disclaimer: the boys aren't mine. i just manipulate them for my own personal enjoyment.
rating: *this fic is not yet rated*
feedback: it's necessary to live...so, yes!
warnings for entire fic: shounen-ai/yaoi, angst, duo/heero torture, language, small lemon-ish spots(?), AU (AC 200)
spoilers: none
pairings: odd....can't explain but it involves heero and duo and 3X4 implied.
notes: another one that came to me in dreamscape. yes, i know, i have weird dreams. you should see what happens after i eat pepperoni pizza ^_~
//heero's thoughts//
:: duo's thoughts ::
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momentary lapse of reason
part 5
It was another two hours before Dr. Skinert made her way into the surgery waiting area. Heero was the first to rise to meet her, his eyes rarely straying far from the swinging doors.
Visibly nervous as he walked toward her, Heero let out a small sigh as Dr. Skinert smiled at him. "Mr. Maxwell came through the surgery fine, Mr. Yuy." the doctor nodding to acknowledge the others who were now standing by Heero's side.
"There was some bleeding due to the head trauma he suffered. Several small blood vessels were broken between his skull and his brain, it's referred to as a subdural hematoma. We hadn't expected the damage to be so great, but we succeeded in relieving the pressure. He is stable now, but still in critical condition."
Heero and others were extremely relieved by the seemingly good news; their sullen mood lifted somewhat. The young doctor was pleased by their reactions, but was compelled to continue her cautions.
Her demeanor turned more serious as she turned to the expectant young man beside her. "Mr. Yuy, despite the fact that the surgery went well, I feel it only fair to warn you that your friend is far from being out of danger. His vital signs are strong and Mr. Maxwell is young and otherwise healthy, but there is no telling what the outcome may be with the type of brain injuries he has sustained."
"So it's a wait and see game." Heero commented.
"Yes." she replied. "The next 72 hours will give us a better idea of the permanent damage your friend may have suffered, if any."
"When can we see him?" Heero asked.
"Not for another few hours. He is still in the recovery room. Check back here at 7:00, okay?"
Heero nodded, extending his hand. "Thank you, Dr. Skinert."
The young redhead smiled warmly as she returned his firm handshake.
++++++++
Heero's heart lightened with the news of what he now understood to be the first of many obstacles was lifted. For the moment, the fact that Duo had survived the ordeal was more than comforting enough and he didn't allow his thoughts to go beyond the relief that news had brought.
Quatre's suggestion of going out to get something to eat was met with unanimous agreement and the four young men headed for the elevator. Despite the fact that the doctor had suggested they return in two hours, they hurried through their meal, anxious to get back to the hospital. With at least an hour yet to go before they could see Duo, they relaxed as much as circumstances would allow in the small waiting area.
"I think it might be a good idea if one of us took some time off to spend with Duo." Wufei began. "Maybe not right now, but it will be necessary in the near future.
The others nodded, Quatre looking over at Heero. "Heero? It makes the most sense for you to do it, since you are Duo's partner, if that's okay with you."
Heero looked at the others for a moment. "I don't really think I'd be the best one suited for comforting Duo." he replied, lowering his head.
"While that may be true, Yuy, you are in the best position to get the time off." Wufei told him.
"Think about it. Okay, Heero?" Quatre added, Heero nodding in response.
+++++++
At 6:45, Dr. Skinert made her way into the waiting area. Noticing that all eyes were on her as she entered, she stood in the doorway and beckoned Heero to follow her.
"We've just taken him into Intensive Care." she relayed before turning to look at Heero. "Mr. Yuy, I'm assuming that I don't need to prepare you for what you are about to see." It was almost a question, but Heero understood.
"I'll be fine." he replied, following her into the large room.
Keeping his eyes cast downward, Heero walked closely behind the doctor in silence until she came to a stop. "You can stay with him for 10 minutes. I'll be nearby if you have any questions."
Heero stood at the foot of the bed and glanced upward at his friend and partner.
Duo looked no worse for the wear than he had this morning when Heero first saw him. With the exception of the addition of several tubes, Heero was pleased with Duo's overall appearance and relaxed enough to move to the side of his bed.
There were more bandages covering Duo's head than before and Heero noticed that his hair had been released, wondering for just a moment how large an area of his head they had to shave.
"You are going to be one unhappy camper when you wake up, Duo." Heero faintly smiled.
Heero jumped slightly as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "It's good to talk to him. Some people believe it helps bring them out of the anesthesia faster."
Heero reached out and let his fingers caress Duo's hair as he looked up at the Doctor. "How much?" he asked.
"As little as possible. Will hardly be noticeable with his head of hair." she smiled.
Heero nodded and released his grasp on Duo's hair, somewhat relieved. "When can we expect him to wake up?"
"A few more hours.." she replied, her tone softening. "I'm afraid you'll have to leave now. You may send one of your friends in."
Heero nodded and reached out to take Duo's hand in his. "I'll be back in the morning."
+++++++++
Heero took seeing Duo the best of the four, his earlier visit having lightened the shock the others were now experiencing.
Heero quietly accessed the reactions of each of his friends as they exited the Intensive Care Unit, the pain clearly visible on each one of their solemn faces.
It was Wufei's face that revealed the most, the Chinese young man's dark eyes watery as he made his way back into the waiting area. Heero reached out and wrapped his arm around his friend's waist in a show of comfort and they headed for the elevator.
The nearly hour ride home was made in silence, the four reflecting on the days events.
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