Part Three: News

The air was dark and smoky. It added to the haze already on his mind as the boy finally shied away from the other at the table. "I didn't have any right to…" he sighed. "I'm sorry."

/The… rambling… it's gone. Why…? Maybe that's why he keeps up the act./ The Japanese boy lifted his head from his arms and ran a hand through his hair. Duo was standing and gathering the drinks. As the American turned, something caught in Heero's throat. /Matte…/

Duo licked his dry lips and caught the taste of salty droplets at the corners of his mouth. /I just hope no one else notices./ On his back he could feel the intense gaze… it wasn't as fierce as it normally would have been. It had gentled down… it pained Duo more than many things.

"Kid, you're off for the night. Go home with yer friend." Duo blinked, startled, at the sound of Gorry's voice. "I'm telling you to go on now. If ya don't leave with yer friend, I'm firing ya!" His heavy stare was friendly but deadly serious.

His lips twitched, "I guess you don't care about eavesdropping… alright… I'll… go." His voice went into a whisper as he dragged his feet to the table. Heero was still staring at him, his eyes for once open and vulnerable. Something was tearing in Duo's heart and it hurt. /I never thought about what's going to happen until I told these two. I think that's why I was delaying telling them./

Looking a little grim, Duo motioned to the door. "I'm out of here for the night. Care to leave?" There was no response but he still turned and began to walk away, knowing Heero would eventually follow.

Once out the door, the night air of the colony hit them quickly. It was warm, as always, and already foul smells turned worse with the heat. A few small rodents scattered out of the way as the two boys walked silently through the dark alleyways, not heading in the direction of Duo's home. Their pace was steady and matched perfectly, both lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Duo was quiet in reply as they moved along. "I'm not sure of a dream. I don't try for things for myself. There's… two things… I want. The one that I want done - no excuses - is to have a new orphanage built. These kids can't be living on the streets any longer."

Heero was shaking his head as the American went on about that wish. /Not for himself… he always used to seem… centered about himself a little more. Not overly so… but…/ "What about the other?"

Their footsteps continued to echo, neither mentioning the breakdown at the club. As they continued to walk, Heero found that Duo was avoiding many different streets; he wanted to ask why but the look on Duo's face told him not to. They finally began to approach the one-story house that Duo had so carefully rebuilt. No lights were on, it being past midnight.

They quietly slipped into the house. Duo headed back to his bedroom without a look back and Heero moved to the living room where he had been camped on the couch. He scowled upon seeing Wufei laying stretched on the couch; fast asleep. Grumbling mentally, Heero headed through the hall to Duo's room and knocked. The American opened the door, wearing a pair of boxers and holding a rumpled shirt to him. Blinking in surprise he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Duo chuckled softly and admitted Heero in as he slipped the faded tank top on. "There's the comforter in the closet, get it on out so you don't ruin your `perfect' back. Don't you dare set an alarm or I'll make sure you won't be out of bed for a while," he glared, "I'm tired and would like my rest!"

"Aa," Heero replied off-handedly. He tugged out the comforter and laid it on the ground. Duo tossed him a folded sheet and the Japanese ex-pilot caught it effortlessly. He watched silently as the American slid into bed and settled in. "Oyasumi… Duo…"

Heero continued to watch for a moment as the small smile that had appeared on his face slowly vanished. His face slightly pained, Heero finished preparing his `bed' and lay down. He didn't even bother changing clothes for the night.

Light peered through the windowpane and escaped the barricade of curtains to rest on a sleeping face. Sighing softly, the form opened its eyes and blinked twice to come fully awake. Sitting up, he glared at the offending light. /What a headache… how much did I have to drink?/ he wondered as he struggled to a stand and rubbed his forehead. He made it to the bathroom where he washed up and took some Advil for the headache.

Moving carefully, so as not to let the world tilt, he glanced in the bedroom he had came from. The other boy was still sound asleep in the bed and didn't look like he'd be up for a while. Cobalt blue eyes flashed for a moment with emotion before it was hid again and the Japanese boy moved through the living room.

Wufei was already up - the couch was clear of a body. In the kitchen Heero found the Chinese boy and Quatre working on putting breakfast together. "Yuy," Wufei nodded his head, "been a while."

