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"Slowly, Over Time "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, Drama, Tragedy, Romance, Yaoi, lemon, lime, language, sap, silliness, straight (?) Duo, confident/arrogant Heero, cock-blocking, character death (not Heero or Duo). An additional warning: this story is unlike any I've ever written, and though it will be sad, it will have a happy ending.
Summary: A sad, sweet 1x2 get-together fic. Heed
the warnings "Slowly, Over Time "
Situation Two, Date Two: Dinner at Heero's (in which Juun continues to cock-block Heero) January 13, 2011, Diary of Yuy Heero Taking Duo and Juun to the amusement park was by far the most enjoyable afternoon I've had in a very long time. Juun is a cute little monster, even though I'm wondering if he lives to torment me. There were a few moments when the mood was perfect and it would have been appropriate to lean over and kiss Duo, but the little monster appeared out of nowhere and managed to ruin the mood. The fact that he's five has nothing to do with anything, he is a monster. Now I've turned my attention to our date tomorrow evening. He's coming over at six, and I've devised a few activities that will hopefully tire out the little monster so I can have some alone time with his father. If I can kiss him even once I will be satisfied until I can take him out alone. That probably won't happen until he trusts me. I've been thinking a lot about Juun's question, what are my intentions. I was honest when I said I don't think about intentions when I begin to pursue something or someone that has captured my interest, but now I have. I actually don't want to tumble Duo into my bed and then begin looking for new entertainment. To begin, I don't think one taste could possibly satisfy me. But I've never really seduced anyone before with the intent to enter into a relationship with them. I am somewhat surprised to find, I'm not interested in 'short-term' with Duo. I want to get to know everything about him. What it is that makes him laugh, cry, angry, passionate, excited, fired-up, anything and everything. I want to see his face when he's ranting about something he considers and injustice, I want to see him laughing without restraint at something that amuses him, I want to see his face when all his barriers are down and he's completely vulnerable, I want to see what he looks like when passion has taken him and he's gasping my name in pleasure. I have never wanted anyone so much, and I'm beginning to think it goes beyond mere wanting. I have never tried to see deeper into someone, and I've realized I'm actually rather good at it. I notice every change of Duo's expression, and I can tell by watching him when he's uncomfortable, at ease, and even when something abruptly makes him sad. I wonder if he's accustomed to being sad, because he's very good at hiding it. I've just gotten better at noticing that he is at hiding. So here's my answer, Juun. My intentions are to slowly, over time, seduce your father into trusting me, needing me, and loving me. I don't know if I love him - love is a big word. I don't know him well enough, but I certainly like him. I like him a lot. My intentions are to take away everything that makes him sad. Does that answer your question, bakemono chibi? o0o 0o0 "Daddy?" "Hm." Juun clambered onto a chair and perched on it backward, staring intently at his father. "Can I ask you a question?" Duo looked up and capped his pen, setting aside the bills and statements. "Of course. What is it?" "After Momma died, have you ever liked anyone else?" Duo blinked, caught off-guard. "What brought this on?" "I've seen a lot of people looking at you. Men and women. Sometimes they ask you to go out, but you always just smile and tell them no. Do you not like going out?" Surprised his son was thinking about things like this, Duo sighed and pushed his bangs back. "I don't . . . not like it," he said after a moment. "But there's a lot to consider, Juun. I don't have the time to go on dates." "What if you had the time? Would you, then?" "I . . . suppose I would," Duo said slowly. "Do you like Heero-niichan?" Loaded question of the night. What's gotten into you? "I don't know him very well." Evasion, thou name art Duo. Juun frowned at him. "That's not an