Well! It's finally over. Yep folks, this is the last chapter of Phoenix! ::sniff:: I miss it already. After this is only a few left over scenes that popped into my head, but since they're not very good, I'm only posting 'em on my site instead of plaguing you guys with my remnants.

Nikki's Realm: http://www.geocities.com/mageofthewinds/

So here it is! the last chapter of Phoenix. It takes place nearly right after the last chapter, so if you're like me and have a bad memory, you might wanna go back and glance over the last chapter.

::cries and sends the last chapter of her baby::

Series: Phoenix
Name: Closure
Genre: Drama
Pairings: 1+4, 5x2, 6x3,
Rating: R

Key:
~()~ Break
*Thought*

Warning: Ah, you know ^_^

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, any of its characters, story lines or anything like that. Lessee...I do own a few CD's...and a cool framed Duo picture ^_^ but that's it...


Closure

By Nikki :-P or Nataku's Child

~

Phoenix

: a legendary bird which according to one account lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period; also : a person or thing likened to the phoenix

-Merriam-Webster's Dictionary

~

"...Nee...oikakete...oikakete...shiroi kaze..." Duo sang softly as he pushed open the kitchen door.
[1]

Popping his head in, he looked around. A small mischievous grin parted his lips. *All clear.*

Sneaking in shadows that didn't exist, Duo made his way to the fridge, peering over his shoulder every once in a while, just in case. With a grin of success, Duo opened the refrigerator door and stuck a finger in his prize.

"Mmm...unsettled pudding..." he said before sticking a pudding coated finger in his mouth. Rolling his eyes in chocolaty bliss, Duo was going for another dip when the doorbell rang.

"'Fei?" Duo blurted, lifting his head quickly at the sound of the bell. However, his head was still in the fridge. He let out an "Umph!" as the top of his head connected with the shelf above.

He rubbed the sore spot and called out to Trowa. "I'll get it Tro'!" Quickly taking another dip of pudding before closing the fridge door, Duo jogged to the front door to greet Wufei.

*He's home early...Though it could be Heero back from his date...* He thought as he neared the door.

"No! I can get it Duo!" He heard Trowa yell. He could also his footsteps on the stairs...he was running...?

"I'm right here Tro', I got it." Duo answered before sticking the choco-covered finger in his mouth. He ran the last few steps to the door. He was eager to see either Wufei or Heero. Wufei was Wufei and Heero had a lot to talk to him about. He reached the door and pulled it open with a grin.

He was surprised, to say the least.

Expecting a dark head to meet his eyes, he was instead met with the back of a platinum blonde one.

"Oro?" Duo said and blinked in confusion.
[2]

The head turned around. "Hey, sorry I'm...a little..." Zechs stopped talking. His eyes widened. "Late." He finished and closed his eyes. "Shit..."

Frozen in shock, Duo barely noticed Trowa come to a sliding stop behind him. "Zechs? What are you doing here?" Duo asked.

"I...uh..." Zechs stuttered. He paused, his mouth opening and closing, as he seemed to search for an explanation of his sudden visit. Apparently not finding one, he threw a 'help me' look over Duo's shoulder.

Duo looked back at Trowa. The other man looked slightly pale and worried, and he wasn't taking his eyes off of Zechs.

Duo looked back to Zechs.

Then to Trowa...

Then to Zechs...

Then Trowa.

Then Zechs.

Trowa.

Zechs.

Trowa.

Zechs...

Duo sighed and slumped over. "I'm confused." He said forlornly.

"I'm so sorry," Zechs said softly over Duo's back to Trowa, ignoring the poor defeated Duo.

Trowa sighed. "It's alright. I suppose we could tell him before the others."

Duo, feeling he was being left out of the conversation, focused instead on the floor...where something caught his eye. "Hey Tro'? Is it just my eyes, or are your toenails painted black?"

~()~

Meanwhile, the sun had started to slip into the horizon, and Heero and Quatre still sat in their booth at Quatre's restaurant. Their conversation had come to a slow pause. Quatre was stirring his now cold tea lazily and Heero was watching the spoon spin in small circles, not really paying attention to what he was seeing.

