Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Dreams ❯ Chapter 16

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Title: Forgotten Dreams
Chapter: 16/?
Disclaimers: Gundam Wing and all characters associated with it is not mine, nor am I making any money from this. This is purely for my personal enjoyment, and the enjoyment of the people who read this. GW is copyright Bandai, Sunrise, etc.



Quatre woke feeling curiously rested. 'A whole night without a nightmare. Not even a murmur.' He opened his eyes and looked down at Trowa. Smiling Trowa. Naked Trowa. The events of the previous night came crashing back to Quatre: Trowa under him, around him, pleading softly for release, begging Quatre not to let him go. Quatre smiled and gently stroked Trowa's cheek, then yawned and winced as scratches on his back were pulled. 'Scratches? When did I get scratched?' The memory rose slowly, but vividly: Trowa's arms and legs wrapped around him as the brown-haired boy orgasmed, hands grasping Quatre's back and his fingernails digging in as he cried out, leaving shallow gouges in the soft skin.
Quatre simply smiled at the memory and watched Trowa as he slept, that peaceful smile still on his lips.
"We must have done something right, if you're still smiling," Quatre murmured softly, still awed that Trowa was actually his, wholly and completely. "And I'm going to do my best to keep that smile there, no matter what."
Trowa shifted a bit and turned on his side, facing Quatre. His body tensed as he woke to unfamiliar surroundings, then his eyes opened slowly.
Quatre bit his lip, suddenly afraid that Trowa would decide that he hadn't wanted last night to happen, and gently touched his lover's shoulder. "Good morning, Sunshine. Did you sleep well?"
Trowa looked up at him, the look in his eyes and on his face so open and vulnerable that Quatre pulled the youth against him, heart aching.
"You're still here." Trowa's voice was small, incredulous.
Quatre nodded as he tilted Trowa's head up. "Where were you expecting me to be?"
Trowa looked to the side, face gloomy once again. "I don't know. Gone."
"Why would I leave?"
A shrug. "Why wouldn't you? You got what you wanted, didn't you?"
Quatre sat up and rubbed his eyes. Not this again. "Trowa, do you want me to use you? Is that it? Do you want to be nothing more than my playtoy?"
Trowa slid under the covers and shook his head. ". . . No . . ."
"Do you want me to hurt you, to abandon you?"
Another shake. ". . . No . . ."
Quatre lifted the blanket and looked down at Trowa.
"You're mad at me . . ." Trowa inched down the bed.
"No, just very tired of your lack of trust in me." Quatre tilted his head to the side. "I love you, Trowa, and --- Why are you hiding?"
Trowa had moved down until his head was even with Quatre's knees. It was a good thing Quatre's bed was really, really big. "I don't want you mad at me."
Quatre raised an eyebrow. "You know, Trowa, sometimes I think a good smack would do you wonders. I'm not mad at you. I'm not."
"But you're upset."
"With myself. I don't care if it's my birthday or not, I think that we rushed into this too soon. I don't think we, especially you, were quite ready for this yet. And please, will you stop hiding? I'm not going to hit you, really. You look like a kicked dog."
Trowa moved up a bit. "I liked it."
"So did I, but I can't re-convince you of my feelings every morning after, love. Now come here." Quatre patted next to him.
"Why?"
"I want to hold you."
"I don't want you to hold me."
Quatre sighed and tilted his head back. "Then stay there. Get up. Do whatever you want." He closed his eyes and tried not to get angry, or cry. 'You're an idiot, Winner.'
Trowa moved up completely, laying his head on Quatre's chest and entangling their legs together.
Quatre raised his head. "Fickle." He held Trowa close.
"I'm sorry for making you upset."
Quatre smiled and tilted Trowa's head up. "A kiss would make me feel better. May I kiss you?"
Trowa nodded. "I think that's a good idea."
"Oh, do you?" Quatre murmured as he lowered his head, mouth brushing against Trowa's.
Trowa nodded. "I do."
Quatre merely chuckled softly before pressing his lips to Trowa's gently. Trowa sighed softly and slid one hand behind Quatre's head, laying back and pulling the blond on top of him. Quatre bit gently at Trowa's lower lip before kissing a trail to his ear, nibbling gently. Trowa's arms tightened around him and the brown-haired boy whimpered softly before Quatre kissed down his neck, sucking gently at the base of Trowa's throat. Trowa shuddered, his voice a husky whisper in Quatre's ear.
"Quatre . . ."
