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cloneness (2x1)
Beginning of chapter 10.
And me bed now. Tomorrow, you all have orders to poke me if you don't see me translating Garou. :p
Duo groaned a bit as his internal clock told him that it was morning. The monsters would be waking up soon. He pressed his face against his mattress, trying to stay asleep. Then he nuzzled it cautiously, trying to figure out why his bed was suddenly warm and breathing.
A hand tightened on his braid, and he blinked his eyes open fuzzily. The sound of kids stirring interrupted his muddy thoughts and Duo suddenly came awake, bypassing the whole slow process of floundering about trying to remember where he was and what had happened.
He was nose to nose with the Soldier clone. "... Uhmmm... mornin'..." he managed to mumble, surprised. There was no trace of sleepiness in the gunmetal blue eyes facing his own, and he wondered if Heero had just awakened or if he'd been trapped under Duo for a while. He didn't seem to be that bothered by the position, even though his muscles were a bit tense... Or maybe that was his usual level of relaxation.
Duo felt a tug on his braid and realized that Heero was -- not playing with it per se, but... Poking at it? Feeling it? Fondling it? He wasn't pulling too hard, so Duo didn't protest, even though he didn't really like people touching his braid. After what had happened the previous evening, the clone might not understand why Duo didn't mind hands on his dick and yet minded hands on his hair.
There was the sudden sound of a squeal and someone crying, and Duo sat up suddenly, pulling himself away without a second thought. "Hey, you leave Lena alone!" he called, quickly scrambling up, fixing his pants and dashing out. Fei was standing over Lena, his black eyes narrowed in anger, the little girl curled up on the floor and crying.
When the clone emerged after him, Duo had the little brat by one ear and was scolding him. His twin was glaring daggers at Lena and trying to intervene -- something about Lena saying she was ugly and pulling her pigtails, but the blonde girl had a red handprint on her face that showed that the insult had already been repaired.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to pick on her?" Duo growled. Fei and Mei were strong-willed, aggressive kids, especially for five-year-olds -- nice usually, but they kept a grudge like nobody else, and took exception to little Lena needing more attention -- what they saw as favoritism. "She's younger than you. It's really not fair to gang up on her."
"We didn't!" Mei protested, offended.
"Yeah, they went at it one after the other," Milly muttered, glaring daggers at them as he helped his little sister on her feet.
"Did you?" Duo asked, frowning. Fei and Mei exchanged a quick, guilty glance and looked down, muttering. That was as good a confession as he was likely to get, so after a swat across the backside to each of them, he sent them on their way. The day was going to be long if there was already fighting, he reflected with a sigh as he checked on the other kids. Quat was half-asleep in Nash's arms, being cuddled, and Hilde was combing Sylvia's hair with her fingers, yawning. The older kids were already up, awakened by the argument.
"Now everyone wash up for breakfast! Move!" he called out, nudging Quat gently as the rest of his children scrambled.
Heero was standing in his corner, back to the wall, watching them all, expressionless. Duo was starting to get used to him, though, and he seemed uneasy. He motioned for him to follow, as casually as possible, as if it wasn't pitiful that a grown man should be scared of a bunch of kids. Heero came willingly enough, when it became clear that Duo was leading him away from the noisy group. There was another barrel of water in the other room, close to the makeshift table they'd used to cut up the rats; Duo measured out some water for Heero to clean up a little, and some for himself. He quickly washed up before unwinding his braid, finger-combing it, trying to ignore the way the clone was watching him. It was a bit unnerving, to be frank; he didn't know how to behave at all. Mornings after were usually awkward even when they were with normally socialized people.
Well, so far the "pretending nothing weird happened" approach seemed to work for him, and if Heero ever asked him if he still respected him or suddenly decided to hold hands and beam at him cutely, Duo would probably die of shock anyway. With a shrug, he made himself stop thinking about the last night. There were more important things to think about right now.
"Whatcha think... should the kids get a treat this mornin'?" he asked, eyes glittering with the thought of giving his kids real food.
Heero nodded, expressionless. "I don't think it's useful to keep the food away anyway. You'll have to eat it sooner or later."
