-Illusions that We Shatter-
Not him. This isn't my prince… Duo's mind screamed this usual things at him, as if the view with his eyes wasn't ever going to be enough. The boy laying mostly under the blankets on the bed wasn't -his- angel, the one he'd seen before, but there were similarities and somehow those cut him deeper then anything.
The boy who'd come dancing into Duo's life through means of dreams and chance glimpses was flawless, pale golden haired and ivory of skin, with bright flashing blue green eyes and a small smile that just seemed to be hinting at knowing some great secret. That boy was slim and delicate, but those things only made him all the more appealing and made someone want to wrap the boy into an embrace and never let him go, to become willing to die to protect him from any harm. Even though he'd never heard a word from that boy's lips, Duo just knew his voice would be like honey and his laughter like the high bells that tolled in church towers around the world. He was doll-like, but almost unearthly in all the beauty that was poured into his every graceful movement… And this wasn't him, couldn't be.
The young man in the bed looked sick, and he had probably been that way for a while. There was no chance he'd been in the hall a week ago and then turned into this. His face and what could be seen of his bare shoulders wasn't slim or slender, it was thin and even though Duo bet this boy had the best diet (Trowa would have made -sure- of that) he looked undernourished and a little drained. The eyes that were still fixed on him had that beautiful color Duo had trouble naming, but beneath them the skin was slightly darkened from nights without sleep. There was a flush across the boy's cheeks, those he was relieved to see still had some childish roundness to them, but that color had nothing to do with being shy or embarrassed and everything to do with possible fever. His hair… That remained the same and was something the brunette near the door was silently thankful for. It hung fully around the boy's features, one pale blonde strand almost draping over a darkly lash lined eye in a wild and free manner. Even with the light coming from the candles in this room it shone like pure sunlight and cast a glow to the poor young it was on.
It was the prince, the real boy, though Duo didn't pretend to know who he'd seen and originally fallen in love with, and he was dying in this room as surely as some long ago forgotten and caged pet. There was still hints in that tiny form of such great potential beauty it made him want to weep, but Quatre only looked neglected and lost in that sea of blankets right now. Still, even the sickness granted him something to cherish. Paler then what Duo's seen and so tragically smaller, right now the boy nearly perfectly resembled one of the toys on his shelves. Those glass dolls with their sparkling eyes, red cheeks, and oh so breakable forms…
Indeed, slowly the pain of the scene reached him and tears welled up in Duo's eyes, threatening to overflow and leave him helplessly sobbing before even walking into the room a single step. How could they? … Don't they know how he -could- be?
Perhaps they would have stayed there and stared at one another across the infinite distance of the room for an eternity, the small sickly boy in bed with the huge eyed gaze and the crushed prophet in the door, each thinking their own lost thoughts, were in not for the bathroom door opening and the familiar tall form emerging from there.
"Quatre, you really ought to try to sleep. Your book shall still be here tomorrow and so will you, you can pick it up then. You can't keep staying up this-" Trowa stopped in mid-step, his eyes finally noticing the lack of movement from the blonde and the way his little ward was staring fixedly at the door as though he'd seen a ghost. His own gaze slowly moved that way, easily spotting Duo's rigid form in the shadows just outside… It immediately brought to mind stories of goblins stilling children and evil feys, but he knew the real reason the prophet would be -lurking- around and that chilled him even more. It was time.
Trowa forced himself to swallow before he spoke, afraid of the dry and pitiful sound that wanted to come and would honestly tell exactly what he thought of the situation. He crossed over to the prince's bed and sat gracefully on the edge, reaching a hand out to lightly stroke the boy's shaking shoulder as he explained. "It's all right. He isn't here to hurt you… It's the boy from your dreams, and he's here now to take you out of this castle."
Ever so slowly the prince turned to look up at the other boy, eyes flickering over the familiar features of his guardian with worry before again darting to Duo's hidden form. He nervously nibbled on his bottom lip as he faced back to Trowa, an innocent action that made the braided boy move a little more into the light despite his misgivings, and when that sweet voice came and it was exactly as Duo had imagined it, he stepped into the room for the first time. "Out? But Trowa… I'm not supposed…" He stopped and shook his head, glancing to Duo fearfully at that movement before more firmly stating. "I'm not allowed to go out."
