Title: The Field Of Play

Author: Karina

Rating: PG

Pairing: Quatre + Trowa

Notes: Challenge 88. Baby Series 3 #29. Takes place a few minutes after Cause To Smirk.

Spoilers: None

Warnings:

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.

Many thanks to ShenLong Deb for betaing this chapter.

Title: The Field Of Play

"It is good to see them so relaxed with each other."

Duo looked handsome in a black, traditional long coat with a royal blue vest and Wu Fei effected a black suit, blending traditional Chinese style with old world Sanc, dark green trimming the collar, cuffs and hem. His hair was free of its usual tight restriction, Duo's tied off with a black velvet ribbon.

"They look good together," Quatre almost purred.

His eyes skimmed over the guests, noting who, like he and Trowa, stood on the side lines and surveyed the field of play. Speculation over who had killed Lord Richard was rife. He could almost see their curiosity, anxiety and, in some cases, fear.

"I was expecting rumours to be rife given they know the police spoke with Milliardo this afternoon."

There were many who were content to survey the field of play before delving into it. The murder and identity of the killer would be on everyone's mind, perhaps more so than the courtship of the King and Princess.

"No announcements concerning a marriage for Milliardo or Miss Relena will be made tonight. Parliament will have no joy out of this attempt, but that will not stop them from trying again."

Trowa inclined his head, green eyes sweeping the room, attentive to the subtle body language of the guests. He was interested in the byplay between Maxwell and Chang. It seemed to him Duo might have cause to celebrate, as Chang seemed easy in his company.

"They are a striking pair," Quatre murmured. "It is a pity really."

"What is?"

"There will be no double joy for them, no matter their best efforts. They can know happiness together, if only they would not attempt to include Milliardo in their relationship. They should be happy with what is building between them and leave well enough alone."

"You sound so certain there will be no threesome. They would go well together."

"They would," Quatre murmured. "They should take joy in what they can have and work toward increasing their bond. I do not want to see them unhappy and he is King, Trowa. That is one barrier they will never cross."

"They disagree."

"I know and they are only hurting themselves."

He wanted, some days, to shake the stuffing out of his lover. The problem was Quatre cared too much and it was his greatest failing. Empathy could be as much a curse as it was a blessing, and some days Trowa would give anything to relieve his lover's pain. How could Quatre live his own life when the lives of others impinged so forcefully on him?

Some days he wanted to wrap his lover in his arms and run. Run as far as he could, hiding him away in the remotest wilderness. With his empathy it was impossible for Quatre not to interfere where he should leave well enough alone.

End

Karina Robertson 2008