Crying to the Walls Part 9
"Have yourselves a merry little Christmas..."
Duo sighed, parking his car next to a shabby-looking building.
"Let your hearts be light..."
He ran a hand through his hair, and turned to glare down at the car radio.
"Soon and all our troubles will be out of sight..."
He snorted and rolled his eyes, killing the engine. He quickly got out of the car, slamming the door behind him. He took a deep breath, looking up at the building in front of him.
His eyes narrowed, watching the living room window of the top floor.
Growling, he stalked towards the building.
He climbed up to the top floor, his paces fast and angry. A determined look was on his face, his violet eyes flaring with barely suppressed anger.
He had been sitting alone at home, listening to agonizingly happy Christmas songs, and all he could do was stare at the air, brooding. He sat alone in the dark kitchen, his TV dinner in front of him, and all he could do was stare at the chair in front of him.
An empty chair.
Heero's chair.
Old ghosts of distant images kept playing before his eyes. Images of a younger and happier Heero, sitting in front of him, opening his first Christmas present. He smiled as he remembered the awe and anticipation in those baby-blue eyes. And that sweet and happy little smile, as he lifted his gift up in the air, chuckling at the sight of a small and furry teddy bear.
And then, suddenly, he had this irresistible urge to see Heero. He knew he had to see him NOW, or he'll kill himself. He felt this hot demonic fire burning inside of him, urging him to act. Act and see Heero. He had to see Heero!
He ran up the stairs as fast as he could, and then pounded at Johnson's door. He didn't care that the next door neighbor, an elderly woman, peeked from behind her door, glaring. He didn't care that it was late at night and that all were asleep. He didn't care. All he wanted was to see Heero.
He heard the lock click open, and his whole body tensed. He straightened up, focusing his glare at the door.
Here goes nothing.
He could tell just by the way the lock and door were slowly opened, that the person behind the door was tired. The movements were agonizingly slow, making Duo impatient. He began tapping his foot on the floor.
The last CLICK! of a chain was heard, and the door slowly opened.
Duo's foot came still.
He looked up at the person in front of him, eyes wide with awe.
"Hee-Heero?!?!"
Duo couldn't believe what he was seeing. Standing before him, illuminated by a weak and dim light, was Heero. He was wearing a light blue kimono, which reached just a few centimeters below his groin. His smooth chest was peeking from behind the shabby fabric; the whole piece of clothing looking like it was about to fall off. His face was pale and haggard, his hair messy from sleep.
Duo swallowed and forced himself to believe that it was indeed Heero Yuy he was looking upon.
After opening the door, the Japanese boy rubbed his eyes tiredly. He then looked up, to look at the one who had awakened him so brutally. He gasped as he realized that it was Duo.
"D-Duo! You're... you're here!" He called, completely surprised.
Duo forced himself to smile weakly. Heero's enthusiasm came unexpected. "Yeah. I am." He answered quietly.
Heero looked around, and then peeked behind his shoulder. He bit his lower lip, looking deep in thought. For a moment, Duo thought that he was going to kick him out, but then the boy turned back to face him, smiling.
"C-come in!" Heero offered, opening the door wide. He sent another nervous glance at the direction of the bedroom, and then turned back to Duo. "Just, um... keep quiet, okay? Johnson had a really hard day..."
Duo swallowed, suddenly regretting coming there. "Um, maybe I should leave. It was wrong of me to come this late..." He mumbled, preparing to leave.
Heero's hand stopped him.
"No!" The boy called out fearfully, grabbing Duo by his wrist. He looked up at the braided boy, eyes shimmering with plea. "Stay... please? I'll make you that tea you like, ne? I'll... just stay, okay? Just a little while..."
Duo fought the urge to yank Heero into his arms and never let go. He took a deep breath, trying to fight down the tears that threatened to come. The sight of Heero's tearful eyes could make the coldest and hardest heart melt and cave. He didn't have the heart to resist the boy's request.
"All right, but just for a little while. I don't want to be a bother."
"Oh! You're not! You're not!" Heero hurried to assure him, guiding him into the semi-dark apartment. "I'll... I'll fix you a drink, ne? You like that, right?"
Duo sighed, his eyes studying the small apartment. He turned back to Heero. "I dunno, Heero. You look pretty tired, maybe I should leave..."
"N-no... please stay... talk to me... just a little while, ne? I'll... please?" Heero begged, clutching Duo's hand like a lifeline. He looked up at the taller boy, eyes pleading.
