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Hollow 7
Hollow 7/7
Rating: NC17
Pairings: 1x2, (1x2)+4 (friendship), 3x5.
Warnings: Angst, post EW, language, empathy. Heero's POV
Summary: After the war Heero has found his way, but some of the pilots are still trying to find theirs.
Very special thanks to Anne for the beta, and to everyone I ever spammed with snippets of this fic, and encouraged me to write. *hugs you all*
Previous chapters can be found here.
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Chapter Seven
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I worked all morning. For a little while, Quatre sat with me, reading a book quietly, and then, close to lunch time, he said he wanted to take a walk and that he would be back later. I let him go. He didn't say anything about his phone calls and I didn't ask, but he did seem more relaxed than before.
A little after one in the afternoon, I made myself a sandwich. Quatre probably wasn't coming back for lunch, and if he did, he could fix himself something later. I watched the news while I ate. Relena was on a colony on L1, discussing some trading agreement. She looked good. She had cut her hair since I last saw her on the vid and she looked more rested and as determined as always.
I realized then that it had been a while since I last called her. It's difficult to contact her, even if she always returns my calls when she can't take them. She's probably the busiest woman on Earth and the colonies, but that wasn't an excuse. Many times I had justified my lack of contact with Quatre the same way. He was the Winner heir and he probably had more important things to do than talk to me. I had been wrong and Quatre had been hurt. I wasn't going to take the chance that that could happen to another good friend.
Finishing my lunch, I left the plate on the sink and headed upstairs to use my laptop to make a call. Relena had given me a private number, the one where she could always be reached, no matter in which part of the universe she was.
I was more than surprised when Dorothy Catalonia's face appeared on the screen.
"Mr. Yuy. Well, this is a surprise."
"Where's Relena?" I can't say I hate Dorothy. I don't care enough about her to, but I do dislike her very much. She likes to play games and tease and there's nothing I care for less than Dorothy's antics and mind games. I wanted to speak with Relena, and as soon as I did, I was going to find out what that woman was doing answering Relena's private line.
"My, my, Mr. Yuy. I would have thought peace time would have taught you some manners." She brushed her hair back and the corner of her lip turned upwards as she waited for me to answer.
"Where is Relena?" I repeated, using my coldest tone and glaring at her.
"You are as charming as usually, Mr. Yuy." She licked her lips slowly. "Miss Relena is naked. I'll have her call you back as soon as she gets some clothes on. Good evening, Mr. Yuy."
The screen went black and it took me a moment to realize Dorothy had disconnected the call. I growled.
Not five minutes after, Relena called. For what I could see on the screen, she was dressed, her hair impeccable as always but she was blushing, slightly. Relena didn't blush easily. "You are not naked," I said.
She laughed, not bothering to put a hand in front of her mouth, and then gave me a wide smile, the type the cameras never get to see. "We don't speak in months and this is the way you greet me, Heero?"
"Dorothy answered your private line." I scowled.
Relena's smile changed, but it was still sincere, just different. "She likes to tease, Heero. You shouldn't take it personally."
"Why is she with you?" I insisted.
She rolled her eyes. "Really, Heero, you are just too over protective. Dorothy is a friend. You don't need to worry about her."
"She has already put a sword through one of my friends. I don't trust her."
Her face sobered slightly. "She doesn’t carry swords anymore." I was about to protest but she held up her hand. "Trust me in this, Heero. She's a friend."
I growled again. I haven't spent so much time with Relena without learning that when she uses that tone of voice, not even a Gundam can make her change her mind. And she was using it over Dorothy, of all people!
"Stop scowling, Heero. It makes you look fifteen again." She was grinning and I couldn't help but give her a small smile of my own. "Better," she said. "I'm happy you called."
"I'm sorry I haven't in a while."
She waved her hand, dismissing the apology. "I didn't call either so I guess we are even."
"You cut your hair."
She beamed and pulled some locks over her face. "Makes me look more mature."
The next thirty minutes were spent catching up. I forced myself not to ask more about Dorothy, and listen to Relena tell me about her trips, while I spoke about work and Duo. I mentioned all the pilots were here but I didn't tell her why. If she noticed something was wrong, she didn't show it. I said goodbye, promising to call in a couple of weeks.
"Not if I call you sooner," she said before winking and disconnecting the call.
* * *
Duo and Quatre came through the door at the same time, chatting amiably and laughing. I was lying on the couch, reading a book. It had been a while since I had the house to myself, and I enjoyed the few hours I had. Despite that, hearing Duo and Quatre teasing each other like they normally did was the most welcome sound I've heard the whole afternoon.
"Having you here is gonna be great!" Duo said, giving Quatre a one arm hug. "We can terrorize the town together, and you can help me scare off Hilde's new guy."
"I thought she wasn't telling you who it was," Quatre replied, and then noticed me in the couch and waved. "Hi, Heero."
