Teach Me To Hear The Mermaids Singing

by Aishi-Cc

Those born of land and sea forever live apart but sometimes those worlds crash like waves upon the shore. They say true love can conquer all but sometimes it needs a little bit of help. 2x3x2

10. The Last Page Of A Fairytail

And here we have the last chapter in this very not Disney version of this classic fairytale, still not enjoying that whiny teen but blah. I am working on the plot for a squeal so feel free to throw out suggestions if you have them. Hope you all enjoyed this one, be sure to leave a review before going and reviewing my other 2x3x2 fiction. Bye bye till the end.

WarNinGs: The end...happy sad moment yes?

Aishi Say

"Otogibanashi saigo no PEEJI wa
Kakikaerarete higeki ni kawari
Tatta hitotsu shinjiteta
Hito no kokoro sae mo miushinau
Ai mo yume mo marude
Suna no oshiro mitai na no
Hakanaku kowarete yuku no yo
Sore o nozomanakutatte..."

The beginning of 'Return To The Sea' sometimes refereed to as 'Sara's Song', I watched this Anime once when I was bored and decided to watch some things I had heard of but never seen. This was not well dubbed but it might get a chuckle or two from you. At any rate feel free to YouTube the song, you may like it.

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Duo sighed just sitting on his bed, he had manged to get dressed at some point between the tub and the bed, how he could not say if Trowa's life depended on it. He was only sure he was dressed and neither of the princes had called on him, everything else was hazy at best. Sighing softly he was unsure what to do, what he even could do. By all accounts he had until morning, sunrise or after the sun had completely cleared the horizon made little difference really. He had tonight to get his confession then it was back to the sea with him. Hilde had to have noticed he was missing by now, avoiding her and whoever she sent after him, would be hard while looking for humans to save. Trowa was planing on returning home within a week or so, and had no plans on returning here until late Autumn. He could not remain here that long as a human on one wish, nor was he likely to be able to get to Trowa before his allotted time ran out. All in all it was no surprise he was in a haze now. A gentle rap on his door drew his attention, not so much the sound but the feeling someone he wanted to see was on the other side. "It's open." Duo blinked when Trowa slipped into his room, his own long bangs damp, "Trowa."

"Duo...is everything all right?" Trowa asked noting Duo's faraway expression, it was so unlike the expressive brunette he had come to know.

Duo looked up when Trowa stopped before him, tone calm but still betraying his concern, not that he expected anything else. "I...I need to go back."

Trowa frowned when Duo answered with he had to go back, the prince was not happy with that answer. "What are you talking about Duo, you do not have to do anything?"

Duo sighed, hands folding between his knees, Trowa meant what he said but he just did not understand. "I wish that was true, more then anything, but I do."

Trowa knelt before the troubled young man, taking his hands gently into his own, "Duo whatever is wrong you know we will help, just tell me what it is so I can help you."

Duo glanced at his hands, wishing his problem was something Trowa could fix as easily as he seemed to fix everything. "I am sorry Trowa but it'll take more then a glare to help this time." He looked up when Trowa tighten his grip, "I will come back, I promise."

Trowa nodded bowing his head, "You know none of us will stop you if you feel you must go but...must you?"

Duo closed his eyes tilting his head back, he had never wanted to hurt his prince, "I wish I could say no but...I am really bad at lying."

"Duo it's all right, you know I am not angry don't you?" Trowa reached out stroking Duo's cheek, smiling reassuringly when the other blinked down at him. "Please don't look so sad?"

Duo sniffed, clasping Trowa's free hand in both of his, how could he leave this man so soon? "I know you aren't mad at me, you're just frustrated because I can't stay just yet...and you can't follow me." Sighing softly he smiled at the human prince, he was charismatic, magnetic, electric and everybody knew it. Most important of all this intriguing human had chosen him from the countless masses in at least two kingdoms, him. He had his unfaltering loyalty, his compassion, but he was unsure if he also had the human's heart. "Thank you for letting me go."

"We love you Duo, you do not cage what you love if you truly love it." Duo said he would returned and Trowa was sure he would, as he was sure he could not follow Duo home. Why he had no solid answer for but Duo was sure and that was enough for him.

Duo smiled, maybe if he had said I and not we it would have counted but we was too general, friendship was not enough to keep him human even if it was love. "I love you all too Silly Kitty. If I am not back before your family leaves I want you to go home with them."

