Genre: Romance, AU

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5x6 (yes, in that order), 5+4, and 3+2

Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words

Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, lime (I mean copious, copious amounts of citrus), some language, sap, fluff, silliness, whipped cream, strawberries, melted chocolate, candles, Relena bashing, aphrodisiacs

Special Note: Dedicated to loki lee, StandingOnTheRooftops, snowdragonct, Stratagirl, and Demonskid. You've all been exceptionally encouraging and loving, Valentine's e-cookies to you all!

A/N: It's annoying that even though I'm a good typist, I still miss a typo here and there when I edit. Grr. Anyway, here is the conclusion, I hope. XD

Part Four: I Don't Want To Hurt Him

"Duo?"

Duo started out of a sleep filled with strange dreams to find Quatre sitting on the edge of his bed, peering down at him with such a worried expression he realized he wasn't the slightest bit upset at his best friend. For some reason, that relieved him to an absurd degree. Passing a hand over his eyes and pushing back a few stray locks of hair, he gave his friend a sleepy smile.

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay?" the blonde asked, and Duo could see his hands twisting in his lap.

"Yeah," he said immediately. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You . . . you just left last night," Quatre said, now a hint of reproach in his voice. "And Trowa left almost immediately after. You didn't say a word."

Yeah, Duo thought with a twinge of guilt. I shouldn't have taken my hurt out on you. "Sorry. Bad headache. It crept up on me all at once. I didn't eat much for dinner, and then I went drinking . . ."

Quatre seemed mollified. "You're sure?"

"Mm hmm."

Hands and posture relaxing, Quatre climbed onto the bed with him and stretched out on his belly. "So, Heero took you home," he observed. "How was that?" A teasing grin.

Duo groaned and rolled over, burying his face in his pillow. "Weird," was all he could think to say.

How could he tell Quatre that Heero had made a move on him? And that even though it had been a case of terrible timing, under any other circumstances Duo might have taken him up on his offer?

"He sure is different," Quatre said with a little chuckle. "Not our type of person, is he?"

"No," Duo agreed distantly. Not the kind of person he'd want for a friend. But a lover? How fucked up was that?

"Are you coming to the restaurant today?" Quatre asked. "If you're still not feeling well, you don't have to."

Duo gave him a gentle smile. If Quatre weren't so much like a big brother to him, he probably would have fallen in love with his best friend. "Thanks. I think I could use a day."

"Sure," Quatre said, leaning over and planting a kiss on Duo's forehead. "I'll shower and then call Trowa to come check up on you—"

"Don't," Duo interrupted, a little too quickly. At Quatre's frown he added, "I just wanna sleep all day. Don't bother him. I'll be feeling fine by tomorrow."

He could tell he'd aroused Quatre's suspicions again, but for once he said nothing. Climbing off the bed, he headed for the door. "I'll make breakfast. You just stay in bed. Want me to put a movie on or something?"

"No, thanks," Duo declined, fwumping his pillow over his head. As Quatre left, he resolved to spend the whole day trying to come up with a solution to this ridiculous problem.

-

Heero didn't get much sleep that night. When he got home, he poured himself a glass of whiskey and sprawled bonelessly on his leather couch to ponder things. One question ran around and around in his mind. What happened between Trowa and Duo? What had the green-eyed man done to make Duo flee him?

Surely Heero's luck couldn't be good enough that they'd broken up. Duo hadn't seemed heartbroken, just . . . despondent. Unless Duo didn't love Trowa to begin with?

At some point Heero dumped out the untouched whiskey, took a shower, and went to bed. He spent most of those few hours deep in thought, as well. One thing was clear as crystal. He wanted Duo. More than he'd ever wanted anything in his life. More than that sensual body. He wanted Duo to be his lover. To move in with him. Today. Right now. He wanted Duo under him, writhing. He wanted Duo beside him, snuggling.

Was he in love? Probably not. He didn't know Duo well enough to love him. But the desire was very real, and he was fairly certain he could love Duo, as well. He finally dropped off to sleep and dreamed that he and Duo lived in a big house, had a few dogs, and a very fussy cat who couldn't stand it when anyone gave Duo attention other than her.

