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Picture Windows	By : Maureen Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 591 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing/AC, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Picture Windows
- 2-2
- 3-3
- 4-4
- 5-5
- 6-6
- 7-7
- 5
- 6
- 7
Picture Windows 6

They
awoke the next morning to find a solid layer of snow covering the landscape.
After watching the sun paint the white-blanketed ground in vibrant streaks of
red and orange, Quatre and Trowa companionably made their way down to breakfast.
The easy peace between them was quickly disturbed by Phoebe and Iria.

�Honestly,
Phoebe! Whatever are you going to suggest next? Perhaps you believe that I ought
to serve chilled cows� eyes for appetizers? Or maybe individually braised rats
for the main course?� A flutter of papers and books covered the table,
breakfast foods pushed aside and forgotten.

Quatre
snatched a few pastries and attempted to back unnoticed out of the room, but
Iria caught sight of him. �Quatre! Please remind Phoebe of how important our
social obligations are! Your elder sister seems to think that hosting a dinner
party is nothing more than an opportunity to make fools of our neighbors!�

�You
said you wanted to have a most memorable banquet, Iria. I was simply offering my
suggestions.� Phoebe commented blandly. She caught Trowa�s eye and raised an
eyebrow at him after pointedly glancing at Quatre. He put his hand casually but
deliberately on her brother�s shoulder. She gave him a small, knowing smile
and then began to load a plate with breakfast delicacies. �Perhaps the two of
you might have a more peaceful meal if you dined back in Quatre�s rooms.�

�Although
I am afraid to ask, whatever are you arguing about?� Quatre reluctantly sat
down opposite Iria.

�Have
you forgotten? Thanksgiving is in less than two weeks and we have to host a
dinner to introduce Trowa� I thought it best to combine the two events and
invite everyone here on the Saturday before. Which means I positively must have
the menu set by lunch today so Joseph can order any special foods. And Phoebe is
being decidedly unhelpful � making all sorts of snide remarks comparing our
guests to barnyard animals� Besides, we have to make an especially good
impression on Banker Peacecraft and his daughter. Will you have asked her before
then?�

Quatre
blanched, and quickly picked up the plate that Phoebe had prepared. �Maybe it
would be best if Trowa and I stayed out of your way today. You have so much to
decide and neither of us will be the least bit of help, to be sure.� The
bickering between the women escalated as they exited the room, and Quatre
shuddered. �We�d likewise do well to be completely out of the house for the
rest of the day. It may seem large, but Iria always seems to be able to find me
when I least want to be located. Would you care to go for a ride after we
eat?�

�Anything
you want, Quatre.� Trowa was pleased with the thought of having Quatre all to
himself.

After
breakfasting, Quatre donned a knee length overcoat with a short shoulder-cape
that reached his elbows and soft domed cap with a small bill. �My Sherlock
Holmes outfit, do you like? All I need now is a pipe and a Watson � care to
fill the vacancy?� He laughed as he spun around for Trowa�s approval.

Trowa
pulled him into a loose embrace, �I�ll be your sidekick, but no pipes - it
would make your kisses taste funny.�

�Kisses
have flavor?� Quatre leaned back to look him in the eye.

�Yes,
certain kinds do. And I imagine yours to be quite sweet.� Trowa nuzzled his
cheek and whispered in his ear, �I�ll show you a little later, if you know
of a private place to go.� He was more than tempted to show him now. Quatre
had softened quite nicely in his arms, and the pliant weight compelled him to
give in; however, he was eager to be away from the house. �First, you need to
find a coat for me.�

�Quite
right! We shall have to ask Rashid, nothing of mine will fit you. Come on!�
Quatre gave him a quick peck on the cheek and pulled him from the room.

After
obtaining a coat that was merely knee-length on Rashid, but ground-sweeping on
Trowa, the pair raided the kitchen for lunch supplies and made their way to the
stables. The air was warm and rich inside the darkened barn, redolent with the
fresh scent of straw and the musky aroma of the horses. A few of the sleepy
beasts poked their heads out to investigate, and Quatre took off his gloves to
pat their silken muzzles. �This fine lady is Guinevere.� He paused before a
slightly shaggy gray mare, more pony than horse. �Would you care to ride
Arthur or Lancelot?� Quatre gestured to the horses stabled at either side of
his. One was a large and languid looking bay, and the other a black with his
ears back. �I suggest Arthur, he tends to be a bit more placid.�

�I
see.� Trowa eyed the beasts warily, suddenly certain to the core that he had
never been on a horse before. �Then I won�t fall off?�

Quatre
grabbed a few apples from a nearby wooden barrel and handed one to Trowa.
�Make friends with him. Haven�t you much riding experience?� Trowa watched
Quatre offer his mare an apple, and imitated the flat-palmed gesture. The
horse�s whiskers tickled his hand and Trowa tentatively stroked the long face.
Arthur simply snorted and then returned to his slumped posture when he
determined no more apples were forthcoming.

