{Title} Sweet Enigma
{Author} Sweet Charisma
{Chapter} 5. Drastic Measures
{Summary} Duo "chats" with Quatre. Quatre can't take it anymore. He needs a plan.
{Notes} ;) Muah. Sorry for putting this off. I finally got my laptop. My other computer had an undetected virus and it kept me from even writing this. Without further delay…have fun!
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Quatre yawned stretching his arms out to greet the morning rays of sunlight. They caught his glistening smile perfectly as he reflected on the previous night. He tilted his head up in reassurance that Trowa was still beside him. A peaceful glimpse of Trowa's sleeping form relaxed his muscles, still tense from laying down for so many hours.
The blonde scooted up very slowly, careful not to disturb Trowa's sleep. His upper body was hoisted up on the slanted pillow, his arm hung around Quatre's shoulder almost protectively. Quatre snuggled into Trowa's chest, his hand trailing up to lace with the older boy's slender fingers. A blissful sigh escaped Quatre's lips. How could he have put off a relationship so beautiful? How could he have kept such a strong emotion bottled up inside in fear of it dying? He realized now this emotion could never die. This relationship could never be ruined and should never be doubted.
His fingers started to trace the ripples in Trowa's chest muscles. He felt safe.
Trowa stirred, making a small groaning noise as his eyes fluttered open. His grip around Quatre tightened momentarily. Quatre could feel Trowa's warm lips press against his forehead. He tilted his head up, eyes slipping shut in a moment of bliss.
"Good morning, little one." Trowa's deep voice greeted sleepily.
Quatre smiled, snuggling more into Trowa. "Ohayo Gonzaimasu, Trowa."
"Sleep well?"
Quatre nodded. "Best in a while. You?"
"Very much the same." Trowa whispered back affectionately. His fingers began to tangle themselves in Quatre's soft locks.
A few moments later the two were, reluctantly, ready to rise. Quatre wanted to check on how Duo was feeling and they were both ready for breakfast. Quatre felt weird as it was sleeping so late. It was about 9:00 A.M now.
Trowa slipped into the bathroom, to shower and prepare for the day, with one final kiss on Quatre's lips.
Quatre smiled and walked out of the room and down the hall. He really couldn't stop thinking about the previous night. He was asleep for most of it, but he almost felt awake the whole time. He almost felt the breathing of Trowa's body as he lay on his chest even in his sleep. Perhaps this would become a habit for them? He wouldn't mind one bit!
He stretched his arms above his head, peaking in Duo's room. He brought his arms down and knocked lightly on the already open door. "Duo?" Quatre's blue eyes skimmed the dark room until they rested upon the sleeping form of his best friend. A smile crept to his lips at the sight of Duo's wet hair creating a curtain around his face as he sat on the bed with his head in his palms. A wistful look rested upon his face.
Duo's violet eyes shifted to Quatre with alarm. His head perked up slightly in excitement. "Quat?"
Quatre shrugged. "Who else?" He didn't particularly favor the look on Duo's face. It meant deep thought and perhaps despair. Especially being that Duo only thought, of his own accord, in his room when there was truly something wrong.
Duo rose to his feet and walked over to Quatre. His grin was nearly dangerous. But too much sadness peaked through. It was way too easy to see. This wasn't Duo. This was some lovesick pilot, wanting nothing more than to stop being lovesick.
Quatre backed up slightly with a chuckle. Already he could feel Duo's questions spilling into the air.
"Sleep well?" He asked, voice clearly implying his night with Trowa.
"Duo, please. I came to see how you were doing." Quatre insisted, still backing up playfully.
Duo stopped with a shrug. Quatre paused. "As good as I can be I suppose." Quatre frowned. He liked that answer about as much as he'd liked Duo's expression when he first walked into the older boys room moments ago. Quatre tilted his head, about to ask why he can't be better, when Duo abruptly barked and lessened the distance between them. "Come on Quatre!" He grabbed Quatre's hand, the blonde being startled out of his thoughts. Quatre blinked, trying to regain normal heartbeat after being so surprised. He opened his mouth to speak but he quickly shut it. He just couldn't be happy…he couldn't talk about happy events knowing Duo wasn't feeling his best.
