Redemption

Chapter Seven

By the time they arrived, Quatre had already prepared the instruments needed for a blood transfusion. Heero set up a seat next to the couch, and they began the procedure right away.

Duo had been getting worse and worse, trying to keep awake, but passing out several times whilst trying to drink some boiled lemonade to up his sugar levels. Trowa held him slumped in his arms as the needle was injected into his arm.

He'd never show it, but the others knew that the solemn boy was terrified of losing his lover. They had not seen each other for the last four months, and to be brought together like this was not the most reassuring reunion.

Heero observed from the kitchen, his eyes fixed on the tube filling with blood and passing it from one boy to the other. The flow of the dark liquid seemed to hold him enthralled, almost as though he were in a trance.

As though from far away, he heard his own name. Suddenly, he became aware of the hand on his shoulder. Heero frowned. He was usually aware of everything around him. Deep brown eyes were studying him closely. "Heero, are you okay?"

He cleared his throat. "Yes, just-just thinking."

Wufei nodded and plucked a glass from the cabinet. He'd noticed how Heero stared at Duo when he though no one was looking, seen first hand how the normally stoic boy had been so frightened that Duo might die. Wufei knew that if Heero wasn't careful, he'd get hurt, not physically, but a broken heart was just as bad, if not worse.

By the time Wufei returned with more boiled lemonade - this time for Quatre, the blond had given as much as he could, and probably a little more than he should have. Gratefully, the donor accepted the sweet drink, knowing that he had to up his sugar intake after giving so much blood.

"Are you okay, Winner?" Wufei asked him.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just hope Duo will be," he replied with a touch of worry in his eyes.

"I'm sure he will. Thanks to you," Trowa replied, his eyes on the sleeping boy in his arms.

"Good... Don't be afraid to take what food and drink you want. I'm going out for a while," Wufei stated abruptly, grabbing his leather jacket from a hook by the front door. "I'll be back within two hours at the most."

He needed to get out. The house was just too full for his liking, and the only person he was used to interacting with was Harry. Besides, Wufei had taken it upon himself to keep an eye on Dudley and his group of hooligans until they went back to school next week.

Pulling on his jacket, he decided to head to the park. It was quiet there and one of the most likely places to be empty at night, as most of the locals didn't like to be there after dark. Pulling out a cigarette, he was about to light it when Heero called out to him.

"Wait. I need to talk to you." Yuy easily caught up to him and began to walk alongside him. "When I was out earlier, I heard some boys talking. I believe they were speaking about you. They sounded big and stupid, and mentioned burning down a store and framing you for it."

"Dudley Dursley," Wufei replied. "Don't worry. They'd never have the brains to pull it off. He's just sore that I kicked his arse, and rejected his gang in favor of Harry.

"Harry?" Heero asked, narrowing his eyes. "They mentioned him too."

"Harry Potter. Dudley's cousin. He has returned to school now."

"I see." Heero stored that information away, and then changed the topic, picking up on the cigarette and lighter in Wufei's hands. "You smoke?"

"Occasionally." Lighting up, the Chinese boy took a long drag, closing his eyes as the smoke drifted past.

"It's not good for your health."

"Neither is being part of a secret organization, whose sole purpose is to win a war of sabotage and assignation."

"You have a point."

"Mmhm."

"Got one for me?"

"Suicidal, a statement, or suppression?"

"All, and none, of the above. I'm gonna die anyway. Most likely very soon. I may as well indulge in a form of false behavioral modification before it happens."

"Ahhh. Depression... Duo?"

"Hn."

"Thought so."

"Harry?"

"Yes."

"Hn."

They reached the park and sat on the pair of rusty swings by the small yellow slide.

"This stuff is disgusting. Why would anyone willingly smoke? I'll never understand," Heero grumbled and, coughing, spat on the ground.

"Many members of the Dragon Clan were once addicted to opium. The taste of tobacco is an acquired one which I grew up with." He looked sideways at Heero, who was still holding the cigarette between his fingers. "I notice you haven't thrown it away."

"It has calming affect," the Japanese boy answered softly.

"Ahhh, the first sign of addiction. Welcome to the damned."

"If they're so bloody addictive, then why did you let me have one?"

"You asked. Far be it from me to argue."

"Bastard."

"You only just realized this?"

"..."

"I'll take that as a yes." Wufei dropped the butt and stamped it into the ground.

"You've never given us a chance to figure it out," Heero ventured cautiously, glancing sidelong at Wufei. "In fact, this is the first time you've opened up even a little. What changed?"

"Harry. He made me realize that it can be worth getting to know people."

"Are... You and Harry, are you...?"

"We're together, if that's what you mean."

"Yes..." There was an uncomfortable silence for a while. "I'm happy for you, Wufei. You've got the chance to be happy."

"You'll find someone, Heero. Maxwell may be taken, but there are others out there for you. It takes time for some of us to find that special someone, but it will happen one day."

"He must really be something," Heero answered. "I never figured you for the romantic type."

"Tell a soul, and I will kill you." Heero just smirked and copied Wufei's actions, frowning as he stamped out the cigarette. "Yuy... Perhaps I should give some warning... Once the four of you are ready to leave, I intend to quit."

"Smoking?" Heero asked uninterested.

"No. G.U.N.D.A.M." That got his attention, Heero's snapping up in concern.

"I do not wish to place Harry in any further danger. He has already had a difficult life, and I want to be with him, to help him. He's been through so much lately, and G.U.N.D.A.M. is just too much of a risk. I've found something to live for: there's no need for the destructive life any longer."

"They'll never let you go. You know too much," Heero's eyes were trained on the other boy, almost trying to see into his soul. "What makes you think you can get away?"

"I am going to disappear. Where I intend to go, I will not be found." With that, he stood, stretched his limbs, and began the return walk home. As an afterthought, he added, "Do not attempt to find me. There will be no trace to follow."

Heero watched the boy walk away. He didn't protest, knowing that Wufei was right and nothing would change his mind. If he was set on leaving then nothing short of execution would stop him. All in good time... The orders would come to Heero. None of the others would be able to put aside their feelings so easily. Thankfully, by then, Wufei would be gone and there would be no Chang Wufei to assassinate.