His nervousness had slowly settled, and he felt a little more comfortable. They talked in small bouts about unimportant things that they would forget in a few days, but it had led them to where they were now, in a comfortable silence, with the soft golden-red light of dusk shining through the nearest window.

There weren't many people in the small restaurant; it was an off-hour, being too late for lunch and too early for dinner. The clink of dishes and soft murmur of voices seemed only background noise to add to the feeling of peace and tranquility that washed over Heero as he watched the tea swirl around the spoon's handle.

"Heero?" Quatre's soft voice called him out of his daze.

"Hm?" Heero looked up.

"I really..." He had been looking into Heero's eyes, but Quatre now looked down, a light blush coloring his cheeks. "I really enjoyed spending time with you," he said even quieter, almost breathing the words.

"I enjoyed it too, Quatre." Heero said, sliding a shaky hand to grab Quatre's, making him drop the spoon. It swirled a few more times on it's own, before coming to a slow stop.

Quatre's blush deepened, but he slid his hand into a more comfortable position in Heero's. He brushed his thin, pale fingers against Heero's dark skin, feeling the warmth underneath. "It's getting late," he said, not taking his eyes off of Heero's hand. "I suppose...I should...go home," the words came out slow and reluctant. Under his breath, barley audible, just a thought spoken out loud, he added, "I don't want to leave you..."

"Why don't you come home with me? Duo and the others would want to see you...we could have dinner." Heero offered.

*He doesn't want to leave me...is he lonely in that apartment? Or does he care that much for me...no, it's stupid to think...* Heero scolded himself for what were conceited thoughts in his opinion.

Quatre chuckled lightly. "We haven't left the restaurant yet and we're already talking about dinner..." Quatre lifted his eyes to the window. "It's already so late...I didn't notice..." he watched the sun sink lower, becoming barely a sliver of light.

"Quatre..." Heero hand tightened, an attempt at bringing his attention back.

It worked. Quatre tore his eyes from the sunset.

"I want you to come home," Heero said, locking eyes with the other man.

Quatre swallowed. He looked a little frightened, though it was probably just nerves. After a moment's silence, Quatre nodded. "I'd like to go...home." the last word was merely a whisper.

Heero was yearning to kiss Quatre. His soft, pale cheek ached for Heero's touch. His small, peach lips were almost irresistible. The table alone kept Heero in place. Damn the stupid restaurant.

"Heero?"

Heero blinked a few times. "Hm?"

Quatre cocked his head slightly in the cutest way, eyebrow raised slightly. "Is something the matter?"

"No, I just really wanted to kiss you but this damn..." Heero eyes widened. *Did I just say that out loud?* "Table..." he muttered.

For only a moment, Heero saw Quatre's face flush, but it was suddenly...gone?

Heero leaned over the table, looking at the seat Quatre had just occupied. He saw the blonde head slide under, felt the warm mass move against his leg, and turned just in time to see Quatre pop back up, this time, sitting right next to him.

"I was thinking the same thing," Quatre said quickly, before leaning over and kissing a shocked Heero.

*What?* the feeling still wasn't registering. *Quatre didn't just...* The soft weight on his lips didn't pierce through his mind until he felt Quatre's hand on his shoulder, pulling him into a better angle. *He is...* Heero tilted his head and placed a hand on Quatre's hip, giving him more comfortable access to Quatre's shaking lips.

It was a soft, timid kiss, and not the easiest, due to their positions, but it was worth it. They reluctantly pulled away. Quatre looked down. He was flushed and shaking, his boldness fading away to his usual, apprehensive nature.

Quatre started playing with the hem of his shirt. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to force you...or anything..." he muttered.

"It's alright," Heero reached over and smoothed Quatre's hair, calming him. "I wanted to."

Quatre looked up and smiled, laughing a little. He was obviously relieved that Heero didn't mind his spur of the moment action. He cleared his throat and started playing with his shirt again. "I...would like to go..." there was a miniscule softening in his voice when he spoke the next word, "home...with you." He looked up through his lashes. "You don't think they would mind? It's a bit sudden and I wouldn't want to be a burden or..."

