Kiss The Sky [Part One]
It was a Wednesday afternoon when it all came together. Trowa was seated in one of the booths of a quaint little cafe in the part of town where businesses loomed. Beside him was his sister Catherine who was idly chattering, very much aware that the person she was talking to was not paying attention. Trowa was staring off into the big buildings, watching as people moved mindlessly around the busy streets. In other words, he was his usual self.
"Trowa, you didn't hear a word I said, did you?"
He diverted his attention from the busy people and turned to her. He just stared for a while before giving his answer. Sometimes, he just looked too creepy. I didn't know how Catherine could stand him.
"I heard. You're prospective boyfriend is on his way here from the fifth building to the left of this cafe where he currently works. You are thrilled at the prospect of meeting him and you would very much appreciate it if I would indulge him in a conversation even if I do not wish to do so."
"And I though you weren't listening," she said with sarcasm.
He looked at her and then stared off again, not amused by the events that were taking place around him. Believe me, Trowa was very hard to entertain. Most of the time, he found so many things wrong about the world.
"Trowa," his sister called, her face not quite as jovial as when they first arrived.
She was concerned and he didn't seem to notice.
"That wasn't the only reason I brought you with me," she admitted. "I just wanted you to try going out today to meet some people. You've been working in that lab for who knows how long. You need a little sunlight and at least some exposure to the outside world."
He didn't react but I was sure that he was a little upset that he was mislead. He wanted to leave right away but I forced him to stay, forced him to give his sister the little victory she deserved. He felt a little guilty and that was enough to keep him in place.
"Thanks Catherine," he said with sincerity.
He was going to say something more when they were interrupted. Trowa averted his eyes from his sister and directed his piercing stare to the intruder. Needless to say, the man was terrified and was already getting agitated.
"Jules. I'm glad you came. This is my brother Trowa. Don't mind him. He's just a little shy."
The man was obviously not convinced. I wouldn't have been convinced either if I were him. I wouldn't believe the 'shy' explanation one bit.
"He won't bite," she said, trying to convince him while kicking Trowa's leg with her foot.
She was thankful when he withdrew his stare. I was thankful too since he was starting to scare me as well. Those eyes were the most intimidating things I had ever seen. I thought that sometimes, he used them for the purpose of amusing himself. He liked watching people squirm at his presence. Sadistic, I know but don't we all have our dirty little secrets?
"Trowa, this was the person I was telling you about," Catherine said while nudging his leg.
"Yes, the very popular Mr. Fletcher. I hear that you work for a big company whose main office is located around this area."
"So Catherine has told you about me then. Yes, I do work around here and I thought I'd stop by to meet with your sister."
"The word meet is highly inappropriate considering your body language. It's quite obvious that you have other concerns or shall I say desires that you cannot accomplish in my presence. I'm taking that look on your face as my cue to leave the two of you for some much needed privacy."
Oh well, at least he made it quick.
He stood up, shook the man's hand and opted to transfer to a different booth. I was surprised he didn't leave. I was sure that he had new discoveries to make. However, when I thought about it more carefully, I thought that what he really intended to do was make sure that his sister's safety was not threatened by an objectionable man. He looked out for her too although his ways were more subtle.
"Black coffee," he said even before the waitress asked him for his order.
Yup, Trowa really needed better people skills. He just scared the poor girl off and I didn't even see her coming. Things were really beginning to look hopeless from my viewpoint.
I probably wasn't looking hard enough. The moment I said that, it happened. The most wonderful miracle walked into the cafe, his presence being signaled by the light tinkling of the bells attached to the top of the door. My jaw dropped open and Trowa, unfortunately, was examining a table napkin while the whole incident was happening. I thought my luck was running out.
