Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Chimaera ❯ Chapter 43 ( Chapter 43 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the G boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Yaoi, Lemon, sap, angst, Male Pregnancy, medical themes

Pairings: 1x2x1

Archive: http://gundam-wing-diaries.150m.com

http://sweetlysour.net.

http://adultfanfiction.net

http://www.theforsakenwk.com

Summary: Set partially during the series but main bulk after the war. EW didn't take place. The Eve wars are finished and the peace retained. The pilots have all gone their own ways, Heero and Duo have made a life together both working for Preventer when Duo's world is turned upside down as his unknown past comes back to haunt him.

Dedication: To Velena who gave me the plot bunny for this little gem.

Special thanks to my wonderful beta's DBZVelena, Ryouga and Yami_Tai, I'd be lost without you guys!

Status: In progress.

~ Indicates flashbacks ~

/ thoughts /

"Chimaera"

October 2003 ShenLong

Chapter 43

Heero had met Sally on her way in to set up the equipment as he was leaving for the hospital. After exchanging a few pleasantries they had parted. Heero spent the afternoon and a large part of the evening with Duo, who was so excited with the prospect of leaving the hospital the next day that he was practically bouncing out of the bed and most certainly driving the nursing staff nuts.

Even the normally unflappable Nurse Brown was apparently reaching the end of her tether with Duo, threatening to sedate him in a not so very nice manner if he didn't settle down.

Duo knew they were only concerned about him stressing his wounds, but try as he might, the excitement of finally getting out of hospital and going home with his lover was driving him to distraction. In the end it was Heero that calmed him down, threatening to confine him to bed for the rest of the pregnancy if he didn't settle and think of the baby as well as himself.

That seemed to sober Duo up and he immediately began to behave himself; well, as close as Duo could get to behaving himself. It was a weary Heero that left that night, returning to the mansion and the boxes that still awaited him.

Rashid had greeted him at the door, the burly man would be leaving the following day and Heero knew he would miss him. A hot dinner awaited him in the kitchen, something Heero was extremely grateful for, as he had neither the energy nor inclination to cook anything for himself. He was emotionally and physically drained, the past few days finally catching up with him. A further surprise waited for him when he made it to the bedroom. Rashid had unpacked all the boxes for him and all their clothing was folded neatly in the drawers or hanging in the closet.

Heero could have cried with relief. Rashid explained that he hoped Master Heero wouldn't be upset with him for taking such liberties with the unpacking, but he could see how tired the young man was and thought it might help him a little. He had left the boxes with their personal effects though, not wishing to intrude any further than he already had.

Heero assured him that he was in no way upset with Rashid, quite the opposite in fact and was looking forward to a long hot soak and decent night's sleep. The soak he knew he would get; but the decent sleep? That was a different kettle of fish. He hadn't slept properly since Duo's accident and wouldn't until he had his long haired lover beside him again. Funny how you got so used to something like that, taking it for granted really. It wasn't until it was taken away from you that you realized just how much you needed it.

Heero ratted around in the drawers until he found where Rashid had placed his underwear and picked out a pair of cotton boxers. He snagged a pair of old sweat pants from the closet and headed for the bathroom. He paused in the doorway to the study and glanced around. Sally had been very thorough in her setting up of the equipment. Everything was neatly positioned in the room so as to be within easy reach of the small examination bed. Heero had to admire the efficiency of the doctor. He flicked off the light switch; there would be time for a proper investigation when Duo was home. For now, he just wanted to take that bath and relax.

The water steamed in the tub, Heero tested it gingerly with a toe before stepping all the way in and sinking down under the heat. Immediately the warmth began to penetrate his skin, working through the aching muscles to his very bones. His head tilted back and rested upon the rim, eyes slipped shut and he savored the pleasure of his body's aches being soothed. He remained in the tub until the water began to cool and then reluctantly reached for the soap and lathered the washcloth up. As he cleaned himself off he mused over the size of the tub. Sally had been right, both himself and Duo would be able to fit in here with room to spare, even when Duo's pregnancy advanced.

That was something Heero was looking forward too. As silly as it seemed he couldn't help the thrill that raced along his spine as he thought about his future role as a parent. To look at him he wouldn't appear to be the type to want children, and yet... there was a soft spot inside him for kids, something he didn't really understand himself. He never thought he would see the day when he would become a father. Come to think of it, he never thought he would survive the war! Seemed like a few miracles had happened in his life after all.

Stepping out of the tub he picked up the fluffy towel and dried himself off. Slipping on his boxers and sweats he drifted back through to the bedroom, noting that Rashid must have been in while he was in the tub and turned the bed down for him. He sighed contentedly as he slipped between the sheets and pressed his back to the soft mattress. He flicked the bedside lamp off and lay on his back, head pillowed on his hands as he contemplated his and Duo's lives.