�I
don�t think I�ve ever ridden� is it hard?�

Quatre
saddled both horses before answering, making quick work of the complicated
looking buckles and straps. �Riding is actually quite simple, but then I�ve
been on horses since before I could walk � here.� He led Arthur out of the
stall and handed the reins to Trowa. �He knows what to do, and I promise not
to go any faster than a trot. That horse is not likely to run, he much prefers a
slow and steady pace.� The horse flickered his ear as if to agree and leaned
heavily against Trowa.

It
took a few tries for Trowa to swing himself into the saddle. After some quick
instructions from Quatre, they were on their way, side by side down the hill.
They took a path that meandered away from the house and town. Trowa soon fell
into the easy rhythm of the horse, and relaxed enough to enjoy the day. Quatre
was radiant, red-cheeked from the chill, and obviously delighted to be away from
the house. Simply looking at him filled Trowa with a sharply pleasurable ache. There
is nothing more than this in life, he thought as Quatre smiled up at him,
eyes sparkling from the sun and perhaps something more.

�There
is an orchard up the way a bit, and a small shack we might have lunch in.�
Quatre pointed ahead. �And a tree with some of the best apples you�ve ever
tasted! They have the finest flavor after being slightly frozen, so today should
be the perfect day!� He turned his mount across a frozen meadow and urged her
to a trot. Trowa�s horse followed at a more sedate pace. He caught up with
Quatre under an apple tree still heavy with fruit. The blonde grabbed hold of
one of the low-hanging branches and swung himself out of the saddle and into the
tree.

Trowa
dismounted on somewhat shaky legs and moved under the tree. �Catch!� was all
the warning he received before Quatre threw an apple down to him, and then three
more in rapid succession. The fruits were large, almost bigger than his hand,
and bright red with streaks of pink and gold. �Set those down, I want to pick
a few more � if I go home without any, I shall be skinned alive!� Trowa did
as instructed and soon there was a tidy pile of apples at the base of the trunk.

�Could
you catch me next?� Quatre was perched on the branch over his head. He was
flushed with exertion and excitement and far too tempting a sight.

Trowa
grabbed him around the waist as he lowered and slowly brought the smaller boy
down tight against his own body. He paused when Quatre�s head was just above
his, �Would you like to learn how a kiss tastes?� A slow nod was the reply,
so Trowa moved them forward slightly to brace Quatre�s back against the tree
trunk. An arm wrapped around his neck and a softly smiling face was turned
trustingly towards his own as Quatre balanced on the tips of his toes. �Open
your lips just a little,� Trowa breathed against them, �And let me in.�

He
began leisurely at first, sucking lightly at Quatre�s bottom lip and then
drawing it completely in and teasing it with his tongue. Blue eyes flew open
wide at the contact, and locked with Trowa�s even as they slid partially shut.
Watching for signs of nervousness, he gradually moved further into Quatre�s
mouth with broad sweeps until their tongues met. Hesitantly at first, and then
with more confidence, Quatre matched his movements. As the kiss lengthened,
everything else dropped away and Trowa only knew two things; the taste of hot
flesh and cool mint, and the overwhelming depths of Quatre�s eyes. Even this
limited awareness became too much � he could feel himself liquefying �
becoming not himself or even a part of Quatre, but melting into something new
and deliciously terrifying.

Trowa
broke away to keep from becoming entirely lost in the sensation, but Quatre�s
hands curled in his hair to pull him back in. �More!� Quatre moaned, and
pressed against Trowa in a way that would have totally torn his self-control if
not for the many layers of clothing between them. There was no slow build up
with the second kiss; Trowa was instantly as lost as he had been before. One of
them whimpered into their joined mouths and the other answered in kind � and
Trowa could not tell which had been his own voice. Desperately seeking sense of
stability, he cupped Quatre�s face in both hands, as if he could unravel the
mystery just by catching it at its source.

