Disclaimer: Blah, blah, fishsticks. Err, I mean, standard disclaimers apply.

A very belated Happy Mother's Day to mothers, soon-to-be mothers, and wannabe-mothers out there!

Warning: MAJOR OOCness. FORGIVE THE AUTHOR. Oh, and don't be confused, there are some flashbacks here and the story is now told in Quatre's POV. I have a feeling that you'll hate Vanyel more in this chapter. Don't you just love, err, I mean, hate OCs? () Oh, and I am a people. I makes mistake. Sorry for typos. (yeah, they're ONLY typos. Really.)

Oh, and I finally persuaded my friend to draw me a merman Duo. It's a bit too feminine and it doesn't really look like him but it's still pretty. Whee! If anyone wants to see it, just tell me and leave an e-mail add.

One of my goals in life has been met. Well, sort of. My friend Elana-chan bought the Hikaru no Go series and I'm gonna borrow the cds as soon as she's through with them. Whee!

Out of the Sea

By Ninetails

Chapter 8

At last he was standing before Master Padan. Vanyel reached out and took his hand. The touch of his skin sent cold chills through him. Quatre stared into his eyes, searching them for a spark of warmth, but there was nothing except the glittering silver ice. This then was his fate, his destiny.


"My betrothed?" Quatre asked, a kaleidoscope of emotions rushing through him.

"Yes, lad. The Marq – Vanyel, came by to ask for you to be bonded."

"And you said yes?"

"Of course we did," Quaterina spoke up. She moved to Quatre and wrapped her arms around him.

"Why me?" he asked. Of all the questions burning in his mind, that one stood out.

Vanyel smiled, and Quatre managed to suppress a slight wince. "A long time I have watched you from afar, admiring you. You are so beautiful and kind. I know my cousin, Heero, thinks the world of you."

"He didn't want me to have to be bonded with the blacksmith's daughter," Quatre said, realization dawning.

Vanyel shook his head. "No, he did not. I am in need of a partner in life, and I am not wrong in assuming that you do so as well. I hope you don't think me too fanciful, but I love you. It was Heero who gave me the courage to come forward and tell you, and ask for your consent."

"He said he would try to help me."

Vanyel touched his cheek gently, and Quatre tried not to flinch. "Nay, it is me he has helped, though I hope that this will make you happy as well. I promise to be a good consort to you and to do everything in my power to make you love me as I love you."

Quaterina put her hand on Quatre's shoulder. "It's the miracle I've been praying for," she whispered, for Quatre's ears alone. He saw the light glint in her eyes, and did not wish for it to be extinguished.

Quatre had no words.

"Well, we'd best be off before the hour grows any later," Vanyel said, beckoning for Quatre to follow him.

Quaterina picked up a basket and handed it to Quatre. "Here are some of your things. We'll bring anything else you need the day after tomorrow."

"But… what?" Quatre asked, looking from Quaterina to Rashid.

"The prince thought it would be a good idea if my betrothed came to the castle now," Vanyel explained, "to start the ceremony preparations. Your parents will follow in a couple of days so that they could be with you."

Quaterina smoothed a stray lock of his braided hair back from his face. "Just imagine, dear: A week from today you will finally be bonded."

The words chilled him to the bone. One look at Quaterina's earnest face, though, and he didn't know what to say to her. He was spared from having to answer by a voice at the door.

"Milord," a guard addressed Vanyel.

"What is it?"

"We have captured the murderer!"

"Excellent," Vanyel replied as Quaterina breathed an audible sigh of relief. "Where did you find him?"

"On the beach not ten minutes from here. He was half dressed and blind."

"Blind, but how can that be?" asked Quaterina.

"In the struggle with the last lad, he was able to throw fabric dye in his eyes. It has apparently hurt his vision."

"Murderer?" Quatre asked, feeling the first traces of panic entering him. "What is all this about?"

Rashid nodded. "There's a man, not right in the head, been attacking young men, and women recently, up and down the coast. He killed the last one two villages over. Apparently he's looking for someone named Raberba. He meets fair-skinned lads and then tells them he knew them from birth."

"Oh…" he breathed, sinking to a seat at the table.

"Yes, such a terrible thing," Quaterina answered.

