Hogwarts Part 22
Christmas Magic
They arrived at the house after a long drive.
Heero looked at the house that was Duo's home and nodded in satisfaction. "So this is where you live, nice place."
Kitty smiled warmly at him. "Why thank you Heero, I'm glad you like it. Why don't you and Duo go up to your room and get settled in, I'll call you boys down for dinner." Her grin turned impish. "Unless I see an indication that you would rather not be disturbed. I can always soundproof the room later. If you two start anything, just try to be quiet."
Duo grabbed Heero's hand and led him to Duo's room to unpack as well as spend some private time together. "Not like we're going to do much right now anyway. I'm still too jumpy."
Heero rubbed Duo's shoulder and frowned at how tense his lover was. "Duo-love... why don't you get undressed and lie down on your stomach? I'll give you a massage."
*****
Kitty sighed as she put the meatloaf in the oven. She started the asparagus steamer and lowered the heat on the potatoes that she would mash when the meat was almost done. "I never wanted to hurt the boy."
Howard smiled warmly at her and cleaned the dishes that had been used. "I know that, Kitty. And you haven't hurt him. I think he was so shocked because he's always wanted a family. Even during the war, he'd hang out by me like a son would have. I never had any kids of my own... never found the right woman to have them WITH. Then along comes this scrawny little ex-thief from the worst colony there is and he snags my heart. There was something about him that made me wanna pull out my worn comforter and wrap him in it." He shook his head. "You didn't hurt him, Katie, but when you're so used to the cold... warmth shocks you."
Kitty sighed and nodded. "I know, but..."
Howard walked over and gave her a warm and comforting hug. "He'll be fine, Kitty. We'll ALL be fine. Why don't you go on up and check on him. I'll keep an eye on things down here."
"Of course." With that, Kitty gave Howard a peck on the cheek and headed up the stairs. When she reached Duo's room, she knocked softly. Heero called out that she was allowed to enter. She opened the door and smiled lovingly at the sight that met her eyes.
Heero was sitting against the backboard of the bed and he was cradling Duo, running his fingers through Duo's unbound hair. Duo seemed to be sound asleep and quite content where he was.
"I just wanted to see if there was anything the two of you needed."
Heero shook his head. "No... Thank you." He smiled down as Duo shifted to get closer. "I was an idiot to think I could ever live without him in my life."
"Yes... you were, but you were wise enough to see your mistake. Dinner will be ready in a while." She chuckled as Heero pressed a kiss to Duo's forehead. Duo was stirring as she turned to go finish dinner.
*****
Dinner was a quiet affair, and they found it odd that Duo was not being his usual talkative self. Howard had placed a hand on Kitty's shoulder and told her to take it easy on the boy.
A few hours later, Howard stretched as he entered the parlor. He paused on the threshold and smiled at the two young men curled up on the couch. He walked over to them and let out a soft breath when he saw that they were fast asleep. That wasn't a bad thing for either of them. Duo looked as if he hadn't slept in a week, and Heero probably didn't sleep if Duo couldn't sleep. Not wanting to wake them, he gently tucked a wool blanket around them. He paused when Heero opened his eyes.
"Howard? Is something wrong?"
Howard smiled. "No... nothing is wrong, but I didn't want the two of you to catch a chill." He settled on the floor and looked up at the young man who had snagged Duo's heart early in the Eve war. "I knew it was a bit much to spring on the boy, but we wanted to know what he thought about the idea. Kitty would have called the whole thing off if Duo hadn't given his blessings."
Heero nodded. "It's understandable. You need not have worried. Duo wouldn't have said no. He only cares about the happiness of his family. Kitty is his family and you make her happy."
Howard shook his head. "By the same token... Duo is now Kitty's son. She wants him to be happy as well." Howard shrugged. "And I want both of them to be happy. I've always loved this kid like the son I never had." He stood and gently ran his fingers through Duo's bangs. "And he always made me so damn proud." With that he swallowed and shook his head. "You take care of him. He needs to be looked after."
Heero smiled fondly at Duo, who was curled up securely against him. "You have my word on it." Heero turned back to Howard. "Which reminds me... since you will be Duo's father soon, I have something I wish to ask you and Kitty."
TBC...
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