Title: Superman
Author: AstroKender
Pairings: 1+2
Rating: shounen-ai
Warnings:Slight angst
Spoilers: Follows the series.
Notes: Sequel to The Hero. Kryptonite is by 3 Doors Down.
Disclaimers: I own nothing...not even my computer. So obviously GW isn't mine. Don't sue.
I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind,
I left my body laying somewhere in the sands of time,
Thirty days.
He had been unconscious, dead, for nearly a month. But he really couldn't call it dead, could he? God, it hurt to move. Why did I survive?
Heero knew the answer to that question, as painful as it was. He survived because a pair of violet eyes constantly followed him, even in death. He said he was the God of Death. Why should I be free from him in his own realm? Why would I want to be?
The injured pilot sat there silently cursing his helplessness, fully aware of the bloodshed happening all around him. He was still seriously injured, enough to impair his movements by 58%. Worse, his Gundam had been destroyed.
"I destroyed it." He admitted bitterly. I'm useless.
"....."
Heero stared out the window of the trailer he currently shared with Trowa. The circus was quiet tonight. Tomorrow they would be moving to the next town and everyone seemed to be getting some much-deserved rest. The night looked dark and inviting. A low cloud cover promised rain before morning. The wind whispered soothingly against the trees, promising to shelter him from the pain and destruction of the war.
Just then, the full moon broke free from the clouds, piercing the night with its soft glow.
C'mon, Superman. Don't you ever look at the moon?
Trowa looked up from the book he was reading. Had been trying to read. For some reason, he just couldn't concentrate. It was as if everyone on earth was holding their collective breaths, waiting for something to break the unnatural silence. Being a man a few words, the silence seemed that more intimidating.
He glanced over toward his taciturn companion. Here was another that seemed to have little to say. But, despite the calm exterior, Trowa knew that there was a torrent of emotions just below the surface. Heero looked so defenseless tonight, bathed in the moon's glow. Gundam pilots shouldn't be vulnerable.
"What are you thinking about?"
Heero glanced up quickly, startled that the normally silent boy spoke.
"Hn." He glanced back out the window and sighed.
Trowa gazed at the Wing Pilot with sympathy.
"I'm sure they're alright."
Heero did not turn around.
Duo, where are you?
I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon,
I feel there is nothing I can do, yeah
"I can't do anything under such tight security" What am I saying, I couldn't do anything to stop him. Why should I suddenly become competent?
The desert seemed to go on forever, as if all life on this planet was suddenly obliterated and turned into this acrid wasteland. The nearest base was across about seven hundred miles of scorching sand. Too far away and too heavily guarded to save him.
He had been hiding out here for nearly a month. Now he was out of his carefully rationed supplies and had been for three days now. Duo felt helpless and very, very alone.
Last night was the full moon. Duo had watched it rise over the desert from the rocky cliffs that surrounded him. A sarcastic voice in his head had stated that if he got caught like that, he was screwed. Another, much more weary part of him stated that he didn't care. He used to watch the moon with Duo. I watch the moon. OZ has one base and fifty-three facilities there. We have to constantly monitor them... And don't call me that!
But, he was gone now. Self-Destructed.
A bright flash of light brought Duo back into the present. He squinted. It was that blond kid, Katra, or something like that.
The next thing he knew, he was surrounded by mobile suits. Thinking that he was being attacked, the American pilot quickly took up a defensive position. But he relaxed when he noticed that they were just the blonde's servants. Talk about friends in high places. The blond was saying something about going out into the desert, during the approaching sandstorm.
"Do you want to go with me?" The Arabian asked.
Duo closed his eyes. All he could see was Wing exploding, over and over again. He looked at his fellow pilot; comforted by the fact that he could not see the tear that silently made it's way down the American's face. Boys don't cry. Heero had told him that once.
"I'll leave it up to you. I'm too emotionally drained to think right now."
The blond looked at him sympathetically.
"I need time to think everything over too." You saved me from that train. I know you're hurting right now, so please let me help you.
I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon,
after all I knew it had to be something to do with you,
"Kuso! Are they trying to kill themselves?" Heero Yuy stared at the monitor in frustration.
"They are fighting to prove to the colonies that they, that we, are not the enemy." A voice stated behind him.
Heero looked at Trowa.
"They are going to die." Duo, don't die. It hurts. It would hurt...me.
Trowa smiled. "No. They are going to outer space."