answer." Duo tried not to sigh again. "I mean, I don't know yet if I like him because I don't really know him." "Then how long until you know him well enough to decide?" Chuckling, Duo leaned back. "Why this curiosity?" "I want to know. I like Heero-niichan. Do you? Would you go on a date with him if he asked?" He had to ask. That wasn't a question Duo could answer. Even though tomorrow night could be considered a date. "Um, Juun, we're both men." "Mm hm." Surprised, Duo leaned forward again and rested his elbows on the table. "You don't mind?" "Why would I mind?" Uh . . . good question, I guess. "Society has a few things to say about two men dating." "Like what?" "That it's . . . wrong, I suppose. Men are supposed to date women." "Why?" Damn, you're full of those tonight, aren't you? "I don't really know. I suppose the neanderthals might have said because two men can't produce any babies. Nowadays it's . . . not so much of an issue." He grinned crookedly. Juun giggled. "But if it makes two men happy to be together, why should society care what they do? Does it hurt society in some way?" "No." "Then there's nothing wrong with it." "No, there's not," Duo agreed. He was pleased Juun felt that way. Kaoru had been exactly the same, he thought with a pang. "Daddy? Are you sad?" Just like her in that way, too. She could always tell the instant I had unhappy thoughts. He tried on a smile. "No, pumpkin. I'm not sad. Sometimes I get so lost in thought I don't realize I look silly." "You get lost in thought?" "All the time." "How do you find your way out?" Duo grinned. "I just think of you." Juun squeaked and jumped off his chair to give his father a tight hug. "I love you, Daddy!" "I love you too. Should we have dinner?" "Hai!" "Come on then," Duo said, rising and herding his son to the kitchen. As they started getting out ingredients, he realized he'd somehow evaded Juun's questions about Heero. Good for me. He knew Juun would ask them again soon. It was impossible to sidetrack him for long when it came to his daddy. Perhaps by the time Juun remembered to ask again he'd have his answers. o0o 0o0 Heero's finger tapped idly on the keyboard, and after a moment he realized he was pressing hard enough for the letter to appear on the screen. Probably a hundred 'f's scrolled over the letter. Sighing, he dragged his mouse to highlight and delete them. He didn't want to be working right now. He wanted it to be evening with Duo and Juun already at his place. He twitched when someone knocked on his office door, and before he could open his mouth the door opened to admit his partner, Chang Wufei. "Yuy." "Chang." "Thank you for agreeing to another meeting concerning the merger." Heero raised an eyebrow with a hint of a smile. "We're adults, and you're my partner. It would be detrimental to the company if we avoided each other like children." Wufei snorted. "True. Forgive me, I'm rather comparing you to my old partner. She would have played such childish games." "Ah yes, the Peacecraft woman. Tell me again why you entered into any sort of business with her?" "As a favor to her brother, and that is all," Wufei said, shrugging. "It did turn out to be a profitable venture, so I only regret her involvement." "I'm glad she didn't ruin you before I had the pleasure of doing business with you." Wufei gave him a crooked little grin. "We've been friends since elementary. You don't need to resort to flattery to get your way." It was Heero's turn to grin. "Thank god." "By the way," Wufei said, leaning back in his chair, "you haven't hooked up with anyone in awhile?" Heero blinked. "By 'hooked up' you mean - ?" he hedged. Wufei smirked. "What's that phrase you favor . . . tumbled anyone into your bed?" Unable to help it, Heero chuckled. "No. Please tell me how the hell you know that?" "Didn't you know? You are an open book to me, Yuy." "Very amusing." Wufei sobered. "Joking aside, when you have a fling you get ill-tempered and unreasonable. Most men calm down when they have sex. Not you." Heero gazed at his friend, surprised. He'd never noticed that. But I suppose if I think about it, I've been in a consistently better mood since getting to know Duo. What an interesting observation. "I'm dating someone." Now Wufei looked surprised. "Dating? You? Commitment?" Heero