Quatre simply smiled, turning the tables and grabbing both of Duo's hands. "Later." He whispered. Duo gave him a confused look, obviously having been awaiting this conversation all morning.
"Later?"
Quatre nodded. He ignored the demand for a more detailed answer in Duo's features and simply replied, "Later."
The braided boy frowned. "Qua-."
"Hungry." Quatre interrupted, trying to get Duo's mind off of this conversation and onto food. "Did you eat?" Duo shook his head. He was visibly wanting to change the subject back but Quatre wouldn't allow it. "Well then…lets go!" He spoke enthusiastically before pulling Duo down the hall and into the kitchen.
Once there, they realized it was empty. Quatre saw this as the perfect opportunity to talk privately and shoved Duo towards the table. Duo's look was modest and blamed Quatre for being a good friend. Reluctantly though, he just sat in the chair closest to the cooking Quatre.
Quatre was just providing an open opportunity for Duo to speak his mind. And until then, Quatre wouldn't say a single word about last night with Trowa.
"So…about last night with Trowa-"
"Hush, Duo. What do you want for breakfast?"
Duo sighed, defeated. Quatre smiled, looking at Duo out of the corner of his eye. "You know those little pancakes? And you fill them with liquid strawberry that, God knows how, you make from scratch?"
Quatre nodded in understanding, turning towards the cupboards to get the instruments needed for making what his best friend desired. Once finished with that, he stood on his toes to get the pancake mix from the cabinet above the stove.
Duo couldn't help a smile. It was weak, but Quatre settled it for the most sincere he'd receive at the moment.
The silence in the kitchen was comfortable as always. But something disturbed Quatre. Why in the world wasn't Duo telling him things all of a sudden? He paused from mixing the ingredients of the pancakes and abruptly turned to face Duo. "Alright, spill it." His voice was overflowing with concern.
Duo jumped at the unexpected movement. His eyes were glazed with a barrier, one that wouldn't allow a lot of emotion through. Quatre recognized this. It was how Duo had acted in times before they had night long binges. Slowly, Duo started talking to Quatre about his worries on his own free will, and he seemed happy with it. But, could this reflect something Duo really felt? "Forget it." Was all he let escape his lips.
Quatre frowned, stomping one of his feet. "Damn it, Duo! You can't do this to yourself!"
"Can't do what to myself?" Duo asked sarcastically.
Quatre was startled. He shifted his weight to a more comfortable stance. "You can't bottle these things inside. Don't you see-"
Duo slammed his fist on the table and stood abruptly. "No, Quatre. Don't you see?"
Quatre's features remained tranquil, allowing Duo the amount of time he needed to explain.
"-Don't you see? That this…display of emotions…" He made a face Quatre could never forget. One nearly grossed out at the word emotion. "…is what's getting me in this fix?" Quatre opened his mouth to protest when Duo stepped forward. "I almost cried in front of Heero and 'fei, Quatre!" His eyes were accusing. "I've been a mess all morning!"
Quatre tilted his head slightly to the side. "I don't see how this is really-"
"You're missing my point?" Duo's voice was hollow and hoarse. He had tears he was holding back, but this time Quatre couldn't be certain. He didn't see much trace of them. The brunette was holding them back too well.
Quatre shifted his weight again, purely out of nervous habit.
"Well, let me take this opportunity to explain it to you." Duo's eyes rested upon Quatre's very sternly. "I told you from the start, letting emotions out is the one thing that holds a person back from accomplishing what they need in life. But, you told me it would help. And it did for a while, I can't thank you enough, but this time it's just bad! And I'm blaming you!"
Quatre stepped back, only to bump into the stove, the oven handle digging into his back. He winced, unable to move. Pain shot through his heart like crazy at Duo's words.
"I'm blaming you for making me think it's okay to just let my emotions hang free like this. It's only causing me pain. I love you, Quatre, like the brother I've never had. But emotions just suck."
Quatre took the moment of silence to study Duo's eyes. He searched through the violet for some traces of something that still thought positively of emotions. The part of him okay with their deep discussions had to be in there somewhere. Finally, Quatre regained himself. He found the words for his retort and didn't tear his gaze from Duo for a split second. "Is it the emotions…or is it how you're choosing to handle them?"