"No," Trowa protested softly, shaking his head, he could stay a little longer if Duo needed him to, there was nothing that pressing back home.

Duo squeezed the human's hand, he would have been hurt if Trowa had not resisted at least a little. "Yes. Quatre will see I stay out of trouble for you. I am not sure how long it will take to set things right, I do not want you putting everything on hold just for me."

Trowa sighed softly, nodding after a long moment, looking up, "If that is your wish then I will go, but promise me you will not take too long saying goodbye to Hilde."

Duo blinked before smiling, so insightful, "If she had not been my only friend for so long I would not go to her in person, I owe her that much...don't I?"

Trowa smiled laying his free hand on Duo's cheek, "And that is why we love you so, Hilde was a fool to treat you so coldly but I understand how you feel."

Duo closed his eyes, face tilting slightly into Trowa's palm, why did he always feel so warm? "And that is why I love you Trowa, you truly do understand me. I swear I will return as soon as I can."

Trowa closed his eyes, he did not want to let Duo go but what else could he do? He already had made that clear, as well as he had a home with his family, what more was there to say? Duo was determined he had to go and there was nothing he could think to say to change his mind. "I know Duo...tell me one thing if you can?"

Duo wanted to pull his prince to him but was afraid to, would making the first move ruin his chance to stay? When Trowa asked for an answer he frowned slightly, "If I can answer you I will."

"Hilde is the only reason you are going back right? Because you use to be best friends?" Trowa wanted to hear a yes, that there was no one else Duo cared about back home, where ever that even was.

Duo blinked at the question, just staring at Trowa for a moment before smiling and taking both his hands. "She was as close to a Quatre as I ever got in my life that is still alive. I never really got to tell Solo how much he meant to me so I have to make sure she knows. She will be furious with me but maybe in time she will remember we use to be like siblings." Duo shrugged helplessly, he knew what Trowa was asking him and he hoped he would believe him now.

Trowa frowned slightly at the mention of a Solo, who was now dead, but could understand how he would feel if he and Quatre came to be at odds. In five years nothing much had changed but five years was not all that long in the grand scheme of things. "If she does someday then she will be welcomed to visit my kingdom, if she remains embittered she will be escorted out gently but firmly."

Duo smiled touched by forgiveness offered to a stranger he had no reason to like let alone forgive, the depth of human kindness every human was gifted with was enviable. "A better offer then she would give you in her place."

Trowa shook his head, turning when there was knock before a solider walked in. Getting to his feet he frowned at the armored man, "Yes?"

"Pardon my intrusion sire but a messenger from Sanq has just arrived. Prince Quatre ordered me to collect you, his words." The young private looked a little nervous as he glanced at the braided youth, sure he had interrupted something if not sure about what.

"Sanq?" Duo asked not sure where that was, he had heard it was a nice place so he could understand why a messenger from there would get everyone's attention. The soldier was rushed but not afraid so he doubted it was bad news, Trowa was also calmly standing there.

Trowa frowned slightly, collect meant important but not dire so there was likely no great battle to be fought in the near future. "Leave us, I will join the others in a moment."

"Sire," The soldier bowed before leaving as ordered without another word.

"It is likely no more then some self important minor lord trying to seem more important then he is," Trowa assured Duo turning to him, he had to have heard of Sanq in passing at least. "A kingdom of talkers, Bloom are part of their Alliance but we prefer a hands on approach to problems, the Winners are more hands off then we are but still more hands on the Peacecrafts. Do not worry collecting me is never a true threat. Stay here, this meeting is for royals only, exceptions take time to make and you are too new for any Sanqs to go for it without a lot of fighting." Trowa sighed shaking his head before turning, "Don't wait up."

Duo nodded, watching Trowa turn away as he walked out, sighing softly he bowed his head. He took some comfort in the fact that Trowa was sure there was no immediate danger to be faced by any of his new friends. That aside he had a feeling he would not be seeing either prince for quite a while, royal only meetings and all. Sighing softly he curled up on the bed and closed his eyes, Fates willing he would get to say goodbye at least. "sorry."

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Quatre turned wen he heard Trowa's annoyed sigh behind him, his friend did not look happy, still curious though. "Something wrong?"

