One picture. That's all I have of him.

Callused fingers traced the wrinkled old image, the long braid, the wide eyes, and that smile Heero would always remember.

Heero swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. He focused on that smile, it was so different from the manic grin Duo had worn as Shinigami. It radiated the love, trust, and happiness that was so much a part of his Duo.

Heero slowly walked to his favorite spot in the forest. He sat down on the bench and slowly massaged his left knee, the one that developed a small limp over the years. A few too many self-destructions.

Heero took the photo out of his pocket and smiled gently. He could still remember the day he'd taken it. The Earth's sky had been a spectacular shade of blue, and Duo had practically dragged him on a picnic.

That smile, that day, immortalized in a simple picture.

But memories of that day inevitably brought on memories of another.

The next years were a blur to Heero. Fighting mindlessly, recklessly, carelessly, wanting to die. But in spite of everything he'd lived. He'd lived and came here to L2.

"Who is that?"

Heero looked up from the picture into the little girl's cherubic face. "Someone I loved a long time ago."

Heero carefully put the photo into his pocket and stood. With a small smile he extended his hand for her. "Come along Zwei, I think it is time for dinner." Her warm little hand eagerly latched onto his and they began to walk home.

"Where is he?" She looked up at him with earnest curiosity.

"He died in the war, Zwei. He died a long time ago."

She nodded slowly and they continued to walk in silence. Then the wonderful smell of cooked food reached their noses. Heero found his hand empty as Zwei quickly ran the rest of the way to dinner.

Oh Duo, how I miss you. He looked to the sign hanging above the gate. It was a large sign welcoming all to 'Maxwell's Orphanage'. But I think you'd be proud of me.

Heero walked slowly into the noisy dining hall, it was filled with the happy, healthy children he'd dedicated his life to. They were all war orphans like Duo had been. For the many years since Heero had come to L2 and changed his name to Heero Maxwell he'd spent all his time here, in the orphanage he'd built on the site of the former Maxwell Orphanage.

He looked at all the faces of the children. These children who'd filled his devastated life were all his angels.

"Are you ok Mr. Maxwell?" asked a concerned young boy. He paused in his eating to watch Heero with wide green eyes.

Heero sighed softly. "Yes, my boy. I'm just tired tonight." I've been tired for a while now.

He pushed away from the table and slowly walked to his room. Heero closed the door and leaned back against it and closed his eyes.

He walked over to the mirror and took a long look. The face that looked back had become very familiar. The eyes were the same, but that is all. His dark unruly hair was still unruly, but time had bleached it white long ago. Time had been kind to his body and mind. Heero never forgot anything he'd shared with Duo, not for a moment. Every conversation, every touch, every emotion remained clear in his memory.

Once more Heero removed the old picture from his pocket. Gently, he propped it upon his bedside table. Heero slowly undressed and slipped into his cold bed. He turned on his side and looked at the picture for a long while.

"Goodnight Duo. I love you."

Heero turned off his small lamp and closed his eyes. Later that night, under the loving gaze of an old picture, Heero's heart beat for the last time.

Heero opened his eyes slowly and blinked against the bright light. Standing there before him was a sight he never thought he would see again, Duo.

"D-Duo?"

Duo's familiar violet eyes laughed back at him for the first time in years.

"Oi! It took you long enough." Duo walked over to where Heero was shaking unsteadily. Finally they stood inches apart.

"Too long." Heero reached out and pulled Duo into a tight embrace. He buried his face in Duo's beautiful hair and breathed in the scent that was so distinctly Duo's, strawberries and rain.

"Come on Heero, it's time." Duo took his hand and began leading Heero up the hill to where the light seemed to be emanating. Suddenly Heero realized he wasn't limping. Heero looked down at himself and jumped when he saw that he was wearing his old tank top and spandex, things he hadn't worn ever since he'd moved to L2. What was even more amazing, his body was as it was when he was a gundam pilot.

Heero gripped Duo's hand and ran up the hill, dragging Duo all the way. When the pair reached the summit Heero finally saw the gate. Heero turned slowly to Duo.

"Say it again." He brushed his fingers over Duo's cheek.

"I love you Heero, forever and always."

Heero basked in the warmth of that smile again. He hugged the braided boy tightly and whispered "I love you." over and over.

Then the gate began to swing open slowly. The couple was bathed in a warm and loving light. The feeling of acceptance and love that flowed over Heero was almost overwhelming.

Heero took a hesitant step toward the gate before turning back to look at Duo.

"Welcome home Heero."

He reached a hand out to Duo who quickly slipped his hand into Heero's. Now I'm home.

~Owari~