Heero lifted a hand to Quatre's cheek, making the quick flow of words slow to a stop. "You aren't a burden," Heero said firmly, locking eyes with Quatre. "You never were, you never will be. We love you..." then softer, "I love you."

Quatre swallowed, tears shinning in his eyes, though not enough to fall. "I love you too, Heero." The words rolled off of his tongue, as though they were the only words he had spoken for his entire life. Then, with a small smile, "Lets go home."

~()~

Wufei slouched in his chair. Something he rarely did on any normal day, but today had been especially long. While it had started out brightly, Une had quickly made it known that the next few days would be hell.

Wufei sighed and flipped through another web site. He was, at the moment, ignoring the rather large pile of boring paperwork that Une had assigned him as his unofficial punishment. She didn't take the 'fuck off' very well.

So now, instead of making his life easier by getting the work over with, Wufei had decided to do something that had become quite the hobby for him. Namely, ring shopping.

For nearly a month, Wufei had been looking for a ring. Not seriously...well, a little serious, but he wasn't in any rush. But still, he was looking. He loved Duo. Hell, he didn't know he could love someone, let alone feel like he could marry again. But somehow, through all the times he acted like an asshole, through all their fights, all the times he wasn't sure if Duo loved him or not...

Through every bump in the road, they ended up together. And when Wufei thought he had lost Duo, that it was all over and he was to blame -though he didn't know what he did- he learned just how unbearable life was without his Shi-chan...

Wufei smiled. *God, if Duo ever heard me call him that...* he chuckled. *I would never hear the end of it.* His mind wandered to that morning. *He was more concerned over being the wife...I couldn't tell if he would even want to get married...*

He wasn't sure Duo would say yes...did it matter? What if Duo never wanted to get married? What if was too serious for him? Too strong a commitment?

*How important is it to me? Not as important as Duo,* he thought quickly. *But still...*

Wufei sighed and closed the page he had been absentmindedly flipping through. No use worrying about it, he couldn't even find a ring. Wufei leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. He wanted something symbolic, but not too flashy, something like Duo, but something that would also remind Duo of him. Wufei smirked and closed his eyes. Maybe he was asking too much... He stood and pushed his chair away. But he wanted it to be perfect...

Wufei glanced at the clock on the wall. He smirked. *Une's pissed at me already, leaving a half hour early shouldn't change much.* decision made even before he tried to excuse it, Wufei grabbed his coat.

*Maybe I'll take him out tonight...*

~()~

Duo drained the rest of his glass and slammed it on the table. He stared at it, as though it would help him understand what the hell was happening.

"Duo? Are you okay?" Trowa asked, leaning forward.

They were sitting at the kitchen table, Duo on one side, Zechs and Trowa on the other. Duo had told them to wait there and had disappeared, coming back with what he said was a mere fraction of Heero's 'stash'.

"Okay, lemme get this straight." He was ignoring Trowa's question. "You and Zechs have been going to clubs for...a while..." he said slowly, as though the words didn't sound right. "And by some odd chance, met up."

"Yes."

"And you've been dating for...how long?"

"Well, officially-" Zechs started.

"Just answer!" Duo snapped.

"Almost a year," Trowa answered quickly.

Duo nodded slowly, still staring at his cup. After a moment, he laughed. "Well I'm sure as hell glad you're gay!"

Zechs was thrown off guard. "What?"

Duo held his hands up. "Nothing against straight guys, I'm just glad I don't have one under my roof!"

Zechs chuckled, mostly in relief.

Trowa sighed, feeling lighter. "Thank you, Duo."

Duo laughed. "Don't be so serious man, sure I'm alright with it! Heero on the other hand..." He looked at Zechs. "He might freak."

Trowa winced. *He wont be happy...after all he and Zechs have been through...* Trowa felt Zechs' arm wrap around his waist.

"I can take of Heero, if need be," Zechs said coolly. Adding softly to Trowa, "I wont let him hurt you."

Trowa smirked. "I doubt that he would get physical."

Zechs took Trowa's chin in hand, tilting his head towards him. "I didn't mean physical. I know this means a lot to you, I wont let him ruin it."

