Mending the Shatters Part 1
I. Home at Last
Heero rested his head on the window, gazing out at the thick forests that covered the mountains all around. The sun was now setting, washing everything with a golden hue. It looked like heaven, or so how he had pictured it. As it was autumn, the leaves were all painted in gold, yellow and brown, seeming to glow in a heavenly shade of gold. Some trees were still green, adding to the unbelievably beautiful carpet of colors.
Far in the distance he could see the ocean, calm and sparkling with the last golden rays of sunshine. Down in the valley, by the shore, he could see a small town, his new home.
Heero looked up at the reflection of the man driving. Odin was silent the entire ride, he didn't even try to make conversation with him. He wondered if Odin expected him to speak first. He would, it's just that he didn't know what to say. What was the right thing to say to him right now? He didn't want to screw this up. He didn't want to let Odin see how messed up he became. If he'll find out, he probably wouldn't want anything to do with him.
He will not mess this up! He had dreamed of this day for years. He had fantasized how great it will be if Odin came back, ever since he was first brought to the training camp and realized what he had gotten himself into.
"I am a seeker, a poor simple creature, there is no weaker then I am..."
Heero hid a small smile as he heard Odin sing along with the slow country song that played on the radio.
"I am a seeker, and you are a, um, a te-teacher... You are a reacher so reach something, something... Reach out and lead me..."
He shook his head and sighed in amusement as he noticed the blond barely even knew the words. The man kept on singing to himself, skipping a few words here and there.
"I am a vessel, that's empty and useless, I am a bad sea that something by the wave..."
Heero sighed. "Why bother to sing if you have no idea what you are singing?"
Odin flinched, startled by the new voice. He reached a hand to turn down the volume, his eyes not leaving the road. Did the boy just speak to him, or was he hallucinating?
He forced himself to snap out of it and smiled at the boy, glancing his way briefly. "It's a catchy song, guess I can't help it." He smiled a bit. "I'll stop if it's bothering you."
Silence.
The radio kept on chanting silently. "I am a loser, that wants to be a winner. You are my last hope, don't turn me away..."
Odin sighed quietly, again turning to look at the quiet teen. "Do you want me to stop?"
Heero shrugged. "It's your car."
"That has nothing to do with it. Just answer the question." God! Why was everything so hard with him? Why couldn't he answer a simple question?
"I am a seeker a poor simple creature, there is no weaker then I am. I am a seeker
and you are a teacher..."
"Do you want me to be quiet, or not?"
The teen turned to look at him, seeming a bit startled. Someone was asking him what he wanted? Just for himself, just for his own benefit? Heero smiled inwardly, then looked back at the window. "It's okay." He let out, trying hard not to smile.
Odin smirked. "Okay, you asked for it." He turned back to the road. "You are a mountain, from which flows the fountain... that let's water wash my sins awayyyyy..."
Heero rolled his eyes. Not only he was not in tune, he was doing it on purpose! He nearly chuckled as the silly man gave a performance in soprano. He was doing this on purpose, wasn't he? He was trying to make him laugh. Heero wished he could, but he had forgotten how to do so a long time ago.
"'cause I am a seeker
and you are a keeper
and you are a teacher,
won't you teach me the way.
Reach out and lead me,
guide me and keep me,
in the shelter of your care each day..."
* * *
The rest of the ride was spent in silence, much to Heero's liking. He didn't want to talk right now, and he was afraid that Odin would ask him questions about his life. Of course Odin had the general idea of what his life had been, but he didn't know the gruesome details, and Heero intended to keep it this way. Odin didn't have to know what kind of a monster he was adopting here.
As they entered the small town, Heero's eyes studied the serene countryside surrounding, the small picket fences houses, the green parks, small shops and neat gardens. A perfect picture of a life he was never meant to have. What the hell is he doing here?!
Odin parked the car in a small street, far of the center of the small town. Heero looked out the window at the small house that was now in front of him. His house. His... home? He had a home?
The sound of the driver's door shutting made him look up. He saw Odin had exited the car and was now heading to the trunk. Taking one last uncertain look at the small house, Heero exited the car as well. He walked over to Odin.
"Here you go." Odin said as he handed Heero's bag to him, noticing how light, and probably half empty, it is. He would have to buy the kid more cloths and such. Heero didn't seem to poses a lot.
Heero took the bag quietly from the man, still looking at the house.
Odin watched the teen from the corner of his eye as he pulled out his own traveling bag and one small cardboard box. The boy's face never seemed to give out a lot of what went on inside that cold expressionless shell, but Odin thought he could recognize the uncertainty in those blue eyes. And he could feel the boy's doubts about the whole situation.
He closed the trunk and walked over to the boy, looking up at the house as well. It was a small brown-bricked house, surrounded by a small, but yet well gardened, yard. Not far away from the house spread a wonderful valley, a small stream running down at the mountain's feet. He had chosen this house not only because it was at the edge of the town, but also because of the view. Who needs a backyard when you have this beautiful piece of nature outside your door?
He patted the teen's shoulder, signaling him to come. Heero immediately flinched, pulling away. He glared at him for a few seconds, then turned his gaze away to look around.
Odin sighed, not knowing what to do with this boy. He guessed he needed time to adjust. Both of them needed. The fact that the ex-Gundam pilot had agreed to come with him was a big achievement for itself. Odin guessed that it will have to do for now.
Without any further contact with the boy, he walked up to the house.
Heero waited a few more moments, then followed. He took a good look at the front yard as he walked up the small path to the house. He could tell that someone took a lot of time and effort to tend the small garden,. It was... nice.
When he finally reached the door, it was already open and Odin was inside. Heero stood at the doorway, just staring at his new place of residence. That's all it was for now, just a place to live in. He didn't think he'd be able to call it home anytime soon. That will be too much to hope for.
