Warnings: shonen ai at best
Pairings: will be 1x2, 3x4
Category: AU, action/adventure, fantasy, romance
Author: Arigatomina
Without the Moon
Part 2
"What happened?"
Duo frowned as he found himself lying on a couch and sat up quickly. Looking at Quatre who knelt near him, he flushed with embarrassment, especially since the other three were watching him as well. "Look, I'm really not as weak as that looked. Don't judge me because of that."
"Explain it to us," Trowa said, shaking his head.
"Well, I usually get worn out after I transform, but not this bad." Hating the thought of looking weak in front of them, he glared. "Wait till you fight him, then you'll understand. He's very strong and he's too fast to hit with most attacks." Sighing, he shook his head, looking to Quatre's sympathetic eyes before a small smirk curved his lips. "And it's kinda hard to catch him off guard when all his attention's on you."
"Why did he fight you?" Wufei asked, frowning. "And why haven't we seen him before now? Why those monsters?"
Smirking, Duo glanced at him. "Well, you didn't see him because he wasn't here. I guess someone else was sending the monsters to this area because I've been fighting monsters of my own in America up until now." Nodding at their surprised expressions, he continued. "This guy didn't show up until about a month ago. That's when I followed him here."
"Followed him?" Heero asked, eyes narrowing dangerously. "You mean this was his destination, where we were? That means he wanted to get all of his enemies in one spot."
"That makes sense," Quatre said, nodding. "Maybe our battles up until now were just to test our strength."
"If that's the case then they should have sent stronger adversaries. They haven't seen our full strength." Looking at Duo, Wufei shook his head. "If what you say is true, then the monsters will get stronger, that or our enemy will fight us straight on."
"Well, I'm sure he'll be back," Duo said, still upset over his humiliating defeat. If his pride hadn't stood in his way, he would have told them how long he'd fought before they'd shown up. "But it's my guess that he had someone else watching from here while he was playing with me. I don't think he's powerful enough to fight the five of us, so we should be able to take out anyone he sends."
"Unless he hasn't shown you his true strength either," Wufei said black eyes narrowing. "Be sure of your enemies before you count on a victory. If it were me, I'd hold something back. I'm sure he's stronger than you know."
"Are you worried?" Duo asked, surprise evident in his tone. The Chinese boy seemed so self-assured.
"No," Wufei said, smirking. "I'm just thinking ahead. I'll not be defeated."
"Then we'll fight together?" Quatre asked, eyes wide as he turned to look at his friends hopefully, "Fight the enemy rather than each other?"
Heero nodded.
Smirking, Duo rubbed his eye for a minute before freezing, catching the time on his watch. "Oh shit. I gotta go guys. Shi-chan'll kill me."
"Who?"
Flushing at Heero's raised eyebrow, Duo grinned. "Um, my cat. Tell ya what, you guys gonna meet here after school tomorrow?" At the nods, he stood. "Great. I'll bring him over then. See ya." Waving briefly, he exited quickly.
"Do you think we should let him go alone like that?" Quatre asked, looking worriedly at the door. "Trowa?"
"If you tried escorting him, he'd probably get angry."
"I guess you're right."
"Heero, do you buy his story? About his power?" Wufei asked, folding his arms over his chest as intense eyes moved to his.
"I don't know. But it doesn't really matter. If he is as weak as he looked than we'll see it when we fight together."
"Heero! You think he'd lie?" Quatre asked, hurt written over his face as he frowned at the boy.
"Quatre, you just met him. You can't assume he's honest, even if he is a scout."
"Wufei, you too?"
"Don't argue," Trowa cut in, an arm slipping around the blonde boy's shoulder. "It's late. Quatre, I'll walk you home."
Smiling at the green-eyed boy, Quatre nodded. "Okay."
* * *
"Damnit, you wouldn't believe how bad it was. First they had to save me and then I passed out." Glaring at the floor, Duo scooted back on the bed, crossing his legs under him as Shinigami leapt onto his leg. "If Heero hadn't grabbed my staff like that I could have gotten back here without their knowing."
"Duo, he is the strongest enemy you've faced. You can't hold yourself responsible."
"You don't know the half of it, Shi-chan. It's like I couldn't breath...and I just kept getting weaker and weaker. I've never felt anything like it."
"Are you sure it was you?" the cat asked, rising on his hind legs, paws on Duo's arm as he looked up at him.
"What do you mean?" Duo demanded, confusion marring his expression.
"Well, you didn't have this much trouble when you fought him before. We know he wasn't using his full strength but that doesn't explain this."