Trowa frowned at the answer, flashing Duo a sad expression that begged him for a few minutes as he carefully pulled the boy free of the covers and unto his lap. Duo winced at how easy that look, and noted the way the boy's silk night pants hung from him. He soothed back the wild bangs from Quatre's forehead, pressing a gentle kiss on his temple before correcting him. "You aren't allowed, no. because of your father… But that doesn't make it right. This man is going to take you and let you out. You're going to get to be outside and touch the grass you always look at, and the next time it rains, you're going to dance it if you want, not just watch it streak down the window panes. He can't keep you here any more, Quatre. I can't let it happen any more and there's finally someone else who's willing to take the chance to help you live. You can have all the stuff you read about now, but you have to go with him and it has to be tonight… You only have a few minutes to decide, and I don't think it will happen again."
To his credit the blonde listened to all of that very alarming news without interrupting or bursting into tears, he just stared at Trowa's face while he spoke and seemed to watch the very words come from his mouth with an interest that surprised Duo. It was like he was trying to read something, some hidden message, in each word that Duo couldn't possibly see. Silence fell when Trowa stopped, and it felt heavy in the still of the room.
The cerulean eyes finally left Trowa's face and drifted towards the window, watching the darkness outside calmly while the prince thought through all he'd heard. Duo was having a hard time standing still. Now that he'd seen the boy, been shocked half to death and gotten through the shock to cope with the difference between reality and illusion, he quickly discovered he did still mean to take this boy and free him… It wasn't the same boy in looks but there was still something so sweet in the way he behaved and existed and that was the same. He knew that given a chance and time, Quatre would grow and blossom in the world outside the castle. It was that future being that Duo had fallen for, and probably that was for the best. He wanted to see that boy again, and he could help this poor little creature become that thing of beauty and laughter… If the prince gave him the chance.
Trowa watched these thoughts play over Duo's face, observing the things the prophet didn't even try hide before finally looking away. In his heart he thought he already knew what would happen, and he didn't want to waste whatever time he had being jealous of the braided male. He just dropped his head into the small curve of the prince's shoulder, holding and coveting him for the few minutes before Quatre again spoke. "I want to go with him."
With those simple words Duo's heart nearly flew even as Trowa felt his own die a little. Duo moved forwards quickly, only to get Trowa's hand rising and halting him in midstep as he very gently set the prince back into his bed. "Before you just snatch him away and take him to this new life, grant me a second to speak with you… Please?"
"S-sure… Not a problem." Duo's eyes moved anxiously from the prince form back up to Trowa's unnervingly steady gaze. "Where?"
"The bathroom. The hall's too dangerous so it will have to do." He pointed absently to the doors, then looked at Quatre again. "Go ahead and very quickly pack some things you want to take with you while I speak with him. You can use my night bag for your stuff. Just dump it on the bed then pack your own things, choose wisely because I doubt you'll be able to come back to get more. Just be quick, okay?"
The blonde head nodded quickly, not taking the time to question the instructions as he scooted off the side of the bed and moved to comply. Trowa got up and walked stiffly to the bathroom, holding the door open for Duo and waiting for him to enter before closing it behind them. The darkness in here and the close quarters felt suffocating to Duo, and he waited in expectation for either pleas from Trowa or threats. What he got instead was a useful if not slightly worrisome surprise. Just more instructions about caring for the blonde.
"It will be tough at first. He hasn't been out and so that would be rough enough on his body to adapt too, but he's also sick right now so you'll have to be wary of that as well. Keep him bundled up, even if he complains about feeling stifle. Don't assault his stomach with too many new and rich foods at first, I know you'll want him to try everything but take it slow or he'll get worse. He's stubborn and will probably want to walk on his own, but since he is sick right now, don't let him do too much and work himself into a faint. He'd rather walk himself to the ground then admit to needing help for the most part, he has that much pride. If he gets cut, bandage and care for it right away, no exceptions. He might be allergic to stuff out there, there's no way to tell, so also keep an eye out for that. And-" Trowa forced himself to halt for a second, realizing exactly how much of a mother hen he sounded like. But he'd cared for Quatre for most of his own and the prince's life. You got used to the quirks, first you dealt with them, then you grew to expect and even love them a little. He still couldn't believe he was willing to hand his prince over to this strange dark fellow who had no idea how to deal with him. A few minutes ago if he'd had these thoughts he would have stood and slammed the door right in Duo's face and made a lie for the blonde, now he was trapped and had to go on. Life was unfair sometimes.
