Over Coffee 2.

Thanks to the braided waiter, I had now lost two boyfriends. If anything, this was getting depressing. I decided that drastic measures were called for.

I went clubbing.

Night clubs are not my place of choice to find a boyfriend--for one, they don't allow you to have a decent conversation, and two, after a while, they start to seem kind of fake. I mean, there's all these people, doing their best to look cool, basically putting their bodies on display to attract attention. It's different if you're with someone special or with friends out to have fun and enjoy the music--but when I'm on my own I find it hard to break the surface layer and make a connection. Call me weird, but I see no joy in being crowded into a loud noisy room full of strangers.

But night clubs do have other advantages. The music is usually good and the noise makes it impossible to think--I like to just zone out and enjoy the music, imagining myself away--

This was precisely what I was doing when I met him.

Caught up in the music I was startled to find a hand grab my own. I looked up into startlingly green eyes.

He didn't say anything just smiled, and not breaking eye contact with me pulled me towards him, the pressure on my hand so slight it was more like an invitation than a demand. Wondering at the absolute perfection of the man before me I let him and before I knew it, I was dancing with him.

It was like the rest of the night club ceased to exist.

Think floating hearts, flowers, starry nights, whatever you want. This was every over done cliché rolled into one. He was the dream that I clutched at when waking, the faint hope that kept me going when I just wanted to give it all up and resign myself to being celibate the rest of my life--

Call it lust, foolishness, fate--I, Quatre Winner, was in love.

I knew this was it--I'd found the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Just dancing with him was enough to put paid to any last thoughts of spending the rest of life in merry bachelorhood--I knew I'd never get him out of my head, ever.

Think Latin sex-god.

At some point he put a hand on my arm. "Let's go outside," he requested. "I'd like to talk to you."

His touch was gentle. If melting had been an option, I would have taken it.

We talked, walking up and down the street outside the nightclub. We had this connection, its hard to describe--I felt brave enough to tell him my conviction that he was the one. He smiled, stroking my face.

"Only one way to find out," he said and bent to my lips.

You may be loosing patience with me here but I have to state this was the most wonderful kiss I've had in my life. Soft and warm and good--

I sighed as he pulled away, keeping my eyes closed a moment longer to try and prolong the moment. "That was wonderful," I whispered, opening my eyes. "I--"

He wasn't there.

--oOo--

"He ditched you?" Wufei stared at me.

"I don't know," I said frowning at him. "I can't make it out. I mean, he kissed me--but when I went back into the club he wasn't there and he wasn't outside either--" I sighed, clutching my coffee tightly. "And everything was going so well!"

"Maybe he lost his nerve--" Wufei pondered the problem. As I sipped my coffee I thought that perhaps I should have thanked the waiter. Wufei made a much better friend than he did boyfriend--and it was so good to be able to discuss these things with someone who understood them and who understood me. I turned my attention back to our discussion.

"I don't think so. I mean, he was quiet and everything but I don't think he was shy. Just that he did everything in a thoughtful measured way--"

"And you learned all this in a couple of hours?"

"Well, I have thought about him a lot since then--" I said. In fact there was hardly a moment I'd spend not running over that night's events in my head. "And I've been back to the club a lot on the off chance that he'll come back--"

Every night in fact--

Wufei sighed. "I'm starting to worry about you."

I shrugged. I was off in a happy little day dream where he had come back and everything was explained and the only thing I had to worry about was whether we should move into my apartment or his--

Wufei sighed again, stirring his peppermint tea. Then he paused. "The waiter doesn't look well."

"What?"

"The waiter," Wufei nudged me. "Look at him."

The braided waiter could barely manage a smile as he took the order of a couple of business women. He didn't look well, seeming paler and more distracted than usual. Maybe he wasn't feeling well--

Or maybe, I thought, watching as the waiter's gaze flicked over to the couple at the corner table, there was another explanation.

The messy haired boy and his girlfriend were here once more, sharing an ice- cream sundae. In any other circumstances I would have thought it cute, now--



I just felt terrible for them.

And for the waiter. For some reason, despite his giving me unwanted and very unwelcome advice, I couldn't be mad at him. I guess the realisation that his love-life was in a worse state than mine kind of took the bite out of my anger.