The floor was polished wood, and the heavy furniture added to the house's elegant look. It looked stylish but yet warm and inviting. The large thick carpet by the fire place, the soft cushioned and woodened furniture, combined with the warm cream like colors walls, only added to the feeling of warmth.
Heero decided that he could defiantly get used to it as his... home. Hopefully, it will be.
"Do you mind closing the door, or were you born on a bus?" Odin's voice came in from the kitchen.
Heero flinched at the familiar yet strange voice, and turned around to close the door. When he turned back he saw Odin walk in from the kitchen, holding a glass of water. He handed it to him.
"Here you go, you're probably thirsty after that long drive."
Heero looked down at the drink, then at the hand holding it, then at Odin's face. He pulled up his bag's suspender, looking a bit uncomfortable. He reached for the glass. "Arigato." He let out, and then drank.
"You're welcome." The blond answered, frowning a bit. The boy was only offered a drink and already he was fidgeting nervously.
The silence that fell after that was so intense, Odin was afraid that something would break if he'll speak up. He could never think of the right thing to say to the kid, afraid to ruin what little trust the boy had in him. Odin didn't fool himself, he knew it will be hard to reach the boy, but it didn't change the fact that he was always afraid to upset the teen or to make him close off even more if humanly possible. He had no idea how to approach the whole issue.
Looking down at the stoic boy, he knew that it was up to him to try and break the ice. He put on a small smile and picked up the cardboard box he had placed on the floor earlier. "C'mon, I'll show you your room."
Heero's head jerked up. His room? His own, private, room? A permanent one that will be only his? How come Odin had a room ready? How come he was treating a damn room like the most precious thing he had ever had? Oh dammit Heero! Just follow the man!
Walking up the stairs, Heero's eyes located four doors. One was probably Odin's bedroom, one a study, a bathroom and one was... his. His room.
He entered the bedroom, his eyes roaming over the wooden furniture. A small desk, a small chest-drawer, a nightstand and a bed that was right under a large window, covered by light blue sheets. Behind heavy dark-blue curtains hid a large window that was overlooking the valley, where the skies were now painted in soft pink and gold. It was a nice room all in all. Simple, but he didn't need more than that.
"We'll have to buy you some more things." Odin commented as he placed the box on the desk. He gestured at the nightstand. "A lamp, a clock, a radio... maybe some books." He looked up at the quiet teen, seeing those cold eyes look over the room. He swallowed. "Um, what do you think?"
Heero turned to look at him, gaze penetrating. He shrugged, walking deeper into the room. "Fine."
Odin sighed. Fine!? Wow, Lowe, you got one word out of the boy. Good for you!
He sighed again. Each time he asked the kid what he wanted for his own benefit, the teen would brush him off as if he knew he didn't really mean it.
He stepped aside a little as Heero came to stand by the desk, opening the box. Odin dared a first glance at the box's contents, seeing little from the angle he was standing. The box didn't seem to have a lot in it, just like the bag.
Heero pulled out his battered old laptop and placed it on the desk. He grabbed the re-charger, looking around for an electric socket. While he went to connect the laptop to the said socket, Odin reached a hand and pulled up the screen.
He had less than a second to pull his hand away as the screen came slamming down at him. He looked up into two flaming cobalt eyes.
"Sorry." He let out quickly, suddenly feeling very unsafe under the glare the teen was sending his way. He swallowed. "I-I shouldn't have touched it without your permission." He took a step back as Heero grabbed the laptop and pulled it away from his reach. The glare was still there.
"Um... why-why won't you take care of your stuff while I... I'll make us something to eat." He didn't wait for a response (it's not like he would get one) and rushed out of the room, only then allowing himself to breathe. Damn that look is cold! Gives a whole new meaning to the term 'if looks could kill'. And damn you Lowe for invading his privacy like that! Think before you act! Think! That boy might seem like a strong soldier, but he's more fragile than a china doll. I gotta be careful or I might end up making it worse than it already is.
* * *
Heero looked after the man's retreating form and let the laptop down. He slumped down on the bed, just sitting and staring at the air Odin left behind him. He did it again. He was scaring people off as he always did. Even Odin was scared of him. Dammit! He screwed up again! He didn't mean it, honest. It's just that he wasn't used to it, that's all. Odin was getting too close. He knew too much. He wanted to know more. He wanted to be a part of his life. He wanted too many things Heero wasn't sure he could give. He didn't know how.
Heero didn't know how long he just sat there and stared blankly at the doorway, but suddenly he noticed it was dark. Taking a deep breath to calm down his racing heart, Heero got up and left his room, heading down stairs.
He found Odin in the kitchen, placing a salad bowl on the already arranged table. When the said man noticed he was being watched, he looked up and saw Heero standing still at the kitchen door, just looking at him. Those eyes showed doubt again.
He thinks he scared you. He's sorry, ya know. Odin smiled inwardly. I know.
He looked up at the teen, smiling. "Are you gonna sit down and eat or am I going to have to drag you over here?"
Heero showed no particular response and just walked over to the table. He sat down and looked at the food offered to him.
"Yeah, I can cook, would you believe that?!" Odin called as he sat down.
"Hn." Heero snorted, still not moving nor looking up at the man. His gaze was fixed on both his hands as they rested on his lap.
Odin pouted, then reached for a bowl to serve himself some salad and meatloaf. After he was done with that, he looked up and saw that Heero did not even move and was just sitting there, hands in his lap as he stared at the food.
"You're not hungry?"
Heero looked up at him, startled as the silence was broken all of a sudden.
"I asked if you're not hungry." Odin repeated, louder this time.
Heero looked away. "Oh... no. It's just, um..."
Odin noticed he was fidgeting. "What? What is it?"
Heero still wouldn't look at him.
"Heero, what's wrong?" Oh God! What did he do now?!