By morning he was keyed up despite the lack of sleep. He took a shower, pleasantly torturing himself by imagining he was washing Duo's lustrous hair, then that beautiful body. He wondered how it would look, watching water bead and trickle over that ivory skin. He bet Duo was flawless and unmarked, not so much as a freckle or blemish.

By the time Heero was to work he had decided he would go to Hell's Garden today on his lunch. Check up on the young man he'd taken home last night. A good, concerned friend. Making his way to his office, he was nearly bowled over by Relena. Shit, normally he was much more wary.

"Heero!" she whined in the most pathetic voice. "I thought it over, and I know now that you told me you were going on a date with a guy to test my resolve. I know you wouldn't really do that, so I forgive you—"

God, the audacity of this woman amazed him. What would he have to do to show her he meant it when he said no? "I wasn't testing you," he said calmly. "I did go out on a date. I took him home, too. And I'm meeting him for lunch." Okay, so it was a stretch. But if all went according to plan, Duo would be his very soon.

"But Heero!" she immediately protested. "I thought we were going out!"

For a moment, Heero's vaunted self-control almost collapsed so he laughed in her face. Almost. "You thought wrong," he said coldly, stepping into his office and shutting the door in her face. Why do we even allow her in this building? He made a mental note to tell security she was no longer allowed up here.

Someone knocked. Heero opened his mouth to tell Relena to go away, but Wufei entered. He shut the door behind him.

"Got a second?"

"Business?" Heero asked.

"No."

"Then no, I don't."

Wufei just snorted. "Ass. I wanted to talk to you about . . ." he trailed off, looking unsure.

Heero leaned back in his chair, momentarily turning from his laptop. "Zechs," he said. Not a guess.

Black eyes regarded him a moment. "That obvious?"

"To me," Heero replied.

Wufei leaned against the desk, looking despondent. "I don't know what to do, Heero. I really love Quatre. But . . . more like a little brother. Sure, we had a lot of fun. But lately when we go out it's gentle conversation and light kisses. I don't remember the last time I touched him."

Heero pinched the bridge of his nose. "I thought I told you I hate it when you come to me for personal advice."

"You always give shitty advice," Wufei retorted.

"I tell you to do what you really want to," Heero snapped, "but you've convinced yourself it's not correct."

"So if I follow my heart I dump Quatre so I can get Zechs?"

Heero gave him a flat look. "To put it tactlessly, yes. You can't have them both. And isn't staying with Quatre as unfair to him as it is to you?"

Wufei looked chastened. "You're right. I know you are. I just . . . I hate it when those pretty eyes of his are looking at me with hurt."

"Then end it now before it gets more serious," Heero advised. "You have to already know it's the only way this can end."

Wufei sighed. "This is why I keep coming to you. It sucks, but you're right. Should I . . . wait until after Valentine's Day?"

Resisting the urge to sigh and bodily remove Wufei from his office, Heero turned back to his laptop. "Do whatever you think is best." He's my best friend, he reminded himself sharply. This is what best friends do for each other. Then, "I'm going to their restaurant for lunch. If you want, I'll feel Quatre out for you."

The look on Wufei's face told him how much the man appreciated the offer. "Thanks," he said, and finally left.

Heero sighed audibly, now. Fitting, he supposed, that the week before Valentine's found him playing Cupid. Stupid is more like it. I'm never doing this again.

Though his mind was a million miles away, Heero still finished his project by one when he decided it was safe to take lunch. He sent Wufei an email saying he'd be back in two hours and headed out. He made his way to Hell's Garden, taking a moment to take a good look at the outside décor. Even in a more romantic mood it still looked garish. He'd never liked pink, and he didn't care much for red. Although, on Duo it would probably look wonderful . . .

Opening the door, he was disappointed to see the dark-haired waitress at the host podium. She gave him a bright smile.