Duo grinned. He didn't need approval, but it was still nice to have it. "Let's see if the monsters are ready then."
He went back into the main room, yelling for the kids to sit at the table. They were pretty noisy, as always, but he had a hard time minding. Cathy was already bossing Alex and Mueller around, making them set the table and help the smallest kids. He smiled; he could always count on her to play the little governess. Sometimes he felt bad to lean on her so much -- she was only nine after all, and a few of the boys were older than she was -- but Cathy honestly thrived on caring for other people.
Of course, he was always happy to claim that she was too young to do it all herself and take over whenever she tried to make soup, but luckily today was not one of these days.
Ducking into his partitioned little space, he picked out one can, thought for a second, then grabbed a second, since they deserved to have a bit of a celebration.
As the rat was passed out, he opened one can and set it in the flames of the fire to warm up, then opened the second and smiled. Alex had seen him and elbowed Otto to whisper urgently at him, and soon enough they were all staring avidly, even the littlest ones who didn't get what was so interesting about a metal tube.
"Alright, now everyone eat up, 'cuz I've got a treat," he grinned as he put the open can on the table. "Real food! Now, y'all eat yer breakfast, an' I'll be the one handing this out, got it, ya monsters?"
It was beans. It had been so long since the last time he'd eaten beans. He remembered that he used to hate it, and pout and-- don't go there, he reminded himself, and dismissed that line of thought with the ease of an old habit.
Duo used a rag to pull the heated can of beans out of the fire. Walking around the table, he offered each child a spoonful, scraping the can to manage to feed every one of them. The babies were poking at it curiously, but none of them ate it before Quat courageously tested it, his face scrunched up in concentration. He picked up one other bean, chewed thoughtfully, then another... then another... and soon they were all eating. Duo surveyed them, pleased.
Mei, of course, dived into her food as if it was an enemy to be vanquished. Fei was a bit slower, watching his sister warily, since she had a habit of feeding as much from his plate as from hers. Lena didn't look very interested, but Milly was feeding her over her halfhearted protests -- though he did spare a few seconds every time to feed himself. Hilde was playing at stalking the beans one by one and stabbing them viciously, making Sylvia and Cathy smile indulgently. Trowa and Alex had already finished, and were eyeing Otto and Mueller's plates thoughtfully.
Duo grinned. Man, if that was the reaction he got for beans, what would he get for canned fruit? He shared the can between his kids, carefully measuring it, and was relieved when he managed to get everyone a little something. He stood back, and watched, as the kids made delighted noises, relishing the unexpected tastes.
"Alright, you monsters. You've slacked enough. Since ya got a good breakfast, I expect ta see ya bring back dinner. Remember not to go out alone!"
He distributed the chores, then the kids scrambled again. They looked happier, even just a tiny bit. That made him happy. He sighed as he watched them leave, leaning against the table.
"Hey, Heero."
The clone was still leaning against the wall in his corner, where he'd observed the whole meal with the concentration and interest of a scientist observing an anthill.
"Yes?"
Duo motioned him over to the table. "If yer gonna be a part o' us, ya don't gotta sit int he corner like that. The kids gotta get used to ya."
Heero came and sat on the bench, though he didn't straddle it. Didn't want to be hindered in case he had to move fast, Duo knew. He wondered how long it would take to get him to relax enough to feel safe.
"I know... but not just yet."
"Ya didn't eat neither." Duo slid the can of fruit towards Heero. There was a little left at the bottom. He could bet the Soldier had never had canned fruit before.
Heero stared at the can as if it may have contained a bomb. "I don't need it. Rat is enough."
Duo gave Heero a dubious look. "Ya didn't eat that neither. You haven't eaten since yesterday."
"I can stay without food longer than you can."
"Look, I'm not gonna argue about this with ya," Duo finally replied, sticking the spoon in the can and pushing it to Heero. Heero blinked at the can.
"You didn't have any either," he opposed, pushing it back.
Duo was tempted. So tempted. He vaguely remembered how good it tasted, all sweet and-- and -- but Heero had never had any and it wasn't very fair, was it...
