Twisted Fates Part Seven By SilverLady It was late the next morning when Duo woke up. Though he’d been groggily awake several times during the night to fed Ken, this was the first time he was complete aware of his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the absence of his son. Sitting up he looked franticly around the room. When he searching reveled nothing, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, intent on getting up and looking for Ken. He groaned in pain as he tried to stand. His body ached from chest to knees. He hadn’t hurt this bad since those bullies had beaten him when he had first wound up on the streets. “Just exactly what do you think you’re doing?” Duo looked over to find Adrianna in the doorway, a frown on her face. Moving across the room she stopped in front of him. A gentle shove was all it took for her to force Duo back into the bed. “Where’s Ken?” Duo struggled to sit up. “He’s asleep in the other room. I took him out there so I could keep an eye on him while you got some rest.” She smiled at Duo. “He’s fine. In fact, I’d say he’s in better shape than you are.” Duo glared at her. “I’m not that bad off.” Adrianna grabbed some pillows and placed them behind Duo, allowing him to sit in a reclined position. “Hah. I bet you couldn’t make it to the bathroom by yourself right now.” Duo frowned as he leaned back against the pillows. “Depends on how far away it is,” he retorted. Adrianna laughed. “You have to take it easy for a few days. You just had a baby.” “Tell me something I don’t know.” “Duo, it’s going to hurt for a while. Your muscles did a lot of work yesterday. You can’t just expect to jump up and be all right.” “But…” “You are going to have to accept the fact that you’re going to be spending the next few days in bed.” “Damn it. I want my son,” Duo snapped. “When he wakes up I’ll bring him to you. You should enjoy this time. It isn’t going to last.” Duo sighed. “I don’t want to inconvenience you any more than I already have.” “You’re not.” “I need to think about what I’m going to do next.” Duo looked at her for a minute. Adrianna nodded. “Are you going to put Ken up for adoption?” She hated asking the question but it had to be asked. “Hell no!” Duo exclaimed angrily. “He’s my son. I’ll take care of him.” “How?” Duo sagged. “I don’t know. I will though.” “Do you have any family?” “No.” “What about Ken’s father?” “I told you. He’s not in the picture anymore.” “What about a place to live?” “I’ll find something.” “Duo, raising a child is not an easy thing.” “I know that. But he’s my son and I’ll take care of him myself.” Adrianna sighed. She’d had a feeling that would be Duo’s response. It was obvious he was already very protective of the tiny life he’d brought into this world. “Do you have any way of getting a home?” “I have some money. I figured I’d use it when I got where I was going.” “And where’s that?” Duo shrugged. “Where ever feels like a good place to stop.” Adrianna blew out a breath in frustration. “Well, with the weather the way it is, you won’t be going anywhere for a while anyway. Let me talk to Bill Grendal in town and see if there is any place that you could rent until the weather is better for traveling.” Duo frowned. “And how long will that be?” Adrianna looked at him for a minute. “Probably not until spring.” Before Duo could say anything in response, the sound of a baby’s crying filtered into the room. Adrianna immediately headed for the door. “Sounds like someone is hungry. I’ll go get him.” Duo sighed again as he leaned back against the pillows. He knew that Adrianna thought he was being silly and irresponsible, not having any kind of plan as to what he was going to do. He couldn’t explain that he would know when it happened. There was something out there that was still calling to him. Maybe someday he’d find out what it was. “Bill said the place has been closed up for a while, but it’s still in good shape,” Adrianna told Duo as she guided the horse drawn wagon down the narrow unused trail. It had been a week since Ken had been born and Duo was feeling much better. Good enough to go and look at a house that Adrianna had found out about. The place was an old farm that had been abandoned for nearly five years. No one knew what had happened to the previous owner, but now Bill Grendal, as town records keeper, was in charge of selling the property off. He had been willing to let Duo stay in the house for the winter just so that someone would be using the old place. Shifting slightly, Duo tucked the blankets more closely around Ken. Thought the sun was shining brightly today, it was still bitterly cold. He hadn’t been too sure about bringing Ken along, but Adrianna had assured him he would be fine and that they would probably be gone longer than Ken would like to go between feedings. Suddenly the wagon turned the corner and the house came into view. It was a two story farmhouse with a long wrap around porch. Beyond the house, the roof of a large barn could be seen. Duo looked at the house. It was in desperate need of a paint job and there were several places where the siding was