A
hard nudge from behind knocked him forward and caused his teeth to grate against
Quatre�s. �Guinevere!� The horse loomed over Trowa�s shoulder with her
ears back. �She must be jealous!� Quatre laughed breathlessly, clinging to
Trowa�s lapels for support.

�I�m
not kissing your horse.� Trowa huffed into Quatre�s hair. The intensity of
the moment had ebbed some, but he was still acutely aware of every tremor of
Quatre�s body. Trowa tightened his hold and nuzzled under the blonde�s jaw.

�You
had best let go. I think she might bite you!� Quatre gasped out as his own
neck was nibbled on. Trowa reluctantly released him and stayed out of the way as
the horses were secured. �The shack is just over the ridge. Shall we go and
have our lunch now?� Quatre unbuckled the saddlebags from his mare and picked
up a few of the apples.

The
building was low and dark, with only a few small dirty windows to let in light.
There was no furniture, so Quatre spread a blanket on the floor. Although it had
no fireplace, the room was airtight and somewhat warmer than the outside. They
sat facing each other and shared the simple meal of hearty bread and sharp
cheese, washed down with tea from a small flask.

�Trowa?
Does it bother you? Not knowing who you are or where you belong?� Quatre
fidgeted with a half-eaten piece of cheese and worried a bit of bread to crumbs.

�I
know exactly where I belong. With you.� Trowa pulled a knife from the cheese
and cut one of the apples into eighths. The flavor of the fruit was everything
promised � it had a tart snap folded inside a sticky sweetness that lingered
well beyond the final bite.

�But
what if someone is looking for you? What if you have a wife? And children?
And�� Trowa leaned over and pushed a slice of apple into Quatre�s mouth to
silence him.

�What
if? First, I would be just as just as useless to a wife as you would. And if
remembering means that I would have to leave you, I don�t want to remember.�
Quatre�s brow wrinkled and he made a small frustrated noise. �Are you
worried that I would abandon you? Because I can promise you I won�t �
nothing could make me want to go.�

�But
what if you feel the same way about someone else, but cannot remember?� Quatre
refused to look anywhere but at the blanket, so Trowa cleared away the remaining
food to move closer to him.

He
knelt next to the blonde and took his shoulders, �Look at me � even if I
lost my memory again, I could never forget you. I might not remember your face
or voice, but nothing could take away the way I feel about you!� Quatre
searched his eyes, clearly desperate to believe. �There�s no way I could
feel this for anyone else!�

�Or
kiss anyone else like that?� Quatre asked in a small voice. �And could we?
Again?�

�Did
you like it?� Trowa traced Quatre�s cheekbone with his thumb.

�Like
it? It was absolutely frightening! It was like I was falling, or flying - and
you were my only anchor!� Quatre caught Trowa�s hand and held it to his
face. �And I never wanted to stop!�

�Your
horse can�t get in here, can she?� He unbuttoned his coat, and held it open.
�Come here and sit on my lap.� Quatre crawled in and sat down sideways, but
Trowa turned him. �No, face me. And wrap your legs around my back.� He
unfastened Quatre�s jacket and grasped his thighs to guide them. Trowa could
feel the quiver in the muscles even through the pants. He buried his face in
Quatre�s shoulder and murmured, �Maybe we shouldn�t do this.�

�Please?�
Quatre shifted on his lap and wiped away all coherent thought from Trowa�s
mind. �Oh, please,� he whispered as Trowa traced his backbone. �Ple��
the word was muffled as Trowa covered his mouth.

The
added proximity - the simple weight of Quatre on his legs - drove Trowa faster
than he had planned to go. His hands were desperate to know smooth skin, but he
restrained them from opening Quatre�s clothes and exposing him to the chill
air. Still, they roamed where they could, mapping out Quatre�s back, his
chest, the crooks of his bent knees, and the slight curve of his hips. Quatre
moved into every touch, chasing the hands as they skated over his body. His
fingers inscribed indecipherable patterns along the top of Trowa�s spine, and
the fleeting, repetitive stroking was maddening.

There
was a cycle � every time Trowa started to feel as if one more touch of
Quatre�s tongue, one more whispering caress of his fingertips would destroy
his tenuous control � one of them would break the kiss. It was always unspoken
� a bit of drugged staring into each other�s glazed eyes, and then one of
them would lean in and the whole sequence would start again � lips, tongues,
hands, broken moans and frantic whispers. It was sweet, slow Hell, and Trowa
never wanted it to end.

