Blood, Sweat and Tears Part 57

His knees shaking, Duo gripped the railing of the balcony where he and Heero stood. Face pale and eyes wide, he breathed, "W-what...?" Numb from head to toe, he was amazed that he kept his cell phone pressed to his ear.

There was no possible way that he heard Solo right. Marcus shot? It just couldn't have been what he said. Everything came to a halt with the exception of his mind as it raced with dozens of thoughts.

Placing a hand on his teammate's shoulder, Heero whispered worriedly, "Duo?"

Solo's voice spoke quietly over the line, "He was just rushed to Saint John's Memorial Hospital. I'm getting ready to head out there now. Hilde will be staying with the kids. We'll give the details later just... get here."

Unable to find his voice, the running back closed his phone and turned to his lover. "Marcus was shot," he whispered brokenly with tears shimmering in his eyes. "He was just rushed to the hospital."

Like a punch to the stomach, the breath in the quarterback's lungs left in a rush. Cobalt eyes wide in disbelief and fear, he struggled to find his own voice. Throat dry, he managed a strained, "Oh my God..."

Shaking his braided head, Duo suddenly forced off his panic to focus on what he needed to do. "I need to go. Now," he stated firmly, his expression etched in determination as he roughly dried the tears from his eyes.

Instantly following suit and training himself on the task at hand, namely getting to Marcus and the children, Heero nodded firmly. Taking his lover's arm gently, he led the way back into the ballroom. Quickly, they made their way through the crowd of their friends, teammates and other guests.

When they were near the door, Dorothy all but ran up to them. "Is something wrong?" she asked in concern. "You both seem to be in an awful rush to be off."

Swallowing roughly, Heero bowed his head and spoke on both their behalves, "I'm sorry to be leaving like this, Dorothy, but something just came up that we have to get going. We don't have a lot of time to explain."

Clearly seeing the distress in the couple's postures and expressions, the team owner decided against pressing. Neither of them would have taken such a hasty leave if there was not something wrong. Quickly hugging them, Dorothy requested, "Just please keep me posted when you can. If there's anything I can do to help, you know I'll see to it."

A lump forming in his throat, the running back muttered a sincere 'thank you' along with his partner before they rushed off. Grabbing their coats on the way out, they paid no mind to the people watching their hasty departure with wide and worried eyes.

Just as they raced to the car, the football players were stopped when Lady Une and Quatre cried after them. Turning, they saw their friends hurrying close. "What's going on!?" the agent panted heavily when they came to a stop.

"Marcus was shot," Duo answered without allowing his own words to take hold. "We're going to be with him and the kids." Frozen still from shock, the agent and maid paled white as sheets at the news. 'Allah' and 'God, no' left them in harsh breaths.

Running a hand through his hair, Quatre ordered, "I want a full report as soon as you hear anything." Not about to hold them up for another moment, he pulled the athletes into fierce hugs and stepped back for Lady Une to kiss their cheeks while requesting the pair to be safe in their journey.

Everything else passing in a blur, Heero and Duo got into the car and pulled out of the lot as quickly as they could. From his post, Nathan sat up straight in his car seat and followed his targets at a safe distance.

After a frenzied return to the Yuy household, Gallow spied on the couple as they hurried from the estate with two suitcases on each of them. His instincts kicking in, he reached into his pocket for his cell phone and dialed the airport for an emergency ticket for the last flight to Chicago.

Lucky for him the last flight had plenty of openings.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Unaware of a certain reporter seated five rows behind them, the two athletes sat in silence. Lost in their own thoughts and terrors to what awaited them when they arrived in Chicago, their hands stayed joined under the armrest that separated them.

Staring out the window, Duo silently willed for the city to come into view. Every minute that he remained helpless and unknowing of his son's condition was excruciating. The only solace came from Heero's hand squeezing his own every few minutes to remind him he was not alone in his trial. Tightly squeezing back, he hoped that he was able to convey his appreciation.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the lit skyline of Chicago came into view over the horizon.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Practically giddy, Nathan lowered the digital camera that he had used to snap a few images of Yuy and Maxwell running into the Saint John's Memorial Hospital. Any other reporter would have been discouraged in trying to find the story involving a medical facility. Hospitals were known for their confidentiality laws and unless you were a direct family member, there would be no sharing or exchanging information.

In normal circumstances, any other reporter would have stopped their search for answers with those pictures. Gallow, however, knew that everyone had a price. It was only a matter of finding who was willing to accept an offer.

And he would wait all night for the opportunity if he had to.