Duo paused, startled that Quatre would answer back so strongly.
The blonde wasn't about to give up on one of the greatest companions, and one of the strongest people, he'd ever met in his life. "Wait." Quatre's eye caught a sarcastic gleam but it was far from emotionless. "Let me back up for a moment." Duo's eyes widened slightly at the retort. Quatre already regretting being so forward. "An emotion is something you feel. Something that you can't be yourself without, correct?" Duo opened his mouth in protest when Quatre cut him off again. "Of course it's correct." Ah man, Quatre vowed to himself he'd never be sarcastic ever again. "Now, is bottling them up making you feel any better Duo?"
"Yes Quatre." Duo replied immediately. His face showed signs he'd contemplated this over and over again. "In fact, yes it is."
Quatre folded his arms across his chest, gesturing for Duo to continue.
"From this morning when I cried in the tub, Quatre. I feel so much more than weak now…than vulnerable." Duo's expression was semi-soft. His voice was a whisper of stern.
Quatre sighed, finally seeing clearly what the problem was. He discarded his current project with the pancakes and walked to the fridge. There he grabbed a bottle of water. "Duo…I know you so well now, I forgot I knew you then." A smile tugged heavily on Quatre's lips.
Duo just looked confused. "What?"
"I mean…you've changed a lot Duo. And you've welcomed that change,"
"Not anymore."
"-up until now-mind you and let me finish." Quatre finished the sentence then added, walking over to Duo. He handed his best friend the bottle of water. Duo gratefully sipped from it. "You were so much happier when you started talking to me about things. I'm not the only one that noticed either. We all saw it."
Duo stayed silent, giving Quatre credit for that bit.
"More importantly, you felt it."
"Not anymore." Duo repeated, almost agitatedly.
"Up until now!" Quatre enforced again, stronger than anything he had so far.
Duo shut his mouth to any more protest. Quatre couldn't help but wonder how all of this suddenly came up in one morning.
"When you cry you allow your body to release any built up tension. When you keep things in, agitation comes much quicker."
Duo sighed. He was slowly beginning to remember why he'd started opening up to Quatre in the first place.
"And if you're worried about looking stupid, believe me…when you tried to hold back before you've never looked stupider." Quatre stated blatantly.
"It's not all looks, Quatre…the great Shinigami doesn't let things bother him."
"Duo, you're only human. If you can find one person that doesn't let at least one thing bother them-"
"My point, Quatre, is that I'm not somebody that will break down. I am somebody that will always try my best to keep myself collected and succeed."
Quatre sighed, dropping his hands to his sides. "And that's okay Duo." Quatre's eyes were fixed upon his friend determinedly. "You can do these things without becoming a robot set in one mode." He knew Duo really wouldn't see how. He wasn't exactly an expert on these things. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you…"
Duo's eyes widened and reduced back to normal size again. His eyes showed just a hint of amusement. He opened his mouth to protest out of his own stubbornness.
Quatre's hand slowly rose to Duo's face. His thumb stroked Duo's cheek. "Emotions suck so much." His opinions obviously didn't reflect in the last sentence by the way he spoke. "But without them, you and I wouldn't be as we are today."
Duo frowned, his hand hesitantly reaching out to wipe the tear from the corner of Quatre's eye. "Quat…"
"And damn it Duo," Quatre continued, his teeth gritted with enthusiasm as he bit back sobs. "This is the best and truest friendship I've had in my entire life."
Duo bit his lip, staring into Quatre's hopeful blue eyes. "Nobody leaves me as speechless as you do, Kitty Kat."
Quatre smiled, taking pride in the thought. He could tell Duo was still uneasy about things.
"I guess you just really need to teach me how do deal with my emotions properly, eh?" Duo finally smiled fully, his whole heart going into the sly smirk. If he didn't trust Quatre so much this would be a lot more strenuous.
A laugh escaped Quatre's lips as he threw himself into Duo's arms. "I knew you were buried under there!"
Duo wrapped his arms around Quatre, withdrawing only enough to look upon his face. "Nobody is as patient with me as you are."