"Thank you..." Trowa whispered, before allowing him self to be pulled into a kiss.

Trowa pulled away before the kiss became anymore then a light touch, he'd forgotten about Duo. Turning his attention to his comrade, he saw that it wasn't mutual. Duo was watching them with grin.

"That was so cute!" he exclaimed.

Trowa and Zechs untangled themselves from each other and tried to repair their somewhat fractured masculinity.

Zechs cleared his throat. "Yeah well..."

Trowa looked away. "That was just..."

"Right..." Zechs said, clearing his throat again.

Duo laughed and stood up. "Well, 'Fei should be home soon. Lord knows when Heero will be back. But dinner is almost done, you two better go change."

Zechs raised an eyebrow. "Change?"

Trowa grabbed Zechs' arm. "Will you be okay?" he asked Duo.

Duo waved a hand. "Yeah, I just gotta throw the bread in...boil the pasta...it's a cinch."

Trowa frowned. "If you need anything..."

Duo shooed them out. "You'll be upstairs! Now go Cinderella! Get ready for the ball!"

Trowa mock glared as he and Zechs were pushed out of the kitchen.

"Cinderella?" Zechs asked curiously as he was lead upstairs.

Trowa sighed. "It seems I've acquired a nickname..."

Hidden from Zechs, Trowa smiled.

He had a nickname...

~()~

Wufei closed the front door softy, hoping Duo hadn't heard him come in. As he hung his keys, Wufei caught the smell of garlic in the air. Curious, he sniffed as he took off his coat...

Garlic...fresh bread baking...Italian herbs... Wufei's mouth began to water. *Trowa must be cooking, he makes the best pasta dinners...*

Becoming more aware of his empty stomach with every breath of deliciously scented air, Wufei made his way to the kitchen. He pushed open the kitchen door, his eyebrows immediately raising at a site more delicious then what he had smelled.

Duo hummed softly, stirring at a pot on the stove. His old, faded jeans turned soft over the years, hung low on his hips, letting the world know that today he decided against both boxers and briefs. The once black - now faded to gray shirt he wore was a little short, his growth spurts and the relentless dryer succeeding in giving Wufei a peak at the smooth skin underneath.

A small, lopsided grin grew on Wufei's lips as he realized that Duo didn't notice he was there...well, that was a first. Using Duo's deep concentration, Wufei slowly made his way over to his lover, thankful that he had already removed his shoes. He held his breath as he got closer. With stealth that normally couldn't match Duo's, Wufei wrapped his arms around Duo's bare waist.

He got a satisfying jump of surprise from Duo. "'Fei!" he exclaimed.

Wufei smirked and nibbled at Duo's ear a little before murmuring softly, "I finally snuck up on you."

Duo smiled and leaned into him. "I was busy."

"I see that," Wufei said, looking over Duo's shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" Duo asked, stirring at the pot that Wufei now could see contained what looked like spaghetti sauce. "I'm making dinner."

"Not that I doubt your culinary skills, Duo, but..." Wufei sniffed at the air. "Are you sure that you made this?"

"Of course!" Duo said, elbowing Wufei a little. "Just because it's not on fire, that doesn't mean I didn't make it!" He was quiet for a moment. "Okay, so Trowa helped a little...some...a lot-but still!" He sighed, stirring at the pot some more, even if it wasn't really necessary. "I just wanted to make you a nice dinner...to say I'm sorry..." He turned quickly, pushing Wufei away and pointing the sauce covered spoon at him. "But don't go getting the wife thing in your head 'cause of this! I swear if I hear it one more time you're not getting any and I don't mean pasta!"

Wufei laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. When Duo put the spoon down, Wufei moved forward and hugged him. "I'm sorry, I didn't know marriage bothered you so much."

Duo laughed and returned the hug. "I'm not sayin' that, 'Fei. I'm sayin' I aint the woman!"

Wufei smiled softly. "Alright...then what do you think of marriage?"

Duo rubbed small circles in Wufei's back. "Why do you want to know?" he asked softly.

"I'm just curious."