Heero turned to face him, looking a little sheepish. "I- um..." He took a deep breath, hands fidgeting. "I don't like meat."
Odin sighed in relief. "Oh! And I thought it was something serious! No problem. You don't have to eat it if you don't want to."
Heero seemed a bit surprised. "I don't?"
Odin chuckled. "Of course not! There's nothing wrong in being vegetarian."
Vegetarian? That's what it's called? "Oh." He let out, reaching up to scratch his head nervously. "I... I didn't think that, um-"
"You thought it was a wrong thing?"
Heero nodded, looking away in embarrassment.
Odin was speechless for a while. First of, he didn't remember Heero having a problem with meat when he was little. Second of, he didn't understand what made him so embarrassed about it. Was it the thought of being different?
"Would you like me to fix you something else then?"
Heero shook his head. "No thank you."
"Have some salad then, okay? You gotta eat something."
Why was he so worried about him? Heero wondered. He could go on days without food, Odin must know that. But then again, it was kinda nice to have someone care about him so much that he made a fuss out of such a trivial thing.
Heero nodded and served himself some salad.
Odin sighed quietly and in relief as he watched the boy begin to eat. Finally, a little progress. Heero had opened up a little. It may not be a lot what he had allowed to be known about himself, but still, it was something.
He kept watching the quiet boy as he ate, slowly and almost uncertainly picking up the fork and brining it to his mouth. He could tell that Heero was nervous, perhaps even wary about him. He couldn't blame the kid, being thrown into this suddenly new\old life. He decided it would be for the best if he will let the boy eat silently and not question him about anything.
And so he turned back to his own food, slightly smiling as he noticed that as the minutes went by, the boy seemed to relax a little and suddenly take more of the salad, eating it willingly.
* * *
After finishing the dishes, Odin looked up towards the living room. The entire floor was now dark, except for the kitchen. Walking out of the kitchen, he saw that a dim light was coming up from Heero's room. He just stood at the bottom of the staircase, gazing up in the direction of Heero's room. He shouldn't bother him, now should he? He didn't want to crowd the boy. But it was so hard. All he wanted was to be with him, maybe just touch him briefly, to assure himself that this was indeed real. But any unwelcome contact could devastate everything. He will have to wait for the boy to make the first move.
Odin sighed and walked over to the couch, slumping on it tiredly. He smiled a bit as he heard the sound of typing on a keyboard come from upstairs. At least the kid was doing something. He turned and opened the television.
Three movies and one sitcom later, Odin stretched and yawned, shutting off the television. He got up, locked everything and walked upstairs. The sound of typing had ceased about two hours ago and Odin had assumed the boy went to sleep. As he passed by the kid's bedroom, he was surprised to find the door open. It was odd, for he knew that Heero did not trust him enough to leave the door open while he slept. He dared a peek into the dark room.
The full moon was the first thing that greeted his eyes as he looked at the direction of the bed and the window. Under the soft dim moonlight lay a slim figure, lying on its side, facing the door. Odin smiled to himself as he studied the sleeping boy's face. He looked much more relaxed and innocent while he slept.
His smile grew wider as he saw Heero's sleeping position had not changed a bit since he had last seen him sleep. He was lying on his side, the pillow drawn a bit downwards so it lay half by his side. One of his hands was wrapped around the pillow from above, the other arm lying underneath the pillow, also wrapped around it as he hugged the cushion.
Odin felt his heart sink as Heero moaned and his face turned into an expression of pain. He threw the pillow aside and tossed violently in his bed, trapped inside a nightmare.
Odin could feel an itching in his fingertips, an urge to walk over and calm the boy. Something he always did when the boy was haunted by his dreams. Without even thinking of what he was doing, Odin walked deeper into the room and stood by the bed. He looked down at the tormented figure and reached out a hand, wanting to caress the boy's cheek.
Two turbulent cobalt eyes snapped open and a strong hand went flying in the air, grabbing Odin by his wrist.
Odin tried to pull back, but the teen's grip was too strong, nearly crushing his bone. He swallowed hard, looking down at the boy.
Those two wild oceans glared back at him, fear, hate and aggression radiating from deep inside.
"Heero, I'm-"
"Don't ever touch me!" Heero shouted angrily, bolting to sit up, his hand not releasing its grip around the blond's hand. "EVER!!!"
"I'm sorry... It's just..." His voice trailed off and he found himself speechless under that cold and threatening gaze. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
The eyes just kept staring accusingly. He could feel how tense the boy was right now, and knowing the boy's capabilities, Odin thanked his maker he was still alive.
Summoning all his mental strength, years of military training taking over to give him the confident and indifferent look that was his past trademark; Odin eyed his arm, then looked back at the kid. "Can you stop breaking my arm?"
Heero kept glaring at him for a few moments more, before he released his wrist, throwing his arm aside in disgust. After doing so, he kept looking up warily at the tall man, his body tense with battle readiness.
Odin sent the teen a sad and hurt look, before finally leaving the room, closing the door behind him. If this was a test, Lowe, you just failed. Miserably.
Heero kept on sitting in his bed, eyes on the door. He reached up a hand and touched his cheek as if relishing something that wasn't even there.
* * *
It was such a strange feeling, not to feel safe in your own house. It was even weirder to be feeling threatened by the one being you thought you loved the most. No. That's not true. He still loved Heero, for all that he was. But as Odin Lowe walked down to the kitchen the next morning, he couldn't help but feel awkward, having to check on every corner, making sure no one lurked in the shadows. He had even fully dressed, something he never did when he came down for his coffee early morning. He just didn't feel he should come down half naked. It didn't feel safe, or comfortable, all of a sudden. It wasn't the lack of privacy that bothered him. It was the old instincts that told him he should be ready to fight or flee if necessary.
What an awful thought! He was ashamed of himself for thinking that, but he couldn't help it. It will probably take him a while to get used to the ex-soldier's presence.