"Daijoubu desu ka? Where were you and when did you get back?" Quatre inquired anxiously. "We were worried all day and Duo seemed so tense!" Heero grunted something but the blonde would not take it. "Heero, I want you to answer me!"

Heero felt the headache intensify. Eyebrow twitching in annoyance, he asked, "Could you give me a cup of coffee?" He received blank looks for a moment before Wufei startled to chuckle. Glaring hard at the other, Heero just barely caught Quatre's movements as he prepared the requested drink. Once the steaming cup was set before Heero, Quatre gave an expectant look. "I wandered the colony. What else is there to do?"

Quatre drummed his fingers impatiently as he took a seat between Wufei and Heero. "There's got to be more than that, you never drink coffee. You look like you barely slept…"

"He's got a hangover, came in late…" the voice trailed off with good cheer. Duo was leaning on the doorframe leading to the kitchen and smiled cheekily. "He wandered into the club and got himself drunk without realizing it. Anyhow, did anyone make breakfast or am I stuck with it again?"

The American waved it off as he began going through the cupboards. His night tank top rode up his torso a little, revealing his smooth, creamy skin as he reached. "Hmm… let's see now, what should I be making? Muffins? Or are people too hungry…" he continued his rummaging.

The others watched him going through the options for breakfast with mixed emotions. Heero was glad that the others weren't asking about why he had dropped into the nightclub the night before; well not yet, anyway. He sighed and studied the bit of skin that was exposed by Duo's stretching. He frowned when he saw the end of a mark on the American's side. It stood out as pure white on the creamier-colored skin. /A scar,/ his mind dully registered. /But from what?/

"Wu-man, you are so mean~~! Hidoi!" He made a face at the Chinese ex-pilot and produced a package of eggs from the refrigerator. "Happy? Quick, short, simple, and yummy!" He laughed at the looks he received before turning on the stove and preparing the eggs.

Breakfast was done with fairly quickly and Quatre helped Duo with washing the dishes. The two Asian boys went into the living room to wait for the other two, and so sat silently across from one another. Finally it was Wufei who spoke, in a steady tone, "You're very upset about this. Something about the whole situation is getting to you."

The other sat silent for a few moments. "It's affecting you more than you care to admit. Disappearing for a day and then appearing back here with a hangover? That is not like you at all. Heero," he leaned forward with a determined but comforting look, "you need to figure out what you're going to do by yourself. But if you need help you should talk to him. It's just as hard on him, I'm sure. You can see past that mask he's put up, can you not?"

Looking away from the unwavering gaze, Heero let his brow wrinkle in thought. It'd just been one day since he'd found out but still… /It hurts so much. Why? It would be the same with any of the others, right? Of course it would… but… why him?/ The beeping sound of the vid-phone in the room brought Heero back to reality. Duo called from the kitchen for someone to get it.

A middle-aged woman with dark brown hair, almost black, that looked to be of Asian descendent faced Wufei from the screen. She looked a little startled. "Is Duo-kun there?" she questioned, looking as if it were urgent. Frowning, Wufei turned and called the American in.

Peeping his head into the room, Duo blinked at Wufei. "You sure? Well let me dry off my hands." He came in and took a look at the screen. "Ohayo ishi-san! [1] [ishi = doctor] I didn't forget something, did I?" he asked.

The woman smiled at him kindly but it was obviously a cover up. "No, Duo-kun, you didn't forget anything." Duo looked at her questioningly while keeping an eye of Heero and Wufei from the corner of his eye. They had both been startled upon Duo greeting the woman as his doctor. "I need you to come in today, though." Duo's blood ran cold.

"By… noon if you can. I know that makes you miss helping the children at lunch but this is important." As Duo cut her off again she glared at him with a quizzical expression still on her face. "Duo-kun?"

He flashed her a smile, "Good day ishi-san, I'll be there on time for once." She was still looking at him funny as he turned the vid-phone off. /I can't let the others hear./

"Um… well it was my doctor. Gotta go in today; did you finish the dishes?" He kept changing the subject so quickly that it was hard to keep in order what he was saying. The Arabian blinked a few times as he tried to sort out what Duo had said.