I just smiled as greeting. Duo walked over to me, kissed me thoroughly and said, "Missed me, handsome?"
"Always." I put my arms around his back and pulled him down towards me.
Duo laughed and pillowed his head on my chest, turning to look at Quatre who was still standing by the door. "She didn't tell me but today at work Jeffrey was acting way too nervous, so I asked him and turns out he's the bastard dating Hilde. I tried to fire his ass but Hilde wouldn't let me." Duo grumbled but then raised his head from my chest and smiled. "But I have a plan. Q, you just need to buy his house and evict his ass, and buy any other place he would like to move in and evict him again, until he gets the hint and moves to another colony."
I laughed and Duo glared at me. "What?"
"I'm not doing that, Duo," Quatre said, saving me from having to reply. "Hilde can take care of herself."
"She deserves better than Jeffrey. I know how much the bastard makes." Slowly, Duo stood up and nudged me to sit up straight and make room for him. He sat close to me and then patted the spaced beside him, beckoning Quatre to join us.
Quatre looked hesitant for a moment but then smiled and sat down next to Duo. His smile was real, and I was happy to realize that he was smiling more. There was still a hint of sadness hidden in his eyes but the despair and deep sorrow I had sensed when we first found him was gone.
Putting his head on my shoulder, Duo asked, "What's for dinner?"
Quatre turned on the vidscreen and started skimming the channels while I told them that Trowa and Wufei had said they would take care of the food.
"I was wondering about the jeep. Where did they go?"
I shrugged at Duo. He rested on my shoulder for a few minutes before he stretched his arms above his head and stood up. "I guess I'd better have a quick shower, then." He kissed me on the cheek and dashed for the bathroom.
"Were you at the scrap yard?" I asked Quatre while I extended my legs before me.
"I ran into Duo on the way here." Quatre took off his shoes and sat cross legged on the couch. "I went for a walk. I want to get a feel of the colony."
"It's a long walk to the north part of the colony."
Quatre looked puzzled for a moment. "The rich part? I'm not living there. I'm finding a place around here."
I frowned. While we hardly live in the slums, this part of the colony isn't where someone of Quatre's status should live. It was fine now, but as soon as people knew Quatre Raberba Winner was moving here, he would become a target. Rich and powerful people always are. "I don't think that's wise."
"Why?" Quatre didn't look guarded, and by his expression I knew that he would listen to me and weigh my words carefully.
"It's safer for you to live in the north part."
"I can take care of myself," he said, casually.
"Yes, but that's no reason to place yourself in an unnecessary risky position." I put a hand on the back of the couch and shifted so I could look at him more easily.
His eyes narrowed slightly but he wasn't looking at me but at the wall behind me. I let him think about it and after a couple of minutes he said, "I wanted to be close to you and Duo, but…" He turned his eyes to me and gave me a resigned smile. "The name Quatre Raberba Winner closes as many doors as it opens."
I didn't say anything. It was true and we both knew it.
We stayed quiet for a while, until Duo came out of the shower, dressed in sweats and with his hair freshly braided but still dripping slightly. "Missed me?" he asked both of us before plopping in the couch between us.
"Always," I said, kissing him softly on the cheek.
Quatre laughed. "You've turned predictable! Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell, Gundam pilots extraordinaire, have turned domestic."
"Domestic?" Duo turned to Quatre and started tickling him. "I'll give you domestic!"
Between laughs, Quatre fought back, trying to push Duo away. So, naturally, I stood up and helped Duo hold him down. "You should know better than to tease Gundam pilots and their relationships, Quatre," I said.
"All that's missing," Quatre managed to say, still laughing, "is an apron."
I was busy tickling Quatre's armpit when the doorbell rang.
"Food's here!" Duo said, finally letting Quatre go. He went to open the door as Quatre panted while letting out a few last laughs.
"You're evil," Quatre said when his breathing was back to normal.
I smirked. "You asked for it, Winner."
Trowa, Wufei and Duo walked into the living room before Quatre could reply.
"Thank you," Trowa said, throwing the jeep keys back at me. "We brought Chinese."
"You always bring a Chinese with you," Duo muttered, and Wufei elbowed him on the ribs.
I stood up and headed for the kitchen. "Let's eat then."
* * *
Hilde had another date with Jeffrey tonight, which of course prompted Duo to a half an hour discussion on the best way to drive Jeffrey out of the colony and away from his precious Hilde. I wasn't that happy about Jeffrey either but if I know something it's that Hilde isn't stupid or hands over her heart easily. I trusted her judgment, but if the bastard ever hurt her, then I would do more than simply driving him out of the colony.
Duo ranted about Jeffrey during the whole dinner, so we didn't brush any other subject, like Quatre's decision to move to L2 or whatever Wufei and Trowa had done today.
We all cleaned the plates quickly and then gathered in the living room. That's when I noticed Trowa had disappeared somewhere and Wufei was looking smug.