They
pulled apart a final time, and Trowa blearily noted that the light had faded
considerably from the small shack. �Quatre, we have to stop now.�

�No!�
The blonde moaned, shivering violently on Trowa�s lap. �Please��

�It�s
getting late, and you�re cold.�

�I
am not cold,� Quatre rubbed his hot cheek against Trowa�s. �I burn �
Touch me more. Please!�

�All
the more reason for us to leave.� Trowa wanted nothing more than to claim
another kiss, another touch, to simply lay Quatre down on the blanket and
finish. Damn the cold, damn the time, and damn Quatre�s innocence. Instead, he
pushed him off his lap and moved across the room. �Someone will come looking
for us � do you want to be found like this?�

Quatre
sat sprawled where Trowa had deposited him, hands twisted up in the blanket and
dissatisfaction clear on his face. Finally, he pulled himself up and repacked
the saddlebags. He paused in the doorway and looked back at Trowa. �Are you
angry with me? Did I do something wrong?�

�I�m
not mad, Quatre. I�m just frustrated.� He closed the distance between them
and gently brushed the hair from Quatre�s eyes. �You are so beautiful � do
you know that? And I want everything to be beautiful for you�� The late
afternoon light played over Quatre�s features, making his eyes seem more
impossibly large and luminous than usual. �And you still need to decide what
you want � we both know that your body is more than willing.� He moved in
and dusted a chaste kiss over the blonde�s delicately creased forehead, and
then moved down to brush his lips over the thin eyelids that had closed
reflexively at his tender caress. �But I want your soul as well��

At
this, Quatre gave a small whimper � of submission, of longing, or of fear �
Trowa could not tell. But the sound traveled from his ears, past his crumbling
restraint, and deep within to stoke the raging longing that he had kept
carefully banked throughout the sublimely torturous afternoon. �You need to
get away from me now,� he husked against Quatre�s tremoring neck. He broke
away himself and scrubbed viciously at his scorching cheeks with a handful of
snow.

�Trowa?�
Trowa could see Quatre�s perplexed expression perfectly in his mind�s eye,
and felt no need to remove his snowy fingers from his face. �Trowa? Are you
all right? Is there anything � anything at all that I can do to make you feel
better?�

Quatre
was reaching for him as he finally dropped his hands and Trowa quickly stepped
back out of reach. �Oh, there are plenty of things you could do to make me
�feel better��

�Why
are you acting like this? I wasn�t the one who wanted to stop!� Quatre
snapped.

Trowa
held back the angry words that his passion-aggravated mind supplied and
considered Quatre�s condition instead of his own. There could be no doubt that
Quatre had been just as affected by their afternoon of sensual play, for the
evidence had been firm against Trowa�s abdomen the entire time the blonde had
been on his lap. And now he was staring at Trowa with a face that most certainly
was no longer reddened from desire or cold, but anger. �I�m sorry��

�You
ought to be!� Another flash of temper, and then a devious look crept over
Quatre�s face. �Since you like snow so much,� he bent down with
exaggerated casualness, �Have a little more!�

An
incredibly accurate snap of the wrist planted a snowball directly between
Trowa�s eyes. �Why you little�� And while he was grateful that Quatre
had instinctively known the best way to break the building tension between them,
his gratitude did not stop him from chasing the fleeing boy through the orchard
and to the waiting horses, snowball in hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�We
should hurry � it will be dark soon!� Quatre fretted when they were
remounted. He kicked his horse into a trot and after a moment�s hesitation;
Arthur shook his mane and hurried after.

The
bouncing gait took Trowa by surprise. �Quatre! Slow down!� He felt himself
begin to slide, and by the time Quatre had wheeled around and returned to his
side, Trowa was precariously askew in the saddle.

�Oh,
I am sorry! I forgot I promised to go slow!�

So
did I� Trowa
was suddenly ashamed of the liberties he had allowed himself to take. �I�m
sorry, Quatre.�

�Whatever for? You already told me you did not know how to ride � I was the
one who failed to remember and chose to go charging ahead!� What was I
thinking, touching him that much? Torture for us both�

�Watch
me now.� Quatre unfastened his coat and pushed it out of the way so Trowa
could see his legs work as Guinevere continued to move in loose circles around
him. �When the horse trots, you can respond in one of two ways � either find
the rhythm and move with it like this�� Quatre pushed up as the horse�s
gait rose, smoothly matching the beat of the flashing legs. �Or, you can sit
loosely and roll like a sack of potatoes�� He demonstrated this as well, and
then pulled the horse to stop with a chuckle. �Although with the second
method, you�ll mostly likely feel like whipped potatoes by the time we get
home�� He�s a much more patient teacher than I am�

After
Trowa displayed a basic understanding for the lesson, they moved out at an even
pace. The snowy fields and drifted lanes passed steadily under length after
length of stretching horses� legs. The sound of dulled hooves tamping snow and
an occasional snort were the only interruptions in the frigid air.