In the oppressing silence, Duo could guess what was going through the tall young male's mind even if he couldn't see the suddenly stung look on Trowa's face. He reached up and out blindly and was relieved when he hand fell on what could only be the guardian's shoulder. "I'll do all of that, I promise. Trowa, I won't let -anything- hurt him, not even myself. Quatre's going to be fine and be happy no matter what I have to do to see that he is. If he gets sick I'll do something for the money and take him to the best healer I can find, and if he no longer wants that world out there, I swear no matter how much it kills me I'll bring him back to you. But he'll be okay…"
"I know you'll take care of him… It's just a big job, and he's such a little thing. Someone like him-" Trowa frowned into the dark, then sighed and dropped his head with a murmur-" Someone like him just wasn't meant for a world like this, Duo. I'm so glad he's here, but I don't think it ever should have happened at all, and certainly not like this. Treasure each second, even when it gets rough, tell me you'll at least try to do that?"
"You know I will. It's impossible not too… He's going to get better out there and be who he should have been, even if it takes the world to do so."
Quiet again for a few seconds, then Trowa stepped away from him and opened the door, letting enough light into the room for Duo to see his way out and for him also to observed the stoic male was currently wiping at his cheeks and looking miserable. You can't lose something like he's losing and be fine, it's just not possible. He quickly scurried out of the bathroom, giving Trowa his peace to collect himself and looking for the prince.
Quatre was sitting back on the bed and he glanced up when Duo came out, uncertainty flickering in his eyes at the sight of the prophet before he returned his attention to the objects in his hands. He was dressed now and that was something Duo was both relieved and to be honest disappointed to see. Quatre had slipped into a pair of dark blue breaches that were held tightly at the thinly tapered waist by a belt, tiny black shoes, and crisp white silk shirt. An over shirt rested on the bed besides his crossed legs, something that matched the pants and was thicker, presumably to protect against the chills of night. In his hands and in a stack between his legs were some books, and Duo looked to the side to notice the empty spots on the shelves. Somehow he'd thought he'd come out and find the toys peeking out of the boy's bags, and he was glad to see he was mistaken… Even if that still doubtful look he'd gotten felt a bit like a punch to the stomach. He had faith that Quatre'd warm up to him eventually.
One book was set gently aside and the other lucky one was added to the messy pile between his legs, then Quatre lifted it and started carefully placing the heavy things on top of whatever else was in the old sack. He tied the top of the bag shut in a prissy manner, rechecking it, then hoisting it up and shaking it a little just to be sure and those actions brought a smile to Duo's face.
He heard Trowa step out behind him and saw Quatre's attention again flicker up, and then came that little nagging voice as he witnessed first hand the look of utter trust the prince had for this serious boy. He'll look at me like that one day too. I'll find a way to earn it. His childishly jealous thoughts were shaken apart as Trowa spoke just behind him. "You should go now. You've already spent too much time in here. Quatre, are you ready?" Though he didn't speak it, it was clear enough to Duo that he also asked in his own silent and hopeful way 'Quatre, are you sure you still want to go? It's not too late to say no and go back to bed.'
But to his relief, Quatre answered quickly, and though his voice was quiet and noticeably nervous, he sounded positive. "I'm ready. I have everything. He… He'll led the way out of the castle?"
"He'll carry you out of the castle." Quatre's mouth opened to protest and Trowa quickly hurried on without giving him a chance, "It'll be faster and safer if he does. You're still sick. You'll have all the time in the world once you are better to walk around out there, but for now, please don't argue."
"Oh! Fine." Duo discovered he liked the way the blonde's lower lip stuck out when he'd been scolded, it was cute in a totally kissable-- No, best not to go there right now. How could he even be letting his mind meander in that direction at all with the shock he'd just been through.
Trowa stepped around him and approached the bed, bending down gracefully even as Quatre put his coat on, placed the bag on his back then reached accepting arms up to him. Duo watched from a few feet away as Trowa easily lifted the boy and cradled him to his chest, then turned and started back towards the prophet with a saddened frown. Quatre's stormy eyes were also on him, his blonde head resting comfortably against the broad chest of his guardian as he looked over Duo worriedly. The tall youth stopped in front of him and held his precious little burden out, but for a minute Duo found he just -couldn't- take the boy.
"I…" That came out in a dry squeak and sounded like un-oiled hinges, Duo coughed and shook his head. "I can't… I'll drop him, I just know it."