Quatre smiled and leaned up to kiss Trowa when his gaze passed over the clock on his nightstand, and he did a double take.
10:42.
"Oh, crap," he murmured, pulling away from Trowa's sweet lips and sitting up.
Trowa opened his eyes, hands resting on Quatre's hips and a frown on his face. "What's wrong?"
Quatre sighed and ran his hands absently over Trowa's chest. "It's almost eleven. I'm surprised they let us sleep this long."
"So?"
Quatre smiled. Trowa was cute when he was pouting. "So, if we're not up soon Iria's going to come looking for us, and much as I'd like to lock the door and stay here with you all day, this party is going to be an all-day event." He made a face. "Plus we both need to bathe. Sex is messy."
Trowa smiled and sat up, spilling Quatre into his lap and resting his head in the crook of Quatre's neck. "You weren't complaining last night."
Quatre wrapped his arms around Trowa and leaned his cheek against Trowa's head. "No, and I'm not complaining now. It was but a statement." With much reluctance, and to Trowa's great disappointment, Quatre moved off of him and stood. "I'm going to shower." 'Want to join me? Oh, but then we'd never leave the room.'
Trowa nodded and brought his knees up to his chin, wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his head on his knees as he watched Quatre. "I'll take one after you." Apparently Trowa thought a joint shower wasn't a good idea at the moment, too.
Quatre leaned down and kissed the silky cheek offered him before walking into the bathroom. That joint shower was sounding really good at the moment . . . But Quatre had a hand, and he did know how to use it. He showered quickly after that, then got out and dried off, wrapping a towel around his waist. He opened the door and smiled at Trowa. "All yours."
Trowa nodded and got up, walking to Quatre and looking down at him. A faint smile graced his lips and he shut the door softly.
Half an hour later both boys were clean and dressed. Quatre leaned up and kissed Trowa's cheek for the umpteenth time, enjoying the pink flush that spread across Trowa's cheeks and the bridge of his nose when Quatre kissed him, then took his lover's hand and opened the door.
Altair had a gun pointed at the center of his face.
Quatre stopped thinking as Altair's finger moved on the trigger, throwing himself back against Trowa, knocking him down. Water splashed on his face as he and Trowa tumbled to the ground and Quatre sat up, glaring sullenly at Altair and her water gun.
"Damn you and your sick sense of humor, Altair."
Altair merely flashed him a swift grin as she walked into the room, looking around. She wore a navy blue tank top with black jeans, black shoes, and a black fedora.
"Chill," she murmured. "You landed in his lap."
Quatre raised an eyebrow as he stood. "Chill? You sound like Basma. And me landing in Trowa's lap doesn't matter." He held his hand out to help Trowa up. "What are you doing?" he asked as Altair started gathering up the sheets and blankets.
"Taking these to Pari's room. She and Rashid were getting mighty friendly at dinner, so the servants won't question stained sheets." Quatre simply stared at her as she walked past. "Besides, Iria would have a cat, a cow and two chickens if she found out you two had sex."
Quatre's eyebrow went up again. "How do you know we had sex? Besides from coming in here and poking around." He pinched Altair as she passed him again.
Altair moved out of his reach. "I saw the way he looked at you yesterday and the looks on your faces when you left the dining room."
"I guess you have to be observant in order to be the scariest person in the galaxy, hm?"
"It's in the job description."
Quatre smiled and wrapped his arm around Trowa's waist as Altair left with the sheets.
Trowa looked down at him. "She's odd."
That brought a laugh from the young Arab. "You have no idea, love." Quatre gently drew Trowa out onto the balcony and leaned against the rail.
Two Maganacs were escorting a young Chinese woman to the front door and then there was a familiar shriek from the left. Basma appeared on a balcony two away from Quatre's and leaned over the railing at a precarious angle, waving her arms frantically.
"I looooooove you, Pai Ling!" she shouted, alto voice ringing out across the courtyard.
The young woman looked up and waved back, a smile lighting her face. "I love you too, Basma Winner!" Her soprano countered Basma's lower voice nicely.
Basma shrieked again and disappeared from view, only to come flying out the front door less than a minute later, flinging herself on the Chinese girl. They both fell, laughing.
Quatre chuckled softly and smiled, turning to Trowa. "I do believe Basma's in love," he commented, running a finger up and down Trowa's sleeve.
Trowa's mouth twitched. "I do believe she is," he agreed.
"Well, shall we seek out food?" The faint growl of Quatre's stomach emphasized his question.
Trowa nodded, allowing himself to be led from the room.