"... We'll split it," he finally decided. He scooped up some of the fruit and ate, his eyes closing as he savored the taste of real food after so long. "Mmmm... god, it's been a long time..." he whispered, swallowing regretfully when he couldn't make it last any longer. Reluctantly, he gave Heero the can and the spoon.
Heero was so careful as he tasted, it made Duo wonder what he expected it to be like. Maybe they fed the Soldiers exploding meals or something in the Army. He looked so surprised, it made Duo smile. Surprised, approving, and even a carefully hidden hint of delighted. It reminded Duo of the night before, when Duo's hand had closed around his-- feeling guilty, he dragged his eyes away to look at the wall.
"It tastes good," the clone commented. "Sugary. I didn't get a lot of that. Sugar is bad for your health," he added sounding weirdly melancholy.
Duo chuckled uneasily. "Well, ya better enjoy it while ya can. Once those cans run out, we won't be tastin' that fer a long time. Maybe never again," he finished, feeling a stab of depression.
"Probably. But there are real fruits out there, you know. Out of town."
Duo blinked. "Huh?"
"Apples and strawberries. In gardens and fields and... all that."
Duo could only manage a wide-eyed look.
"Plants don't die when they're not cared for. They may not grow as fast, and some might die, but some of them will probably still be there."
"W-where....?"
"Where people grew them before the war, I guess," Heero replied with a little shrug.
Duo shook his head, more in pure disbelief than in denial. "I didn't see nothin' but destruction when I came to this place. HAve ya seen those things? You've traveled alot..."
"I've had glimpses. But I couldn't say there. "
There was a cautious hint of idea -- not even an idea, just hope -- unfolding discretely inside his head. He had to shoot it down before it took root. "... But it's probably far, right? I couldn't take my kids so far without it gettin' dangerous..."
"The eldest ones could be armed."
Duo caught himself thinking about it. Trowa and Otto knew how to handle a weapon -- and with a little training, if he had bullets to spare, Mueller could be a crack shot. "Y-yeah... it could work... if we made sure to stay covered an' safe at night..." He shook his head. "Ah, forget that."
"It would be safer from them out there," Heero opposed calmly. "And they would get better food."
"Yeah but... I don't know where ta find a place like that. I can't take my kids out without knowin' where we're goin'... that's like askin' ta be slaughtered."
"That's why I was proposing to check out some places and lead you back there earlier."
Duo looked at Heero, trying to sort through his initial reaction and feelings. He couldn't believe that the clone was sincere in his offer, but the hope-- the hope... "That... that would be great. Some place nice, right? Peaceful? God... a farm? D'ya think my kids would like a farm?" he asked wistfully.
Heero gave him a fleeting, awkward-looking little smile. "I'll find you a farm if you want. Away from people. Maybe if there's a barn, we can capture the animals that ran away and keep them. And plant greens ... and hunt rabbits and deer."
Duo's eyes sparkled at the thought. Heero sounded like he was making it up as he went along, but this was still the best plan Duo had ever heard.
"What do you think?" the clone asked, not quite neutral.
"That... god, that would be a dream. If ya could find that, I wouldn't ever be able ta thank ya..."
"I could stay, right? That would be enough." Heero's voice was soft, strangely unsure.
Duo nodded. "Yeah, you could stay. I said ya could, didn't I?"
The clone didn't reply to that question, instead choosing to keep planning. "I can stay a day here to gather what I need for the trip and leave tomorrow. I don't know how far I will have to go to check things, so I probably will need around a month or two."
'So soon?' Duo caught himself thinking. He'd barely gotten used to Heero's presence, to the support the presence of another adult offered, to his curious mix of competence and innocence. "Yeah," he admitted regretfully, "it's best to do it as soon as possible."
Heero frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should stay for a few days. To make sure that no one saw us, followed us here and is just waiting to attack."
Duo pondered the problem for a few seconds. He didn't think they'd been followed, but if that was the case, he sure would be happy to have the Soldier at his side.
"Well... yer the one who's gonna be travelin'. D'ya think the gangs'll be a problem?" he asked, his voice hardening slightly his eyes drifting to his space where the guns were hidden.
Heero shook his head no, but didn't look entirely convinced.
