Back in Limbo

The trip back to Limbo was full of uncomfortable silences and awkward moments between Heero and Quatre. Heero was struggling with his emotions while Quatre was struggling with his thoughts. Both boys prayed that they would return to Limbo before Duo and Zechs so they could talk. They landed on the border to the spiritual realm and walked in silence into the woods of Limbo. Heero stole the occasional glace at Quatre, trying to gauge his expression. Quatre was barely aware of Heero's presence. It wasn't that he was trying to ignore his friend, but he was frightened and confused, and very lost in his thoughts.

Heero said he loves me…But how can he? We barely know each other? Quatre's mind waged a war between what he thought to be fact and what he thought to be fiction. But the Lady came. She must be summoned by love. If lust was all Heero was feeling we would have found that old woman again. But…we didn't…

Heero was having a similar battle as he walked near the boy he loved. Maybe you shouldn't have said anything. He reasoned then he shook his head. No, we needed to find the Lady. True, she didn't tell us anything…maybe we should have just left. Heero thought about his feelings for Quatre. They were overwhelming him even now. He sighed. Now that I've admitted my feelings I can't take them back, especially from myself. No…it's better that he knows. At least this way, we can get the truth out. If he doesn't feel the same way about me…then I'll just leave. Go back to the Darkness and never bother him again. Heero didn't want to leave Quatre and never see him again, but he was determined to carry out the promise he made to himself. If Quatre wanted him to leave, he would.

The entered the clearing in silence and looked around. It was empty and Quatre let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He didn't realize how much he wanted the clearing to be empty. As nervous as he was, he knew they had a lot to talk about and he would rather talk about it in private. Quatre turned to Heero and opened his mouth to speak before closing it again. He sighed and tried again.

"I guess their not back yet." He mentally slapped himself. That was not what you wanted to say to him! His conscience yelled.

Heero observed the empty clearing and nodded. "We'll have to wait and hope that they had more luck." He turned to Quatre and let out a slow breath. It would be much better if Quatre started the conversation, but if he wasn't…

"I think we should talk." They both blurted out.

Heero and Quatre smirked. Quatre giggled and shook his head. "I suppose we were thinking the same thing after all." He said blushing slightly.

Heero nodded and chuckled. "I suppose so." He walked further into the clearing and sat on the large rock in the center. He motioned for Quatre to join him but the small blond hesitated and Heero didn't want to push him.

Quatre sighed and sat on the ground, facing Heero. "A lot happened to us in that field." He said softly.

Heero nodded. "I…I'm sorry for…"

Quatre looked up. "Sorry? For expressing yourself?" He smiled, trying to laugh. "If you hadn't said anything, we probably never would have found the Lady." Quatre suddenly stopped and Heero frowned slightly. That made it sound like Quatre didn't love Heero! Wait…did he love Heero? Quatre was confused again. He wanted to correct himself but wasn't sure how. "I mean…I…"

Heero sighed and moved to sit on the ground next to Quatre. "I…I think I know what you mean." He smiled causing Quatre to gasp. His smile was so pure…so beautiful…Quatre could barely breathe as he watched Heero's lips as he spoke.

"I never wanted to make you uncomfortable. And I realize it was a little too convenient given our situation." He reached over and took Quatre's hands into his. "But…maybe you'll believe me now." Quatre found his eyes locked into place by Heero's steady gaze. Prussian blue eyes stared back into Cobalt blue ones and the two remained silent, locked in a moment. Heero broke the silence by whispering softly.

"I love you, Quatre. I can't explain it…when it happened…where it happened…I don't even think there was a set time and place. I…I think love grows over time. And I know…we haven't known each other very long…and I know that we can't really expect much from any form of relationship because of what we are…but I can't deny my feelings for you." He smiled again and Quatre felt himself melt. "I love you, Quatre. Please tell me you feel the same."

Quatre felt a wave of emotion, responsibility and confusion wash over him. His mind was so conflicted. He was responsible to carry on the line of royalty in the Heavenly realm. Zechs had already made it very clear that he would not so it was up to Quatre. He had a responsibility to his kingdom. He was confused about his feelings. He decided to push aside his responsibility for just a moment to evaluate what he felt. Did he love Heero? He knew he cared for him…and he knew that he enjoyed spending time with him…and he knew that he longed to be close to him…perhaps it was love. The emotion radiating off of Heero told Quatre that there was no doubt in Heero's mind: He loved Quatre. There was no question in his mind. Quatre found himself admiring that. How could Heero be so certain? So sure?

Perhaps because…it's right…

Quatre smiled. His inner voice was right. He loved Heero. He loved him more than anything he had ever known. He even loved him more than Zechs, his own flesh and blood. Quatre looked down at their joined hands and smiled. He looked back up and met Heero's eyes with a straight face. He couldn't ignore his responsibility, but he couldn't lie to Heero either. He sighed.

"I…I do feel the same." Quatre started softly. Heero remained unmoving, sensing there was more. Quatre smiled, almost sadly, at his friend. "I do love you, Heero. More than I've ever loved anything. I…I'm sorry that I didn't realize it sooner." He shook his head and looked down.

"But?" Heero asked.

Quatre winced at the tone in his voice; it was hurt. He looked back up and tried to smile through the tears in his eyes. "I…I have a responsibility to the Heavenly thrown. I…I can't…" His voice cracked and a single tear slid down his cheek. Heero reached forward and brushed it again with a sad smile on his face.

"I understand. I…I didn't really expect anything to come of this. But…I just couldn't keep it too myself anymore." He explained, holding Quatre's face in his hand.

Quatre nodded and smiled, more tears falling. "Me too. I…I'm glad you know."

Heero nodded and sighed. "Quatre…can I…can I ask you…"

Quatre leaned forward and nodded. "Yes."

Heero looked up into his eyes and smiled, feeling comforted. "Can I…will you let me kiss you?"

Quatre leaned back for a moment, shocked. He sighed and smiled, nodding slowly. Heero smiled and leaned forward slowly. Their lips brushed gently against one another's and Heero felt his heart skip a beat. Quatre moaned involuntarily and leaned in further. Their lips met in a passionate kiss and suddenly Quatre knew that he would never be able to leave Heero and marry another. He wanted no one else but Heero; no one else could ever take his place; No one else could even come close. He loved Heero and he would always love Heero.

The broke the kiss and gazed into each others eyes. Heero smiled. Quatre smiled. They shared a silent moment, both understanding what the other felt, and both understanding that they would be together forever. Heero reached up and caressed Quatre's cheek softly before leaning back in and capturing his lips. Quatre moaned into his grasp and wrapped his arms tightly around his love. Heero slowly lowered him to the ground and caressed him softly.

Duo and Zechs stood to the side, hidden in the trees. Duo smirked and motioned for him and Zechs to leave. They walked in silence, further into the trees, until they were sure they wouldn't be heard. Duo smiled and turned to his lover.

"I knew they belonged together!" He giggled.

Zechs chuckled and wrapped his arms around the braided man. "I'm glad they've found each other." He leaned closer to Duo's lips and smirked. "The prophesy can wait…" He muttered before closing the distance with a passionate kiss.

Well, there's chapter 13. I hope everyone is enjoying the story and thanks a bunch to my reviewers: Mizuki Hikari, unseenstar223, AnimeDuo864, and Mithryl. I'm glad you guys are enjoying the story and I hope I can get the next chapter out soon. Thanks again!