Paper Cranes

by: Karin

shinigamis_wings@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: Sadly none of the characters used

in this fic belong to me, and the other

concept used was taken from that little

children's story, "The Thousand Paper Cranes."

But it is rather enjoyable for me to put them

together.

Notes/Warnings: Angst! I don't know if its all

that sad or not, but I'd like to think that it

is. I had to do a lot of research on the

subject. I take care of a lady who has this

disease so I think I can bring this down to a

more personal level. Everything that happens to

Duo in this fic, happened to this lady. Oh, and

time line wise I guess this takes place after

Endless Waltz. It makes things easier to have

them old enough to be on their own and able to

get driver's licenses and so forth.

"And someday we'll fly in another plane

on the back of a lucky paper crane."

~Ancient Japanese rhyme used by close friends

at funerals

"Hurry up, Duo, or we'll be late," Heero

informed the other pilot, tapping softly on the

door. Out of the five of them Duo was one of

two who might actually have a good time.

The war was finally over and therefore a

celebration had been prepared to honor those

who had survived it. It was a night that Heero

could just as well go without, but as a

Gundam pilot, protocol required he be present.

He counted a full minute in his mind before

opening the door just enough to poke his head

in. He figured that the braided boy had fallen

asleep, forgetting completely about that

evening's social gathering. He was just

preparing both a chastizement for Duo about his

irresponsibility and an excuse as to why they

were going to be late, when he realized that

he was not on the bed. Surprisingly, when he

entered he found the room unnaturally clean

despite the fact that Duo had lived there for

two days and absent one Gundam pilot.

"Duo-san?" He called out, shutting the door

behind him. He had to be here, there simply

was no possible way for even Shinigami to sneak

out without alerting Heero Yuy's acute

senses. A small shout of frustration coming

from the bathroom told him that he was

correct, Duo was still here. Raising an

eyebrow, Heero knocked once before entering.

Duo stood in tuxedo attire, well from the waist

down, anyway, in front of the mirror. He

was apparently trying to button up the dazzling

white dress shirt. His usually graceful

fingers slid around the round bit of plastic

uselessly while he bit his lower lip in

concentration.

"Konban wa, Heero," he muttered, still fiddling

with the button. "Sorry I'm taking so long.

I'll be ready in a minute, I promise."

"Heero! Duo! Oh, here you are." Quatre walked

inside, straightening his tie as he did so.

Tuxedos and Quatre were a very charming mix. It

would be Quatre that would handle

most of the conversation that night while his

fellow pilots would try to remain unnoticed

in corners and along walls. "Oye Duo, we're

going to be late."

"I know it. I'm trying, okay?"

"I'm going to make sure the limo doesn't leave

without us," Heero murmured, brushing

past Quatre and out of the room. Duo sighed,

going back to his complicated buttons.

Brow furrowed in confusion and worry, Quatre

saw that Duo's hands were trembling with

effort.

"What's wrong, Duo?" He asked, taking another

step toward him. The other boy gave a

short bark of a laugh, allowing his hands to

drop to his sides.

"Guess I'm just nervous is all. Fancy parties

aren't really my scene."

"Want some help?" Duo looked agonized for a

brief moment before locking the smile

back in place.

"If you would, I don't want to make us late,

but I really don't fit in with these posh

crowds." Quatre took it upon himself to fix

Duo's shirt and cufflinks and do up his tie.

"Nonsense," he assured as he worked, ignoring

Duo's slight squirm as he tucked the shirt

into the loose black slacks. "You'll be fine.

No one will even be paying attention to you

after the first speech."

"Gee, that's rather humbling." Quatre shrugged.

"It's true. There, you're done, now let's get

going before Heero decides to leave without us

after all." Duo nodded, starting forward, or at

least he tried to. Quatre only barely caught

his arm to steady him while his other hand

grabbed onto the sink.

"Duo!" Like the soldier he was, Quatre

immediately shifted under Duo's arm to support

him. "What is wrong with you? No one expects

you to be there if you aren't feeling well,

you know." Duo pulled away from the other,

shaking his head.

