Author's Notes: Man, what's wrong with ff.net?! It's getting really hard to
post and even read the stories.But, anyhow, here I am, and here's the final
chapter of this fic. Gotta warn you, this is gonna be an all fluffy and
kind scene of fondness between 01 and 02, as friends, ne? Lets tiptoe into
the story to see what's going on.
"Healing a Friend's Wounds"
Chapter Four
"Duo.wait.Duo" -Heero called as he followed the soaked boy into the woods. He hurried his pace to reach him and stood beside him.
"Well, Heero, is there something else?" -Duo forced a smile as he faced 01.
Heero draggled his hands on his face, wiping the water away almost in frustration.
"You know there is. You're not making me this easy" -he softly complained.
"But, why, Heero, I thought I was indeed making you this extremely easy. I said I know you're sorry. I know you didn't mean to say.what you said. You were under pressure, you just let it out.it's ok. I'm ok" -Duo tried to reassure him.
"You're faking this out" -Heero replied in low voice, as he looked intensively into the other set of eyes in front of him- "Don't try to fool me with your mask, Duo, please don't do it."
Duo gasped at the words, and unconsciously looked down.
"Maybe you're serious when you say you know I'm sorry, and that you accept my apology. But that's not making any difference, right? You're not feeling any better. Neither you're feeling comfortable with me. I can tell, you know."
"How? How can you, huh? What is giving it away? What's not convincing you this time? Is it true, that you can see through the mask?" -Duo replied in a slight agitated tone.
The Japanese teen sighed as he advanced one step more, his head bending a bit, trying to look directly at 02's face. When he finally got to stare at him, he answered softly.
"Everyone is so accustom to picture you as the happy one, ne? Even though we know about your past and how much you suffered, we're still expecting you to be the same cheerful guy, like if there weren't consequences affecting you. But I can tell, Duo, 'cause I've heard you when you sleep. I think there hasn't been a single night that you didn't have a nightmare. I can tell because I've seen amethyst eyes hold a void glance in the middle of the night. I can tell because sometimes you become unaware I'm watching you, and your expression is sad. I can tell, Duo, because you have let me come near to you. You took the risk when you let me be your close friend.that's how I can see now that you're not being honest when you say you're ok, 'cause you're definitely not."
"Well, sorry, I've tried, ya know? I've tried to hold the façade as much as I could and let it go.But you know what I found out, Yuy?" -Duo raised his glance defiantly- "That I can't let it go. I can't, ok? I'm stupid that way. I don't want to doom you for something you can't change, so lets just leave this here. It wasn't your fault that I was forced to live as I did, but at least don't come and scrub it on my face, will ya?" -Duo breathed heavily, his fists clenched at his sides.
Heero remained silent, his face bowed. His lips were pressed together as he heard the reprimand. He deserved it, he thought, he deserved to be treated this way. The silence stretched out in an uncomfortable amount of time. Until.
"I'm sorry, Heero. I hadn't the right." -came the soft, guilty voice from Duo. Heero's face jerked upwards, staring at the American with stupor -"I'm sorry I'm making you go through this. Sometimes I get all egoistic and petulant.it really wasn't your fault, after all. I guess I was being stupidly childish, ranting like that."
Heero shook his head in deny. The world was spinning upside down! He could see Duo whispering with clear remorse written in his face, asking for his forgiveness, when he was the one who had to do it. Why had the mission gone wrong?
'How so you can be so idiot? Mission? What mission?' -Heero's inner voice scolded him- 'There's no mission objective here. It's your friend, not a task. Quit the soldier mode. Say what you want to say. Don't you see him? Duo's there, melting himself to make you feel better, in order not to hurt your feelings.'
At the time a lightening crossed the sky, Duo looked up as he continued mumbling apologies, but was taken aback Heero's reaction. The Wing pilot gave another step and rested his head over 02's left shoulder, as violet eyes widened.
"I'm wrong. I've been always wrong, Duo. I came here, acting like if this was a mission I had to perform. But I guess I'm tired to also wield the mask of the soldier. So, I'm going to forget all that crap of the training and I just want to tell you whatever I'm really thinking."
