Fate Part 2

His feet were cold- but his chest was very warm. Heero opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling. Where was he? He turned his head slightly and blinked at the face so close to his.

Who was this?

The memory returned a moment later and Heero was relieved.

This was Duo beside him, sleeping on his chest and hogging the bedcovers. This was the room he woke up in yesterday, the house he lived in, and the man he lived with... or so Duo had said. Heero still couldn't recall anything before yesterday. How long before his memory came back?

Duo stirred beside him, rolling over in the blankets and making a soft huffing sound. He was so patient- and this had to be hard for him. Heero dropped a kiss on Duo's forehead, even as he wondered at himself for doing it. Had he always done so? Why did it seem strange?

Duo's face crunched up in a smile, even as he buried his head in the pillows. "Too early!" He mumbled and Heero had to smile. He slid out of bed and headed for the shower. As he waited for it to warm up, he poked through the closet looking for clothes. Which half was his again? He tried to remember what Duo had said. That purple shirt couldn't be his.

His head was starting to hurt again. Heero rubbed it absently as he slid the shower curtain to the side and stepped under the warm spray. He let the warmth soak into his shoulder and neck muscles hoping that it would ease the pain a little.

A gentle touch on his side made him jump. Duo grinned at him.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked and slid into the shower behind Heero without waiting for a reply. "How's your head?"

Was this something they had done before? Heero wondered as he moved a little to the side so Duo could get close to the spray. He fixed his eyes firmly on the tiles in front of him. What was he supposed to do?

"Heero?" Duo touched the back of his neck lightly and Heero mentally shook himself.

"Hurts a little." Duo reached past him for the shampoo.

"Doc is coming by to look at you today," Duo touched his neck again. "Tilt your head back." Much to Heero's surprise, Duo began scrubbing the shampoo into his hair. "Hopefully he can give you something for it."

"That would be good," Heero managed, his eyes half closed.

"Mm," Duo's fingers massaged his scalp, soothing away the pain. "I'd be happier if you didn't have a headache all the time. Rinse." Heero tilted his head forward obediently and let the warm spray wash the shampoo away.

Finished, he stepped back a little and squeezed the water from his hair. Duo moved under the spray, his braid swinging. Heero hesitated. If this was something they usually did- then he should help Duo.

Cautiously, he reached for the end of Duo's braid and was rewarded with a smile. "Thanks love. I meant to take it out before I got in and forgot."

Heero carefully unwound the strands. "Do I usually do this?"

"Do you want to?" Duo smiled again. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"It's not that," Heero bit his lip as he finished. "It's just-" He searched for the words as Duo waited patiently. "I don't remember what we did. I don't want you to be upset because I didn't do something the way I used to do-"

Duo turned to face him, reaching out to pull Heero closer. "Don't. It's all right." Heero gasped a little as their bodies met, Duo's skin so warm against his. "I think it would be easier for you if we just said that all of this was new."

"But-"

"Really. Let's say this is our first shower together, the morning after our first day together. It's all new- and we can work out the boundaries as we go along. Won't that be easier?"

"For me it would." Heero admitted. "But for you-"

"I'm not worried about me." Duo smiled warmly. "I'm worried about you." He kissed Heero briefly, a gentle touch of lips. "I want you to be happy here with me."

"I am," Heero said without thinking and Duo's mouth caught his again. It wasn't a gentle kiss. This time Duo seemed intent on making sure Heero felt wanted, his hands tight on Heero's arms, pulling him into close contact. Heero hissed a little as his back collided with the cold tile wall, but Duo's skin was hot beneath his fingertips, his own body warming at an alarming rate.

"Mm," said Duo after a long moment, pulling away slightly. "Much as I would love to continue this, the doc will be here soon to look at you."

"How soon?"

"Less than an hour," Duo backed up a step. "Sorry, probably shouldn't have jumped you like that after telling you that we'd work the boundaries out. You're just too tempting." He grinned and turned to duck his head under the spray.

"It's okay," Heero took a deep breath and reached for the shampoo bottle. "I liked it."

"I know." Duo glanced at him over his shoulder and then tilted his head back. "Oh, and if Doc wasn't showing up so early... ah well. We'll have time later."

They finished the shower quickly, drying off and pulling on clothes. Duo checked the clock when they finished. "I'm going to start breakfast. Can you think of anything you'd like?"

Heero shook his head. "Did I have any favorites?"

"Doesn't everyone?" Duo headed for the kitchen. "Course now would be a good time to warp you into liking mine, I suppose."

"That almost sounds unfair," Heero countered and was rewarded with Duo's chuckle.

"It does, doesn't it? I could tell you that you liked anything and you'd believe me. Perhaps we should just let you discover your favorites on your own."

"I think I'd rather remember them," Heero sighed as he peeked into the fridge. Duo moved closer and slid an arm around Heero's waist.

"I know, love, I know. I just don't want you to feel pressured to remember. Everything in good time, okay?"

"Okay."

"Have a seat and I'll start breakfast." Duo let him go and Heero headed for the table.

