Unpredictable
Chapter 4: The Mystery Begins
The gorgeous sunset drifted into the horizon, the blues and pinks disappearing until only a luminous orange hue filled the sky. The evening slowly turned into night as the orange hue began to darken ever-so-slowly. The Mirage Hotel was, for the most part, settling down and getting ready for the next day's arrival. Patio doors were closed as couples and families stayed together inside their suites, with the exception of one. Room 504 was the only rooms in the entire hotel with the patio doors wide open.
Wind seeped into the hotel suite lulling over the motionless figure peering out of the seven-story patio window. The lights were off so he was covered in shadows. The only bit of him was when the low horizon light flashed across his face illuminating his intense cobalt-blue eyes. He stood as quiet as a statue, his eyes unblinking as he scanned the beach a short distance from the hotel. The waves were sweeping over the soft sand slowly, their calmness adding to the quiet atmosphere as the day's activities swept away.
"Do you see anything?"
The quiet voice did not startle him in the least as he turned and leaned up against the side of the patio door. Trowa stood in the dark wearing the same jeans but a loose blouse instead of the usual jacket. He had his arms casually folded so his hands were touching his elbows and he waited patiently for an answer.
"No," Heero said finally, turning to look him in the eye, "no signs as far as I can tell."
Trowa nodded and approached until he was leaning up against the other side of the patio door, separating them by only several feet. He stared off into the early night sky with a serene expression. Rarely did he ever let any other emotions besides calm or indifferent show unless they were alone.
After a few moments of silence, in which Heero too turned to stare up at the darkening sky, Trowa angled his head so one eye was locked onto him.
"Should we worry? It's all ready been over a month," he said quietly.
Heero's shoulders moved slightly as he adjusted his position against the door frame, "Perhaps. It doesn't give me a good feeling. We might have to take a little more action soon."
Trowa's head moved slightly in agreement. They fell into another bought of silence that reigned over them for nearly ten minutes as they stood lost in their own thoughts. The air, chilled from the sun's disappearance, cascaded inside to sweep around them. Trowa's hair was lifted up so his other eye was visible from the side but his position remained the same. Heero's bangs flew across his eyes but not once did he feel the need to blink.
"We'll have to watch them."
Trowa turned toward Heero but didn't reply as he waited for Heero to continue. After a moment Heero turned and directed his attention back at him.
"They're a little too predictable," he said.
"You think they followed us here?" Trowa asked.
Heero stared at him indifferently, "You think they just managed to get the top floor suite? I've had my suspicions about Mimi."
"Did you find any information on her?" Trowa asked quietly, folding his arms.
Heero's eyes narrowed, but it wasn't directed at Trowa, "She's not French, that I know, which makes me think her name is fake as well."
Trowa nodded, "I thought her accent was a tad off. However, we can't assume they're working together. We need more proof."
"Agreed," Heero said, folding his arms as well and looking back up at the sky. "Tomorrow I'm going to go back to the kitchen."
"Why's that?" Trowa voiced.
Heero's lips curled into a slight smile, "Because, like I said, they're predictable. I have a feeling they're starting to figure out what we're up to," Heero focused his attention back on Trowa. "They're going to split up to try and get to us separately."
"What do you suggest we do?" Trowa asked gently, unfolding his arms and staring at his companion evenly.
"We don't let on we know what they're doing. You take care of Quatre. I have a feeling he'll be stopping by, and I'll take care of his friend. If they are who we think they are, they'll try and trap us with words to get us to admit to something," Heero said, his eyes shimmering with intensity. "However…knowing people like them, they'll underestimate us."
Trowa nodded, "Do you have a certain amount of time you need?"
Heero shook his head, "No. I have a plan to throw off Quatre's friend. And when I do, I'll be back. Make sure that Quatre doesn't leave until I get back."
"You think he'll give something away then?" Trowa asked, watching him shift in position.
Heero nodded, "Quatre seems a lot easier to get to than his friend. We'll start with that and if it needs to go to more drastic measures it will. Whether or not they're involved with the scam, or even if they're here just to collect the bounty, we don't need them getting in our way."
"All right," Trowa said, nodding.