Duo barely started another rant against Jeffrey when Wufei stopped him. He walked over to Quatre, who had taken a seat on the far end of the couch, and stood before him. "Trowa and I were talking yesterday, and we realized we haven't been very good friends to you." Quatre opened his mouth to protest but Wufei lifted a hand and stopped him with the gesture. "We intend to change that."
Trowa walked into the room holding a case. He handed it to Quatre and I knew then that there was a violin inside. "It's not the best," Trowa said. "We want you to always have music in your life."
Quatre's eyes hadn't moved from the case since he first noticed it. He ran his fingers over the lid, slowly, and finally, very carefully, he opened it. He didn't remove the instrument but just looked at it for a long moment. His fingers disappeared inside the case and his lips curved slowly into a smile. When he looked up, his eyes were bright.
He looked at both Wufei and Trowa, in turn before bowing his head slightly and whispering a simple but heartfelt, "Thank you."
Duo was clutching my shoulder, peering over it to look at what was going on at the other end of the couch. "Would you play for us, Cat?"
Quatre nodded and smiled at Duo, before standing up gracefully and removing the violin and bow from the case. He walked around the coffee table and stood before it. Wufei and Trowa settled on the couch, and we all waited for him to start.
He tested the strings first, tuning the violin until he was pleased with the sound it made. Then he looked at us before closing his eyes and settling the instrument under his chin.
The first notes were slow, filling the room little by little, as if they were trying not to intrude but merge into the environment, almost unnoticed. Quatre's fingers moved leisurely over the strings, caressing them, as if he was getting to know the violin, politely introducing himself.
After a little while I closed my eyes, concentrating on the music, but I could still see Quatre in my mind's eye, the way he played, how his mouth was set in a straight line and his face looked almost relaxed.
The rhythm started to increase, so slowly that I didn't realize it until I felt Duo's fingers tapping quickly on my upper arm, following the beat. I opened my eyes then and watched Quatre's fingers fly over the strings, the bow moving fast, causing his back to arch in graceful moments.
And the rhythm quickened some more.
I felt Duo put his arms around me and I leaned back into the embrace, feeling the need to be close to him, to touch him, to know that he was there for me, that he loved me.
I risked a glance to my side and noticed that Wufei and Trowa had their arms entwined, but their free hands were tense, their fingers moving randomly as if they wanted to reach for something but couldn't find it.
And the violin played even faster.
There were a few droplets of sweat on Quatre's brow. His eyes were still tightly shut but his lips had parted slightly, giving the illusion that he was letting out a silent cry that could only be heard in his music.
I curled my fingers around Duo, feeling a sense of calm within the mad and rapid notes. As long as I was with Duo everything would be alright. He was there for me, I was loved.
And then, as slowly as the music had started, a faint glow started appearing around Quatre.
I opened my mouth, not sure what to say to stop it, when I noticed Wufei and Trowa standing up. They walked over to Quatre, their hands still clasped, and stood behind him to either side. Each put a hand over Quatre's shoulder and then, instantly, the glow disappeared.
And the music stopped.
* * *
Quatre hadn't spoken in the last hour.
He let us tend to his fingers, which had been bleeding by the time he stopped playing, and drank a glass of water. But then, he just sat on the couch, quietly, refusing to speak a word.
We were gathered around him, waiting for him to be ready to talk to us. We hadn't discussed what had happened either, silently agreeing to wait for Quatre to make the first move.
Fifteen minutes later Quatre said, "Sorry." His voice was soft but he startled us. We had grown used to the quiet.
"Why?" Trowa was beside him in a moment, holding Quatre's hand between his. Wufei stood up and knelt in front of Quatre, putting a hand on Quatre's knee.
"I didn't mean to," Quatre continued, as if he hadn't heard Trowa. "I thought I was getting better but…"
"Quatre, you didn't do anything," I said. I had my arms around Duo and I was resting my chin over his shoulder. We were standing beside the coffee table, watching the other three on the couch.
Quatre's eyes turned to me. "You and Duo felt love, so much love for each other, and I was taking that away from you. I was stealing it."
I shook my head. He hadn't.
"No, Q," Duo said. "We were feeling that, and maybe you felt it too, but you didn't take it away, not a bit, not even for a second."
Quatre frowned. "But I—"
"No," Duo interrupted. "I know my feelings, I know my love for Heero, and you didn't tamper with it. I would have known if you had."
I nodded. Duo's words were true.
"That's not all I did," Quatre whispered, and turned his gaze to Trowa and Wufei. "When you touched me, I saw." He lowered his head. "I didn't mean to."
"What did you see?" Wufei's tone was neutral and I couldn't tell if it was accusing or just simply curious.
"Everything."
After that word, the silence returned.
Maybe I should have taken Duo upstairs and given the others some privacy but I couldn't bring myself to move, I felt I needed to be there for all of them. They were my friends, my family, and I wasn't going to leave them.