The doorbell rang.

"Ah, hell. Of course he's early!" Duo sprinted for the door and Heero sat down, somewhat bemused.

"Good morning!" A cheerful unfamiliar voice rang out.

"You're early! And why did you bring him?" Duo sounded amused.

"I couldn't stop him," another voice replied. "He just tags along, you know how he is."

A moment later and a young blond man poked his head into the kitchen. "Ah! There you are!"

"Are you the doctor?"

"Me? Oh hell no." The young man stepped all the way into the kitchen. "I just hang out with him when he lets me. I'm Quatre."

Heero took the offered hand. "Do I- I mean, did I know you before?"

Before Quatre could answer, Duo entered the kitchen, another young man on his heels. This one was dark haired and serious looking.

"Good morning Heero." He said and nudged the blond out of the way. "I'm Trowa. I don't suppose you remember me?"

Heero shook his head.

Trowa smiled faintly and pulled out the chair next to him. "Well, the last time we saw each other you were in bad shape. How are you feeling?"

"His head still hurts," Duo answered before Heero could. Trowa's lips quirked up a little.

"Duo, why don't you show Quatre around the house?"

"He's seen the house."

"Duo," Quatre grabbed Duo's arm. "Let's take a little walk, okay? I know you're worried, but Trowa works best when people aren't hovering."

"I'm not hovering."

"Like a UFO. Come on. Show me what you did to the garage."

A moment later, Heero was alone with the doctor. Trowa reached out and touched the bump on the back of Heero's head. "Is the hurt centered here?"

"Yes."

"How bad?"

"Better than yesterday."

"Hard to think?"

"No, just an ache. It was sharp when I woke up, but it's better now."

"Is it worse when I touch it?"

"No."

"Anything seem to make it worse?"

Heero thought about that. "Whenever I try to remember things."

Trowa nodded. "That's what I expected. Duo told you not to push it, right?"

"Right."

"Good." Trowa sat back in his chair. "What about the rest of you? Any other pains?"

"No."

"Nothing in your legs?"

"No," Heero was puzzled. Why would his legs hurt?

"Good." Trowa frowned a little. He cast a glance towards the garage door. "How are things with Duo?"

"What do you mean?" Heero was even more confused. "He's been really great. I know this can't be easy on him."

"I'm more worried about you." Trowa's frown deepened. "Are you unhappy here with him? Does he make you uncomfortable?"

"No," Heero shook his head. "It's not like that at all. I like it here. I just wish I could remember more-"

"Good. I'm glad to hear it."

The garage door opened with a crash. "Are you finished?" Quatre asked as he and Duo rejoined them.

"All done."

"Great!" Quatre turned to Heero. "All that stuff on the bench out there- it's amazing stuff! You'll let me know when you finish one of those so we can start the patents and pitches?"

"Pitches?" Heero looked towards Duo. "Patents?"

"You're an inventor, aren't you?" Duo smiled at him.

"Oh." Was that what he did? "And Quatre helps me sell them?"

"Happily," Quatre confirmed.

"So there's some good stuff out there?" Trowa asked, lifting an eyebrow at Quatre.

"Amazing stuff." Quatre mirrored his expression. "Quit looking at me like that. Don't we have some other appointments to go to?"

"I do," Trowa got up from his chair and rolled his eyes. "And I suppose you'll be tagging along too, troublemaker?"

"Don't I always?"

"Did you give Heero something for the headaches?" Duo interjected.

"The usual painkiller should be fine. As long as he doesn't try too hard to remember, they shouldn't be too bad." Trowa smiled at Heero. "If they start getting really bad- blindingly bad- call me right away, all right?"

"All right."

Heero stayed at the table as Duo walked their guests to the door. He reached up with careful fingers to touch the bump on the back of his head. Shouldn't it go down eventually? Why did he feel like it should already be gone?

"You okay?" Duo stood in the kitchen doorway, his brow creased with worry.

"Yes. Just- I wish I could remember. It's very disconcerting to talk to people who know you and you know nothing about them."

Duo smiled a little as he crossed the floor. "I can imagine it is." He straddled Heero's lap, sitting down and resting his arms on Heero's shoulders. "What can I do to make it easier for you?"

"I don't know."

"Hm. Well, I like toast and omelets for breakfast. My mother is very domineering and pushy. I have a lot of siblings that I hardly ever see mostly because they don't like me much, and I like drinking my coffee black. How's that to start?"

Heero couldn't help but smile.

"That's a good start."

"We'll do more after breakfast," Duo said and Heero wondered what he meant.

After breakfast, Duo tugged him into the bedroom and insisted they return to bed.

"Do we always sleep after breakfast?"

"No," Duo laughed. "I imagine most of the time you'll want to go right out to the garage. But I think this morning we need to spend some more time getting comfortable with each other."

Before Heero could ask what that meant, Duo pushed him back into the pillows, his mouth already warm on Heero's lips.

~*~

Heero was glad his workbench had several places to sit. After a morning in bed with Duo, he was surprised he even had the energy to stay upright.

