I think I'm adding this to the finished pile. Oh, there are still things to do in this universe, but the base here is done. Anything else will be missions for the Church and all of that. *whew*

Ifrits & Angels Part 7

"May I?" Barton asked, standing in the doorway.

"Come in," Heero nodded at the empty chair beside the bed. Duo didn't stir from his place at the foot of the bed, only opened his eyes to watch Barton as he took his seat.

"Quatre would like to know how you're feeling? Did he miss anything?"

"I'm feeling much better. Still tired- which Duo says is a side effect?"

"It is, yes. But do you still hurt anywhere?"

"No. In fact," Heero smiled faintly, "I'm almost too well. He healed a few things that weren't really wrong." He tapped his now useless glasses and Barton sighed.

"Sorry about that, Quatre tends to go a bit overboard at times. He truly didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know. He's more than made up for it."

"I'm glad you feel that way. It makes asking for a favor easier."

"What favor?" Duo interjected and Barton sighed again.

"You have to realize," he said to Duo calmly, "that your presence back in the world causes our bosses- anxiety." He held up a hand before Duo could reply. "I know you're not what our records say you are- but our records of you- are very frightening."

"Is that what Chang was referring to earlier when he was in here?" Heero asked and Trowa nodded.

"More than likely."

Duo studied him for a moment, then asked in disbelief: "But you don't believe them?"

"No. I've read them of course- Chang has them if you wish to see for yourself- but Quatre vouches for you. When it comes down to the records versus someone who was actually there- well, I tend to believe the eyewitness."

"I can understand that," Duo conceded. "But why doesn't Chang?"

Trowa's smile faded a little. "Well, you have to understand- he doesn't truly trust Quatre either. But he does trust- just as the Church does- that it's my presence that keeps Quatre safe for them. Not that I think he wouldn't be fine without me, but the Church sees me as his safety net- just like Dr. Yuy is for you."

"I wouldn't be fine without Dr. Yuy," Duo's voice was even, matter of fact.

"Quatre says that as long as you are with Dr. Yuy, you aren't in the least bit dangerous. Is that true?"

"Yes."

Leaning back in his chair, Trowa cupped the palm of his hand and much to Heero's astonishment, a ball of light formed there. "I'm a mage, just as Chang is, and the Church uses us- and Quatre- to fix problems. They would like to be able to call on you two as well."

"I'm no mage," Heero started and Barton nodded.

"I know that- you wouldn't be expected to do more than accompany Duo- and- it's not a full time job. We aren't asking you to leave the university or give up the rest of your life. We would only like the assurance that you could be called on to help. You would, of course, be compensated."

"Is this some version of Good Cop Bad Cop?" Heero asked and Barton laughed out loud. Duo gave Heero a quizzical look, and Heero made a mental note to explain later.

"I'm sure it seems that way. I did think I was the better choice- who else could understand your situation?"

"It is an unusual one," Heero agreed.

"Will you both consider our offer?"

Duo looked at Heero. "Whatever you decide, my master."

There was that word again. One of these days he'd get Duo to drop it. Then again, maybe he was doing it for effect since Barton was here?

"So, I'm allowed to go back to the university, back to my job- with the understanding that if something comes up that you need Duo to handle, that the two of us will be sent to deal with it."

"Exactly. We will arrange everything if that happens- leave from the university, travel arrangements- whatever is needed. Sometimes- and to be honest- at least at first- you will have someone along with you as well."

Heero could understand that. "Agreed."

When Barton left, after many thanks and with a tentative schedule hammered out, Duo moved closer to Heero's side.

"I didn't mean to cause this much chaos in your life-"

"It's all right," Heero assured him, leaning back into his pillows with a weary sigh. "I don't think this is the sort of thing anyone can anticipate. At least they don't want to lock you up someplace again." Duo's expression darkened and Heero reached out to touch his hand. "Don't. I won't let them do that to you- and by the time I'm gone- maybe they will trust you enough on your own- maybe-"

Duo's fingers curled around his. "Mas-"

"Don't call me that. Remember?"

"I remember. I'm trying." Duo's lips curved in a faint smile. "If you would- Quatre offered a gift-"

"What sort of gift?"

"One that would allow you to stay with me."

Stay with him? What did Duo mean? "What could he do?"

"He's an ifrit. A djinn. It's a frequent wish- and within his power."

Comprehension dawned. "I- I'll have to think about it."

"But why?" Duo pulled himself away, anger rising in his face. "Why would you refuse? Do you think to escape that way? Be free of me-?"

Heero slid out of bed and faced Duo, trying to explain. "Give me time. It's only been a day or two since I even found out that you weren't an excellent assistant sent by the university- less than that since I've discovered what you really are. I mean- there was more- the dreams- but... I- need time to adjust."

The anger faded as quickly as it had sparked. "I can understand that... I can. But..."

"You need that time too. How do you know that I'm the best one for you? You've been locked away for so long- you need to get acquainted with this world. With me."

Before he could continue, he found himself locked in a tight embrace, his chin on Duo's shoulder. "You are my light. I know that already- I've had time- but- I can understand your need. This has all been too fast."

He returned the embrace, hoping he was getting his meaning across. "I will think about it. I promise."

Duo let him go a little, pulling back and examining his face before nudging him towards the bed. "You need more rest, especially if we are starting our journey to your home tomorrow."

"Thank you," he stretched back out on the bed and on a sudden impulse, moved a little to the side. "You should rest too," he said and patted the place beside him.

The smile he got warmed him. A moment later, Duo was there and Heero curled up beside him, his eyelids already closing.

There was a gentle brush of fingers over his cheek. "Sleep well, beloved."

"That's much better than 'master'."

OWARI

 

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