"You won't drop him. He's light, Duo… And he isn't made of glass." Before the half demon could even protest again, Trowa was pressing the small bundle out to him, and slowly pale little arms were winding around his neck as if they were meant to be there.
He looked down slowly and was confronted with the prince's upturned face, his own pale lips pressed together in worry and eyes searching Duo's face for something. Duo could only hold his breath, realizing if the prince rejected him now Trowa'd grab him, call the guards and be damned with what it meant for all of them. He just held still and kept quiet, looking over that face now that it was closer. He was mesmerized with the delicate lines on the pink of Quatre's lips, and there was something about the way the blues and greens in his eyes and how they seemed to switch the moment you looked away that was almost like the magic he himself tampered with. The blonde hair laying across one cheek suddenly caught his attention and he couldn't help himself. He shifted the boy's weight carefully to one arm, a small part of him mind agreeing with what Trowa had said and noting how disturbingly easy it was to do so, then used the other to brush the hair aside and lightly pet the smooth curve of Quatre's cheek. " … I'll take care of you."
"I know… Thank you, Duo." A tiny smile danced across his lips and Duo lost himself a little more in that, then Quatre's eyes closed and he just settled his head on the demon's shoulder and snuggled in.
When he at last looked up from the captivating sight of the prince at last in his arms and how peaceful he looked, he found himself with another frown on Trowa's face. For once though, he didn't think it was directed at him. Trowa wasn't really looking at him, but at Quatre, and Duo didn't truly think he was seeing the prince so much as thinking. When he realized there were eyes on him, he looked up and asked something odd that Duo didn't quite understand at the moment. "You never told him…"
He blinked. "What?"
Trowa just shook his head. "Never mind, I guess it isn't important." he turned and walked over to the door without allow Duo the chance to question him again. Slowly Trowa cracked the door open and stared quietly out into the hall, after a moment he looked back over his shoulder and gave Duo a 'come here' motion. He hurried forward, watching the way he walked and trying not to jiggle the prince around to much as he pressed against the wall near the door.
"It's clear. Very likely, most of the halls will be. If you are taking the path I recommended there should be no problem at all, if not, just be extra careful and keep your ears open." The dark forest eyes dropped then to the body cuddled against Duo's chest, and softly Trowa stroked the silky blonde locks and leaned in to kiss Quatre's round cheek and murmur into his ear. "You're free now, little one."
He sighed sadly, but managed a tragic smile as Quatre turned in Duo's grip to look up at him with wide eyes. "I can't let my heart hold you any longer or I'd be no better then the cruel man who put you here in the first place. Be happy, explore the world, taste and touch everything, love if you will, but be happy…"
Duo couldn't pretend he wasn't here and hearing this, but he did turn his face to the side, trying to give them some form of privacy and for now feeling nothing but a little sad for the serious male. It was a good-bye and Trowa deserved nothing but sympathy.
Quatre wiggled around a bit and freed one arm, bringing it up and lightly touching Trowa's cheek as he whispered- "You are free too now. Go away from the castle… It's poison here. Find a life and make it good, and thank you. You're my best friend, Trowa, and I'll never forget you…"
He bit his lower lip, one hand holding that small appendage against his face as if afraid to lose it now would be death. "Quatre, I-"
"Shh. Don't… I know, and it's okay. You aren't such a mirror as you want to be, Trowa, and hopefully now you don't need to be at all. I care about you, and I hope you will try to find a new life. You've helped me and I wish I could do the same for you. Don't let this kill you, Trowa. It's all… Only life. Remember, what you told me about the birds."
Something flickered in the darkness of Trowa's eyes and he nodded, and slowly the hand released Quatre's. "There are other worlds in which to sing." Amazingly enough a small smile touched his lips, then Trowa gave Quatre one more chaste kiss on the boy's warm temple and stepped back. "But I hope you stay part of this one, little one. We'd be losing something great."
"I hope you do too. Live well, my friend." He looked over those familiar features one last time, then smiled at him and rolled over in Duo's arms to again bury his head. Trowa swallowed roughly, then nodded to Duo and opened the door for him. "For the gods sakes, Duo, take care of him, please?"
There was little he could do but nod in the face of Trowa's strong again expression, though his eyes told the truth. He shifted Quatre's slight weight in his arms again, then stuck his own head out the door. Nothing moved, and so slowly he stepped out and began his escape from the castle.