Quatre shrugged. "Actually, it took me quite the short amount of time." He looked skeptically into Duo's eyes.
"Yeah, but anybody else would have either walked away or set me off more." He squeezed around Quatre's shoulders fondly. "Maybe it's your trademark enigma that kept me soft."
Quatre shook his head. "Duo…I couldn't care less. As long as you're okay."
Duo reflected upon this for a couple of moments. "Not fully okay." He released Quatre.
Quatre looked quizzically upon his best friend.
"I want my Hee-chan, Quat." he said simply.
As he did, Trowa rounded the corner. He wore a forest green turtleneck sweater and a pair of dark jeans. His jade eyes were brighter than ever.
Quatre beamed, thinking for a moment he might have something to do with that. But he wouldn't greet Trowa until he finished this conversation with Duo. "You'll get him, my friend." Quatre's features wrinkled with thought. "We just really need to figure out how."
Trowa came up from behind Quatre and slipped his arms around the smaller boy's waist. Quatre tilted his head up to meet Trowa's lips in a sensuous kiss.
Instead of jealousy, Duo's features took the form of admiration. He wouldn't say anything. Quatre could tell it'd wait until Trowa left.
"What's going on in here?" Trowa asked, eyes straying to the abandoned pancake batter.
Quatre's eyes followed the gaze as he leaned into Trowa's chest with a warm feeling filling his own. "A party?"
Duo couldn't help but laugh. "Yup. A strictly non-Trowa party." he continued with a wink.
Trowa frowned.
"Nah…" Quatre winked, releasing himself from Trowa's arms and back to preparing breakfast. "We're actually more or less plotting diabolical tactics."
Duo shot Quatre an accusing glance. "You were."
"Ah. Mind if I join?"
Quatre glanced to Duo, questioning if it were okay to reveal some to Trowa.
Duo waved his hand in surrender. "Go ahead."
Trowa looked suddenly aware. "Oh. The Heero thing."
Duo shot a glare to Quatre.
Quatre threw his hands up. "Honest to God I didn't say a thing."
Trowa shook his head. "He wouldn't."
Duo raised a brow. "Then how would you know?"
"You were flagrant." The braided pilot shot Trowa a confused glare. "You were obvious." Trowa corrected.
"You two were so meant to be…" Duo teased for Quatre's earlier comment.
Quatre blushed. "Duo!"
"It's okay little one." Trowa's voice surprised them with tenderness.
Quatre turned slightly to look into Trowa's eyes. Duo perked his head up slightly in anticipation.
"After all, he is right."
Quatre's heart fluttered. "Aw…Trowa!" He wanted to throw himself into Trowa's arms and kiss every inch of cuteness right off his face.
Trowa smiled back, walking closer to Quatre.
Duo just fell back into his chair and yawned mockingly.
The other two simply ignored the action. Quatre tried hard not to laugh at his best friend.
"Would you be mine, Quatre?" Trowa asked tenderly.
Quatre's eyes watered almost instantly. His heart was overflowing with the strong emotion of love. He reached out to touch Trowa, only to be scooped up by his two very sturdy arms, spun around, and put back down.
Quatre nodded briskly. "Yes, Trowa Barton, I will go out with you." His voice was overwhelmed with emotion. Yes, they were officially official! And perhaps this would even motivate Duo! He threw himself against Trowa's chest, tilting his head up to meet Trowa's soft lips again. They stared into each others eyes for a couple of moments.
Duo finally stood and Quatre turned his gaze from Trowa reluctantly. "Well, congratulations, lovies." He teased, affectionately. "I know you will both be happy."
"Correction Duo." Quatre began as if inspired by the moment. Duo shot him a questioning glance. "You and Heero will be happy as well…"
"Uh oh…what are you saying?"
Quatre glanced at Trowa one last time, letting him know he would fully be in on whatever he was planning, and pulled from their loving embrace. He was more determined than ever to give Duo he happiness he so deserved. "Well, You and I can dance tremendously well, Duo. Think about it."
Duo was in deep thought, but he still didn't follow. "I really don't understand."
"Trowa is an awesome singer." His glance changed betwixt his best friend and his now boyfriend. His eyes caught a dangerous glint of excitement and plotting. "I think we could make something of that."
