Author's Note: I realize now that I toyed with my readers a little more than I intended to, so I'm going to clear this up right now: The skater is NOT TROWA!! Sorry of the confusion folks!
Sorry for the delayed update, but I had surgery last Monday, which involved the removal of eight teeth (four wisdom, and four for braces), not one but two vasovagal reactions, and medication. Then spring break arrived. I spent THIS week getting in some serious ride time. Today I spent giving a good friend her very first experience on the back of a horse . . . then I took said horse down the Track (a dirt quarter of a mile straightaway with a starting gate at one end). Fought the bitch tooth and nail to actually get DOWN to the starting end, but damn was it worth it. Adrenaline City. She was going at least thirty-five mph, and for a thousand-pound, four-legged animal a bit past her prime that's FAST! After a ride like that I can almost overlook the fact that she almost backed herself into a barbed wire fence . . . . almost. Cheers! Sharys
Disclaimer: As I do not feel particularly witty at the moment, I'll say it simply – don't own, don't sue, we all keep our money. (If you HAVE money . . . . )
Warm Heart, Frozen Memory
Chap. 3Bright eyes danced, warmed at the sight that lay before them. A lone girl, much more advanced than the rest of her class was doing practice spins. Awkwardly, he admitted, but it was clear from her expression that she enjoyed it. In the whirl of movement, her pink sweater and short brown hair blurred together. At one point she lost that essential center of gravity and fell, landing quite ungracefully on her rump. She stood, brushed herself off indignantly then tried again.
He smiled.
He loved watching the children skate. It reminded him of himself when he first began. The simple joy the children took in it almost made him relive what he felt when he had performed. It was a strange warmth that saturated everything, giving off a contented, calm sensation. Despite the other memories his observations dug up, he thought them worth it, if only for the feeling.
With a shout from one of the elder instructors, the session ended.
Giving a sigh, he shifted off the wall he had been leaning against. He hadn't come to watch, no matter how much it pleased him.
Brushing a hand through pale blonde hair, he started to search for his friend.
Eyes sifting through the small gaggle of parents he spotted his target, standing near the bleachers talking to some of the parents. As he neared he frowned slightly. They weren't parents as he had previously thought, but two men, both in their early twenties. One was talking in a very animated manner, making his waist-long braid swing from side to side. The other stood stock still, listening to his companion speak in silence. His posture held a faint military quality, and his dark hair cast shadows over his face.
Trowa noticed his appearance first. He blinked and then smiled. "Quatre! What are you doing here?"
The other two men turned to see the new comer, one giving a friendly smile, the other remaining neutral.
He fought down a twinge of embarrassment. "Well, I just came to visit, but I see you already have company."
"Oh, right," Trowa cleared his throat. "Duo, Heero, this is my friend, Quatre Raberba Winner. Quatre, this is Duo Maxwell and Heero Yuy."
Quatre smiled warmly as he shook both of their hands. "Sorry if I interrupted . . ."
"Hey, not at all!" Duo told him, a mischievous grin slowly creeping across his face. "In fact the three of us were all going out to dinner! Come join us! As they say, the more the merrier!"
Cold blue eyes narrowed as Heero glared at his companion.
Suddenly self-conscious, Quatre squirmed even though the glare was not directed at him. "I don't know if that would be such a good idea."
"Come on Quatre," Trowa reasoned. "You need to get out more. You said it yourself not two days ago."
"As long as it's not any trouble . . ."
"If you think you can last through a whole meal with the world's loudest man, feel free to come along."
Three pairs of eyes focused on the previously silent Heero.
"HEY!" Duo barked, pointing an accusing finger at the dark-haired man. "I'm not loud, I'm confident! And it isn't my fault you don't speak up. If you did you just MAY have more friends."
"Mind your own business."
Quatre smiled at the banter. He suddenly felt better about accepting the invitation.
Author's Note: Sorry again for the delay and for how pathetically short this chapter was, but I wanted to let the readers know that I AM continuing, so I wanted to update. I hit a snag for the next chapter but I'm trying to work through it. Any ideas would be helpful and taken into careful consideration. And congrats to everyone who guessed correctly about the skater's identity. I just can't picture anyone other than Quatre out there competing. Have you SEEN what some of the Skaters wear? I've done sketches: Quatre can actually pull it off.
So . . . how am I doing so far? I do have other fics, but so far this one has gotten the most reviews in such a short period. Remember to REVIEW please! No reviews no new chapters.
I have been toying with an idea, but I want some opinions (though I may go through with it regardless) : Who wants to see Heero on horseback? In the story, I mean. And not the hideous ones they showed in the second episode, but REAL horses. Anyone curious? (in case no one has noticed, I am horse crazy)