"Duo was talking about owing Hilde a face to face goodbye when your messenger came to fetch me, I told him not to worry or wait up." Trowa was ready to hear this messenger, he did not know if they even had something important to pass along. Duo was unhappy and he did not enjoy leaving Duo alone just then, a feeling that was nagging him slightly even now.

Quatre nodded, the reason for his friend's annoyance was another friend's distress, perfectly natural and nothing for him to worry about just then. Duo could not attend this meeting, without a lot of yelling in polite inside voices, so it could not be helped. "I will do what I can to speed this along so you can assure Duo all is well. It is too late for long meaningless speeches."

"If it was not Sanq I would not even have come," Trowa reminded his friend before frowning, leaning close so he could whisper into his pale ear. "Zechs?"

Quatre blinked when Trowa mentioned an alias that would give this meeting an entirely new spin. Frowning slightly he considered that, it was very possible their friend knew something that needed passed along in person, or even something less direct but no less important. "And if it is?"

"I've heard a few whispers before I left home, been a while since we played with pirates." Trowa smirked at Quatre's questioning look when he mentioned whispers, "Why Quatre don't you trust me?"

Quatre rolled his eyes, if he had not known Trowa so well or so long he would likely not trust him when he said things like that. "You are a far better actor then I so of course his little birds passed something along to you. If it is a key to the pirates causing a bit of trouble before winter storms then it will be easily dealt with. Duo will no doubt enjoy the entire swashbuckling thing, gods know you do. If it is Zechs we will have to get Duo clearance, we can both vouch for him."

Trowa nodded, no doubt Duo would talk like a pirate until he got his braid yanked, playfully or otherwise. "They will get along just fine, though Zechs is no longer the longest haired male we know, hm?"

Quatre chuckled softly at his friend's observation, no doubt Noin would get a good laugh out of it. "I am sure he will not hold that against Duo, he is a gentleman after all." Nodding to the guards he ignored Trowa's scoff, entering the large room he relaxed when he saw Zechs speaking calmly with Trowa's family. Nodding when heads turned he took his seat, Trowa on his right as was usual when they were not sitting with their families. Bloom, Winner, Peacecraft, and others were scattered around the large oval table, servants seeing to drinks as they finished sitting. "Lord Peacecraft welcome once more to our home, please what caused you to call an informal meeting so late?"

Millardo Peacecraft bowed his head to his fellow blonde, standing was for much more formal gatherings, and the servants seemed to get a bit jumpy when nobles constantly stood and sat. Quatre and Trowa were two of his, he had lucked out finding the pair. Roughly five years ago he had been talking with Noin and an idea had formed between them. The Alliance was large and needed a small group who could act on threats such as kidnapping and assassinations attempts. Time could save or lose lives and official channels, even among allies, took time. Collecting the best spycrafters in the Alliance he had form the official but shadowy network dubbed Preventors. He had first noticed Quatre during a diplomatic meeting a few years before, he had been even younger looking then. The younger blonde proved as skilled as his sister when it came to disarming potentially volatile situation, as well as getting along splendidly with each other. Trowa had come to his attention roughly three years ago, while at a semi formal meting about shipping treaties and the like. The green eyed youth proved as good at reading and playing people as any diplomat or confidence man, able to lie when needed but no more. When he saw the pair work off each other he had known right then and there he needed them both. Quatre worked well in the open political world, as well as keeping them all honest which was important in the spy word. Trowa worked more in the shadows since he could slip away for longer with no one being the wiser, beyond his sister and mother or course. He was looking forward to hearing their input on this latest little snag. Taking a sip of whine he smiled slightly, the niceties came easier to Quatre and his sister, "A pleasure as always thank you. I fear many merchants have come asking for assistance with their pirate problems. Most are insured so lose of life has been minimal however it seems there has been an increase in kidnappings as of late."

"I heard lovely young people, of both gentle and common birth have been taken. A few have been ransomed but the rest are feared to have been sold on the slave markets. While illegal in all of the territories who make up our great Alliance, it is not in other kingdoms, even some we trade with." A young man in his late twenties chimed in, he was a merchant so he knew such things better then some of the others.

Trowa smirked slightly with a knowing look before glancing at the noble he knew was a decent man if not a bit grabby when drunk. "Have these kingdoms been warned? It does us little good to forbid it at home while allowing our people to be subjected to it elsewhere."