{Author} Sweet Charisma
{Chapter} 5. Drastic Measures
{Summary} Duo "chats" with Quatre. Quatre can't take it anymore. He needs a plan.
{Notes} ;) Muah. Sorry for putting this off. I finally got my laptop. My other computer had an undetected virus and it kept me from even writing this. Without further delay…have fun!
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Quatre yawned stretching his arms out to greet the morning rays of sunlight. They caught his glistening smile perfectly as he reflected on the previous night. He tilted his head up in reassurance that Trowa was still beside him. A peaceful glimpse of Trowa's sleeping form relaxed his muscles, still tense from laying down for so many hours.
The blonde scooted up very slowly, careful not to disturb Trowa's sleep. His upper body was hoisted up on the slanted pillow, his arm hung around Quatre's shoulder almost protectively. Quatre snuggled into Trowa's chest, his hand trailing up to lace with the older boy's slender fingers. A blissful sigh escaped Quatre's lips. How could he have put off a relationship so beautiful? How could he have kept such a strong emotion bottled up inside in fear of it dying? He realized now this emotion could never die. This relationship could never be ruined and should never be doubted.
His fingers started to trace the ripples in Trowa's chest muscles. He felt safe.
Trowa stirred, making a small groaning noise as his eyes fluttered open. His grip around Quatre tightened momentarily. Quatre could feel Trowa's warm lips press against his forehead. He tilted his head up, eyes slipping shut in a moment of bliss.
"Good morning, little one." Trowa's deep voice greeted sleepily.
Quatre smiled, snuggling more into Trowa. "Ohayo Gonzaimasu, Trowa."
"Sleep well?"
Quatre nodded. "Best in a while. You?"
"Very much the same." Trowa whispered back affectionately. His fingers began to tangle themselves in Quatre's soft locks.
A few moments later the two were, reluctantly, ready to rise. Quatre wanted to check on how Duo was feeling and they were both ready for breakfast. Quatre felt weird as it was sleeping so late. It was about 9:00 A.M now.
Trowa slipped into the bathroom, to shower and prepare for the day, with one final kiss on Quatre's lips.
Quatre smiled and walked out of the room and down the hall. He really couldn't stop thinking about the previous night. He was asleep for most of it, but he almost felt awake the whole time. He almost felt the breathing of Trowa's body as he lay on his chest even in his sleep. Perhaps this would become a habit for them? He wouldn't mind one bit!
He stretched his arms above his head, peaking in Duo's room. He brought his arms down and knocked lightly on the already open door. "Duo?" Quatre's blue eyes skimmed the dark room until they rested upon the sleeping form of his best friend. A smile crept to his lips at the sight of Duo's wet hair creating a curtain around his face as he sat on the bed with his head in his palms. A wistful look rested upon his face.
Duo's violet eyes shifted to Quatre with alarm. His head perked up slightly in excitement. "Quat?"
Quatre shrugged. "Who else?" He didn't particularly favor the look on Duo's face. It meant deep thought and perhaps despair. Especially being that Duo only thought, of his own accord, in his room when there was truly something wrong.
Duo rose to his feet and walked over to Quatre. His grin was nearly dangerous. But too much sadness peaked through. It was way too easy to see. This wasn't Duo. This was some lovesick pilot, wanting nothing more than to stop being lovesick.
Quatre backed up slightly with a chuckle. Already he could feel Duo's questions spilling into the air.
"Sleep well?" He asked, voice clearly implying his night with Trowa.
"Duo, please. I came to see how you were doing." Quatre insisted, still backing up playfully.
Duo stopped with a shrug. Quatre paused. "As good as I can be I suppose." Quatre frowned. He liked that answer about as much as he'd liked Duo's expression when he first walked into the older boys room moments ago. Quatre tilted his head, about to ask why he can't be better, when Duo abruptly barked and lessened the distance between them. "Come on Quatre!" He grabbed Quatre's hand, the blonde being startled out of his thoughts. Quatre blinked, trying to regain normal heartbeat after being so surprised. He opened his mouth to speak but he quickly shut it. He just couldn't be happy…he couldn't talk about happy events knowing Duo wasn't feeling his best.
