A soft, hesitant knock at the door startled Relena Darlian-Peacecraft from the book she had been absorbed in, drawing her back to the real world. It was night outside, a steady rain beat against the windows of her small townhouse.
"I wonder who that could be?" she asked the empty room. In front of the fire, a white long-haired cat looked up and blinked. Placing a ribbon in the pages of her book, she headed for the door.
The sight that greeted her was a familiar one, but even now it brought tears to her eyes. Duo Maxwell stood shivering on the step, wet hair plastered to his face, streaming down his back, clinging to him like the thin white under-shirt from his preacher's outfit. One eye was blackened, and fresh bruises spotted his face and arms, which he was clutching to his chest ashe trembled.
"R-re-chan, can... can I come in?" he mumbled plaintively.
"Oh, Duo..." she murmured, placing a hand on his shoulder to usher him inside, shutting the door behind her, keeping out the rain and the threat of the cobalt-eyed young man who she'd once thought she loved, who Duo did love. Heero's temper was dangerous and unpredictable, especially now that the war was over. Though he truly loved Duo, it was difficult sometimes for him to cope with the occasional bouts of anger. This was the usual result; Duo sleeping on Relena's couch. She sighed, gathering towels and warm, dry clothing for her drenched and despairing best friend.
End Part 1
(:./madcat/unt1)