Duo looked down at the boy resting on him, as the muffled voice continued to sound:
"I was such a fool, hurting the one I care the most. I wish I could go back and shut my mouth from saying so horrible things. I didn't mean it, Duo, I really didn't. I could never think of you and those children as a throwaway. You." -01 took a short breath and continued- "I admire you. I admire your strength to try to make everyone happy, everyone content with their present, everyone thinking they're so worthy. You give everything you got and expect nothing in return, keeping all the bad things, reflecting just the good. I never imagined there could be someone like you, who showed so much enthusiasm after such a dark past, wielding your mask so persistently. I guess that's why I got scared to face the other Duo, and.and."
"You're rambling, Heero" -Duo said with a hint of emotion in his voice, as he closed his eyes and put a comforting hand on top of the messy short hair of the head nestling on him.
"I know.just let me, ok?"- 01 replied- "There are many other things about you I would have to say, though my soldier side will kick my ass later for all this. But what I must say is that.it's ironic. Since I got to know you, I've always wanted to be stronger to protect you, and I ended up hurting you. I didn't want to hurt you, Duo. I never want to hurt you again."
Silence. The Wing pilot loosened his hold on the other boy, as he thought that maybe his comrade wasn't ready to forgive him, but then the DeathScythe pilot held him and rubbed his back. "Man, Heero, you know how to ruin a touching moment, ne? Now I feel bad for having been such a bastard to you this time.guess we're even"- he said, a smile on his lips- "Heero, I'm.well, a bit surprised to say the truth. And I'm honored too, because you think high of me. It's okay. I forgive you; I don't want to think more about this. You know I've always been happy to call you my friend. You're my very best friend, Heero. It's like a kind twist of fate, isn't it? That I once lost a great friend, but now I am being granted another."
Heero's blue eyes closed as relief took over him. The feelings inside of him were becoming overwhelming as he heard the braided boy's words.
'Is that true? Did just Duo say I'm.I'm like Solo to him? It's a great responsibility, and even greater honor.'
The embrace around Duo tightened as Heero's thoughts continued to echo in his mind, but a sudden moan coming from the L2 boy alerted him. The coat- covered boy felt 02 squirming in his arms, pulling back. The 01 pilot released him, his glance confused as he saw his friend grimacing slightly, while the braided boy drew his hand to his side.
"You're hurt" -01's eyes narrowed at the realization
"Whoops, seems my theater is over, ne?" -Duo smiled sheepishly.
"You hid it from us" -Heero said in a reproof tone.
"Well, it wasn't that bad. It's just that I was trying to fix my baby and.guess I tried too hard and things were kind of heavy." -02 retorted, as he griped on his side.
"Lets go back to patch your wound. It's bleeding, right?"
"How can you see?" -the American asked in disbelief. His clothes were black and, it was raining!
"You left some red tracks in the hangar. And besides." -01 explained as he extended his hand, that a moment ago was holding him, which was now painted with a red line, that the rain was dripping away.
"Oh" -Duo murmured.
They both started to walk back to the house, as the wind blew wildly and the storm got stronger. Heero had to lower his pace as he realized Duo was pausing for breath.
He came back to check him up, and found him trembling from feet to head, his right hand still holding his side.
"Baka. You shouldn't have stayed so much time under the rain" -Heero chided him.
"Hey, don't be mean to me" -Duo tried to manage a little smile, but he was shaking like a leaf and taking deep breaths- "Lets go" -he said, trying to sound convincing.
Heero walked by his side as they trespassed the opening and found the rustic way towards the wooden house. They still had like 15 minutes of walk. Duo stopped to lean on a tree for a few seconds, trying to keep his glance steady.
Heero stood in front of him, eyeing him carefully. He then decided to take off his coat, but Duo halted him with a wave of his hand.
"Don't. I'm already soaked, it's not gonna be a great help. If you do, then we'll both catch a cold" -he teased, but his voice was a mere whisper.
"Your looking like a mess by now" -Heero frowned as he unbuttoned the coat, but didn't take if off- "We'll have to hurry. Here, let me" -he said, and without a word more, he bended and placed one arm under 02's legs and his other arm on his back, as he scooped him.
"Hey!" -Duo tried to protest, but he found no strength to resist.