The two of them kept gazes on each other for a few seconds longer before turning back to look outside. After a quick scan, Heero closed the patio doors and not another word was spoken between them.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Clouds of smoke from the burning wood clogged his senses as he walked down the narrow passageway. The smell of fish and ocean water was strong as he made his way through the dark hall. Feeling along the wall he came to a stop and felt for the knob of a door. The door creaked open finally letting some light in to break through the darkness. Upon opening the door the sound of dripping water echoed through the broken down room.
The door closed behind him as he crept inside, his steps careful and slow. The crescent moon could be seen from the hole in the rooftop, cascading light into the center of the cold and dark room. He stopped and listened carefully, hoping that his footsteps had gone unnoticed. He had been positive he had seen someone enter the room…
A sharp click was heard behind him and he froze, his heart catching in his throat. Very slowly he turned, so as not to alert whoever was behind him. His eyes were met with a gun pointed straight at him and blazing eyes searching his soul.
"Quatre…," the familiar voice said, with an unreadable emotion.
Quatre licked his lips, "Heero…? I was just…"
"Following us?" Heero's tone was cold as he kept his gaze locked onto him.
Quatre opened his mouth but couldn't find anything to say. What could he tell him? That he knew he had a gun? Unconsciously, he stepped back. Heero's eyes narrowed as his hold on the gun tightened. Quatre's throat felt suddenly constricted as he stared at the gun with wide eyes.
"Heero, I can explain."
Heero's finger found its way to the trigger and he pulled slightly. Quatre stumbled backward. From there, everything began to blur. There were more voices, voices he didn't recognize and he could feel another presence enter the room. By then, sounds of gun shots ushered around him so he squeezed his eyes shut.
Quatre gasped for breath as he sat up in bed, his face slightly sweaty. He panted deeply, blinking several times to make sure it was only a dream. He sighed with relief and wiped the remaining sweat off his forehead. Glancing to his left he found the spot next to him on the large bed empty. At first he wondered where Duo could be, but then he remembered the talk they had the night before as they were getting ready for bed.
Duo had told him that early in the morning he would go down and see if the French woman for room 505 had checked in yet, just to see how much time they had to enjoy the suite. Then he said he wanted to check out the restaurant again in case Heero showed up unexpectedly. Quatre warned him not to do that in case Heero all ready suspected something, but Duo waved it off and told him that he wouldn't be seen.
Duo had then told him to stay low, knowing that he was sensitive when it came to such situations. Quatre hated being involved in scams, illegal crimes or other that he deemed morally and ethically wrong. Back as the Winner heir and head of the Winner Foundation, Rashid and the others got into the dirty work for him and usually solved the problem, whatever it be.
They had agreed that Quatre would stay low, but that he would go next door to return the borrowed clothing, hoping that Heero and Trowa were separated, and make sure Trowa didn't leave the hotel room to go help Heero. It was Quatre's duty to watch Duo's back and make sure the numbers didn't play out unfairly. The plan was for Quatre to pretend he had left the key card in the hotel room in order to buy time for Duo. He only hoped he hadn't overslept. If Trowa was all read gone with Heero then Duo would be in trouble.
Quatre pushed the silk sheets aside and rummaged around in the shopping bags that held new clothes they bought from the previous night. He quickly pulled out anything, hoping it would match. With effective speed he grabbed the clothes Heero lent to him and made his way to the door. As he did he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror from the bathroom, since the bathroom door was wide open. He had managed to grab a pair of jean shorts, that Duo had said brought out his figure and made him buy it, and the white silky tank-top that he had actually liked right away.
He quickly combed his hair so that it wasn't all over the place, though his bangs were still cascading down into his eyes although looking much neater. He took a deep breath and walked out the door. Duo had been smart to decide the key card plan, and made sure to give himself an extra copy. Quatre had voiced his worry about Trowa knowing what he was up to, but Duo had told him that he had the face of an innocent person, no matter how nervous he seemed.
I hope Duo knows what he's doing. Heero's the one with the gun. Oh, I hope I won't regret this.
Quatre took another deep breath and approached the hotel door. He plastered on what he hoped was a genuine smile and knocked on the door. He waited for several minutes and was about to knock again until the door opened. Trowa appeared wearing similar jeans, as the previous day but had on a tank-top much like Heero's only a dark blue to match with the jeans. There were tiny droplets of water on his shoulders and his hair appeared damp; proof that he had just gotten out of the shower and had probably been slipping some clothes on.
"Hi Trowa," Quatre smiled brightly.