"I'm okay, lost my balance for a second, but

I'm fine. Let's go." Deathscythe's pilot took a

tentative step, to make sure he was capable of

motion, before half jogging out to the

waiting limo with a concerned Quatre following

close behind.

Heero gave Duo a glance as the braided boy slid

into the seat next to him and pulled the

door closed. It was a huge limo, it had to be

for all five of them to ride in it, but Duo

still chose to sit next to the perfect soldier.

It seemed to Heero that he could never go

anywhere without the other pilot, but somehow

that didn't annoy him as much as he

thought it would.

"Finally," he muttered, signaling the driver

that they were ready to go.

"Gomen Heero. I --" He waved at him not to say

anything, and received a disapproving

glance from Quatre in the process. The blonde

mouthed the word "gently" before Trowa

engaged him in whispered conversation. Heero

shrugged, looking over at the unnaturally

quiet Duo, finding him staring down at his

right hand, slowly clenching and unclenching

his fingers. It was unusual behavior. Any other

time he would be chattering excitedly

about that night's party, or about anything

else for that matter. The only sounds to be

heard were the rumble of the car engine and the

muted whispers of Trowa. For the first time in

his life, Heero felt pressed to say something

just to banish the silence.

"Will Hilde be there?" He asked in a soft

voice. Duo's lips curled up in a slight smile

as he concentrated on his hand.

"Probably," was all he said. Of course she

would be there, everyone would be. Heero had

just asked to give him something to talk about,

but he had fallen back into his previous

mute attitude. It was just odd. It was so out

of character that Heero found himself

unnerved. He studied the boy out of the corner

of his eye lest Duo think that he was

staring at him. He looked very tired and a

little depressed, though why he would be

depressed Heero had no idea. Just before he

could say something else, the limo pulled to

a stop in front of Relena's home where the

party was being held. The five boys stepped

outside, staring upward at it as the limo drove

away.

The Peacecraft home was huge. Mansion and

castle were the only adjectives that could

describe it and be anywhere close to being

correct. It stood four stories high, surrounded

by gardens and fountains, with several tower

rooms and many balconies. In the coming

darkness of night, the lights in every window

made it glow almost supernaturally and

from where they stood, they could hear the

muted music and laughing that was taking

place inside. Each giving the others a glance

they started up the steps, preparing

themselves for a long night of being social.

"Heero-kun!" Relena cried out cheerfully coming

to greet them as they walked in. "I was

beginning to think you woudn't make it. Konban

wa Quatre," she shook hands all around,

smiling radiantly. "Though I would understand

why you wouldn't want to come. Trowa,

Catherine has been looking for you. The last I

saw her she was upstairs with Hilde," she

paused to give Duo a wink. "Oh, and Wufei,

there's someone who I'd like you to meet.

He's been boasting that he could beat you in a

martial arts match, so naturally I had to

correct him. . . " Heero tuned out and looked

around. It was a lovely house, filled with

expensive draperies, grand pianos, and

chandeliers. Livery clad servants carried

glasses of champagne and trays of hors d'

oeuvres for any who cared to partake. Chairs

were placedhere and there, and several groups

lounged in them, talking, drinking, and

laughing. He felt Relena place a hand lightly

on his arm.

She had really grown up throughout this war and

her presence was no longer detestable to

him as it once was. In fact, she had become

quite tolerable and at times, almost pleasant.

"Stick with me," she whispered softly in his

ear. "And I'll protect you from having to talk

much with anyone." And at times, she was even

enjoyable.

"Arigato." He favored her with a brief smile

that set her eyes spakling with pleasure. It

made her very pretty, he realized. Together

they entered the crowd who had surrounded

them to see the pilot of the Gundam that had

saved their lives.

"Ah, Hilde, there you are," Quatre said coming

up to her. It hadn't taken as long as he'd

thought to find her. The incredible youth of

the pilots stood out drastically amidst the

older politicians. Besides, Hilde was standing

with Catherine, and together they were not

easy to miss. He had to remind himself, twice,

that Hilde belonged to Duo and Catherine

was off limits as well. Trowa slipped from his

place behind the Arabian to stand beside

the other circus performer. Hilde turned to

reguard who had addressed her, the dark green

silk gown she wore swishing ever so slightly

with the movement.