"Now don't complain 'cause you asked for it" -01 scolded, but his voice was soft and filled with sympathy. The long, now open coat covered Duo as he rested in the Wing pilot's arms. The soaked teen mumbled something but stopped complaining, as he placed the coat around both.
The Japanese boy started to walk again, his pace fast but careful, in order not to jar more the wounded burden in his arms, that was now silent. He looked down to see him, and discovered he was resting eyes closed. Duo had fainted almost instantly.
***
"Heero! What happened?" -Quatre asked worriedly as he saw the pilot enter, carrying an unconscious, totally wet Duo.
"He's hurt and didn't tell us. It's not that serious, but he's bleeding" -Heero explained as the other three surrounded him.
"How usual, coming from Maxwell" -Wufei huffed as he brought towels for the dripping boys.
"There's a first aid kit in every room, right Quatre?" -Heero asked, already walking towards the stairs.
"Yes"- 04 answered.
"There's also medicament in every bathroom" -Trowa added- "If the wound is open, antiseptic will be required"
Heero nodded as he made his way upstairs, heading towards the room they shared. Downstairs, the three boys remained silent until he disappeared from view.
"I wonder if they figured that out" -Wufei offered in quiet voice- "Before the genius Duo passed out"- he added in scowling tone.
"Well, we all know no one of us like to be pestered around when we are injured. And Duo is very good at deceiving people" -03 said.
"I think they got to talk it out" -Quatre opined. The questioning glances from the other two made him smile as he explained: "If they hadn't, not in a million years, not even unconscious Duo would have allowed Heero to carry him"
"That's true" -Wufei smiled- "He would have been kicking all the way"
Heero placed the other boy onto the bed, as he tossed the coat on the floor. He took the towel and cleaned the American pilot's face. He then proceeded to bring the kit and blankets.
"You and the great idea of enjoying the rain, eh?" -Heero said in a teasing tone to the sleeping pilot, as he removed the soaked black jacket, black shirt, black t-shirt.** and tossed them on the floor.
The bandage in Duo's side was red and moist, which was not good. Heero cut the fabric with care and then cleaned the wound with antiseptic.
"What ya doing?" -the drained voice came as 02 opened his eyes.
"Checking your wound. It's open" -Heero answered, not stopping the procedure.
"We are already at the house? Wow, I must have fainted" -Duo said, trying to sit up, but Heero stopped him.
"Stay still. You're just making it bleed more"
"K. Thanks man" -the American replied, lying again. He watched how the other wiped the blood away and applied more antiseptic.
"You're not complaining? It's supposed to hurt" -Heero said.
"Oh, yeah!" -Duo gave a little smile- "Ouch"
Heero raised his eyebrows, with a little wistful smile. -"Why are you so attached to your mask, Duo? You're always pretending in front of the people, even unconsciously"
"Let me guess. You want to be a psychologist when you grow up" -Duo joked, avoiding the subject.
"Duo" -Heero warned- "You're doing it again. Why is that you can't drop the mask, at least with me?"
"Why would you want that? The other Duo is not this nice, you know."
Heero looked up at the words. Duo was serious but not staring at him. He was just staring at the bandage that 01 had been wrapping around him seconds ago.
"Is he very different?" -Heero asked in the same position.
Duo shrugged. -"Not really. Just.a bit sour. I don't like to invite him to play out much. He is no fun" -Duo smiled that hollow smile.
"But he is part of you. You and he are the same. One. You better ask him to come out more frequently, or he is going to be even sadder." -Heero said softly.
"He's got no one to talk to, anyway" -Duo added.
"You're lonely" -Heero said, sitting beside Duo.
"Everyone is. Aren't you?" -Duo replied.
"You can talk to me. Whatever it is, Duo. You got to promise me you will be sincere with me. No masks. The other Duo needs a friend too" -Heero said as he patched the last bandage.
He took a long-sleeved shirt from the closet and a sweater and helped Duo to put them on. Then, he sat in the same spot on the bed, waiting for his answer.
But Duo remained silent as he adjusted the clothes and took off his boots and socks. He griped the edges of the three blankets and hogged them, wrapping himself in the warmth the fabric offered.