"There's no need to worry, Quatre. He'll be dealt with swiftly. I assure you that you and your family are quite safe," Robert vowed.

Quatre forced a shaky laugh. "He sounds like a monster."

"He would have to be to do the things he's been doing. But we needn't worry about him, not when we have so many more pleasant things to think about." Vanyel turned to Rashid and Quaterina. "And now I'm afraid we really must take our leave."

"We will see you in two days," Rashid confirmed.

Quatre leadenly rose to his feet, taking the basket Quaterina had packed for him. Outside, Vanyel patted the neck of a beautiful white mare. "Have you ridden before?"

"No," he confessed.

Vanyel flicked the reins over the horse's head and handed them to one of his companions. "Well then, best you ride with me this time."

He extended a hand and Quatre took it, unsure of what to do. "Put a foot here and I'll help you up." He did as he was told, placing his right foot on the stirrup. He hopped twice and then he felt himself hoisted up onto the saddle, swinging a leg down to the other side and trying to keep his balance.

Vanyel then moved over to the side of the massive stallion. The animal's gray coat glistened. In one fluid motion, Vanyel mounted the beast behind Quatre. He put his arms around him and gathered up the reins.

He clucked, and the horse began to walk. Another cluck, and the mighty animal eased into a canter. The three-beat rhythm was unnerving as was the feeling of the wind stinging Quatre's eyes. He felt fragile, exposed, as though he could topple any moment to his death beneath the churning hooves.

Vanyel's arms tightened around him. "I've got you," he reassured him.

Somehow, that didn't make him feel much better. He gritted his teeth and determinedly tried not to lean too much on the body behind him. The ride passed swiftly, and soon the horse's hooves were clattering on the cobblestones in the castle courtyard.

The castle filled him with a sense of awe. It was magnificent, and larger even than he had imagined. Dozens of times he had dreamed of seeing it, but never quite like this, in the arms of a man and a stranger at that.

Servants ran up to take the reins. Vanyel dismounted and then put his hands on his waist and helped him down to the ground. Quatre grabbed his arm for a moment to balance himself and then stepped away. Vanyel let his hands drop.

"The banquet won't start for about another half-hour. You'll just have time to change, if you hurry."

"But I have nothing to change into."

Vanyel smiled. "They should have something that will suit you."

Two young women rushed up to them. One, with a cheerful smile and rosy cheeks, exclaimed, "Oh my, we just have young gentlemen sprouting up all over today!"

"Brothers, I'd wager, from the looks of it," the other affirmed.

"I have no brother," Quatre told her, his stomach twisting into knots. Duo! Is he really here? What if that part of Trowa's story is true? His head swam; too much had happened in too little time. He didn't know what to think or whom to believe.

"Well, then there is a resemblance, but I reckon you to be far more handsome than he is," the first woman said with a wink.

Quatre couldn't help but smile; the woman's enthusiasm was infectious. "I was told I needed to change for dinner?" he questioned, wondering what dress he could wear to a royal banquet.

"Oh, yes. I'm Hilde, and this is Noin. She'll help you find something real fine."

The next thing Quatre knew, Noin had whisked him off to a bedroom three times the size of the cottage that had been his only home. At least the only one I remember. He shuddered as his thoughts returned to Trowa.

How could he be a murderer? He seemed so gentle, so kind. He trembled as he remembered the kiss they'd shared. Then Trowa had spoken those words "I am your betrothed." What had he meant by that? He hadn't been the only one to say those words to him today, though.

He wanted to laugh at the irony. A week ago he had no prospects as far as finding a consort. Now, he had three: the blacksmith's daughter, the murderer, and the nobleman.

Faster than he would have thought possible, Noin produced a set of clothing of exquisite beauty. As Noin helped him dress in the unfamiliar cuts and ties of the suit, his thoughts turned to Vanyel. Who was he? He had never seen him before or heard Heero speak of him.

Heero must have approved, though, if he told Vanyel to bring me to the castle, he realized. But if Heero had known that Vanyel intended to bond with him, why had he acted so strangely yesterday? He thought back on the events. He had said he had found an answer to Quatre's dilemma about marrying Natasha. He had thought when Heero took him out in the boat that he was going to propose. He must have been going to tell me about Vanyel instead.