They had both come so far since the war. Heero thanked whatever god was listening that he'd woken up to himself and returned to Duo before it was too late. He also sent a silent prayer of thanks that Duo had at least been willing to give him a second chance. Since that day when he had contacted Duo their lives had grown; sharing a home, working together and enjoying each other's company had done wonders for Heero and his self-assurance. He was able to express himself much better now, thanks to Duo. Sure they had their little arguments from time to time, but making up was always fun. Heero smiled softly as his memories flowed. And now he had even more to be grateful for and happy about. It was nothing short of a miracle that they had survived the war, and now to be together, sharing their lives was more than Heero had ever dared to hope for. He'd thought it couldn't get any better, content with his life as it was; but then... well the impossible had happened and he was to become a father.

A father. He was going to be a daddy. He'd helped to create another life. It was the first time that Heero had really stopped and thought about this since getting the news, he'd been far to busy with other things to actually take the time out to sit and think about the implications of Duo's pregnancy. Yes he knew from the medical side that this was an unusual, no, extremely rare case and he could only assume what Duo must be going through. He was the lucky one he supposed, Duo was the one having to suffer with the symptoms of pregnancy; all he had to do was be there for his lover, bear the brunt of the mood swings, sneak in the craved for items and soothe the troubled waters when they became too much. It was the icing on the cake.

Heero had never been happier.

Or more scared in his life!

With a sigh he rolled over and closed his eyes. Tomorrow he would bring his lover home. That brought a smile to his lips. There were still so many things to think about in relation to the pregnancy, things such as Duo needing some new clothes; he wasn't going to fit into his current wardrobe for much longer. Then there was the stuff they would need for the baby; things like diapers, cot, clothing, toys, bottles.... Shit!

Heero sat bolt upright in the bed. How the fuck was Duo going to feed the baby? He was a male and didn't possess mammary glands. Somehow Heero didn't think that Sally would be able to conjure up a pair of breasts for Duo; besides, even he had to admit that Duo with breasts was a scary thought. With a groan, Heero lay back down. Yes, there sure was a lot more to this whole baby and parenting thing than he'd thought. Blocking the mental flow he made a note to speak with Sally a little more in-depth about this baby business and then finally, he drifted into a restless sleep.

~ * ~

Heero woke as the sun was creeping over the horizon. He'd slept a little better, only waking up four times during the night. He still felt tired but knew it would settle down once he had his partner home with him. Stretching, he yawned widely, ran his hands through his messy hair and then made his way to the bathroom to perform his morning rituals. Fifteen minutes later he reappeared, fresh shaven and more awake. He rummaged in the closet and selected a pair of black jeans, which he pulled on and zipped up. A white T-shirt followed over his torso a few moments later. Smoothing out the wrinkles, Heero went back into the closet to find the small overnight bag and a pair of loose sweat pants for Duo. He knew Duo's usual pants and jeans had been getting a little snug lately so opted to take him in the sweats as they were elasticized and so should fit Duo okay and not irritate his healing wounds. A black T-shirt joined the sweats along with a pair of socks and Duo's favorite sneakers. With the bag packed, Heero went downstairs to the kitchen and a cup of tea with his name on it.

Rashid was already in the kitchen. Having heard Heero moving about, the large man had made his way there and started making breakfast. "Good Morning, Master Heero," Rashid greeted the Japanese man.

"Morning, Rashid," Heero replied as he entered the kitchen and dropped the bag to the floor. "You don't have to cook for me, Rashid, I am quite capable of getting myself some breakfast. Besides, it isn't your job to play butler and cook to me."

Rashid turned to face the young man. "I know that, Master Heero, but I want to. You looked after Master Quatre during the war on many occasions and this is just one small way in which I can return some of the kindness."

Heero could see there wasn't any point in arguing so he thanked the man instead and let him cook.

An hour later Heero had brushed his teeth and was heading for the pick up, bag slung over his shoulder. The air was cool in his lungs and he took several deep breaths, enjoying the taste of the crisp, clean air. He tossed the bag on the seat and climbed in. He had his lover and unborn child to fetch, and he didn't want to wait any longer to have them home than was necessary. The engine purred into life and Heero was on his way.

~ * ~

Duo had been too excited to eat anything, much to Nurse Brown's annoyance. He complained that if he ate anything he would only bring it straight back up. He did, however, drink the cup of tea just to appease her. His stomach was a little queasy, so it wasn't a lie; he just wasn't sure if it was the pregnancy or the excitement at going home that set it off.