Quatre simply smiled, turning the tables and grabbing both of Duo's hands. "Later." He whispered. Duo gave him a confused look, obviously having been awaiting this conversation all morning.
"Later?"
Quatre nodded. He ignored the demand for a more detailed answer in Duo's features and simply replied, "Later."
The braided boy frowned. "Qua-."
"Hungry." Quatre interrupted, trying to get Duo's mind off of this conversation and onto food. "Did you eat?" Duo shook his head. He was visibly wanting to change the subject back but Quatre wouldn't allow it. "Well then…lets go!" He spoke enthusiastically before pulling Duo down the hall and into the kitchen.
Once there, they realized it was empty. Quatre saw this as the perfect opportunity to talk privately and shoved Duo towards the table. Duo's look was modest and blamed Quatre for being a good friend. Reluctantly though, he just sat in the chair closest to the cooking Quatre.
Quatre was just providing an open opportunity for Duo to speak his mind. And until then, Quatre wouldn't say a single word about last night with Trowa.
"So…about last night with Trowa-"
"Hush, Duo. What do you want for breakfast?"
Duo sighed, defeated. Quatre smiled, looking at Duo out of the corner of his eye. "You know those little pancakes? And you fill them with liquid strawberry that, God knows how, you make from scratch?"
Quatre nodded in understanding, turning towards the cupboards to get the instruments needed for making what his best friend desired. Once finished with that, he stood on his toes to get the pancake mix from the cabinet above the stove.
Duo couldn't help a smile. It was weak, but Quatre settled it for the most sincere he'd receive at the moment.
The silence in the kitchen was comfortable as always. But something disturbed Quatre. Why in the world wasn't Duo telling him things all of a sudden? He paused from mixing the ingredients of the pancakes and abruptly turned to face Duo. "Alright, spill it." His voice was overflowing with concern.
Duo jumped at the unexpected movement. His eyes were glazed with a barrier, one that wouldn't allow a lot of emotion through. Quatre recognized this. It was how Duo had acted in times before they had night long binges. Slowly, Duo started talking to Quatre about his worries on his own free will, and he seemed happy with it. But, could this reflect something Duo really felt? "Forget it." Was all he let escape his lips.
Quatre frowned, stomping one of his feet. "Damn it, Duo! You can't do this to yourself!"
"Can't do what to myself?" Duo asked sarcastically.
Quatre was startled. He shifted his weight to a more comfortable stance. "You can't bottle these things inside. Don't you see-"
Duo slammed his fist on the table and stood abruptly. "No, Quatre. Don't you see?"
Quatre's features remained tranquil, allowing Duo the amount of time he needed to explain.
"-Don't you see? That this…display of emotions…" He made a face Quatre could never forget. One nearly grossed out at the word emotion. "…is what's getting me in this fix?" Quatre opened his mouth to protest when Duo stepped forward. "I almost cried in front of Heero and 'fei, Quatre!" His eyes were accusing. "I've been a mess all morning!"
Quatre tilted his head slightly to the side. "I don't see how this is really-"
"You're missing my point?" Duo's voice was hollow and hoarse. He had tears he was holding back, but this time Quatre couldn't be certain. He didn't see much trace of them. The brunette was holding them back too well.
Quatre shifted his weight again, purely out of nervous habit.
"Well, let me take this opportunity to explain it to you." Duo's eyes rested upon Quatre's very sternly. "I told you from the start, letting emotions out is the one thing that holds a person back from accomplishing what they need in life. But, you told me it would help. And it did for a while, I can't thank you enough, but this time it's just bad! And I'm blaming you!"
Quatre stepped back, only to bump into the stove, the oven handle digging into his back. He winced, unable to move. Pain shot through his heart like crazy at Duo's words.
"I'm blaming you for making me think it's okay to just let my emotions hang free like this. It's only causing me pain. I love you, Quatre, like the brother I've never had. But emotions just suck."
Quatre took the moment of silence to study Duo's eyes. He searched through the violet for some traces of something that still thought positively of emotions. The part of him okay with their deep discussions had to be in there somewhere. Finally, Quatre regained himself. He found the words for his retort and didn't tear his gaze from Duo for a split second. "Is it the emotions…or is it how you're choosing to handle them?"