"You mean he might have drained me. That's it, right?"
"It's possible. Even if he didn't, you were one. When they fight him, they'll understand."
"I hope so," Duo said softly, smirking. "You know, I almost hope he's hard to beat. Then they won't think I'm a push-over."
"You shouldn't worry so much about what they think of you," Shinigami said softly, brushing Duo's wrist with the tip of his tail. "You never cared before what people thought."
"I know. I just...I want them to like me."
"They will," Shinigami said, poking Duo's arm lightly with his claws before jumping to the floor. "Whether they like it or not."
* * *
"Are you sure you don't mind hanging around here all day? I mean, it'd have to get boring and I hate to think of some dog catching you." Frowning at the black cat watching him from the branch of a tree, Duo sighed. "You know I can pick you up from the apartment. You don't have to wait here."
"Duo, I'll be fine," Shinigami whispered, ears upright as his eyes watched for anyone who might get close enough to hear him. "Go on, you'll be late."
"Okay," Duo said, still frowning. "But if there's so much as a scratch on you when I get back there'll be hell to pay. And that means me."
"Go on," the cat said, cheeks rising so his eyes narrowed in what was his way of smiling as he batted a clawed paw at him.
"I'm going," Duo laughed, reaching up to ruffle the fur on the cat's head causing a growl. "I'll see you later, Shi-chan." Turning, he crossed the street, hefting his bag higher on his shoulder as he fought the urge to glance back. It wasn't that he didn't think Shi-chan could take care of himself, just that he cared. Hearing a giggle to his right, he smirked for a minute before halting.
"Hi." Hilde bit her lip for a minute as she looked at the boy, cheeks flushing at having to have her friends back her up, but it was the only way she'd have the courage to talk to him. "Um, my name's Hilde. You're in my English class."
"That's right," Duo said, eyes moving over her friends for a moment before returning to the black-haired girl. "The name's Duo, and I've seen you around." He smiled when her dark blue eyes sparkled and she gripped her books tighter to her chest.
"You're friends with Heero, is that right?"
Looking in surprise, Duo's eyes moved over the girl who'd spoken. She had straight sandy blonde hair that fell to the middle of her back and bangs that reached her eyebrows. Light blue eye staring at him as she waited for him to speak, he had to admit she was pretty. "Yeah, I know him." Her eyes narrowed dangerously and he frowned in confusion. "Why?"
"What makes you special? Heero doesn't make friends, especially not so quickly."
Taken back by the vehemence in her voice and the violence in her glare, he looked to the other girls, slightly molified by the way they rolled their eyes at their friend's behavior. "What's your name?" he asked, meeting the angry girl head on as he folded his arms over his chest, smirk firmly in place.
"Relena Peacecraft, now answer the question. Why would Heero let you sit at his table? And why were you walking with Trowa yesterday?"
"Wow, you're really nosey, anybody ever tell you that?" Duo asked, staring at her in disbelief.
"I tell her that every day. Dorothy Catalonia, and don't let Relena get to you. She has a one-track mind when it comes to Heero." Smirking, Dorothy extended her hand to shake.
Looking at the girl, Duo's eyes moved over her long pale blonde hair, blinking as he looked at her black, split eyebrows. "Well Dorothy, it's a pleasure to meet you." Smirking, he caught her hand and raised it to his lips, fighting a laugh when her eyes widened and a faint flush reached her cheeks before she jerked her hand back, glaring at him. "And you?" he asked, looking at the red-head.
Smiling at Dorothy's shocked and furious expression, Catherine nodded to the boy. "Catherine Bloom, but you can call me Cathy if you like."
"Well, maybe we can talk some more sometime," Duo said, grimacing as he glanced at his watch. "We have about forty seconds before first period."
"Oh no!" Letting out a cry, Hilde bolted for the door, calling over her shoulder before disappearing. "I've never been late!"
Grinning as the other girls took off, Duo veered off on his own dash, pausing for a split second to catch his breath before sailing into his room and sliding behind his seat as if he hadn't rushed. Miss Po entered a second later. Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he grinned at Heero's questioning gaze before settling down for class.
* * *
"Hey guys." Smiling, Duo sat at the table, setting his bag beside him.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Quatre asked, looking at the boy in concern.
"Not this stuff. Like I said, this food sucks. Don't worry," Duo grinned, "I'll stuff my face later."
"You were late this morning."
Blinking in surprise, Duo shook his head as he looked at Heero. "I wasn't late. I had a good five seconds to spare."
