Disclaimer: Just playing.
Hidden Hearts
Chapter 7
Wufei's eyes remained focused on the empty kitchen table where he and his friends were not having breakfast like they normally would. He clasped his mug firmly within both hands, his instincts telling him something major had happened last night. His first clue was coming downstairs to find he was the first person awake, no evidence of Heero or Trowa having already been in the kitchen to make coffee.
His second clue came while pouring steaming water into a mug for tea. Duo entered the kitchen, sleepy, disheveled, putting a full plate of leftovers back in the fridge and shuffling over to make coffee. Before Wufei could demand satisfaction for his victory and berate Duo for his weakness, Duo turned around and aimed bloodshot eyes at his friend and spoke in a soft voice.
"I took the food, but I didn't eat it. So let's call it a draw, ok, 'Fei?"
Wufei was shocked and concerned for Duo's appearance and lack of life. No matter the time of day or his health, Duo always had some sort of energy.
As Duo prepared to make a pot of coffee and pulled two mugs from the cupboard, Wufei sat at the table and steeped his tea bag, wondering what, if anything, he should say to his friend. Maybe he just had a sleepless night. But something serious must be wrong if he didn't eat the leftovers. Or try to hide the fact from me that he took them in the first place. And what the hell is he doing with two mugs?
As Wufei weighed the options and debated how much tact he wanted to use, Heero appeared in the kitchen looking to be his usual self. Without a word of greeting to anyone, he went over and took out a coffee mug and placed it next to the two Duo had already pulled out and went to sit at the table where he offered a nod to Wufei and received one in return.
After a few silent moments the sound of coffee being poured could be heard and Heero stood up, only to find Duo pouring the pot of coffee down the drain.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Wufei looked up to see Duo glaring at Heero as he emptied the coffee into the sink and then turned away to pick up the two full mugs of coffee.
"If you need me, 'Fei, I'll be in Quatre's room."
And with those words Duo left, leaving Wufei confused at his behavior and Heero looking like he'd seen a ghost.
"What was that all about, Yuy?"
Heero recognized the tone of voice and normally he would be willing to offer up information, knowing Wufei wouldn't stop until he got the answers he wanted. Especially since he used my surname. He always means business then. But he wasn't in the mood this morning and he really wasn't sure it was his place to offer any information.
"Nothing."
And with that, Heero left the kitchen. So Wufei sat there and analyzed all he had observed that morning: Duo was obviously angry with Heero and it had something to do with Quatre. And Duo only took two coffee mugs back to Quatre's room, not three. So where does that leave Trowa?
As Wufei kept reviewing the facts he could only come up with one conclusion no matter how he looked at things: Trowa must have told Quatre about him and Heero and somehow Duo ended up comforting Quatre. So my theory about them was correct. I wonder how long they've been having an affair.
Wufei groaned and took a tentative sip of his tea, making a mental note to call Sally when he got back to his room and tell her how thankful he was to have her.
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When Heero got back to his room, Trowa was awake and offered a small smile.
"Good morning."
Heero's heart skipped a beat at the realization that Trowa was in his bed, smiling, waiting for him.
"M-morning."
Trowa's smile fell and he sat up from leaning back against the headboard, draping his arms around his pulled up knees. I thought he went to get some coffee?
"Is something wrong?"
Heero sighed, sounding tired.
"Nothing unexpected I guess."
Heero sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over, his elbows on his knees, hands clasping handfuls of hair.
"I went downstairs to make coffee and Duo was already there. He poured two cups of coffee, dumped the rest down the drain while giving me a look of pure death and then said he'd be in Quatre's room."
"I see."
"I knew things were going to be difficult with Quatre, but….."
"I'm sorry, Heero."
Heero sat up and turned to see Trowa hugging his knees, his chin resting on the tops of his knees, facing Heero. He reached out and stroked the auburn hair and kissed Trowa's temple.
"Don't be. Things will work themselves out."
"And if they don't?"
Heero's hand faltered in its gentle ministrations, but then the corners of his lips curved up as he leaned in, his hand guiding Trowa's head upright so he could deliver a sweet, tender kiss.
"Then we're stuck with each other."
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"How do you feel?"
Quatre took a tentative sip of the steaming coffee, his brows furrowed at an unbidden thought echoing in his mind: Trowa would have put in cream and sugar and an ice cube.
The anger he had from last night was gone. It wasn't in his nature to remain angry.
"Anger is a very unhealthy emotion, Quatre. You should rise above it."
Quatre let out a quiet, bitter, chuckle at his father's words. Yeah, but you never got dumped, did you, father?
"Quatre?"
Duo had been watching Quatre like a hawk since last night, his concern for his broken hearted friend driving him almost to the point of paranoia. And now he watched as Quatre seemingly had a silent conversation while sipping his coffee and staring forward, frowning.
Quatre continued to talk, unprompted by Duo. He just stared and spoke out loud. To whom, Duo hadn't a clue. At least he's talking though.
"He was so calm about the whole thing. He didn't say much, just pulled out his suitcase, packed his clothes, and left. I could never be that strong. Then again, he had someone waiting for him. He's not the one who's alone, so why should he be upset? I'm the one who was left behind."
Duo put down his cup of coffee and went over to Quatre, kneeling before him like last night. Only now, bathed in the morning light, Quatre could see the pity in the pale amethyst eyes. The normally congenial blonde frowned.
"Don't look at me like that."
"Like what? Quat, I don't--"
"And stop calling me that!"
Quatre stood up and Duo quickly moved out of the way as Quatre made his way back into the bedroom from the balcony where they were having coffee.
"It sounds so childish! I'm not a child, damn it!"
Quatre threw off his robe and stormed towards the bathroom, leaving the door open. Duo walked back into the bedroom and slowly made his way to the door.
"And I'm not going to just sit around here like some wounded little rabbit!"
Duo could hear the sound of the shower running now. Suddenly Quatre appeared in the bathroom door, naked and angry.
"I'm sick and tired of everyone treating me like I'm some fragile piece of porcelain! I am a grown man and I run an enormous company that is worth billions of dollars. And just because I got dumped doesn't mean---"
Duo had been slowly approaching the raving Quatre and he reached out, hesitantly, to brush away the tears streaming down his face. Quatre seemed shocked by the gesture and small touch and he looked at Duo as if realizing for the first time he was not alone.
"Duo?"
"It's ok. Let it all out. That's what I'm here for."
"I don't--!"
"Yes, you do."
Duo stood there and waited for Quatre to own up to his emotions but the petite blonde glared at Duo and shoved the door in his face. Duo stood there and waited, listening. He heard the shower still running, and he heard crying and mumbled words. So he sat there and waited for Quatre to come out. He would stay and wait as long as it took for his friend to reappear. And he would patiently wait for Quatre to breakdown again. And he would be there, just like before, just like now.
To be continued….
