Blue Forest Banshee by PlaidDragon
Part 10
Heero lifted his head from his pillow to check the clock and listen. Duo had been asleep for a little over two hours. Heero had left open the doors from his room and Duo's, just in case. Sounds of movement from Duo's room. A soft curse. Unsteady footfalls, first on carpet, then on tile. A groan, another curse, a faint whimper. The unmistakable sound of vomiting.
Heero rolled out of bed and padded into the bathroom.
As expected, Duo was hugging the toilet, his head hanging over the bowl, as he emptied his stomach and then some. In between, he panted, sobbed and swore.
Heero grabbed a thick towel and draped it over Duo's shaking shoulders. The youth started, and turned his head only slightly.
"Heero?"
"Yes. It'll be all right."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"I feel like I'm dying..."
"You had too much to drink. You're sick."
"Sick...? From drinking... But... it was just beer..."
"Wufei and Trowa said you were drinking sake shooters."
"You mean... I'm sick... from those two... little glasses...?"
"I'm afraid so." He sat down on the floor next to Duo, a hand resting on his back. "Take your time."
Duo laid his cheek against the cool porcelain. "They could have... warned me..."
Heero shrugged. "They're used to it; they didn't know you aren't."
Duo rested quietly for several minutes. "I think... maybe I'm done..."
"When you're ready to get up, I'll help you."
"I can do it."
Heero held up a hand. "I'll help you," he repeated. "Don't argue with me."
Duo was silent. "Okay," he said finally, in a small voice. "I really feel terrible..."
Heero took his arm, steadying him as he climbed to his feet. "Some water might help. You mustn't get dehydrated. Would you like to brush your teeth?"
Duo nodded vaguely and accepted the toothbrush when Heero offered it. It did help, getting rid of the taste. And a glass of water swallowed while leaning on the vanity helped too.
"Ready to go back to bed?" Heero inquired softly.
"Yeah... Those two tiny glasses made me sick?"
"Sake is not a drink for the unwary."
"Have you ever had sake shooters?"
Heero nodded briefly. "I have worshipped at the porcelain altar a few times." He helped Duo back into bed and drew the coverings up over his shoulders. "I would feel better if both doors remained open; will you allow?"
Duo snuggled against a pillow and nodded drowsily. "I think I'd feel better too. Thanks, Heero."
In the darkness, Heero smiled slightly. "No more drinking with those two. They actually considered taking you to their place."
Duo made a small noise, possibly a snort. "They're lucky they didn't."
"Yes. They're good friends and good investigators. I would really hate to have to kill them."
An almost tangible ripple of warmth. "Thanks, Heero. You're cool."