Still, in one area at least, he felt somewhat better acquainted with the man he apparently shared his life with. Heero knew there was a lot more to it than that, but it was an easy place to start.

He focused on his projects, that nagging feeling that he had other things to do, important things, still lingered, but not as strongly. He immersed himself in his work once again.

A soft touch on his shoulder pulled him away from his work. "Sorry love," Duo stood beside him, his expression unreadable. "I hate to stop you so early, but my mother called. I have to go see her this evening. Will you be all right by yourself? I won't be gone longer than I can help." He huffed out a breath and ran his fingers through his bangs. "I wouldn't go at all, but she threatened to come here, and-"

"I don't mind if she comes here."

"I know you don't, love." Duo kissed his cheek. "I'm the one who minds." He sighed again. "I have to leave now. There's food in the fridge-"

"I'll be fine."

"Trowa's number is by the phone if something happens-"

"All right."

"Or you can call me and I'll come home no matter what she says-"

"Duo." Heero reached out and caught the end of Duo's braid. "I'll be fine. You'll only be gone a few hours. I'll more than likely just work out here for a bit, eat something and then go to bed."

Duo slipped his fingers into the soft hair at Heero's nape. "I know," he smiled a little, his fingers gently touching the bump. "After what happened, I just worry. Is it hurting?"

"Not now." It was only a small lie.

Duo kissed him. "I'll be home as soon as I can."

Heero watched him go and then turned back to his workbench. Two of his projects were nearly complete...

It was much later when he realized that his vision was beginning to blur a little. He stifled a yawn and looked at his watch. When had it gotten so late?

He put his tools away and headed inside. Duo was still gone and Heero hoped he wasn't having too bad a time. He opened the fridge and squinted at the contents. He wasn't really hungry. He shut the fridge and headed down the hallway towards the bedroom.

As he passed Duo's office, he caught a glimmer out of the corner of his eye. Hadn't that happened yesterday when he passed Duo's office? He stopped and looked into the room, trying to figure out what it was.

Duo's office was dimly lit, the small lamp over the desk barely illuminating the desk and bookcases. Heero scanned the desk- nothing shiny there.

The bookcases were crowded with objects- books fought for space alongside movie cases and small knick-knacks. Heero stepped into the room and let his eyes wander over the cases.

Something sparkled at him on a shelf to his left.

Heero turned.

It was some kind of necklace- maybe a belt. Made out of small delicate chain links and precious stones, it winked at him in the dim light. He reached out a finger to touch it.

Pain shot through his skull. Fierce, blinding pain, and he fell to his knees.

In his memory a blonde woman tossed her hair, the chain wrapped around her hand. "It's broken," she said, holding out a handful of delicate golden links. "I need you to fix it."

"Heero?"

He looked up, his eyes watering and found Duo beside him. "Heero? You okay?"

"My head-" he managed and heard Duo curse.

"Bed." A strong arm wrapped itself around him, pulling him gently to his feet. "Lean on me."

Heero did as he was told, resting his head on Duo's shoulder and closing his eyes. Duo would get him safely to bed.

"Idiot," he heard Duo say softly and wondered why. What had he done? "I'm such a fool. I never should've left it out."

Left what out? The necklace? Or was it a belt? Was that what Duo meant? Heero tried to find the words to ask, but his head hurt too much to think of them.

"Here," Duo helped him sit down on the bed. "I'll be right back." A moment later and a cup pressed against his lips. "Drink this, it will help."

Heero did. The liquid inside was cool and the pain in his head started to fade.

"Rest." Duo helped him stretch out, his fingers smoothing over Heero's forehead. "Sleep."

"That thing-" Heero tried.

"In the morning love. Not now. Rest."

Darkness swirled up through Heero's consciousness and he let himself fall.

~*~

Heero awoke.

Where was he?

It took a moment, but the memory came back. His house. The one he shared with Duo. The clock beside the bed said it was just after 7 am.

He looked to the side, but Duo's place was empty. Had he come back from his mother's last night? Heero frowned as he tried to remember. He'd worked late in the garage- came inside...

What had he done after that?

He sat up and his frown deepened. His clothes were in a heap on the floor. He must've pulled them off and gone right to sleep.

He slid out of bed and pulled on his pants. Was Duo home?

Walking down the hallway, Heero paused for a moment at the door to Duo's office. Duo wasn't inside, but hadn't there been something...?

His head ached.

Moving down the hallway, he walked into the kitchen. Duo was beside the stove. He turned and smiled at Heero. "Morning sleepy. I was hoping you'd get up soon. Omelets okay?"

"Fine. When did you get home?"

"Late." Duo rolled his eyes. "You were sleeping and I didn't want to wake you. Everything go okay while I was gone?"

Heero frowned at the table. Why did he feel like something had gone wrong? Nothing had. "No, everything was fine. I told you I'd be okay."

Why did Duo's smile look more relieved than happy? "I'm glad. Want some coffee?"

Heero shook his head, clearing the shadows. "Yes please."

TBC...

 

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