He took his shower and washed his hair in record time. He wasn't sure exactly when Heero would be there to collect him, all he knew was that Heero had said he would be there sometime in the morning and Duo wanted to be ready. He waved off the nurse's offer to help him dry and braid his hair; he still wasn't comfortable with anyone other than Heero touching the chestnut mass. Hair semi dry and neatly plaited, teeth brushed, fresh boxers and pajama pants on, Duo sat upon the hospital bed an awaited his lover's arrival. He hoped that Heero would remember to bring him some clothes; he didn't relish the idea of traveling home in his pajamas. The clothing he'd been wearing when he'd been brought in had been cut off his torso, the accompanying pants thrown into the rubbish as they were stiff with dried blood.

His eyes flicked towards the door as he heard the sounds of approaching footsteps, a smile began to form on his face as he recognized the familiar step of his lover and the voice of Sally. Moments later the pair entered the room.

"Morning, Duo," Sally said as she stepped towards the bed. "How did you sleep?" She pulled her stethoscope from around her neck as her other hand removed the chart from the holder.

"Not too bad," replied Duo and then turned his attention to Heero who was dropping the bag to the floor and coming towards him. With Sally momentarily distracted with his chart, Duo took the opportunity to wrap his arms around his lover and greet him with a soft kiss. "Love you, Heero."

"Love you too, Duo," replied Heero and then broke the embrace as Sally moved closer.

"I just need to check the wound sites, listen to your heart and make sure that all is okay before I sign the discharge papers." The doctor lowered her stethoscope to Duo's chest, Duo jumping slightly as the cold head touched his warm skin. "Sorry," Sally said in apology and then concentrated on the sounds coming through the apparatus. Satisfied with what she had heard she moved the stethoscope over Duo's abdomen and then his back before placing the instrument back around her neck. She checked his eyesight next with the small flashlight and then moved to his wounds. "Good," she stated as she scribbled on the chart.

Heero gave his lover a reassuring smile as they both turned to Sally to await instructions.

"Everything is fine so I will release you. However," she gave both a stern look, particularly Duo. "You are under strict instructions to rest and not do anything at all strenuous. Those wounds have closed but you can easily reopen them if you do something silly. If that happens then you will leave me with no option other than to confine you to hospital until I deem you healed."

Duo raised his hands in mock defense. "Don't worry, I promise to be good."

"Heero, I will need you to come to the dispensary with me where I will give you what remains of Duo's medications. I'll give you a prescription for the other medication he is to continue to take for the full course of the pregnancy. I will also give you a list of things he is not allowed to do under any circumstances and arrange a schedule with you for my visits."

"Arigato."

"While I'm busy with Heero, Duo, you can get changed and ready to leave. You did bring him something to wear didn't you, Heero?" Sally turned to look at the Japanese agent.

"Hai. There is clothing in the bag." Heero bent and retrieved the bag from the floor and placed it on the bed next to Duo.

"Thanks." Duo immediately unzipped the bag and dragged the clothes out.

"We will be back shortly, Duo," Sally said as she and Heero left the room.

Duo watched his lover depart and then walked stiffly to the bathroom, clothes in hand to get changed to go home.

~ * ~

By the time Heero and Sally returned, Duo had managed to change, silently thanking Heero for the forethought on the sweat pants. Nurse Brown had come back in and assisted him to pack up all the things he had in the small cabinet, his books, magazines, shampoo, conditioner, dirty washing and laptop. He sat on the bed, his eyes shining, patiently awaiting his lover's return.

Nurse Brown couldn't help the smile on her face. She would miss this cheeky ball of energy in the hospital, but she would still be dropping in on him every second day for the next two or three months before moving permanently into the same residence and taking care of the young man as his pregnancy progressed.

Heero soon took charge of the bag and slipped the bottles of pills into the side pocket along with the instructions and prescriptions Sally had given him. Nurse Brown disappeared for a moment, only to return with a wheelchair. Duo looked at it in disgust. "I'm not getting into that!" he stated. "I can walk perfectly well you know."

"I know that, Duo, but it's hospital policy. You must leave here in the wheelchair, if you are to fall whilst walking then the hospital is responsible for you."

"I don't care. I refuse to get in that thing." Duo turned his nose up.

"Duo?" Heero gave his lover a *look* "Get in the wheelchair and let the nurse push you. I would like to go home."

Duo took one look at his partner's face, saw the tiredness etched into the handsome features and immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry, Heero," he said, a choke in his voice as he obediently got up and slipped into the wheelchair. He hung his head in shame, berating himself for not having given a thought to Heero's physical or mental state of late. He'd been so wrapped up in himself and the prospect of going home that he'd forgotten about all the work Heero had obviously had to do, not to mention coming in to the hospital each day to visit him; and all he could do was lie here and complain when his lover did front up. A hand brushed through his bangs and slid to his cheek, Duo raised his head slightly, the tears welling in his eyes at his own selfishness.

"It's okay, Duo. I just want to get you home safe; and if it's hospital policy for a patient to leave in a wheelchair, then so be it. I really don't care as long as I get you home with me where you belong." Heero's cobalt eyes searched the sweet face and begged for his lover to understand what he was trying to say.