As he reached the kitchen, he was surprised to find it empty. He sent a look around the house, seeing the entire floor was empty. He knew that Heero was not in his room, for he had passed by it and saw the door open and the room empty. Where was the kid? Did he run away?
Oh God! Did he?
"Fucking shit..." Odin muttered as he rushed to the front door. "God damn you, Lowe. You chased the kid off!" He opened the door quickly; cursing as he noticed it was not locked. He had locked it last night, meaning someone opened it and went outside.
He quickly exited the house and took a long look down at the street's length. No one was up this early, as it was a Friday and the beginning of a long weekend. The street was completely empty.
"Shit! Shit, shit, shit!!!" He cursed and stormed back into the house. He ran up to Heero's room, looking around for any clue of where the teen might have gone to. To his big surprise, the kid had left all of his things in the room.
Why did he leave his stuff here? Odin wondered as he approached the desk. He reached a hand to the small battered laptop and pulled it towards him. He raised the screen up and took a deep breath. Should he? If the kid left his precious laptop here, maybe he intended to come back. He shouldn't hurry to jump into conclusions.
Odin closed back the laptop and exited the room. He'll wait a little, and then worry.
* * *
About an hour later, the front door opened.
Odin jumped up from the couch and stood, looking up at the door. Heero closed the door behind him, and as he felt Odin's gaze on him, turned and returned his gaze.
It was another test, wasn't it? Odin mused, frowning inwardly. Heero was just standing there, waiting to be yelled at. He will not fall for this trick, not again.
Heero sent him a challenging look, daring him to make any comment about him leaving without notice. He didn't really want Odin to yell at him, because that would be a bad sign, a sign that the blond considered him as his property. If that were the case, he would leave, permanently.
The seconds went by and Odin just kept on returning his gaze, face indifferent. Heero's shoulders slumped. He wasn't yelling, but he wasn't showing anything else either. Maybe he didn't care that he left. Heero pouted and broke eye contact. He shouldn't have fooled himself. Why would anyone care if he were gone?
Odin smiled to himself, reading every bit of emotion that ran through the teen. When he saw Heero was about to walk away, he spoke up: "I'm glad you're back."
Heero's head jerked up and he looked at him, stunned.
Odin smiled kindly at the teen. "I was worried." He gestured up towards the bedrooms. "Couldn't bear the thought of that laptop being all alone in the world..."
Heero snorted, and then marched towards the kitchen, a secret smile on his face.
Odin sighed with annoyance mixed with relief, his eyes following the green tank toped boy as he walked over to the fridge. It took him another moment of hesitation until he too entered the kitchen. He leaned against the kitchen counter, within a 'safe distance' from the teen. He examined him as he drank up the orange juice he had poured himself, seeing that his tank top was soaked with sweat.
"You went out for a run?"
Heero placed the glass in the sink, nodding as he proceeded in washing it.
Odin tried to think of something else to say, just to break the unbearable silence. But nothing suitable came to him.
"There's this nice track that leads down into the valley." Heero's quiet voice cut through the silent kitchen. He closed the running water and turned to Odin.
The man was too shocked to talk back. Heero had actually elaborated his answer. Wow!
Being too shocked to talk back, Odin just threw him a towel. Heero began to dry the glass.
"Um, did you have any breakfast?" Odin finally found his voice and asked.
Heero shook his head, placing the cup back in its place.
Odin smiled, content, as he walked over to the refrigerator. He opened it and peered in. "Well then, what would you like?" Somehow, he knew he wouldn't get more than a shrug for an answer. Looking back over his shoulder, he was proven right. He smiled at the stoic teen. "Something sweet perhaps?"
"Whatever you make will be fine."
"Even bacon?"
Heero made a face, which resembled a sulk. If it was a statue that was sulking.
Odin chuckled. "So it's not 'whatever you make'." He turned back to the fridge. "Um... how about pancakes?"
Heero raised both eyebrows in surprise, then frowned. Since when does Odin make pancakes?!
* * *
So apparently Odin could indeed make pancakes, and good ones nonetheless. After breakfast Heero excused himself and went up to his room to change. When he opened the bedroom's door in order to get out, he nearly collided with Odin, who standing there, a baseball cap on his head, a bucket and a brush in his hand.
"What are you doing?!" Heero questioned harshly.
The blond just grinned at him. He handed Heero a cap. "You better put this on, if you don't want any paint in your hair." He put the cap on Heero as he walked into the room.
Heero took the hat off, just gaping at Odin. "Paint?!" He echoed, not seeing where this is going.
"Yup!" The American answered, kneeling down to open one huge bucket of white paint. "We're gonna paint your room." He looked up at the shocked teen. "What color would you like?"
Color?! Paint?!! What the hell was going on here?!!!
"Wh-why do we have to paint my room?" My room. It felt nice to say it. It will be nice to feel it being true.
"Cause it's yours and it has to look like it belongs to you." He looked up at the adolescent. "So," He raised a few tubes of pigments, handing them to Heero. "Which color?"
Heero frowned, and then kneeled down to examine all the colors. He might as well play along. He had nothing better to do and working seemed like a way to pass the time. Besides, he remembered painting his room a several times when he was little and it was always fun. Of course, he and Odin would always end up covered in paint from head to toe, but he would have a great time. Maybe this familiar exercise will help to loosen him up, to break the ice a little. He bet that this is what Odin was also thinking.
He reached for a few tubes and studied the variety of colors offered to him. After a few moments he handed one of the tubes to Odin.
"This one?" Odin asked as he took the tube, looking down at the color. He smiled a little. "Sky blue, huh?" He noticed the insecurity in Heero's eyes. God, it's not like I'm gonna kill ya for liking a certain color! He sent him a kind and reassuring smile. "It's a very nice color." He assured him, then suddenly he grinned deviously. "Would you like me to paint clouds on the ceiling too?"