rolled his eyes. "All right already. I've just never met someone with whom I wanted to get serious." "And now you have?" "Aa." "Well. I'm at a loss. I don't know what to say. You've rendered me speechless." "It doesn't seem that way," Heero muttered. Wufei ignored him. "So? What is she like? Or is it a 'he'?" "He works a few blocks from here," Heero replied. "He's a barista, and he makes a perfect latte. Strong and not too sweet, smooth and rich." "Sounds delicious. How old is he?" "Twenty-four." "Excellent. And did he seduce you with his perfect latte, or were there other considerations?" "Only in part," Heero said with a snort. "He's also beautiful, intelligent, and humorous." "I see. So is he, then, a goddess without flaws?" "Nearly," Heero confirmed. "He is also sharp-tongued and difficult to seduce, but I don't consider those flaws." "So then he sounds perfect for you." "Nearly," Heero said again. "There's just one catch. He has a son." Wufei looked at him as though he'd been declared clinically insane. "Well, that does it. I've now officially heard everything. Heero Yuy is getting serious with a man with a son. Did Hell freeze over when I was sleeping?" "Hilarious. You're on a roll today." Wufei shook his head. "I just thought I knew you, and you keep shocking me." A pause. "Have you met the son?" "Several times. He's a cute little monster." "Is this a biological son?" "Aa." "Then . . . are you sure he's . . . ah, inclined?" Heero grinned. "His wife was a fluke." "Mm hm. Confidence is an appealing trait, I suppose. What does he look like?" Heero tapped the merger portfolio. "I thought you came in here to discuss business?" "Misdirection, plain and simple. I'll only discuss business if you insist." "I do." "I see. In that case I'll let you off the hook for now. As your partner and best friend I expect introductions in the very near future." Amused, annoyed, and absurdly touched by Wufei's interest, Heero just nodded. Maybe, he promised himself, if tonight goes well I'll take you over to the bookstore and introduce you. Hopefully tonight will go well enough I'll go from someone he's casually dating to someone he's seeing. And then not long after that, his lover. o0o 0o0 Duo arrived at the enormous apartment complex where Heero lived at five after and got off his bicycle. Juun, sitting in the basket seat on the front, stared up in apparent awe. "Wow," the little boy said as Duo lifted him out and set him down. "Daddy, is this the biggest building in Tokyo?" Chuckling, Duo chained up his bike and held out a hand. "No, but it's probably a runner-up." Juun giggled, taking the hand. "Figures. Heero-niichan is flashy." Duo snorted softly. As he entered the large lobby, the doorman looked up and smiled. "You must be Maxwell-san and Juun, correct?" Surprised (though he guessed he shouldn't be), Duo nodded. "Yes." "Please go right up. Yuy-san is expecting you." "Arigatou gozaimasu," Duo said, inclining his head. "Arigatou, ouji-san!" Juun chirped. Duo saw the man grin. Juun wanted to press the doorbell, which Duo allowed. The boy pressed it half-a-dozen times before Duo pushed his hand down with a not-as-stern-as-he-would-like look. Juun beamed him a million-watt smile, and Duo's minor irritation evaporated. Heero opened the door in a few seconds, and Duo had to physically resist the urge to lick his lips. He'd always thought the man looked sharp and gorgeous in his expensive business suits, but dressed in more casual clothing was even better. His jeans were form-fitting inky black, and the cobalt button-up looked like silk. Not Duo's idea of casual per se, but Heero pulled it off exquisitely. Smiling, Heero stood aside and held the door open for them. "Good evening, you two. Had no trouble finding the place, I trust?" "How could we?" Juun exclaimed, tearing inside. "It's half as big as Tokyo!" Duo flashed Heero a semi-apologetic smile. "We didn't have any trouble." This apartment was probably five times the size of his own. "This is a really nice place." "Thank you. Not quite worth what I pay for it, but the location is convenient." Juun jumped on the large leather couch in the main sitting room. "Wow, Daddy, it's really comfy!" Duo groaned faintly. "Juun, please. We're guests in his home." Heero grabbed Juun and lifted him as though he