This is a drabble, set in the Afterwards universe- and the cup gave me afghan and remembrance.
Afterwards 2 Halloween Drabble 2
He's on the beach when I get home. I can see him sitting and watching the waves as I drive up to the house. I can see the white caps on the waves, know that it has to be cold out there and I wonder why he was there of all places.
Throttling the urge to go down and pull him away from the water, I park the car in the garage and go inside. Maybe I can find the answer there.
No message light blinks on the machine, nothing seems out of place. Maybe he just wanted to sit outside for a bit- clear his head after being focused on his work all day. It wouldn't be the first time.
But it bothers me.
It's been a long time since I stood behind our screen door- though it wasn't mine at the time- and heard him tell Quatre how he wanted to just walk out into the water and end it.
I remember the night he tried.
And it was all because of me.
So, I don't really like to see him out there, watching those waves like that. There are times that I've considered asking him to move- just to get away from the water. It's silly, I know. This is a cozy house- it's our home- and I love it, I do.
There's just some times when I look out at that water and think how it almost took him away from me, that I want to get him as far away from it as I can. It's not logical or rational, I know it's not, but I can't help it.
Scooping up the afghan from the sofa, I go out to join him. His head turns as I walk across the sand towards him and something inside me relaxes a little when he smiles.
"It's cold out here," I tell him and drop the afghan over his shoulders.
"Help keep me warm?" He asks and pats the sand beside him.
Dropping down beside him, I slide close, letting him drape the afghan around both of us, leaning close and sharing my warmth.
"You're freezing. How long have you been out here?"
He shrugs a little. "I don't know. A while, I guess."
I don't like his tone. "What happened?"
He doesn't try to avoid the question. "Another email."
Anger rises inside of me. "I'll answer it."
"I already deleted it."
"Why hasn't he given up? Why does he think he can change my mind?"
Heero brushes his lips over my forehead. "You're his only son, love."
"That's no excuse to harass you."
"Well, I'm sure he'd happily harass you, but you changed your email and set up all those blocks."
His tone is light, but I'm not going to be diverted. "Then you're going to do the same. I won't have him doing this to you."
"Duo-"
"No. He sends you those things and you take them to heart! I know you do!"
"I don't."
"Then why are you out here staring at the water?" I tighten my grip on him. "You promised to stay with me, you promised-"
The surprise on his face assures me. "Duo, love, if I'm thinking of drowning anyone out here- it's your father."
"Don't tempt me," I mutter and he chuckles softly, tugging me closer.
"I never meant to worry you," his voice is soft in my ear. "I'm sorry."
I shrug a little. "I know. It's just... I can't help remembering..."
He doesn't answer, he simply pulls me closer still. His skin is still cold and I try to warm his lips with mine.
OWARI
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