"And if I said I didn't mind...maybe even...liked the idea...?" Duo usually covered his nerves well, but at the distance they were, Wufei could feel his heart quicken.

Wufei pulled back a little, just enough to see Duo's face. They shared a moment of silent understanding, ending when Duo broke into a grin and gave Wufei a quick peck on the cheek. He pulled back and Wufei smiled, not breaking the moment with ill-placed words.

Duo smiled crookedly in understanding.

Wufei could hear the door swing open behind him.

Duo looked over Wufei's shoulder and grinned. "Lookin' good Cindy," he said with a wink. "And just in time. You and 'Fei talk while I get myself all pretty-fied." He turned his eyes toward Wufei again and mock glared. "Shut up."

Wufei chuckled. "I didn't say anything."

"I knew what you were thinking," he said, poking Wufei a little before moving past him to the door. "You guys have fun, and don't die of shock, 'Fei, your ass is too nice to leave this earth so soon."

"Shock?" Wufei asked, turning to ask Duo what he meant.

...Scratch that, he now understood.

Trowa was the only one left in the room, the kitchen door having swung shut behind Duo.

Trowa looked back at him, seemingly calm, but Wufei could almost taste his fear. Trowa was quite the vision, clad completely in black. Wufei's shock widened eyes took his friend in, inch by inch. From the black painted toe nails, to the at-least-one-size-too-small leather pants, the barely-there mesh shirt that showed off just how well Trowa kept in shape, the thin leather collar at his neck, black lipstick...black eyeliner then made his green eyes show brighter...his hair was brushed back, falling to his shoulders and giving him more of an open, honest look...

Wufei swallowed.

Blinked.

Cleared his throat.

Swept a glance over Trowa one more time.

Swallowed again.

"DUO!!!" He brushed past Trowa and nearly ran out the door.

Hopefully Duo could explain what had happened to "Cindy".

~()~

Zechs looked one last time in the mirror. He didn't have anything on hand to wear, so he had to wear something of Trowa's. In height, they wear nearly even, though Zechs was still a bit taller. But there was a problem. Trowa's days with circus had put him in great shape, however, his muscles were more compact, since he needed to keep flexible -the thought giving Zechs the familiar smirk- however, Zechs' weren't. He'd found the loosest pants Trowa owned, which fit him only a little too tight, and had settled with one of Trowa's 'normal' sweaters.

All in all, though the look wasn't exactly what he had hopped for, he couldn't say he didn't like it.

Shaking his head, Zechs left Trowa's room and followed the enticing fumes to the kitchen. When he got there, the smirk that had been itching at his lips burst free. Trowa was currently pulling a loaf of bread out of the oven. The mixture of leather and finely toned muscles was almost too much for the former 'Lightening Count'.

He leaned against the doorway and cocked his head to the side, his mouth hanging slightly open in appreciation. "How can you hate leather pants when you look so damn good in them?" he said, his low voice rumbling in his chest.

He heard Trowa chuckle. Depositing the loaf onto the counter before turning, Trowa smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. "They're hot, hard to take off and the ones that you bought me are too tight, leaving nothing to the imagination."

"Which is exactly why I bought them," Zechs said. He pushed off from the doorway and let the kitchen door fall behind him as he made his way over to Trowa. He slid an arm around his lover's waist to pull him close and used the other hand to slide down the back of said pants. "Why would I need to imagine?" he said, leaning in to speak lowly in Trowa's ear. "When I have memories and the promise of the real thing?"

Trowa made a small noise in the back of his throat and leaned into Zechs.

"It's not fair..." Trowa murmured, pressing a kiss to Zechs' neck. "You look better in that sweater then I do."

Zechs chuckled.

Trowa sighed softly. "Wufei came home."

Zechs blinked, confused about the sudden change of subject. "Did he? I didn't hear the door."

Trowa 'hm'd' softly.

"Did you see him?" asked Zechs.

Another 'hm'.

"And?"

Trowa sighed and buried his face in Zechs' shoulder. "Maybe this is too soon, too sudden. You're going to be a big shock as it is, maybe we can change before Heero gets here."