"Mr. Yuy, right?" she said. "Just a table for one?"

"I was hoping to see Quatre and Duo?" Might as well kill two birds with one stone.

"Duo isn't here, but I can go get Quatre," she offered.

"Please."

The blonde came out at once. He wasn't really Heero's type, but he certainly was attractive. He gestured Heero to the bar with a smile. "Hi. Something I can do for you?"

"I came to check up on Duo," Heero admitted, "but he's not here today?"

"No, he was feeling sick from yesterday," the blonde told him. "I'll tell him you came by, though." He smiled, obviously pleased with Heero's concern.

"I would appreciate it," Heero replied, not bothering to tell the blonde he fully intended now on dropping by Duo's apartment.

"So how long have you and Wufei known each other?" Quatre abruptly changed the subject.

Heero went along easily, blessing the man for the opening. "Since college. We were roommates when we were freshman, both of us in the same Major. We have a lot in common, and we stayed friends."

"When did you decide to start a business together?"

Heero shrugged. "Oh, about a year ago. Everything just worked out before we really even thought about it."

Quatre chuckled. "You sound just like him. Too modest to take credit for your business genius. I know you're very successful."

"I'm surprised you and Wufei are a couple," Heero said, changing the subject. Ruthless.

And Quatre looked appropriately shocked. "What makes you say that?"

Heero shrugged one shoulder. "He usually goes for more somber types."

To his surprise, Quatre didn't respond with indignation. "I was a little surprised that he asked me out, too," he admitted quietly.

Sensing an advantage, Heero pressed at once. "Why'd you say yes?"

Apparently, there was something about him that made people want to spill their guts. Quatre didn't look affronted at a personal question from a veritable stranger. Instead he gave Heero a rueful smile.

"He was very attractive and charismatic," he replied. "I couldn't say no. The desire was very mutual."

"But . . . ?" Heero encouraged gently.

"What makes you think there's a but?" Quatre asked with a challenging little grin.

Heero just smirked. "Maybe it was your tone."

Quatre sighed. "But . . . I don't really know. It's one of those things that was fun, but not permanent, I guess."

I can't believe he's telling me this. "I've heard that a person's first love is doomed to failure," he observed mildly.

Quatre gave him a funny look. "That's a fine outlook."

Heero snorted. "So, what made you realize this? Find someone else that you had deeper feelings for?"

The man's hesitation was all the answer Heero needed. Interesting. How far should I pursue this? He wasn't sure he could get the blonde to open up that much. Quatre raked slim fingers through his gleaming hair.

"I don't know what to do," he murmured very softly. "I don't want anyone to get hurt."

"I'll tell you the same thing I always tell Wufei," Heero said gently. "Follow your heart. It usually knows." He offered a small smile.

Quatre gazed at him for several long moments, unblinking. Then he returned the smile. "I was completely wrong about you," he said at length. "I thought you were a cold bastard."

Heero didn't bother to cover his chuckle. "Most do. I am. But sometimes I let out the part of me that feels things. Seldom, of course."

Quatre laughed. "I'm glad you came by. I'll tell Duo."

"Thank you," Heero said, and he was surprised to find that he meant it.

Part Five: Follow Your Heart

Duo startled out of a light doze when the doorbell rang. Jumping up awkwardly, he headed for the door and slapped the panel on the wall. "Who is it?"

"Heero," a newly familiar voice poured over the tinny speaker.

Duo almost swallowed his tongue. "Heero?" he repeated dumbly. "Um . . ."

"I was worried about you," the man overrode him in a slightly brusque tone. "May I come up?"

Duo unlocked the door without thinking. Then he stood and stared a moment longer, wondering why he'd done that. Too late now. When he admitted Heero to his and Quatre's apartment, he couldn't stop himself from staring. The man wore straigt-legged black slacks that made him look tall and lean, and the button-up shirt he wore beneath it was the richest green silk. The black suit jacket was obviously tailored specifically for him, it fit perfectly. Probably the ensemble had cost several hundred dollars. He looked absolutely delicious.