Duo thought he was about to drown once he looked into those deep blue oceans. He raised his hand up, wanting to caress the delicate features, but held himself back. Heero was with Johnson. He had to keep that in mind.
Sighing, he pulled away from Heero's hold. "All right, Heero. I'll stay."
Heero smiled happily, nearly jumping up in excitement. "I'll just go get dressed, and then I'll make you a drink! Just wait a minute and I'll be right back, kay?" He asked sweetly, running to the hallway. He stopped at the entrance, whirling around to face his guest, his face beaming. "Just sit down, I'll be right back!" He whispered, and then ran towards the bedroom.
Duo couldn't help but to smile back at the boy's excitement. It was very endearing. Maybe Heero had missed him after all...
* * *
Heero walked quietly into the bedroom, opening the door silently. He tiptoed towards the closet, trying his best to keep silent, not wanting to wake the figure on the bed. He kept his eyes on Johnson's large form, sprawled on the bed, his naked body curled up within thin sheets.
He swallowed hard, and bent down to pick up some clothes off the floor, his eyes on Johnson all along. His hands were trembling with excitement, so he dropped the clothes at first. Cursing himself silently, he bent down to pick them up.
On the bed, Johnson stirred.
Heero smiled to himself, undressing quickly. He hurried to put on a ragged tank top and a pair of shorts, his whole body tickling with excitement. Duo was here. Duo came to visit him. Duo wanted to talk to him. Duo wasn't mad at him...
This was his chance. His REAL chance to prove to Duo how much he had changed. He will show Duo what a good lover he could be. Heero smiled, running a hand through his messy hair. Duo will surely have him back then. He surely would...
"What are you doing?!"
Heero gasped, his eyes widening. He slowly turned around, looking at the bed fearfully. Johnson was now sitting on it, glaring at Heero.
"N-nothing..." Heero whispered, voice shaking.
"Then what are you doing up?!" The man demanded harshly, eyeing the boy with angry eyes.
Heero swallowed, fidgeting in his spot. "I... there's... there's nothing wrong... go back to sleep..." He explained, voice weak and feminine. He offered the man a sad little smile, wanting to assure him that he was speaking the truth. "I just couldn't sleep... that's all."
"I heard a knock on the door." The man stated, making Heero flinch. His eyes narrowed in anger. "Who's here?!"
Again Heero swallowed, staggering a few steps back. "N-no one... no one's here..." He whispered feebly, voice trembling. "Johnny, just go back to sleep..."
"I HEARD SOMEONE COME HERE!" The man roared, jumping off the bed. "WHO! IS! HERE! HURE?!?!?"
A few things fell off the desk as Heero staggered back, colliding with it. He looked up at his furious boyfriend, tears running down his pale cheeks. His lower lip was trembling, as he fought down the urge to cry. "J-Johnny..."
* * *
Duo sighed, looking around the apartment. His hand was in his pocket, playing with his car keys. He stared out the window, watching the city lights sparkle in the death of the night.
What the hell was he doing here? What on L2 made him drop by, in the middle of the night, with nothing planned but seeing Heero? What business did he have here? He had nothing special to say... Should he tell Heero that he and Hitomi were finished? Should he tell Heero how silent and empty the apartment is without him? How cold the bed is... how hollow his life is...
What was he doing there? What was he hoping to accomplish?
The sound of something crashing against the floor, made the braided boy look up, senses alert. He whirled around, facing the hallway, his eyes narrowing.
Again something crashed and fell, followed by a silent cry of pain.
Not wasting a heartbeat more, Duo ran towards the bedroom. "HEERO!" He called, voice panicked. "Heero!"
He was ready to break the door open, but then it opened.
Johnson stepped out of the bedroom, blocking Duo's way.
The braided boy nearly collided into the large obstacle, and came to quick stop, glaring at the large man. "I want to see Heero!"
Johnson smirked, looking down at the boy in disgust. "Well, too bad. Heero's busy right now. He can't see you."
"Bullshit! I just talked to him! Let me see him!" Duo burst, trying to push the man aside.
But he was immediately pushed against the opposite wall. He glared up at the man, violet eyes sparkling with hatful fire. "I. Want. To. See. Heero!"
"He doesn't want to see you right now." The man snarled, approaching Duo with intimidating steps. He glared down at the braided boy, smirking.
"Don't fuck with me! HEERO!!!!" Duo shouted, pushing himself off the wall, stomping towards the bedroom.