were a featherweight, setting the little boy on his shoulders. "It's all right, as long as the monster doesn't break anything." Juun ruffled Heero's hair. "What's for dinner, Heero-niichan?" "What ever your father feels like making." "What!" Juun exclaimed. "You invite us over and want us to cook?" Duo smiled sheepishly. "Gomen, I forgot to tell him. Juun, when did you become so rude?" Giggling, Juun thumped his ankles on Heero's shoulders. "You have to help, otherwise it won't be any fun." "Of course," Heero agreed with a tender smile to Duo. Which made him blush. "Arigatou, Heero-san." The kitchen was huge and beautiful, and Duo sighed wistfully. Really, it would be nice to have so much space. At Juun's insistence he consulted the fridge. It didn't seem Heero was a picky eater, so he gave into Juun's request for bentou. Then, instead of eating at the table, Heero spread a blanket out and they ate on the main room floor. "Where do you work, Heero-niichan?" Juun asked as he munched. "I own a hotel chain," Heero replied. "Our main building isn't so far from your father's work. The Tokyo Jewel." Duo almost choked. "That's one of the largest international chains in Asia." "Mm hm. My partner and I took it over from my father about five years ago. We've opened seven new locations since then." He winked at Juun. "It's estimated I'm worth some fifty billion*." Juun gaped, but Duo felt the distance between them acutely. What does he see in me? I'm poor, I'm from a poor family. I don't have anything to offer him. "Can we spend the night in one of your hotels?" Juun asked, practically bouncing. "Of course," Heero said before Duo could protest. "In fact I insist." He smiled at Duo. "Just tell me when." Damn it, I'm blushing again. "Please don't go to any trouble, Heero-san." "It's no trouble at all." "Daddy has to work tomorrow, but not Sunday," Juun offered excitedly. "How about tomorrow night? Then I can stay up late 'cos no school." Heero smiled. "Done. We'll watch movies and have popcorn." "And ice cream?" Juun asked, eyes glowing. "Mochiron*." "And anime!" Juun demanded, patting Heero's leg. "Lots of anime!" "All your favorites," Heero promised. "Yayy!" Juun squealed, launching himself off the floor and glomping Heero. Chuckling, the man hugged him. Duo watched with a soft smile, heart warm and aching. He knew at that moment he would consent to another date . . . and possibly more. If only 'forever' weren't so close to being over. o0o 0o0 Heero quietly closed the bedroom door and padded back to the living room. Looking back over the evening he took a quick mental inventory and nodded in satisfaction. It had gone well, and Juun seemed to be warming up to him nicely. The little monster had been full of hugs and quick kisses on the cheek. He'd made a list of all his favorite anime for Heero, and he'd been surprised by the neat, tidy handwriting. He sure doesn't act like a five-year-old. I can barely remember five, but I certainly wasn't interested in learning and expanding my vocabulary and working on my handwriting. Duo sat on the couch, most of the lights out, gazing out over the city. On the top floor of the building, Heero enjoyed an impressive view. For the moment, the view in his living room was the one that stole his breath away. Duo was so beautiful. His skin looked moon-pale and marble-smooth, making Heero want to go wrap himself around the younger man to share his warmth. The dim light reflected on his thick, lustrous hair, but it was his eyes that caught and held Heero. So dark. So sad. They were unfocused and distant, and the deep and partially hidden pain in them made Heero want to hold him and never let him go. To whisper in his ear assurances that he would chase away anything and everything that made him sad. That he had no reason to look like that. It was too painful to witness, so Heero made sure to scuff his feet over the carpet as he entered the room. Duo started and turned away, and by the time he looked up at Heero it was all gone. He smiled softly. "Juun had fun tonight. Thank you, Heero-san." Heero sat beside him, though not so close as to be touching. He reached over and brushed a stray lock of hair off Duo's forehead. "And what about you?" Something glimmered ever-so-briefly in those limpid eyes before the smile