Not him. This isn't my prince… Duo's mind screamed this usual things at him, as if the view with his eyes wasn't ever going to be enough. The boy laying mostly under the blankets on the bed wasn't -his- angel, the one he'd seen before, but there were similarities and somehow those cut him deeper then anything.
The boy who'd come dancing into Duo's life through means of dreams and chance glimpses was flawless, pale golden haired and ivory of skin, with bright flashing blue green eyes and a small smile that just seemed to be hinting at knowing some great secret. That boy was slim and delicate, but those things only made him all the more appealing and made someone want to wrap the boy into an embrace and never let him go, to become willing to die to protect him from any harm. Even though he'd never heard a word from that boy's lips, Duo just knew his voice would be like honey and his laughter like the high bells that tolled in church towers around the world. He was doll-like, but almost unearthly in all the beauty that was poured into his every graceful movement… And this wasn't him, couldn't be.
The young man in the bed looked sick, and he had probably been that way for a while. There was no chance he'd been in the hall a week ago and then turned into this. His face and what could be seen of his bare shoulders wasn't slim or slender, it was thin and even though Duo bet this boy had the best diet (Trowa would have made -sure- of that) he looked undernourished and a little drained. The eyes that were still fixed on him had that beautiful color Duo had trouble naming, but beneath them the skin was slightly darkened from nights without sleep. There was a flush across the boy's cheeks, those he was relieved to see still had some childish roundness to them, but that color had nothing to do with being shy or embarrassed and everything to do with possible fever. His hair… That remained the same and was something the brunette near the door was silently thankful for. It hung fully around the boy's features, one pale blonde strand almost draping over a darkly lash lined eye in a wild and free manner. Even with the light coming from the candles in this room it shone like pure sunlight and cast a glow to the poor young it was on.
It was the prince, the real boy, though Duo didn't pretend to know who he'd seen and originally fallen in love with, and he was dying in this room as surely as some long ago forgotten and caged pet. There was still hints in that tiny form of such great potential beauty it made him want to weep, but Quatre only looked neglected and lost in that sea of blankets right now. Still, even the sickness granted him something to cherish. Paler then what Duo's seen and so tragically smaller, right now the boy nearly perfectly resembled one of the toys on his shelves. Those glass dolls with their sparkling eyes, red cheeks, and oh so breakable forms…
Indeed, slowly the pain of the scene reached him and tears welled up in Duo's eyes, threatening to overflow and leave him helplessly sobbing before even walking into the room a single step. How could they? … Don't they know how he -could- be?
Perhaps they would have stayed there and stared at one another across the infinite distance of the room for an eternity, the small sickly boy in bed with the huge eyed gaze and the crushed prophet in the door, each thinking their own lost thoughts, were in not for the bathroom door opening and the familiar tall form emerging from there.
"Quatre, you really ought to try to sleep. Your book shall still be here tomorrow and so will you, you can pick it up then. You can't keep staying up this-" Trowa stopped in mid-step, his eyes finally noticing the lack of movement from the blonde and the way his little ward was staring fixedly at the door as though he'd seen a ghost. His own gaze slowly moved that way, easily spotting Duo's rigid form in the shadows just outside… It immediately brought to mind stories of goblins stilling children and evil feys, but he knew the real reason the prophet would be -lurking- around and that chilled him even more. It was time.
Trowa forced himself to swallow before he spoke, afraid of the dry and pitiful sound that wanted to come and would honestly tell exactly what he thought of the situation. He crossed over to the prince's bed and sat gracefully on the edge, reaching a hand out to lightly stroke the boy's shaking shoulder as he explained. "It's all right. He isn't here to hurt you… It's the boy from your dreams, and he's here now to take you out of this castle."
Ever so slowly the prince turned to look up at the other boy, eyes flickering over the familiar features of his guardian with worry before again darting to Duo's hidden form. He nervously nibbled on his bottom lip as he faced back to Trowa, an innocent action that made the braided boy move a little more into the light despite his misgivings, and when that sweet voice came and it was exactly as Duo had imagined it, he stepped into the room for the first time. "Out? But Trowa… I'm not supposed…" He stopped and shook his head, glancing to Duo fearfully at that movement before more firmly stating. "I'm not allowed to go out."