Johnson's hand stopped him, grabbing his wrist tightly. "Where do you think you're going, brat!?"
"Let! Go!" Duo pulled his hand away from the man's grip.
"What gives YOU the right to BURST into OUR home, in the middle of the FUCKING night, bursting into OUR bedroom, and YELLING LIKE AN ASSHOLE!?"
The two just glared at each other for a few moments, a tense and heavy silence between them.
"HEEROOOOO!!!!" Duo finally yelled, making a run for the bedroom door.
But Johnson was quicker. He hurried to block his way, shielding the door with his body.
"Let me through! I want to know if he's okay!" Duo shouted, punching the wall.
"He's fine!"
"I don't believe you!"
Johnson snorted and rolled his eyes. "Fine!" He spat, turning his head back to face the closed door. "Hure! Tell your stupid friend that you're all right!" He turned back to glare down at Duo. "So he can FINALLY leave..."
Silence hung in the air, as Duo looked anxiously at the door, waiting breathlessly for the answer.
Suddenly, a small whimper was heard, and Duo tensed, straining his ears.
He could hear Heero take a deep breath, before finally speaking. "...Duo..." His voice was wavering, as if he was crying. "...I'm... I'm fine..."
Duo's eyes narrowed.
"Just... just leave... leave us alone..." The boy whispered brokenly, his voice weak and shaky. "Just... just leave..."
Duo sighed and closed his eyes sadly. He let his hand drop down, from where he was leaning against the wall, and his shoulders slumped.
Johnson just kept smirking, looking down at the dejected boy. "I gather you know your way to the door?" He snarled, voice mocking.
Duo didn't bother with an answer, and slowly, heavily, walked away.
In the bedroom, lying curled up on the floor, Heero reached two shaking hands to wipe his tears away. He looked up as he heard the door open, his heart clenching painfully at the sight of Johnson's angry eyes.
He had been a VERY disobedient lover... Duo was probably NOT impressed...
* * *
Duo sighed heavily, pillowing his head in his arms. He was leaning on his desk, back in his Preventer's office, too depressed and worried to work. He had TONS of paper work waiting to be done, but he had nor the will or mental strength to do it. All he could think of was Heero. Something looked very wrong last night. Heero's voice sounded wrong, like he was crying. The whole situation was not to his liking.
Over the past few months, he had learned the true face of Johnson. He realized what a bastard the man was, but he assumed that at least with Heero, he was okay. After all, why would Heero stay with him for so long? Heero was very well capable to take care of himself, and it seemed strange that he would stay with Johnson if he wasn't happy.
But last night... Duo realized that Heero was not happy. He was afraid. He had never heard Heero sound so frightened. Something was wrong, and he was going to find out what.
All he needed was a chance.
Taking a deep breath, Duo lifted his head and reached a hand to pick up the phone. He dialed.
"Section six main office. How should I direct your call?"
"Fritz Johnson pleases." Duo asked, trying not to sound disgusted.
"One moment, please."
The minute the woman confirmed the transfer, Duo hung up the phone. So Johnson was at work... He looked at his watch, seeing that he had about three hours before the end of the work day.
That was more than enough time.
Gathering his things, Duo hurried to get out of the office.
* * *
He broke the record in driving downtown from the office. He parked the car in front of Johnson's building, tires screeching. He rushed out of the car, slamming the door behind him. He ran up to the top floor, reaching Johnson's door completely out of breath. He pounded on it as hard as he could, panting.
"Heero! Heero! It's me! Open the door! Please! Heero!!!!" He yelled and coughed, out of air.
But there was no answer.
"HEEEEERRRRROOOOO!!!!! OPEN UP! PLEASE!" He pleaded, throwing his fists against the door. "It's me! Duo! Open the door! Please!"
Still no answer.
He was getting desperate.
"Heero..." He whispered, his fists sliding down the wooden door, his arms dropping lifelessly to his side. He leaned his head against the door, closing his eyes, squeezing out the tears. "Heero... I'm sorry I've been such a jerk..." He cried, his palms clutching into fists. "Just open the door so we can talk... please? I won't be long... I just... I just want to make sure that you're all right." He took a deep breath, and looked up at the door. "Please?"
Silence was his only answer.
Duo sighed deeply, pushing himself away from the door. He looked up at the wooden barrier, eyes shimmering in desperation. "Heero... I... I miss you..." Tears filled his amethyst eyes, and he sniffled, looking at the door pleadingly. "I... I wanted to tell you that last night... I..." He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composer. "I want you back."