I transferred my gaze to the couple. The guy seemed more morose and brooding than ever, while his girlfriend was just as determinedly cheerful-- what a mess--

"You're not doing yourself any good, just sitting here and brooding over this mystery guy of yours," Wufei said. "You need to get out, start meeting people."

"Easier said then done," I sighed as I returned to my coffee.

"Don't be like that," Wufei told me. "You are handsome, intelligent, warm and don't need me to point out that you have no trouble making friends. Cheer up." He patted me on the shoulder. "I have to get back to work now. I'll see you later, Quatre."

"Bye," I said, watching as he went to pay his bill. The waiter was now behind the counter polishing the cutlery, but he put that job aside to serve Wufei. I smiled as I saw a more genuine smile creep over his face-- Wufei always made a point of being courteous. From the looks of things he was giving the waiter a lecture on his health. I looked at my watch, noting that I would have to get back to work soon. I sipped my coffee thoughtfully, determined to enjoy the last minutes of my break.

I spent a few minutes wondering what my mystery guy, as Wufei so aptly put it, would drink. Something dark and strong, or maybe something more exotic? Like one of those cinnamon blends--

I blinked as I realised that Wufei was still paying his bill.

Nor was I the only one to notice.

The messy haired boy was glowering at my friend's back, even as his girlfriend sighed, and proceeded to finish the sundae herself, evidently giving up on her uncooperative partner. I watched as the waiter smiled again, laughing as he said something to Wufei, who nodded, grinned and left.

I raised an eyebrow. Now that was unexpected.

The waiter had resumed polishing the cutlery, but there was a more cheerful aspect to him.

The messy haired boy stood up suddenly. "I'll just pay the bill," he announced to his date.

This couldn't be good--

I watched with misgiving as he approached the waiter. Instead of the angry scene I expected, I was stunned to see the gentleness with which he placed his hand over the waiter's in a gesture scarcely noticeable. Hardly any words passed between them, but the waiter leaned into him in a way that made the entire moment too unbearably intimate to watch. I found the exact change for my coffee and left it on the table, feeling ashamed for seeing such a private moment.[1]

I returned to work in a much more sober mood.

The almost unbearably beautiful look on the waiter's face haunted me--it was obvious just how much the two of them were in love--and just as obvious how hopeless that love was.

Maybe I was better off single, I thought, as I reached my office, and began shrugging out of my jacket. What was love anyway? Just a lot of--

I paused.

There was a man sitting in my chair.

A very handsome man.

"Ah, and you must be Quatre Winner." He stood, extending a well manicured hand. "I do hope you'll excuse me. When your secretary informed me you would be returning shortly I took the liberty of waiting for you in your office."

"Not a problem," I said politely as I shook his hand and tried hard to dispel feelings of unease--why should I be feeling nervous? This was my office--"I hope you weren't waiting long, Mr--?"

"Khushrenada," my guest said. "Treize Khushrenada." He smiled at me. "I'm delighted to make your acquaintance."

He was still holding onto my hand.

--oOo--

I arrived home with a briefcase full of papers for the new project-- Treize's company's proposal--and a bag of Indonesian takeaways. I dialed Wufei's number as I put the food into the microwave.

"Chang Wufei speaking--"

"Wufei, you will not believe my afternoon."

"Quatre? I was about to call you."

"Why?"

"Well, I was wondering if you thought I had a chance with that braided waiter."

"The waiter?" I said startled. The afternoon's events had put Howard's far from my mind.

"You know, the waiter. The one who advises you on your relationships."

"Why are you asking me?" I stalled. "I don't know him that well--I don't even know his name." But I did know he had a boyfriend--

"But how did he look after I left?" Wufei persisted. "Happy? Sad? Thoughtful?"

I rolled my eyes, pulling my takeaways from the microwave. Lucky the phone was cordless so I could move into the lounge.

"He looked more cheerful I guess. At least until his boyfriend showed up." I winced, hating to be the bearer of bad news.

"Yes--and then how did he look?"

"Wait--you know about the boyfriend, and you're still asking?"

"He told me about him, but it's pretty obvious he's not happy in his current relationship--I think I may have a chance."