"Konban wa, Quatre," she smiled at him,

reaching out with a gloved hand to greet him

properly with a handshake. "Is Duo with you?"

Although neither one of them would admit

it out loud, it was rather evident as to what

they felt for each other.

"Yes, he's here, but I wanted to speak with you

about him first." Her smile dropped as she

considered him with serious expression.

"What about him?"

"I don't know. He might be just tired, or there

might be something else, but he was having

some problems moving a while ago so I just

wanted to be sure you knew about it." She

nodded.

"I'll take care of him. If I ever find him that

is."

"Thanks." He nodded, leaving her to her

previous conversation with Catherine, but when

she turned around she found Catherine and Trowa

holding hands with their heads together.

It made her smile, but it also made her rather

lonely. The closest she had ever gotten to

Duo was when he had carried her out of her

mobile suit the day she had brought Libra's

data to them. But that was because he had to,

there was no way she could have walked on

her own. That had been the only time he had

been truly serious with her, and she hadn't

even been conscious enough to enjoy it. It made

her sigh, then reprimand herself for it.

She didn't need him, really. But still, it

would be nice if he were to. . .

"Egao," a voice whispered close to her ear.

"This is your party, after all." Fingers

trailed

softly down her arms and she turned around to

face the exact person who she had hoped

would be behind her.

"Duo," she greeted, unable to help herself from

smiling and only barely able to keep

herself from giggling. Looking up, she noticed

that Quatre was right. He looked very

tired, but he was grinning as usual.

"That's better," he told her, taking her hand

and twirling her around to inspect her from all

angles. "Pretty girls in new dresses look best

when they are smiling." Duo had a natural

flare for flirting that she found most

charming. "Save a dance for me?"

"Can't. They're all taken." She was just

teasing with him. They had most fun with each

other when they teased. Besides, Duo had

difficulty with being serious. He raised his

hand as if he were going to snap his fingers,

then frowned, staring at them, and finally

lowered his arm to his side with a small sigh.

"Is something wrong?" The grin snapped back in

place as he raised his eyes back to hers.

"I've just been turned down by the prettiest

girl in the place, my night is shot, and yet

she asks me if something is wrong. I think I'll

turn myself over to the politicians' wives and

end it all." She didn't acknowledge the joke.

There would be no going off track this time.

"The truth, Duo, you know you can tell me the

truth." He visibly sagged, finally dropping

his forced smile. It made him look exhausted.

"It's nothing for you to worry about, not

tonight." His smile flashed into place before

she could really study his eyes to see what

pain was written there. While Duo was sometimes

a joy to be with, his constant cheerfulness

could get frustrating when one was trying to

determine if he was all right.

"Duo --" A faint tinkling sound cut through the

laughter and talk, commanding silence and

attention before Hilde could finish what she

had wanted to say. Deathscythe's pilot turned

to the source of the noise, ignoring Hilde.

Frowning, she also focused on Relena

Peacecraft, standing in the center of the main

room, apparently preparing to make a toast.

"Attention," she called in the voice of the

queen that she was. "Could I get everyone's

attention please?" All sound stopped short,

staring at the young girl who glowed with the

beauty of youth in her white dress. She held a

fancy glass filled with one non-alcoholic

beverage or another and smiled perfectly. "Just

a quick reminder on why we're all here

tonight and then I'll leave you to forget

again." That received a soft snicker from Duo,

and a few other half attempts at laughter from

the politicians. Relena's smile deepened before

continuing. "We're here to honor this boy," she

turned slightly to beam at Heero who

stood a little behind her. He stood at

attention; his hands folded neatly in front of

him and his head down in humility. Well, what

everyone would take for humility. There was

nothing humble about Heero. He was nothing but

soldier from his unruly brown hair to his

shiny dress shoes. However, Hilde clapped for

him anyway along with the rest. She didn't

know him very well, but what she did know was

that he made her very uneasy. "We're

here to honor him, and his companions who have

fought so hard to give us peace. I give

you Heero Yuy." Applause echoed through the

house, and Heero, for Relena's sake, made

the crowd a bow before stepping back into the

shadow of the queen. "Could the other

pilots come up here and join us?" Relena called

out as the clapping died down.

