Chapter Thirteen

Office Confrontation

Duo paced nervously around the elevator the next day. His heart was racing and his breathing was ragged. He couldn't believe how stupid he was being. He had spoken with Quatre hundreds of times before. This was going to be like every other time.

Except this time you're admitting that you've loved him for the past three years.

Duo sighed and tried to calm himself. He watched the numbers in the elevator climb steadily higher. Why did Quatre's office have to be on the top floor? After a few deep breaths, Duo finally stopped pacing and turned to face the door, trying his best to smile. He wasn't sure if it worked, but he ran out of time to perfect it when he heard the soft ding! The doors to the elevator opened up and Duo stepped out into the open lobby area where Quatre's secretary, Diane, sat happily scribbling away at something on her desk. She looked up when Duo walked in and smiled.

"Good morning, Mr. Maxwell." She said in her squeaky voice.

Duo smirked and waved. "Heya, Diane. Is Quatre in?"

"Yes. He's expecting you. Go right in."

Duo nodded his thanks and walked past her through the large door leading to the office of his love.

"Yes. That sounds wonderful." Quatre was on the phone when Duo entered. He waved and mouthed the words "just a minute" to Duo and invited him to sit down with a wave of his hand.

Duo nodded and sat in the chair opposite of Quatre's desk and patiently waited.

"Yes…yes I understand. Thank you again." Quatre finished and hung up. He turned to Duo and smiled widely.

"Hello Duo! It's wonderful to see you."

"Likewise, Little Buddy." Duo smirked. "You ready?"

"Just about." Quatre smiled and began typing something on his computer. "That was one of my sisters on the phone. She's running one of the Winner branches in the L1 Colony. She was just giving me an update." He smiled.

Duo smirked and nodded. He watched Quatre type for a moment, all the while combating the screaming voice in his head.

Do it now, damn it! You're alone! No one will interrupt you. Just do it!

Duo felt his resolve to wait until the first course fading. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair and waited for Quatre to finished.

"Ahh!" The small blond exclaimed. "There. Perfect, the plants are running great." He reached over and turned his computer off before turning to Duo. "Sorry about that."

Duo smiled. "No big deal. I understand. After all, you gotta make money."

Quatre giggled and nodded. "You're right about that." He stood up and walked to the coat rack to grab his dark blue blazer. "So, where do you want to go?"

Do it now!

Duo cleared his throat and stood up. "I don't know. How about that new place on Bleeker? I hear the burgers are great." Do it!

"Bleeker? Yeah, I've heard of it. Sounds great!" Hurry!

"Great!" You're running out of time! "…Quatre wait." Duo blurted out just as Quatre's hand was resting on the door knob.

The blond Arab turned around with a questioning smile on his face. "Yes Duo?"

Duo took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Before we go, I…I have something I want to tell you."

Quatre frowned in confusion and let go of the door. "Okay. What's wrong?"

Duo smirked, laughing at himself. "No, nothing's wrong. It's just something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time now."

Quatre's face lightened slightly and he smiled. "Okay. What is it?"

Another deep breath and Duo was ready. He looked up and stared into the soft blue eyes of the man he loved and suddenly he wasn't nervous any more. He smiled calmly and straightened his back.

"Quat…I love you."

Quatre's jaw hit the floor and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He remained frozen for a minute before composing himself and trying a nervous smile. "I…I love you too Duo. I mean, we all love each other. After everything we've been through…"

Duo shook his head and Quatre trailed off. "That's not what I mean. I mean, yes, your right. I do love the other guys a lot. I don't know what I would do without any one of them, but you're different." He sighed and sat in the chair again to steady himself. "I'm sorry I never said anything before." He looked up at Quatre again and smiled. "I've loved you since the war. I've loved your kindness, your strength, your brains. You can't imagine how much I love you, Quatre."

The stunned face was back and Quatre was struggling to regain his composure. "But…Heero…"

"Was a rebound." Duo finished. He chuckled embarrassedly. "That's why we broke up. We were there for each other for comfort, but we couldn't do it anymore. He was too in love with Relena and I…well…" He shrugged with a smirk. "I guess you know now."