"...Yeah, it's better to check things out today, see if we can see anything suspicious. We'll decide what to do this evening. Just in case." He gave Heero a smile. "...Well, what're we sittin' around for? You've gotta earn your keep here, too."
Heero got up. "What am I supposed to do?"
"Well... I was gonna go to the north part of the city. I ain't never been there so much -- never wanted to go alone, but since yer here to back me up an' I got a shiny new shotgun, the odds'll be on our side."
Duo went to his bedroom, grabbed up the shotgun, and strapped on his knives. He was sure that Heero's gun hadn't left him, so they were pretty much as ready as they could be.
"It's Vulture territory, but they ain't gonna be out in the day. If we play it smart, we can go through the buildings there."
Heero nodded in acknowledgement.
"Ready?" Duo asked.
Heero nodded again, his expression hardening with a mix of battle-readiness and anticipation.
"Then let's go."
And me bed now. Tomorrow, you all have orders to poke me if you don't see me translating Garou. :p
Duo groaned a bit as his internal clock told him that it was morning. The monsters would be waking up soon. He pressed his face against his mattress, trying to stay asleep. Then he nuzzled it cautiously, trying to figure out why his bed was suddenly warm and breathing.
A hand tightened on his braid, and he blinked his eyes open fuzzily. The sound of kids stirring interrupted his muddy thoughts and Duo suddenly came awake, bypassing the whole slow process of floundering about trying to remember where he was and what had happened.
He was nose to nose with the Soldier clone. "... Uhmmm... mornin'..." he managed to mumble, surprised. There was no trace of sleepiness in the gunmetal blue eyes facing his own, and he wondered if Heero had just awakened or if he'd been trapped under Duo for a while. He didn't seem to be that bothered by the position, even though his muscles were a bit tense... Or maybe that was his usual level of relaxation.
Duo felt a tug on his braid and realized that Heero was -- not playing with it per se, but... Poking at it? Feeling it? Fondling it? He wasn't pulling too hard, so Duo didn't protest, even though he didn't really like people touching his braid. After what had happened the previous evening, the clone might not understand why Duo didn't mind hands on his dick and yet minded hands on his hair.
There was the sudden sound of a squeal and someone crying, and Duo sat up suddenly, pulling himself away without a second thought. "Hey, you leave Lena alone!" he called, quickly scrambling up, fixing his pants and dashing out. Fei was standing over Lena, his black eyes narrowed in anger, the little girl curled up on the floor and crying.
When the clone emerged after him, Duo had the little brat by one ear and was scolding him. His twin was glaring daggers at Lena and trying to intervene -- something about Lena saying she was ugly and pulling her pigtails, but the blonde girl had a red handprint on her face that showed that the insult had already been repaired.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to pick on her?" Duo growled. Fei and Mei were strong-willed, aggressive kids, especially for five-year-olds -- nice usually, but they kept a grudge like nobody else, and took exception to little Lena needing more attention -- what they saw as favoritism. "She's younger than you. It's really not fair to gang up on her."
"We didn't!" Mei protested, offended.
"Yeah, they went at it one after the other," Milly muttered, glaring daggers at them as he helped his little sister on her feet.
"Did you?" Duo asked, frowning. Fei and Mei exchanged a quick, guilty glance and looked down, muttering. That was as good a confession as he was likely to get, so after a swat across the backside to each of them, he sent them on their way. The day was going to be long if there was already fighting, he reflected with a sigh as he checked on the other kids. Quat was half-asleep in Nash's arms, being cuddled, and Hilde was combing Sylvia's hair with her fingers, yawning. The older kids were already up, awakened by the argument.
"Now everyone wash up for breakfast! Move!" he called out, nudging Quat gently as the rest of his children scrambled.
Heero was standing in his corner, back to the wall, watching them all, expressionless. Duo was starting to get used to him, though, and he seemed uneasy. He motioned for him to follow, as casually as possible, as if it wasn't pitiful that a grown man should be scared of a bunch of kids. Heero came willingly enough, when it became clear that Duo was leading him away from the noisy group. There was another barrel of water in the other room, close to the makeshift table they'd used to cut up the rats; Duo measured out some water for Heero to clean up a little, and some for himself. He quickly washed up before unwinding his braid, finger-combing it, trying to ignore the way the clone was watching him. It was a bit unnerving, to be frank; he didn't know how to behave at all. Mornings after were usually awkward even when they were with normally socialized people.