"I disagree--at least at the moment. He's still very much involved with his boyfriend--you could tell by the way they looked at each other."

"Ah well," Wufei sighed. Then--"Duo."

"What?"

"His name is Duo."

It was hard but I refrained from rolling my eyes again. "I haven't told you about my afternoon yet. I got back to the office to find a client waiting for me. In my office, in my own chair no less. Anyway, after I got my chair back and we went over his proposals--about fifteen minutes later he asked me if I was free tonight." I snorted. "The nerve of the man--"

"And what did you say?"

"What do you think I said? No!"

"What's the matter with him?"

"It just wouldn't work, it's ridiculous! I mean--well, he's a client for Pete's sake!"

"So? Is he handsome?"

"Wufei! Aren't you not supposed to mix business and pleasure?"

"Why not? Business takes up more of your life nowadays than ever before--if you can't find pleasure at work, then when will you find it?"

"I bet you haven't put that argument before your father," I grinned.

"Well, not yet. And I'd have to put it towards my mother--she runs the business. Anyway, Quatre, you haven't answered my question. Is he handsome?"

"Yes," I admitted reluctantly.

"Intelligent? Nice? What's he like?"

"Charming, I guess. Very polite--makes you feel like a blushing school girl," I said. "He's the kind of guy my sisters swoon over."

"So why did you turn him down?"

"It just wouldn't work, Wufei."

"Why not?"

"Well--he's old."

"How old?"

"Uh--early thirties, I guess."

"That's not old. Besides you know what they say about mature lovers. . ."

"Uh . . . No?"

I blushed as Wufei proceeded to highlight the advantages of experience.

"I'm not going out with him! Forget it! He's just--all wrong--"

"You mean he's not green eyed, tanned and mysteriously absent, right?"

I paused, speechless--

"Quatre, you don't know if you'll ever see him again. There's a good chance you might not. So why waste a good opportunity? Treize is interested, he sounds nice, why not give him a chance?"

I frowned. Was Wufei right? Was the reason I didn't want to go out with Treize the fact that I was waiting for him to show up? I couldn't spend the rest of my life waiting for him--

"Fine. I'll give him a try," I sighed.

I said good-bye to Wufei then began hunting through the folders I'd bought back from work. Even after I'd refused Treize's offer of a drink after work, he'd been very insistent that I take his home phone number--

--oOo--

Treize was something else.

He insisted on taking me out for lunch the next day to a very up-market café, and out to one of the more expensive restaurants for tea the following evening. He paid for everything, and ordered the finest, deeming no expense too great for my comfort. I have to admit I found the attention flattering. Treize was a brilliant conversationalist, well-informed on every topic we touched, charming in the extreme and sophisticated in everything he did. It was impossible not to enjoy his company.

Impossible, but somehow I managed it.

His wife helped too.

Or rather, his ex-wife.

We were still in the process of ordering in our mains course when two women entered the restaurant. Treize broke off ordering to greet them.

"Une! What a coincidence. Don't tell me you're dining here tonight?"

Une smiled. There seemed to be something stiff about the gesture. "Treize. How unexpected."

"How lovely to see you. Now, I mustn't forget my manners. This delicious young man is Quatre Winner, and Quatre, I present my charming ex-wife, Une," Treize gestured elegantly.

Une smiled the same tight brittle smile as she shook my hand. "Delighted, I'm sure."

"Likewise," I said, wondering why Treize made no acknowledgement of the second woman.

"Why don't you and your companion join us? There's room enough--" Treize gestured to the empty spaces at the table.

"Thank you but no," Une said firmly, taking the arm of the woman beside her. "Lucrezia and I want a quiet dinner together." She nodded to me. "Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Winner."

"Delightful as ever," Treize said as she moved away. "There's absolutely no animosity between us, you'll be pleased to know. Despite the divorce--and the fact that she left me for that jumped up secretary--we get on splendidly."

"I see," I said, thinking about the thin line of Une's mouth.

"Yes--no hard feelings between us at all. More wine, Quatre?"

--oOo--

Three cups of coffee in an hour. I didn't taste any of them. I was steeling my nerves for what in some ways would be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

Asking the braided waiter for help.