Heero snorted, getting up. "Hn! Very funny, baka."
Odin chuckled. "Hee hee... Didn't hear that one for a while..." He opened the tube and mixed the pigment with the white paint. Soon there was a bucket full of an azure color.
* * *
It wasn't what he had expected it to be. Heero was taking this WAY too seriously. He was treating it like some God damned mission when he was supposed to be enjoying himself. Oh C'mon, Lowe! How enjoyable can painting a wall be? He looked over to the silent teen, who was just placing a second layer on the wall, using a roller. Say something to him! Odin frowned. Like what?! His inner voice snorted in disgust. ANYTHING!!! Just do something!
"Oi, Heero!" Odin finally called.
Heero nearly flinched, as the silence was broken once again. He let the roller down, turning to look at Odin in question.
"Why won't you go and get a ladder so we can do the finish to the room." He pointed up at the ceiling.
Heero blinked. "You weren't serious about the clouds, were you?"
Odin chuckled. "No! But we have to use a brush to the parts close to the ceiling. The roller can't reach there."
"Oh." Heero let out, placing the roller down on a few papers. He adjusted his baseball cap. "Where is the ladder?"
Odin wiped his hands with a moist towel and gestured out the window with his head. "Back yard. By the shed," He reached a hand and twisted Heero's cap so the eyeshade was at the left side of his head. "to your left."
Heero frowned and adjusted the hat back. "Ryoukai." He let out and turned to leave.
"You should really wear it like that!" Odin called after him. "Looks good!" He could hear Heero snort and chuckled to himself. "I think you're starting to get on his nerves, Lowe."
At least it's something, the inner voice replied.
A few minutes later and Heero was up on the ladder, brushing the paint carefully where the wall met the ceiling. He let his mind wander as he continued this mindless work and so he didn't notice that the brush slipped and he had painted a blue streak on the white ceiling. Heero frowned, then glared at the brush. Great! A blue line on a white ceiling! What's he gonna do now?
He looked down at Odin, who was just washing the roller. "Um... Odin?"
"Hm?" The blond hummed, looking up.
"Do we have any white paint left?"
"What for?"
He pointed at the ugly line on the ceiling.
"Oh." The blond let out, shrugging. "Leave it there, it's no biggie."
Heero frowned at his answer. "But-"
"Listen, it doesn't have to be perfect. One little line will not harm anyone."
"Yeah, but-"
"Leave it Heero. It's fine." He turned back to wash the roller, cleaning it. "Besides," He called with a smile. "It's the little imperfections that make life interesting, sometimes even amusing."
"This is a line on a wall." Heero snarled. "How interesting is that?"
Odin shrugged. "It made the ceiling more colorful, no?"
"I guess so..." Heero mumbled, gazing up at the line. He could get used to it. After years of being under the pressure to become perfect, it was kind of relieving to see this line he had accidentally made. He reached up and added another one, just for good measure. He smirked, examine his work with pride. Not too bad. Not too bad at all. And he added another line, making a big X on the ceiling.
Odin chuckled as he watched the teen play with the brush against the ceiling, shaking his head. He watched as Heero drew a little cloud, and then another, and another, smiling to himself.
Well, some progress at least... He mused, joining the teen in the 'cloud drawing'.
* * *
It had taken them nearly all day to finish painting the room. They finished early in the afternoon, and since then Heero was just lying on his bed, staring up at the light-blue walls. It was a nice color, he decided. It really looked like the sky.
He sighed and turned to lie on his side, facing the large window. The window was low enough to allow him to see the outside while he was lying down. It was what he liked most about this room. Last night he had just lain there, watching the moon rise over the valley. Now he could see the first drops of paint in the sky that declared the sun was about to set. If he will go to the balcony across the hall, where the study was, he will probably be able to see it set over the ocean. But he didn't feel like getting up right now. He was just enjoying this feeling of lying down, doing absolutely nothing. Worrying about nothing.
He turned to lie on his back, hands behind his head. He took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scents that the soft autumn breeze brought into the room. There was no hint of the smell usually accompanied by fresh paint and Heero closed his eyes, indulging himself with the sweet fresh air.
"Heero?"
He didn't bother to open his eyes as he heard Odin whisper his name. He could hear the man's silent footsteps as he entered his room, then stop. He could feel his presence close to the bed.
"May I?"
Heero opened his eyes, looking up at Odin. He nodded.
Odin smiled uncomfortably and sat down at the edge of the bed. Heero watched him as he just sat there silently, elbows resting on his knees, as he examined the room.
"Looks nice." He commented, turning to look down at Heero.
"Aa."
Odin inhaled deeply, turning around to face the window. The skies were now painted in a wonderful display of colors. Two birds cut through the sky, flying gracefully across the valley. "Is this why you like Earth?" He asked silently.
Heero sat up, leaning against the windowsill, looking out to the valley. "I didn't have much time to see it for what it really is."
Odin looked at him questionably.
Heero returned his look, gaze intense. "I only saw the people."
Odin understood where Heero was getting at, and knew better than to press on. Some other time perhaps.
They both returned to look out the window, watching silently as the first sparkling stars appeared in the violet skies.
"I thought you'd like this room." Odin said quietly.
Heero smiled weakly at him, raising an eyebrow. "Is that so? I thought you just didn't want to give up the ocean view room."
Odin snorted, but grinned nonetheless. The kid was playing with him. "Is this a beginning of a joke?"
Heero smiled sheepishly, looking away.
Odin watched him, a content smile playing on his lips. How he wanted to ruffle that messy hair as he used to do, after the boy he once knew made a little joke. But he held himself back, not wanting to frighten the teen.
He cleared his throat, earning the boy's attention. "I thought about dinning out tonight. What do you say?"
Heero shrugged. "Okay."