Still not sure what to do about Trowa and Quatre, seeing Heero left Duo feeling strangely vulnerable, wide open and unguarded. I don't know how to deal with him right now.

Heero gave him a warm smile, small though it was. "How are you feeling? You look a little pale."

Probably because the blood just drained all out of my head, Duo thought uncomfortably. God, everything about this man dazzled him. "Uh . . ." he began. "Still kinda . . . headache . . ."

Heero moved across the floor, into his space without hesitation. As if they were long friends. Or . . . closer. He put an arm around Duo's shoulders, steering him toward the big couch. His heat seeped into Duo, and he went unresistingly, allowing the taller man to lower him onto the plush surface and cover him with a throw afghan draped over the arm. It was only then that Duo realized he was wearing on his black silk boxers and a crimson tank top. He flushed.

Either Heero didn't notice or he ignored it. But his hand brushed ever-so-lightly over the outside of Duo's thigh as he settled the blanket. "Do you have tea or juice in your kitchen?" he asked.

The brief touch made Duo jump. "Both," he said faintly. "Let me show you . . ."

"Don't bother," Heero said, pushing down on Duo's shoulder as he rose. "I can find it. Have you had any lunch?"

"No," Duo replied, flustered.

"I'll make you something," Heero's voice drifted to him. "Why don't you watch TV?"

He walks in and owns the place and me, Duo thought, chagrined. It's like . . . we're a couple. Lovers. And have been forever. Why, oh why didn't the thought of that bother him like it should? He turned on the TV, mostly to give himself something else to focus on. A romantic comedy was on, and Duo found himself watching. Ironically, the girl in the movie found herself in a similar situation to Duo's. Not quite, but the comparison was unnerving. Is Heero trying to seduce me?

Twenty minutes later Heero was back, lunch on a tray. Two sandwiches on whole-wheat bread and a bowl of fat, red grapes. Milk, and two shorter glasses of orange juice. Enough for two. Heero set the tray on the coffee table and sat at Duo's feet, lifting them off the cushions to resettle them on his lap. Intimate. Familiar. Duo found himself flushing again as Heero handed him the plate with sandwich. It looked healthy and tasty. Turkey, swiss, tomatoes, a smear of mustard and a little mayo.

"You had a bunch of leftovers in the refrigerator that I threw out," Heero told him matter-of-factly as he bit into his own sandwich. "Half of them had gone bad, and the other half are a recipe for a heart-attack."

Duo stiffened, opening his mouth to offer heated protest.

"Really," Heero forestalled him in the gentlest voice, "you should take better care of yourself. No wonder you got sick."

It took all the wind out of his sails. Duo stared at him, flustered and flabbergasted and off-guard and . . . falling. Yes, that was the best way to describe this feeling. That of falling. Toward what, exactly, he didn't know.

-

Heero ate quickly, mostly to get his hands on Duo. The sight of the young man, wearing almost nothing as he opened the door, had tested some of Heero's vaunted self-control. God he was delicious. So much pale, flawless skin on display. It was like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Setting the dishes on the tray, he wrapped his hands around Duo's slender feet, digging his thumbs into the soles.

Duo jumped as if the touch startled him, pulling back a little. But the pressure must have felt too good to finish the movement, because the muscles in his legs relaxed and he melted into the couch, eyelids fluttering to half-mast. Using this as a distraction, Heero leaned forward just enough to place the back of his hand against Duo's forehead. It made those amazing eyes flicker to him. No fever.

"Do you want some Advil or anything?" he asked at the questioning look on that gamine face.

Duo looked adorably confused and flustered. "No--" he began, then, "well, actually. A few would be nice."

Giving the young man's cute feet a squeeze, Heero rose and headed for the bathroom. He could feel Duo's eyes on him the whole way, could practically feel how off-balance he felt right now. Good. That's what Heero wanted. He'd wanted a sickly and vulnerable Duo with no defenses. Duo didn't seem all that sick, but his defenses were certainly down. Vastly different from last night. He poured three liquigel Advil into his hand and brought it and a glass of water back out for Duo.

