Lost

Trowa watched with troubled eyes as Wufei retreated to the balcony. It was disconcerting to see him in this state. So fragile and breakable. In a way he had been as strong as Heero. Never wavering, never backing down. He always threw himself at the enemy with all that he had. Now. It was like he had collapsed into himself and all that was left were fragile pieces that would break if they were put under the strain. At least they had gotten to him before Vermillion had.

Vermillion. Their latest issue. They had been hunting down strong warriors to fight for their new cause and those that would not join willingly where taken and brain washed. Those that failed to be indoctrinated as they referred to it as were killed. It was sheer luck that they had gotten to Wufei before they did. After all it was them that had found his location. They had just managed to intercept their intel and move in before they did.

He sat down in a chair and looked at Wufei. He hated how fragile he looked. This time was even worse then the night at the circus so long ago. Freshly beaten by Treize and pride wounded. He had been confused then too. And it was all Trowa could do not to wrap his arms around him and tell him he would be fine. He knew the Chinese pilot would never have allowed it however so instead had given him a warm bowl of stew and some quiet company. Followed by a warm bed where he could rest.

The next morning the fire and determination had been back and he had gone his own way again. Sadly Trowa had let him go. And now. Here they were again. Except this time Wufei seemed to be without his fire again. Although every now and again he could see something smouldering beneath the bone weary depression that seemed to be dragging him down like a stone around his neck. It gave him hope that with a little care he would have his fiery dragon back instead of the hollow man that had taken his place.

They had some time. Vermillion was still rallying forces and for now the Preventers were equipped enough to deal with the issue for now. There was nothing that needed his expertise yet. Though there was no way to resolve this before things got messy. Hopefully it would be enough to bring Wufei back to himself and perhaps… bring Wufei to his side as well.

He was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of his cell phone. “Barton.” He answered in a clipped voice.

“Heya Tro. How are things going. You get him in bed yet.”

Off course Duo knew of his attraction. He should have been expecting this. “No. Was there anything you needed.” He kept his voice even.

“Nahh. Just letting you know I’ll be out of touch for a bit. So I thought I’d check up on Fei at the same time. How is he doing?”

Trowa’s eyes were drawn to the figure on the balcony. “Lost.”

“Well if anyone can bring him back it will be you.” Duo’s voice sounded optimistic. “He responded to you before. So have a little faith Tro. It’ll work out. I’ll talk to you when I get back alright.”

“Alright. Take care.” He could almost imagine cocky grin in response.

“You doubting the great Shinigami Tro. No worries. I’ll be fine. I’ll see ya.”

With those words Duo had hung up. Leaving him to gaze at the Chinese youth still on his balcony.