Suddenly stood up, pushing the chair back a little in his rush. His face angry and pained he shouted, "Just shut up! I don't want to hear it! Let me do things my way! Have your own way when I'm not here!" He turned and stumbled to the hallway. He gripped the doorframe tightly for a moment before moving on. The words he had said were just catching up with him and he suddenly felt extremely empty. He was halfway to his room before he slumped to the ground and began to shake. /It's true… but what was the call really about? Oh god… the others, they're giving too much sympathy. Why? Why can't they just act… normal… I was so happy before Quatre and Heero knew… one day of them knowing and life's a living hell./ He looked up to his door a few feet away and sighed softly. "I can't even make myself move…" he whispered to the air.

After another scene of Duo's near-hysterically-upset state, the others were silent with stunned faces. "What he… said…" Quatre choked and buried his face in his hands. The words still hung in the air. `Have your own way when I'm not here!' "Duo how can you do that? How… can you hide…?"

Heero shut his eyes and retreated to the kitchen, not able to keep up his façade in front of the others. He sat at the table and leaned his forehead on the cool surface. "Baka…" he whispered. "So careless…" He couldn't come up with anything to describe how he was feeling. It was strange, emotions and physical feelings swirling together in pain and sickness. /What's going on… why him. And why does he have to reject us repeatedly? Duo…/ His mind shut down with the rest of him and Heero slumped bonelessly in the chair.

Duo glanced at the wall clock and sighed. He put on a smile for the children gathered about eating their lunch. "Gomen minna-chan, I need to go…" Some of the younger kids started to wail at the announcement but he quickly calmed them down. He nodded to Aika once before slipping from the kitchen and into the hallway. Quatre, Heero, and Wufei watched after him for a moment.

The three boys were a little surprised. Heero didn't waste much time, however, and quickly slipped on his shoes to follow after Duo. Once outside he spotted the American walking only feet ahead. Heero jogged briefly to catch up and Duo stopped with a stunned expression. "Nani…? Heero, what are you doing?"

Angrily Duo began to walk again. Heero kept pace. Glaring from the corner of his eye, Duo bit out, "I figure you're too perfect to lose so I'm stuck with you - aren't I?" He snorted and walked a little faster. "I don't need any help you know!"

They eventually reached the hospital; Duo looking frustrated and restrained while Heero wore an expressionless mask. Duo approached the front desk and was directed to a waiting room on the third floor. The two boys walked in silence and this time Duo was vainly trying to hide his nervousness and the frown threatening to break. When they found themselves in the elevator alone, Heero questioned, "Nanda? What's wrong?"

For long moments Duo was silent as he watched the doors shut. "They haven't had me on the testing and lab floor since I first came." Heero glanced at him quickly. Duo seemed about to say more but shook his head and sighed. "Guess we'll find out why soon enough."

The doors opened and they exited the elevator and headed to one of the waiting rooms. Duo checked in with the nurse at the desk before joining Heero in taking a seat in the small waiting area. They sat in silence, debating with themselves what was going on. Finally the woman who had been on the vid-phone that morning appeared through closed doors. She raised a hand in greeting to Duo. "Alright, Duo-kun, come on back. There's some things to discuss." When both boys rose and went to meet her she studied Heero. "A friend?" she asked.

Duo shrugged, "You could say that." The doctor nodded her head and led them down the whitewashed halls and past many rooms and supply closets. Finally she motioned them into a small room. Cabinets lined the top part of one of the walls and beneath it was a counter and sink. Two wooden chairs sat off to the side while in the middle a chair, looking like it belonged in the dentist's office, sat. The doctor directed Duo to sit in the middle chair while she had Heero sit in one of the wooden chairs. "Why did you call me up here, Enju?" Duo asked hesitantly.

"It's because of some results Sally found… now if she gets here we can begin." Enju glanced into the hallway and then came back into the room and took a seat on a movable stool. "She may be a tad late. So, how have you been doing?" she inquired as she began the normal checkups of temperature and pulse.