Odin shook his head, sighing. "No, I mean where would you like to go? What would you like to eat?"
Again that question. What does it matter what he ate? Food is food. Just fuel in order to keep the body running.
Heero shrugged again. "I don't know. What would you like?"
"Personally, I'm dying for a big juicy steak. But since you don't like that, then..."
"I'll eat it if I have to."
Odin jerked his head up, looking harshly at Heero. "Goodness, Heero! You don't have to do anything you don't want to. I thought we were clear on that." He saw Heero swallow hard, bowing his head as if thinking he did something wrong. He berated himself for bursting like that. It just pissed him off! The thought of someone training his Kid into ignoring his own will and freedom of choice!
"I'm sorry, Kid." He let out softly, wanting to reach out a hand to the boy, but holding himself back, afraid of his reaction. "I just want you to understand that this is not some kind of a work arrangement or mission you're in here. This is your home now. You can do whatever you want."
Heero made a face, as if not really believing what was being said. He sighed and turned back to the window.
"Heero, look at me." This time he ignored his safety barriers and reached out a hand to garb Heero's hand.
The teen turned to him, shocked. But he didn't pull away. Odin took it as a good sign and looked the kid straight in the eye. "I won't do anything against your will. I'm sorry about what happened the first night. It's just that..." He took a deep breath, releasing it with a sigh. "It's just that I couldn't believe you are really here. Do you know how many nights I prayed for you to come back? How I mourned your loss?" He squeezed the boy's hand gently. "I want to make this right. I really do. But you have to help me out here Heero. If you do not want this, then tell me. You don't have to stay if you don't want to. If this doesn't feel right for you, then leave. I won't stop you."
Heero's eyes bore holes into Odin's very being as the teen examined him for a long time. Odin began to wonder what Heero saw in there.
"I-" Heero suddenly croaked, pulling away from Odin's hand a little, but not completely. "I feel that, um..." He took a deep breath, bowing his head briefly, and then looked back up at Odin. "I feel that I should stay. I want to stay."
Odin smiled broadly at him, squeezing his hand. Thank you God! Thank you!
Heero had to smile at the joyful look on the man's face. He nearly chuckled as the man responded to his small smile by grinning like a total baka.
Then the blond got up, looking down at him. "So, what will it be? Steaks or Sushi?"
Heero's smile broadened by a little bit. "What makes you think I like Sushi?" He got up as well. "We'll have your steak."
* * *
The restaurant was by the ocean, right on promenade by the shore. It was a beautiful little town that was apparently spared the scars the war had created. It was so small and insignificant, that no armed force would consider it as a threat or an ally. Heero shook his head violently, shaking all of the tactical thoughts out of his head. He couldn't walk into a room, or anywhere really, without analyzing escape routes, hideouts and such. He had to get ride of that characteristic. It was beginning to bother him.
"What would you like to have?" The waitress's voice jerked Heero out of his musings. He turned his head from facing the window, to look up at the young waitress. She looked about his age, with long brown hair she held up in a tall ponytail. Heero frowned at himself. Why did he always look at people's hair when he first saw them? It was strange. He was like that ever since he was a kid. He blamed Odin's Lady Friends.
"I would like the juiciest, biggest, thickest, extra well done steak you have in here. With a side of inions."
The waitress smiled at Odin's silly request, pretending to write it down. "Would you like fries with that?" She asked, chuckling.
"Fries?!" Odin exclaimed. "I don't want any fries! Change my order to a well done 200 gram entrecote steak."
"Alrighty then." The girl answered as she scribbled it down on paper. She turned to Heero. "And what will you have?"
"I'll have the stir fried vegetables please."
Odin snorted, turning to the waitress. "Tell the kid that if he comes here to eat, he better order something dead on his plate, which better had had hooves!"
Heero glared at him, and the young waitress chuckled. "I'll see to that next time, sir." And she walked away.
Heero snorted. "Might as well ask for her phone number."
Odin turned to him, his eyes leaving the girl. He smiled slyly. "Nothing wrong with being friendly. And you mistook me being nice to a girl, to me flirting with a girl."
"Oh yes, I nearly forgot. You don't flirt, you pay them money."
Odin gasped, startled. "What did you say?"
"Forget it." Heero spat, turning away to face the window, looking out at the dark ocean.
Odin scolds at him. It was an insult. He did it on purpose. Why would he? Because of the dead hooves thing? It was another test? It wasn't the first time Heero had made some sarcastic or even mean comment that was obviously made to hurt. And he was beginning to get good at it too. At first he had dismissed these comments, but now they were getting annoying.
Odin cleared his throat, to gain Heero's attention. But the kid didn't turn to him. "I'm sorry if I offended you, Heero."
The teen just snorted, still looking away from the man.
Odin sighed, his finger playing with the fork. "I should be more careful about what I say. I'm sorry."
"I said forget it." Heero called coldly.
They were silent for a long while before Odin gathered the nerve to ask: "Why did you become vegetarian?"
Heero turned to him, a bit shaken by the question. He looked down at his empty plate, shrugging. "I dunno. I just... I don't like the thought of it being alive once."
Odin nodded in understanding. "That's acceptable."
Heero made a 'yeah-right' face, looking away.
There was more to it, Odin was sure, but he didn't want to take the trip down memory lane right now. For at least a few days, he just wanted to make Heero feel comfortable, as hard a task that it is.
He waited until they were half way into their meal, and then he raised the topic he was struggling with for a while now. "I was thinking, Heero, that maybe you should go to school."
Heero nearly spat his food out. He swallowed instead and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "What for?"
Odin looked at him seriously, gaze intense. "Kids your age are suppose to be in school, ne?"
"I already know all I need to know." Heero let out coldly, returning his attention to his meal.
"Yeah, well, I know that. But I'm not talking about going to school to obtain knowledge."
