The Most Bittersweet Gift - EPILOGUE	Home - Review - Previous
(one year later) Heero Yuy scanned the lightly rippling ocean, milky black this night, the only light reflecting that of the small boat and the full moon high above. He ignored the light drizzle that had quickly pressed his black jeans and white shirt flush against his skin, and instead he lifted his head upward a moment to enjoy the cool breeze that pushed the water to the left as it fell. Looking back out over the water he began to whisper to the night, in his hands holding a metal object protectively against him, eyes open just enough he could follow the motion of the lapping water. “It’s a gorgeous night out here, not too cool, not hot either. Well, it took me five months to find the right that would be good enough for you, but here it is, and it must be an omen. Are you watching out for me? I think you are. Tomorrow morning I go meet the child who may be my foster daughter, if she wants me, everything else is taken care of. I’m a photographer now, one of the best. Last week one of my shots went on an auction and brought in several thousand dollars, maybe more, but it all went to the Maxwell Charity for underprivileged children. Yeah, you heard me, I…the guys and me started a charity organization. Wufei thought it would be fitting to call it the Maxwell Charity; it seemed like something you would approve of. “I moved away from that house. Not because I couldn’t take the memories of you, but because once you left me, it was no longer my home, it was just a house, walls, carpet, rooms, but no life, no love. I have a nice place now, though, a very nice place.” Heero drew silent, leaning against the rail of the boat. After another moment he decided it was time and opened the urn, let the ashes float to the sea, carried by the wind and rain. “Well, it’s only fitting. It’s such a beautiful night.” With that he turned and moved back towards the shore, feeling the wind tickle his skin, placing feather light kisses everywhere it touched. * * * * * “Mr. Yuy, I must confess we had our doubts about you from you’re letter, but we did some checks, we talked to people, and you seem to have a wonderful support system, even if it’s only you. I suppose I should explain the situation before you meet her, simply because she’s so excited. She’s very insecure, afraid that you won’t want her after you see her. Her case is a bit different, besides the fact she has cancer, although you’d never realize it. Where some of these kids have always been orphans living in places like these, moving from homes, and some only came during the war, or just after, she has no memory of a life before coming here about a year ago, and we suspect she was living on the streets from a very young age.” Heero nodded, following the white haired woman through the halls, seeing in different rooms children of various ages doing various things. A group of four, probably in the ages between 9-11 moved past the two, mumbling apologies as they barreled after the person they were trying to tag. A smile quirked Heero’s lips. “Where did you say she was found?” Heero asked, looking back at the woman. “I didn’t.” She looked away down the hall, and then glanced back, “Please understand she may be a bit rowdy, and that her manners are in need of serious work, but do not let her colony put you against her before you’ve even seen her.” “Colony?” “Yes, she somehow got onto a flight and they found her in the cargo hold, brought her to us. She’s eight.” “Where is she from?” The woman continued on, and then gave a nod. “She’s from L2.” Heero stopped short, reminding himself to breathe. The woman stopped as well, gaze becoming stern. “Give her a chance at least, she may surprise you. I know the reputation that colony has, has always had, but I think that she will prove that common theme wrong.” Heero held up a hand to stop her, “Continue on, there’s nothing wrong with where she comes from. If anything…if anything I think it makes it more appealing that I meet her.” After an uncertain pause she gave a nod and moved through, then came to a door, opened it slowly. There were several children in the room, all nearly about 8 or 9, and they were all gathered around a table where an older kid was reading something to them. “Angela, could you come here a moment,” the director called out. A young girl with a mass of black hair stood slowly and shuffled over, head down, then stopped in front of them, wringing her small hands. “Angela, I want you to meet Heero Yuy, the one I told you about. He wants to give you a home, take care of you, if you want to go.” Angela glanced up, and then down, nodding slightly, then dug the toe of her ratty tennis shoe into the carpet of the room, her lips forming a frown. “Hi Mister.” Heero dropped on one knee, tilting his head down to see her face, “Hello Angela, can I have a look at you?” She lifted her head and Heero met a shining pair of violet eyes. He pressed a hand to his mouth, and then gave a nod. She gave a lopsided grin and Heero held out his arms, to which she hesitantly accepted the hug.
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