Duo paused, startled that Quatre would answer back so strongly.
The blonde wasn't about to give up on one of the greatest companions, and one of the strongest people, he'd ever met in his life. "Wait." Quatre's eye caught a sarcastic gleam but it was far from emotionless. "Let me back up for a moment." Duo's eyes widened slightly at the retort. Quatre already regretting being so forward. "An emotion is something you feel. Something that you can't be yourself without, correct?" Duo opened his mouth in protest when Quatre cut him off again. "Of course it's correct." Ah man, Quatre vowed to himself he'd never be sarcastic ever again. "Now, is bottling them up making you feel any better Duo?"
"Yes Quatre." Duo replied immediately. His face showed signs he'd contemplated this over and over again. "In fact, yes it is."
Quatre folded his arms across his chest, gesturing for Duo to continue.
"From this morning when I cried in the tub, Quatre. I feel so much more than weak now…than vulnerable." Duo's expression was semi-soft. His voice was a whisper of stern.
Quatre sighed, finally seeing clearly what the problem was. He discarded his current project with the pancakes and walked to the fridge. There he grabbed a bottle of water. "Duo…I know you so well now, I forgot I knew you then." A smile tugged heavily on Quatre's lips.
Duo just looked confused. "What?"
"I mean…you've changed a lot Duo. And you've welcomed that change,"
"Not anymore."
"-up until now-mind you and let me finish." Quatre finished the sentence then added, walking over to Duo. He handed his best friend the bottle of water. Duo gratefully sipped from it. "You were so much happier when you started talking to me about things. I'm not the only one that noticed either. We all saw it."
Duo stayed silent, giving Quatre credit for that bit.
"More importantly, you felt it."
"Not anymore." Duo repeated, almost agitatedly.
"Up until now!" Quatre enforced again, stronger than anything he had so far.
Duo shut his mouth to any more protest. Quatre couldn't help but wonder how all of this suddenly came up in one morning.
"When you cry you allow your body to release any built up tension. When you keep things in, agitation comes much quicker."
Duo sighed. He was slowly beginning to remember why he'd started opening up to Quatre in the first place.
"And if you're worried about looking stupid, believe me…when you tried to hold back before you've never looked stupider." Quatre stated blatantly.
"It's not all looks, Quatre…the great Shinigami doesn't let things bother him."
"Duo, you're only human. If you can find one person that doesn't let at least one thing bother them-"
"My point, Quatre, is that I'm not somebody that will break down. I am somebody that will always try my best to keep myself collected and succeed."
Quatre sighed, dropping his hands to his sides. "And that's okay Duo." Quatre's eyes were fixed upon his friend determinedly. "You can do these things without becoming a robot set in one mode." He knew Duo really wouldn't see how. He wasn't exactly an expert on these things. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you…"
Duo's eyes widened and reduced back to normal size again. His eyes showed just a hint of amusement. He opened his mouth to protest out of his own stubbornness.
Quatre's hand slowly rose to Duo's face. His thumb stroked Duo's cheek. "Emotions suck so much." His opinions obviously didn't reflect in the last sentence by the way he spoke. "But without them, you and I wouldn't be as we are today."
Duo frowned, his hand hesitantly reaching out to wipe the tear from the corner of Quatre's eye. "Quat…"
"And damn it Duo," Quatre continued, his teeth gritted with enthusiasm as he bit back sobs. "This is the best and truest friendship I've had in my entire life."
Duo bit his lip, staring into Quatre's hopeful blue eyes. "Nobody leaves me as speechless as you do, Kitty Kat."
Quatre smiled, taking pride in the thought. He could tell Duo was still uneasy about things.
"I guess you just really need to teach me how do deal with my emotions properly, eh?" Duo finally smiled fully, his whole heart going into the sly smirk. If he didn't trust Quatre so much this would be a lot more strenuous.
A laugh escaped Quatre's lips as he threw himself into Duo's arms. "I knew you were buried under there!"
Duo wrapped his arms around Quatre, withdrawing only enough to look upon his face. "Nobody is as patient with me as you are."
Quatre shrugged. "Actually, it took me quite the short amount of time." He looked skeptically into Duo's eyes.