"That's my cue," Duo murmured, giving Hilde a

coquettish wink before beginning to

elbow his way to stand beside Heero. He really

didn't have to elbow, most stepped back in

awe, making an easy aisle.

That was why it was so strange when he tripped

and fell.

Although Hilde was as fast as she possibly

could be, her clumsy skirt made Heero that

much quicker. By the time she reached Duo's

side, Heero already had an arm around his

shoulders, helping him to sit up. Kneeling, she

took the American's hand, staring at him

intently.

"What happened?" Heero demanded coldly as she

was saying, "Are you all right?" The

other guests of the party crowded round to

inspect the boy still on the floor with a dazed

and exhausted expression on his face.

"He's fine," the Japanese pilot snapped,

whipping his head around, trying to glare at

everyone at once. "Leave him be; he's fine."

Even though the words were meant to

reassure, it was the fierce eyed stare that

made most people step away. Relena attempted

to draw attention away from the incident,

smiling prettily and trying to make a joke.

"I've called your limo," she whispered through

grinning jaws as Heero pulled Duo to his

feet. "It's waiting out front for you. Take him

home." Then she took a politician by the

arm and led him away so the pilots could escape

the building unmolested.

"Come on Duo," Hilde encouraged as Heero slid

his arm about his shoulders to aid his

walking. "You need sleep." The boy shook his

head, closing his eyes. For a moment he

looked torn between saying something and

keeping a secret.

"I can't," he finally said in a voice barely

audible. "I can't move my legs." Hilde gave a

frightened glance at Heero, but he appeared to

be paying attention to something else and

not listening. But he must have heard because

he picked the other pilot up and marched

hurriedly out to the waiting limo, leaving

Hilde behind.

"Don't leave him," a voice whispered in her

ear. She turned around quickly to find Quatre

gazing at her, worry impressed in his face.

"Heero is too cold for him right now. He needs

to be dealt with gently." Nodding, she gathered

her skirts in one hand and ran after,

jumping in the car just as it was pulling away.

Heero gave her a look, but didn't say

anything. He never said anything.

"What happened in there, Duo?" She asked the

still dazed looking pilot. He reguarded her

with oddly haunted eyes before shrugging

helplessly.

"I don't know. I just. . "

"Have you been sleeping?" He licked his lips

and nodded. "Were you dizzy, or did you

trip on something?"

"Hilde," it was Heero who said her name in a

quick short burst of command. She turned

her attention from Duo to consider him. She

didn't know that he knew her name. "He's

fine." She bit her lip, understanding that he

wanted her to leave Duo alone. In three words

he had said much more. -- Leave him alone,

Hilde. He doesn't need to be badgered by

you right now, Hilde. You're not his mother,

Hilde. I'm going to take care of him, Hilde.

He doesn't need you, Hilde -- Heero said all

this. . .in only three words.

Duo sighed in the attitude of a small child,

and rested his head against Heero's shoulder.

The Japanese pilot gave him a slight glance,

and Hilde couldn't be sure in the dark of the

limo, but there might have been a slight smile

as well.

"We need to take him to be examined, Heero,"

she said once Duo's cobalt blue eyes were

closed. "He said he couldn't move his legs. You

heard him say it. That's not natural. He

might have an injury that we haven't noticed.

We can't ignore that." He stared at her,

freezing her in place with his ice cold eyes.

"I said he's fine."

"But you don't know that. How do you know what

he feels?"

"Enough." She bit her lips, looking out the

window, but she had no choice but to be silent.

Heero was in charge here. The problem was that

he was too harsh. He didn't understand

that not everyone was like him. Duo was a

Gundam pilot, and to Heero's eyes that meant

that he could handle pain. Duo was his friend,

and that meant that it was difficult for

Heero to admit that something might be wrong

with him.