Heero looked back to the screen. "Then we should be helping them."
I really don't mind what happens now and then,
As long as you'll be my friend at the end
This was a damned, stupid idea.
They were overwhelmed. He knew that now. They wouldn't make it to space.
"Why do we have to die here?"
Duo laid his face down on the screen as mobile suits blasted his Gundam over and over with their beam rifles. 60%...63%...65% damage. He had to close his eyes. I won't watch Quatre die, too. He refused to watch another person he cared for die.
"Why do you care what happens to me?" Heero stated irritably. The American had been shouting at the Wing pilot for nearly an hour about his suicidal tendencies.
"Because you my friend dammit. And...I care about you." Duo was unable to look him in the eye. "I just don't want to see another person I care about die."
Heero walked up and took Duo's chin in his hand. He watched the glitter of tears threaten to fall from the braided pilot's amethyst eyes.
"Boys don't cry." He said softly, turning away.
Duo looked at him sadly. "But everyone should follow their feelings."
Heero stared out the window, saying nothing. But as Duo turned to leave, he spoke up.
"Will you always be my friend?" He whispered, not turning around.
Duo smiled. "Yes, Heero. Even after all this is over, I will still be your friend."
"Ryokai."
"Because, WE ARE RIGHT!"
The gruff voice thundered through the intercom. Duo opened his eyes. It was him. That Chinese pilot that had told them that they had been manipulated into destroying the shuttle carrying Noventa and the other doves. Why is he here? Did he come to die with us?
"If you can't fight anymore, let the rest of us take care of this."
Duo force DeathScythe to rise.
"The rest of us?" Did he mean?
"You can leave, but you would disappoint those who agree with you." See for yourself, my American friend. You are not alone.
"Duo!" Quatre's voice shouted triumphantly through the COM unit. "Duo! They're alive!"
"Nani?" Duo looked at the side view panel, where various newsreels were showing the five Gundams attacking various OZ bases.
Five Gundams...Heero!
If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
"Heero."
The Japanese pilot continued to point the pistol at his partner.
"It's okay. I am destined to be killed by you."
How could he say that? How could he calmly stand there and wait for me to shoot him? But that's what I came here to do. Heero reminded himself. Wasn't it? I...I don't want to...
"You're going to do it, aren't you?"
I am the Perfect Soldier. I can do this. I have killed hundreds; one more won't matter. This is for the mission. I am the Perfect Soldier. Duo always called me Superman. Duo...I must be crazy.
"Only if you want me to." Heero no baka, you shouldn't have said that! He's injured. You heard him coughing. There is an 80% chance that his ribs are broken, 60% chance of a punctured lung. He's definitely feverous. He probably wants to die...
"You can use you right hand, right?"
I won't let you die, Duo!
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand
I'm alive.
"What are we going to do?" I'm not sure I could do anything with my ribs busted up like this, but I don't want you to try to take the moon base by yourself.
The hospital staff had been friendly, but curious about Duo's various injuries. Three broken ribs, a punctured lung, a concussion, and a hell of a lot of bruises. Luckily, Heero stepped in and told them that Duo had wrecked his motorcycle. Unfortunately, this resulted in Duo getting an hour-long lecture from the head nurse on how he should always wear his helmet.
"Don't come with me. You'll be in my way."
He's right. Damn me for my weaknesses! Duo clutched his ribs in pain. He told me he enrolled into a school using my name. Why did he use mine? I don't want him to go...
"Just concentrate on getting better." Heero started to walk towards the door.
Duo jerked his head up. "Heero!"
The Japanese pilot stopped.
"I...I'm glad you're alive."
Heero walked over and kneeled by the injured boy. Duo was looking at a spot on the floor. The Wing pilot gently placed his hand over Duo's, causing the American to look at him. They stayed like that for a long time.
Finally, Heero rose. As he walked away, Duo could hear him whisper.
"Me too."
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
"You failed." Oh, Duo, why did you come here? The American looked almost as bad as when Heero had rescued him. Probably rebroke his ribs. I told him to stay on the colony. Why didn't he listen to me?
Duo was curled up into a ball on the floor, shivering from the pain of his injuries. Still, he managed to look up and give Heero a small smile. Beside him, WuFei snorted. "Don't die." Please, Duo. "We might still need you." I still need you.
Duo just laughed and mumbled something about their Gundams being rebuilt and he returning as Shinigami.