Snorting, Heero looked down as he took a bite of his rice, almost choking when a familiar figure came to stand beside their table. Swallowing, he turned to glare at the four girls, Relena standing in front, her eyes on him. "Go away."
Not bothered by the rebuff, Relena smiled sweetly at the cobalt-eyed boy. "Hello Heero, how are you? You don't mind if we join you." It wasn't a question, and she slid onto the bench beside him, completely oblivious to his glare. Smiling proudly, she looked at the girls. "Sit down, there's no reason to just stand there."
Left eyelid twitching, Wufei stared in disbelief as the four girls made themselves comfortable. They'd never attempted to sit at their table, not since the first time they'd asked and Heero had turned them away with his patent 'Death Glare'. //What the hell are they doing?!// "What do *you* want?" he asked, glaring at Relena who was obviously the ring-leader.
Ignoring the boy, Relena smiled as she watched Heero, frowning slightly when he made no move to look at her or eat. "Oh, Heero. Is there something wrong with your food? I'm sure someone could get you another tray."
Knowing it would be useless to glare at her, Heero ground his teeth, determined to ignore her as he forced his disgust away. Despite the fact that the food now tasted like cardboard, he resumed eating as if the girl wasn't there.
"Um, Duo? Is it okay if I sit by you?"
Eyes moving over the other boys, Duo grimaced. "Well, I guess so." He flinched when Wufei glared at him, obviously marking him as a traitor. "What?" he demanded defensively. "It's obvious Relena isn't going anywhere so why get mad at me?" Looking back at Hilde's uncertain expression, he shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Trowa, you're looking very well," Catherine said as she sat down across from the tall boy. "How are things?" she asked softly.
"Fine," Trowa said, not glaring as Heero had. Unlike him, he had nothing against the red-headed girl, and had no wish to treat her with cruelty.
Glancing up at Trowa, Quatre dropped his eyes quickly, hands folded beneath the table as he looked around. Relena was saying something to Heero who was ignoring her and Dorothy was smirking at Wufei's glare. Hilde and Duo were talking and Trowa... Sighing, Quatre shook his head. //I feel so left out. I don't want one of them to come after me, but they all seem...paired up.// Looking up again, he gave a small smile as Trowa's green eyes fell on him. "I have to go, I have a test to study for." Smiling when Duo looked up in surprise, Quatre stood quickly. Nodding, he turned and walked away.
Frowning as he watched the boy's figure move across the cafeteria, Trowa's eyes narrowed and he stood as he saw Quatre disappear through the door.
"Trowa?"
Glancing at Catherine's surprised expression, he shook his head before heading after the blonde boy.
Wondering what she'd missed, Catherine frowned and glanced at Dorothy, eyes widening when the blonde girl gave her a look that screamed, 'I told you so.' //Surely not...// She hadn't payed much attention to the small boy, but she blinked as she wondered if he'd left because of her. //If they're a couple, he wouldn't have been bothered. I don't understand.//
* * *
Leaning against the wall, Trowa watched Quatre. The pale boy was seated at one of the tables in the school's outdoor courtyard, an accounting book opened in front of him. //So he's just studying. Like he said.// Frowning, looked at the boy's face, eyes narrowing as he saw that Quatre wasn't looking at the book. Head bowed, his eyes were closed, long lashes dark against his pale cheeks. Moving silently, Trowa reached his side, laying a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder.
Flinching, Quatre looked up sharply, pale blue-green eyes very wide as he saw who it was. Blinking quickly, he gave a startled smile. "Trowa. What are you doing out here?"
"I should ask you that," Trowa said softly, sitting beside him. "I was concerned."
"Oh! I'm sorry. I'm fine," Quatre said quickly, dropping his eyes and shaking his head. "You didn't have to follow me."
Nudging the boy's chin up so their eyes met, Trowa shook his head. "You're not a very good liar, Quatre." The pale boy's cheeks darkened with a blush and Trowa smiled. "Why did you leave?"
Shaking his head, Quatre bent forward, elbows on the table. "I just needed to think...that's all."
"Alright." Catching the blonde boy's attention, Trowa nodded and folded his hands on the table. "I'll think with you."
Staring at the boy beside him, Quatre smiled. "Thank you."
* * *
TBC
--notes--
Um, same thing as part one. Also, 1+2 should be developing soon. One thing, have I bashed Relena? I didn't put that in the warning because I wasn't sure if I actually bashed her, after all, she did have a way of ignoring Heero's threats and going straight into whatever she wanted to do which usually revolved around stalking Heero.