Trowa frowned at the answer, flashing Duo a sad expression that begged him for a few minutes as he carefully pulled the boy free of the covers and unto his lap. Duo winced at how easy that look, and noted the way the boy's silk night pants hung from him. He soothed back the wild bangs from Quatre's forehead, pressing a gentle kiss on his temple before correcting him. "You aren't allowed, no. because of your father… But that doesn't make it right. This man is going to take you and let you out. You're going to get to be outside and touch the grass you always look at, and the next time it rains, you're going to dance it if you want, not just watch it streak down the window panes. He can't keep you here any more, Quatre. I can't let it happen any more and there's finally someone else who's willing to take the chance to help you live. You can have all the stuff you read about now, but you have to go with him and it has to be tonight… You only have a few minutes to decide, and I don't think it will happen again."
To his credit the blonde listened to all of that very alarming news without interrupting or bursting into tears, he just stared at Trowa's face while he spoke and seemed to watch the very words come from his mouth with an interest that surprised Duo. It was like he was trying to read something, some hidden message, in each word that Duo couldn't possibly see. Silence fell when Trowa stopped, and it felt heavy in the still of the room.
The cerulean eyes finally left Trowa's face and drifted towards the window, watching the darkness outside calmly while the prince thought through all he'd heard. Duo was having a hard time standing still. Now that he'd seen the boy, been shocked half to death and gotten through the shock to cope with the difference between reality and illusion, he quickly discovered he did still mean to take this boy and free him… It wasn't the same boy in looks but there was still something so sweet in the way he behaved and existed and that was the same. He knew that given a chance and time, Quatre would grow and blossom in the world outside the castle. It was that future being that Duo had fallen for, and probably that was for the best. He wanted to see that boy again, and he could help this poor little creature become that thing of beauty and laughter… If the prince gave him the chance.
Trowa watched these thoughts play over Duo's face, observing the things the prophet didn't even try hide before finally looking away. In his heart he thought he already knew what would happen, and he didn't want to waste whatever time he had being jealous of the braided male. He just dropped his head into the small curve of the prince's shoulder, holding and coveting him for the few minutes before Quatre again spoke. "I want to go with him."
With those simple words Duo's heart nearly flew even as Trowa felt his own die a little. Duo moved forwards quickly, only to get Trowa's hand rising and halting him in midstep as he very gently set the prince back into his bed. "Before you just snatch him away and take him to this new life, grant me a second to speak with you… Please?"
"S-sure… Not a problem." Duo's eyes moved anxiously from the prince form back up to Trowa's unnervingly steady gaze. "Where?"
"The bathroom. The hall's too dangerous so it will have to do." He pointed absently to the doors, then looked at Quatre again. "Go ahead and very quickly pack some things you want to take with you while I speak with him. You can use my night bag for your stuff. Just dump it on the bed then pack your own things, choose wisely because I doubt you'll be able to come back to get more. Just be quick, okay?"
The blonde head nodded quickly, not taking the time to question the instructions as he scooted off the side of the bed and moved to comply. Trowa got up and walked stiffly to the bathroom, holding the door open for Duo and waiting for him to enter before closing it behind them. The darkness in here and the close quarters felt suffocating to Duo, and he waited in expectation for either pleas from Trowa or threats. What he got instead was a useful if not slightly worrisome surprise. Just more instructions about caring for the blonde.
"It will be tough at first. He hasn't been out and so that would be rough enough on his body to adapt too, but he's also sick right now so you'll have to be wary of that as well. Keep him bundled up, even if he complains about feeling stifle. Don't assault his stomach with too many new and rich foods at first, I know you'll want him to try everything but take it slow or he'll get worse. He's stubborn and will probably want to walk on his own, but since he is sick right now, don't let him do too much and work himself into a faint. He'd rather walk himself to the ground then admit to needing help for the most part, he has that much pride. If he gets cut, bandage and care for it right away, no exceptions. He might be allergic to stuff out there, there's no way to tell, so also keep an eye out for that. And-" Trowa forced himself to halt for a second, realizing exactly how much of a mother hen he sounded like. But he'd cared for Quatre for most of his own and the prince's life. You got used to the quirks, first you dealt with them, then you grew to expect and even love them a little. He still couldn't believe he was willing to hand his prince over to this strange dark fellow who had no idea how to deal with him. A few minutes ago if he'd had these thoughts he would have stood and slammed the door right in Duo's face and made a lie for the blonde, now he was trapped and had to go on. Life was unfair sometimes.