Well, so far the "pretending nothing weird happened" approach seemed to work for him, and if Heero ever asked him if he still respected him or suddenly decided to hold hands and beam at him cutely, Duo would probably die of shock anyway. With a shrug, he made himself stop thinking about the last night. There were more important things to think about right now.
"Whatcha think... should the kids get a treat this mornin'?" he asked, eyes glittering with the thought of giving his kids real food.
Heero nodded, expressionless. "I don't think it's useful to keep the food away anyway. You'll have to eat it sooner or later."
Duo grinned. He didn't need approval, but it was still nice to have it. "Let's see if the monsters are ready then."
He went back into the main room, yelling for the kids to sit at the table. They were pretty noisy, as always, but he had a hard time minding. Cathy was already bossing Alex and Mueller around, making them set the table and help the smallest kids. He smiled; he could always count on her to play the little governess. Sometimes he felt bad to lean on her so much -- she was only nine after all, and a few of the boys were older than she was -- but Cathy honestly thrived on caring for other people.
Of course, he was always happy to claim that she was too young to do it all herself and take over whenever she tried to make soup, but luckily today was not one of these days.
Ducking into his partitioned little space, he picked out one can, thought for a second, then grabbed a second, since they deserved to have a bit of a celebration.
As the rat was passed out, he opened one can and set it in the flames of the fire to warm up, then opened the second and smiled. Alex had seen him and elbowed Otto to whisper urgently at him, and soon enough they were all staring avidly, even the littlest ones who didn't get what was so interesting about a metal tube.
"Alright, now everyone eat up, 'cuz I've got a treat," he grinned as he put the open can on the table. "Real food! Now, y'all eat yer breakfast, an' I'll be the one handing this out, got it, ya monsters?"
It was beans. It had been so long since the last time he'd eaten beans. He remembered that he used to hate it, and pout and-- don't go there, he reminded himself, and dismissed that line of thought with the ease of an old habit.
Duo used a rag to pull the heated can of beans out of the fire. Walking around the table, he offered each child a spoonful, scraping the can to manage to feed every one of them. The babies were poking at it curiously, but none of them ate it before Quat courageously tested it, his face scrunched up in concentration. He picked up one other bean, chewed thoughtfully, then another... then another... and soon they were all eating. Duo surveyed them, pleased.
Mei, of course, dived into her food as if it was an enemy to be vanquished. Fei was a bit slower, watching his sister warily, since she had a habit of feeding as much from his plate as from hers. Lena didn't look very interested, but Milly was feeding her over her halfhearted protests -- though he did spare a few seconds every time to feed himself. Hilde was playing at stalking the beans one by one and stabbing them viciously, making Sylvia and Cathy smile indulgently. Trowa and Alex had already finished, and were eyeing Otto and Mueller's plates thoughtfully.
Duo grinned. Man, if that was the reaction he got for beans, what would he get for canned fruit? He shared the can between his kids, carefully measuring it, and was relieved when he managed to get everyone a little something. He stood back, and watched, as the kids made delighted noises, relishing the unexpected tastes.
"Alright, you monsters. You've slacked enough. Since ya got a good breakfast, I expect ta see ya bring back dinner. Remember not to go out alone!"
He distributed the chores, then the kids scrambled again. They looked happier, even just a tiny bit. That made him happy. He sighed as he watched them leave, leaning against the table.
"Hey, Heero."
The clone was still leaning against the wall in his corner, where he'd observed the whole meal with the concentration and interest of a scientist observing an anthill.
"Yes?"
Duo motioned him over to the table. "If yer gonna be a part o' us, ya don't gotta sit int he corner like that. The kids gotta get used to ya."
Heero came and sat on the bench, though he didn't straddle it. Didn't want to be hindered in case he had to move fast, Duo knew. He wondered how long it would take to get him to relax enough to feel safe.
"I know... but not just yet."
"Ya didn't eat neither." Duo slid the can of fruit towards Heero. There was a little left at the bottom. He could bet the Soldier had never had canned fruit before.