"Yeah, but anybody else would have either walked away or set me off more." He squeezed around Quatre's shoulders fondly. "Maybe it's your trademark enigma that kept me soft."
Quatre shook his head. "Duo…I couldn't care less. As long as you're okay."
Duo reflected upon this for a couple of moments. "Not fully okay." He released Quatre.
Quatre looked quizzically upon his best friend.
"I want my Hee-chan, Quat." he said simply.
As he did, Trowa rounded the corner. He wore a forest green turtleneck sweater and a pair of dark jeans. His jade eyes were brighter than ever.
Quatre beamed, thinking for a moment he might have something to do with that. But he wouldn't greet Trowa until he finished this conversation with Duo. "You'll get him, my friend." Quatre's features wrinkled with thought. "We just really need to figure out how."
Trowa came up from behind Quatre and slipped his arms around the smaller boy's waist. Quatre tilted his head up to meet Trowa's lips in a sensuous kiss.
Instead of jealousy, Duo's features took the form of admiration. He wouldn't say anything. Quatre could tell it'd wait until Trowa left.
"What's going on in here?" Trowa asked, eyes straying to the abandoned pancake batter.
Quatre's eyes followed the gaze as he leaned into Trowa's chest with a warm feeling filling his own. "A party?"
Duo couldn't help but laugh. "Yup. A strictly non-Trowa party." he continued with a wink.
Trowa frowned.
"Nah…" Quatre winked, releasing himself from Trowa's arms and back to preparing breakfast. "We're actually more or less plotting diabolical tactics."
Duo shot Quatre an accusing glance. "You were."
"Ah. Mind if I join?"
Quatre glanced to Duo, questioning if it were okay to reveal some to Trowa.
Duo waved his hand in surrender. "Go ahead."
Trowa looked suddenly aware. "Oh. The Heero thing."
Duo shot a glare to Quatre.
Quatre threw his hands up. "Honest to God I didn't say a thing."
Trowa shook his head. "He wouldn't."
Duo raised a brow. "Then how would you know?"
"You were flagrant." The braided pilot shot Trowa a confused glare. "You were obvious." Trowa corrected.
"You two were so meant to be…" Duo teased for Quatre's earlier comment.
Quatre blushed. "Duo!"
"It's okay little one." Trowa's voice surprised them with tenderness.
Quatre turned slightly to look into Trowa's eyes. Duo perked his head up slightly in anticipation.
"After all, he is right."
Quatre's heart fluttered. "Aw…Trowa!" He wanted to throw himself into Trowa's arms and kiss every inch of cuteness right off his face.
Trowa smiled back, walking closer to Quatre.
Duo just fell back into his chair and yawned mockingly.
The other two simply ignored the action. Quatre tried hard not to laugh at his best friend.
"Would you be mine, Quatre?" Trowa asked tenderly.
Quatre's eyes watered almost instantly. His heart was overflowing with the strong emotion of love. He reached out to touch Trowa, only to be scooped up by his two very sturdy arms, spun around, and put back down.
Quatre nodded briskly. "Yes, Trowa Barton, I will go out with you." His voice was overwhelmed with emotion. Yes, they were officially official! And perhaps this would even motivate Duo! He threw himself against Trowa's chest, tilting his head up to meet Trowa's soft lips again. They stared into each others eyes for a couple of moments.
Duo finally stood and Quatre turned his gaze from Trowa reluctantly. "Well, congratulations, lovies." He teased, affectionately. "I know you will both be happy."
"Correction Duo." Quatre began as if inspired by the moment. Duo shot him a questioning glance. "You and Heero will be happy as well…"
"Uh oh…what are you saying?"
Quatre glanced at Trowa one last time, letting him know he would fully be in on whatever he was planning, and pulled from their loving embrace. He was more determined than ever to give Duo he happiness he so deserved. "Well, You and I can dance tremendously well, Duo. Think about it."
Duo was in deep thought, but he still didn't follow. "I really don't understand."
"Trowa is an awesome singer." His glance changed betwixt his best friend and his now boyfriend. His eyes caught a dangerous glint of excitement and plotting. "I think we could make something of that."