�Here,
I know a shortcut!� Quatre trotted ahead to a path that was a barely visible
crease in the snow. �By going this way, we shall avoid the first two turnings
of the drive and be up the hill in half the time.� The snow had started to
fall again. Flakes of it lit on the exposed fringes of Quatre�s hair, framing
him in frozen lace. He leaned back to continue talking to Trowa as they climbed,
one hand loosely holding the reins and the other placed just above his mare�s
tail. Consequently, when she slipped on the slushy path, he was not prepared and
was thrown over her head to land with a solid thump and echoing �oof!� He
slid a few feet down the hill before becoming mired in the snow.

Trowa
struggled briefly with his overly large coat before he was able to dismount.
�Quatre! Are you all right?� The horse stood over the downed blonde, nudging
him apologetically. Quatre wheezed, the wind clearly knocked out of him, and
stroked her muzzle reassuringly. �Let me help you up.� Trowa slid down on
one knee next to him, and reached under Quatre�s shoulders to lift him to a
sitting position.

Quatre
winced slightly at the contact and flinched. �I believe my left shoulder took
the brunt of the impact,� he smiled ruefully. �As well as my pride � and I
am quite sure my body will be the first to recover.� He tried to push himself
off the ground but the injured limb failed him and he slumped back down.

�Can
you stand?� Trowa hovered, wanting to help but unwilling to hurt. Quatre
offered his other arm and when Trowa pulled him up, they stood chest-to-chest
and eye-to-eye for a heavy instant before either of them moved. �Um� Are you
hurt anywhere else?�

Quatre
shook out his coat, freeing the large clumps of snow had been packed under the
rucked up fabric as he slid. �I�m a bit cold, but otherwise quite unharmed.
Thank you.� Trowa frowned at this admission, reached under Quatre�s coat,
and found his back to be thoroughly soaked.

�Take
that off,� Trowa removed the sodden garment and replaced it with his own.

�No!
I cannot take your�� Quatre�s voice was firm though his teeth chattered.

�Yes,
you will!� Trowa wrapped the coat back around Quatre as soon as it was
shrugged off. Fierce blue eyes flared at him, until he yelled in frustration,
�I�m not the one who nearly froze to death last winter, damn it!�

Dropping
his gaze and his voice, Quatre replied, �I am sorry, Trowa.� He
looked back up, eyes glittering in self-reproach, �I am so weak��

�Stop saying that about yourself!� Quatre simply shook his head negatively.
�You�re not weak,� Trowa brushed a few stray blonde hairs away and let
them drop slowly from his fingers. �I just want to protect you.� It was more
than a desire, a compulsion almost. �God help anyone who tries to hurt
you�� He whispered to quiet the violent upsurge of feeling, and shuddered
the vestiges of it away.

�I
want� I want to keep you safe as well.� Quatre took his hand and held it
tightly. �Is it possible to have both?�

�Of
course, Quatre. Isn�t that what love�s about�� Trowa adjusted a
drastically drooping lapel with his free hand. He paused for a moment and then
asked, �Can Arthur carry two people?�

�I
suppose he could. Why?�

�Because
that coat�s big enough for both of us, and probably half your sisters as
well.�

�That
would be good, Trowa. But you should take his saddle off � otherwise the ride
will be decidedly uncomfortable!� Quatre gave his hand one last squeeze, and
then directed him in removing the tack and securing it on Guinevere�s back.
Quatre then returned the coat, and Trowa set him effortlessly onto the horse�s
back. For his own part, Trowa found it much easier to swing astride without
having to worry about the saddle loosening and slipping.

He
wrapped the coat around Quatre and swiftly buttoned both of them in, and
afterwards relinquished the sleeves to the blonde. �You steer.� Trowa
settled his arms around Quatre�s waist and pulled the boy tight against him to
cover his damp back.

