momentary lapse of reason
part 13
Had this morning been like most others, Heero would have found himself dialing the phone after having hung up from his short talk with Duo, instead, it found him standing in the center of Duo's bedroom.
He had been there many times this past week, each morning taking something of Duo's with him to the hospital. It had indeed proved to be an asset in his healing. Heero smiled as he looked around the room, knowing that Duo would soon be there, returning the clamor of life back to the now emotionless space.
Heero placed a loose black t-shirt and a pair of black sweatpants on the bed and grabbed Duo's jacket, folding and placing that onto the bed as well. Collecting anything else he thought Duo might need, Heero reached up, pulling a small suitcase from the top shelf of the closet. Setting everything neatly inside, he zipped it and headed for the car, his thoughts of calling the others to let them know Duo was coming home purposefully ignored.
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Arriving at the hospital at 12:15, Heero made his way into the administrative offices, signing the paperwork necessary for Duo's discharge. Handed a folder of instructions on the aftercare required for Duo's injuries, Heero made his way up to Duo's room.
Dr. Skinert stood beside Duo as he clumsily held the crutches; his right arm still in its lengthy cast. "You'll get the hang of it." she smiled, her arm guiding him forward as he inched his way across the room.
Heero watched from the doorway unnoticed, smiling at Duo's newfound mobility, noting the braided young man was pleased with it as well. Watching as Duo successfully completed crossing the room, Heero lightly applauded.
"Hey Heero." Duo smiled, turning to face him. "I'm mobile!"
"I can see that." Heero returned, setting the suitcase down just inside the room.
"I forgot to mention that Dr. Skinert needed to talk to you earlier, Heero. Umm.... I hope it's not a problem." Duo told him, worrying slightly on his lower lip.
"We need to arrange homecare for Duo, Heero. He is not ready to be left alone." Dr. Skinert warned. "The nurses will be more than happy to provide you with a list of reputable home assistants."
"I've already seen to that." Heero began, picking up the small suitcase. Placing it down on the bed, Heero unzipped it and removed the pair of sweatpants and t-shirt. Crossing the room, Heero took the crutches from Duo and holding them with one hand, wrapped his other around Duo's waist and brought him over to the bed, gently seating him. Pulling the chair closer to the edge of the bed, Heero rested the heavy cast down onto it and looked over at Dr. Skinert. "I'm more than capable of taking care of him."
Dr. Skinert crossed the room and took the clipboard from the end of the bed. Clicking the end of the pen, she looked up to meet with the fierce determination and concern in Heero's cobalt eyes. Dr Skinert signed her name to the bottom of the release form she held and removing the pink copy, offered it toward him. "Yes, Heero. I've no doubt that you are." she smiled. "I'll need to see him in my office in a week."
"Thank you, Dr. Skinert." Heero smiled. "Can you have someone send up a wheelchair for him in 15 minutes?"
She nodded and exited the room, leaving Heero to devote his full attention to the beautiful young man who sat smiling at him from the bed.
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It was no easy task transporting his cast-laden patient into the house. Heero had opted not to let Duo use the crutches, instead allowing him to lean heavily on him as the two made their way into the house. Once inside the foyer, Heero kicked the door closed with his foot and guided Duo into the den, bending to seat him sideways on the couch so that his left leg was supported.
Standing, Heero looked down at Duo. "Welcome home."
Duo smiled weakly. The morning had been filled with much excitement, the anticipation of being released from the hospital outweighing all other thoughts. But now here he was with Heero in this strange place.... his 'home'. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to react, but he was certain it wasn't supposed to be with fear..... which is exactly what Duo Maxwell was feeling.
"Is everything okay, Duo?" Heero asked, the wary look on his friend's face alerting him that something was wrong. Giving Duo several moments to respond, Heero finally sat beside him on the couch. "Duo?" Heero asked again.
Duo let his eyes wash over the contents the large room they were in, taking in each detail of its decor. He studied several items more carefully as if straining to force recognition. He knew he was supposed to be familiar with them, but he was unable to make any sort of connection. "I still can't remember..... I want to....." Duo started, turning toward Heero. "I'm trying so hard...... but I just can't."
Before he even realized it, instinct had taken over and Heero found himself embracing Duo, further surprised as Duo's uninjured arm surrounded him in return.
The two allowed the moments to pass in silence, Heero moving back feeling Duo relax in his arms. "It's a big adjustment, Duo. Just try to give it some time." Heero told him. Duo looked up at Heero, forcing a smile and nodding at him. "Tired?" Heero asked, brushing away several long strands of hair that had come loose from his braid. Violet eyes answered his question and Heero rose, assisting Duo in coming to an upright position. "Unfortunately..."Heero started. "All the bedrooms are on the second floor." His small smile widening as Duo offered his own in return.
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It was a struggle reaching the upper landing and Duo was fairly exhausted as Heero adjusted his grasp to carry more of his weight. With one arm holding Duo's waist tightly, Heero brought Duo's left arm to lie over his shoulder. "Ready?" he asked. Duo nodded and the two continued down the hallway, pausing outside of Duo's bedroom door. His free hand reached forward to open the door and the two stepped inside, immediately crossing the room to stand beside the bed. "We made it." Duo smiled.
Heero had not given any thought nor taken any action regarding his intentions to capture Duo's heart the past 10 days, instead concentrating only on Duo's recovery and mental well being. With the healing process well under way and Duo held close to him, Heero's train of thought shifted to his deepening desire for the violet-eyed boy.
More relaxed and standing motionless, Duo felt Heero's arm tighten around his waist. Reveling in the feel of Heero's closeness, he closed his eyes, relaxing further into the body beside him.
Duo was absolutely certain that he was not misreading the situation this time.
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