Trowa looked down at him with the same look he often wore. It wasn't cold or nearly as stern as Heero's look, but Quatre couldn't place any emotion on his face.
"I…," Quatre stopped himself from giving away the reason he had come. If he were to tell Trowa he was giving back Heero's clothes he'd have to give them to him without getting inside. "Is it all right if I come in? Unless, you and Heero are busy right now," Quatre added quickly.
Trowa nodded, "Come in."
Quatre was pleased to note the tone in his voice wasn't suspicious or threatening. Trowa was quiet but he didn't come off as the rude type. Quatre could feel his confidence growing as he entered the room. He pretended to be looking around for something and then turned toward Trowa, who was standing patiently by the door.
"Heero's not here?" Quatre asked, sounding surprised.
"No, he had some business to attend to," Trowa answered, leaning up against the wall, much like he had previously.
"Oh, well, I just came to bring him his clothes," Quatre smiled gesturing to the clothes in his hands.
"You can leave them on the table," Trowa said.
Quatre nodded and set them down, hoping that his plan of action worked. Otherwise he'd have to stake out the door and make sure Trowa didn't exit, which was a lot more tedious.
"Well," Quatre smiled again, "I guess I better be going. Just let Heero know I stopped by."
Trowa nodded slightly.
Quatre smiled and proceeded to the door slowly, at the same time reaching into his jean pockets. Suddenly, he stopped, putting his hand in another pocket.
"The key must've gotten caught in the clothes," he said, walking quickly toward the clothes and lifting them up. "Well that's strange. I was sure I had it with me."
Quatre stuck his hands back in his pockets, pretending to double check. He sighed exasperated.
"Great, I locked myself out," Quatre muttered, making it sound like he was talking to himself. "Would you mind if I used your phone?"
Trowa shook his head. Quatre smiled in thanks and went to the phone nearby the small couch in the room. He picked it up and dialed a fake number, hoping that his plan was working. Trowa, in the meantime, had made his way into the kitchen area and was putting away dishes.
Quatre bit his lip and managed to put the phone down hard enough to seem angry, but not hard enough to make it seem like he was enraged. He stared at the phone, breathing deeply while his eyebrows furrowed.
"Is something wrong?"
Quatre turned toward Trowa who was staring at him with his normal expression. Quatre smiled but made sure to make it seem like it was hard for him to keep his smile up.
"It's nothing, I just…," Quatre sighed. "Duo wouldn't pick up his cell phone and he has the spare key card. He said he was just going to a store to pick up something, but if it has anything to do with shopping he'll be a while."
Trowa kept his eyes on him. Quatre couldn't discern what his thoughts were by the indifferent expression on his face so he hoped Trowa wouldn't see through his mask.
"You can stay here if you like," Trowa finally said.
Quatre gave him a startled look, which he'd worked on last night, "Oh no, I don't want to intrude. I know you and Heero have your lifeguard duties…No, I'll be fine," Quatre smiled.
"We don't have to lifeguard today," Trowa said quietly.
Good. Here's my chance to start up a conversation.
"Why not? Isn't that your job?" Quatre asked, approaching a few steps.
Trowa shrugged, "It's a part time job. We only do it for emergencies."
Quatre nodded in interest. He tried to keep his mind focused on continuing the conversation but a strange but tingly sensation was pulling inside his chest. He unconsciously stepped closer toward Trowa feeling the sensation increase. The intense feeling caused shivers to run up his spine as he tried to think of something to say. Instead, Quatre could feel his legs walking on their own without realizing it. He barely registered approaching Trowa until they were barely two feet apart, looking up into his captivating gaze.
Trowa stared down at him quietly, unfazed by the sudden movement. The close proximity allowed Quatre to feel his emotions more clearly. He could sense there was no discomfort or suspicion, but he couldn't get past the barrier that held his deeper emotions inside.
I can barely feel it, but I know it's there. His heart…He is a good person. He is kind, caring…He has so much potential. But why does he hide behind this mask? Why do they both? This feeling, it's so strong. I've never felt anything like this from anyone else before. Maybe there was a reason I came here. Maybe Trowa, and Heero, need help. And…I do…I want to know him better. Could it be…
"Trowa, I want to get to know you a little better," Quatre said, letting his heart and instincts take over.