The
sunlight had entirely disappeared during their stop, and now the snow-covered
ground glowed a luminescent blue in the gloaming. The gentle rocking rhythm of
the horse�s steps caused Quatre to undulate against Trowa in a manner that
should have been arousing. Instead, his desire to keep Quatre safe overwhelmed
him. �Duck down here, Trowa, there�s a branch hanging in the path.� And it
was joined by an equally strong need to feel that someone protected him as well.
Swept away by the reaction, he hid his face against the smooth skin of
Quatre�s neck.

For
a long moment he was helpless to do anything but cling to Quatre, his grip
condensing until its occupant shifted. Trowa inhaled deeply, wanting to imprint
Quatre�s scent upon his soul; to always remember the spicy aroma of
excitement, sweet tea, and apples.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The
lower curve of the moon was tangled in the treetops as they crested the hill.
The world looked like a photograph of itself, forever caught in the light of the
flash. Quatre noticed as well. �I wish I had thought to bring my camera
today�� The words trailed off in a glowing cloud of frozen breath.
�And,� he twisted around, �I could have taken some of you. Might I,
sometime?�

�You
can take pictures of me any time you want.� Quatre trembled as the words
warmed his ear. �I�m sorry.�

�Why?
None of this was your fault. My injury stems entirely from my own careless
behavior!� A small light detached from the house and moved across the lawn on
a path to the barn. �Oh dear, surely that will be Rashid.�

And
Rashid it was. He stood silently in the door as they rode in, and then shut the
night out behind them. His dark eyes ticked over every point of their appearance
and then he spoke directly to Trowa. �How badly is he hurt?�

�Not
very, just likely to be sore in the morning.� Trowa unfastened their shared
attire and dropped down off the horse, wasting no movement before pulling Quatre
to his chest and carrying him towards the door. �Pull the coat up around
yourself, Quatre, we�ll be inside in a minute.�

Rashid
let them out. �Will you see to him then? Miss Phoebe had food left in his room
� make sure you both eat some.�

�Yes
sir.� Trowa found himself answering, and after returning Rashid�s curt nod,
he followed the larger man�s footprints back to the house.

It
was a shock, to be suddenly in such embracing warmth after so long an absence.
Trowa gave an absurd little shiver and reflexively drew Quatre closer. �Put me
down before you drop me!� Quatre wiggled briefly and was set free. �I always
forget how much I dislike the cold until I come in from it. It is positively
unsettling to feel one�s self thawing�� He raised his good hand first to
Trowa�s frosty cheek and then his own. �We should take a bath when we get
back to my room.�

Quatre�s
once spacious tub shrunk considerably in Trowa�s mind�s eye as he imagined
it filled with slender pale limbs bracketed in his own.
�Maybe that wouldn�t be such a good idea. But we do need to get you
out of those wet clothes and look at your shoulder.� He started to pick Quatre
up again, but was rebuffed and given instead a hand to hold as they cut through
the house to the Tower.

Phoebe
waited in the lower room of the Tower, needlework lying neglected in her lap.
�Ah, back at last.� In a manner eerily similar to Rashid�s, she examined
them both as they stood in the doorway. The moment lengthened uncomfortably, and
Trowa shifted a bit under her stare. She held his eyes as she questioned her
brother. �Is everything well, Quatre?�

�Fine,
thank you, Phoebe. I was showing off and took a tumble.� He shrugged
sheepishly as she turned her eye towards him.

�Are
you hurt?� She rose and closed the distance between them.

�No,
not badly. And Trowa�s going to take care of me.�

Trowa
saw the tension drain from her face at this, and her voice was rich with
suppressed humor as she said, �Yes, I feel quite certain that he will. I am
pleased to see that you have managed to put aside yesterday�s difficulties.�
Phoebe�s eyebrows drew together in mock annoyance when she looked again to
Trowa. �I should be quite angry with you for stealing him away for the entire
day and abandoning me to Iria�s company. But I must admit that besides looking
slightly disheveled,� she smiled knowingly at Trowa, �you both seem to be
much better off for having spent the day away from the house.�

Quatre
blushed at this, and Trowa felt a similar flush on his cheeks as well. Phoebe
stepped closer to kiss Quatre�s cheek and took Trowa�s free hand as she did
so. �I left some soup upstairs for you. Be sure that he has some, Trowa.�
After a gentle squeeze she released his hand and stepped around the pair.
�Thank you,� she murmured as she brushed past. In a louder voice, she added,
�Good night, my dears.�

As
promised, a covered pot of broth waited warming on the hearth when they reached
their bedroom. Trowa filled a teacup with some and handed it to Quatre before
beginning to undress him. Quietly curious blue eyes regarded him over the rim of
the cup as Trowa�s fingers hurried through the buttons of Quatre�s shirt and
the union suit beneath.