returned. Softer, and a little sad. "I did, too. Seems like forever since I did something just for fun. Sometimes it seems I barely have time to catch my breath." He sighed faintly. Heero allowed his hand to stray down a little and caress Duo's cheek. Only lightly. "That must be difficult." Duo blinked and pulled back a bit. "Listen to me. Gomen, Heero-san. I didn't mean to get maudlin." "Don't be silly. Isn't that what friends do? Listen to each other?" He couldn't define the look that stole over that gamine face. "Friends?" Duo murmured, turning his gaze back out over the night-lit city. "Is that what we are?" Heero's blood burned hot and fierce as his breath caught in his throat. Was that an invitation or an actual question? Never being one to shy away from risk, Heero chose the former and curled a single finger under Duo's chin, turning Duo's face back toward him. "I hope not," he said softly, leaning slowly forward, letting the desire show in his eyes. "I hope more." That last fraction of a centimeter Duo hesitated, looking both nervous and anticipating. Then his eyes fluttered shut and he closed that final tiny, enormous gap. Heero's eyes almost flickered shut. So soft, so warm. Dry, but not chapped at all. He gently deepened the kiss, watching as Duo slowly melted into him. It was Duo who tentatively parted his lips, and Heero could have died happy. He slowly, tenderly invaded the wet sweetness of Duo's mouth, taking only what was oh-so-shyly offered and nothing more. Duo's responses were hesitant but not necessarily inexperienced, just obviously a bit unsure of himself kissing a man. Probably for the first time. Heero took his time, happily taking this of Duo's firsts. He only drew Duo closer when he felt the complete relaxation of tensed muscle, guiding Duo with only one arm in case the younger man wanted to pull away. He did not. He pressed a little closer, opening his mouth wider and inviting Heero deeper. He nearly groaned. How easily and sweetly you seduce me. It's only a kiss, and yet I've felt nothing better than this. Duo finally broke away with a little gasp, face flushed and eyes a bit glazed. Delectable. "H-Heero-san," he whispered. "Duo," Heero breathed, feathering his lips over Duo's, "I want to consider you my significant other. Will you allow me that honor?" Duo turned his head to the side so Heero's lips brushed over his cheek, but he didn't pull away. "I-I've never . . . been with a man." "I know." "You're . . . you don't mind?" "If you're comfortable with it. And if you're fine with it concerning Juun." Duo laughed softly. "He said he doesn't understand why two men can't be together as long as they're happy." Heero snorted. "Little monster after my own heart. Duo, let's find out if we can fall in love." The color and heat that rose in Duo's cheeks enticed Heero. This time he gave no verbal reply, merely nodding and looking so adorably shy Heero couldn't help himself. He tipped Duo's chin up again to kiss him. This time Duo responded quicker and less carefully, and he nuzzled closer without any encouragement. Heero happily wrapped his arms around him, using this superior leverage to position him where he liked. Was it too soon to introduce him to the differences between being touched by a man compared to a woman - ? "Daddy?" Duo disentangled himself and rose gracefully with such rapid efficiency Heero might have applauded were Juun's timing not so terrible. "I thought you were asleep, pumpkin?" Duo said, kneeling in front of his rumpled-looking son. "I was having a strange dream." "Good strange or bad strange?" Juun rubbed his eyes and sniffled pathetically. "Bad. Can we go home?" "Of course," Duo said, rising and lifting Juun into his arms. "It's getting late, anyhow. Heero-san, thank you for a wonderful evening. I guess we'll see you tomorrow night?" Heero nodded. "I'll pick you up. We can discuss the details at lunch tomorrow." Duo smiled. "I'll see you then." Heero helped him into his coat, then waved as they walked down the hall toward the elevator. With his father facing away, Juun twisted in his hold to give Heero one hell of a monster smirk, sticking his tongue out at him. Then they were gone. Heero stared after them, rooted to the spot. Then he closed the door and burst into laughter. "That little brat."