Trowa blinked and looked down at him as he licked his lips, hoping to not sound out of place.
"I know that we don't really know each other, but…well, usually after I meet people I tend to feel like I should know them better. I guess that's just how I am," Quatre smiled softly. "Anyway, if you're not doing anything, while I'm waiting here for Duo to get back, would you like talk?"
Quatre's heart was racing from some unknown reason but he managed to keep a calm, kind expression on his face as he waited for him to answer. Trowa finally nodded toward him.
"Would you like some water?"
Quatre smiled brightly, "I would love some."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It had been extremely early when Duo had woken up; just after the crack of dawn. He had found Quatre beside him, breathing erratically which made him believe he wasn't having the best of dreams. He had rubbed his back soothingly to try and help him drift into a more peaceful slumber then lifted himself out of the comfortable bed to take a shower.
As he was getting dressed he kept his ears opened for the sound of a door. Sure enough, no more than ten minutes later he had heard a door close and opened his slowly to peek out. Heero was walking down the hallway, barely making any noise as he slipped past the still sleeping tourists. Duo knew right away he had been right about assuming Heero would go back to snooping around. This time, however, Heero would be more cautious about being caught, so he had to stay hidden.
Duo had crept cautiously after him, making sure to not been seen nor heard. He had followed Heero all the way down to the second floor. He had entered the bathroom so Duo decided to check in with the lobby and see if the mysterious French woman had come to claim her room back. He had all ready been standing in line for more than five minutes and was getting impatient. He hoped that he hadn't missed Heero yet again.
And I can't leave Quat with Trowa for very long, in case he gets uncomfortable or if Trowa starts suspecting something.
"Can I help you sir?'
Duo smiled reluctantly as the elderly man smiled mechanically, as if the smile was in place all day for the guests.
"Hi, I was wondering if the woman in hotel room 505 has checked in. She has a French accent," Duo added.
The elderly man typed away at the computer before turning to him to answer.
"I'm sorry, it says here that she won't be returning."
"What?" Duo asked, trying his best not to let his mouth hang open in shock. "When…how…what did she say?"
The elderly man adjusted his glasses and replied calmly, as if he hadn't noticed Duo's stuttering.
"It says her room has been rented out since she had an unexpected business call. You needn't worry though, you're in luck," he replied without much enthusiasm, probably from speaking to so many people. "That room she got for free, so it won't cost anything."
Duo's eyes were still wide and he swallowed, "Um…did she by any chance say how she got the room for free?"
The elderly man shook his head, "No."
"Thanks," Duo said, leaving more confused than he thought possible.
Why would she tell us to watch her room for her, as if she was coming back the next day, then leave?
Duo stopped suddenly as he reached the bathroom door, quickly jumping behind a small wall as the door opened. He peered out to see someone with a waiter's uniform walking out. He sighed, cursing his luck.
He took a deep breath and hurried quietly toward the bathroom door, opening it carefully. He hoped Heero was still in there. Duo took a look around the stalls and noticed the bathroom was completely deserted. He passed by the bathrooms, sulking at losing him again, when his eye caught something in the stall at the end. Duo opened the stall door and stepped in, eyes widening at the sight. A bundle of clothes were sitting neatly on top of the toilet, the same clothes Heero was wearing before he entered the bathroom.
He's in a disguise! I don't believe it! The waiter…it was him!
Duo clenched his fists as he ran out of the bathroom at top speed. Heero was clever, he had to give him that. Luckily, Duo knew where he would be heading, if dressed as a waiter.
The restaurant wasn't as crowded, being since it was only eight in the morning, but there was still enough people for Heero to hind behind. Duo kept his intense gaze scrutinizing each person as he passed them. Sometimes he got strange looks back but hardly noticed them as he continued searching for the imposter waiter.
After searching quickly through the entire restaurant and peeking in the kitchen, Duo decided that perhaps Heero was looking for a place that wasn't so crowded so he could do his business. Then it hit him.
Of course…
Duo passed by the kitchen and turned the corner around back. A smile appeared on his face as he saw the exit door leading to a storage facility where all the garbage and empty cans and boxes went. He pulled the door open, careful not to let it squeak and peeked through. The whole room was covered in shadows, being since there was no window to let the morning light in. It was hard to see, even when his eyes became somewhat adjusted. Duo moved his eyes around, peering through the crack, but couldn't detect any movement.