"Duo" -the Japanese boy called as he saw the other teen turning his back on him- "You haven't answered me"
"I can't promise you that. Not yet, Heero-man" -the L2 boy answered without turning- "Thanks for everything, but I am not ready"
Heero nodded, not wanting to press the issue further. He rubbed the other's back as he said:
"Okay. Some day" -then he noticed the wet braid hanging from the bed and he added, half joking: -"You're gonna be really sick with that hair of yours" -and he tugged the braid as he pulled the rubber band off.
"Hey, watch it!" -Duo jumped- "Now you're tugging my braid as Fei-man?*** How cruel!" -he complained with a real smile.
"You better let it hang loose until it dries" -01 admonished to the pouting boy, who was sticking his tongue out. "K, step mom" -he said with a smirk, setting himself back on bed.
Heero shook his head in a 'you're baka' style as he barely smiled. He was about to stand up when Duo caught his hand and made him sit again.
"Hey, pal, I really thank you for.you know, being nice to me for a while. Appreciate it. You're as mad as they come, but you're a good guy. That coming from Shinigami means a lot" -Duo grinned.
"I know. The same here" -Heero nodded as he ruffled the chestnut hair with affection- "Go to sleep, Shinigami."
"Night, Heero" -Duo mumbled as he closed his eyes.
"Night, Duo" -Heero answered, staying in his place on the bed beside him. Some seconds later, 01 murmured: -"You still awake?"
"." -Duo shifted in his sleep, muttering a vague "No"
"Do you promise to let me be your best friend, Duo? Of both Duo, you promise me I'll always be your best friend?" -the voice murmured close to his face.
"Promise, Heero" -came the sleepy response.
Just then, the blue eyed boy stood from his place and headed to his own bed.
The wounds were still there, but time, friendship and understanding were healing them.
The End.
***Shinigami's Voice***
A/N: Oh.(sniff) I kinda like this. I hope it's not only me and that you also like this fic. I'll be so grateful if you R&R, please. You gotta be nice and review. Give me some hope to continue, ok?
**black jacket, black shirt, black t-shirt. Duo can get a job at Men In Black, ne?
***Fei-man is Wufei. You guys know that.
Guess what??!! I'm posting another fic called: "In Your Eyes" Come and check it up, please. Ja ne!!
"Healing a Friend's Wounds"
Chapter Four
"Duo.wait.Duo" -Heero called as he followed the soaked boy into the woods. He hurried his pace to reach him and stood beside him.
"Well, Heero, is there something else?" -Duo forced a smile as he faced 01.
Heero draggled his hands on his face, wiping the water away almost in frustration.
"You know there is. You're not making me this easy" -he softly complained.
"But, why, Heero, I thought I was indeed making you this extremely easy. I said I know you're sorry. I know you didn't mean to say.what you said. You were under pressure, you just let it out.it's ok. I'm ok" -Duo tried to reassure him.
"You're faking this out" -Heero replied in low voice, as he looked intensively into the other set of eyes in front of him- "Don't try to fool me with your mask, Duo, please don't do it."
Duo gasped at the words, and unconsciously looked down.
"Maybe you're serious when you say you know I'm sorry, and that you accept my apology. But that's not making any difference, right? You're not feeling any better. Neither you're feeling comfortable with me. I can tell, you know."
"How? How can you, huh? What is giving it away? What's not convincing you this time? Is it true, that you can see through the mask?" -Duo replied in a slight agitated tone.
The Japanese teen sighed as he advanced one step more, his head bending a bit, trying to look directly at 02's face. When he finally got to stare at him, he answered softly.
"Everyone is so accustom to picture you as the happy one, ne? Even though we know about your past and how much you suffered, we're still expecting you to be the same cheerful guy, like if there weren't consequences affecting you. But I can tell, Duo, 'cause I've heard you when you sleep. I think there hasn't been a single night that you didn't have a nightmare. I can tell because I've seen amethyst eyes hold a void glance in the middle of the night. I can tell because sometimes you become unaware I'm watching you, and your expression is sad. I can tell, Duo, because you have let me come near to you. You took the risk when you let me be your close friend.that's how I can see now that you're not being honest when you say you're ok, 'cause you're definitely not."