Situation Three, First Trauma "So how is it progressing with otou-san?" Wufei asked. Heero blinked. "How did we go from discussing the merger to my love life?" Wufei waggled his eyebrows. "So, it's a love-life now, is it?" Heero rolled his eyes. "First, don't call him that. His name is Duo. And second . . ." He smiled softly. "Last night we went from simply dating to actually seeing each other." "As in, exclusively?" "Aa." "Wow. And you're his first man?" "Yes," Heero said with a faint sigh. "The merger?" "Your love life is more interesting. Going out again soon?" "As a matter of fact, yes. He's staying at the hotel tonight." "With you?" Thinking about the cock-blocking little monster made Heero grimace. "I doubt it. The kid's coming along too." "Damn. Having a toddler around really halts the action, doesn't it?" "Juun isn't a toddler, and can we please stop talking about this? We have reps coming over next week. I'd like to have this proposal finished before then?" "You stress too much. I've mostly finished it. Just need your two cents' worth." Wufei was as good as his word, and by his regular lunch hour they were done. "If you behave yourself," he said as he rose and shrugged into his jacket, "I'll introduce you to him tonight." "Excellent. Text me the details." He parked outside the bookstore, and when Duo looked up and saw him Heero had to swallow the fierce impulse to grab him and kiss him. Duo blushed, looking so sweetly shy as he smiled, and it was genuine pleasure on his face. "Irasshai, Heero-san," he murmured. Heero returned the smile. "The usual?" he requested. "With a kiss on the side?" When Duo blushed even darker, Heero tapped his cheek. "Here." To his delight, Duo only briefly glanced around before leaning over the counter and pressing a soft, slightly lingering kiss to the older man's cheek. Heero barely managed to control the urge to turn his face so it was full on the lips. Duo pulled back, still looking adorably shy as he started making the latte. "Juun babbled all the way home about staying at your hotel," he said. A slight pause. "Are you sure it's no trouble, Heero-san?" "Not even the slightest bit of trouble," he assured his boyfriend. Such a nice term. "I'm probably looking forward to it as much as Juun is." Duo grinned, sliding the mug over the counter to him. "I doubt it. You weren't bouncing on my bed at six this morning grinning from ear-to-ear." "I wouldn't have been bouncing," Heero agreed, eyes smoldering. Duo blushed and turned away. "So . . . which one of your hotels, and what time?" "Location 2 is closest to your apartment. I'd be happy to pick you up. I've reserved the Imperial Suite, one of the three finest. It's huge, and Juun will have a blast. There's an indoor jacuzzi." "Sounds wonderful. I don't think I've stayed in a motel since I was a kid, and of course it's always more fun then." "Everything is," Heero said with a soft snort. It was then that the store owner (Yuna, was that her name?) came out of her office. "Duo, the daycare's on the phone for you." Duo frowned. "I'll be right back, Heero-san." As Heero waited, sipping his drink, he considered the room's presentation. Should I put flowers on the bed? Maybe a little box of chocolates for Juun? Probably it was too soon to be thinking about gifts. He didn't want Duo to feel pressured or overwhelmed. Maybe after they progressed beyond a kiss, he thought with a little grin. The loud clatter/crash sound brought him up out of his chair before his brain issued a conscious command to move. He vaulted the counter and found Duo standing frozen, all the color drained from his face, eyes wide and stricken. Yuna (was that her name?) snatched the phone up off the floor from where Duo had apparently dropped it, and Heero gripped Duo's shoulders, squeezing. "What is it, Duo?" he said gently. "Tell me. Who was that on the phone?" It jarred him to see a tear coursed down Duo's cheek. "The daycare . . ." he said faintly, turning like an automaton toward the office door. "It's Juun . . . he was taken to the hospital . . . I have to go there . . ." Heero stopped him. "Let me take you. It'll be much faster than your bicycle." "It's all right, Duo," Yuna said. "Just go." Duo looked up at him, and Heero was shocked to see the dull horror. Almost . . . resignation. "Okay." He moved more like a robot than a human being, seeming not even