It was then that the waitress came back with the cup of black coffee precariously balanced with five other beverages stuck between her fingers. Trowa chose that time to look up and relieve the girl of her load. He nodded a thank you and then stared at his cup of coffee. I would have dumped the coffee on his head if I could. He was lucky that I was more reasonable than that. He had no idea that something magical was happening a few feet away. I could sense it and I hoped that he would too. What's so amazing about that darn coffee anyway?
"Just a cup of black coffee please."
Bingo! Trowa's head shot up upon hearing the voice. I just knew that it was perfect. Trowa never paid attention to anyone if that person weren't more important than his work.
"Are you sure Quatre? I don't think I've ever seen you have lunch. I think you need to put on a little weight," the man at the counter said.
This was getting even better. I had a name to go with the face.
"I'm fine. I just need something to wake me up for the next meeting," he answered in that soft voice that I couldn't even begin to describe.
"Another one of those, eh?"
"Yeah," he answered and then sat down in one of the stools facing the counter.
He looked tired to me. He was tired but he was gorgeous. I think Trowa and I shared the same thoughts.
I looked at Trowa and I knew then that I finally had something that I could use against him. Trowa was staring and he was literally drooling on his shirt. I should've brought a camera with me because that never happened. Trust me. I've always been around Trowa and nobody has ever brought out a reaction like that from him.
I couldn't blame him. I too was lost in a trance-like state. This person called Quatre was so striking. His bright blonde hair was playing tricks with the sunlight that was filtering through the glass and his face was so perfectly shaped that one would think that he was sculpted. His suit and his matching stature was so elegant that you could tell he was refined. His voice sounded so soft against the thunderous sounds of the city outside. I know. I was exaggerating but so was Trowa.
"Trowa?"
Not even his sister's voice was snapping him out of it.
"Trowa?"
I guess he needed a harder push.
"Trowa!"
He snapped out of his daydream and I was surprised to find him back to his old self within seconds. Disregarding the drool that was threatening to flow down his mouth, his face was as blank as always. He just stared at his sister in question.
"Trowa, are you alright?" she asked and he nodded a yes.
It was good enough for Catherine but her companion was not convinced.
"Catherine, I think that little brother of yours has a crush on my boss over there," Jules said, motioning with his hands.
Uh, oh. Nobody challenged Trowa like that.
"I was only wondering why a young person such as himself would consume that much coffee."
I should have hit him upside the head. He should have asked about how he could privately meet with this 'boss'. Question number two would be boss? Isn't he too young to be your boss?
"Trowa, you aren't exactly any older than him and you're drinking a lot of coffee yourself."
Leave it to Catherine to figure out what was wrong.
"I have my reasons," he said and then looked sternly at Jules with a warning. "If you have nothing else of importance to say then I suggest that you get back to your job."
It was too late to take it back. Catherine looked at him in disbelief. She was disappointed and he knew it. Deciding to watch his words this time, he stood up, took a last look at Quatre and left with his sister. Mr. Fletcher bid his farewell and the two were gone.
For the rest of the day Trowa was in la-la land, daydreaming about various scenarios that he could only dream possible. I was there to start a conversation with him but he didn't seem to notice me. He went about his work, looking very much like the professional he was but only I knew what was really going on inside his head.
"So, Trowa," I interrupted while he was scanning something through a microscope. "I take it you like the blonde in the cafe they called Quatre."
He nodded his head.
Hah! I knew he would never keep anything from me.
"Are you planning on asking him out sometime, maybe accidentally bump into him? Or maybe you could ask Jules if you could meet with his cute boss?"
"Negative," was all he said.
I should have known better. He was not going to make his move. I really wanted to help but he was being difficult.
His eyes left the microscope and then he put on his glasses, ready to face the computer for another few hours. I didn't like it. He always used his work as a reason to ignore me. Fine then.
He spent at least an hour staring at whatever indiscernible figures were floating on the computer screen and then left to get himself some more coffee. Nothing interesting happened any more that day. I was grateful at least that Trowa finally came across someone good enough for him. All he needed was a harder push.