Despite that it looked like no one was inside, Duo opened the door the rest of the way and slipped inside quietly. He didn't close the door all the way, leaving it slightly ajar to let some light in. He was hoping to find some clues that were left behind, if Heero had been in there. The room had tons of boxes stacked up, most of which looked like some kind of food or dishes. He could smell the remaining odor of food, knowing the trash was somewhere in the room as well. He scrunched up his nose in disgust and sighed, knowing it was pointless to try searching in there.
Click.
Duo jumped and wheeled around to find that the light source was gone, leaving him in the dark. The door had been closed, and he was fairly certain that the door couldn't close on its own.
Was it someone from outside? I hope they didn't lock me in!
Duo was close to panicking, something he usually did not do, but took several deep breaths to calm himself. He walked over to the door and reached for the knob.
"I don't appreciate being followed."
Duo jumped, accidentally banging his arm into the door while wheeling around. At first he couldn't make out anything in the dark, but he heard some movement as a figure approached somewhere nearby. Before Duo could open his mouth, a bright light blinded him, causing him to squint. It took him a few seconds to realize that a flashlight was being shined at him. The light wasn't enough for him to see the room, but enough to illuminate who was holding the flashlight.
"I knew it," Duo's eyes narrowed. "You were snooping around."
Heero's ice cold glare matched his intense gaze, "I believe you're the one snooping around."
"Oh yeah, what about your outfit?" Duo snapped suddenly.
"What about it?" Heero's voice remained indifferent as he stood with arms folded while holding the flashlight.
Duo blinked and studied his clothing. He wasn't in the waiter uniform Duo thought he'd be in. He was in the same clothes Duo had seen sitting in the bathroom. He was wearing shorts, very tight, black shorts that hugged his legs nicely, even in the dark. He had on his usual green tank-top that went under his lifeguard jacket, but no jacket.
How did he do that so fast and get here before me?
Duo noticed with relief that Heero didn't appear to have any weapon on him. He hadn't seen the gun for himself but he wouldn't doubt what Quatre had seen. Not only was Quatre very intelligent and far from a liar, but Heero hadn't commented when Duo confronted him about that the day before.
"What are you doing here?" Duo asked suspiciously, crossing his arms.
Heero's eyes didn't blink but they seemed to grow in intensity.
"I should be asking you that," he said coldly.
Duo kept his arms crossed and looked at him more defiantly.
"Heero…," Duo warned. "You better not be doing what I think you're doing, because I'll find out."
"You better hope I don't find out what you're up to," Heero said, their gazes locked and neither one backing down.
Duo expression grew slightly puzzled as he tried to figure out what Heero meant by that. Sure, Duo had been following him, but only because he suspected Heero of doing something not so good. Duo's eyes glanced toward the door, hoping that it was unlocked.
Well, it has to be. Heero wouldn't be stupid enough to lock himself inside.
"Look Heero, I think we got off to a bad start," Duo said, unfolding his arms.
Heero's gaze didn't lessen, "I do too."
"So…how about you just tell me what you're up to so that we can work this out?"
Heero didn't answer, and instead glared at him harsher. Duo realized it wasn't going to get anywhere. Heero was obviously stubborn and probably clever enough to slip out of there unnoticed. Duo knew he was at a disadvantage, so he turned around.
"How about we just stay out of each other's way, all right?"
He didn't hear an answer behind him so he headed toward the door, grasping the doorknob. He didn't even get time to touch it even slightly as he was suddenly shoved up against the door, arms pinned to his side. He blinked, noticing that Heero was holding his arms with his hands and his legs were pressed up against his so that he wouldn't move. Duo hadn't even heard Heero move from his spot, and he surely wasn't expecting this.
Geez, he sure is strong. I'm betting he does more than life guarding.
Although it was dark, Duo's eyes were adjusted enough so that he could make out some fine details. Heero's arms were flexed as he held Duo tightly in place. Duo was surprised at how much stronger he was in actuality from how he looked. Duo's eyes glanced down, seeing he was wearing his Cayman lifeguard jacket. Duo finally locked eyes with him, noticing that up close his eyes were almost ablaze. A glorious deep blue that captured his attention straight away.
"I don't think that's the best move," Duo warned, keeping his voice quiet.
Heero's eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared silently at him, "Not on your part."