�I
can do that myself, you know.� Confusion and amusement danced together in the
soft words.

�I
know, but I want to.� He slowly drew the cloth away from Quatre�s slightly
shivering frame, and tried hard to keep his mind on the task at hand. The blonde
was slender and lithe, willowy in a way that would never broaden much. Trowa
wanted to run his hands freely over the newly exposed chest, across the lightly
defined pectorals, and to bury his face in the smooth, soft belly underneath. He
tore his eyes away finally to meet Quatre�s. His earlier words were now thrown
back in his face.

�Have
you never seen a half-naked man before?� There was a small smile on Quatre�s
face and a daring twinkle in his eye.

�Not
one who looked like you.� Trowa answered thickly. After allowing himself one
final appraising sweep, he moved to evaluate the damage. A purplish smudge had
formed across the left shoulder. �Sit on the stool and we�ll see how far you
can move this�� He stood in front of Quatre, carefully lifted his arm until
his elbow was almost even with his head, and stopped when the boy winced.
�There? That�s not too bad then � I don�t think you�ve broken
anything� but you�re incredibly tense.� He kneaded the rigid muscles of
Quatre�s right shoulder lightly to illustrate, smirking when he received a low
moan in response. �You tightened up as you fell, didn�t you? Always go limp
before you hit the ground, you�ll save yourself from injury and later pain.�

�I
know, but I was so surprised to find myself flying through the air that I forgot
everything that Rashid taught me. Please do not tell him that � I am not at
all positive that I could survive any more of his training sessions��
Trowa�s raised eyebrow prompted Quatre to explain, �Have you noticed that I
am not the burliest of men? When I was a bit younger, I had some trouble with
the other boys in the town, and Rashid taught me to defend myself.� He laughed
wryly, �Well, actually, he trained me to fall well, knock others down, and run
away quickly� but I was never beaten up again!�

The
intense protective feeling from earlier boiled up in Trowa briefly as he
imagined a time when others had deliberately harmed Quatre. The emotion must
have darkened his face, for Quatre put aside the cup and stood to lay a soothing
hand on Trowa�s cheek. �My brave knight,� he whispered. Trowa leaned into
the touch for a moment before pulling away with a resolve to concentrate on
Quatre�s present injury.

Trowa
gathered a quilt and a pillow from the bed and spread them out in front of the
fire. �Lay down here, and I�ll work on loosening your back.� Quatre moved
to pull his shirt up. �No, that defeats the whole purpose. Besides, it�s wet
� just go ahead and take everything off.�

Quatre
stared at him blankly, so Trowa did it for him, kneeling to unfasten his pants
and draw them down. And then the significance of what he had done - of the
position he was in � assailed him. Slim hands fell on his shoulders as Quatre
stepped out of the pants, and for three shuddering breaths, Trowa could not
bring himself to look up. One hand left his shoulder to catch his cheek and draw
his attention, and he found himself being regarded with intense bewilderment.
Quatre�s fingers explored the planes of Trowa�s face as if he never seen him
before, eyes slightly dilated and breath coming in forced precision. As tenderly
as he was able, Trowa grasped Quatre�s waist and permitted himself to brush
one momentary kiss across a finely arched hipbone. He rested his cheek briefly
against the cool, pliant skin of Quatre�s abdomen and then pulled away
abruptly to wrap a lap blanket around Quatre�s hips.

Not
trusting himself to speak, he led the swathed boy to the fireside. Quatre eased
down onto the quilt and rested on his elbows, cradling the pillow to lay his
head upon. Trowa retrieved the almond lotion that Quatre had been diligently
using on his hands every night and hesitated for a moment before sinking down to
straddle Quatre, sitting lightly on his upper thighs, �Now relax, or this
won�t do any good,� he instructed, feeling the blonde�s muscles stiffen
between his legs. In truth, Trowa himself was more than nervous � abruptly
achingly positive that he had never been this close anyone to in this manner.

The
lotion was sweet-smelling but chilly in Trowa�s hands and he rubbed them
together briefly to warm it. He started around the injured shoulder, carefully
working the bruised flesh. He moved next to Quatre�s neck, kneading until it
began to move complacently with his touch. His hands worked independently of
thought after that, for he found himself mesmerized by the shifting patterns of
firelight dancing over Quatre�s slightly glistening skin. As he drifted closer
towards the gentle swell ending Quatre�s lower back, he became aware of hips
swaying up to meet his hands.