Being ushered into the waiting area just beyond the closed emergency room section of the hospital, Heero and Duo searched the nearly empty room. They quickly spotted a familiar frame standing out the windows with its back to them. Shoulders sagging, the running back sighed, "Solo."

Quickly turning, the young man smiled sadly to the braided athlete, "Hey, little brother." Nodding firmly to the quarterback in the doorway, he greeted, "Heero. Glad you both could make it."

Sniffling, Duo closed the distance between them and they threw their arms tightly around each other in a much needed reach for support on both their parts. Reality quickly catching up to them, their eyes filled with tears and they started to tremble at thinking of the unknown.

"What happened?" the braided athlete questioned when he finally pulled back to wipe some wet traces from his face. Heero walked up to gently rub circles along his lover's back soothingly. His cobalt eyes watched the blonde young man in interest to understand the situation.

Almost hesitant, Solo took a deep breath and explained quietly, "Hilde was working on making brownies earlier when she made a comment about needing eggs. I was in the process of picking Flora up from her dance school and so I wasn't able to get there in time to do anything about it. Marcus happened to overhear her and offered to go around the corner to pick up some eggs at Sam's, but of course she said no."

Shaking his head, he frowned deeply, "She only turned her back on him for a second, Duo. He took some money that was stashed in the cabinet and ran off." Throat turning rough, Solo paused to clear his throat before continuing, "It was about ten minutes later when Hilde heard this hail of gunfire not far off and..." His voice broke and he looked away as fresh tears began to fall. "She never meant for this to happen."

With his 'brother' falling into a fit of sobs, Duo pulled him close again and whispered reassurances in his own cracking voice. Once they pulled away once more, Heero decided to speak once more on his shaken partner's behalf. "Has there been any news on Marcus's condition?" he inquired softly, but with an air of authority in having to be the strong one of the group.

Roughly wiping his face dry, Solo shook his head, "He's been in surgery since he got here almost two hours ago. There hasn't been any update since." Nodding, the quarterback led his friends over to the chairs and had them sit before disappearing to gather some beverages from the cafeteria.

For the next twenty-some minutes, the trio sat in waiting. Light conversation was made to pass the time and to keep their fears from building. Duo made a call to Hilde back at the apartment building to reassure her that he was not the least bit angry with her, nor did he blame her for what happened. His 'sister' was almost inconsolable when he first got a hold of her, but she eventually came around enough before they disconnected.

Then, at long last, a tall man in green scrubs spotted with blood entered the room. Brown eyes instantly focusing on the infamous braided running back, he nodded firmly, "Mister Maxwell." Frozen with wide eyes at the sight of the blood on the doctor, Duo could only manage a nod in response.

Gazing down on himself, the surgeon smirked sheepishly, "Normally I change before these announcements, but thought that you deserved the decency of hearing the assessment right away. As a parent, myself, I know that I wouldn't want to wait another moment if I were in your shoes."

Relief started sinking in at the doctor's lighthearted banter. If there was bad news to be delivered, he would just get to it. At least, that was what Duo was hoping beyond hoping at that moment. Heero gently assisted his teammate to his feet. Nodding to either friend at his side, the running back advised, "They can be here for this."

A smile spread on the bald surgeon's face as he shared, "Marcus is going to be fine. The three bullets that hit him managed to avoid any major organs and arteries." A small sob escaped the American and his hands went up to cover his face as he shook. Heero wrapped his arms tightly around his lover and kissed his braided head. Both he and Solo had unshed tears of relief in their own eyes as they handled the announcement.

Once the running back was calmed enough to listen again, the doctor went on the details of the bullet that went through the right thigh, the second that had lodged in the left shoulder bone and the third that narrowly missed spinal damage on its way out through the upper torso. There was a bit of fluid in the lungs that needed to be removed and two blood transplants were needed.

"But I expect him to make a full recovery from this," the surgeon concluded. "He's a very, very lucky young man. There were two other victims from the same shooting that were not so fortunate and three others are still in surgery right now."

Stomach churning anew with the realization of the tragedy that had taken place, Duo's face turned flush and green. Extending a hand, he said sincerely, "I don't know how to thank you for taking care of him."

The doctor accepted the hand in a firm shake and grinned, "No need for thanks, Mister Maxwell. It's all part of the job. We'll go over the details of Marcus's recovery time and eventual physical therapy that he will need for his shoulder and leg when they're healed enough later. Normally, overnight guests are not allowed with any of our patients in ICU, where he'll be staying for at least the next two nights for close monitoring."