"Tell us," Trowa said, breaking the silence.
Quatre looked between Trowa and Wufei a few times before he said, "I didn't want to believe it, but it's true." He sighed but a small smile formed on his lips. "It's true."
"What?" Duo asked, his voice soft, as if he was afraid to scare Quatre back into silence.
Quatre kept his eyes on Wufei and Trowa. "I saw your feelings." He paused. "And I don't know what to do with that knowledge."
Trowa and Wufei shared a look. There was a lot of meaning in that look, meaning I couldn't hope to grasp, but somehow, I thought Quatre could read into it, not only because of his abilities, but because he was allowed to.
Quatre closed his eyes. "Then you know."
Another long look passed between Wufei and Trowa, and then Wufei said, "Yes. We talked last night."
Quatre's eyes didn't open.
"We understand now." Trowa's voice was calm, as always, but I could detect a hint of longing. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Cat."
"We hurt each other." Quatre opened his eyes slightly.
"I don't regret leaving," Trowa continued, glancing at Wufei. "But I do regret not understanding sooner."
"Quatre, I am forever grateful to you for sending Trowa to me." The neutrality was completely gone from Wufei's voice, and it now reflected his feelings as clearly as Quatre's eyes always did. "I know it hurt you both terribly, and for that I'm sorry. I know this has been a rough test for you but it allowed me to understand myself, and my heart better." Wufei paused, and I swear I could hear his heart pounding in his chest. "It led me to you."
Quatre's eyes opened fully. He looked at Wufei for a long time and then turned his eyes to Trowa. "I can't come between you."
Trowa shook his head and Wufei said, "No. Never between us."
"Just," Trowa's voice broke slightly, "be with us."
Duo gasped and I tightened my arms around him. I wasn't expecting this, and by Duo's reaction, neither was he.
"Do you want to?" Wufei asked.
"Yes," Quatre replied in a second. "But is that really possible?"
It was a short moment before Wufei admitted, "I don't know."
"We are willing to try, Cat," Trowa said. He sat close to Quatre, their shoulders touching and their hands still entwined. "Are you?"
Silence filled the room again and then, Quatre let out a sincere, "Yes."
* * *
Contrary to what Duo and I expected, Quatre didn't change his plans to move to L2.
After that night, Quatre, Wufei and Trowa spent two more days with us before going back to Earth, to talk.
Duo and I felt the loss of their company. Even though our little reunion had been filled with problems, we liked being with the others, it felt right. Their visit had shown us what we had been missing by being apart from each other.
We kept in touch over the phone, calling at least twice a week. The three of them seemed to be happy. Trowa and Wufei's classes had started and Quatre was living with them for the time being. They were getting to know each other again and trying to figure out if this new relationship had a future.
That's why we where surprised when, a month after they left, Quatre showed up on our doorstep.
This time he was the Quatre I remembered. He had gained the weight he had lost and he was smiling.
He spent the night with us, and Duo and I insisted he sleep upstairs in our bed rather than in the sofa. He smiled and accepted, and this time he didn't try to stay on the edge of the bed but slept close to us, snuggling between Duo and I.
Quatre told us that he had decided to move to L2, as planned, and see through the project he had been working so hard on.
"What about the guys?" Duo asked.
Quatre smiled. "They'll join me in a couple of months. They need to finish their degrees first."
"What would they do here?" Our colony didn't have many jobs for zoologists or historians and philosophers.
Quatre's smile widened. "It's all part of the project, Heero. This colony will be a better place, a starting point to help the development of all the other low resource colonies."
Duo looked doubtful. "Are you sure this'll work?"
"I'll make it work." Quatre's eyes were filled with the determination we were used to seeing in battle. If this project could ever come true, then I knew Quatre was going to be the one to make it happen.
"Are you all sure about this?" Duo continued. "I mean, we love you guys and all but are you sure this colony is the best place for you all to be?"
"Yes." Quatre's voice was certain. "What happened before, what happened with me, all of us running away from time to time, it happened because we pulled apart." He smiled at us. "That can't happen again. The most important thing is to stay together."
I took Quatre's hand. "Are you staying together?"
"It's working," Quatre said, smiling sincerely. "It isn't perfect but we want to make it work. We'll do whatever it takes."
Duo took Quatre's other hand. "This was a weird outcome but as long as you are happy, you know we'll stand by you guys forever."
Quatre pulled Duo and I into an embrace. "I know. You showed that to me, and now I'm determined to be here for you, as you were all there for me."
"That's just what friends do," Duo said.
"What family does," I added.
Quatre squeezed us tightly and before he let us go, he gave each of us a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you," he said, and I could feel every bit of his gratefulness and love for us.
Duo grinned. "Don't mention it."
I smiled at Quatre and nodded. I knew he could read my words without me speaking them.
He smiled back.