coming loose, but overall the house looked in pretty good shape. “Shall we check it out?” Adrianna smiled as she got down. Turning, she took Ken from Duo so that he could get down. As soon as he was on the ground, Duo took Ken back and headed for the front door. Adrianna shook her head and followed. Duo turned slowly and looked at the room. The living room was surprisingly large, with a huge stone fireplace at one end. The floor was wooden and, though scarred from use, it was in good shape. Duo smiled. This is what he’d been looking for. This was the place that had kept calling to him. This was home. He looked down at his small son, who was nestled in a sack tied around Duo’s chest. Adrianna had given it to him, telling him it was the easiest way to carry Ken around and still have his hands free. Ken seemed to enjoy it, already snuggling against Duo’s chest. “What do you think?” Ken sighed and nuzzled his tiny face deeper into Duo’s chest. “I agree. Let’s go tell Adrianna we’ll stay.” Duo looked around again. “In fact, let’s find out if we can figure out a way to buy this place.” Adrianna was checking out the kitchen when Duo walked in. “I know a few women that would kill for this kitchen. Old Man Virgil sure knew what he was doing when he built this place.” Duo smiled. “He had to have done something right, for it to be in as good a shape as it’s in.” Adrianna nodded. “So?” “I’d like to stay. In fact, I’d like to buy it, somehow.” Adrianna blinked. “Are you sure?” Duo nodded. “I’ve been looking for a place to call home for a long time. This is it. I knew it as soon as I walked in. This is what made me leave Deran before Ken was born.” Adrianna walked around to him. “It won’t be easy. This place needs a lot of work. You don’t have any idea about running a farm.” “I know. I’ll learn as I go along.” “Duo.” “It’ll be all right. I’ll figure something out.” Adrianna sighed. “You are a stubborn pain in the butt.” Duo grinned. “Tell me something I don’t know.” “Let’s go talk to Bill. Maybe he can help you out.” “Sounds good to me.” Turning Duo headed for the front door. The sooner he talked to Bill the sooner he could move in. Please, let this be what I’ve been looking for. Duo sighed as he sank down onto the large four poster bed. As Adrianna had predicited, it hadn’t been easy. But Duo had done it. The house and land was now his. Duo had been shocked at the amount of money he’d gotten for his mother’s jewelry. Though he’d been sad to sell it, he knew that it was what she would have wanted him to do. What he’d thought was just some inexpensive pieces had turned out to be worth a great deal. With the money, he’d been able to buy not only the house and farmland, but a large tract of wooded land adjacent to the property. He’d also struck a deal with the farmer who owned the land that butted up against the farmland. The man had wanted the farmland for some time but had been unable to come up with the money to purchase it. Duo had agreed to lease him the entire tract of land, in exchange for a small percentage of the crop yield and an agreed upon sum of money to help pay the taxes. Lying back, Duo stared up at the ceiling. What he had figured on being a long and tedious chore, moving in, had taken little time at all. To his shock and amazement, the people of the small community had all pitched in and helped him, bringing him more that enough things to stock his new home with. They had brought old furniture they no longer need and given it to him. The ladies of the town had helped clean and arrange things, while the men had made the important repairs outside. When they had heard Duo had arrived with nothing, they had gone out of their way to see that he had enough supplies to last for quite a while. There were new clothes for him and Ken, plus linens and all the things needed for a house. In addition, his pantry was now overflowing with donated food and several of the women had promised to come by and teach him all the things he would need to know about keeping house and cooking meals. They had also brought him several cows, chickens and pigs to help out. He’d been shown how to care of the animals, with the promise that someone would stop by to help until he got the swing of things. Plus several of the men had promised to help him get a garden established, come spring. Rolling to his side, Duo looked across the room to the small crib where Ken was soundly sleeping. No one had batted an eye at the fact that he had a newborn son, with no sign of a wife. Those that had questioned him had gotten an honest answer, but it hadn’t seemed to faze them one bit. The men had winced in sympathy and the women had proceeded to trade stories and secrets about childbirth and childrearing.  