"Well, sorry, I've tried, ya know? I've tried to hold the façade as much as I could and let it go.But you know what I found out, Yuy?" -Duo raised his glance defiantly- "That I can't let it go. I can't, ok? I'm stupid that way. I don't want to doom you for something you can't change, so lets just leave this here. It wasn't your fault that I was forced to live as I did, but at least don't come and scrub it on my face, will ya?" -Duo breathed heavily, his fists clenched at his sides.
Heero remained silent, his face bowed. His lips were pressed together as he heard the reprimand. He deserved it, he thought, he deserved to be treated this way. The silence stretched out in an uncomfortable amount of time. Until.
"I'm sorry, Heero. I hadn't the right." -came the soft, guilty voice from Duo. Heero's face jerked upwards, staring at the American with stupor -"I'm sorry I'm making you go through this. Sometimes I get all egoistic and petulant.it really wasn't your fault, after all. I guess I was being stupidly childish, ranting like that."
Heero shook his head in deny. The world was spinning upside down! He could see Duo whispering with clear remorse written in his face, asking for his forgiveness, when he was the one who had to do it. Why had the mission gone wrong?
'How so you can be so idiot? Mission? What mission?' -Heero's inner voice scolded him- 'There's no mission objective here. It's your friend, not a task. Quit the soldier mode. Say what you want to say. Don't you see him? Duo's there, melting himself to make you feel better, in order not to hurt your feelings.'
At the time a lightening crossed the sky, Duo looked up as he continued mumbling apologies, but was taken aback Heero's reaction. The Wing pilot gave another step and rested his head over 02's left shoulder, as violet eyes widened.
"I'm wrong. I've been always wrong, Duo. I came here, acting like if this was a mission I had to perform. But I guess I'm tired to also wield the mask of the soldier. So, I'm going to forget all that crap of the training and I just want to tell you whatever I'm really thinking."
Duo looked down at the boy resting on him, as the muffled voice continued to sound:
"I was such a fool, hurting the one I care the most. I wish I could go back and shut my mouth from saying so horrible things. I didn't mean it, Duo, I really didn't. I could never think of you and those children as a throwaway. You." -01 took a short breath and continued- "I admire you. I admire your strength to try to make everyone happy, everyone content with their present, everyone thinking they're so worthy. You give everything you got and expect nothing in return, keeping all the bad things, reflecting just the good. I never imagined there could be someone like you, who showed so much enthusiasm after such a dark past, wielding your mask so persistently. I guess that's why I got scared to face the other Duo, and.and."
"You're rambling, Heero" -Duo said with a hint of emotion in his voice, as he closed his eyes and put a comforting hand on top of the messy short hair of the head nestling on him.
"I know.just let me, ok?"- 01 replied- "There are many other things about you I would have to say, though my soldier side will kick my ass later for all this. But what I must say is that.it's ironic. Since I got to know you, I've always wanted to be stronger to protect you, and I ended up hurting you. I didn't want to hurt you, Duo. I never want to hurt you again."
Silence. The Wing pilot loosened his hold on the other boy, as he thought that maybe his comrade wasn't ready to forgive him, but then the DeathScythe pilot held him and rubbed his back. "Man, Heero, you know how to ruin a touching moment, ne? Now I feel bad for having been such a bastard to you this time.guess we're even"- he said, a smile on his lips- "Heero, I'm.well, a bit surprised to say the truth. And I'm honored too, because you think high of me. It's okay. I forgive you; I don't want to think more about this. You know I've always been happy to call you my friend. You're my very best friend, Heero. It's like a kind twist of fate, isn't it? That I once lost a great friend, but now I am being granted another."
Heero's blue eyes closed as relief took over him. The feelings inside of him were becoming overwhelming as he heard the braided boy's words.
'Is that true? Did just Duo say I'm.I'm like Solo to him? It's a great responsibility, and even greater honor.'
The embrace around Duo tightened as Heero's thoughts continued to echo in his mind, but a sudden moan coming from the L2 boy alerted him. The coat- covered boy felt 02 squirming in his arms, pulling back. The 01 pilot released him, his glance confused as he saw his friend grimacing slightly, while the braided boy drew his hand to his side.