Some things never change.
- The End -
Rating: NC17
Pairings: 1x2, (1x2)+4 (friendship), 3x5.
Warnings: Angst, post EW, language, empathy. Heero's POV
Summary: After the war Heero has found his way, but some of the pilots are still trying to find theirs.
Very special thanks to Anne for the beta, and to everyone I ever spammed with snippets of this fic, and encouraged me to write. *hugs you all*
Previous chapters can be found here.
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Chapter Seven
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I worked all morning. For a little while, Quatre sat with me, reading a book quietly, and then, close to lunch time, he said he wanted to take a walk and that he would be back later. I let him go. He didn't say anything about his phone calls and I didn't ask, but he did seem more relaxed than before.
A little after one in the afternoon, I made myself a sandwich. Quatre probably wasn't coming back for lunch, and if he did, he could fix himself something later. I watched the news while I ate. Relena was on a colony on L1, discussing some trading agreement. She looked good. She had cut her hair since I last saw her on the vid and she looked more rested and as determined as always.
I realized then that it had been a while since I last called her. It's difficult to contact her, even if she always returns my calls when she can't take them. She's probably the busiest woman on Earth and the colonies, but that wasn't an excuse. Many times I had justified my lack of contact with Quatre the same way. He was the Winner heir and he probably had more important things to do than talk to me. I had been wrong and Quatre had been hurt. I wasn't going to take the chance that that could happen to another good friend.
Finishing my lunch, I left the plate on the sink and headed upstairs to use my laptop to make a call. Relena had given me a private number, the one where she could always be reached, no matter in which part of the universe she was.
I was more than surprised when Dorothy Catalonia's face appeared on the screen.
"Mr. Yuy. Well, this is a surprise."
"Where's Relena?" I can't say I hate Dorothy. I don't care enough about her to, but I do dislike her very much. She likes to play games and tease and there's nothing I care for less than Dorothy's antics and mind games. I wanted to speak with Relena, and as soon as I did, I was going to find out what that woman was doing answering Relena's private line.
"My, my, Mr. Yuy. I would have thought peace time would have taught you some manners." She brushed her hair back and the corner of her lip turned upwards as she waited for me to answer.
"Where is Relena?" I repeated, using my coldest tone and glaring at her.
"You are as charming as usually, Mr. Yuy." She licked her lips slowly. "Miss Relena is naked. I'll have her call you back as soon as she gets some clothes on. Good evening, Mr. Yuy."
The screen went black and it took me a moment to realize Dorothy had disconnected the call. I growled.
Not five minutes after, Relena called. For what I could see on the screen, she was dressed, her hair impeccable as always but she was blushing, slightly. Relena didn't blush easily. "You are not naked," I said.
She laughed, not bothering to put a hand in front of her mouth, and then gave me a wide smile, the type the cameras never get to see. "We don't speak in months and this is the way you greet me, Heero?"
"Dorothy answered your private line." I scowled.
Relena's smile changed, but it was still sincere, just different. "She likes to tease, Heero. You shouldn't take it personally."
"Why is she with you?" I insisted.
She rolled her eyes. "Really, Heero, you are just too over protective. Dorothy is a friend. You don't need to worry about her."
"She has already put a sword through one of my friends. I don't trust her."
Her face sobered slightly. "She doesn’t carry swords anymore." I was about to protest but she held up her hand. "Trust me in this, Heero. She's a friend."
I growled again. I haven't spent so much time with Relena without learning that when she uses that tone of voice, not even a Gundam can make her change her mind. And she was using it over Dorothy, of all people!
"Stop scowling, Heero. It makes you look fifteen again." She was grinning and I couldn't help but give her a small smile of my own. "Better," she said. "I'm happy you called."
"I'm sorry I haven't in a while."
She waved her hand, dismissing the apology. "I didn't call either so I guess we are even."
"You cut your hair."
She beamed and pulled some locks over her face. "Makes me look more mature."
The next thirty minutes were spent catching up. I forced myself not to ask more about Dorothy, and listen to Relena tell me about her trips, while I spoke about work and Duo. I mentioned all the pilots were here but I didn't tell her why. If she noticed something was wrong, she didn't show it. I said goodbye, promising to call in a couple of weeks.
"Not if I call you sooner," she said before winking and disconnecting the call.
* * *
Duo and Quatre came through the door at the same time, chatting amiably and laughing. I was lying on the couch, reading a book. It had been a while since I had the house to myself, and I enjoyed the few hours I had. Despite that, hearing Duo and Quatre teasing each other like they normally did was the most welcome sound I've heard the whole afternoon.
"Having you here is gonna be great!" Duo said, giving Quatre a one arm hug. "We can terrorize the town together, and you can help me scare off Hilde's new guy."
"I thought she wasn't telling you who it was," Quatre replied, and then noticed me in the couch and waved. "Hi, Heero."