He had more information about nursing, colic, picky eaters, messy diapers and discipline than he cared to know, truthfully. “I think everything is going to be all right,” he whispered to Ken. The baby sighed and began sucking on his hand. Duo laughed softly. Leaving Shadar was defiantly the best thing I could have done. I just wish Heero could have come with me. I wish he could have gotten to know his son Twisted Fates Part Eight By SilverLady Duo ran his hand across his forehead as he sat down at the small kitchen table, pushing his bangs back out of his face. “Dada?” a tiny voice said. Duo smile as he looked over at his son. Ken was staring at him, a curious expression on his little face. “It's hot in here, isn’t it?” “Da?” Ken blinked at Duo, then smiled and shook his fork at him. The string of baby gabber that he sent Duo’s way made Duo blink. Smiling, Duo leaned over and ran his fingers through Ken’s hair. Except for his eyes, which where the same shade of blue-violet as Duo’s, Ken was the spitting image of his father. So much so that Duo ached when he looked at him. The two year old smiled and proceeded to throw his toast at Duo. “Da!” Duo shook his head as he stood and scooped Ken out his high chair. “I think someone needs a bath.” “NO!” Ken shrieked, grabbing a large hank of Duo’s hair with one chubby hand. “No baf.” Duo winced as he carefully pried Ken’s hand out of his hair. “They didn’t mention that having long hair was going to be a problem.” Walking slowly, Duo headed up the stairs to the bathroom. Adrianna hadn’t been joking when she said Old Man Virgil had known what he had been doing when he’d built the house. Somehow he’d managed to put in running water and had put the bathrooms inside the house. Definitely nice in the middle of winter, when the winds were howling. It also meant Duo didn’t have to water for baths, a good thing with an active curious two year old. When the bath was finished Duo took Ken into the master bedroom. “How about a nap?” he asked, setting the little boy on the bed. “No.” Ken started crawling across the bed, flashing his bare butt at Duo. Duo smiled weakly. No had become Ken’s favorite word lately. Duo wasn’t sure if he just liked saying it or if he really meant it. Reaching out, he snagged a tiny foot. “At least let me get you dressed.” Duo sighed and ran his fingers through his hair again. “Although it seems awfully warm in here to me.” Ken giggled as he wiggled in Duo’s grasp. “No, Da. Go.” Duo smiled as he deftly flipped the boy over and began to tickle him. Peals of happy laughter filled the room as Ken wiggled in Duo’s grasp. After several minutes of play, Duo had managed to get the boy into a diaper and a shirt, though he was evading the pants for the moment. “Now, how about that nap?” “No. Go.” Duo sighed. “How about if Daddy lays down with you?” I could use a nap. The little boy watched as Duo stretched out on the bed. “Da?” Duo patted the spot next to him. “Come lay down with Daddy.” Slowly Ken crawled up the bed and settle in the spot. “Seeep?” Duo laughed softly. “Yeah. Seep.” Ken patted Duo’s cheek. “Seep.” With that he lay down, next to Duo and closed his eyes. A minute later he opened them again. “Seep, Da.” Duo smiled, but obediently closed his eyes. “Duo?” Adrianna called out as she entered the house. Silence met her call. Adrianna frowned. Something wasn’t right. The house was too quiet. If she had learned one thing about Duo, he was rarely quiet. There was usually some kind of noise in the house, even if it was only the sounds of Duo talking to himself. This silence was almost deafening. It was as if no one was there, but Adrianna was pretty certain Duo was home. His horse was in the barn as was the rest of the animals and he hadn’t said anything about going anywhere. “Duo, where are you?” Again silence was her only answer. After checking the kitchen and finding the remains of the meal, she headed upstairs. Pausing at the door to the master bedroom, she finally heard some noise. It was Ken’s voice. But there was no answer from Duo. Frowning again, she pushed open the door and walked into the room. “Duo?” Ken looked up at her from across Duo’s still body. “Dada?” There was a note of confusion in the little boy’s voice. He carefully patted Duo’s cheek. “Dada seep?” Almost holding her breath, Adrianna moved across the room, dreading what she might find. When she reached Duo’s side, she was relieved to see his chest rising and falling as he breathed. Laying her hand on his cheek she soon discovered the reason for his lack of reaction. He was burning up with fever. “Da?” Ken looked at her, not understanding why his Daddy wouldn’t wake up. Adrianna smiled at the little boy. “It’s all right, honey. Daddy’s sick.” Very sick. She reached for Ken. “Let’s go get some cool water to help Daddy feel better.” Ken reached up and wrapped his arms around Adrianna’s neck. “Dada, sic.” “Yes, Daddy’s sick.” Turning, she carried the little boy out of the room, frowning to herself. What happened? Duo didn’t seem ill the other day when I was here. She looked down at Ken. “I hope you haven’t got it too.” Adrianna sighed as she sat down in the chair. She barely blinked as a mug of hot soup was placed on the table in front of her. It had been nearly a week since she had found Duo unconscious from the fever. He still had shown no signs of wakening. In fact, the fever was just know beginning to ease. “How is he?” Michael asked as he sat down across from her. He’d come as soon as he