Title: Different Masks

Pairings: 2xC, mention of 3x4

Warnings: het, maybe a bit of sap…

Prompt: Every time I visit you guys, I discover new ways to strain muscles I didn't know existed.

Disclaimer: no, no, and no, I don't, although I would if I could, that's for sure!

Notes: Written for Shadow

Thanks to Anne for the beta. loves

Different Masks

"Every time I visit you guys, I discover new ways to strain muscles I didn't know existed." Duo's groaned complaint evokes an amused chuckle from the woman who is deftly kneading the muscles in his back, soothing the pain in his sore body.

He suppresses another moan as he turns his head and glares at her. "It's not funny, Cathy."

This time she laughs outright at him and shakes her head. "It's entirely your fault, Duo, for having to prove you can match Trowa every single time you visit. You know he has a lot more practice and experience."

He mumbles something unintelligible and relaxes under her skillful hands as she easily chats away about life at the circus. Maybe too easily. The next time he turns, he isn't glaring, but his eyes are full of concern. "What's wrong, Cathy?"

Her smile is strained and doesn't reach her eyes. "Nothing. What should be wrong?"

He buries his head in his arms again, but his voice is clearly audible. "Liar."

Her hands stop and her face falls, but he can't see it. He doesn't have to. Patiently, he waits, and finally she speaks, her words a mere whisper. "Trowa isn't happy here anymore. He wants to be with Quatre. But he thinks that he can't leave me alone, that he has to stay with me because he's my only family."

"Isn't he right?"

"No!...Yes, no, I mean, I don't know..."

He looks at her again, but she averts her eyes. "I would miss him terribly. But above everything, I want him to be happy. I'll manage somehow."

"Have you told him that?"

She shakes her head.

"You should."

There's a long silence. Finally, she faces him. Her eyes are moist, but determined, and she nods. "I will."

He smiles at her warmly, and her breath catches.

He's lazily leaning against a pole at the entrance of the main tent, watching her and waiting for her to notice. When she finally does, she stops dead, then hurries over to greet him, her eyes shining. "Duo!"

"Hello, Cathy, how are you?"

She smiles. "Not too bad."

"Where's Trowa?"

The happiness vanishes in an instant and her jaw sets in a firm line. "He's gone."

She sounds lost, but seems determined to hide it. He quietly embraces her, and she gratefully leans into him for a moment.

When she pulls away, both their smiles are back in place, hers a little sad, his concerned. Then he breaks into a grin and saunters over to the board, taking Trowa's place. "Need a new practice target?"

He winks at her, and her breath catches.

She doesn't open her eyes as he flops down beside her onto the grass. She knows it's him. "When did you get here?"

"A couple of minutes ago. Joe said you were out here."

"I see."

Comfortable silence stretches between them. It is Duo who breaks it.

"I visited Trowa and Quatre last week."

He hears the smile in her voice as she answers. "Did you now..."

He smiles as well. "They're happy."

"I know."

They fall silent again.

"Duo..."

"Yeah?"

"Why do you keep coming back, even though Trowa has been gone for over a year?"

She has to wait a long time for his answer. Suddenly, he rolls over and bends over her, his face only inches away. He looks into her now open eyes; his voice is deep and quiet, if a little rough. "I thought you knew."

She looks up at him, and her breath catches. "Then stay."

He kisses her.

"I will."