"One can always count on a Bloom to be direct," Millardo teased gently, Trowa just bowed his head looking amused. "To answer you yes, we also have reminded them of the penalties for owning slaves taken from our ships or territories. All diplomatic actions have been taken, my sister has been enjoying herself." He paused as a few of the gathered chuckled, Relena was well known for enjoying the more tedious parts of diplomacy. "We are asking for those of you with naval forces to volunteer as many ships as you can."

"They have not bothered many of our ships but we have a few fast ships that will be of use." King Winner was fine with piracy when it was simply goods taken, this was another matter.

"I also have a few floating about, criminals do enjoy hiding in the Lowlands and caves back home, pirates do not do well when they attack our ships. My husband, gods keeps him, never did the greedy." Elizabeth Bloom smiled sweetly before sipping her whine, you did not steal from a Celt, it was just not wise.

Millardo knew all about Bloom policy on pirates, the sharks wishes more shared them, "Thank you both. Now on to less pressing matters."

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"So you want us hunting pirates? Zechs you didn't have to spoil me for my birthday," Trowa teased as he crossed his ankles on the broad old desk. Quatre's private study was more comfortable then formal rooms.

Quatre shook his head at his best friend, he really did enjoy his work, "You could have mentioned all of this sooner."

"I wanted all the facts before bringing you in Quatre, I knew you two would be together and did not wish to bother you needlessly. Trowa I always spoil my best agents when I can, besides who else would I send after rats hm?" Zechs leaned back in the chair beside Trowa, sipping his whine as he though, "That young man you are with, who is he?"

"Duo, vetting him for this meeting would have been a bother but he's trustworthy. Wouldn't surprise me if he ran away from one of those slave friendly kingdoms," Trowa muttered, frowning when he realized what with could have been implying. "With how?"

"If I am to believe rumors then congratulations are in order, but I was only referring to the fact he has been seen around you both quite a bit." Zechs was use to Trowa noting word choice in teasing way among friends, he was a feline after all.

Quatre smiled at the exchange that could have gone horribly wrong if they were not such good friends, Zechs was very honest and loyal for a prince turned spy. "We've all kind of adopted him after he saved my life. He is a clever one but I am unsure how useful he would be in the field, unless he dressed up as a girl again."

"Again?" Zechs asked, he could use a good funny story after so much polite diplomatic talk. He could always count on one of Trowa's friends to be entertaining, the younger prince did not care for boring people.

"My mother dressed Duo up for a mask you missed, the masses were jealous, and Francis was pouting the entire night." Quatre did not dislike the man as much as Trowa did but he was no friend, besides Francis had only wanted Duo because he was new and favored. He was still curious if Francis had figured out yet who Duo really was, it hardly mattered since he was too afraid of Trowa to do anything to Duo.

Trowa shook his head at the grinning blonde, "Richard already wanted to dress him up like some noble so he did not need that kind of unwanted attention."

"You almost bit him for that, I highly doubt he would dare try and parade him around again. Duo mentioned you almost broke Francis' arm when they met afterwards." Quatre was having fun teasing Trowa a bit about Duo, it might get him thinking. He knew his friends well after all, sometimes even the most logical and clear thinking minds needed a push in the right direction now and then.

Trowa sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose, "He attacked Duo because he was rejected, the bastard is lucky I was in a forgiving mood."

Zechs chuckled at the two way conversation, they might as well be brothers by blood. "My, my. I must meet this man before I leave or Noin will kill me."

"Oh honestly," Trowa muttered at the blondes, they were lucky they were all friends or he might get more then mildly annoyed. "You can meet him tomorrow if you want, he will no doubt enjoy the experience."

Quatre smiled, he agreed entirely that Duo and Zechs would get along once they met and decided they were both long haired and wonderful. "That he would indeed. Now when exactly do you want us to join you sailing?"

"It will take a few days at least to get the numbers straight though I am hoping for the end of this week. While the number of missing is small the fact that they are targeting gentle born as well means they are bold, bold criminals always spell trouble." Zechs knew more about criminals then he liked, sadly one had to know something in order to know how to stop it.

"I was leaving about then anyway so that is fine, Sis will see to things back home in case anything interesting has happened. You have a report for us, or is there nothing new since we last spoke?" Trowa was curious if there was anything new, or if they would just be sitting around talking for a while longer.

"Very little besides more accurate numbers and the like, all of which you will be getting at a decent hour tomorrow." Zechs was use to late night meetings like this, spies kept such hours or they did not last long as spies.