* * *

Basma met them at the dining room door, wearing a shirt that said "TEST-TUBE BABIE" across the front.
"Hey," she said, grinning.
"You misspelled 'baby'," Quatre pointed out.
"Yah, I know." She continued grinning.
"What?"
"You want to know what I got for my birthday last year?" The look on Basma's face told Quatre he didn't.
"Ahhh, maybe later." Quatre looked for a way to squeeze past his sister, but Basma blocked the doorway.
"Well, I'll tell ya!"
"No, Basma, really---"
"I got a big, juicy piece of---"
"Basma, please!"
"Cherry Pai!" Basma finished triumphantly, eyes twinkling.
Quatre paused, hands halfway to his ears. It hadn't been the perverted statement he'd been expecting. "Cherry pie? Dare I ask?"
Basma covered her mouth as she burst into laughter. "Uh-huh! And did my Cherry Pai taste goooood!"
Quatre blinked. There was something he was missing . . . He looked at Trowa, who shrugged.
"Basma, that's nice---"
Quatre was interrupted yet again as a slim pair of arms slid around Basma's waist. "You're too tall, Basma." It was the Chinese woman. What had Basma called her? Something-or-other Ling.
Basma pulled the other woman around in front of her, looking fondly down at her. She was nearly a head taller than the other girl, who was smiling up at her. Basma smiled back, then grinned at Trowa and Quatre.
"Boys, this is my girlfriend. Yummy as a cherry!" She started snickering again.
The girl looked back at the two pilots and smiled as she bowed politely. "Hello," she said, a definite accent in her voice. "My name is Ling Pai." Basma poked her and she corrected herself. "Ah, Pai is my name."
"Pai? Pai . . . pie . . . cherry . . . pie . . . Cherry . . . Pai . . . piece of Cherry Pai . . . piece of . . . of . . . BASMA!!!!" Quatre howled as the pieces clicked into place. "You pervert!" Unwilling to attack his sister, Quatre stamped his feet and growled incoherently, throwing a minor temper tantrum as he vented his anger. "I should have known nothing decent would ever come out of your mouth!" He turned to Trowa and hid his face in his lover's neck, scowling.
Trowa wrapped his arms around Quatre as Basma laughed.
"Oh, Basma! Quit telling people that!"
"Oh, Pai! Quit wearing clothes and I will!"
Quatre plugged his ears and whimpered. "See what I had to put up with?!" He sniffed for effect, and Trowa's hold on him tightened.
"I'm still hungry."
Quatre smiled and slid past the two lovers, who had decided to inspect each other's mouths very thoroughly. Quatre suspected it had been all Basma's idea. "Well, let's get you some food." He pulled Trowa down for a quick kiss, then led the way into the dining room, where various sisters and Maganacs were eating.
"Yo, Quatre-baby! You're up!" Duo leapt out of his chair and over a table, bounding over to the blond Arab and enveloping he and Trowa in a bear hug, ecstatic at seeing his friend. "Didja see Basma's shirt? Isn't it great? You never told me your sisters were test-tube babies! That's really cool, y'know?"
"Test-tube baby and damn proud of it!" was Basma's shout from the doorway.
Quatre just nodded and hugged Duo back, heart catching as Duo molded his body to the blonde's. He let go and brushed Duo's bangs out of his face, touch lingering slightly. "Is there any food left?"
Duo nodded and skipped back to his place next to Heero. "Yup!"
Quatre greeted his sisters and the Maganacs as he and Trowa sat, catching Rashid's disapproving look as he leaned in close to talk to Trowa, one hand on the back of Trowa's chair and gently touching his lover's shoulder.
'My lover . . . I can say that now,' Quatre thought as he absently greeted Zara, who ignored him and piled Trowa's plate with food. 'Because that's what we are. We're lovers.' He smiled softly as his gaze drifted around the table, settling on Duo.
The Shinigami pilot glanced up from his animated, if largely one-sided, conversation with Heero and winked at the blond, his own smile softening considerably as he toyed with the end of his braid. Heero glanced up when he noticed that Duo had stopped talking and said something, but for once the American didn't jump all over his words. Quatre watched as Heero followed Duo's gaze to him, his eyes narrowing. He spoke again, closer to Duo, and again Duo didn't react. He merely watched Quatre, that soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Heero's face darkened and he grabbed Duo's chin roughly, forcing the American to face him. Duo meeped and tried to pull away, but the Japanese soldier glared at him and spoke low. Duo lowered his eyes and shook his head, and Heero smiled thinly, cupping Duo's cheek gently as he continued to talk.
