Kiss The Sky [Part Three]
It took me three weeks, three weeks to get everything ready. It was difficult to arrange for my plans. I hoped that Trowa would appreciate the effort even if he wasn't aware of what I'd been doing without his knowledge. Imagine all the research I had to do.
I was grinning all day. Trowa may have noticed because he too had an air about him that screamed 'I'm in a good mood!' That was not all that unthinkable. After all, whatever made me happy made him happy and whatever he had in mind, I had in mind. What can I say, we're one and the same.
I played with the monkeys that afternoon and they too seemed happy. It was like everyone knew what was going to happen that day.
After Trowa performed another procedure, I left the room and waited for things to unfold. It was exactly 2:53 pm when the newcomer arrived at the door. He was wearing a white coat over his casual clothes and he was holding a clipboard on his left hand. On his head were a pair of glasses that seemed more suited for someone else. He was confident in his stride and he looked ready for his new challenge. I really hoped he was because Trowa wasn't the easiest person to deal with.
He knocked on the door before coming in.
"Come in."
Trowa didn't care much for people that came and left his workspace. He may have considered them a nuisance but he didn't mind that much. He ignored any strangers that came in and went along with his job. I had a feeling, thought, that he wasn't going to ignore this one for long. It was so perfect I praised myself endlessly.
"Dr. Trowa Barton?"
"Yes."
Trowa didn't look at him first. If it was another one of his annoying students then I'm sure he would've decided to send them away more confused than when they first walked in. Talk about evil.
"I'm your new research assistant."
Trowa's eyes flashed with anger although he never really looked at the newcomer. I had a feeling then that he would hate me for it. He always worked alone and the new arrangement was going to be a difficult change.
"I need proof."
He was still facing his computer screen, unable and unwilling to accommodate his new visitor. His new assistant, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind the rude welcome. He came closer to Trowa and handed him the folder that was stuck to the clipboard. Trowa opened it to survey its contents. The new assistant was legitimate.
"I have only one rule," Trowa said, closing the folder and handing it back without looking back. "Stay out of my way."
I hoped that Trowa would look at him at least. It was of no use to me if he didn't. My plan would have been destroyed right then and there. I closed my eyes and prayed that he would take a look. About five seconds later, he did.
"I need a name to... address you."
Everything was just as perfect as I had planned. All I needed to do after that was watch. I knew for sure that Trowa would be able to handle it alone.
"You can call me Quatre."
Quatre was definitely the looker. He had the softest looking blond hair and the largest and brightest set of eyes hiding behind a pair of glasses. He looked like a twelve year old playing doctor in his long white coat. True, he had that childish look to him but he was gorgeous and I was a genius.
"Quatre," Trowa repeated and at that same instant, his face was once again indifferent as if disregarding his internal reaction.
I understood him because I knew that he would have acted the same way no matter who the guest. It was Trowa after all. There was never anything different about the way he treated people. What I wanted to know, however, was how long he was going to hold on to the attitude. I knew his facade would be defeated eventually. All I had to do was wait.
"You'll be fine as long as you concentrate on analyzing those data. Come to me if you need anything."
"Thank you Dr. Barton."
"Just call me Trowa."
"What was that?"
"Trowa."
Quatre nodded and began his work immediately. Trowa stared at his new assistant, probably smirking to himself and followed his gaze to where his assistant was going. Actually, none too chaste thoughts came to his head.
Quatre sat down by one of the desks and pulled a chair over to begin. He looked both attentive and enthusiastic, just like the novices who experienced their first try at something. He looked like he was going to love his work. He must have been insane because I could never stand long hours analyzing data. One hour later, though, he put his pen down. I knew he was getting bored. It was pretty obvious considering how quiet the place was. He took off his glasses and massaged his temple.
"Tired already?"
I was aghast! Trowa never initiated a conversation. It was obvious too that he was watching his assistant. Otherwise, he wouldn't have noticed Quatre's state.
"A little. You know, I think you need a little something in here. Forgive me for saying this but it's pretty boring in here. Your monkeys look like they're going to spontaneously combust out of absolute boredom."
Wrong move. Trowa was always defensive when it came to his research.
"You don't say? Why don't we implement a language device that will determine once and for all what they think? What do you say? Do you have any algorithms in mind?"
