Duo

By : Lauren

January 1998

I sit by his bed, staring at him. He looks so peaceful, like a little angle. His hair is down, flowing freely down his back and over the side of the bed. I reach out and play with it. It's so soft and silky. I love his hair. He turns onto his sides so that now he is facing me, and the blanket falls to his waist. He isn't wearing a shirt. I fell warmth start to spread through me. He's always wearing black. He compares himself to death, but he's the most alive of all of us. I watch his chest rise and fall softly with his breath. Suddenly, I feel tears well up in my eyes. He's so beautiful, but he… he shouldn't be one to fight in this war. I'm so afraid to loose him. I can't hold back anymore and the tears fall freely down my face. Duo stirs in bed. I'm afraid I woke him up. He can't see me like this. I lower my head, hoping to hide my face. His hand comes up and wipes a tear from my cheek.

" Why are you crying?" he asks in his softest voice.

" I... it's nothing..." I try to hide my feelings.

I suddenly feel his arms wrap around me and pull me down to him. My face is laid against his chest. He plays with my hair, calming me down. He tilts my head up to his and softly kisses where the tears have stained my face, ending their cleansing at my lips. I gasp at the feelings that course through me at his touch. What am I doing?

" Heero…" he whispers my name in a husky voice.

I try to speak, but I can't find my voice.

" Heero," he says softly, " I love you. Please don't cry."

My breath catches at his words and tears once again form in my eyes, dangerously threatening to spill over. He loves me? Me?! Why would anyone love me? He spoke as if reading my thoughts.

" You are my strength. When I feel ready to quit, when I wish I was dead, when I'm lost, I think of you and what you would do. You are always strong, and I think to myself that I can be strong for you."

" I… Duo…" I struggle with the words, " I love you too."

He smiles softly and closes his eyes.

" I know," he whispers as he falls back to sleep, " I know…"