Quatre looked down at his feet, as though the answer to all his confusion lay there. His mind was racing. Duo loved him? Why hadn't he realized it sooner? He looked up at his friend. "Why?"

Duo's eyes widened. He hadn't been expecting that. He opened his mouth to speak but Quatre interrupted him. "Why did it take you so long to tell me?"

Duo sighed and looked down. "I've only ever wanted you to be happy, Quat. You were happy with Trowa. I know," He looked up and winked. "I saw you."

Quatre blushed but didn't comment so Duo continued. "If you were happy with Trowa I wasn't about to do anything to get in your way."

"But…then Trowa and I broke up." Quatre whispered, barely trusting his own voice.

Duo nodded. "I know. But I was afraid. I didn't want you to think I was stalking you or something. I wanted to give you room to breath since the break up was so fresh." He shrugged. "But I wasn't quick enough." He chuckled at the irony. "Actually…I had planned on telling you that night."

Quatre thought for a moment then his eyes widened. "New Years Eve?"

Duo nodded. "But when I was looking for you I…" He trailed off.

Quatre nodded. "You saw me with Wufei."

Duo nodded and looked back up. "Again, I wanted you to be happy. And then with Zechs…well, you seemed so excited to ask him out. I wasn't about to stop you. Besides," He smiled. "I think you needed it. You seem more confident now."

Quatre smiled in spite of himself and nodded. "I think I did too."

Duo nodded. "But now," He stood and walked to Quatre. "You're not with anyone. Not that I'm expecting you to fall into my arms or anything. I wouldn't even be surprised if you never wanted to see me again after this. I just had to make sure you knew how I felt. I couldn't go another day without telling you."

Quatre looked up into Duo's violent purple eyes and he felt a chill run down his spine. Duo loved him. He could see it in his eyes; feel it radiating off of his body. How could he not notice before?

A knock on the door interrupted the moment and Quatre jumped a mile into the air. He turned and opened the door quickly, part of him longing for an escape. It was Diane and she had a worried look on her face. Quatre, as flustered as he was, shifted back to business immediately.

"Diane, what's wrong?" He asked.

She hesitated and Quatre was immediately worried. Duo pushed his way around to listen as well. The woman cleared her throat and spoke as calmly as she could muster.

"It's the Winner branch in L4. There's been an accident." Quatre's eyes widened. "But that's the branch run by Alisha. Is she okay?"

Diane seemed to regret her words, because she winced at the concern in Quatre's voice. "I…don't know. The building being salvaged by the workers collapsed. Four people are trapped inside and…" She swallowed, willing herself to continue. "…and one of them was Alisha."

Quatre's eyes widened and he suddenly felt faint. Duo had to catch him before he lost his balance.

"Alisha…" The young blond finally straightened up and turned to Diane. "Diane, prepare a shuttle. I'm leaving as soon as possible."

She nodded and quickly ran to her desk and began making phone calls and reservations. Quatre turned and ran to his desk to grab his laptop; he would have to explain his absence to the workers on the way into space. He ran back to the door and paused. He turned to Duo with sad eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Duo smiled in what he hoped was a comforting way and nodded.

"You go, Quat. I understand."

Quatre smiled gratefully and nodded before dashing out the door with Diane shouting shuttle numbers at him. Duo sighed and watched him disappear into the elevator. Well, he had done it; finally confessed his feelings. He somehow felt freer; as though a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He smiled at the thought and shook his head. He walked back through the lobby and waved to Diane before entering the stair case. He wanted to walk. It would give him time to clear his head. He was still worried about what Quatre would say when he returned, but at least it was out now. He laughed to himself.

I can't wait to tell Heero…

Well, there it is, another chapter (finally). I know it took forever, I'm sorry about that. I was just having a little trouble deciding how to continue. Anyway, here it is. Thanks sooo much to all my reviewers: SkittleGoddess, teaspoon, Stratagirl and Vastulja Sata Menton. You guys rock!