The young man accepted without a word, and Heero resumed both his former position and occupation. Duo watched him wordlessly, and soon enough Heero looked up to meet the gaze head-on. Everything he wanted Duo to see he allowed to show. Desire, attraction, even a little longing. Duo didn't look away, but his expression was less readable. Heero abruptly thought about Duo eating that ice cream sundae. When his own gaze heated, Duo finally reacted. An enchanting splash of pink colored his cheeks and he looked away.

Time to go for the kill. "You shouldn't be with him."

Indigo eyes snapped back to his. Indignant and a little cold. "What the hell do you know? I just met you."

Heero smirked. "I know you shouldn't be with him."

"Who should I be with?" Duo snapped? "You?"

"Yes." Simply. Plainly.

Duo looked thrown off-balance, floundering. He gaped for a second before his teeth clicked together. He looked back at the TV for a few seconds. "I don't date strangers."

"Just people who don't love you."

Duo jerked his feet out of Heero's hands and stood up, storming across the room. "Leave."

"I won't."

"What the fuck makes you think you can just barge into people's lives and decide what they need? You don't have a fucking clue if Trowa loves me or not."

"If he did, you wouldn't have fled him last night," Heero countered calmly, "unless you don't love him. In which case, I stand by my former statement. You shouldn't be with him."

Duo whirled to give him a glare, but it lost its heat after a handful of heartbeats. Looking deflated, he slumped into the easy chair beside the couch. "That still doesn't give you the right to say that to me," he muttered.

That's a good start. "Maybe you need someone to point out what you've been denying," Heero suggested gently. "Why are you with him?"

Duo's expression was a peculiar grimace. "I don't like being alone."

That's even better. Heero smiled a little. "Someone like you? You'd have no trouble finding a new lover."

"I don't want just some lover," Duo said, shaking his head. "I'm not a . . . I don't start meaningless relationships."

Better still. "But you're in one."

Duo snorted, sprawling gracelessly. "When we first met I thought you were an ass," he remarked. "Anyone ever told you you talk too much?"

Heero couldn't help it and chuckled. "Wufei is always coming to me for advice. I've gotten in the habit of giving it."

"Oh yeah? And what do you advise me to do then, hm?"

"Dump Trowa," Heero said at once. "Move in with me."

Duo stared at him, looking completely flummoxed. Then he burst into laughter. It was a sharp, mirthless sound. "You're batshit crazy. I don't start meaningless relationships, and I don't move in with strangers."

Heero merely looked at him.

It was enough to give Duo pause, and he got a cornered look on his face. "Heero . . . you can't be serious. What do you even know about me?"

More than enough to know I want you. "You're beautiful. You're successful. You're smart. You're clever. You're sexy as hell. And," Heero shrugged, "you've got cute feet."

After another moment of astonishment, Duo burst into giggles. It was the damn cutest sight. "I don't know whether to hug you or run screaming," he chortled. Then he sobered, putting a hand to his forehead. "Shit. Made my headache worse. Heero, can you . . . leave now? I'm tired and I'd like to think about everything you said."

Knowing he'd planted his voice in Duo's mind where the young man wouldn't be able to ignore it, Heero rose and shrugged into his jacket. "I left my cell phone number on the kitchen counter. Call me. Soon."

Duo just nodded as he watched Heero leave.

-

"Quatre, can I talk to you a minute?"

Quatre smiled. "Of course."

Wufei stepped into his and Duo's office and shut the door behind him. "It's about . . . us," the ebon-haired man said after a brief hesitation.

And it was serious, judging by the look on Wufei's face. "Okay," Quatre said, putting his pen down.

"There's no . . . easy way to say this," Wufei began. "I'm just going to say it, because you deserve better than dancing around an issue. Or pretending it's anything less than what it is. You also deserve better than a man with platonic feelings for you. So I'm ending it between us."

Quatre blinked.

