Fresh Produce

The war was hard on a person. Sometimes you would just need a little me-time, time to reflect, time to invest in something personal, private, something relaxing. For once I decided to get away from the computer and sit in my room. It was very nice, the solitude, the breeze through the windows, the strawberries. Yeah...I loved strawberries, although I didn't much eat them...they might be...a hobby in a way. Quatre always grew them in the garden out back and I must admit, who's growing them might be influencing my fondness for them.

I know, its not my style right, only in private, I don't think anyone else could deal with it, it's...interesting...

I was just shoving my pack of fresh strawberries under the bed when there was a knock at my door.

"Heero?" Quatre's voice drifted past my ears. I hoped that the fruit had been hidden good enough, there would be much explaining if someone were to find it. I hoped the room didn't smell too much, I'd taken the precaution of opening a window.

"Come in." I said monotonously. Quatre slinked into the room and gave me snuggly hug. That always gets to me...hugs were my weakness. I, yes me, the one that shows no emotion, was just about to engage a kiss with the blonde when he pulled his head back.

"Is that what I think it is?" Quatre inquires. Shit...this wasn't supposed to happen, I'd taken measures to prevent it. Quick, time to cover my tracks.

"Hn?" Real smooth there Heero...that'll keep him at bay.

"Do I smell strawberries? Are you hiding them from me Heero?" Shit, shit, shit...this wasn't under control.

"No..." dammit...he's going to look. I have to do something. I was stalling...and I was also too late. Why did this have to happen to me? Why did Quatre have to love strawberries as much as me? Why couldn't my one secret stay secret? Quatre had pulled the carton out from under my bed and was inspecting it.

"Ah..." he said happily, "White chocolate strawberries! You're so kind Heero!" Then he gave me his little sly, seductive smile and opened the carton.

"Mmmm, they look delish!" I thought I was going to vomit all over the floor right then; when he chose one and was placing so close to his mouth...so close, dread seeped over me, he can't eat one, he doesn't know!

"Wait..." Real convincing right there...but it was too late, the blonde had already eaten it and was licking his fingers. It took all I had in me to not empty the contents of my stomach right there on the spot. I couldn't believe he hadn't said anything yet. He must be able to taste the difference...I stood with my mouth open.

"Oh, I'm sorry Heero...I didn't offer you any. It's rude of me to just come in and eat all of your food without sharing." So he picks out another strawberry and starts to walk slowly over to where I'm standing. I could've cried, this couldn't be happening, I couldn't eat them. What am I supposed to do? This beautiful person, standing right in front of me, I don't want to hurt his feelings, but I don't want to puke all over him either. Okay, I'll just do this... just once... get it over with... won't say anything... maybe he'll stop then... just pretend it's chocolate... only chocolate. So, I ate it and let me tell you, there was no way I could pretend it was chocolate. After what seemed like hours I finally got up the courage to swallow. It could have been worse but I had no idea how I would tell Quatre, I didn't want him to think I was totally disgusting, he might go into a guilt trip for making me eat one, and I didn't want that either.

"Quatre..." I could hardly talk, "that wasn't...the strawberries...it wasn't white chocolate..." Here comes the shock, the disapproval, the hurt. He looked straight into my eyes, and I looked into his, waiting for his reaction...

"I know." he smirked.