"You're hurt" -01's eyes narrowed at the realization
"Whoops, seems my theater is over, ne?" -Duo smiled sheepishly.
"You hid it from us" -Heero said in a reproof tone.
"Well, it wasn't that bad. It's just that I was trying to fix my baby and.guess I tried too hard and things were kind of heavy." -02 retorted, as he griped on his side.
"Lets go back to patch your wound. It's bleeding, right?"
"How can you see?" -the American asked in disbelief. His clothes were black and, it was raining!
"You left some red tracks in the hangar. And besides." -01 explained as he extended his hand, that a moment ago was holding him, which was now painted with a red line, that the rain was dripping away.
"Oh" -Duo murmured.
They both started to walk back to the house, as the wind blew wildly and the storm got stronger. Heero had to lower his pace as he realized Duo was pausing for breath.
He came back to check him up, and found him trembling from feet to head, his right hand still holding his side.
"Baka. You shouldn't have stayed so much time under the rain" -Heero chided him.
"Hey, don't be mean to me" -Duo tried to manage a little smile, but he was shaking like a leaf and taking deep breaths- "Lets go" -he said, trying to sound convincing.
Heero walked by his side as they trespassed the opening and found the rustic way towards the wooden house. They still had like 15 minutes of walk. Duo stopped to lean on a tree for a few seconds, trying to keep his glance steady.
Heero stood in front of him, eyeing him carefully. He then decided to take off his coat, but Duo halted him with a wave of his hand.
"Don't. I'm already soaked, it's not gonna be a great help. If you do, then we'll both catch a cold" -he teased, but his voice was a mere whisper.
"Your looking like a mess by now" -Heero frowned as he unbuttoned the coat, but didn't take if off- "We'll have to hurry. Here, let me" -he said, and without a word more, he bended and placed one arm under 02's legs and his other arm on his back, as he scooped him.
"Hey!" -Duo tried to protest, but he found no strength to resist.
"Now don't complain 'cause you asked for it" -01 scolded, but his voice was soft and filled with sympathy. The long, now open coat covered Duo as he rested in the Wing pilot's arms. The soaked teen mumbled something but stopped complaining, as he placed the coat around both.
The Japanese boy started to walk again, his pace fast but careful, in order not to jar more the wounded burden in his arms, that was now silent. He looked down to see him, and discovered he was resting eyes closed. Duo had fainted almost instantly.
***
"Heero! What happened?" -Quatre asked worriedly as he saw the pilot enter, carrying an unconscious, totally wet Duo.
"He's hurt and didn't tell us. It's not that serious, but he's bleeding" -Heero explained as the other three surrounded him.
"How usual, coming from Maxwell" -Wufei huffed as he brought towels for the dripping boys.
"There's a first aid kit in every room, right Quatre?" -Heero asked, already walking towards the stairs.
"Yes"- 04 answered.
"There's also medicament in every bathroom" -Trowa added- "If the wound is open, antiseptic will be required"
Heero nodded as he made his way upstairs, heading towards the room they shared. Downstairs, the three boys remained silent until he disappeared from view.
"I wonder if they figured that out" -Wufei offered in quiet voice- "Before the genius Duo passed out"- he added in scowling tone.
"Well, we all know no one of us like to be pestered around when we are injured. And Duo is very good at deceiving people" -03 said.
"I think they got to talk it out" -Quatre opined. The questioning glances from the other two made him smile as he explained: "If they hadn't, not in a million years, not even unconscious Duo would have allowed Heero to carry him"
"That's true" -Wufei smiled- "He would have been kicking all the way"
Heero placed the other boy onto the bed, as he tossed the coat on the floor. He took the towel and cleaned the American pilot's face. He then proceeded to bring the kit and blankets.
"You and the great idea of enjoying the rain, eh?" -Heero said in a teasing tone to the sleeping pilot, as he removed the soaked black jacket, black shirt, black t-shirt.** and tossed them on the floor.
The bandage in Duo's side was red and moist, which was not good. Heero cut the fabric with care and then cleaned the wound with antiseptic.
"What ya doing?" -the drained voice came as 02 opened his eyes.
"Checking your wound. It's open" -Heero answered, not stopping the procedure.