I just smiled as greeting. Duo walked over to me, kissed me thoroughly and said, "Missed me, handsome?"
"Always." I put my arms around his back and pulled him down towards me.
Duo laughed and pillowed his head on my chest, turning to look at Quatre who was still standing by the door. "She didn't tell me but today at work Jeffrey was acting way too nervous, so I asked him and turns out he's the bastard dating Hilde. I tried to fire his ass but Hilde wouldn't let me." Duo grumbled but then raised his head from my chest and smiled. "But I have a plan. Q, you just need to buy his house and evict his ass, and buy any other place he would like to move in and evict him again, until he gets the hint and moves to another colony."
I laughed and Duo glared at me. "What?"
"I'm not doing that, Duo," Quatre said, saving me from having to reply. "Hilde can take care of herself."
"She deserves better than Jeffrey. I know how much the bastard makes." Slowly, Duo stood up and nudged me to sit up straight and make room for him. He sat close to me and then patted the spaced beside him, beckoning Quatre to join us.
Quatre looked hesitant for a moment but then smiled and sat down next to Duo. His smile was real, and I was happy to realize that he was smiling more. There was still a hint of sadness hidden in his eyes but the despair and deep sorrow I had sensed when we first found him was gone.
Putting his head on my shoulder, Duo asked, "What's for dinner?"
Quatre turned on the vidscreen and started skimming the channels while I told them that Trowa and Wufei had said they would take care of the food.
"I was wondering about the jeep. Where did they go?"
I shrugged at Duo. He rested on my shoulder for a few minutes before he stretched his arms above his head and stood up. "I guess I'd better have a quick shower, then." He kissed me on the cheek and dashed for the bathroom.
"Were you at the scrap yard?" I asked Quatre while I extended my legs before me.
"I ran into Duo on the way here." Quatre took off his shoes and sat cross legged on the couch. "I went for a walk. I want to get a feel of the colony."
"It's a long walk to the north part of the colony."
Quatre looked puzzled for a moment. "The rich part? I'm not living there. I'm finding a place around here."
I frowned. While we hardly live in the slums, this part of the colony isn't where someone of Quatre's status should live. It was fine now, but as soon as people knew Quatre Raberba Winner was moving here, he would become a target. Rich and powerful people always are. "I don't think that's wise."
"Why?" Quatre didn't look guarded, and by his expression I knew that he would listen to me and weigh my words carefully.
"It's safer for you to live in the north part."
"I can take care of myself," he said, casually.
"Yes, but that's no reason to place yourself in an unnecessary risky position." I put a hand on the back of the couch and shifted so I could look at him more easily.
His eyes narrowed slightly but he wasn't looking at me but at the wall behind me. I let him think about it and after a couple of minutes he said, "I wanted to be close to you and Duo, but…" He turned his eyes to me and gave me a resigned smile. "The name Quatre Raberba Winner closes as many doors as it opens."
I didn't say anything. It was true and we both knew it.
We stayed quiet for a while, until Duo came out of the shower, dressed in sweats and with his hair freshly braided but still dripping slightly. "Missed me?" he asked both of us before plopping in the couch between us.
"Always," I said, kissing him softly on the cheek.
Quatre laughed. "You've turned predictable! Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell, Gundam pilots extraordinaire, have turned domestic."
"Domestic?" Duo turned to Quatre and started tickling him. "I'll give you domestic!"
Between laughs, Quatre fought back, trying to push Duo away. So, naturally, I stood up and helped Duo hold him down. "You should know better than to tease Gundam pilots and their relationships, Quatre," I said.
"All that's missing," Quatre managed to say, still laughing, "is an apron."
I was busy tickling Quatre's armpit when the doorbell rang.
"Food's here!" Duo said, finally letting Quatre go. He went to open the door as Quatre panted while letting out a few last laughs.
"You're evil," Quatre said when his breathing was back to normal.
I smirked. "You asked for it, Winner."
Trowa, Wufei and Duo walked into the living room before Quatre could reply.
"Thank you," Trowa said, throwing the jeep keys back at me. "We brought Chinese."
"You always bring a Chinese with you," Duo muttered, and Wufei elbowed him on the ribs.
I stood up and headed for the kitchen. "Let's eat then."
* * *
Hilde had another date with Jeffrey tonight, which of course prompted Duo to a half an hour discussion on the best way to drive Jeffrey out of the colony and away from his precious Hilde. I wasn't that happy about Jeffrey either but if I know something it's that Hilde isn't stupid or hands over her heart easily. I trusted her judgment, but if the bastard ever hurt her, then I would do more than simply driving him out of the colony.
Duo ranted about Jeffrey during the whole dinner, so we didn't brush any other subject, like Quatre's decision to move to L2 or whatever Wufei and Trowa had done today.
We all cleaned the plates quickly and then gathered in the living room. That's when I noticed Trowa had disappeared somewhere and Wufei was looking smug.