After complaining about his interfering, I didn't feel I could turn around and ask his advice. But--who else was there? Wufei was a lot stronger than me, he didn't understand my insecurities. I hoped the waiter could.

This time I'll ask him, I determined as he headed my way.

The waiter set his tray down on my table, gathering the empty coffee cups. "What's the matter?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Caffeine going out of fashion?"

"I've got a problem," I said.

"Relationship issues? Don't get me started." The braided waiter sighed as he sat down at my table. "I'm thinking I should have become a monk."

I made sympathetic noises. Anyone's problems were better than facing my own.

"Boyfriend is not being cooperative. I'd be mad at him, but it's impossible to be mad at him. When we're together he'll admit that the situation is bad, that dragging it out will only hurt all of us, that Relena deserves better than this, hell, that I deserve better than this--he'll agree that he needs to tell her or call it off with me, that something has to be done-- but does he do it?"

"No?" I guessed.

"Exactly! And why not?"

I had no idea.

"He doesn't want to hurt her. He's already hurt her--and what is he doing to me?" The waiter sighed. "If I wasn't so attached to it, I'd be tearing my hair out."

I couldn't help it, I snickered.

The waiter grinned at me, then laughed too. "Thanks," he said when he was finished. "I needed that."

"No problem," I said.

"Yup, Roman Catholicism is starting to look very attractive right about now. So what's bothering you?"

As I described my meeting with Treize and our subsequent dates, I was aware of the waiter grinning at me.

"What?" I asked irritably.

"You know what this makes you?" The waiter smirked. "You're a toy-boy."

I groaned. "That's the problem exactly. I feel like Treize's accessory."

"You tried talking to him about it?"

"Yes. And everytime I do he manages to make me feel small and insignificant. Like I'm being ridiculous. And I agree with him, we go our separate ways --and I'm left feeling like nothing has been settled. And then there's his ex-wife." I sighed. "She turned up at the restaurant we went to, on our second date. Coincidence right? That's what I thought-- until she and her partner turned up at the Opera, the Japanese restaurant, the society evening--"

"Either that's a lot of coincidences," the waiter said. "Or--"

"Yes," I said. "At first I thought his wife was stalking us. She's always so stiff around us, as if she's not happy to see him while he's always charming to her--"

"Or it could be the other way round. I wouldn't be that amused if my ex turned up everywhere I went--" the waiter grimaced. "By the sound of things she's moved on--and he hasn't."

"That's the conclusion I'd come to," I sighed. "It certainly explains why the relationship feels so . . . fake."

"Tough luck," the waiter sympathised. "Do you want to try and work through things or call it off?"

"Actually, Duo," I said, using his name for the first time, "that's where you come in." As he blinked at me, surprised, I elaborated. "I need you to dump him for me."

"What? No way--that's way too personal."

"And interfering with my love-life isn't?" I asked. "You've already cost me two boyfriends. I think the least you could do is help me get rid of one I don't want."

"It doesn't work like that. Sure my note may have been the catalyst but that's not the same and informing a stranger that the love of their life thinks they should go their separate ways--"

"Treize hardly thinks I'm the love of his life," I said. "Please, Duo?"

"Puppy eyes generally don't work after a person's hit puberty, stud," he said. "Wait a minute. How do you know my name anyway?"

"Wufei," I said.

Duo grinned. "The cute Chinese guy. Should have known."

I sighed. "So you're not going to help me at all?"

"This is something you have to do for yourself. Trust me. Few relationships end without hurt feelings, and it's better if its coming from you. Be kind, but be honest."

"That the best you can do?" I grumbled. "I'll do it tomorrow."

"Goodluck."

I nodded. "Oh, by the way, Quatre Winner." I held out my hand.

He laughed as he shook it. "Duo Maxwell."

--oOo--

"Well," Treize said eyeing the bronze cockroaches dubiously. "It's not one of my usual haunts--"

"I know," I said. "It's one of my favourite places--which is why I wanted to come here. I have something important to tell you."

"Sounds intriguing," Treize smiled at me. "I'm all ears."

I hedged. "Well ... I've been thinking a lot about our relationship and I don't think it's working out." I proceeded to elaborate, detailing my feelings while trying not to put any blame on him. He listened, nodding occasionally, and sipping his Earl Grey.