"What kind of man is Vanyel?" he asked Noin.

"I don't know, milord, I've only seen him a couple of times."

"You must have heard something, though," he pressed urgently.

"I've heard he's a great warrior. His father, the duke, owns extensive lands to the east and is a second cousin to the king."

"Vanyel said he and Heero were cousins," Quatre mused.

Noin glanced up at him with a look of horror on her face. Quatre flushed, realizing that he shouldn't have called the prince by his name. He was saved from an explanation when Hilde bustled into the room.

"There you are, looking mighty handsome at that. How wonderful it will be to have two such men dining in the castle tonight!"

Noin finished with tying up his bootlace and moved back. Hilde walked around him and looked him up and down. Quatre felt uncomfortable being on display.

"Well, you do look simply gorgeous. Now, let's go. We don't want to be late."

Trepidation filled Quatre's heart as he followed Noin from the room and down to the main floor. He nervously fingered the hem of his black velvet coat. He had never before worn such a fine garment. I don't belong here! he thought, fear gripping him. This is Heero's world, not mine. When he entered the hall, Vanyel was the first person he saw. He moved forward quickly, a smile lighting his face.

"You are a vision. You outshine everyone in this dreary place."

Quatre dropped his eyes to avoid his disconcerting stare. "Thank you, milord."

"To you, I am just Vanyel."

"Thank you, Vanyel."

He gestured forward, and Quatre gave a slight bow, taking Vanyel's lead to the table. They stopped before an older man, and Vanyel introduced him. "Quatre, this is my father, the duke of Dermail. Father, this is Quatre, my betrothed."

"It is a great honor to meet you and to welcome you into my family," the duke assured him as he gave him a slight bow.

Before Quatre could reply, there was a rustling sound as everyone who was already seated at the table rose. At the far end of the room, King Treize and Prince Heero entered. They moved to the head of the table and took their seats.

Heero looked as Quatre had never seen him, dressed in all the finery of his station. At that moment Quatre realized how his friend had always dressed down in his presence, even when he was in the market and was wearing princely clothes.

Everyone else sat, and Vanyel helped him to his seat, of which he was rather indignant. He may not know many things, but this menial task, he knew. Heero was looking around the room as though he was expecting to see somebody in particular. At last his eyes fell on his and widened in surprise. Quatre, he mouthed.

Quatre nodded his head. They were close enough to speak to each other, but he didn't have the words. Heero, too, seemed at a loss. A servant scuttled forward and whispered something to him. Heero turned his head suddenly toward one of the Hall's entrances, and Quatre turned as well.

There in the door was a young man in an outfit that dazzled Quatre. Long, chestnut hair fell in a braid down the center of his back. His face was like delicate porcelain. His smile warmed Quatre's suddenly numb body.

Heero rose hurriedly and went to him. He then bowed low before leading the other man to the banquet table where room had been saved for him. As he sat down, Quatre noticed the adoring look that he was giving Heero.

Duo! It has to be. That part of Trowa's story, at least, is true. His head began to spin. Too much was happening too quickly and it was all turning into a blur in his mind.

Realizing he was staring, Quatre forced his attention back to the table and to Vanyel. Just then, food began to appear, and though he did not feel very hungry, he was grateful for the distraction.

"The king's chef is the finest in the land," Vanyel told him. "I hate to admit that, for our own is quite excellent. I am afraid you will be altogether spoiled, though, by the time we get home."

"Home." It was a strange word to hear from Vanyel's lips, knowing that it was to be his home as well. For thirteen years his home had been with Quaterina and Rashid; before that, he had no idea. What would home be like with Vanyel and the duke?

He glanced up to stare once more at Duo. After a moment the other boy lifted his head and looked at him. A look of surprise crossed the other's face as though he recognized him. Just then Heero said something, and Duo turned away again.

Quatre dropped his own eyes with a sigh. He found himself picking at a bird that rather resembled a goose. It was really quite good, and he wished he had more of an appetite so that he could enjoy it.

"That's peacock," Vanyel informed him. "The female is a brown color, and the male is bright blue with brightly colored tail feathers."