"What then?" Heero asked, looking up at him.
"To be with people. Kids your age. You have to learn how to blend into society."
Heero glared at him for that remark. Sure, he was aware that he was very unsociable. Duo had complained about it more than once. Much more than once. But there was a reason for that.
"I found that most people aren't worth 'blending in' with."
"That's just an excuse." Odin reproached, making an accusing motion with his fork. "You are afraid to try and you know it."
Heero narrowed his eyes, thinking. He was testing his ego here, now was he? Well, it worked. "I'm not afraid of anything."
"Bull. You're afraid of not being able to fit in, just like anyone of us humans."
Heero opened his mouth to respond, but Odin cut him off.
"I'll make a deal with ya, Perfect Soldier Heero Yuy." He smiled to himself as he Heero growled. "One month. You go to school for one month, just to give it a try. It won't work out, I'll back off and let you do whatever you want."
"I thought I was already allowed to do whatever I wanted."
Odin sighed. "Yes, you are. But I insist on this one thing. I think it will be good for you."
"I never wanted to go to school."
Odin chuckled. "Yeah, I remember that. You emphasized this point very well, a few years back. At gunpoint if I recall correctly."
Heero looked away, as if ashamed.
"That's not the point right now. The point is, that you should try and live a normal life. Being in school is normal for someone your age."
"If I'll register now, I'll graduate when I'm thirty."
Odin chuckled again. The boy seemed to be considering this seriously. "Nah. If you have the knowledge you claim to have, you'll get the credits you'll need. You'll graduate within a year, two- max."
Heero pouted, thinking it over. Going to school, being an actual student and not undercover during a mission? How different can it really be from the schools he had been in? As long as he doesn't have to sit next to Relena... No! What was he thinking?! He can't go to school! He was a Gundam pilot; he had lived three life times while those jerks at the school were living inside their books.
However, Odin might be right. His intelligence was not the question here. He needed to learn something much harder than math or physics. He had to learn how to be human.
Can he make it? It was a definite challenge. He looked up at Odin, nodding. "Nimue ryoukai."
Odin smiled. "Good then, it's settled." He turned back to his steak, then stopped, looking up at Heero. "Oh, and Heero, enough with the 'nimue ryoukai' thing. It was cute at first, but now it's getting old." He burst out laughing as the teen threw his napkin at him, muttering some Japanese curse words. "I understood that." He called, stiffing a laugh. "There'll be no more of that either."
"Hn! Look who's talking, kisama."
"When was the last time I fucking sweared?"
Heero rolled his eyes, returning to his meal. "Baka..."
* * *
Stretching his arms as much as he could, Odin made his way down the stairs and towards the kitchen. He yawned, rubbing his eyes as he sleepily walked down the stairs, cursing himself for having to wake up so damn early on a Saturday. He just couldn't sleep. And he figured that he would be able to do so after spending all these hours just thinking about the sleeping teen that was across the hall.
With a finale yawn the blond man entered the kitchen and stopped cold. He blinked, looking up at the clock that showed 07:00 AM, then looked back down at the figure already standing in the kitchen, wearing a green tank top and black biker shorts.
"Wow, Kid, what are you doing up so early?"
Heero, who was leaning one foot on a chair, tying his shoelaces, looked up at the one who spoke. "I'm going for a run." He let out, returning his attention to his sneakers.
"Oh." Was all Odin could think of saying. He walked over to the refrigerator. "You always go for a run early morning?"
"Hn."
Odin shook his head in disapproval, grabbing a carton of orange juice. He slammed the fridge shut, turning to the teen. "Was that a yes 'hn', or a no 'hn'?"
Heero glared at him, raising a second foot to tie a knot in, eyes not leaving the blond.
Odin sighed, shoulders slumped. "Oh well, have fun then."
Heero frowned to himself, looking down at his shoe. Odin sounded kind of... disappointed? Is that it? Why would he be... disappointed?
He looked up. "Would you like to join me?" He had to keep himself from smiling as he saw the surprise on the man's face.
Odin grinned, but when he saw the smirk on Heero's face, he immediately turned his expression into a controlled smile. He shook his head. "Nah, you go. I don't think this old geezer will be able to catch up with you."
Heero just looked at him lengthily, then turned to leave. He stopped at the door, another smirk on his face. It was another challenge, now wasn't it? Odin was testing him. Well, Heero guessed he was about to lose, for he couldn't help himself.
He turned to look over his shoulder, seeing Odin take another sip from the juice carton. "So you finally admitted defeat, huh gramps?"
Odin nearly spat the orange liquid out. He swallowed quickly. "Huh?! What'd ya say?"
Heero smirked again. "What's the matter, old man, lost your hearing too?"
He was playing games with him! Oh God! Oh God- thank you! Finally he seemed to be getting through to the boy! Thank you!!!
Odin knew that he probably looked stunned to death, and will be teased about it for the rest of his life, but he didn't care. He will not miss the opportunity to play along.
"Ha! Gramps! You just wait two point nine seconds here, brat. I'll be right back!" He rushed up stairs to put some cloths on. "We'll see whose getting old!"
Heero watched Odin's retreating form, having a hard time not to smile. But no one was around to see, so he let himself enjoy the moment. Just like old times...
* * *
"You cheated." Heero accused between breaths, bending forward, hands on each of his thighs as he struggled to catch his breath.
"No, you're just getting old." The blond replied smoothly.
Heero glared, still panting.
"Don't you give me that look. I won fair and square."
"Usotsuki." He spat dryly. There had to be a catch. No way someone had beaten him in a run. There wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that a nearly forty-year-old man beat him. But then again, he wasn't in top shape. He did not recover completely from his injuries during the battle against Mariemeia Khushurenada. Dropping Wing Zero into the ocean and then crashing again by the palace was not as pleasant as it might appear to be. God damn it, his ribs still felt on fire.