"Ah, Quatre," he said once I'd finished. "You're concern is a credit to you. Even if it is misplaced."

"Huh?" I replied, ever so eloquently.

"I see no cause for concern with our relationship. Don't worry yourself about this needlessly." He took another sip of his tea, appreciatively. "I must say the food is of a higher standard than the décor."

"Um--" I said, spotting Duo heading behind the counter. "If you'll excuse me a moment--"

I followed the braided waiter into the kitchen. "Duo?"

"Hey! You can't come in here!" a girl with short cut hair--blue hair, I noted with some surprise--told me.

"Its okay, Hilde. I know Quatre," Duo said, loading a tray of empty dishes into the industrial size dish washer. "Things are not looking good, Quat."

"Tell me about it," I sighed. "I just broke up with him--and he didn't even notice."

"The man has a serious problem facing unpleasant realities. His subconscious must be having a field day."

"Psych students," the girl moaned.

Duo and I ignored her. "I think you're going to have to be brutal to get through to him."

"I can't do that," I protested. "Can't I just hide in the kitchen until he goes away?"

"We have health and safety regulations," Hilde said pointing to a notice on the wall. "Duo, stop eating that."

Duo put the cake down. "Don't worry about it Quat. You can manage this."

I wished I had his faith.

Hilde sighed. "Mudcake?" she said to Duo.

"With whipped cream and sauce," Duo nodded and patted my shoulder. "When all this is over, Quatre, come back here and we'll treat you."

I managed a smile before heading out to rejoin Treize. He hadn't noticed my lengthy absence, he was busy inspecting the café's surfaces for dust.

I slid in to my seat wondering how I was going to do this. I mean--it had been hard enough telling him in a nice way. How could I screw up my courage to do it in a bad way?

Duo smiled at me as he passed by our table. Then suddenly he tripped, the tray slipping out of his hands, and the contents, a tea kettle and some glasses--spilled over Treize. Duo and I exclaimed simultaneously.

"Are you all right? Let me fix that--" Treize shoved Duo away as he tried to help.

"Fix it? Do you have any idea how expensive this shirt was? You'll be paying for this out of your own salary, you little rat!"

I gaped at him. Treize had always been perfectly charming--to see him losing his temper so badly was actually kind of scary.

"It was an accident," Duo said, hastily mopping up--"I'm very sorry--"

"An accident! As if that makes it better! I'll see you lose your job for this--"

Now that was going too far. Anger welled up inside of me. "No you won't!" I said. "He said it was an accident and he's apologised. Stop yelling at him, accept that the world does not always conform to your expectations, and get over it."

Treize glared at me. "Quatre, I hardly think this is a matter that needs your concern."

"I beg to differ," I said, glaring back. "In proper relationships you listen to what your partner thinks! And I think you're overreacting!"

Treize gulped at me. I think it was the first time I'd manage to puncture his cool self possession. "Any other pearls of wisdom you'd like to share?" he rallied sarcastically.

"As a matter of fact yes!" I was on a roll, I didn't care what I said now. "I think you're conceited, that you need to mature by about ten years, that you wear too much cologne, that you need to think about other people more! I think that you paid more attention to how well I matched your décor than to me! I'm thinking I'd rather not be your boyfriend!"

Treize just stared at me.

I stared back, panting. I'd said it--I'd really said it.

The moment was broken by the rest of the café. The other patrons had stood to give me a standing ovation. Duo grinned as he clapped. "Well done, Quatre."

Treize glared at him. "I demand to see the manager! You will pay for this!" He stormed towards the kitchen.

"Oh, Duo, I'm sorry!" I said. "I've made everything worse--you might lose your job."

"Don't worry Quat. I'm a good waiter, Howard's not going to fire me because one customer went off his nut at me." Duo calmly returned to picking up the things on the tray.

"Well, the dry-cleaning bill's on me," I said, calming enough to sit down. The adrenalin hadn't quite worn off--I had stood up to Treize! I mild- mannered Quatre Winner had told him where to get off! I'd really done it! I was startled when Duo chuckled.