"I don't know when it happened that you became more like a little brother to me than my lover," Wufei went on, looking uncomfortable, "but somewhere along the way I realized my love for you was completely platonic."

Startled for a moment, Quatre began laughing softly. "That's weird," he mused. "I was thinking the same thing. No offense Wufei, I think you're one of the most gorgeous men I've ever met."

Wufei snorted, looking relieved and suddenly relaxing. "None taken. The last thing I wanted was to hurt you."

"I know that. But both of us would get hurt in a relationship with no meaning, right?" He smiled. That's how Duo would have put it.

"Yeah," Wufei agreed. He abruptly rose and paced across the room, leaning down to give Quatre a warm--but chaste--kiss. "I do love you."

"And I love you," Quatre said, eyes twinkling. "I always will. Don't stop being my friend, okay?"

"Never," Wufei promised, pressing his forehead momentarily to Quatre's. "I'll see you Saturday?"

"Mm hmm. Oh, would you tell Heero thank you for me?"

"For?"

"Mm, he just gave me some much-needed advice."

Wufei snorted. "He does that for me all the time. I'll tell him."

-

Trowa left work a little early to make it to Hell's Garden by the time Duo traditionally left for the day. Duo was nowhere to be found, but Quatre was in the office, probably finishing up the inventory. He knocked once before entering.

"Hey. Is Duo not here?"

"No," Quatre replied, smiling up at him. "He stayed home. Didn't feel well."

Guilt gnawed at Trowa's heart. "I see. How are you?"

Quatre shrugged, smile now a bit impish. "Good, considering. Me and Wufei broke up."

Trowa gazed at him in amazement, and he was sickened by the sudden hope in his heart. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah," Quatre said, and he sounded like he meant it, too. "We both felt . . . I suppose it was a bit like dating my older brother. The wrong kind of love." He laughed softly.

Trowa perched on the edge of the desk, reaching out to brush his fingers over the back of Quatre's hand. "You both felt that way?"

"Mm," Quatre confirmed with a little nod. "Weird, huh?"

Exactly how I feel about Duo. Trowa couldn't help it. He leaned down and kissed the blonde. The contact was light and fleeting, but Quatre pulled away almost immediately.

"Don't," he murmured.

Trowa peered into his aqua eyes. "I know you feel the same way I do," he all but whispered. "That night, neither of us was very drunk."

Quatre shook his head, rising from his desk. "Doesn't matter. I could never hurt Duo like that."

"Maybe you should find out."

"Quatre--"

"If you don't love him anymore," Quatre began in a slightly cold voice, "talk to him. Don't kiss me when he's still your boyfriend."

Closing his eyes briefly, Trowa nodded. "I don't know when I became such a coward."

Smile returning, Quatre embraced him lightly. "You don't want to hurt him. That, I understand completely. But Trowa, if you break it off with him, then you can kiss me."

Trowa squeezed. "Okay."

Quatre rested his head against Trowa's chest. "Be gentle with him, Trowa," he mumbled. "I love him, so don't hurt him if you can help it."

"I'll try."

Part Six: When You Love Someone, Set Them Free

The next morning, Duo woke to the insistent beep of his alarm and smacked it off. His skin felt too hot and tight. He'd spent most of the early morning dreaming about Heero. He'd said yes, I'll move in with you. Heero's housewarming gift had been a puppy, and they'd had sex. All. Night. Long. Needless to say, Duo woke hot and hard and horny. He rolled out of bed and headed for the shower.

I can't keep doing this. The simple truth was, he wanted to be with Heero. He wasn't ready to move in with the man, but date? Absolutely. Kiss? Hell yes. Have sex? Fuck yeah! When he got to know the man better. He took a frigid shower to kill his arousal. He'd never liked masturbating. Took too much energy.

When he wandered into the kitchen, Quatre had breakfast cooking and coffee waiting. There was a strange look on his face, and Duo threw him a bright smile. "I didn't even hear you come home last night."

Quatre smiled. "You were sleeping pretty hard. I didn't want to wake you. Feel better this morning?"

"Much." Then, with a little frown, "You okay?"