Quatre glanced at the pair and shook his head, it was getting late and there seemed like there would be plenty of work before the week ended. "Perhaps we should all call it a night? No doubt there will be a few late nights ahead of us so we might as well get some sleep."

"Keeping us honest and sane, a full time job at times. I will meet you both after lunch, fill this Duo in on the basics and I will see if he can be helpful then." Zechs set down his empty glass as he stood, bowing to the pair he grinned, "Until brighter light my friends."

"You think Duo is still awake?" Quatre asked watching Trowa stretch absently, he knew Trowa had been worried but had focused on work, work was done so there was no longer that distraction.

Trowa sighed softly as he considered that for a moment, "Not likely, he is emotional like you and worrying always wears you out."

Quatre nodded, Trowa knew a thing or two about comforting emotional people, "He will forgive you when you tell him he can hunt pirates with you."

"Oh gods don't get him started on that first thing hm? I'm going to bed now, love you always, go to bed." Trowa leaned down and kissed the blonde's forehead, smirking at his giggle before turning and walking out.

Quatre watched Trowa walk off, he was tried but fine so he let him go with nothing more then a laugh as a goodbye. All joking aside he was sure Duo would enjoy goofing off with them, though he was curious about what the merman thought of pirates. Leaving the glass where it was he decided bed sounded good, it was always cute when Trowa sent him to bed instead of the other way around.

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Duo took the gold and green mask Trowa had worn on one of the most wonderful nights of his life, the fire had been more relaxed so it beat out the mask for his favorite. He smiled fondly at it, still unsure what kitty it was modeled after, but not really caring. Trowa had checked up on him after the meeting, which had gone on very late, but had not tried to wake him. He had wanted to speak with the prince but he could feel his weariness, the poor thing was exhausted. Clearly the meeting had been more taxing then the other had expected, he had been right to tell him not to wait up. Setting the mask back onto the dark wood he took his torn scale from his pocket, the only one he had removed. In the silvery light it gleamed like a gem in the night, it was lovely if not distressing. If it did not mean his time was running out he would have been much happier to see them again. He had always liked his coloring, the fact his gown had mimicked his tail only in reverse had pleased him. Trowa had been pleased, speechless in a good way was always good, and he hoped Trowa would also like his tail. Quatre had assured him Trowa would not care that he had not always been human, other then intrigued which was hardly insulting, and he had seen nothing to make him doubt it. Finding out Trowa may be part fae made so much sense to him, fae were charming bastards and he was more then fine with being charmed by the prince who had been nothing but kind to him. It still amazed him that both princes were so noble, it made his own royals appear as petty and shallow as they really were.

Sighing softly he turned to the large very comfortable looking bed, Lady Hawk sleeping soundly on a pillow near the prince. Walking up to the sleeping pair he smiled, they were adorable. Trowa was laying on his right side, right arm laying between the headboard and the pillow Lady was sleeping on, left hand curled on the nearest corner of it. Dark covers stopped a little past Trowa's waist, bare skin looking very petable in the pale moon light coming from the large glass doors and windows. Allowing his fingers to ghost down a tone arm he closed his eyes, enjoying the solid warmth against his fingertips. Trowa's touch was always so warm, so inviting, even asleep and so dead to the world he was soothing to be around. Duo wanted more then anything to stay right were he was just then, fully understanding Selen's desire to keep Enydimon peacefully asleep forever. While selfish and shallow he did understand the joy of watching someone you love sleep peacefully, safe from the world and harm. Duo smiled knowing he might never see Trowa again but still taking comfort in seeing him one last time at perfect peace. Leaning close he brushed a light kiss to the human's check, lips stopping near his ear. "Never forget you made me the happiest man alive just by being you, never change. I will love you even if I live longer then you kingdom exists. Be happy and please do not cry for me, I could not bare it." Allowing his lips to linger a bit longer he pulled away when Trowa sighed softly, smiling bittersweetly at the human's faint smile. Wiping his eyes he patted Lady's head before turning and forcing himself to leave the room. It was best if he just left, he had already told Trowa he was planning to, and with Sanq stuff the prince would be too busy to come after him. Sighing he leaned against the closed door and bit back a sob, he knew he would hurt the first person to ever show him kindest for no selfish reason or gain. It broke his heart and it hurt so much deeper and more the he thought a heart could hurt. Humans were lucky they had such short lives to carry this sort of ache with them, souls hurt sure as the sea was deep.