"Oh, I don't think there's going to be a dry-cleaning bill," Duo said with an air of smugness.

I was doubtful. "You spilled hot tea on him, Duo."

"Not hot tea. Hot water."

I frowned at him, I'd seen him carrying a tea kettle--"Wait a minute--you didn't plan that--"

"I demand you leave the premises at once!" We looked up as Treize exited the kitchen along with an old guy in a Hawaiian shirt. "Immediately, if not sooner!"

"You'll be hearing from my lawyers about this," Treize threatened as he left.

"Good. I'll be happy to tell them what kind of a moron they have for a client," Howard--for the old man could be no-one else--yelled after him. He turned around, muttering under his breath to find the entire café staring at him. "What?" he said. "No one speaks about my grandson that way and gets away with it."

I stared at Duo. "Grandson?"

"Did I not mention that?" Duo did his best to look innocent. Howard was coming over our way.

"Okay, and what was that about?" he demanded.

"What do you mean?" Duo hedged.

"You haven't dropped a tray since you were nine! What gives? That no-good scumbag boyfriend of yours giving you trouble? Cause if he is--" I took a step back as Howard noticed me. "Is this him?"

"No, my no-good scumbag boyfriend is coming over later," Duo said. "This here is Quatre. I was trying to help him out."

"It's true!" I said. "If Duo hadn't done what he did, I never would have got up the nerve to dump Treize." I shook my head dazedly. "I still can't believe I did that."

Duo punched me in the shoulder. "I knew you could. There's a tiger inside you just waiting to be let out."

I grinned at him. "Rrraow," I said.

Howard shook his head. "Kids today," he bemoaned to the ceiling. Then glared at Duo. "What did I tell you about interfering with customers' love lives?"

"Uh . . . Not to?"

"Kitchen! Dishes! Now!" Howard barked at him. "Send Hilde out here to cover the shop! I don't want to see you again until closing time!"

Duo scampered.

Howard rolled his eyes as he turned to me. "I hope he hasn't caused you any trouble," he said. "He's really a good kid at heart."

I smiled. "I know."

"Tertiary education," Howard muttered. "I don't know why I agreed to it." He nodded to me and returned to the kitchen.

A few minutes later Hilde appeared with my dessert. "Sorry we can't let you have it in the kitchen but it's probably not a good idea to try Howard any more today."

"Duo's not in trouble, is he?"

"Nah, Howard can't stay mad at him for long. They'll be fine." She winked at me. "Enjoy your dessert."

The mudcake was rich moist and perfect. Just as I finished it I noticed that there was a receipt folded under it.

Way to go, it read. Be proud of yourself--go out and have fun. PS. Forgot to tell you the good news. Boyfriend is going to tell Relena about us tonight.

I smiled, folding the receipt away in my wallet. This one I would keep.

I walked back to work feeling entirely too happy with myself. I gave into the urge to abscond and wandered through the park, enjoying the flowers and sunshine and the feeling of freedom from care and responsibility. On a whim I bought a yellow rose from a little girl fundraising for her school and I twirled it in my fingers as I sat and watched the clouds.

It was with surprise that I realised it was getting late. I reluctantly turned towards the city, I would have to find a taxi stand--

I blinked as I realised the back in front of me was somewhat familiar--

He turned and I recognised him in an instant--the startlingly green hue of his eyes, his elegant cheekbones, his quiet, subtle smiles--

I smiled, stepping forward and handing the rose to him. I could see the light of recognition in his eyes as he looked from the flower to me.

"Hey," I said, "I've been waiting for you."

He smiled that mysterious smile of his. "Have you now--well, you know what they say. Once is chance but twice is fate--"

"Yes?" I said as he leaned forward. He was going to kiss me. My brain was making cheering noises.

"Trowa?" An irritated voice called. "We're going to miss the god-dammed bus." A curly haired woman glared at me from the aforementioned bus.

I blinked as Trowa handed me back the rose with a grave smile. "But the third time is the charm."

"But--" I protested.

I was too late. He stepped on the bus just as the doors closed and a moment later he was gone.

tbc.

[1] Anyone who thinks Quatre is being cheap--In New Zealand, which is where I live, you don't tip waiters, they get a salary.