The door to the room shut and Sally turned to face the others with a folder in hand. "Sorry that I'm late - caught up at the lab. Oh, Heero!" She was surprised for a moment and chanced a look at Duo, who shrugged. "Well, guess we'll get down to business right away, ne?" She moved to lean against the counter and sat her folder down. Her face turned professional and solemn as she flipped through her notes.

Sally cleared her throat and then looked seriously at Duo. "Duo-kun, I've gone through some of the previous tests and finding some things… not too good. We'll need another blood sample to look through a few things. The way things are going it seems the poison-virus is speeding up; I'm not sure if we can slow it."

Enju produced the supplies for a blood sample. Slipping on plastic gloves, she took the rubber band [the ones they use for blood tests, not a serious rubber-band] and tied it above Duo's elbow as she prepared to take the blood sample. Once she was done Enju nodded and left the room.

"She'll take that to a lab," Sally informed the two boys. She sat on the stool Enju had previously occupied and moved over to sit beside Duo. "You're doing fine, right? You never really explained the other day."

Duo waved her off. "Stop the fussing, Sally. I'm fine. It's bad enough that I have a house full of people worrying over me." He made a face. The blonde medic smiled slightly but sadly. "Sally~ don't use that face! Oi… you know how annoying it is?"

Duo avoided Heero's look and instead focused on the now sober Sally. "Unfortunately it means that it'll be much sooner when we'll have to give pain medication. The symptoms will get worse much quicker than we had expected - hence giving us less time to work on a cure. Because of the process speeding up we won't be able to guess when the time has passed." Heero narrowed his eyes and gripped his fists tighter. Duo sat immobile and emotionless at the news. "We hope to do a bit more research on this newest blood sample and find something to help with some medication. Right now… all I can say is to wait and be prepared for anything." She looked grim. "It could be seven months, seven weeks, or seven days left. We have no way of knowing."

"Shut up," Heero whispered in a deadly, low tone. His body was vainly holding back his nervous shakings as he said it. Sally blinked at him for a moment, about to comment but he shouted, "Shut up!" He squeezed his eyes shut and turned away.

Duo sighed sadly and turned his head away from the Japanese boy. Unknown to the other two people in the room a single tear trailed down to caress the contours of his face.

Finally Sally broke the unnerving silence. "The results will not be in until at least tomorrow. I'll call with the results, okay? How about you two head back." Duo nodded and Heero just stood. The older girl led the two boys back to the door exiting into the waiting room and then left them to return to the lab.

The other smirked suddenly. "Fascinating, now you're understanding how upset I was when you could look perfectly calm when you pressed the self-destruct mechanism. Eh? Am I not right?" He glanced sideways at Heero and grinned a bit. Suddenly he found himself with his back on the wall and a strong hold on either shoulder.

"Stop it, Duo! Why did you change…? I changed, but you didn't have to… Why aren't you concerned with this?" Heero wanted to scream, everything seemed so… unreal. Everything was blurring together and it didn't make any sense.

Duo calmly looked Heero in the eye. "I cannot break down. How can I when I have little children looking to me? And how can I break down when I have friends who need support themselves? Trust me, if I broke down it would be worse for all of you." Heero's grip had lessened so Duo slipped away.

The American began walking towards the elevator and Heero hurried to catch up. No words came between the two as they made their way to the front of the hospital. /Demo… it's so unnerving. He's just not reacting… was it really what I was like? I just don't understand how he can be so much stronger about this than me./ Heero sighed inaudibly as they walked down the front steps and back towards the house.

"Ne, Heero," Duo began, "you wanna do something fun? There's basketball courts at the park and…" He trailed off when he saw that his companion wasn't paying attention. Pouting, Duo commented, "I'll bet Quatre and Wufei would be interested. Wouldn't you like to join?" There was still no reaction and Duo just glared. "Oi~ Heero!"

"Yakatta!" Duo cheered and hugged Heero quickly. "Heero no sugoi!" The Japanese boy stared with wide eyes as Duo sprinted ahead a bit. "C'mon Heero! We gotta go now! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!"