Pairings: will be 1x2, 3x4
Category: AU, action/adventure, fantasy, romance
Author: Arigatomina
Without the Moon
Part 2
"What happened?"
Duo frowned as he found himself lying on a couch and sat up quickly. Looking at Quatre who knelt near him, he flushed with embarrassment, especially since the other three were watching him as well. "Look, I'm really not as weak as that looked. Don't judge me because of that."
"Explain it to us," Trowa said, shaking his head.
"Well, I usually get worn out after I transform, but not this bad." Hating the thought of looking weak in front of them, he glared. "Wait till you fight him, then you'll understand. He's very strong and he's too fast to hit with most attacks." Sighing, he shook his head, looking to Quatre's sympathetic eyes before a small smirk curved his lips. "And it's kinda hard to catch him off guard when all his attention's on you."
"Why did he fight you?" Wufei asked, frowning. "And why haven't we seen him before now? Why those monsters?"
Smirking, Duo glanced at him. "Well, you didn't see him because he wasn't here. I guess someone else was sending the monsters to this area because I've been fighting monsters of my own in America up until now." Nodding at their surprised expressions, he continued. "This guy didn't show up until about a month ago. That's when I followed him here."
"Followed him?" Heero asked, eyes narrowing dangerously. "You mean this was his destination, where we were? That means he wanted to get all of his enemies in one spot."
"That makes sense," Quatre said, nodding. "Maybe our battles up until now were just to test our strength."
"If that's the case then they should have sent stronger adversaries. They haven't seen our full strength." Looking at Duo, Wufei shook his head. "If what you say is true, then the monsters will get stronger, that or our enemy will fight us straight on."
"Well, I'm sure he'll be back," Duo said, still upset over his humiliating defeat. If his pride hadn't stood in his way, he would have told them how long he'd fought before they'd shown up. "But it's my guess that he had someone else watching from here while he was playing with me. I don't think he's powerful enough to fight the five of us, so we should be able to take out anyone he sends."
"Unless he hasn't shown you his true strength either," Wufei said black eyes narrowing. "Be sure of your enemies before you count on a victory. If it were me, I'd hold something back. I'm sure he's stronger than you know."
"Are you worried?" Duo asked, surprise evident in his tone. The Chinese boy seemed so self-assured.
"No," Wufei said, smirking. "I'm just thinking ahead. I'll not be defeated."
"Then we'll fight together?" Quatre asked, eyes wide as he turned to look at his friends hopefully, "Fight the enemy rather than each other?"
Heero nodded.
Smirking, Duo rubbed his eye for a minute before freezing, catching the time on his watch. "Oh shit. I gotta go guys. Shi-chan'll kill me."
"Who?"
Flushing at Heero's raised eyebrow, Duo grinned. "Um, my cat. Tell ya what, you guys gonna meet here after school tomorrow?" At the nods, he stood. "Great. I'll bring him over then. See ya." Waving briefly, he exited quickly.
"Do you think we should let him go alone like that?" Quatre asked, looking worriedly at the door. "Trowa?"
"If you tried escorting him, he'd probably get angry."
"I guess you're right."
"Heero, do you buy his story? About his power?" Wufei asked, folding his arms over his chest as intense eyes moved to his.
"I don't know. But it doesn't really matter. If he is as weak as he looked than we'll see it when we fight together."
"Heero! You think he'd lie?" Quatre asked, hurt written over his face as he frowned at the boy.
"Quatre, you just met him. You can't assume he's honest, even if he is a scout."
"Wufei, you too?"
"Don't argue," Trowa cut in, an arm slipping around the blonde boy's shoulder. "It's late. Quatre, I'll walk you home."
Smiling at the green-eyed boy, Quatre nodded. "Okay."
* * *
"Damnit, you wouldn't believe how bad it was. First they had to save me and then I passed out." Glaring at the floor, Duo scooted back on the bed, crossing his legs under him as Shinigami leapt onto his leg. "If Heero hadn't grabbed my staff like that I could have gotten back here without their knowing."
"Duo, he is the strongest enemy you've faced. You can't hold yourself responsible."
"You don't know the half of it, Shi-chan. It's like I couldn't breath...and I just kept getting weaker and weaker. I've never felt anything like it."
"Are you sure it was you?" the cat asked, rising on his hind legs, paws on Duo's arm as he looked up at him.
"What do you mean?" Duo demanded, confusion marring his expression.
"Well, you didn't have this much trouble when you fought him before. We know he wasn't using his full strength but that doesn't explain this."
