Archivist's note: This story was inspired by the pose in this picture by Jurty.

No Explanations
by Selena Barton

If only this moment were as happy for him right now. I wish I knew just what he was thinking. I want to just take that thought or feeling that makes him look so down and destroy it. Make it never exist again.

He woke up this way. To see that sad expression so early, it's hard. I know I didn't say anything. I was asleep. I couldn't have said anything that would depress him. Usually he has a bright smile and a glimmer in his eyes that just scream mischief, but this morning, just a low, cloudy look. Where have you gone my love? Where is your mind leading you that makes you so low?

I watch as he walks to the bathroom, his naked form retreating behind the closing door. So beautiful, and all mine. What does he need from me? I have to make him feel better. I can't bear to see that sad expression on such a handsome face.

My fingers run absently over the soft tan blanket as my mind tries to wrap around what could be going through his mind. Perhaps a dream. A dream that was about someone special to him? Or maybe a part of it had to do with the war. I've had those, and they always leave me shaken. That nightmare just never lets go completely.

"Duo?"

"What?" comes the groggy response from behind the closed door.

Well, at least he's still awake. Worrying the hell out of me being in there so long and silent. That boy doesn't know the meaning of the word, let alone how to actually fit the definition.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," comes the low voice.

He sounds so depressed. So sad.

I have to start getting dressed for work; I can't just lay here and worry all day. Just as I slip on my shirt, I hear the door open behind me. The soft padding of feet crosses the room and the mattress makes a soft groan as Duo climbs back into bed. I turn and watch as he just lays back down. I cross the room again and sit on my side of the bed behind him.

"What's wrong, Baby?"

"Nothing," comes the depressed answer.

I brush some loose hair back from his face as I look down on his beautiful face. He tips his face just enough to nuzzle my fingers as the brush against his cheek. His braid is coming apart and loose strands are straying everywhere. We learned long ago that sleeping with it braided was the safest way. All that hair all over the pillow and making a curtain around us when he leans over me is sexy as hell, but waking up to him yelping because I turned over on it, isn't fun at all.

I lean down and kiss his cheek gently letting my hand gently rubbing his arm comfortingly. I raise back up and take the band off of his braid.

"Sit up here," I say softly, more of a pleading request than anything else.

"Heero, I'm not really," he starts.

"Shh, you don't need to say a word. Just come here."

He sits up reluctantly as I lean the pillow up against the wall and lean back against it.

"Right here," I say gently patting a space on the blanket before me.

He starts to crawl over, "I really don't..."

"Shh, your back to me."

He turns and sits back on his legs with a sigh. I let my fingers work their way up loosening the braid until just soft strands lay out across the space between us. I slowly run my fingers through his soft hair as I watch him just sit there lost in his own little world. I can feel a very small bit of tension release, but not enough to change that sad expression. I could get lost in this soft hair and that faint fragrance of his shampoo. I close my eyes and just let my fingers stroke his hair sliding through it gently.

"Heero?"

"You don't have to explain anything, Baby. Just let me baby you."

"What about work?"

"Forget that. They'll still be there. Right now, I just want to be here for you. To be sure you're okay," I answer opening my eyes and wrapping my arm around his chest pulling him back into me.

I kiss his shoulder as I wrap my arms around him tightly. I feel his body relax into mine. That sad, distant look still present on his face, but it was finally starting to fade.

"I don't want you to get fired," he says softly turning his face toward the wall.

"I said don't worry about that. Right now, the only thing I have to do is be here with you. YOU are all I'm worried about right now. This is our space. Nothing else enters here but you and me," I answer gently kissing his shoulder and hugging him to me.

I feel his body melt into mine, every inch of our body fitting together perfectly as he lays there against me, his arms wrapped over mine and our fingers interlock.