The silence remained, unchanging.
"Heero?" Duo looked up at he door, miserable. "Heero, please, open the door. Talk to me..."
"He won't be answering you soon." A voice came from behind, and Duo flinched, startled. He turned around, seeing an old lady peeking out of her apartment door. He frowned.
"He didn't feed Lucky today. He sometimes disappears like that."
"Lucky?" Duo asked, blinking in confusion.
"She's this street dog he sometimes takes care of. Ch! If the asshole lets him, that is." The woman sighed sorrowfully. "Poor boy, he wants to give so much, but that bastard won't let him out of the house! I heard some pretty serious yelling last night! That jerk ALWAYS wakes me up with his stupid shouting!"
Duo's eyes widened. "Shouting!?"
The lady just bowed her head, shaking it sorrowfully. "Poor boy..."
That did it.
Duo whirled back to face the door, his face determined. Anger flashed in his eyes as he charged at the door, hitting it with all his might.
The old lady blinked in awe as the door collapsed down to the floor with a loud BANG! sending dust particles up in the air.
Duo ran into the silent apartment, fast as a streaking bulleted.
He stopped in the middle on the living room, looking around. He checked the living room, but found no sign of Heero. He ran to the bedroom, nearly crashing into the wall as he turned to enter the small room.
But besides of being a horrid mess, the room was empty.
Whimpering in frustration, Duo whirled around, running around the room, searching. He then ran out of the bedroom, and checked the bathroom, and the living room again. He noticed that the living room was in a state of total chaos as well, but otherwise empty. He ran to the kitchen.
And gasped.
Lying on the kitchen floor, surrounded by shatters of broken glass, water and blood, was Heero. He was still wearing the blue kimono, the fabric torn and stained with blood. The robe was wide open, exposing the boy's slender form. Bruised and battered slender form.
Duo took a shaky step forward, heart beating frantically. His eyes were large and stunned, looking at Heero in fear and shock.
The boy's face was covered with purple and blue bruises, dry blood covering his pale cheeks and temples. His messy bangs stuck to his forehead, sticky with dry blood. He had two black eyes, swollen and bloody. His lips were cracked and bleeding, bruised and scratched all over.
The rest of his body was no better.
Duo had to force himself to breathe, falling down to his knees, right next to Heero. Face numb with shock, he ran his eyes up and down Heero's unconscious form, unable to believe that only a few hours ago, this beautiful boy was smiling at him.
He swallowed, reaching down a shaking hand to touch Heero's forehead. He brushed aside a few sticky bangs of hair, petting the boy gently. His fingers slowly trailed down to the slender and white neck, shakily searching for a pulse.
He held his breath until he found it, faint and unsteady.
Tears filled Duo's eyes, and spilled down to the floor, mixing with Heero's blood. He closed his eyes, his fists clutching Heero's clothes, and he bent his head down, resting it on the boy's chest.
"I'm so sorry, Heero... I didn't know... I didn't know..."
* * *
The ER's doors burst open, and Duo rushed into the busy hall, Heero cradled in his arms.
"Help! I need help! Please!" He called, voice choked from tears.
"CALL DOCTOR FRAZIER!" A nurse yelled, running towards Duo.
"Please, help him..." Duo mumbled, tightening his hold on Heero's limp body. He began following the nurse, running as she led him towards a bed.
"What's his status?" A male voice suddenly called, and a man came running beside them, looking worriedly at Duo.
"I dunno. He won't wake up. His pulse is irregular and he started choking in the car..." Duo hurried to spill the information, talking and running so fast, that everything seemed like a blurry dream to him.
"Did he cough out blood?" The doctor asked, helping two nurses to set up a bed.
"Yes." Duo breathed, putting Heero gently down on the portable bed.
"Prep a CT scan and an X-ray!" The doctor ordered one nurse. "And get the OR ready! Tell them we're coming up there!" He yelled towards another nurse, all three of them pushing the gurney down the hall.
Duo ran beside them, not taking his eyes off of Heero. "Is he going to be okay? Is it really bad?" He asked, voice shaking.
"It's hard to tell yet!" The doctor called back, looking down at the bloody boy on the bed. "But we'll do our best for him."
Two doors swung open with a THUD!, pushed open by the fast approaching gurney.
"Tell Carter we're coming up!"
"Have a CT and a CAT scan ready!"
"Carter isn't here until seven."
"Then get him here!"