He went on to point out other exotic foods on the table. When a tray of fish was offered to Quatre, he drew back slightly. Vanyel waved his hand, and the servant removed it.

"I apologize, you have probably eaten enough fish in your life to never want to eat it again," Vanyel said solicitously.

Quatre looked at him gratefully. "I really don't care to eat fish at all."

"Then you don't have to, not now, not ever," he said.

Soon, Vanyel was lost in the food and they both ate quietly. From time to time he could feel Heero's eyes upon him, but, for the most part he seemed intent on the other man.

A wave of loneliness swept over him. Quaterina and Rashid were home, asleep by now, and Heero, the only other person he knew, might as well have been a world away. He swallowed the lump in his throat and instead spooned a piece of fish onto his plate. Vanyel noticed and raised an eyebrow but didn't ask.

The fish sat there while he stared at it. He wondered if Rashid had caught it and if Quaterina had prepared it for market. In truth, he had no intention of eating it. It was the little piece of home he needed, though. Everything was happening so fast, and the people he most depended on were not available for him to talk to. When at last one of the servants took away his plate with the fish still on it, he felt bereft, alone, and naked.

Soon after that, diners began to leave the table. He made his excuse to Vanyel and hurried up to his room, wanting more than anything to be alone. He undressed swiftly, mindful of the delicate material of his clothing, and donned a new pair of looser slacks and a white cotton shirt.

He was exhausted, but sleep wouldn't come easily. Too much had happened in too short a time. His mind kept going over the events of the day, seeking some kind of meaning out of it all.

Where had Trowa come from? Was he really a murderer? Remembering the kiss they had shared on the beach made his cheeks tinge scarlet in the darkness. He couldn't believe that a murderer could kiss that way. Not that I'd know anything about kisses, he thought as he rolled onto his side.

He had known Trowa less than an hour and he had kissed him. He couldn't believe he'd had the audacity. Worse still, he couldn't believe that he himself had let him. Why, then, had time seemed to stand still when Trowa had kissed him? And why did he find himself holding his breath when he remembered it?

Then again, he had known Vanyel for less than a minute and he was engaged to him. He hadn't tried to kiss him yet, even though in a week he would have the right to far more than that from him.

He colored more fiercely thinking about the ceremonial night. He had thought of being bonded in the past, and even fancied bonding with another male, but never that aspect of it. His stomach twisted in nervous knots, and he couldn't help but wish that it would be Heero, or even Trowa, whom he would give himself to.

But Heero was going to bond with Duo, the man who had saved his life. And Trowa, he didn't know where Trowa was, but he was probably imprisoned somewhere. I wonder what's going to happen to him. Could he have really done those terrible things?

He fell asleep, and the nightmares came back stronger. Only now he watched as Heero kissed Duo. A hand touched his shoulder, and he turned around to see Vanyel staring at him. He bent down to kiss him, and over his shoulder Quatre saw Trowa staring at him.

He closed his eyes so he would not have to see him, and kissed Vanyel.


The next day was the busiest in Quatre's life. For two hours in the morning he was subjected to the not-so-delicate ministrations of the royal tailor. The gaunt man draped heavy garments onto him, took measurements of every contour of his body four times, and even managed to stab Quatre's ankle with one of his pins.

The blood shocked the tailor more than it did Quatre, though: the older man had turned ash white and muttered apologies for five minutes, bowing constantly. Quatre just stared at him, bewildered. Does he actually think I'm going to do anything to him? he wondered.

No sooner had the man left than Hilde was dressing him in clothes much simpler than the velvet one of the night before, which was still more elegant than anything he had ever owned. The coat was scarlet, and as Quatre looked at himself in the reflective glass in his room he couldn't help but think back to earlier in the week when he had viewed the white of his skin against the red of the tomato he'd purchased at the market. Now I'm wearing the tomato, he thought with a rueful shake of his head.

Once dressed, the excited maid led him downstairs. Vanyel was waiting for him in the hall. Walking up to him, he had to admit himself that the marquis was very fine looking.

"I thought you could use some fresh air after your busy morning," he told him. "I thought a picnic would be in order. It will also give us a chance to talk, get to know each other better."