Quatre frowned as Duo reacted in shakes and nods of his head. That wasn't right at all. Trowa touched his arm lightly, distracting him.
"Quatre . . ."
He looked up. "Yes?"
Trowa pointed to the door. "What's Basma doing?"
"Probably something stupid." Quatre turned to look. "Talking to herself."
"Why?"
Quatre smiled and brushed his fingers lightly across Trowa's cheek. "She does that, love."
"Oh." A faint pink spread across Trowa's face as he shifted in his seat. "You're touching me . . ." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Quatre nodded as he continued to lightly stroke Trowa's cheek. "I know."
Trowa shifted again. "Why?"
"Just reassuring myself that you're really here. And I like touching you. Your skin is so soft . . ." Quatre took Trowa's hand and stroked the back of it lightly before bringing it up to his lips. He watched Trowa through his eyelashes as he tilted his head down and kissed his love's hand. Trowa squirmed again and smiled slightly, then jumped when Quatre opened his mouth just enough to lightly flick his tongue across the back of the brown-haired boy's hand.
"Master Quatre!" Rashid's voice boomed out across the room, making Quatre himself jump. He scowled and dropped Trowa's hand.
"Yes, Rashid?"
The huge man glowered at Trowa before looking back to Quatre. "Master Quatre, the festivities will be starting very soon."
Quatre nodded politely as he turned back to Trowa, only to find the boy gone. 'Great. That's the second time he's done that. Rashid doesn't like Trowa. Oh, if he does anything to hurt Trowa, I'll . . . I'll . . .' the threat was left hanging as suddenly and without any warning at all Quatre was dragged from his chair and out of the room. "Hey! What---"
Basma laughed. "Bite it, Camel Boy! It's time to party!"
Quatre was dumped unceremoniously in a chair outside and showered with flower petals as he looked around. "Girls, Maganacs, please---" Where was Trowa?
"And now," Basma declared as she shoved her way through the crowd, "for our dear brother's viewing pleasure," and she wiggled her hips suggestively, drawing laughter from the crowd, "but not mine, 'cause I'm a lesbian," This brought more laughter and a few agreements, "I give you, and don't forget to give him back when you're finished with him," Quatre covered his face, "Troooowaaaaaa Barton!"
The crowd of people parted as Trowa walked through, and Quatre nearly had a heart attack. The girls had managed to get Trowa into a male version of a belly dancer's outfit, with a very short vest replacing the usual top.
Gold armbands set with onyx and jade encircled Trowa's upper arms, his wrists and ankles, with a matching gold slave collar around his neck. The pants, slippers and vest were a shimmery bronze material trimmed with deep green, and the veil covering the lower half of Trowa's face was the same shade. The green of his outfit and of the eye shadow that had been lightly applied brought out Trowa's eyes, the bronze bringing out his skin and the highlights in his hair, and Quatre was quite taken away by Trowa's beauty.
If Trowa was in any way embarrassed by his outfit he didn't show it, gliding to where Quatre sat with a feline grace that would have had Quatre panting without the help of the outfit. The total effect was one of exotic beauty, and it worked. It worked well enough that Quatre's pants were becoming very uncomfortable, very quickly. Trowa knelt on one knee in front of Quatre and bowed his head, holding his hands out, palms up.
"My lord Quatre." Trowa's low voice only added to Quatre's excitement, and the blond discreetly folded his hands in his lap. So Trowa wanted to play lord and underling, did he? Quatre could do that.
"Speak," he commanded softly, "and state your business." His eyes devoured Trowa's body as the other answered.
"I fear I have committed a horrific crime, my lord, and I wish to remedy my mistake."
Quatre closed his eyes briefly, heart thumping. "I am aware of no crimes against me that you have committed."
"My lord, I was graciously invited by you to your home, yet failed to acquire you a gift, and on your birthday as well." Trowa kept his head down, gaze fixed on the ground.
Quatre leaned forward and steepled his fingers. He'd already gotten his present, but not many knew that. "A grievous crime indeed, and one that requires immediate action. What sort of action do you suggest I take?"
Trowa's head twitched slightly. "My lord . . ."
"Yes? I've not got all day." He did, but that wasn't the point.
Trowa swallowed, his voice lowering. "My lord, if I may be so bold, I wish to offer you myself as your humble servant."
Quatre sat back at this, startled. There was more to this simple statement than met the eye, and he would have to choose his words carefully.
"For how long?" he asked softly.