"--but right now...I need some sleep."
WuFei snorted again, but this time there was a gleam in his eyes. He would fight once more. With one more glance at the unconscious boy, he retreated to the corner to rest.
Heero waited until he was sure WuFei was asleep before kneeling down beside the braided fighter. He lightly touched the other's forehead, stroking back the chestnut bangs. Duo groaned and opened his eyes.
"Heero?"
"Hn." He didn't remove his hand.
"Are you mad at me?"
"Hn. Baka." Duo, I'm just worried. But I can't tell you that.
Duo struggled into a sitting position and Heero reluctantly dropped his hand. He moved to scoot away but Duo stopped him.
"You can't stop OZ all by yourself. I wanted to help you."
The Wing pilot actually chuckled. "But, I'm Superman, remember?"
"Dammit, Heero! You're human! I just said that to get on your nerves."
"Oh, really? I was starting to like it."
Heero moved closer until their foreheads were touching. He could feel Duo's breath as it caressed his cheek. The American took a deep breath.
"I was just worried about you."
Heero smiled. "I know." He tenderly brushed his lips across those of the God of Death.
Shocked, Duo stiffed for a moment, then leaned into the kiss. He gently parted the other's lips to sneak a taste of the Perfect Soldier. Heero arms came up to wrap around him, one hand grasping that annoying braid. It's so soft.
"Maxwell, Yuy! Get a room!" WuFei's annoyed, yet amused, voice pierced their romantic haze and they reluctantly parted. However, Heero did not release his hold on the braid.
If only I could keep you at my side forever. But you are my weakness. My...
Kryptonite
You called me strong, you called me weak,
But still your secrets I will keep,
"01, step out."
Damn him...How can he be so calm, so emotionless? Even Heero shows more life than this guy.
"Not again! 02 is better than 01. Let me have a crack at it this time." Let me get in a MS, even for a little while. You destroyed DeathScythe, but he's coming back...I hope. It just seems like I dreamt it. That my Gundam is still in a thousand pieces drifting across the galaxy. Thank God for the pain...and the bruises. They served to reminder him that this was reality.
01...02...they haven't given OZ so much as their names. Well, Heero hadn't at least. They had already gotten Duo's name from his previous capture. He told that girl, Hilde. She had also been fighting for the colonies, just from the wrong side. He wondered, briefly, what had happened to her after she helped him escape. Duo forced himself back to their present situation.
"-with the state you're in. This time even a Gundam pilot might die."
Why do care what shape I'm in? Duo wanted to scream. You're a traitor!You betrayed our trust! All we had was each other and you tarnished that. Duo took a calming breath and looked at Trowa closely. The OZ outfit looked good on him, he admitted. How much did OZ know about him? Did they know he was a Gundam pilot? Duo didn't think so. A former enemy would never have been given such authority. Well, Trowa Barton, I'll keep your little secret, on the sentimentality of the friendship we might have one day shared. Traitor or not, you don't deserve what they would do to you...
"The enemy is another Gundam."
Shit! Quatre, not you too! OZ can't get us all!
"Nani?" Duo heard WuFei's involuntary exclamation before the Chinese pilot carefully schooled his features. But it was too late; the American had seen the despair that flashed across the other's eyes.
"Seems like it's a new model." Trowa continued inhumanly. "It destroyed as entire OZ base by itself."
"It's features? Weapons?" Heero spoke up for the first time.
Duo looked at Heero in horror, missing Trowa's reply. Surely he wasn't considering fighting Quatre...was he? After all that has happened to them, between them... How could he let himself become OZ's tool? How could Heero leave him behind? He listened as Heero stated that it would be a good fight with Mercurius.
Trowa smirked. "You have to come, whether you like it or not."
Suddenly, Duo couldn't take it anymore. He jumped in front of Trowa.
"So you're just gonna sit and watch while Gundam Pilots fight each other?" He looked over at Heero. He knew he had one chance. "Hey, Zero-One, don't do it!" He saw Heero's eyes soften slightly. "They're only testing out the mobile suits. Don't give them any help!"
Duo saw the fist coming at his and braced himself. The air whooshed out of his lungs and his broken ribs screamed in protest. His vision went dark and he thought he was going to pass out. He barely heard his assaulter's words.
"-quiet in here. You'll get your chance."
End Part One
(:./astrokender/superman1)