At the running back's defeated expression, he smirked, "But I am willing to overlook it. So long as only one person sticks around. He was unconscious when he arrived here so it'll come as quite a scare to him to wake in a hospital room hooked up to several machines. Having a familiar face with there with him will make the transition back to reality better."

His shoulders sagging in relief once more, Duo breathed, "Thank you." Bowing his head, the doctor turned and took his leave. Smiling, Solo and Heero hugged the elated father-to-be and took in their own moments to collect themselves from the close call.

Of course, there was no question that Duo be the one to stay the night at the hospital. With a hug, kiss and a request to his partner to try and get some rest, Heero headed out into the night with Solo.

*   *   *   *   *   *

The building was dark and quiet when they arrived. Down the block, yellow tape blocked off the crime scene as investigators continued to search the area. Several outlines of bodies had been marked out on the street and pavement. Heero shuddered while looking away from the eerie sight.

Where normally people would be crowding the area, even at this late hour, there was no one to be found other than several officers patrolling around on foot. It was that eerie silence and stillness that was the most sobering change.

Scanning his hand against the entry panel, Solo stepped back for the automatic locks to the front doors to come undone. He stepped aside for Heero to enter first. Slowly heading through the dark entranceway, the quarterback headed for the dimly lit living room.

Inside, Hilde and all of the children were gathered around. The smallest of the family were crying and clinging to their Aunt, Tai and Flora. Both teenagers seemed to be on the verge of tears, themselves, while trying to provide some support to their younger siblings. Despite their having already received the word that Marcus was going to be all right, the horrific events proved to still have taken too great a toll on the lot.

Heero's heart sunk into his stomach at seeing the youngsters in such a state. Clearing his throat, he managed quietly, "Hey, everyone."

There were small gasps as wide, shimmering eyes turned to him. With wails and sobs, the children all rushed to their feet and threw their arms around any inch of an arm or a leg that they could get a hold of. Locked in the tight group hug, the quarterback returned as many of those embraces as he could while kissing each head in his reach. Hilde was already in Solo's care in the doorway, still shaken by everything that had happened.

Suddenly realizing that once more he was to be the strong one to look over after the others, Heero gently pulled back from the arms around him to properly greet each youngster individually. When he was finished, he told them quietly, "Go on upstairs and get your sleeping bags. We'll all sleep here tonight." Sniffling, the children brightened a bit at the thought of not having to return to their rooms. Quickly, they headed out to change and get their things.

Once they were alone, Heero headed over to Hilde as the young woman slipped from her husband's arms and into his own. Burying her head against his shoulder, she sobbed, "I only turned my back on him for a second, Heero. Only a second..."

Rubbing her back and holding her tight, the team captain whispered, "You can't keep blaming yourself for this, Hilde. You had no way of knowing this would happen."

Solo took hold of the package of cigarette sticking out the back of her jeans pocket. "And these are not going to help you," he stated while crumpling the box in his hand. "You're quitting for good as of right now."

Hilde swallowed roughly against the hiccups that threatened to come on. Placing a hand on either of her shoulders, Heero locked eyes with her and spoke firmly, "Those children need their Aunt right now. If they're ever going to get over this, they need to have some sense that as the adults we're going to get through it first."

Like being splashed in the face with cold water, the young woman came out of her haze of grief and worry. Knowing that her friend was right, that the kids needed her to be strong for them, Hilde wiped the tears from her face. "You're right," she nodded, much more lucid than she had been since hearing those gunshots.

An idea coming to mind, she smiled brightly, "Warm milk. Some of the youngest ones won't sleep well without having that to drink. I can go make some." Just happy to have something to do that would be of use, the short-haired girl quickly moved for the kitchen.

Breathing a bit easier at his wife's return to the world of the living, Solo offered to his friend, "I'll help you get the bags from the car." Heero nodded in appreciation and followed silently.

It wasn't the happiest of reunions, but oddly enough he still considered himself at home.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Duo kept himself occupied with a crossword puzzle book that he purchased at the hospital gift shop. Writing with one hand and the other holding Marcus' hand as he sat at his bedside, he read the clues in the glow from the machines and dimmed overhead light.

After a couple hours of sitting there, the running back straightened when his son began to stir with a deep moan. His closed eyes squeezing closed tighter, the teenager turned gave himself a moment before slowly opening them. As the boy blinked, Duo sat close to that he would see him and greeted softly, "Hey, pal."

Gaze focusing on his father-to-be, Marcus frowned in confusion and asked hoarsely, "Dad? Wha...?" He gasped sharply when looking down to their joint hands and spotted the needle to his IV going into his arm. A brace kept him from moving the other shoulder and his right leg was shielded in a cast from hip to toe. "Oh God," he groaned at the instant recollections of hearing bullets fired on the way back with the eggs his aunt needed.