Odin just grinned, his secret hiding between his dancing eyes. He had noticed the boy's condition, and he knew that he would not admit to his state. So he had taken advantage of it. It might sound a little cruel, but it was necessary without a doubt when it came to persuading Heero into doing something that wasn't fighting. "Now we do what I decide. That was the contract."
Heero rolled his eyes. What was with Odin and 'contracts'? Ever since he was a kid Odin would make up 'contracts' to make him behave and such. Well, it was better than J's methods to keep him disciplined. He sighed in defeat. "Fine, ecchi, what do you want?"
"Well for one thing, stop calling me a liar and dishonorable. And second of all..." He grinned. "We're going shopping."
Heero's face was suddenly drained of all color. "Shopping?!" Oh God...
* * *
There wasn't a shop in the mall they didn't visit. By late noon Heero was carrying about a thousand boxes full of shoes, clothing, notebooks and other school accessories, books, a radio, a lamp, bed sheets, etc etc. If there was one shirt or trousers Odin had managed to make Heero admit that he liked, then he bought three more of them, in different colors. If there was an item Heero's eyes rested on for more than three seconds, two heartbeats later, and it was in his hands.
Heero didn't know if he really needed all of this stuff. He will be perfectly happy being with only one tank top and his laptop. But Odin was insistent and kept on rambling on and on about 'the contract', that Heero had given up arguing and just tagged along, trailing after the blond where ever he went, accepting anything he had insisted on buying. All Heero was interested in was this new state of the art laptop computer he saw in one of the stores. It was really expensive, and Heero would never even consider asking for anything. Especially something this expensive. So he sent a sad puppy eyes look at the shining laptop and hurried to catch up with Odin.
Next they entered a shop full of sunglasses. Heero looked up at Odin, pouting. "I don't need any sun glasses." He stated, putting enough warning into his voice that any other sane human being would run for his life, whimpering. But it appeared that Odin had a death wish.
The blond shrugged and picked up a pair of glasses. "If not for you, then I'll buy one for myself." He put the glasses on and looked at Heero. "What do you think?"
The glasses were twice the size of his face. They were squarish and purple. Heero had to hold himself from chuckling. "I think you're a total baka. Put that thing off."
Odin pouted. "Oh! You won't let me have any fun!" He placed the glasses on Heero. They were so big on him that they slid off his face and onto the floor as the teen glared up at Odin.
Heero growled. "Omae o korusu!"
"That's a new one. What does that mean?" The blond inquired casually as he turned to try on more glasses.
"It means you better get out of here soon, if you want to live." A female voice came from behind.
Both men turned and were faced with a young lady, the salesperson in the store. She had attractive features that were clearly oriental. Her long black hair reached down to her waist, and she was wearing a pair of delicate and fashionable glasses.
Odin smiled at the lady. "No, it means he wants to buy sunglasses or he's grounded."
Heero rolled his eyes, shifting the packages in his hands as they were starting to make his arms numb.
The lady smiled, and turned to look at Heero. "Now then, why would you like to hide those beautiful eyes?"
Heero tensed and had to keep himself under tight control, or he would snap and do something unpleasant to a certain baka.
Odin just tapped on the teen's back. "Cause all kids his age have sun glasses, and so would he."
"I don't have to be like everyone."
The lady laughed lightly. "Oh you got yourself a rebel now didn't you, Odin?"
Heero looked up at Odin in surprise. He knew the lady?!
Odin chuckled, patting the boy's shoulder. "Nah, that's perfectly normal for his age."
The lady laughed again. "Tell me about it! My ears still ring from the chaos Tifa created yesterday."
Odin grinned. "I thought she and Bob are out of town."
"Nah, the little rebel decided she wanted to stay here instead of 'wasting three days of my life with my two idiotic brothers and an overgrown baboon!' End quote."
Heero began to feel irritated as the two opened a conversation about him and that Tifa. They were talking as if he wasn't even in the room! He cleared his throat to gain their attention, glaring up at Odin.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" The man called. "Heero, this is Ai Sherts. Ai, Heero Yuy."
Ai turned to Heero, reaching a hand to shake with his. "Nice to meet you, Heero."
Heero managed to sneak a hand out of the mountain of packages he was carrying and shook the lady's hand. He shouldn't have done that, because a few seconds later and the mountain became a landslide of boxes and bags that crashed into the floor with a loud noise.
Heero growled, irritated. The two adults just laughed at the teen's extreme reaction as he bent down and picked the boxes up hastily.
"Mrs. Shrets's daughter also goes to the same school you're about to be enrolled in." Odin explained.
"Oh, really? He's going to school? Why, he'll be in the same class as my Tifa."
Great...Heero thought bitterly, getting up.
Odin shook his head. "No, I think he'll be a year under Tiff. As far as I know, the school demands that he'll catch up on his credits by going back to 11th grade."
"Oh." Ai let out, then grinned slyly. "Even better..." She grounded out as if Tifa was there to hear her.
Why would someone think badly of their own child was beyond Heero. He just kept standing there as the two talked.
After a while Odin noticed Heero was getting impatient and decided to end the conversation. "Well, Ai, it's been nice. Tell Bob 'hi' for me, and that I'll see him at work Monday, kay?"
"No problem." She turned to the silent teen. "It was nice meeting you, Heero."
Heero nodded in acknowledgment and turned to leave.
Odin did the same, only Ai caught him and whispered in his ear: "He's a good kid. Don't give up on him so easily."
The blond smiled down at her. "Who said I would?" He sulked. "Bob didn't make any bets I'm not aware of, did he?"
Ai chuckled. "After loosing the bet that you'll actually find the kid? I don't think he'll be making any bets with you soon."
Odin smiled broadly and then said his goodbye. "Now, now, Heero, lets get to those school supplies, shall we?"
TBC...