Duo tried to move but found Heero's grip on him tightening. He could feel Heero's muscles flex as he made sure to leave no room for Duo to even squirm. Duo could also see the defined muscles in Heero's arms.
"I'm surprised you're with someone like Quatre," Heero said, his voice cold but calm. "You don't even seem to have it in you."
Duo's eyes narrowed, "If you're going to threaten me, at least use my name. It's Duo."
Slowly, and almost unnoticeable, Heero's lips curled into a cold smirk. Duo watched him carefully.
Hmm…he looks much better when he smiles, even if it is a cold, twisted smile.
Duo also smiled threateningly, leaning his head toward him to show he wasn't intimidated.
"You can't scare me Heero."
Heero's smirk didn't disappear but it became less noticeable, "We'll see…Duo."
Suddenly, Duo was let go so fast he could barely catch himself before crumbling to the ground. He blinked, wondering why Heero suddenly let him go. A loud, creaking sound broke the silence as Duo stood up quickly, realizing his intentions.
Oh no he didn't, that…
Duo pulled on the doorknob to find it locked. Heero had succeeded in locking him in, after pinning him to the wall. Duo cursed out loud, angry that he had let his guard slip.
Now I know how Quatre feels every time he gets jumpy when Trowa's mentioned. And now I'm getting easily distracted by Heero, just because he's got a nice body…and the sexiest eyes I've ever seen.
Duo inwardly smirked, despite his current situation. Heero obviously could've killed him or knocked him unconscious at any point, especially when Duo hadn't realized he wasn't alone. But he didn't. And now Duo wasn't so sure Heero was really the tough guy past the cold mask he wore. Perhaps Quatre was right in assuming things happened for a reason. After all, was it just coincidence they roomed next door?
Well, if Heero's going to play that game, then I'll fire back at him. Perhaps I could teach him a thing or two…
Duo couldn't rejoice at the moment, being locked in a smelly storage room without permission. He was hoping by just knocking one of the waiters or waitresses would hear him. He knocked several times, shouting out to anyone. Suddenly, he stopped cold. He remembered that Quatre was up with Trowa, and now his cover had been blown with Heero. If Heero were to get to the top floor before Duo, Quatre would be outnumbered.
"HELP! Can anyone hear me? Open up!" Duo shouted more loudly, banging fiercely on the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The warm breeze seeped into the hotel room, calming his nerves down. Quatre took a sip of the water Trowa had given him. They hadn't said anything for several minutes, though Quatre eagerly wanted to know more about him. It was not part of the distraction, since they hadn't had time to plan anything to say. Quatre really wanted to know more about him and was hoping that he had nothing to do with an illegal scam.
Trowa was drinking his water calmly as if no one were there at all. He was leaning up against the fridge while Quatre was seated at the small kitchen counter.
I guess I'll be the one to start the conversation.
"This is a wonderful hotel," Quatre smiled, breaking the silence. "Is this one of the perks of being a lifeguard?"
Trowa didn't react once away but nodded finally. Quatre smiled kindly, leaning his elbow on the table while keeping eye contact with him.
"Do you only lifeguard, Trowa?"
Trowa closed his eyes as he took another sip of water and then reopened to stare at him with the same calm expression he wore every time Quatre saw him.
"Sometimes," he answered evenly.
Quatre's eyebrows rose slightly, "What else do you do?"
This time Trowa didn't answer. He was staring at Quatre with unblinking eyes, his expression still calm and indifferent. Quatre wanted to break the shell, but he wasn't sure how.
"When did get here?" Quatre asked, trying to change the subject slightly.
"A month ago," Trowa replied, his tone quiet.
Quatre eyed him, "You've been here that long? What have you been doing during that time?"
Trowa just stared at him, holding his glass of water. Quatre could feel his heart beating, hoping that he would get some kind of clue. He wanted to know if Trowa was involved in something, but he wouldn't open up.
"Trowa, come on, tell me. You couldn't have been sitting on your back the whole time," Quatre smiled genuinely, trying to get him to open up. "Are you here on business of any sort? Is that why you're with Heero? Are you both partners for something?"
"You ask a lot of questions."
Quatre jumped startled, turning to see Heero standing in the doorway. His heart was thumping loudly in his chest.
Heero…How long has he been there? Why couldn't I sense him? Oh no…could Duo have been caught, or did Heero get away?