And
almost immediately after that, his ears picked up soft cries and moans muffled
in the pillow that Quatre clutched. He covered the dimples that bracketed the
end of Quatre�s spine with his palms and began to roll his thumbs deeply on
either side of the column of bone. Quatre�s back flexed and tightened under
this tender assault, and he was unable to entirely stifle a stuttering whimper.
Trowa kept at the spot until the blonde melted back down to the floor. He
increased both the pressure and circumference of contact, building a steady
rhythm that Quatre fell into smoothly, rocking slowly up and back under his
touch. Trowa loosened the blanket around Quatre�s hips and moved his hands
around the slim curves to trace the sensitive skin covering the blonde�s
pelvic bones. A sharp intake of breath urged him on as Quatre squirmed to allow
the fingers greater range. Quatre continued to push into Trowa�s hands until
he stiffened with a low cry and began to quietly sob into the pillow.

Trowa
was immediately by his side, cradling him in a loose embrace. �Did I hurt
you?� Although Quatre refused to raise his head, he shook it vehemently
�no.� �Are you alright?� A weaker nod �yes.� As Trowa stroked the
lingering shivers from Quatre�s back, he suddenly recognized the aftershocks
of pleasure for what they were. He kissed a quietly surprised smile into
Quatre� uninjured shoulder before asking, �Would you like that bath now?�
Another nod. After ruffling the slightly sweaty blonde hair, he made to pull
away, but a tremulous whisper stopped him.

�Wait��
Quatre edged up slightly, wrapped his fingers cautiously around Trowa�s neck
and leaned in for a kiss, eyes still tightly closed. His lips were fumbling,
hesitant, and a little desperate. As the contact deepened, Trowa could taste
renewed tears and tentative wonder.

�Lovely
boy,� he whispered against Quatre�s cheek as he rubbed its dampness away
with his own. �I�ll be right back.� Trowa ran the bath, and stripped
himself after only a split second of uncertainty. Quatre had turned to sprawl on
his back in dazed lassitude, eyes sparkling at Trowa�s approach. He flushed
and a flash of panic crossed his face when Trowa moved to tug the slightly
dampened lap blanket away, but he silently softened again under the gentle
weight of Trowa�s murmured reassurances. He remained mute as he was picked up,
and malleable as Trowa sank them slowly into the hot water.

Once
again in a position that should have been erotically maddening, Trowa was
instead infused with a proud contentment. The feel of Quatre�s slick hips
against his inner thighs, and of smooth flesh under the soapy cloth that Trowa
stroked him with was sublimely luscious. But the warmth that tingled through his
every extremity as he basked in Quatre�s satisfied languor provided a deeper
fulfillment.

He
bathed them slowly, taking care to swab between each of Quatre�s fingers and
toes. Trowa pushed the limp boy gently forward and soaped along the paths his
hands had taken over his back. He methodically washed the fine blonde hair and
then held Quatre close as he dipped him down to rinse it out. Occasionally he
dropped small kisses on newly cleaned skin and was rewarded with quiet hums of
bliss. When they were both clean, he lifted Quatre from the water and walked
back into the bedroom to stand him in front of the fireplace.

After
draping one towel around Quatre�s shoulders and quickly rubbing another over
his own body, Trowa crouched at his feet and began patting him dry. Trowa worked
his way from feet to waist, and then rose to pass the towel around his torso and
under his arms as Quatre swayed under his touch. As he chased the water from
Quatre�s hair, the blonde collapsed against him with a small sigh and a
muffled purr. �Do you want me to dress you?�

�No�
wan� sleep like this. Against your skin. So warm�� Quatre shifted until he
was wrapped around Trowa in a loose embrace, already drowsing as he was carried
to the bed.

Trowa
was floating on the edges of sleep himself, exhaustion fighting with his desire
to revel in the close expanse of water-softened, sweet-smelling skin when Quatre
spoke, �What about you?� A timid hand ghosted over his chest, forcing his
breath out sharply. �You made me� I felt so�� Quatre fumbled before
concluding wistfully, �And you did not. Please, tell me what I can do for
you.�

�Just
let me hold you, that�s enough for now.� He nudged Quatre�s cheek with his
nose as he rolled on his side to enfold him. �And kiss me goodnight.�

And
of all Quatre�s kisses that Trowa had sampled that day, this one tasted the
most like love.
- 5
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