Hilde had hoped that Heero would stop at the

hospital, but it just didn't happen. The limo

pulled to a halt in front of Duo's apartment,

issued to him by the government after the war

was over. She'd never been here before, but

neither had Duo really. He'd spent the last few

days in the large housing complex with the rest

of the returned soldiers, not ready to get

on with his life just yet.

Heero carried the apparently sleeping Shinigami

up the front steps of the building, Hilde

following after, determined not to be left

behind or ignored. All along the trek up to

Duo's new home she would gather her courage to

speak, get to the point where she would just

open her mouth, and then make the mistake of

looking at Heero. Then her words would

scatter into an undefined squeak of sound and

she'd have to start all over. No wonder he

was such a good soldier. He had the power of a

cobra, able to paralyze with a glance.

Eventually Hilde just gave up on the idea of

communication, simply allowing her protests

of Heero's indifference to shoot up in her head

like angry firebursts.

Duo's apartment was dead as they entered.

Cookie cutter couches and chairs made

familiar shadows in the moonlight. There was

one photograph on the wall, compliments

of the building, in which a guardian angel

hovered protectively over a brother and sister

as they hurried across a bridge. In all the

living room there was only one thing that even

remotely reminded her of Duo. The crisp new

Bible that lay atop the coffee table. Even

that was too new, the pages free of pencil

notes and dog ears. She politely sat down on

the couch as Heero carried his friend into the

bedroom, helping him out of his suit. She

could hear the soft murmur through the door

that she recognized as Duo's soft chatter. A

low rumble let her know that Heero was at least

replying to something. She turned her

attention back to the Bible, left here by the

building administration, like the picture on

the wall. What did they know of her Duo? They

used him as a tool to fight their war, and then

they leave him here alone with nothing but a

picture and a never-before-read Bible. As

Heero came skulking out of the bedroom she

thought with sudden revelation. This

apartment would fit much better with him.

She stood as he shut the door, intent on

speaking to Duo alone for a moment, without his

interference. But he stood before it guardedly,

more effective than locks, bolts, and

fortress walls.

"Come on," he commanded in monotone, starting

past her toward the door.

"I'll just be a minute." She raised her hand,

as if in defense, almost grabbing the bedroom

doorknob before his voice again cut her motions

short with its coldness. Frozen words to

freeze action. Very effective of you, Heero.

"I said let's go." If she had the power she

would have defied him. If she had the courage

she would have told him her mind right there

and then, but Heero alone in the dark, eyes

glowing like those of some carnivorous animal

on the hunt, was more frightening than

anything else. In the end she knocked twice on

Duo's door, calling into him that she would

come back in a little while, after she had gone

home to change her clothes. He made no

reply, but the fact that she had been able to

do anything while being stared at like that was

a triumph in itself.

She followed Heero down to the patiently

waiting limo. Nothing was said after Heero

instructed the driver to take Hilde home, which

surprised her. She hadn't known that he

knew where she lived. The drive to her

apartment was occupied only with her thoughts

on what else Heero knew about her, and how he

knew them. It unnerved her to think that he

knew more about her than she knew about him.

Why, she didn't even know his real name,

let alone where he lived. They exchanged no

pleasant good-bye's even though he politely

escorted her up to the front steps of the

building. She was about to say something, but

he bowed and hurried away before she had

figured out what she had wanted to tell him.

All the better. She didn't think he really

wanted to listen to what she was thinking of

anyway.

Her evening finery was put off quickly, laid

out on the bed because she just couldn't find

the hanger she had discarded in her hurry to

get ready earlier. She slipped into a sweater

and jeans, pulling her beret on and grabbing

her bicycle so she could get to Duo's building

all the faster. It wasn't far, lucky for her,

or else she would have had to call a taxi. .

.not her favorite mode of transport.

Throughout the quiet ride she lost herself in

worry over Duo. What was wrong with him

anyway? He'd said he was getting enough sleep.

There must be something else. An injury

that he'd ignored in order to keep fighting, in

the manner of soldiers. That must be it.

Something that could be easily fixed with a

quick trip to a hospital. Decided, her worry

slipped away and she simply enjoyed the

moonlight and the breeze over her face as she

propelled the bicycle through the night.