"You mean he might have drained me. That's it, right?"
"It's possible. Even if he didn't, you were one. When they fight him, they'll understand."
"I hope so," Duo said softly, smirking. "You know, I almost hope he's hard to beat. Then they won't think I'm a push-over."
"You shouldn't worry so much about what they think of you," Shinigami said softly, brushing Duo's wrist with the tip of his tail. "You never cared before what people thought."
"I know. I just...I want them to like me."
"They will," Shinigami said, poking Duo's arm lightly with his claws before jumping to the floor. "Whether they like it or not."
* * *
"Are you sure you don't mind hanging around here all day? I mean, it'd have to get boring and I hate to think of some dog catching you." Frowning at the black cat watching him from the branch of a tree, Duo sighed. "You know I can pick you up from the apartment. You don't have to wait here."
"Duo, I'll be fine," Shinigami whispered, ears upright as his eyes watched for anyone who might get close enough to hear him. "Go on, you'll be late."
"Okay," Duo said, still frowning. "But if there's so much as a scratch on you when I get back there'll be hell to pay. And that means me."
"Go on," the cat said, cheeks rising so his eyes narrowed in what was his way of smiling as he batted a clawed paw at him.
"I'm going," Duo laughed, reaching up to ruffle the fur on the cat's head causing a growl. "I'll see you later, Shi-chan." Turning, he crossed the street, hefting his bag higher on his shoulder as he fought the urge to glance back. It wasn't that he didn't think Shi-chan could take care of himself, just that he cared. Hearing a giggle to his right, he smirked for a minute before halting.
"Hi." Hilde bit her lip for a minute as she looked at the boy, cheeks flushing at having to have her friends back her up, but it was the only way she'd have the courage to talk to him. "Um, my name's Hilde. You're in my English class."
"That's right," Duo said, eyes moving over her friends for a moment before returning to the black-haired girl. "The name's Duo, and I've seen you around." He smiled when her dark blue eyes sparkled and she gripped her books tighter to her chest.
"You're friends with Heero, is that right?"
Looking in surprise, Duo's eyes moved over the girl who'd spoken. She had straight sandy blonde hair that fell to the middle of her back and bangs that reached her eyebrows. Light blue eye staring at him as she waited for him to speak, he had to admit she was pretty. "Yeah, I know him." Her eyes narrowed dangerously and he frowned in confusion. "Why?"
"What makes you special? Heero doesn't make friends, especially not so quickly."
Taken back by the vehemence in her voice and the violence in her glare, he looked to the other girls, slightly molified by the way they rolled their eyes at their friend's behavior. "What's your name?" he asked, meeting the angry girl head on as he folded his arms over his chest, smirk firmly in place.
"Relena Peacecraft, now answer the question. Why would Heero let you sit at his table? And why were you walking with Trowa yesterday?"
"Wow, you're really nosey, anybody ever tell you that?" Duo asked, staring at her in disbelief.
"I tell her that every day. Dorothy Catalonia, and don't let Relena get to you. She has a one-track mind when it comes to Heero." Smirking, Dorothy extended her hand to shake.
Looking at the girl, Duo's eyes moved over her long pale blonde hair, blinking as he looked at her black, split eyebrows. "Well Dorothy, it's a pleasure to meet you." Smirking, he caught her hand and raised it to his lips, fighting a laugh when her eyes widened and a faint flush reached her cheeks before she jerked her hand back, glaring at him. "And you?" he asked, looking at the red-head.
Smiling at Dorothy's shocked and furious expression, Catherine nodded to the boy. "Catherine Bloom, but you can call me Cathy if you like."
"Well, maybe we can talk some more sometime," Duo said, grimacing as he glanced at his watch. "We have about forty seconds before first period."
"Oh no!" Letting out a cry, Hilde bolted for the door, calling over her shoulder before disappearing. "I've never been late!"
Grinning as the other girls took off, Duo veered off on his own dash, pausing for a split second to catch his breath before sailing into his room and sliding behind his seat as if he hadn't rushed. Miss Po entered a second later. Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he grinned at Heero's questioning gaze before settling down for class.
* * *
"Hey guys." Smiling, Duo sat at the table, setting his bag beside him.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Quatre asked, looking at the boy in concern.
"Not this stuff. Like I said, this food sucks. Don't worry," Duo grinned, "I'll stuff my face later."
"You were late this morning."
Blinking in surprise, Duo shook his head as he looked at Heero. "I wasn't late. I had a good five seconds to spare."