Heero stared at the can as if it may have contained a bomb. "I don't need it. Rat is enough."
Duo gave Heero a dubious look. "Ya didn't eat that neither. You haven't eaten since yesterday."
"I can stay without food longer than you can."
"Look, I'm not gonna argue about this with ya," Duo finally replied, sticking the spoon in the can and pushing it to Heero. Heero blinked at the can.
"You didn't have any either," he opposed, pushing it back.
Duo was tempted. So tempted. He vaguely remembered how good it tasted, all sweet and-- and -- but Heero had never had any and it wasn't very fair, was it...
"... We'll split it," he finally decided. He scooped up some of the fruit and ate, his eyes closing as he savored the taste of real food after so long. "Mmmm... god, it's been a long time..." he whispered, swallowing regretfully when he couldn't make it last any longer. Reluctantly, he gave Heero the can and the spoon.
Heero was so careful as he tasted, it made Duo wonder what he expected it to be like. Maybe they fed the Soldiers exploding meals or something in the Army. He looked so surprised, it made Duo smile. Surprised, approving, and even a carefully hidden hint of delighted. It reminded Duo of the night before, when Duo's hand had closed around his-- feeling guilty, he dragged his eyes away to look at the wall.
"It tastes good," the clone commented. "Sugary. I didn't get a lot of that. Sugar is bad for your health," he added sounding weirdly melancholy.
Duo chuckled uneasily. "Well, ya better enjoy it while ya can. Once those cans run out, we won't be tastin' that fer a long time. Maybe never again," he finished, feeling a stab of depression.
"Probably. But there are real fruits out there, you know. Out of town."
Duo blinked. "Huh?"
"Apples and strawberries. In gardens and fields and... all that."
Duo could only manage a wide-eyed look.
"Plants don't die when they're not cared for. They may not grow as fast, and some might die, but some of them will probably still be there."
"W-where....?"
"Where people grew them before the war, I guess," Heero replied with a little shrug.
Duo shook his head, more in pure disbelief than in denial. "I didn't see nothin' but destruction when I came to this place. HAve ya seen those things? You've traveled alot..."
"I've had glimpses. But I couldn't say there. "
There was a cautious hint of idea -- not even an idea, just hope -- unfolding discretely inside his head. He had to shoot it down before it took root. "... But it's probably far, right? I couldn't take my kids so far without it gettin' dangerous..."
"The eldest ones could be armed."
Duo caught himself thinking about it. Trowa and Otto knew how to handle a weapon -- and with a little training, if he had bullets to spare, Mueller could be a crack shot. "Y-yeah... it could work... if we made sure to stay covered an' safe at night..." He shook his head. "Ah, forget that."
"It would be safer from them out there," Heero opposed calmly. "And they would get better food."
"Yeah but... I don't know where ta find a place like that. I can't take my kids out without knowin' where we're goin'... that's like askin' ta be slaughtered."
"That's why I was proposing to check out some places and lead you back there earlier."
Duo looked at Heero, trying to sort through his initial reaction and feelings. He couldn't believe that the clone was sincere in his offer, but the hope-- the hope... "That... that would be great. Some place nice, right? Peaceful? God... a farm? D'ya think my kids would like a farm?" he asked wistfully.
Heero gave him a fleeting, awkward-looking little smile. "I'll find you a farm if you want. Away from people. Maybe if there's a barn, we can capture the animals that ran away and keep them. And plant greens ... and hunt rabbits and deer."
Duo's eyes sparkled at the thought. Heero sounded like he was making it up as he went along, but this was still the best plan Duo had ever heard.
"What do you think?" the clone asked, not quite neutral.
"That... god, that would be a dream. If ya could find that, I wouldn't ever be able ta thank ya..."
"I could stay, right? That would be enough." Heero's voice was soft, strangely unsure.
Duo nodded. "Yeah, you could stay. I said ya could, didn't I?"
The clone didn't reply to that question, instead choosing to keep planning. "I can stay a day here to gather what I need for the trip and leave tomorrow. I don't know how far I will have to go to check things, so I probably will need around a month or two."