Duo reached a hand up and covered his lover's one. "Take me home, Heero. I promise to make this up to you when we're alone."

Heero smiled. "Just getting you home safe is enough, Duo," he whispered and then stood up. He turned to the nurse. "Let's go," he said softly.

Nurse Brown nodded and began to wheel her patient from the room, glad in one way that the young man was going home, but worried for him in regards to his future. Well she would have to make sure that he had just that; a future. One elevator ride, two hallways and three sets of doors later and Duo was safely strapped into the seat of the pick up, Heero sliding into the driver's side.

Duo grinned and waved at the nurse, he wound down the window to shout a cheery good-bye as Heero pulled out of the parking lot and pointed the pick up in the direction of their new home. The landscape rolled by and Duo sat entranced, watching intently out of the window, happy in the knowledge that he was once again free to enjoy mother earth in her glory and not through the window of a hospital. He'd forgotten how good the sun felt on his skin, the wind in his hair and the air in his lungs. Silence was their companion as Heero drove, content to let his lover soak up the missed outdoors. There would be plenty of time for talking later, once he had Duo settled in at the mansion.

~ * ~

"You need to rest now, Duo," Heero growled at his lover, the exasperation showing clearly on his face. They had arrived home at the mansion and Duo had immediately set about exploring his new home. He didn't remember a great deal of it from the war as they had only holed up there for a couple of days before moving out on yet another mission.

"Aww just a little longer Hee-chan," Duo pleaded, turning his puppy eyes to his lover.

Heero sighed. "No. Look, come through to the kitchen with me and sit down. You can rest while I make us some lunch. Then you can take a nap and afterwards you can do a little more exploring."

Duo sidled up to his lover and placed his arms around those broad shoulders, licking along Heero's neck as he pressed himself softly against the hard planes of his partner's body. "Okay, Heero. I'll sit and rest and then take a nap, but only if you lie with me." Duo was feeling tired and knew he should rest, but he didn't want to, he wanted to spend as much time with his lover, exploring their home together as he could. After being separated in a sense for so long he needed to be with Heero as much as possible.

Heero called it insecurity...

Duo called it hormones...

They ate a lunch of soup and sandwiches, conveniently left by Rashid who had departed somewhere during Heero's absence. The other staff in the form of the Mangunacs were due to arrive tomorrow so at least they would have the rest of today and tonight to themselves, just the two of them. Heero could see that Duo was tired and after finishing their meal, one that Duo was determined to keep down, Heero stacked the dishes in the sink and they retired to their bedroom to lie down and take a nap. With Duo's breathing beginning to even out next to him, so Heero let his mind go blank and drift off to slumber himself, happy in the knowledge that his partner was in his arms once more.

The rest of the day passed rather leisurely for them both. Duo woke up feeling a little sore but refreshed and took Heero's advice to take it easy. Instead he watched some television and played around with the security system, much to Heero's annoyance. He could only grin when Heero saw the *improvements* he'd made. Pac Man just didn't tie in with the whole security program, no matter how much Duo argued that the little figure did, chasing around the house layout on the screen, eating energy balls and swallowing the bad guys.

They ate a quiet dinner of chicken and rice before Duo allowed Heero to clean his wounds and help him up the stairs to their bed. Crawling in-between the sheets and pressing his body against Duo's warm back, Heero wound his arms around his lover, his hands dropping to caress the small swell of Duo's belly. It wasn't big enough by any means to give away Duo's condition as yet, but Heero knew it was there and that was all that mattered to him. He placed a kiss to the back of Duo's neck and sighed softly as he fell into a dreamless sleep, a sleep he had not enjoyed for a while now.

~ * ~

The next morning was just as beautiful as the preceding one in Duo's opinion. Heero thought it was better as he'd woken up with his lover next to him and feeling well rested. They had showered and enjoyed breakfast out in the courtyard that adjoined the kitchen. Duo had only eaten a thin slice of toast, with honey and after suffering Heero's insistence that he drink a cup of tea first off he was now reclining back in one of the loungers, also on the patio, with a cup of much treasured coffee in his hands.

Heero had said he would allow him to indulge in his caffeine addiction but only to a point. Translated, that meant he was restricted to three cups a day and no more. Duo was happy just to be allowed that little extra and so hadn't questioned the restriction. He was watching the birds as they flitted around the garden and sipping on his coffee, wondering if he dare ask Heero to fetch him a Crunchie bar at some stage of the day, when he heard the sound the security system announcing there was someone at the front gates requesting entry.

Lazily he got up and made his way back inside, to meet Heero stepping out of the security room. He raised an eyebrow at Heero's resigned face.

"Quatre and Trowa are here," Heero announced.

~ * ~

tbc......