Quick to calm his son, the running back rubbed the distressed boy's head and whispered reassuringly, "It's all right, Marcus. You're going to be fine."

Marcus shook his head, tears rolling down his face. "I'm so sorry, Dad," he whimpered. "I shouldn't have disobeyed Aunt Hilde like that."

Smiling sadly, the running back replied, "Well, I have a pretty good feeling that you've learned your lesson enough tonight." Carefully leaning in, he kissed his son's forehead and whispered, "I love you. And don't ever scare me like that again if you can help it, all right?"

The African American youth smiled. "Promise 'n love you too, Dad," he muttered as the drugs slowly dripping into his system took hold once more. His eyes drifting half closed, he asked tiredly, "You stayn'?" Through the worn tone, there was a strong hint of almost fear at the thought of being left alone.

"I'm not going anywhere," Duo vowed as he squeezed the hand in his own. "Just get some rest now. I'll be here when you wake up again."

Eyes drifting fully closed, Marcus mumbled a soft ''K' before sighing and drifting off. Keeping watch for a while to be sure that he would sleep for some time, the braided athlete leaned his top half down on the side of the bed. He rested his head atop the pillow that he made of his folded arms and finally let his guard down.

Soothed by the slow and steady beep from the heart monitor, Duo's violet eyes closed.

*   *   *   *   *   *

He was tall, rather well-built and most likely in his mid-thirties. Dressed in fresh scrubs under his winter coat, the man ran a hand through his thick red hair and stopped at the top of the ramp leading to the emergency room of Saint John's.

Everything about his stature, dark-rimmed eyes and frayed appearance screamed opportunity to Nathan. With a friendly smile, the journalist climbed the ramp just as the man was removing a pack of cigarettes from his coat pocket. "Allow me," Gallow called while removing a cigarette from his own box. Handing it to his target, he grinned, "Least I can do for a man who spends his days saving lives."

The scrubbed young man blinked in surprise and smiled, "Even if that guy's just a nurse?"

"Just as important as the doctors or surgeons... Steven," Nathan grinned, supplying the name for himself by leaning in to see the burse's nametag. "Looks like you've had a rough night," he frowned in put-on worry.

A solemn look crossed the nurse's face as he looked out into the night. "'Rough' ain't the half of it," he snorted. "Had a drive-by that took out a few people that we couldn't save." Shaking his head, he commented quietly, "Seen too damned many of these cases."

Handing over the cigarette, the reporter insisted, "Well then, by all means, this one is on me." He removed a lighter with his other hand and set a spark.

Steven smiled as he took a puff from the small flame lit for him. Taking a long drag, he let it out in a long puff of smoke mixed with vapor from his breath in the cold air. "Damn I needed this," he sighed. Raising the cigarette to the reporter, he nodded firmly, "Thanks, man." A frown marred his face suddenly as his head tilted. "You look awful familiar for some reason."

Chuckling deeply, Nathan supplied, "Well, you may have seen my face on the television before. Follow any sportscasts?"

Green eyes widening, Steven exclaimed, "Hey! You're that reporter, Gallow! Holy shit!" His free hand snapped out for a firm handshake. "What the hell brings you here at this hour!?"

Slyly grinning from ear-to-ear, Gallow answered, "Well, now that's something I was hoping that maybe you could tell me." Not allowing the nurse a moment to wonder what he meant, he explained, "I followed Duo Maxwell and Heero Yuy here. Any chance you might know who they rushed here to see? Perhaps one of the shooting victims?"

Nearly choking on his next drag, Steven's face pale in suddenly realizing what he was being pulled into. Quickly shaking his head, he glared heatedly, "That's confidential information, Mister Gallow."

Raising his hands in defeat, the journalist replied, "Ah, but you would remain an anonymous tip-off. You have my word that not another soul would know of your involvement in this." He lowered his arms with a sigh and shrugged, "But then, you still look like a stand-up person. It was wrong of me to assume that you were looking for a way to improve your situation by just giving me a little bit of information."

With a deep, dramatic bow at the waist, Nathan said to the blinking nurse, "I apologize for bothering you. I will take my leave now in search for someone that will take up the opportunity that I am offering." Turning on his heels, he headed down the ramp.

Steven took a deep breath and called, "Wait!" Sprinting to get ahead of the reporter, he turned to meet his eyes. The corners of his mouth curling up, he asked, "So... how much is this story really worth to you?"

Nathan gave him a dark smirk.

Yes, indeed... everyone had a price.

TBC...

 

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