"We are already at the house? Wow, I must have fainted" -Duo said, trying to sit up, but Heero stopped him.
"Stay still. You're just making it bleed more"
"K. Thanks man" -the American replied, lying again. He watched how the other wiped the blood away and applied more antiseptic.
"You're not complaining? It's supposed to hurt" -Heero said.
"Oh, yeah!" -Duo gave a little smile- "Ouch"
Heero raised his eyebrows, with a little wistful smile. -"Why are you so attached to your mask, Duo? You're always pretending in front of the people, even unconsciously"
"Let me guess. You want to be a psychologist when you grow up" -Duo joked, avoiding the subject.
"Duo" -Heero warned- "You're doing it again. Why is that you can't drop the mask, at least with me?"
"Why would you want that? The other Duo is not this nice, you know."
Heero looked up at the words. Duo was serious but not staring at him. He was just staring at the bandage that 01 had been wrapping around him seconds ago.
"Is he very different?" -Heero asked in the same position.
Duo shrugged. -"Not really. Just.a bit sour. I don't like to invite him to play out much. He is no fun" -Duo smiled that hollow smile.
"But he is part of you. You and he are the same. One. You better ask him to come out more frequently, or he is going to be even sadder." -Heero said softly.
"He's got no one to talk to, anyway" -Duo added.
"You're lonely" -Heero said, sitting beside Duo.
"Everyone is. Aren't you?" -Duo replied.
"You can talk to me. Whatever it is, Duo. You got to promise me you will be sincere with me. No masks. The other Duo needs a friend too" -Heero said as he patched the last bandage.
He took a long-sleeved shirt from the closet and a sweater and helped Duo to put them on. Then, he sat in the same spot on the bed, waiting for his answer.
But Duo remained silent as he adjusted the clothes and took off his boots and socks. He griped the edges of the three blankets and hogged them, wrapping himself in the warmth the fabric offered.
"Duo" -the Japanese boy called as he saw the other teen turning his back on him- "You haven't answered me"
"I can't promise you that. Not yet, Heero-man" -the L2 boy answered without turning- "Thanks for everything, but I am not ready"
Heero nodded, not wanting to press the issue further. He rubbed the other's back as he said:
"Okay. Some day" -then he noticed the wet braid hanging from the bed and he added, half joking: -"You're gonna be really sick with that hair of yours" -and he tugged the braid as he pulled the rubber band off.
"Hey, watch it!" -Duo jumped- "Now you're tugging my braid as Fei-man?*** How cruel!" -he complained with a real smile.
"You better let it hang loose until it dries" -01 admonished to the pouting boy, who was sticking his tongue out. "K, step mom" -he said with a smirk, setting himself back on bed.
Heero shook his head in a 'you're baka' style as he barely smiled. He was about to stand up when Duo caught his hand and made him sit again.
"Hey, pal, I really thank you for.you know, being nice to me for a while. Appreciate it. You're as mad as they come, but you're a good guy. That coming from Shinigami means a lot" -Duo grinned.
"I know. The same here" -Heero nodded as he ruffled the chestnut hair with affection- "Go to sleep, Shinigami."
"Night, Heero" -Duo mumbled as he closed his eyes.
"Night, Duo" -Heero answered, staying in his place on the bed beside him. Some seconds later, 01 murmured: -"You still awake?"
"." -Duo shifted in his sleep, muttering a vague "No"
"Do you promise to let me be your best friend, Duo? Of both Duo, you promise me I'll always be your best friend?" -the voice murmured close to his face.
"Promise, Heero" -came the sleepy response.
Just then, the blue eyed boy stood from his place and headed to his own bed.
The wounds were still there, but time, friendship and understanding were healing them.
The End.
***Shinigami's Voice***
A/N: Oh.(sniff) I kinda like this. I hope it's not only me and that you also like this fic. I'll be so grateful if you R&R, please. You gotta be nice and review. Give me some hope to continue, ok?
**black jacket, black shirt, black t-shirt. Duo can get a job at Men In Black, ne?
***Fei-man is Wufei. You guys know that.
Guess what??!! I'm posting another fic called: "In Your Eyes" Come and check it up, please. Ja ne!!