Zechs pulled back to look Trowa in the eye, nudging his chin up when Trowa wouldn't look him in the eye. "You can do this. I'll stay by your side the entire time."

Trowa took a deep breath before answering. "Thank you...but what about after Heero murders you?"

~()~

Heero lead the way to the small house, Quatre staying a step behind him and fidgeting.

"Are you okay?" Heero asked, glancing behind him.

"Fine," Quatre said quickly. "But once we get inside, the joyous reunion will have to wait a minute or two, I think I drank too much tea..." He winced.

Heero's lips twitched and he walked a little faster. When he got to the door, he found it unlocked. Pushing it open, Heero stood aside and let Quatre go in first.

With a grateful smile, Quatre walked quickly past, going straight for the nearest bathroom.

Heero smiled softly as he watched the blonde nearly run up the stairs, only moving when Quatre was out of sight. As he hung his keys, Heero caught a whiff of herbs and garlic... his stomach gave a small sound, letting him know that it approved of the smell as much as his nose did.

Closing the door softly behind him, Heero went in search for its source.

~()~

Marinara sauce and pasta weren't the only things boiling in the kitchen at the moment.

A sauce covered spoon lay against the side of the pot, forgotten by it's former wielder, whom it the moment had found better things to do with his hands...namely, the platinum blonde clad all in black that was currently making dinner seem less and less important.

Trowa had somehow found himself pressed against the nearest counter, gasping for breath after a kiss that had lasted longer then his lungs wanted it to, and shorter then both he and his partner did. As soon as his breath returned to something near normal, he chanced another kiss, crushing his lips against Zechs' in a fervor only heightened by the fact that at any moment-

Damn, he jinxed it.

Because of course, just then the door suddenly swung open.

Zechs, oblivious to the fact that he and Trowa were no longer a longer alone, still had Trowa pinned, so neither of them was able to see the intruder.

All they could hear was a sound that let Trowa immediately identify who it was.

It was the sound of a gun cocking.

"Who the hell are you and what the fuck are you doing in my kitchen?" Heero asked, his voice calm and cold.

Zechs stiffened under Trowa's hands. Trowa smiled bitterly. Figures. Of course Heero had to find them in the worst possible time...well, at least they weren't unclothed...completely...

Trowa pulled his shirt down to where it was supposed to fall, and dropped the sardonic smile. Calm and collected, Trowa stepped out from behind Zechs.

"Welcome home, Heero." He said in his usual quiet, soothing voice. "Duo and Wufei are upstairs. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. I believe you've met Zechs Merquise."

Heero's shock didn't show, but knowing him for so long, Trowa could tell. Heero's eyes darted from him to Zechs, then to their clothes, then to the stove. After assessing the situation, Heero nodded.

"The water is about to boil over," he informed them before going to the refrigerator and grabbing a water. As Trowa went to go check the pasta, Heero pulled up a chair at the table, sat down, and glanced at Zechs. "We'll talk later." His eyes narrowed. "Alone."

Zechs nodded.

~()~

Duo came down shortly after, with a suspicious Wufei trailing behind who kept throwing odd glances at Zechs and lingering ones at Trowa.

Wufei was sitting at the table, trying hard to figure out what was going on between what Duo had told him, and what he was seeing; Duo was talking with Trowa about the finishing touches on the dinner, Trowa giving him useful advice and tips for future reference; Heero was calmly ignoring them all, focusing on his water and Zechs was watching Trowa, not exactly sure what he was supposed to do in his situation...

...When Quatre walked in.

After searching most of the house, Sandrock's former pilot had followed his nose -not unlike the cartoon toucan- to the kitchen.

When the door swung open, Quatre was met with various surprises, but the one that caught him the most...

"Trowa..." His friends name escaped his lips with a deep sadness and regret.

It had been so long since he had seen Trowa, even longer since they had talked. In all that time, he had been worrying about Heero, himself, Wufei, Duo...all the while, he'd unknowingly been neglecting Trowa...one of his oldest friends...

~()~

Trowa turned from the sink at the sound of his name. Quatre was standing in the doorway, his hand placed unconsciously over his heart, a slight frown on his lips.