"Mm hmm."

And because Quatre did look okay, Duo dropped it. For now. They ate breakfast in companionable silence, then Duo headed for work to open their restaurant.

The place did not serve breakfast, so it didn't open for business until 11:30 a.m. It was late enough Duo didn't have to get up hideously early, and the cooks were already there, preparing their menus. The head cook, a beauty of a woman named Lucrezia Noin, was the best damn cook Duo knew. She handed Duo her specials for the day. Hell's Garden, though not much bigger than a cafe, didn't have menus. Duo looked it over and grinned at her.

"Make me the salmon for lunch, ne?"

She just smiled at him.

Duo headed for the host podium to see how things were progressing. The two morning waitresses had already set out the napkins and silverware. Hilde accosted him at once, beaming.

"We had an application for work yesterday while you were gone. She's really pushy, she asked me if at all possible for her to have an interview today. Apparently she really wants the job, and you've said several times we could really use another waitress to help cover the evening shifts."

That was true. Hell's Garden was getting more and more popular all the time. It was standard during the dinner hours for customers to have to wait fifteen-to-thirty minutes for a table.

"Where's her application?"

"On your desk. I told her I'd talk to you first thing."

"Thanks, Hil'. I'll look at it after our lunch rush."

"Sure thing!" she chirped, and headed for the back. When she came back out, she was wearing her red apron.

Usually they wore black, but Duo had gotten special ones for the holiday.

By the time the restaurant opened, Duo was mostly over his strange mood. Many regulars showed up for lunch, half of them women over thirty who flirted and fawned and made him feel better. Then, at two, Trowa came by as he often did. Duo beckoned Hilde to take over the host podium and led Trowa back into the office. His weird mood restored, he leaned against the desk and watched Trowa as his boyfriend closed the door.

Trowa had a somewhat guarded look on his face. "There's something I wanted to talk about," he began in a low voice. "I wanted to apologize for the other day--"

"I think we should break up," Duo cut in.

Silence fell hard and awkward. Duo let it linger a moment, then shifted his weight and looked down. When he looked back up, he steeled his resolve. Hurting Trowa wasn't what he wanted, but he was tired of hurting himself.

"I know you've got feelings for Quatre."

Green eyes widened, but Trowa didn't insult him by denying it. "Since when've you known?"

Duo shrugged. "I've thought so for awhile, now. But the other day, when you kissed me, and then again at the bar . . ." He shrugged, uncomfortable. "You weren't really looking at me. That's when I knew for sure."

Trowa had the decency to flush. "Duo . . . I'm sorry." He sounded desperately sincere.

Four days ago, this conversation would really have bothered him. Now . . . Duo gave him a cheeky grin. "It's okay. I have feelings for someone else, too."

Obviously, that was a hard pill to swallow for Trowa. "Who?" Quietly.

"You aren't jealous, are you?" Duo teased.

Trowa snorted softly. "No. Since when?"

"Yesterday."

Green eyes darkened. "Duo . . ."

"It's all right, Tro," Duo interrupted, already knowing what he was going to say. "I was selfish before. I've thought for awhile you liked Quatre, but I was too scared of being alone to let you go. Now, it's okay. I'll be okay." He grinned wickedly. "Someone else has offered to take care of me. So you can rest easy, knowing you haven't hurt me or abandoned me."

For a moment Trowa didn't move. Then he pushed himself away from the wall, moving forward to pull Duo into his arms. To his consternation, Duo felt tears sting his eyes. What the hell. He was fine with this. So why would he be crying? He closed his eyes, and Trowa kissed both his eyelids.

"I'll always take care of you," Trowa whispered. "You know that."

"Yeah," Duo choked, burying his face in Trowa's neck. "I do know that. You an' Quatre both."

After a time they broke apart. Trowa brushed his fingers over Duo's cheek, wiping moisture away. "This other person. Do you love him?"

Duo managed a bright smile. "Not yet. But I'm pretty sure I will."

So I lied. Next chapter will be the conclusion.