The doors closed, swinging once or twice, before remaining shut. Duo stayed behind, not allowed to pass beyond those doors. He stood there, rooted to the spot, and stared numbly at the doors. A trail of shiny crystal tears ran down his cheeks.
"Heero..."
* * *
"Silent night... Holy night..."
Duo took a shaky step forward; looking hesitantly at the room he was about to enter. He took a deep breath, and then slowly took a step forward.
"All is calm... All is bright..."
He walked slowly down the aisle, his steps echoing in the silent hall. Only a few dim lights illuminated the room, their light reflected off the color-stain windows of the large room. He made his way slowly and warily towards the end of the room, where a small altar stood. With trembling fingers, he lighted a small candle.
He then did what he hasn't done in nearly ten year.
Duo Maxwell went down to his knees, and prayed.
"Silent night... Holy night..."
* * *
TICK.
TACK.
TICK...
TACK...
TICK. . .
TACK. . .
The clock in the waiting room seemed to go one step forward, and then take two steps back. Time ticked away so slowly, Duo thought that it must have gotten stuck and won't go beyond that certain point. He will be forever trapped in this endless moment of fear and uncertainty. This terrible feeling of NOT knowing. Of wondering. Of praying... praying for forgiveness. For Heero...
"Excuse me!" He called once he managed to catch a nurse who passed by. "Miss! Can you tell me what happened to my---"
But the nurse just hurried to walk away. Duo sighed, bowing his head.
He couldn't stand it anymore! No one would tell him ANYTHING! Heero just disappeared five hours ago, and didn't come back! What happened to him!? Where was he!? Was he okay? He has to be...
"DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!!!!" Duo shouted, kicking the wall over and over. "WHY WON'T YOU TELL ME ANYHING!?!?"
But the halls were silent, empty and dark.
Duo sighed, slumping his shoulders and bowing his head. He looked around, peeking carefully from behind messy bangs. He stared at the doors; those damn doors Heero had disappeared from, and didn't come back.
He took a quick look around, making sure no one was there, and then walked through those doors, determined to find his love.
* * *
Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep! Beep! Beep! Beeeeeeeeeeeeeep!
"He's slipping!"
"Give him another shot! Make it 360 cc!"
BEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
"FLATLINE!"
"DAMMIT! Not again! Charge it up to three sixty!"
"Clear!"
BAM!
"Still nothing!"
Duo walked carefully through the halls of the ER, looking around nervously. He followed the sounds of shouting and instruments, making his way towards one of the wards in the ER.
"CLEAR!"
BAM!
Duo stopped at the opening of one room, watching the frantic commotion with wide and dull eyes.
"Still nothing!"
"Damn it! Bring it up to forty!"
"But--"
"Just do it!"
Duo swallowed, trying to get a better look at what went out around the room. There were about four nurses around the patient's bed, and two doctors. They were all busy trying to save the patient's life, running around and shouting frantically.
"CLEAR!"
BAM!
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
This time, he managed to catch a glimpse of the patient's head, as his body flied up from the force of the electric charge. His eyes widened as he saw the dark head rise up, messy bangs of hair flying up and down as the body jerked from the shock.
"CLEAR!"
"It's no use! He's--"
"CLEAR!"
"CARTER! THERE'S NO POINT!"
BAM!
Slim white fingers twitched as the body on the bed was subjected to another, stronger, shock.
Duo's eyes widened even more.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
"CLEAR!"
"CARTER!"
BAM!
The thin body jerked up again, long and bloody limbs spasming.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
"CLEAR!"
"GOD DAMN IT! HE'S DEAD! GIVE IT UP!"
BAM!
Tears flooded Duo's eyes as he watched the battered body rise up again, only to fall down, lifeless.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
"CLEA--"
"That's enough! He's dead! He! Is! Dead!"
"CLEAR!"
BAM!
The slim body jumped up, before crashing down onto the bed, one last time.
Silence fell, and the cold body became deathly still.
Moments ticked by.
Time seemed to slow down, then stop.
And all Duo could hear was the blood rushing in his ears, his pulse frenetic, his breathing sounding loud and nearly overwhelming.
"Time of death, nine forty five PM."
Duo's eyes closed slowly, tears running down his cheeks.
"Wrap him up, we'll let Martha clean him."
His hands closed into fists, and he grounded his teeth against each other. His knees were shaking, about to give way.
"We did all we could, Carter."
"Yeah, but there's still a boy who just died on Christmas Eve."
Duo fell down to his knees, punching the wall.
TBC…