Duo barely started another rant against Jeffrey when Wufei stopped him. He walked over to Quatre, who had taken a seat on the far end of the couch, and stood before him. "Trowa and I were talking yesterday, and we realized we haven't been very good friends to you." Quatre opened his mouth to protest but Wufei lifted a hand and stopped him with the gesture. "We intend to change that."
Trowa walked into the room holding a case. He handed it to Quatre and I knew then that there was a violin inside. "It's not the best," Trowa said. "We want you to always have music in your life."
Quatre's eyes hadn't moved from the case since he first noticed it. He ran his fingers over the lid, slowly, and finally, very carefully, he opened it. He didn't remove the instrument but just looked at it for a long moment. His fingers disappeared inside the case and his lips curved slowly into a smile. When he looked up, his eyes were bright.
He looked at both Wufei and Trowa, in turn before bowing his head slightly and whispering a simple but heartfelt, "Thank you."
Duo was clutching my shoulder, peering over it to look at what was going on at the other end of the couch. "Would you play for us, Cat?"
Quatre nodded and smiled at Duo, before standing up gracefully and removing the violin and bow from the case. He walked around the coffee table and stood before it. Wufei and Trowa settled on the couch, and we all waited for him to start.
He tested the strings first, tuning the violin until he was pleased with the sound it made. Then he looked at us before closing his eyes and settling the instrument under his chin.
The first notes were slow, filling the room little by little, as if they were trying not to intrude but merge into the environment, almost unnoticed. Quatre's fingers moved leisurely over the strings, caressing them, as if he was getting to know the violin, politely introducing himself.
After a little while I closed my eyes, concentrating on the music, but I could still see Quatre in my mind's eye, the way he played, how his mouth was set in a straight line and his face looked almost relaxed.
The rhythm started to increase, so slowly that I didn't realize it until I felt Duo's fingers tapping quickly on my upper arm, following the beat. I opened my eyes then and watched Quatre's fingers fly over the strings, the bow moving fast, causing his back to arch in graceful moments.
And the rhythm quickened some more.
I felt Duo put his arms around me and I leaned back into the embrace, feeling the need to be close to him, to touch him, to know that he was there for me, that he loved me.
I risked a glance to my side and noticed that Wufei and Trowa had their arms entwined, but their free hands were tense, their fingers moving randomly as if they wanted to reach for something but couldn't find it.
And the violin played even faster.
There were a few droplets of sweat on Quatre's brow. His eyes were still tightly shut but his lips had parted slightly, giving the illusion that he was letting out a silent cry that could only be heard in his music.
I curled my fingers around Duo, feeling a sense of calm within the mad and rapid notes. As long as I was with Duo everything would be alright. He was there for me, I was loved.
And then, as slowly as the music had started, a faint glow started appearing around Quatre.
I opened my mouth, not sure what to say to stop it, when I noticed Wufei and Trowa standing up. They walked over to Quatre, their hands still clasped, and stood behind him to either side. Each put a hand over Quatre's shoulder and then, instantly, the glow disappeared.
And the music stopped.
* * *
Quatre hadn't spoken in the last hour.
He let us tend to his fingers, which had been bleeding by the time he stopped playing, and drank a glass of water. But then, he just sat on the couch, quietly, refusing to speak a word.
We were gathered around him, waiting for him to be ready to talk to us. We hadn't discussed what had happened either, silently agreeing to wait for Quatre to make the first move.
Fifteen minutes later Quatre said, "Sorry." His voice was soft but he startled us. We had grown used to the quiet.
"Why?" Trowa was beside him in a moment, holding Quatre's hand between his. Wufei stood up and knelt in front of Quatre, putting a hand on Quatre's knee.
"I didn't mean to," Quatre continued, as if he hadn't heard Trowa. "I thought I was getting better but…"
"Quatre, you didn't do anything," I said. I had my arms around Duo and I was resting my chin over his shoulder. We were standing beside the coffee table, watching the other three on the couch.
Quatre's eyes turned to me. "You and Duo felt love, so much love for each other, and I was taking that away from you. I was stealing it."
I shook my head. He hadn't.
"No, Q," Duo said. "We were feeling that, and maybe you felt it too, but you didn't take it away, not a bit, not even for a second."
Quatre frowned. "But I—"
"No," Duo interrupted. "I know my feelings, I know my love for Heero, and you didn't tamper with it. I would have known if you had."
I nodded. Duo's words were true.
"That's not all I did," Quatre whispered, and turned his gaze to Trowa and Wufei. "When you touched me, I saw." He lowered his head. "I didn't mean to."
"What did you see?" Wufei's tone was neutral and I couldn't tell if it was accusing or just simply curious.
"Everything."
After that word, the silence returned.
Maybe I should have taken Duo upstairs and given the others some privacy but I couldn't bring myself to move, I felt I needed to be there for all of them. They were my friends, my family, and I wasn't going to leave them.