"That would be nice," Quatre answered, warming to him slightly. He did seem to be thoughtful for a nobleman.

Vanyel gestured forward with one hand and together they walked toward the door. Halfway there, Heero walked through it, and Quatre felt his heart stop for a moment.

Heero looked at him, mouth slightly open as though he was about to say something. Then he closed it and dipped his head in acknowledgement.

"Vanyel… Quatre."

"Highness," Vanyel responded.

"Heero," Quatre whispered, his mouth having gone abruptly dry.

Heero took a step closer. He looked like he wanted to say something, and Quatre wished he would, anything to break the dreadful silence that suddenly surrounded them.

Finally he spoke, and his voice sounded hoarse to him. "I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you both. Vanyel, there is no finer man than Quatre."

"A happy fact that I am well-acquainted with," Vanyel answered.

"Quatre… the two of you make a handsome pair," Heero said in a tone laced with diplomacy, staring deeply into his eyes.

There was something shining in his eyes, but Quatre couldn't read it. There was more that he wasn't saying. Frustrated, he nodded to acknowledge that he had spoken.

Heero straightened up. "May the Light bless your impending union."

"We are most grateful to you wish, Highness."

Heero nodded and then smiled in a pained manner. "I shall not keep you."

He left swiftly, and Vanyel patted Quatre's hand. "I thank the Light to give me the courage to ask you," Vanyel said, loudly enough that Heero could hear. "Shall we be on our way?"

"Yes."

The picnic was pleasant, but at the end of it Quatre felt like he knew Vanyel no better than he had the day before. Vanyel told him stories of his childhood and of tournaments he had entered and won. Some of the stories were heroic, some funny, but there was something lacking in all of them. Quatre had no sense of his true personality, his morals, his soul. That worried him.

On the way back to the castle they rode through the center of the village, Quatre sitting before Vanyel on his steed. The taller man wrapped an arm possessively around his waist. Quatre had been used to inciting stares and whispers his entire life, but nothing like this. Several people actually began cheering.

I lived a simple life, as a fisherman's son, and they despised and feared me. Now that I am to be bonded to a marquis, they treat me as one of their own, he thought bitterly.

Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction when the mother of the boy he had saved from the runaway cart looked up at him with a mixture of awe and jealousy on her face.

"Would you mind if we stop and speak with Master Padan for a moment?" Vanyel asked him suddenly.

The mention of Master Padan made Quatre suddenly feel nauseated. Talking to the High Priest would make it all too real. Still, he forced himself to say, "No, I won't mind."

Vanyel pulled the steed up in front of the Temple of the Light. He dismounted in one fluid motion and helped him down as well. He flipped the reins over the horse's head and let them dangle toward the ground. The mighty beast made a chuffing sound and shifted his weight onto three legs.

Vanyel patted the horse's neck before taking Quatre's elbow and leading him into the temple.

Master Padan had already heard the news and was staring sternly at them as they paid their respects to the symbol of the Light on his staff. Quatre twisted his pearl between his fingers as Vanyel and Master Padan talked. Within a minute the time for the ceremony had been set and his fate had been sealed.

Exiting the temple, Quatre was shocked to see Thomas kneeling next to Vanyel's horse, with the silent figure of Natasha standing behind him.

"Can I help you sir?" Vanyel asked, sounding equally surprised, eyeing the man and girl behind him.

The blacksmith rose slowly. He turned and faced them. "Your horse looked like one of his shoes was working itself loose." He held up his hammer. "He should be good for a couple more days now, but I'll need to check all his shoes."

"Thank you," Vanyel replied. "I'll see that one of my servants brings him to you in the morning."

Thomas nodded. He stared at the ground for a moment and twisted his hands about his hammer. At last he looked up again and looked Quatre in the eyes. "My pleasure."

"What do I owe you?" Vanyel asked.

Thomas then seemed to hesitate and glance behind him before answering, "No charge, milord. Consider it a bonding gift. May the Light shine on you both."

Shame flooded Quatre as he looked at the blank features of the girl who up to now stood quietly behind her father. Natasha was a good woman, she deserved better than this. He didn't know what to say, though.