In the oppressing silence, Duo could guess what was going through the tall young male's mind even if he couldn't see the suddenly stung look on Trowa's face. He reached up and out blindly and was relieved when he hand fell on what could only be the guardian's shoulder. "I'll do all of that, I promise. Trowa, I won't let -anything- hurt him, not even myself. Quatre's going to be fine and be happy no matter what I have to do to see that he is. If he gets sick I'll do something for the money and take him to the best healer I can find, and if he no longer wants that world out there, I swear no matter how much it kills me I'll bring him back to you. But he'll be okay…"
"I know you'll take care of him… It's just a big job, and he's such a little thing. Someone like him-" Trowa frowned into the dark, then sighed and dropped his head with a murmur-" Someone like him just wasn't meant for a world like this, Duo. I'm so glad he's here, but I don't think it ever should have happened at all, and certainly not like this. Treasure each second, even when it gets rough, tell me you'll at least try to do that?"
"You know I will. It's impossible not too… He's going to get better out there and be who he should have been, even if it takes the world to do so."
Quiet again for a few seconds, then Trowa stepped away from him and opened the door, letting enough light into the room for Duo to see his way out and for him also to observed the stoic male was currently wiping at his cheeks and looking miserable. You can't lose something like he's losing and be fine, it's just not possible. He quickly scurried out of the bathroom, giving Trowa his peace to collect himself and looking for the prince.
Quatre was sitting back on the bed and he glanced up when Duo came out, uncertainty flickering in his eyes at the sight of the prophet before he returned his attention to the objects in his hands. He was dressed now and that was something Duo was both relieved and to be honest disappointed to see. Quatre had slipped into a pair of dark blue breaches that were held tightly at the thinly tapered waist by a belt, tiny black shoes, and crisp white silk shirt. An over shirt rested on the bed besides his crossed legs, something that matched the pants and was thicker, presumably to protect against the chills of night. In his hands and in a stack between his legs were some books, and Duo looked to the side to notice the empty spots on the shelves. Somehow he'd thought he'd come out and find the toys peeking out of the boy's bags, and he was glad to see he was mistaken… Even if that still doubtful look he'd gotten felt a bit like a punch to the stomach. He had faith that Quatre'd warm up to him eventually.
One book was set gently aside and the other lucky one was added to the messy pile between his legs, then Quatre lifted it and started carefully placing the heavy things on top of whatever else was in the old sack. He tied the top of the bag shut in a prissy manner, rechecking it, then hoisting it up and shaking it a little just to be sure and those actions brought a smile to Duo's face.
He heard Trowa step out behind him and saw Quatre's attention again flicker up, and then came that little nagging voice as he witnessed first hand the look of utter trust the prince had for this serious boy. He'll look at me like that one day too. I'll find a way to earn it. His childishly jealous thoughts were shaken apart as Trowa spoke just behind him. "You should go now. You've already spent too much time in here. Quatre, are you ready?" Though he didn't speak it, it was clear enough to Duo that he also asked in his own silent and hopeful way 'Quatre, are you sure you still want to go? It's not too late to say no and go back to bed.'
But to his relief, Quatre answered quickly, and though his voice was quiet and noticeably nervous, he sounded positive. "I'm ready. I have everything. He… He'll led the way out of the castle?"
"He'll carry you out of the castle." Quatre's mouth opened to protest and Trowa quickly hurried on without giving him a chance, "It'll be faster and safer if he does. You're still sick. You'll have all the time in the world once you are better to walk around out there, but for now, please don't argue."
"Oh! Fine." Duo discovered he liked the way the blonde's lower lip stuck out when he'd been scolded, it was cute in a totally kissable-- No, best not to go there right now. How could he even be letting his mind meander in that direction at all with the shock he'd just been through.
Trowa stepped around him and approached the bed, bending down gracefully even as Quatre put his coat on, placed the bag on his back then reached accepting arms up to him. Duo watched from a few feet away as Trowa easily lifted the boy and cradled him to his chest, then turned and started back towards the prophet with a saddened frown. Quatre's stormy eyes were also on him, his blonde head resting comfortably against the broad chest of his guardian as he looked over Duo worriedly. The tall youth stopped in front of him and held his precious little burden out, but for a minute Duo found he just -couldn't- take the boy.
"I…" That came out in a dry squeak and sounded like un-oiled hinges, Duo coughed and shook his head. "I can't… I'll drop him, I just know it."
