heero opened his mouth, but no sound came forth. It was as if he were the one who was mute.

(Duo. I'm so sorry.)

But Duo was gone as if he had not even been there. Relena glanced in the direction the strange boy had gone, then towards Heero. The expression on his handsome face told her everything she didn't want to know. Her lips trembled as tears welled up in her lovely eyes. She slapped Heero. Hard.

Heero's face was rocked back by the unexpected force of the blow. His hand traveled to the abused cheek. He did not say a word, he merely stared with wide eyes, as his fiancé turned and stalked towards the front steps.

Relena paused as she reached the steps. She held herself stiff but did not turn around. She could not bring herself to face the man who had stolen her heart. The man who must surely must have betrayed her with the youth with the purple eyes. She would not even allow herself to consider such possibilities.

"Goodbye, Heero." The words were cold and hard. They did not tremble. Relena would not allow her voice to betray how hurt she felt. "I will see you at the Chapel tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Please do not be late." With that, she disappeared into the dark.

In a daze, the foolish young man who had somehow managed to break two young tender hearts simultaneously tottered over to the glider. He did not sit so much as collapse onto the hard wooden device. His mind simply shut down as he lamented the loss of his beloved Duo.

*****

Wufei quietly approached the soaked, weeping figure on the beach. His heart ached in sympathy. He had been riding his stallion earlier that day when he had happened upon the young couple on the beach. Heero and Duo had been so intent on their eager explorations of each other that they had not realized that they had had company. The young Chinese man had withdrawn with as much dignity as he could muster. He pulled his steed around and had retreated as quickly as he could back the way he had come, his mind blank and his face a deep fiery red.

As he had approached the Yuy house earlier that evening, he had seen the obviously upset Duo fleeing the yard. Not long after, he had witnessed Relena departing in a similar state of mind. He put two and two together and it all added up to trouble.

(That bastard! How could he hurt Duo like that! The cad!)

Silently, the ebony haired youth jogged off in pursuit of the braided boy, intent on trying to keep him from doing anything foolish. He had reached the beginning of the pier just as Duo had reached the end. Crying out in dismay, Wufei had known, even as he drove himself forward frantically, that he would be too late to stop the mute boy from doing something they both might regret.

The sight of Duo's lithe body gliding through the air had stopped Wufei in his tracks. It had robbed him of his breath and all reason. The silent boy was so lovely, so perfect. He did not deserve the pain that the thoughtless Yuy had inflicted upon him. When he had finally realized that it was not the distraught youth intent to end his life, Wufei had settled down to wait for his return. He had not had long to wait.

Now as he approached the crying boy, Wufei's eyes burned with his own unshed tears. He had finally been able to admit that he had had feelings for the young boy who had appeared mysteriously from the sea. From the moment he had first seen him lying helplessly on the beach he had wanted to love him, protect him, shelter from all the hurt the world had to offer. But he had failed him. He had been afraid of his feelings, believing them to be weak. Now he knew better. It was love that made you a real man. This newfound knowledge had come too late to spare Duo from his own miserable heartache.

Duo stiffened as he sensed the presence besides him. Hurriedly, he wiped away his tears with the heels of his hands. He brushed his long bangs from out of his face and prepared himself for the worst. He turned and his heart sank. He had been expecting Heero to come and apologize to him, or at least offer some explanation as to his earlier actions, but it was only Wufei. Dejectedly, the violet eyed boy turned back to face the silver sea.

Ignoring the stab of hurt that attacked his heart at the obvious dismissal, Wufei sat down besides the boy whom he loved. For a while the two sat in complete silence. That silence was broken only by the soft hiss of the waves rushing along the shore.

After what seemed like an eternity, Wufei spoke.

"He never told you he was engaged to be married, did he?"

Duo buried his head against his knees, which he had pulled up to his chest. There was only the faintest shake of his head. Of course Heero had not told him. But then again, if he had said anything, would it have made any difference?

In his mind Duo replayed the events on the beach. Those soft caresses, the butterfly kisses. Soft sighs of pleasure. Never before in all of his young life had experienced such pleasure. Never had he known that pain could lead to ecstasy. Oh, yes, there had been pain. But Heero had held him close and kissed away Duo's silent tears until that pain had faded away. His beloved had held him tight and had murmured sweet words of love and endearment until pleasure had replaced the hurting.

(But it had all been a lie... a terrible, hurtful lie.)

Duo's composure broke and great heaving sobs wracked his body, ripped his heart apart. Reflexively he reached out for comfort from the only other being he knew in this strange and terrible land. He reached out and fell against Wufei, burying his face in the Chinese boy's blue tank top. For one moment, Wufei stood stiff and unsure. Then he softened and wrapped his arms about the crying boy and gave what comfort he was able to. Softly, he kissed the top of Duo's head and murmured words of comfort, for both of them. It did not matter that Duo would probably never love him. Wufei would be here for him in his time of crisis. He would be a friend, if not a lover.

It would be enough. It would HAVE to be enough.

*****

Hours later, Duo walked aimlessly along the shore, the night wind raising goose bumps on his iridescent flesh. With awed fascination, he watched the glow of the moon as it glinted along the deadly edge of the finely honed blade. It was so beautiful, so hypnotic.

With this blade he could return home, return to the sea and the family he had left behind. If only he dared.

After Wufei had finally left, Duo had returned to the pier. How long had he stared blankly out at the sea before a familiar voice had drawn him out from himself? Did it matter anymore? Not really.

The familiar voice had belonged to his younger brother, Quatre. Trowa had accompanied him. Duo had been overjoyed to see his two brothers. Hugs and kisses had been exchanged before Quatre had gotten down to business.

"Duo, you must return home right away!" The petite blond had insisted. "You do not belong in the world of Mankind."