had heard about Duo’s illness, offering to tend to the house and animals while Adrianna tended Duo. Miss Lily, a widow who lived by herself in town, had also come to lend a hand. “A little better. I think his fever is finally starting to come down.” She rested her head on her hands. “Hopefully he’s over the worst of it.” “Good. I know you’ve been worried.” Michael was quiet for a moment. “Will he be all right?” Adrianna looked at him oddly for a minute. “I hope so. It’s still a bit too soon to tell though. I’m just glad Ken didn’t catch it.” Michael nodded. He knew that as serious as the fever was, it would have likely killed the little boy. “How much longer until you know for certain?” “If he continues to improve he should be over the worst of it in the next few days.” “So for now?” “We wait. And keep doing what we’ve been doing.” At that moment, Miss Lily bustled into the room carrying a load of wash. She shook her head at the two figures seated at the table. When are those two knuckleheads gonna quit beating around the bush and admit how they feel? Duo moaned as he struggled up from the depths of sleep. He ached all over. “Where?” He felt cool fingers across his forehead. “Shh. Don’t try and talk.” “Adri?” “Yes, its me. You need to be still. You’ve been very sick.” “Long?” Duo croaked, his throat aching from the effort. “Two and a half weeks.” Adrianna carefully placed a cloth on Duo’s forehead. “You’re still not well. You have to rest.” “Ken?” “Is sleeping.” Duo sighed. At least it didn’t sound as if Ken had gotten sick as well. Then Duo realized something wasn’t right. “Dre?” Adrianna frowned a little at the shortening of her name. Duo was the only one she let get away with it. “You need to be quiet and rest.” She pulled the covers up around Duo’s neck. “It’s the only way you’re going to get better.” Duo grabbed her hand with a surprisingly strong grip. “Dre.” Duo’s voice was stronger now. “Why is the lights out?” Adrianna frowned, glancing towards the window, where the sunlight was streaming in. “It’s daytime. You don’t need the lights during the day.” Duo turned his head from side to side, his eyes wide open. “I can’t see,” he finally whispered. “Oh, god I can’t see.” Adrianna immediately grabbed Duo’s head, turning him to look at her. She made note of the fact that Duo’s eyes didn’t react to the change in light. As she moved her hand past his face, his eyes remained focused straight ahead. Slowly she lowered her hand. “Duo,” “What’s wrong with me?” “The fever. It must have damaged your sight somehow.” “Will it get better?” She looked at him for a minute. “I don’t know.” She suddenly stood up. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, before turning and running out the door. Duo listened to her retreating footsteps before sagging back against the pillows. “Oh, Dre it’s not your fault.” It was some time later before footsteps announced the arrival of someone. “Dre?” “No, it's me. Michael.” Duo frowned. “Where’s Adrianna?” “Asleep. She’s exhausted. She’s been up taking care of you.” “Oh, I didn’t….” “Damn it,” Michael suddenly exploded. “Did you have to make her cry?” Duo blinked in surprise. “I….” “It’s enough that she worries herself half sick over you. Now she’s blaming herself for your sight. Saying if she had been a better healer this would have never happened. How could you say that? Don’t you care at all about her?” Not as much as you do. “Michael.” Michael wasn’t paying any attention. “It’s not as if she didn’t do everything she could. She did. She was up night and day, keeping you cool, trying to bring the fever down, giving you all kinds of medicines and herbs. And you thank her by saying she didn’t do enough. You….: “Michael!” Duo winced as his throat protested the sound it had been forced to produce. Michael spun around to stare at Duo. “What?” “I never said…. any of that.” Duo whispered hoarsely. Michael blinked. “You didn’t?” “No. I know she did what she could. Not her fault. Just happened.” “Then why?” “Too hard on herself. All ways takes the blame. She’s not miracle worker. Can’t fix everything. Tries though.” Michael sagged down on the side of the bed. “I thought.” “Jump to conclusions?” Michael rubbed his face. “Yeah, I guess I did.” He looked over at Duo. “I’m sorry about that.” Duo smiled. “No prob. Just make her understand. Not her fault.” Michael could tell that Duo was growing exhausted from the effort. “You’d best get some sleep or she’ll have my hide.” Duo smiled as he closed his eyes. “True.” Michael turned to leave the room. “Michael?” “Yeah.” “Thanks.” “For what?” “Caring about her. She needs someone.” Michael blinked at Duo. “I thought… you and her “ Duo shook his head. “Not like that. Just friends. I still love Ken’s father.” Duo smiled weakly. “If I like girls like that then….” Michael stared at Duo. He’d never really thought about what Duo’s orientation might be. He’d never even considered that Duo might not even think of Adrianna in a man/woman way. “Oh..” “So kay.” Duo’s head sagged to one side as he fell asleep. Michael stood staring at Duo for a moment before slipping from the room.