*Q-Quatre?*

This was unexpected, to say the least.

He'd prepared somewhat for Duo before he found out, more so for Wufei and though he had been dreading it, Heero as well. But Quatre...

The room fell to silence, and he knew everyone was watching them, slight puzzlement evident on at least Duo's face, the others not willing to show that they didn't understand what was wrong. Trowa felt everything slip away, all his pent up pain and doubt felt as though it were slipping past their cages.

He knew Quatre saw everything, understood what was wrong.

Before he knew what was happening, he was in Quatre's comforting arms, hanging on as though it were his last hope. He knew Zechs was shifting uncomfortably near him, edging a little closer. He would explain later, but right now it was nice just to be understood.

"Oh Trowa...I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you." Quatre whispered in his ear.

Trowa swallowed, feeling small in Quatre's arms, though the height difference was painfully evident to everyone watching.

They pulled away, and Trowa was slightly amused to see that not only had Zechs come to stand beside him, but Heero also was now standing, watching Trowa sharply.

Trowa cleared his throat and looked down at Quatre. "It's good to see you again, Quatre," he said softly, his voice warm with the emotions Quatre had released. "Are you staying for dinner?"

"Yeah," Duo piped up. "There's plenty."

Quatre smiled quickly at Trowa then looked at Duo. "Of course, I'd love to."

"I hope it's ready, Duo. I'm curious to see how much your culinary skills have improved with Trowa's help," Wufei said, smiling slyly at his lover from his seat.

"Oh...Duo made it?" Quatre asked softly.

Duo stuck out his tongue. "Don't sound too disappointed, Q."

Quatre smiled shyly. "Sorry."

Duo winked. "Don't be. If it's edible, it only goes to show how good a teacher Cindy is."

Zechs wrapped his arms around 'Cindy' and nibbled at his ear, murmuring softly.

Quatre blinked, an onslaught of questions bombarding his mind, the only clear one spilling from his mouth before he could think of a better one. "Cindy?"

~()~

Dinner was surprisingly comfortable, and even more surprisingly delicious. The evening went by, filled with quiet conversation and a few laughs, especially when the subject of Trowa and Zechs' meeting came up.

Dessert came and past. The pudding was good, though slightly less in quantity then Trowa had remembered. When he was going to ask, Trowa noticed Duo obviously averting his eyes. Smiling softly, Trowa let it drop.

Wufei offered to do the dishes, Quatre quickly offering to help. Duo was happy to let them do just that, announcing that he was going to take a long bath, being 'bone tired' from cooking all day...

As Duo shuffled tiredly out of the kitchen and Wufei and Quatre started clearing the table, talking quietly, Heero caught Zechs' eye. He narrowed his eyes and nodded stiffly. Trowa caught it and coughed.

"I think I should put away the leftovers," he said, excusing himself. He quickly squeezed Zechs' hand before he stood and went about putting away what was left of dinner.

Heero stood and tilted his head to the door, silently telling Zechs to follow him.

As soon as the kitchen door swung behind Zechs, Heero turned and fixed him with his coldest, most intense glare.

"Trowa is a good friend," he stated. "Certain events have led to show me just how important friends are in life."

Zechs nodded stiffly.

"We've had our...differences in the past..." Heero said awkwardly. "However, for Trowa's sake, I will let the past be just that."

Zechs nodded again. "Agreed."

"But I swear," Heero voice got lower. "If you hurt him, in any way, for any reason, you had better hope he begs me to take mercy. Understood?" He asked, in a tone that threatened extreme pain if demands weren't met.

"Perfectly." Zechs answered.

Heero turned to go, when Zechs grabbed his arm, holding on a bit tighter then was necessary. Heero turned his head, his eyes flicking to Zechs'.

"You have been forgiven for your past mistakes," Zechs growled. "But I love Trowa, and if I see you, or any of your friends hurt him again, consider our truce terminated." With that, Zechs let go of his now painful grip.

Zechs reentered the kitchen, leaving Heero frowning at his words.

*Past mistakes? Hurt him again?*

~()~

Zechs helped Trowa put away the last of the leftovers quickly before dragging him upstairs. The only explanation needed was the dark gleam in his eyes.