Duo sighed and shook his head in defeat. There was no way for him to return, even if he had wanted to. Quatre, always the most intuitive of the three siblings had picked up on Duo's sense of hopelessness.

"You are wrong. There is a way you can return to us." It had been Trowa who had spoken. He carefully extended an object wrapped in dark plankton towards his foolish younger brother. When it was unwrapped, Duo had gasped in awe and surprise. It was a blade, a mystic blade that glimmered with its own inner light. He shot a questioning glance back towards his older brother.

"We heard the whole story from Treize Khushrenada. We know that you have traded your voice for human legs. But we also were told that if your beloved human ever marries someone other than you, you will die!"

Duo's horror at such a statement must have made the current situation crystal clear for his brothers had exchanged a look of absolute desperation. Quatre waded closer and pressed the blade into Duo's outstretched hands. When he spoke, his words were filled with urgency.

"Use this blade to kill the human! Slit his throat on his wedding night. You must do this before dawn's first light. Let his blood splash on your feet - your human feet. His death will break the spell and set you free! You will revert to your original form. Please, Duo, we don't want to lose you!"

Duo had indicated that he would take their words into consideration. Reluctantly, the three had bid farewell. All hearts were heavy and filled with a sense of dread as they each went their separate ways. Somehow, none of them believed that there could be a happy ending to this story.

*****

Heero arose naked from his marriage bed silently, not wanting to disturb his wife's slumber. He glanced over at the grandfather clock in the corner and absently noticed that it would be dawn soon. A stiff sea breeze fluttered the French doors that led to the patio. Frowning, Heero moved forward to secure them.

(Odd, I thought I had shut them last night.)

The faint whiff of the sea told Heero he had company, but not soon enough. Powerful arms curled about him, pinning his own arms to his sides. Something cold and very sharp was pressed against his jugular hard enough to draw a thin trickle of blood. The terrified husband swallowed convulsively. His mouth opened, but his voice failed him. He tried again and he heard his voice, high and trembling.

"Duo… what are you-" The pressure at his throat intensified and Heero moaned as he felt more blood, hot and sticky, trickle down his flesh. Heero cleared his throat and was pleased that he sounded normal again, more in control. He tried again to reason with his attacker.

"Duo, I swear I never meant to hurt you. Please, believe me. I love you, but I cannot be with you. Please, try to understand."

The steel grip surrounding the tousled haired boy loosened, the blade was pulled from his throat. Heero released a shuddering sigh. Warm, soft lips pressed against his check. Then they were gone. As silent as a wraith, Duo fled. Heero watched him go, but some small part of him could not let the matter end this way. He took off in pursuit, his legs pumping furiously, as he pursued the boy who had saved his life and stolen his heart.

(Please God! Let me catch him before it is too late!)

The path the long braided boy had taken would take him to the top of the cliffs that overlooked the bay. If he did not catch Duo in time, things could get very ugly.

Heero had reached the base of the cliff when he saw Duo skid to a halt just a few feet before the edge. "Duo, please stop! Duo!"

Suddenly, a sickly green glow engulfed Duo. He crumpled to his knees and Heero could actually hear the boy's agonized screams. The boy screamed as fast as he could draw breath. Those agonized cries tore at Heero's heart, destroyed his very soul.

As abruptly as they began, the screams ceased. Heero cautiously approached the still figure. Fearing his love to be dead, Heero gently took Duo into his arms. His mind was reeling, but he was vastly relieved when the familiar violet eyes fluttered open. Heero showered kisses down upon that upturned face. Praising God that his love still lived.

"Oh my God, Duo! I was so worried. I thought I had lost you!" Something brushed against his leg and Heero glanced down the length of Duo's body. His eyes widened in shocked surprise. "I can't believe my eyes! Oh jeez! So I was right the first time! You're a…uh… you...you're a...a…" He floundered into silence unable to force the word past his lips.

"Mermaid?" Duo laughed weakly and wiped his streaming eyes. "It's a bit difficult to be a mermaid when I'm a guy."

"Well, you know what I mean." Heero began lamely before realizing what he was hearing. "Hey! You can talk!"

Duo shushed his love with a gentle finger to Heero's lips. He smiled sadly. "Yes, now I am free to speak."

"Duo, I meant what I said earlier. I had no intentions to hurt you. I just…"

"Don't be sorry." Duo interrupted. "For what it's worth, I had a great time- the best time of my life." He sighed and glanced away from intense blue eyes. "But nothing lasts forever."

Duo pulled Heero closer and kissed him gently. When the two broke for air, Duo sighed again, a soft wistful sound full of heartache.

"You know, for every dream that comes true, for every wish fulfilled, there is always a price that must be paid. And sometimes that price is very, very high. And of course, there are always side effects and consequences." Warm salt tears slid unheeded down Duo's upturned face. His eyes devoured Heero's face, trying to memorize every detail. "I believe that our love, brief as it was, was worth that price. Wouldn't you agree, Heero?"

Their lips meet again and the kiss was as sweet as honey, as precious as gold. The first rays of dawn washed over them, bathed the two lovers in its pure radiance. Duo's body stiffened and he uttered a soft moan of suffering - of lose. His back arched and Heero felt his body begin to dissolve, to lose mass. In helpless horror he watched his true love fade away, becoming translucent, transparent...and finally dissolve away entirely. Just like sea foam. All that remained was a yellow velvet ribbon that Heero had given him for his hair.

For every dream that comes true, every wish that is fulfilled, there is a price that must be paid... I believe that our love was worth that price. Wouldn't you agree, Heero?

Tears flooded Heero's face. The young man stared unseeing out to sea, towards the last sunrise of his life. Closing his eyes against the glare, Heero stepped forward blindly until the ground simple ceased to exist.

(No, Duo I believe our love was worth much more… so much more.)

THE END