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Trowa sighed lifting his head, yawning as he glanced down at the still sleeping whelp, she was enjoying being spoiled by everyone around her. Turning to look behind him he frowned at the first colors of dawn, sure he would have slept later. Shrugging he got out of bed feeling a bit restless and not at all sure why. Strange dreams had left a bittersweet feeling though he could not remember the dreams clearly just then. Allowing his mind to work absently on that he walked up to the glass doors and open them, walking outside, arms folding on the cool railing. Gazing at the sea he frowned, the eternal waves seeming so redundant and cold. Shaking his head he turned from them and reentered his room while visiting the Winners, he had chosen it oh so long ago. A glint of color on the dark cherry chest he had left his mask one drew his attention, as little things often did when he was lost in thought. Graceful fingers brushed the odd ovalish object roughly the size of a single knuckle. It was cool, river stone smooth, edge like a broken shard of glass. Taking it carefully he frowned, it looked like a sliver of amethyst but he knew better, this was no gem. The one end looked like it had slashed someone, a bit of flesh and blood were crusted but resent. Frowning he shook his head, sure he was imagining things since his mind was wandering so much this morning. The merman he had Quatre had hunted had shown off his amethyst tail while in hiding, in direct sunlight it no doubt would look like this. Quatre had not retrieved a scale from that day, he was sure of that, nor had he done more then seen the tail. Duo had to have been near by but he could not see the braided youth collecting this and not saying anything about it. Why had Duo been there anyway, why had he disappeared like he had? He had found Duo naked on the beach, he spoke of a home that was lonely and that neither of the princes would be welcomed, could he really not be human?

Trowa growled softly under his breath, how could he have been so blind? Duo had tried to tell him before the meeting he knew it, that he had had to go and was trying so hard not to hurt him, the pain had been so clear and it had stung. It all made sense, he had saved Quatre's life and had used his wish to become human. Curious as he clearly was he had not become human just to look around, not entirely, which left coming for a human. Duo had become human for him and he had missed it, how he would figure out later, it was unimportant just then. Duo had to left the scale as a message, he was gone, maybe not forever but that could be soon. Clenching his fist he growled at his own blindness before walking up to the nightstand. Scribing a quick note that only Quatre would be able to understand he turned ignoring the blood dripping from his slashed palm. Snatching a dark hunter shirt he left his room knowing Lady would be fine since Quatre would come check on him once he was awake. "Fool."

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Duo sighed, head bowed, navy shirt all the clothing he had left on once he had made it to the cove he had first met the prince who likely was not even missing him yet. Trowa had come to him very late, if he was up before noon he would be surprised. It made waiting a little bit easier for him, knowing Quatre would know and Trowa would not miss him until he was gone. As much as he hated that he knew if he had been forced to face Trowa after it was too late the pain and guilt would crush his heart. The cold waves were still colored with the last bit of color from dawn, they were not the least bit bothered by his personal tragedy. The sound of hooves drew his absent attention, turning completely to face behind him when he heard the horse but no rider. Sure it was just the horse he had borrowed returning, humans trained them to do that after all. He blinked before getting to his feet, too shocked to make a sound let alone form words. Trowa did not appear to mind his stunned silence, looking too relived to notice really. Duo closed his eyes when Trowa pulled him close, holding him against his trembling chest, gods he felt good. Wrapping his arms around Trowa he clung to his warm shirt, not even caring if this was just some cruel dream, "Trowa."

Trowa tighten his grip when Duo finally spoke, he had not been too late, "Forgive me?"

Duo half opened his eyes when Trowa tighten his grip, he had clung to Quatre like this the day they had first spoken to each other. He had not just hurt his prince he had frighten him, the scale he had left must have scared him as Quatre's cries of fear had. At the whispered plea he smiled, how could he hold anything against some who loved him so? "Forgive you for what? What wrong have you done me?"

Trowa pulled away enough to stare at Duo, bright violet eyes just blinked up at him, was Duo testing him or did he not care? "For being as blind as the prince in the story."

Duo smiled at Trowa's answer, he was clearly expecting some sort of anger or at least resentment for not seeing what had been right in front of him. It did not matter any more, nor had he ignored him out of malice or spite, he simply was use to close friendships and had not considered looking deeper. Right hand released Trowa's shirt and stroked the back of his neck, he was still so damn petable. "You were also just as kind and gentle. You are everything I hoped you were, that is all that matters to me."