Quatre was so caught off guard he didn't realize Heero approaching them until he was nearly five feet away. Quatre inwardly tried to calm his heartbeat and nerves, hoping his friend was all right. It didn't appear that Heero had a weapon, but it didn't calm him very much.
"Heero!" Quatre tried smiling brightly. "I brought your clothes back."
Heero's eyes stayed fixed on him, "I told you it wasn't necessary."
Quatre didn't like the cold look in his eye, but swallowed his fear. He knew if he blew the cover now it was all over.
"Yes, I know, but since Duo and I went out to get some clothes I decided to give them back to you. Speaking of Duo, you haven't seen him have you? I've locked myself out of the hotel room and he has the spare key," Quatre said calmly, despite how nervous he felt.
Heero's eyes seemed to intensify by feeling, though it wasn't visible. Quatre felt unnerved by the mystery surrounding him. He couldn't even get a sense of what he was feeling at the moment.
"Yes, I have seen him," Heero replied, after the silent pause.
Quatre blinked and slapped on another smile, "Well, great! Where is he? Is he on his way?"
Oh please say yes! Please let Duo be all right! I'll never forgive myself for letting him go if something has happened!
"He's been held up," Heero replied coolly.
Quatre's smile disintegrated, revealing his true emotions. He couldn't hide his worry, nor could he pretend anymore. Heero's voice was dripping with suspicion which meant that Duo had been caught, or at least discovered. What Quatre couldn't discern was if his friend was all right. Now that he knew Heero wasn't going to be fooled by some act, he wouldn't let him get away with whatever evil crime he was planning. And he certainly wasn't going to let him get away with hurting his best friend. Quatre was for once glad he was rich and had many important people on his side. Once Rashid found out Heero would have no say in it.
Quatre's eyes narrowed angrily, "What did you do to him?"
Despite how angry he was, Quatre's voice never held any amount of hatred in it, unless it was a vitally good reason. He wasn't positive Heero had hurt Duo, or that Heero would hurt anyone at all, so he just kept his voice firm.
"Nothing yet," Heero replied. "But I needed him out of the way."
"Why? What did he ever do to you?" Quatre snapped, trying his best not to get emotional.
Heero unfolded his arms and began to approach him slowly. Quatre's eyes widened slightly as he stepped backward. Quatre knew that if he let too much fear show, Heero would have more confidence, thus giving him the advantage. Trowa had still remained still, watching the exchange. He didn't look like he was about to enter into it, but if he did Quatre would be outnumbered.
"You can't get away with this, you know?" Quatre said, his voice losing some of the firmness he had a minute ago.
"Don't play innocent with me, Quatre," Heero spoke threateningly. "I know what you and Duo are up to. And you aren't going to get away with it."
Quatre stopped in his tracks, nearly backed into the wall. He stared at Heero with confusion, mistrust and fear.
"What are you talking about?" Quatre asked, staring at him. "We're not up to anything, it's you who's up to something!"
Quatre's eyes directed onto Trowa who looked back at him indifferently.
Heero's eyes narrowed, "Quatre…don't make this harder on yourself. You shouldn't be involved in the first place. Not with someone like Duo."
What is he talking about? What does he mean by 'someone like Duo?'
Quatre could feel himself tremble. Before he could stop himself he glared toward Heero.
"There is nothing wrong with Duo! We've been beside each other for years! It's you I'm worried about! You're the one with the gun!" Quatre covered his mouth in surprise, letting slip that he had seen the gun.
Heero didn't respond. Instead he turned his head toward Trowa, who was still standing patiently against the fridge.
"Trowa."
Trowa turned his attention toward Heero who addressed him.
"We're going to have to do this the hard way."
Quatre gulped, sliding against the wall as Heero began to approach him again. Trowa had set his glass down but was now standing by the counter with crossed arms. Quatre wondered just how wrong he'd been about Trowa…could his sixth sense have lied? That seemed quite impossible. If Trowa really was a good person, why was he letting Heero do this? Quatre backed up even farther against the wall as Heero came within five feet from him.
"I'm going to ask you this once, Quatre. Tell me what you're planning and I'll let you off easy," Heero said.
Quatre opened and closed his mouth, shaking his head from side to side. He truly had no idea what Heero was talking about. Could Heero have been getting him mixed up with someone else? Perhaps it was all a misunderstanding?