/He's just bursting with energy. Perhaps he hasn't changed yet. That's it, it seems that he should be changed because of this but he hasn't./ A wane smile came to his lips as he jogged to catch up. /I should be thankful. He's right, it is hard to break down when everyone is focusing on you. I just hope it doesn't destroy him./

Quatre and Wufei eventually complied to Duo's pleading and agreed to go to the park and play two-on-two. Duo, of course, cheered and then went to change; as did the others. Rummaging through the closet, the American produced a basketball to drag along. He noted the hushed voices from around the corner and rolled his eyes knowing that Wufei and Quatre were probably asking about the hospital visit. Hopefully Heero wouldn't answer.

They luckily found one of the courts free and split into two teams. Duo and Wufei paired off while Quatre and Heero were on the other. It was different for the ex-pilots of gundams 01 and 02, since they were used to playing on the same team.

As they played, Duo found himself weakening and unable to do as good a job at playing as he should have. He hid it well, however, and laughed off his mistakes. Just as he let the basketball fly to score he felt something painfully sting in his chest - gripping tightly at his insides. He cursed and knelt down. Busy with watching the basket, Wufei turned to congratulate Duo on the point when he saw the American knelt on the ground. "Duo!" Quatre exclaimed and rushed over.

Duo shut his eyes tightly and hung his head, hating to be so helpless. He tried to move from Heero's grasp but the Japanese boy refused to let him go. To himself Duo had to admit that he didn't think he could have walked by himself even if he tried. Finally he gave in and leaned heavily against his friend, eyes still closed.

Heero led Duo into the house and then to his room. After he got the American to lay down he worked on slipping off Duo's socks. The longhaired boy seemed in pain by the look on his face but he wouldn't open up and explain. "Duo…? Daijoubu desu ka?"

Slowly the ex-pilot of Wing Zero moved to sit on the bed where Duo could see him without moving much. He wore a disappointed frown on his face as he studied the American. "You shouldn't hold this much pain in. I can understand what you said earlier. Demo, let us help."

Heero bent down and brushed Duo's bangs away from his eyes. "Get some rest. I'll get you some dinner later. If the pain doesn't go down, let us know and we'll get you some painkillers." Duo continued to stare up at him with a bewildered look; Heero had to fight the temptation of giving a smile. He quickly stood up as foreign feelings filled his veins. A little more hurried than he intended, Heero murmured an `oyasumi' and left the room.

For a while there was simply silence as the words sunk in. Quatre shook his head and studied his hands in his lap. Finally he managed to speak again. "I talked to Trowa when you two were gone. I told him what's going on… he's coming, leaving as soon as possible. Anyway, I looked through a few things and I think Relena's narrowing down where you can be."

Both Wufei and Quatre coughed discretely at Heero's words. They were both a bit stunned at the outburst but also found it rather… amusing. It would have been something Duo would have loved to bug Heero about.

/We're all going to be together again, Duo… is that what you wanted? Will you be happy then? Or is there something more…? You mentioned something before - having two wishes. What is your other one?/ Heero pondered the thought as Quatre got up to start making dinner.

Every nerve in his body was hey-wire and filled with odd blasts of pain. In places he felt pinned and trapped while in others he felt burning heat or freezing cold. He had no real sense of his body anymore; simply free-falling… falling apart.

He opened his mouth but stopped himself for screaming out. He had to hold on and keep up his strength, helping his friends through this. He writhed in the out torturing pains as time dragged on and could see past scenes playing through his friends.

The scene with Heero at the nightclub and then the walk home. He could hear Sally's news from that day echoing in his head. Everything was speeding up and leaving him behind in a blur. The speed caused winds to tear at his clothes and he could feel his braid coming undone and his hair flying out behind him. He began to cry silently as he felt himself slipping back with the wind. An extended hand suddenly appeared to him and he stared.

The hand soon was attached to a pale arm reaching out. Following up he could see the green of a familiar tank top and he shouted in relief. He shouted out again and reached for the hand but the wind kept dragging him back. Soon more of the body was revealed and the ever-piercing, cobalt blue eyes smiled at him as he struggled to get hold of himself. The lips were turning up in a smile as he began to fight against the blur and wind.

Their fingertips touched and suddenly the wind and blur was gone. Reality and wakefulness dropped down on him like a landslide and Duo's eyes shot open. He sat up quickly and gripped at the sheets. He grimaced when the pain in his chest started again. He muttered a few things to himself as he got himself to shake off the dream.