Trowa sighed softly at Duo's soothing touch, smiling at his kind words, he really was so very much like Quatre. Resting his forehead against Duo's he chuckled softly, the other could always make him laugh so easily. "Why did want to met me so badly hm? I am hardly special for a royal around here."

Duo grinned at the soft chuckle, he had missed that sound, Trowa had relaxed enough to tease him once more life was good. Free left hand tugged gently on long bangs getting a playful smirk, "Talk about blind. I first saw you the night of the storm with Triton, I had met him and made friends and he sure was happy to see you. You were so careful with him I was charmed, so I watched you, getting to know you but unable to speak." Duo smiled sadly when Trowa blinked at him, he was so cute confused or surprised. Resting his hands on the human's chest he sighed softly, Hilde was not nearly so confident yet modest. "When you spoke to me I wanted to reply but we are taught young to be weary of your kind, it is a hard habit to break. I knew you were kind, Quatre too, so I lingered in the shadows were I could watch you safely. When Quatre called out in fear I felt sick, it was Hilde not me he sensed but I did not realize that till I saw her. When Quatre hit the water you sounded so scared and hurt I would have saved him even if I had not known he was as kind as you. How could I not use my wish to meet you both...to let you get to know me as you had wanted to?"

"Duo...," Trowa trailed off shacking his head at the shorter brunette, his cinnamon hair shimmering in the sun like his bright eyes. "Why didn't you say anything? Were you forbidden to do more then hint?"

"Do you mean what I am or how I feel?" Duo questioned softly, smiling when Trowa frowned slightly, "I could not tell what I was, Quatre's gifts betrayed me, when I became fearful and you asked me why." Recollection and understanding glinted in dark eyes so Duo knew he did not have to elaborate, though Quatre might have some explaining to do once this was all said and done. "He assured me what I was would be no more then a curiosity to you, makes more sense now that it seems you may very well be part fae. With his assurances I focused only on being as honest as I could with you, you needed to know me to care and I never wanted to have to return home. I am less sure about confessing my feelings, I decided to play it safe just in case. The wish works more then once, but once Hilde figured out where I was she would never let me go until she was sure you were dead and gone."

Trowa sighed resting his forehead on Duo's shoulder, so many things made so much more sense now, gods he had been blind. "You truly do not care?"

Duo smiled, he would enjoy teasing his prince about his apparent blindness for a while, all in good humor of course. "You care, that is far more important then anything else." Sensing Trowa tense he jerked the human away, blinking when a flash of sliver clipped a dark green sleeve. "Hilde!?"

Hilde glared at the human before turning to the stunned Duo, not even wanting to think about the fact he was only wearing a shirt. "That is princess to you traitor!"

"Me?! How long did it even take to notice I was gone? Leave him alone Hilde, he is no threat to you unless you attack me." Duo knew Trowa may want to kill her but that did not mean he would kill her, he might not even be armed just then.

Trowa glared, ignoring his bleeding arm as he got between the pair of merfolk in human form, "This not your kingdom princess, you are not welcomed here Duo is. Go in peace, or we can do this the hard way."

"You will strangle me with your bare hands then savage? If you run back to you little place I will let you run, but Duo is not for you." Hilde did not take her eyes off of the human, she knew he was dangerous and Duo would hesitate when he would not.

Green eyes narrowed, teeth bared in a snarl, so much for diplomacy, "Duo is for whoever he chooses to be with, he is my friend and you will not take him against his will."

"Trowa," Duo whispered touched, noting the blood on the prince's sleeve he bit his lip, Trowa had not drawn a blade but he might not need one. Hilde had mentioned strangling but he was thinking more of a snapped neck, Trowa really did not like her.

"I almost believe you human, almost. I have known Duo longer then you have drawn breath, he is my subject, and he will not be remaining here with you." Hilde struck with a shriek, blinking when the human caught her wrists, eyes cold as any shark's. His grip was stronger then she had expected but he was only a human, and so fought like one of such limited years. Lunging into to bite him she angled the blade nicking his arm as they went down. Hate fulled she kept the blade hovering over his throat, those cold eyes full of hate but no fear. She ignored Duo's rambling about stopping since he was not helping the human, typical of him really. Duo was a coward deep down she knew it, once the human was dead everything would go back to normal he would see. A sudden pressure at her back was followed by an odd coldness, such an odd coldness. Looking down she blinked at the blade sticking out of her chest, a human blade. Turning to look over her shoulder she blinked at Duo, he looked stricken but it had been his hand that had struck her. Turning from him she focused all of her hate, rage, and strength on killing the human below her. Gasping when another blade joined the first, Duo had just killed her.