"Heero, I-I really don't understand what you're talking about," Quatre said, feeling his insides quivering.
"Tell me why you're here. And if you cooperate you can go back home safely," Heero said, as if the deal he was giving him was the best choice.
What? Home…? No! I don't want to go back home! Who does he think he is? Does he know who I am? Does he want me going home because he's afraid I'll stop him? And what about Duo?
The tremor of emotions was overpowering him, and Quatre could no long keep anything inside. It was enough having the stresses of responsibilities at home, but now, a stranger, someone with a weapon, was not only going to try to send him back to that but he was going to hurt Duo (if he hadn't all ready).
"NO!" Quatre suddenly shouted. "I won't let you! You can't ruin it! Duo and I have been planning this for a long time, Heero! I won't let you ruin our va— "
His sentence was cut off as Heero's hand reached out and grasped his throat. It wasn't enough to severely clog his air pipe but enough to get him to cough for air. Heero's grip was much stronger than Quatre had imagined. He immediately put his hands on Heero's to try and pry it off his throat.
Heero stared at him silently as he struggled beneath his grip. Quatre was so afraid he had greatly underestimated the both of them, even though Trowa hadn't done anything as of yet. Quatre struggled for air, feeling that Heero's grip wasn't going to loosen anytime soon. Remembering parts of training as a child in several different types of self-defense, Quatre slammed both hands down upon Heero's wrist, as the exact point between his radius and ulnar bones, while at the same time kicking him with enough force to knock him away.
Quatre's throat was released and he ran past a stumbling Heero toward the door. Just as he thought he might make it he saw something out of the corner of his eye and looked up to see Trowa twirling in mid air, landing precisely in front of him on his feet. Quatre stared at him wide-eyed as Trowa blocked the door, staring back at him calmly.
"Trowa…," Quatre whispered in awe.
He opened his mouth to say something else but was suddenly grabbed from behind. Heero locked an arm around his waist so tightly Quatre winced. The other arm locked around his neck to prevent him from moving and fighting back, even though his hands were free. Quatre grasped Heero's arm to try and pull it away from his throat, but it was no use. Heero was much too strong and he wouldn't be fooled again.
"Nice move, Quatre," Heero said, his lips curling somewhat, obviously slightly surprised Quatre was fairly good in self-defense. "But you can't escape. Not until we know what you're up to."
"Please…," Quatre choked out, "let…go…"
"Only if you answer my question," Heero said indifferently, speaking in his ear.
Quatre couldn't really see him, except from the corner of his eye, but he could tell they both were looking at him expectantly. He didn't know what to tell them. What did they want him to say?
"What…have you…done to Duo?" Quatre asked, trying to take shallow breaths so he wouldn't pass out.
Heero's eyes narrowed slightly, "Quatre…"
Heero's voice was full of warning, but that was all Quatre heard as Heero's grip tightened, causing him to feel lightheaded. He couldn't understand what they were saying, if they were saying anything. His eyes fluttered closed as his arms went limp.
TO BE CONTINUED…
***yes I know, horrible place to stop. *grins* Don't worry, more action/humor to come and romance begins to grow! *cheers* Rushing it would just ruin the plot, so please bear with me. I have to update a couple other stories before this one again, which is why I updated it early, so it might be a couple weeks before this is updated again. I made sure it was longer than the last chapter though! ^-^ ~Candy
To Reviewers:
R.L.N.: *grins* Thank you!! I'm glad you're really liking the story. It makes me very happy! ^-^ I know people are really looking forward to the lemons but if I rushed it would ruin the story and its creativity. It will come eventually though! But there's still some action/suspense to come first, along with the growing romance. I got this chapter up early because I wasn't sure how long it would take me to do the one after this, since I have other stories to update. Not more than a couple weeks I would guess. ^-^ Thanks again!
Hamadriada5: *grins* I'm so glad you're liking the mystery-type plot going on. I'm trying to make it suspenseful too. If anything confuses you let me know, or if you have any questions. ^-^ I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as I can!
Fidan: *shakes head* Nope, I have definitely not given up on this. I don't give up on any of my stories. *grins* I will update more frequently from now on. It was just near finals the last time. I WILL update this as soon as I can. I do have a couple other stories I need to update first because it's been a while, but this shouldn't take too long!