Disclaimer: Just playing.
A little back story in this chapter, hope the flashbacks aren't too confusing.
Hidden Hearts
Chapter 3
"Hey, 'Fei! Dontcha want to help with dinner?"
Wufei raised an eyebrow at the grinning brunette who was tying his apron in place. He never ceased to be impressed with Duo's positive attitude. Even after being tied up and left on the living room floor for forty minutes while everyone else showered and dressed, Duo was still enthusiastic and full of smiles for everyone. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear he was taking drugs.
"I think I'll pass. I trust you and Quatre to prepare the meal."
"Suit yourself."
Both men smiled at each other, knowing they would have the same conversation every year. The job of cooking dinner had been commandeered by Duo and Quatre after one disastrous year of having everyone make a dish. There had been two shoving matches, numerous heated arguments, a broken dish, a destroyed kitchen and a dinner that nobody wanted not only because they were all in a bad mood, but because the foods were all so different in taste that nothing complimented.
Wufei slowly walked upstairs, ready to immerse himself in a book in the peace and quiet of his room when he saw Heero standing in the hallway.
"Is the wall falling down?"
Heero only smirked and then Wufei heard the sound of a flute fill the air and he instantly knew the situation. It had been a longtime theory of his that there was something between Heero and Trowa but the fact that Trowa was still with Quatre after all this time made him wonder if he imagined the whole thing. Until now. Is it possible they're having an affair?
"I'll leave you to your post."
Wufei saluted Heero and twin smirks were exchanged before Wufei continued on to his room.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Heero stood leaning against the wall outside the open study door, listening to Trowa play the flute and losing himself to memories of days gone by. He thought back to the time when Trowa had accompanied him on his journey to seek out Noventa's granddaughter and wife as penance for killing General Noventa, offering his life as payment. He even went so far as Antarctica so I could face Zechs. I don't understand why he stayed by my side back then, but that's when I started seeing him in a whole new light.
His mind still drifting lazily, Heero fell into more recent memories. He remembered calling Trowa early one morning after waking up from an intense dream about the former pilot of Heavyarms. Even then, my need for him was so strong. But when the image of a flushed and sickly man appeared on the vid screen, his need was instantly forgotten and replaced with worry. Heero hadn't believed Trowa when he said it was a small cold and finding out Quatre was away on business and knowing how stubborn Trowa was, he hopped the first transport out and arrived at Trowa's and Quatre's place the next evening.
begin flashback
"Heero? What are you doing here?"
Trowa looked even worse than when he saw him 24 hours ago.
"I'm here to take care of you."
Trowa opened his mouth to protest but he became wracked with a coughing fit instead and Heero wasted no time in putting him back to bed and tracking down one of the house staff to get a doctor called immediately.
A few hours later, after Heero had thanked the doctor and sent someone to get Trowa's medicine, he was sitting by Trowa's bedside gazing down at the semiconscious man. He reached out and brushed some damp hair back from Trowa's forehead and placed a new cold cloth in its place.
"Heero…what are…you doing?"
"Taking care of you."
"No need…."
"I disagree."
Heavy eyelids half opened and deep green eyes fixed on Heero.
"Your work."
"It can wait."
At Heero's words, Trowa's eyes opened fully for a few seconds but his body was so weak they slowly fell to half-mast again.
"I can't let you do this."
Heero smiled.
"You don't really have a choice."
Trowa sighed and for the first time Heero wondered whether or not Trowa truly wanted him there. He looked out the window next to the bed and questioned the wisdom of his actions. He'd been harboring a growing affection for the quiet man and it didn't seem to be waning as they spent more and more time apart. What was I thinking? He's with Quatre. I have no right to be here.
Suddenly a sweaty hand grabbed hold of his own and he turned to see Trowa gazing up at him.
"Thank you, Heero. I'm glad…..you're here."
For the next two weeks Heero stayed with Trowa and took care of him, making sure he took his medicine, got plenty of fluids and checked in with the doctor and Quatre regularly. Quatre had wanted to come back from his trip right away but Trowa insisted he stay and finish. Heero could hear the worry and fear in Quatre's voice and when Heero had questioned Trowa's decision, Trowa merely smiled at him and gave a simple yet unexpected answer.
"It's better that you're here. My recovery will be less stressful."
And so it was that Trowa made a swift recovery. But the doctor warned against relapse and so neither Trowa nor Heero ever mentioned Heero leaving. Instead they spent a lot of time together, playing cards, reading, watching TV, and taking walks outside in the expansive gardens surrounding the house and even short trips into town.
Heero, like Trowa, felt awkward having people prepare all his meals for him so once Trowa was up for solid food, every evening they could be found sitting in the kitchen as they prepared meals together.
end flashback
Heero closed his eys and sighed, the lilting, sad sound of the flute causing the dull ache in his chest to sharpen.
What a perfect time that was. It was just the two of us and it felt so right just to be with him. I should have told him while I had the chance. There were so many openings…..
begin flashback
"Trowa…..is this….your room?"
"Yes."
Trowa continued to leaf through a song book looking for a particular song he wanted to play while Heero let his gaze wander around the room. He'd been curious ever since he arrived as to why Trowa was sleeping in a single bed in a room that obviously seemed his alone, but his concern for Trowa outweighed his curiosity. The room was done in warm earth tones and there were several bookcases crammed with books of all sorts. There was one tall chest of drawers and a worn leather chair which Heero currently occupied. One corner of the room was dedicated to music with a couple stacks of music books, his flute case and a music stand. The walls were bare with the exception of a small wall by the entrance that was littered with photos of Catherine and his family at the circus as well as pictures of the pilots. Heero liked the room and felt comfortable in it immediately.
"Where's…Quatre's room?"
"Our bedroom is through that door."
Trowa nodded absently at a nondescript door on the far wall. Heero had assumed it was a closet. He frowned at the door and what lay beyond it, thankful that he hadn't had to face the bed that Trowa shared with Quatre. Did he do that on purpose? Does he know how I feel about him? I guess me showing up like this is pretty unorthodox. He has to sense something is going on.
"Ah, here we go. Ready, Heero?"
Heero returned his attention to the tall, slim man standing a few feet away. He nodded and smiled as he sat back and listened to Trowa play---
"Hey, Heero. Whatcha doin' out here in the hallway?"
Heero was ripped from his memories and he scowled, more at his own stupidity for being caught than Duo interrupting him and he stiffened when he heard the playing stop.
"I was just listening."
"Trowa doesn't mind if you go in and listen to him, c'mon."
Duo grabbed Heero's hand but the former pilot of Wing Zero yanked it away and growled at his well-intentioned friend.
"Let go."
"Hey! What's wrong with you?"
Trowa appeared in the doorway, flute in hand, betraying none of the emotions within. He hadn't known Heero had been standing there listening to him. He had been too caught up in playing and thinking about Heero. Only Duo's voice and the sound of Heero's name brought him back to reality.
"Hey guys."
"Hey, Trowa. Heero and I were just coming to listen to you play, if that's alright. I have a bit before I have to go baste a bird."
"Of course."
A sharp green eye turned to Heero who couldn't hold the gaze. He turned, mumbled something about a headache and fled to his room.
To be continued….