Heero had been sitting on the couch, thinking about what Zechs had said when he saw them go up, not even glancing at him. With a small smile, Heero stood up and made his way to the kitchen.

Wufei and Quatre stopped talking and turned when Heero entered. Wufei murmured something to Quatre before walking towards Heero, throwing him the dishcloth he had been holding. "Why don't you help Quatre? I think I'll go...check on Duo." He couldn't keep the smile from his lips as he said it.

Heero gave Wufei a grateful nod before going to help Quatre. When he got to the sink he was rewarded with a bright smile.

"Today was...eventful," Quatre said softly, handing him a newly cleaned dish to dry.

Heero chuckled softly. "Very." He ran the towel across the dish before putting it away.

"I didn't know how much I missed it..." Quatre said wistfully. He suddenly laughed.

"What is it?"

"I can't believe I didn't see it before..."

Heero accepted another dish, throwing Quatre a 'what?' look.

Quatre smiled at him. "Well, its not exactly funny...more ironic, I guess...during the war, we sort of...skipped over our teen years...not physically of course, but mentally, spiritually...those are very important years. We are supposed to learn who we are, what we want in life and start on that track, right?"

"I suppose..."

"Well, think about all we've been through..." Quatre stopped cleaning and looked somber. "Trowa rebelled...I...I made mistakes...you fought with depression...Wufei was caught between friendships and relationships...Though people have gone far in life without finding a middle ground on that...Duo..." Quatre trailed off.

"Duo...was trying to help me, while keeping his own problems hidden. I found out accidentally...he was trying to keep me sane without letting me help him..." Heero explained softly.

Quatre nodded sadly. "He was trying to be the good friend, but ended up hurting himself."

There was a silence before Heero chuckled darkly. "What about the man who ruined Trowa?"

Quatre elbowed him softly in the side. "Trowa was like that when they met, remember?"

Heero frowned. "I'm not buying it."

Quatre laughed and shook his head, lazily plucking at the soapy dishes in the sink. "I'm not sure, I haven't gotten a chance to talk to either of them...though I'm sure he had something, he had just as hard of a childhood as we did, if not worse..."

Heero made a sound that indicated neither agreement nor disagreement.

Quatre quit playing with the dishes and dried his hands quickly. "Trowa's having a hard time with this Heero, we need to support him...which means..." he moved over to Heero and wrapped his arms around his waist, resting his head on Heero's shoulder. "You need to be nice to Zechs."

Heero ignored that and held Quatre close. It felt good just to hold the blonde in his arms, he doubted he would ever tire of it. Though, naturally, there were better things...just then, the hug was heaven.

After a long, comfortable silence, Quatre murmured something.

"Hm?" Heero pulled back.

Quatre smiled up at him, eyelids half closed in contentment. "I never finished my point."

"What was it?"

Quatre rested his head on Heero's shoulder again, softly closing his eyes. "That we all delayed growing up, and now we have...we're almost completely different people now...and yet we'll keep doing this, changing..." Quatre yawned. "It's a natural part of life...but I wonder...if we'll all stay together..."

Heero dipped his head down a little. "We will...no matter what happens, I think everything has proven that...And Quatre, if for some reason...this doesn't work out..." the words came out reluctantly, the words seeming cursed, the very thought of not holding Quatre for the rest of his life was unbearable. "We'll stay together, even if we're just friends."

"Of course, Heero." Quatre said softly, smiling up him. "You know what they say, 'birds of a feather...'"

The End

~~~~

[1] This is part of the Gravitation opening theme "Super Drive" ::Grin:: I love that show...

[2] Yes, I watch Kenshin waaaaay too much -_-

Ack! It's over! ::teary-ness:: The ending was less then satisfactory, but I don't think I can do better. Ah well! Hope ya liked it ^_^ let me know what ya think!

Thanks to everyone who's been readin' ^_^ I hope you liked it! Thank you thank you thank you to all who reviewed and a special thank you to Dessa-chan, Queenie-chan and Da-kun who kept my confidence up when it was low ^_^

Love always,
Nikki :-P