inthefire2002: Coffee House Heero/Duo Uh, this came out kind of angsty....
Coffee House Halloween Drabble
Heero leaned his head back against the door and closed his eyes. Damn it, damn it, damn it. Why hadn't he realized this would happen?
He knew why. He thought he'd beaten it. Thought he'd driven Duo's darkness away.
But apparently he hadn't.
Yesterday he'd gotten the news and rushed right home to tell Duo and the others. They already knew he'd be graduating in December, earlier than planned, but the news about the job was new. He hadn't told any of them that he'd even planned on trying for it. Not even Duo.
That had been a mistake.
Duo had been so happy at first- glowing and smiling. It had been hard for Heero to look away from him. This job would mean so much to them- a boost for their future. Heero had been so caught up in his own triumph, nearly giddy, that when Wufei had asked him where the job was, he'd answered without a second thought.
He'd thought Duo would be happy- the job was in a city that Duo loved, a place they both had wanted to live. Heero's job would give them a start there.
He hadn't thought about what it would mean to his lover. He knew that Duo would stay here for the last semester- that they would be apart for a time. He'd thought of weekend trips and phone calls and emails- he hadn't thought about what that separation would mean to Duo.
Duo's glow had dimmed- but he still smiled, he still kissed Heero and listened to his plans. Heero realized right then that he'd messed up, that he should've broken the news to Duo differently, knew he'd have to spend some time assuring Duo. He tried- last night before they went to bed, he'd talked of emails and calls and visits- had thought Duo was okay with it.
He'd been wrong.
"In your room," Quatre told him when Heero had come home early and asked where Duo was. He looked worried. "He wouldn't answer when I knocked, just like..." Quatre stopped, bit his lip.
Heero didn't need him to finish. He knew what that meant. "Did something happen today?" He asked, knowing Quatre had classes with Duo.
"No. Nothing that I could tell would set him off. He was quiet all day, and when we got home he just-" Quatre gestured upwards. "I don't think it's something that happened today," he added carefully. "He hasn't done this for a long time."
Heero thumped his head against the door. "Please love, let me in?" It wasn't the first time he'd asked. "Please? I have to leave for work soon. I want to see you before I go."
No answer.
Heero wavered. Did he leave and go to work? Stay and wait? Duo wasn't going to let him in, and he didn't feel like breaking the door down.
He got to his feet and put one hand on the door. "I'm leaving for work. When I come back we're going to talk about this. I won't let you shut me out."
He walked back down the stairs, avoiding the kitchen. He could hear the other guys in there and had no wish to join them.
Once outside the cool clear air brushed against his face. Autumn was here- only a few more days til Halloween. He and Duo had made grand plans for the night- would they get to carry them out?
He looked back at the house- and blinked. Up on the roof by the chimney was huddled a very familiar figure.
Heero leaped up on the porch railing and swung himself up to the porch roof. From there he made his careful way across the shingles to Duo.
"What are you doing up here?" He demanded once he was close enough to talk.
"What are you doing up here?" Duo echoed. "I thought you were going straight to work after school."
"My last class was canceled." Heero sat down beside Duo on the roof. "I've spent the last hour outside of our room asking you to let me in." The words came out harsher than he intended and he regretted it when he saw Duo flinch.
"I'm sorry. I thought you'd be gone for a while. I just wanted..." Duo trailed off and Heero slid a careful arm around his shoulders. "I didn't mean to worry you," he added in a soft tone.
"It's okay. I just- I didn't want you locking yourself away again."
"I wasn't trying to- I just needed some space. I came home and I could see Quatre wanted to talk about... things... and I wasn't ready yet." Duo leaned against Heero. "I am really sorry."
Heero just held him for a moment. "We're going to be okay." He said and felt Duo nod against his shoulder.
"I know it. I just... need some time to adjust I guess."
Heero didn't want to leave Duo like this. "Come to work with me tonight?"
He felt Duo relax a little more. "Okay. Think the boss will let me play?"
"I'm sure she will." Heero brushed his lips over Duo's cheek before getting to his feet.
Later that evening, Heero had to smile as Duo's voice floated from the other room:
Good things might come to those who wait
Not to those who wait too late
We got to go for all we know...
Maybe it really would be okay.
OWARI
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