"You won't drop him. He's light, Duo… And he isn't made of glass." Before the half demon could even protest again, Trowa was pressing the small bundle out to him, and slowly pale little arms were winding around his neck as if they were meant to be there.
He looked down slowly and was confronted with the prince's upturned face, his own pale lips pressed together in worry and eyes searching Duo's face for something. Duo could only hold his breath, realizing if the prince rejected him now Trowa'd grab him, call the guards and be damned with what it meant for all of them. He just held still and kept quiet, looking over that face now that it was closer. He was mesmerized with the delicate lines on the pink of Quatre's lips, and there was something about the way the blues and greens in his eyes and how they seemed to switch the moment you looked away that was almost like the magic he himself tampered with. The blonde hair laying across one cheek suddenly caught his attention and he couldn't help himself. He shifted the boy's weight carefully to one arm, a small part of him mind agreeing with what Trowa had said and noting how disturbingly easy it was to do so, then used the other to brush the hair aside and lightly pet the smooth curve of Quatre's cheek. " … I'll take care of you."
"I know… Thank you, Duo." A tiny smile danced across his lips and Duo lost himself a little more in that, then Quatre's eyes closed and he just settled his head on the demon's shoulder and snuggled in.
When he at last looked up from the captivating sight of the prince at last in his arms and how peaceful he looked, he found himself with another frown on Trowa's face. For once though, he didn't think it was directed at him. Trowa wasn't really looking at him, but at Quatre, and Duo didn't truly think he was seeing the prince so much as thinking. When he realized there were eyes on him, he looked up and asked something odd that Duo didn't quite understand at the moment. "You never told him…"
He blinked. "What?"
Trowa just shook his head. "Never mind, I guess it isn't important." he turned and walked over to the door without allow Duo the chance to question him again. Slowly Trowa cracked the door open and stared quietly out into the hall, after a moment he looked back over his shoulder and gave Duo a 'come here' motion. He hurried forward, watching the way he walked and trying not to jiggle the prince around to much as he pressed against the wall near the door.
"It's clear. Very likely, most of the halls will be. If you are taking the path I recommended there should be no problem at all, if not, just be extra careful and keep your ears open." The dark forest eyes dropped then to the body cuddled against Duo's chest, and softly Trowa stroked the silky blonde locks and leaned in to kiss Quatre's round cheek and murmur into his ear. "You're free now, little one."
He sighed sadly, but managed a tragic smile as Quatre turned in Duo's grip to look up at him with wide eyes. "I can't let my heart hold you any longer or I'd be no better then the cruel man who put you here in the first place. Be happy, explore the world, taste and touch everything, love if you will, but be happy…"
Duo couldn't pretend he wasn't here and hearing this, but he did turn his face to the side, trying to give them some form of privacy and for now feeling nothing but a little sad for the serious male. It was a good-bye and Trowa deserved nothing but sympathy.
Quatre wiggled around a bit and freed one arm, bringing it up and lightly touching Trowa's cheek as he whispered- "You are free too now. Go away from the castle… It's poison here. Find a life and make it good, and thank you. You're my best friend, Trowa, and I'll never forget you…"
He bit his lower lip, one hand holding that small appendage against his face as if afraid to lose it now would be death. "Quatre, I-"
"Shh. Don't… I know, and it's okay. You aren't such a mirror as you want to be, Trowa, and hopefully now you don't need to be at all. I care about you, and I hope you will try to find a new life. You've helped me and I wish I could do the same for you. Don't let this kill you, Trowa. It's all… Only life. Remember, what you told me about the birds."
Something flickered in the darkness of Trowa's eyes and he nodded, and slowly the hand released Quatre's. "There are other worlds in which to sing." Amazingly enough a small smile touched his lips, then Trowa gave Quatre one more chaste kiss on the boy's warm temple and stepped back. "But I hope you stay part of this one, little one. We'd be losing something great."
"I hope you do too. Live well, my friend." He looked over those familiar features one last time, then smiled at him and rolled over in Duo's arms to again bury his head. Trowa swallowed roughly, then nodded to Duo and opened the door for him. "For the gods sakes, Duo, take care of him, please?"
There was little he could do but nod in the face of Trowa's strong again expression, though his eyes told the truth. He shifted Quatre's slight weight in his arms again, then stuck his own head out the door. Nothing moved, and so slowly he stepped out and began his escape from the castle.