Vanyel saved him the trouble. "Thank you both and good day to you and your daughter, blacksmith," he said before helping Quatre hoist himself up onto the saddle. He mounted behind him, and in a moment they were off, leaving behind the blacksmith, the village, and everything he had ever known.

Back at the castle he had yet another meeting with the tailor and then he met with various instructors on decorum and other obscure subjects. Last, he spoke with another gentleman about social matters pervading the current royal court. By the time dinner was being served, he hardly felt like going down; an aching head could do that to people. Hilde urged him to dress up, though, and sent him on his way.

The food was just as extravagant as it had been the night before and, just like the night before, he found he had little stomach for it. After dinner, he dragged himself back upstairs and quickly fell asleep.

He dreamed that a man came into his room and shook his shoulders, trying to wake him. Soon the man disappeared, and Quatre began to dream again, this time the old dreams – and they were just as disturbing as always.

TBC


Author's Notes:

I am now a proud owner of book four of the Artemis Fowl series: The Opal Deception. Whee! Haven't finished reading it yet, though.

Oh, and I heard that DMP is offering a new line of yaoi bath soaps (the one in bottles) and I SO want a crate of them. I wonder what they'll do when left alone in the shower... Hmm... (nosebleeds)

Since my notes seem to be too short this time, allow me to relate a disturbing incident that took place in the seminar I attended about a week ago. At the last night of our stay (therefore a night of rest – it was after we had our spelunking adventure!), the hotel we stayed in hired an ethnic group to perform a few tribal dances. After the show, they offered free head, back, and foot massages. We, the participants of the seminar, lined up and sat on pillows strewn on the floor; the women were behind us, massaging our heads and backs, and the men were in front, massaging our feet. The guy (in a g-string or loincloth or whatever Igorot men wear) massaging my feet started asking me questions about our trip to the caves. Out of the blue, he asked me if I already have a husband. I was like "Oh my god, I'm only 18, darn it!" and he's like "We're all bachelors here (gesturing to the row of men who were massaging feet) so…" I kinda tuned him out after that. It's a scary thing: to have the guy massaging your feet suddenly kinda-propose (too strong a word?) to you. (shudders)


Replies to Reviews (Chapter 7): I baked tiramisu yesterday 'coz we had nothing to eat. So, tiramisu for everyone! (No, you won't get food poisoning or something. Other than that, I can't guarantee edibility)

Burned Vamp Whee! Neopets rule our hearts and the world! Whee! I have a Shoyru named Ken004 and I used to have a Bruce but it was too high maintenance so… yeah. 'Nyways, thanks for thinking it's a great chapter. Oh, and Quatre was around, but since the chapter was in Duo's POV, he was too busy ogling Heero to pay much attention to Quatre. Sorry. Hehe.. thanks for the review! (huggles)

Hikaru Eh? You were right about what? Tell me! Please? Oh, and I'm gonna insert 1x2 action somewhere but we're now gonna concentrate on how the 3x4 action will take place, 'kay? Gomen 'bout that. Hehe. Thanks for the review! And be careful with your dancing; don't bang on walls or trip on staircases like I normally do. (sweatdrops) Ja! (huggles)

keiichisei Whee! I love fantasy so much that it's all I ever write about. (reads what keiichisei said in the review again and glows with pride) I am truly speechless. Thanks SO much for putting a poor writer's heart at ease. (huggles keiichisei to near-death) BTW, nice name. (snickers) It's cute, really. (read you bio) Oh, and sorry for taking too long. This chapter was a bitch to write. Hmmm… wonder why… ()

no one WAAAAH! I AM SO SORRY TO DO THAT TO TROWA! IT'LL GET BETTER, I SWEAR! WAAAH! Oh, and why Trowa? It'll be answered in the next chapters. Hehe… (huggles no one... wait, that came out weird... ) Oh, and here's another GW plushie for you! (hands over a Trowa plushie)

GundamPilot03 Hehe, hope you like tiramisu! (starts glaring at evil guys who hurt Trowa and at Vanyel along with GP03) Hehe, take your sweet time with the picture. Make it look as "Trowalicious" as possible! Nyahaha! Just imagine, a merman Trowa with Amazing Pecs. (drools uncontrollably) Urk, oh, you're still here. Sorry. Was daydreaming. 'Nyways, hope your mini-fic turned out ok 'coz mine surely didn't. Thanks for the review! (huggles)