Trowa pushed the dying women to his left, letting the sea reclaim her for all he cared. His upper left arm had mostly stopped bleeding, his lower right arm as well, his slashed palm from the scale had stopped bleeding a while ago. Sitting up he met a wide stare and reached out for the shocked youth, "Duo."

Duo fell to his knees, clinging to Trowa as he just sobbed into his neck, his prince live his former best friend was dead by his own hands. If Trowa had not kept blades in his boots the sobbing youth may very well have had only his corpse to cling to. He could hear soothing whispers but he could not make them out, they did not matter. Trowa loved him, excepted him, wanted him, but was willing to let him go if that was what was demanded of him. He pulled away so he could see those lovely eyes once more and smiled, straightening his bangs getting a smile, "You tried."

Trowa smiled in relief when Duo fixed his hair after he stopped just feeling, saying only two words but no more were really needed. "She was your friend once, how could I not?" Reaching up he dried Duo's eyes one at a time with his dry right hand.

Duo sighed softly as the surf soaked his skin and Trowa's clothes, wishing Hilde had just stayed away, she would have forgotten him in time. He hissed and looked down, amethyst tail and lavender fins glistened below his soaked shirt. Looking up at Trowa he bit his lip, hurt and drained the human tilted his head slightly before looking down. Duo caught the blink before shivering as graceful fingers moved over his damp scales unconcerned. He had wondered if Trowa's touch would feel as warm if he returned to his merman form, he now had an answer. Trowa's touch was gentle but just as warm as it had ever been, affection was affection it seemed. "I got my wish to see you dressed as a prince, you got your wish to see me like this...are you disappointed?"

Trowa turned his gaze to Duo's legs when they seemed to be of interest to their owner, blinking at the tail he had only glimpsed at before. There was no mistaking the tail as the source of the scale that had bit his palm in a moment of frustration as anything but. Delicate lavender fins stood out against the darker scales and wet sand, as translucent as fine silk. Curious he allowed his fingers to caress the smooth scales, warmer then a fish or snake but still cool compared to human flesh. The merman shivered at his touch but made no protest, he had no idea how sensitive scales were compared to skin. When Duo spoke again he looked up, head tilting at the merman questioningly. Lifting his hand he traced the edge of a rimed fin like ear, almost surprised it did not crack under the slight weight. Duo's bright eyes were half open, he looked unsure but hopeful. Smirking he grabbed the thick hair at the base of Duo's skull and pulled Duo's face to his own. Duo dug his claws into the front of his shirt but he could care less, Duo had gotten over his shock. When Duo pulled away he allowed him to move, "I love you Duo, never worry about disappointing me."

Duo had not expected Trowa to pull him close quite like he had, not that he minded once he recovered form his shock. The human's touch might always be warm and inviting his mouth was hot and demanding, it was a very pleasant combination. Pulling away so he could speak he was rewarded with the words he had hoped for, and gods did it feel good to hear. "See you aren't as blind as that prince after all." Duo grinned when Trowa laughed, turning his favorite sound into a moan as he allowed his mouth to move to the human's throat, it had been arched so nicely. Trowa placed his right hand on his shoulder fingers brushing the base of his throat, left hand on the small of his back. Duo raised his head, leaning up to whisper in the prince's ear, "I get another wish and I chose you, I will always choose you." Trowa smiled before pulling him into another kiss and Duo decided his wish could wait a few kisses more.

10Splash...Splash...Splash...Splash...Splash...Splash...Splash...Splash...Splash10

Yes the middleish of this chapter was just to set up the sequel but it was still enjoyable yes? The squeal will take place directly after this one, give or take a day, and will still have 2x3x2 goodness promise. As promised Duo will now focus some of his energy on Quatre since he will be staying, and yes pirate talking till his braid gets yanked. Any thoughts you would like to share please do before running off to read some of my other 2x3x2 stuff. I have one with Duo as a kitty...a walking cat toy and a cat hm? I hope you enjoyed this and will enjoy the next part as well.