"Tell us," Trowa said, breaking the silence.
Quatre looked between Trowa and Wufei a few times before he said, "I didn't want to believe it, but it's true." He sighed but a small smile formed on his lips. "It's true."
"What?" Duo asked, his voice soft, as if he was afraid to scare Quatre back into silence.
Quatre kept his eyes on Wufei and Trowa. "I saw your feelings." He paused. "And I don't know what to do with that knowledge."
Trowa and Wufei shared a look. There was a lot of meaning in that look, meaning I couldn't hope to grasp, but somehow, I thought Quatre could read into it, not only because of his abilities, but because he was allowed to.
Quatre closed his eyes. "Then you know."
Another long look passed between Wufei and Trowa, and then Wufei said, "Yes. We talked last night."
Quatre's eyes didn't open.
"We understand now." Trowa's voice was calm, as always, but I could detect a hint of longing. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Cat."
"We hurt each other." Quatre opened his eyes slightly.
"I don't regret leaving," Trowa continued, glancing at Wufei. "But I do regret not understanding sooner."
"Quatre, I am forever grateful to you for sending Trowa to me." The neutrality was completely gone from Wufei's voice, and it now reflected his feelings as clearly as Quatre's eyes always did. "I know it hurt you both terribly, and for that I'm sorry. I know this has been a rough test for you but it allowed me to understand myself, and my heart better." Wufei paused, and I swear I could hear his heart pounding in his chest. "It led me to you."
Quatre's eyes opened fully. He looked at Wufei for a long time and then turned his eyes to Trowa. "I can't come between you."
Trowa shook his head and Wufei said, "No. Never between us."
"Just," Trowa's voice broke slightly, "be with us."
Duo gasped and I tightened my arms around him. I wasn't expecting this, and by Duo's reaction, neither was he.
"Do you want to?" Wufei asked.
"Yes," Quatre replied in a second. "But is that really possible?"
It was a short moment before Wufei admitted, "I don't know."
"We are willing to try, Cat," Trowa said. He sat close to Quatre, their shoulders touching and their hands still entwined. "Are you?"
Silence filled the room again and then, Quatre let out a sincere, "Yes."
* * *
Contrary to what Duo and I expected, Quatre didn't change his plans to move to L2.
After that night, Quatre, Wufei and Trowa spent two more days with us before going back to Earth, to talk.
Duo and I felt the loss of their company. Even though our little reunion had been filled with problems, we liked being with the others, it felt right. Their visit had shown us what we had been missing by being apart from each other.
We kept in touch over the phone, calling at least twice a week. The three of them seemed to be happy. Trowa and Wufei's classes had started and Quatre was living with them for the time being. They were getting to know each other again and trying to figure out if this new relationship had a future.
That's why we where surprised when, a month after they left, Quatre showed up on our doorstep.
This time he was the Quatre I remembered. He had gained the weight he had lost and he was smiling.
He spent the night with us, and Duo and I insisted he sleep upstairs in our bed rather than in the sofa. He smiled and accepted, and this time he didn't try to stay on the edge of the bed but slept close to us, snuggling between Duo and I.
Quatre told us that he had decided to move to L2, as planned, and see through the project he had been working so hard on.
"What about the guys?" Duo asked.
Quatre smiled. "They'll join me in a couple of months. They need to finish their degrees first."
"What would they do here?" Our colony didn't have many jobs for zoologists or historians and philosophers.
Quatre's smile widened. "It's all part of the project, Heero. This colony will be a better place, a starting point to help the development of all the other low resource colonies."
Duo looked doubtful. "Are you sure this'll work?"
"I'll make it work." Quatre's eyes were filled with the determination we were used to seeing in battle. If this project could ever come true, then I knew Quatre was going to be the one to make it happen.
"Are you all sure about this?" Duo continued. "I mean, we love you guys and all but are you sure this colony is the best place for you all to be?"
"Yes." Quatre's voice was certain. "What happened before, what happened with me, all of us running away from time to time, it happened because we pulled apart." He smiled at us. "That can't happen again. The most important thing is to stay together."
I took Quatre's hand. "Are you staying together?"
"It's working," Quatre said, smiling sincerely. "It isn't perfect but we want to make it work. We'll do whatever it takes."
Duo took Quatre's other hand. "This was a weird outcome but as long as you are happy, you know we'll stand by you guys forever."
Quatre pulled Duo and I into an embrace. "I know. You showed that to me, and now I'm determined to be here for you, as you were all there for me."
"That's just what friends do," Duo said.
"What family does," I added.
Quatre squeezed us tightly and before he let us go, he gave each of us a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you," he said, and I could feel every bit of his gratefulness and love for us.
Duo grinned. "Don't mention it."
I smiled at Quatre and nodded. I knew he could read my words without me speaking them.
He smiled back.
Some things never change.
- The End -