Snorting, Heero looked down as he took a bite of his rice, almost choking when a familiar figure came to stand beside their table. Swallowing, he turned to glare at the four girls, Relena standing in front, her eyes on him. "Go away."
Not bothered by the rebuff, Relena smiled sweetly at the cobalt-eyed boy. "Hello Heero, how are you? You don't mind if we join you." It wasn't a question, and she slid onto the bench beside him, completely oblivious to his glare. Smiling proudly, she looked at the girls. "Sit down, there's no reason to just stand there."
Left eyelid twitching, Wufei stared in disbelief as the four girls made themselves comfortable. They'd never attempted to sit at their table, not since the first time they'd asked and Heero had turned them away with his patent 'Death Glare'. //What the hell are they doing?!// "What do *you* want?" he asked, glaring at Relena who was obviously the ring-leader.
Ignoring the boy, Relena smiled as she watched Heero, frowning slightly when he made no move to look at her or eat. "Oh, Heero. Is there something wrong with your food? I'm sure someone could get you another tray."
Knowing it would be useless to glare at her, Heero ground his teeth, determined to ignore her as he forced his disgust away. Despite the fact that the food now tasted like cardboard, he resumed eating as if the girl wasn't there.
"Um, Duo? Is it okay if I sit by you?"
Eyes moving over the other boys, Duo grimaced. "Well, I guess so." He flinched when Wufei glared at him, obviously marking him as a traitor. "What?" he demanded defensively. "It's obvious Relena isn't going anywhere so why get mad at me?" Looking back at Hilde's uncertain expression, he shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Trowa, you're looking very well," Catherine said as she sat down across from the tall boy. "How are things?" she asked softly.
"Fine," Trowa said, not glaring as Heero had. Unlike him, he had nothing against the red-headed girl, and had no wish to treat her with cruelty.
Glancing up at Trowa, Quatre dropped his eyes quickly, hands folded beneath the table as he looked around. Relena was saying something to Heero who was ignoring her and Dorothy was smirking at Wufei's glare. Hilde and Duo were talking and Trowa... Sighing, Quatre shook his head. //I feel so left out. I don't want one of them to come after me, but they all seem...paired up.// Looking up again, he gave a small smile as Trowa's green eyes fell on him. "I have to go, I have a test to study for." Smiling when Duo looked up in surprise, Quatre stood quickly. Nodding, he turned and walked away.
Frowning as he watched the boy's figure move across the cafeteria, Trowa's eyes narrowed and he stood as he saw Quatre disappear through the door.
"Trowa?"
Glancing at Catherine's surprised expression, he shook his head before heading after the blonde boy.
Wondering what she'd missed, Catherine frowned and glanced at Dorothy, eyes widening when the blonde girl gave her a look that screamed, 'I told you so.' //Surely not...// She hadn't payed much attention to the small boy, but she blinked as she wondered if he'd left because of her. //If they're a couple, he wouldn't have been bothered. I don't understand.//
* * *
Leaning against the wall, Trowa watched Quatre. The pale boy was seated at one of the tables in the school's outdoor courtyard, an accounting book opened in front of him. //So he's just studying. Like he said.// Frowning, looked at the boy's face, eyes narrowing as he saw that Quatre wasn't looking at the book. Head bowed, his eyes were closed, long lashes dark against his pale cheeks. Moving silently, Trowa reached his side, laying a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder.
Flinching, Quatre looked up sharply, pale blue-green eyes very wide as he saw who it was. Blinking quickly, he gave a startled smile. "Trowa. What are you doing out here?"
"I should ask you that," Trowa said softly, sitting beside him. "I was concerned."
"Oh! I'm sorry. I'm fine," Quatre said quickly, dropping his eyes and shaking his head. "You didn't have to follow me."
Nudging the boy's chin up so their eyes met, Trowa shook his head. "You're not a very good liar, Quatre." The pale boy's cheeks darkened with a blush and Trowa smiled. "Why did you leave?"
Shaking his head, Quatre bent forward, elbows on the table. "I just needed to think...that's all."
"Alright." Catching the blonde boy's attention, Trowa nodded and folded his hands on the table. "I'll think with you."
Staring at the boy beside him, Quatre smiled. "Thank you."
* * *
TBC
--notes--
Um, same thing as part one. Also, 1+2 should be developing soon. One thing, have I bashed Relena? I didn't put that in the warning because I wasn't sure if I actually bashed her, after all, she did have a way of ignoring Heero's threats and going straight into whatever she wanted to do which usually revolved around stalking Heero.