to see what was in front of him. He allowed Heero to direct him out to his car and install him in the passenger side. The ride was silent, Duo looking pale and horrified and exhausted. The nurse behind the counter was so cold when she dragged information out of Duo Heero wanted to slap her. It felt like forever before a doctor came out, and Duo gave Heero a shaky look before following him out of sight. Heero waited, sending Wufei a quick text to let him know he wouldn't be back today. Eventually Duo reappeared, and it was all Heero could do to limit himself to a comforting arm around the younger man's shoulders. He drew Duo to a quiet part of the waiting room and sat him down right up against his side. After a small eternity, Heero squeezed Duo's shoulder to get his attention. "Is Juun all right?" Duo stared at the floor, expression empty. "Juun has leukemia," he replied in a quiet, raspy voice. "I found out over two years ago. The same year Kaoru and my parents died." Heero swallowed, eyes burning in sympathy as he tried to imagine a year filled with such loss. He didn't speak, merely hugged Duo a little tighter. "He doesn't respond well to the chemo," Duo almost whispered. "It makes him more sick than the disease. At first the doctors said he had a month to live, but he went into remission and has seemed so well these last two years . . ." He choked off. It was physically painful, to watch Duo wrestle with his grief. Obviously he didn't want to break down, but he looked like a man having endured too much and unable to endure much more. Aware of their surroundings, Heero didn't envelope him in a full hug like he wanted. He tucked Duo's head under his chin. "Shh, it's all right if you cry," he murmured. The grief burgeoning in his own chest was . . . unexpected. "Leukemia's not always fatal anymore, even in young children. Juun's quite a stubborn little monster." Duo's whole body shuddered. "I asked the doctor to be frank with me," he mumbled. "He said Juun doesn't have a chance. The chemotherapy is more damaging than the actual disease, so they . . . they can't stop it spreading. He just told me he doesn't even know why Juun is still alive. He said any other kid would have died many months ago." Though he didn't yet know Juun all that well, the answer came to Heero without any hesitation. He doesn't want to leave his father alone, that's why. "He's so special," Duo whispered. "I didn't even know how to tell him the doctors said he would die, but somehow . . . he just knew." "Tell me about him," Heero encouraged softly. Duo lifted his head and gave him a weak smile. "Well, I graduated from high school when I was sixteen," he began. "I probably could have graduated even sooner, but I didn't want to leave Kaoru behind. She was from a really rich family, but she wanted to attend at least high school at a public school." "So she was older than you?" "Yeah. We knew each other before high school, but that's probably when we went from really good friends to being really in love." His smile came back, a little stronger this time. "Both our parents were absolutely disapproving of the match. Her parents thought I was too poor, mine thought she was too dumb. They hated each other, but we didn't care. We ran away together, and her parents refused to acknowledge either our marriage or their daughter." "What did you do?" The smile faded into something more bittersweet. "Said to hell with them and decided to be happy. Juun was born when I was nineteen, and we knew from the beginning he was just . . . special. He was talking in full sentences by two. Simple ones, maybe." He smiled. "Kaoru said he had her face and my brains. And . . . finding out he may die . . ." He couldn't go on. Heero finally stopped caring about anything else and pulled Duo into a proper embrace. The slight trembling in the slim frame against his told him Duo was silently crying. He stroked the younger man's hair. "Shh, Duo. Just let it out. It's all right. It's going to be all right." Even if it wasn't all right, he would find a way to hold this amazing young man together. Until the time he could say those words and mean them.
*Heero is talking about yen, which would put his net worth almost 600 mil in US dollars (wow, he's rich!). "Mochiron" means "Of course." "Irasshai" means welcome, as applied to a
customer. It's a polite and formal greeting.
tbc |