'So soon?' Duo caught himself thinking. He'd barely gotten used to Heero's presence, to the support the presence of another adult offered, to his curious mix of competence and innocence. "Yeah," he admitted regretfully, "it's best to do it as soon as possible."
Heero frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should stay for a few days. To make sure that no one saw us, followed us here and is just waiting to attack."
Duo pondered the problem for a few seconds. He didn't think they'd been followed, but if that was the case, he sure would be happy to have the Soldier at his side.
"Well... yer the one who's gonna be travelin'. D'ya think the gangs'll be a problem?" he asked, his voice hardening slightly his eyes drifting to his space where the guns were hidden.
Heero shook his head no, but didn't look entirely convinced.
"...Yeah, it's better to check things out today, see if we can see anything suspicious. We'll decide what to do this evening. Just in case." He gave Heero a smile. "...Well, what're we sittin' around for? You've gotta earn your keep here, too."
Heero got up. "What am I supposed to do?"
"Well... I was gonna go to the north part of the city. I ain't never been there so much -- never wanted to go alone, but since yer here to back me up an' I got a shiny new shotgun, the odds'll be on our side."
Duo went to his bedroom, grabbed up the shotgun, and strapped on his knives. He was sure that Heero's gun hadn't left him, so they were pretty much as ready as they could be.
"It's Vulture territory, but they ain't gonna be out in the day. If we play it smart, we can go through the buildings there."
Heero nodded in acknowledgement.
"Ready?" Duo asked.
Heero nodded again, his expression hardening with a mix of battle-readiness and anticipation.
"Then let's go."
no subject
And how he tries soo hard not to let himself get his hopes up over the possibilities that Heero is presenting.
I just love this fic...
no subject
du cloneness ! ca faisait si longtemps !!!!! *re-couine* bcp aimé la partie d'avant, heero est tellement mignon !!! ^_^ ah, j'adore cette fic ! encore !! encore !!
no subject
"I've had glimpses. But I couldn't say there. "
did he mean "stay there"?
and
"ya don't gotta sit int he corner " maybe "sit in the corner"...
SO SO SO GREAT!!
~goya chanpuru for you this time...'cause it's healthy!! okinawa food rocks~
no subject
"If humans were to vanish from New York (and the face of the planet), how soon would nature take over? Scientists predict that within:
10 YEARS: Sidewalks crack and weeds invade. Hawks and falcons flourish, as do feral cats and dogs. The rat population, deprived of human garbage, crashes. Cockroaches, which thrive in warm buildings, disappear. Cultivated carrots, cabbages, broccoli, and brussels sprouts revert to their wild ancestors.
20 YEARS: Water-soaked steel columns supporting subway tunnels corrode and buckle. Bears and wolves invade Central Park."
It goes on like this, but certain details of the article mention tree saplings filling in sidewalk and street cracks, and rising groundwater flooding subways and cratering streets. A lightning strike could and would burn the city. Virginia creeper and poison ivy -- and probably regular ivy -- would cover walls. Pigeons would slowly revert to rock doves. Autumn olives, apples, sunflowers, goldenrod... coyotes, deer, bears, wolves... frogs, alewives (fish), herring, mussels...
The upshot of this is that I think it's likely Duo and his kids would be used to weeds filling the city, and be starting to see recognizeable trees (saplings). They might also have to hunt birds instead of rats. It might be getting imperative to escape the city, as buildings may be starting to completely collapse. I would bet there's broken glass all over every street.
A well-made home in the country may last longer, if it's made mainly of stone... maybe a church or cloister or something. Duo may have to be someplace other than America, though, since I think we tend towards wooden buildings in the countryside...
Excuse me, I'm babbling.
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Well, it's been about 6 years or so since the war ended. Most of the big cities have been rendered uninhabitable because they were bombed out, and the Soldiers also swept through a number of major areas. We figured there would still be a thriving rat population because there ARE still people around, and trash and junk and, well... bodies.
The problem is that Duo is taking care of so many little kids, and they're scavanging old human-made products and supplies as best they can. They haven't quite yet switched to the mindset of: "Oh, there's food out there that grows wild or hops around." Being city people, they don't know much about such things. ^^;
Things get better... but they're going to get worse for awhile. :P