It was horrible. I didn't even see it coming. I couldn't believe that he scared off his assistant that quickly. He could have at least been nice even for another hour. It was a big surprise though when Quatre held his ground. I thought he was the crying type. I guess I was wrong.
He smiled instead at the remark, got off his chair and went closer to Trowa. He sat precariously on the wobbly desk, tapped his fingers on Trowa's computer and swiveled Trowa's chair to face him. Let's just say he was lucky he was gorgeous because Trowa would have punched anyone else in the gut for doing what he just did.
"You know, Trowa," he started, with an emphasis on the 'Trowa'. "I think I know what your problem is."
Quatre swung his foot back and forth and continued to look at Trowa who didn't look phased by the awkward approach. Trowa simply crossed his arms.
"Oh really?"
"Uh huh."
"I won't wait all day for your answer."
Quatre jumped down from the desk and came so close to him that he didn't know what was going on. He'd never had a decent conversation with anyone before much less having a new acquaintance within two inches of his face.
"Who said I was going to tell you?" Quatre whispered so close to his face and went back to his desk without another word.
Trowa was puzzled, to say the least. He would have bet that this was the same Quatre from the day before but the question was, what was this supposed businessman doing in his school, in his department and in his lab. He had the credentials, he had Trowa's complete attention and he most likely had suspicious intentions. I wasn't about to dissuade Trowa from what he thought. I did say that I was just going to watch.
When we arrived home that evening, I kept on bombarding Trowa with questions. He didn't think to ask where I was all day probably since he was too distracted salivating all over his new assistant.
"So, how was he?" I asked as we approached the door.
"Unbelievable," he muttered. "I can't believe he said that."
"So, we find out you're not invincible after all, huh?"
I laughed at my own remark.
He grunted and pushed open the door. Instead of doing his normal routine, he went directly to the phone, grabbed a folder and looked through the contents. When he had what he was looking for, he dialed a number and then waited.
"What is this all about?"
"Didn't you think that someone else could have picked up the phone other than me?"
"Who's idea was this assistant?"
"It was your idea."
"I don't remember requesting for one."
"Think of this as an implicit request. You looked like you needed help, the kid was more than qualified and you needed someone to formulate something for that grant proposal of yours."
"So you send me a twelve year old, put glasses on him and match it up with a white coat and all of a sudden, my prayers have been answered?"
"Technically, yes."
"I don't..."
"You're welcome, Trowa."
Trowa had to hold back the rest of what he had to say since the connection was cut. He couldn't think of anything else that could rid him of his current situation.
"He was distracting enough already," he said, acting like a child himself. "I can't deal with this."
I wasn't about to let him do that.
"Look, Tro. Consider it a challenge. Not only is he reliable and charming, he's also got more than enough money to fund your research. Just look at it this way. You don't have to prepare for another presentation. Your guy is just five steps away."
He made a resounding sigh but he agreed.
"Fine. But he's not charming."
I thought he wouldn't notice. Ah, well. There was still time to learn about Quatre anyway. I knew that Trowa was going to eventually take the statement back.
Before I could continue, the phone rang. Trowa went to pick it up while I waited for him to finish.
"Hello."
"Dr. Barton."
"I thought we agreed it was Trowa."
"Well Trowa, in case you were wondering why I called, I was asked. No wait. Let me rephrase that. I was ordered by the department head to immediately call their prize possession Dr. Trowa Barton and apologize to him for something I wasn't aware of doing. Not doing so would cause me a probation so here I am. I'm sorry. Was the apology sufficient?"
Trowa didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to tell Trowa because Quatre didn't sound too happy. I couldn't blame him. I wouldn't have been too happy either. It was going to be complicated.
"I never demanded for a verbal apology."
"So, should I come in with a written apology tomorrow?"
"Look, none of this was my idea."
"I'm sure none of this was, including the idea of having an assistant. Look, if you want me to stay out of your way then that's what I'm going to do. Don't worry, I won't forget the written apology for tomorrow."
Before Trowa could say anything, the connection was cut. Trowa slammed the phone down. His good day was turning sour because nothing was going his way. He was obviously not in a very good mood so I left him alone for the rest of the night. I hoped that it wasn't going to get any worse. I knew something needed to be changed and I was sure that it was Trowa's attitude that needed a change. That was necessary if he really wanted the new arrangement to work out not just for him but for the both of us.