Fairren Awww, thanks SO much for wuffing me! Whee! I still hope you wuffs me after this chapter… 'coz I certainly do not like myself right now. Waaah! What am I doing to poor Quatre! Hehe, thanks for the review! (huggles)

PATTY 40 Nyahaha, sorry for taking my sweet time in updating this uberly bitchy fic. I finished it yesterday and I just skimmed it over so sorry for the typos or whatever. A 10 over 200? Hehe. Kidding, kidding. Hope you like the new installment though. Thanks for the review! (huggles)

Pandora-chan Nyahaha, yeah, it's still officially summer in the Philippines although it started raining. The temp even reached 38 degrees Celsius though (um, I do not have the brain capacity right now to convert it to Fahrenheit, gomen) and it's sweltering here. Autumn? In NZ? Really? Cool! Aww, yeah, Duo's having a problem in regard to how he could save his brother... I have the same difficulty too. I have something planned though and I hope it works out… somehow. Blowfishes? (snickers too) Hehe, could work! 'Nyways, thanks for the review! (huggles)

Amy Hirosaki Awww, thanks SO SO much! I hope your opinion about this fic doesn't change with this new chapter… Oh, ehehehe, yeah, read your profile. It's a habit. Speaking of, my neopet is safe from harm. My neopoints are running low though… Ne, what did you mean by "signing a gaia?" Waaiii! Thanks for the cool review! (huggles)

Romie Yeah, Heero does seem negligent of Quatre… Hmmm… wonder why. Noticed the similarities too? Hehe, in some angles, their faces do look alike; heck, they have the same artist. I just had this insane feeling that I was pulling way too much on the fabric of reality regarding their resemblance. Oh well. Hehe, thanks for the review! (huggles)

Nerb Ehehehe, sorry for accusing you of having a Relena fetish (shudders). Um, I think I better hide from all the Relena supporters out there. Oh well. Oooooh, I wanna see that piccie! Whee! Wait… (nosebleeds) You have a weird teacher. Hehe, you noticed the issue of the braid? 'Tis not the case of being a small town but of being a small… you guessed it… beach. Did that make sense? (probably not) WHEE! You have a deviantart account? Gimme the link! Onegai? I wanna see that Wuffie, err, I meant Wufei, darn it, piccie! Nyahaha! I wonder what'll happen when Treize sees it? (tries to incorporate idea into her fic) I hate it when people don't update for years. Heck, I hate it when people don't update for months! Oh, and you had a fic taken down? EVIL FF! Oh, and about the seminar, I think my notes answers that. Thanks for the review! (huggles)

Mikki Amboree EH! Did I mention something about studying! Whoops, I mean, yeah, it's hard to study and write fics at the same period of time. I think. Bad, bad, student. You should've just turned your back on the pc forever 'till SAT's over. Or not. (read: guilty conscience) Hehe, I hope I didn't traumatize you with my story of the seminar! Thanks for the review! (huggles)

Shadow fat Gah, I know the feeling of after-exam euphoria, err, I meant, lethargy. Aww, good thing the last chapter had that effect on you 'coz I have a sneaking suspicion that this new chapter puts barbs in your brain or something. Gah. … They'll live happily ever after? … Hehe, kidding, kidding. Geez, my sense of humor should be banned and locked up in the farthest recesses of my nonexistent brain. Aww, thanks for maintaining the view that my characters aren't OC. That thought had been plaguing me with every word that I type. Geez. Oh, you have a little sis too? Gah, bratlings, the lot of them! 'Nyways, thanks SO much for the review! (huggles)

Nolwe the Lady Dragon Oooh, um, you reviewed chappie 5, and I hope you get to read this reply. (yeah, too lazy to post the reply at the correct chapter) Hope you like the latest chapters! And I'm so sorry for doing what I did ('tis not my fault, really!) to Trowa! Thanks for reviewing! (huggles)

Sanoske & Shar Awww, and a (belated) Happy Mother's Day to you too. Negative things? Tell me! Oh, and WHO DIED? Thanks for reviewing! (huggles)