"Daijoubu. Just a little hungry. I think I'll get up and have dinner now." He stood a little shakily but managed as he tread down the hall with Wufei walking beside him. Heero and Quatre looked up as they passed through the living room. "Konnichiwa," Duo greeted as he went into the kitchen. Wufei heated some leftovers for him and gave them to Duo before the American returned to sit and eat in the living room.

Duo eyed Quatre wearily as he ate. "I'm assuming you already told him. Oh well. Hmm…" He shrugged to himself and continued to eat. The others studied him a bit before bringing up small talk. The evening passed and soon it was rather late at night when they turned in. Wufei was the one who made everyone leave since he made his bed on the couch and so the other pretty much had to accept it was time for bed.

"Oyasumi, Quatre," Duo called as both retreated to their respective rooms. Heero followed in after Duo. "You're still okay sleeping on the floor? We can switch spots, y'know."

"Daijoubu. It's fine," Heero responded. Duo peeled off his T-shirt and slipped into his preferred nightshirt. For a moment the Japanese boy watched but then got about preparing himself for bed too. "Oyasumi, Duo."

The lights went out and for a while Heero lay there thinking over the two times Duo had used that… nickname. Finally he couldn't stand pondering it himself anymore and he spoke aloud. "Duo, what's going on with this… `Hee-chan' thing?"

He could practically hear Duo's surprise. "Um… ano… er… I… it just came to me! I dunno…" He sounded like he was pouting, his typical way of getting out of things uncomfortable for him.

"Not, quite mad?" Duo teased. "Shows that I don't have a chance! Can't have you following through on those `omae o korosu' threats now, can we? I mean it wouldn't really matter since, but - "

Heero was on his feet and gripping Duo by the shoulders before he even knew was happening. He was relieved for the darkness, not wanting anyone to see the tears beginning to form. "Shut up! Stop talking like that!" His voice cracked as he whispered harshly, "Duo no baka… Duo no baka…" Suddenly he moved his hands from Duo's shoulders and brought the American into a tight embrace. He buried his face at the base of Duo's neck. "Don't talk like that…" he murmured softly.

Carefully Duo brought his arms about Heero and began to stroke his hair. He felt the shudders coming from Heero's body and let his lips turn upward grimly. /You see, now, Heero? I cannot break down, for even people like you are needing comfort. You won't let the others help you, either. It's up to me. It'll be similar with Wufei./ He sighed softly and let his lips rest on Heero's hair without letting the other boy know. A few tears leaked from Duo's eyes too and fell to mix with Heero's.

"That's something I don't know, Hee-chan," Duo murmured in reply. He loosened his embrace so that Heero could slip away if he wished. "You are very changed, however…" He smiled slightly in the dark. "That's good, I know you can care. Heero, we have to deal with new obstacles. They're not nearly as serious as a war, now, but they can often be just as important. We just have to try making it through…" He trailed off and closed his eyes. "I think you're learning to move on. That's what's so new to you. But you've got me, Quatre, Wufei… Trowa… so many people. Hey, even Relena-`sama'." He could feel Heero's glare and grinned. He gave another brief hug. "Oi, you're doing a good job. Don't close off like before…"

Heero was trying to understand where Duo was coming up with the mini-speech, it didn't fit what Heero was asking vocally but was answering some of the internal questions he was wondering about. Regretfully he moved from the comforting embrace and stood. "… … … Arigatou Duo."

"No prob, go to sleep. Mornings come quick as you know." His hand was squeezed tightly by Heero's before the Japanese boy made his way to his makeshift bed. /Oyasumi, Hee-chan. I just wish I could have said one thing more, but you're too worked up for that news right now./ Duo sighed and lay down again, falling into a night of actually pleasant dreams.

Trowa: The test results come in and Sally informs Duo on their findings. Out of desperation, Duo acts quickly and tries to explain to Heero through actions what his other wish is. Because of these new events, something begins to break. In Part Four: Breaking, we all begin to learn just how much Duo holds inside just so that the rest of us stay calm.