A/N Hello.
I'm sorry I haven't updated this story in the longest time.
To be honest, I've had a tough time with it and haven't been putting full effort into it.
I've found it easier to write the sequel
then it has been to write this one.
I'm contemplating posting the sequel before this one is finished.
That way you can see where I'm going and maybe
have some ideas of how to get there.
X-x
oi.
Anyways. Here is my pathetic attempt at continuing this story.
Please don't be too harsh with your reviews.
T-T
Weissangel24
06-16-06 A/N :GLOMPS/HUGGLES and a cookie: for Kai-Li
going back and beta'ing this and the next chapter.
I didn't realize it was so horrible! >.
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Chapter one
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"I'm sorry, Mr. Barton. Master Winner is in the middle of a conference call and is not to be disturbed."
"Eleese, how long has he been in there?"
"Um..." The redhead thought, glancing at the clock. "'Bout four hours..."
"Has he eaten anything?"
"Not that I'm aware of." The young brunette apologized, "Like I said, he's not to be disturbed."
"I bet..." The banged boy glared, stalking over to the door.
"Uh, Mr. Barton, you can't go in there..."
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Quatre sighed as he rubbed his temples, "I hate repeating myself, Jerold. Until you can show me irrefutable proof that the funds and supplies are not being used for manufacturing weapons, I cannot and will not sign any agreements with E.G.O. This company was founded and built by pacifists. You should know better."
/"I find you to be hypocritical, Winner."/ Jerold huffed. "You can't participate in a war and claim the beliefs of pacifism."/
"My position in the war is part of the past and has no relevance to the philosophies that I cannot change."
/"Yet you constantly move against them!"/ The older CEO accused. /"First the war, then supporting the Preventer's. It should be no problem to support us too!"/
"The Preventers are an organization whose sole purpose is to maintain the fragile peace we have created."
/"Through militaristic means if necessary!"/
"I am through discussing this!"
/"No, you've just run out of points to debate."/
"You are treading on very thin ice." Quatre warned.
/"Are you threatening me?"/ Jerold glared.
"Consider it a friendly warning." The blonde smiled before disconnecting the call. "You self-perseverating, brainless bastard." He grumbled under his breath.
With a deep sigh, he rolled his tense shoulders and set himself to looking at endless paperwork. "I'm not hungry, Trowa." The boy stated, not looking up at the person standing in the shadows. "And what part of 'Can not be disturbed' escaped your understanding?"
"Doesn't mean you shouldn't eat." The banged boy frowned, moving to stand behind the CEO. "And I didn't disturb you, the jerk on the phone did."
"Smart-ass."
"Come on, koi. You need a reminder that there are other things besides this office."
Quatre moaned slightly as the taller boy massaged his neck and shoulders. He could feel the knots and tenseness being smoothed out, and although it hurt, it also felt wonderful. "Koi, there are no other things beyond this office."
"No?"
"No." The blonde shrugged his shoulders, signaling for the other to stop and returned to his work. "If you'll excuse me, but if I don't get these done, I won't be able to go home tonight."
"This isn't healthy, Quat." Trowa frowned disapprovingly, "I'm worried about you." He leaned down and kissed the boy's neck, "Can't you just take a break for lunch? I'm supposed to meet Duo. He'd love to see you."
"Sorry," Quatre pulled out of his love's reach, "I'm busy."
"You're so stubborn, Quatre Raberba Winner!" The frustrated young man nearly shouted as he stormed out of the dreary office, shutting the door hard.
Trowa missed the miserable look that crossed the CEO's face before the blonde buried his head into his arms and cried.
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"He's probably just stressed from work." Duo shrugged as he chewed on his soda straw. "You know how he can get. Worn-down, cranky, irritable, exhausted, short-tempered, crabby-"
"You're being redundant." Trowa sighed, crumpling his hamburger wrapper into a tiny ball. "And it's more than that... He seems... depressed?"
"How so?"
"Melancholy. Something is bothering him, and being around me makes it worse. He's burying himself in his work like it's an escape... What he likes doing, he doesn't find enjoyable anymore... Duo, I haven't seen him smile in weeks!"
"I saw him smile the other day when we were talking on the phone."
"That wasn't a smile, Duo. That was a mask." Trowa shook his head, "Surely you can tell the difference between a mask and genuine emotions? Especially with Quat."
"Touché. Maybe he just needs a vacation or a new hobby?" The braided boy tried. "Has there been anything new that seems to interest him?"
"Tro?"
The banged boy frowned slightly, before sighing and meeting his friends look. "The park."
"The park?"
"When I can convince him to leave that God-forsaken office, that's where he wants to go."
"What does he do there?"
"Watches kids play."
"That's all?"
Trowa nodded and Duo started to laugh. "I don't see
what's so funny."
"Sorry, Tro." Duo shook his head. "What do you think about kids?"
"They seem happy at the park; playing with each other." Trowa shrugged.
"Not at the park, Trowa, in general." The braided boy grinned with amusement.
"... They're loud, and messy." The banged boy frowned, not liking his friend's expression. "They're full of energy, always running around... but... I like it when they smile at the circus..." He smiled slightly. "I like it when they laugh. I... like seeing them happy."
"Have you ever told Quat that?" Duo's grin grew.
"No. Why would I?" Trowa shook his head, his emerald eyes growing sad. "It's not like we could ever have any."
"Would you want kids?" The banged boy raised an eyebrow. "If the laws allowed for you to adopt, would you?"
"...Yes?"
"That's why you should tell Quat." He frowned at the banged boy's silent denial. "Why not?"
"HE wouldn't want them."
"What makes you say that?"
"He told me once. Quatre said that he would never want to inflict the childhood he endured on a living being."
"That doesn't mean he wouldn't want kids, Tro." Duo said, "It just means that given the opportunity, he wouldn't want to make the same mistakes his dad did."
"... You think?"
"Absolutely!" The braided boy nodded enthusiastically. "Talk to him! You might even find out what's been bothering him."
"... Thanks, Duo."
"No problem, just let me know how it turns out?"
"I will." Trowa promised, placing some money on the table before heading out.
Once his banged friend was out of the burger-joint, Duo picked up his cell phone and hit speed-dial.
/"Hello?"/
"Hey, Relena. You know that favor you owe me?"
OOoOoOo
To be continued...