"Until you tire of me."
"Forever."
Trowa tensed. "If . . . if that is what you wish, my lord."
Quatre nodded as he stood. "I wish you to stay forever." He crossed to Trowa and knelt in front of the boy. "However," he murmured, tilting Trowa's head up, entranced by those deep green pools, "you may leave whenever you want." He smiled softly and lightly brushed his hand across Trowa's veil. "Now rise, my love, for beauty such as yours should never be hidden, nor be a cause for shame." Quatre stood and drew Trowa with him to his chair, where he reached behind Trowa's head with both hands and unhooked the veil, letting the sheer garment slide between his fingers as he cupped both of Trowa's cheeks in his hands and started to lean up.
"Quatre---" Trowa half-whispered, eyes widening.
"Shh," Quatre whispered back. "It'll be all right." That said, he pressed his lips to Trowa's, molding his body to the taller pilot's. Trowa stiffened for a moment when he felt how much Quatre liked his outfit, then hesitantly wrapped his arms around the Arab's waist. Quatre slid his own arms around Trowa's neck as he continued the kiss, pressing more firmly against his lover. Trowa responded slowly, his grip tightening as he opened his mouth for Quatre. Applause started among those watching, punctuated by hoots and catcalls from Basma and Duo.
Finally Quatre drew back, satisfied that he'd made his point clear to the crowd and Trowa. He looked around, arms still around the unibanged boy. "Happy now?"
Basma nodded. "Yup!"
Quatre smiled and lay his head on Trowa's shoulder. "I love you, Trowa."
Trowa looked down at him and nodded. "I know."
"Will you stop doubting me now?"
"I . . . I'll try."
Quatre kissed Trowa's lips briefly and gave him a dazzling smile. "Thank you." He stepped back and looked his lover over again. "Wow. Whose idea was this? And are you going to wear this more often?"
Trowa knelt and retrieved the veil.
"Hey, Trowa!" Duo called, "While you're down there . . ."
Trowa frowned as he stood, folding the garment carefully. "What?"
Quatre shook his head and stuck his tongue out at Duo. "He's being a pervert." 'Maybe later tonight, though . . .'
"Oh. Altair and Basma did all this."
Quatre's eyes widened. "Altair and Basma?" Trowa nodded.
"Hey, Trowa!" Basma ran up, holding a photo album. "Wanna see a cool picture?"
Trowa blinked and shrugged.
Basma grinned wildly and pulled a picture out. "It's of Quatre when he was five! He wanted to look like the rest of us, so we dressed him up! Here!" Basma offered the picture to Trowa.
Quatre's eyes widened. 'Oh, shit! No the dress picture!' He made a grab for the photograph. "Basma, no!"
Basma snatched her hand away and laughed. "He's a cutie!"
"No!" Quatre reached for the picture again and Basma danced away, still laughing as she 'oo'ed and 'ah'ed at the picture. The younger Winner gave chase, and Basma shrieked.
"Not fair!" She took off running, jumping over benches and tables as she taunted Quatre with the picture. She was taller and had longer legs, and Quatre didn't have a chance of catching her. He stopped for breath, glaring at the crowd who refused to help him, then leapt at Basma and tackled her when she got close enough to him. She went down with a startled cry and the picture flew out of her hand, landing face down a few feet away. Quatre gaze a desperate lunge for it, but then Trowa was there, picking it up.
"No!" Quatre clung to Trowa's leg as he pleaded with his lover. "Trowa, please, you don't want to see it, it's a horrible picture, it's bad and ugly and stupid and idiotic and---"
"Cute." Trowa had turned the picture over.
"Really?" Quatre immediately warmed to the idea, standing up and leaning in close to look at the picture as everyone laughed at his fickleness.
A wide brimmed white hat rested atop his head, with a purple ribbon around it and an orange flower to one side. Quatre was sitting on a blue couch in front of a yellow pillow, and had on a red dress with white lace trim on the sleeves and top. He also wore purple high-heels and earrings, pink blush and red lipstick. In his hands was a black purse and he was beaming at the camera. Trowa was right; he did look cute.
Trowa nodded. "Very." He slid the veil back on.
Quatre smiled. "Yes, I guess I was. I had fun." He shuddered. "Then Father walked in." He sat down on his 'throne' and Trowa curled at his feet, looking up at him.
"Your father walked in?" He laid his head on Quatre's leg.
"Yes. With a very important client, I might add." The Arab smiled and ran his hand through Trowa's hair as his sisters smiled at the memory, some snickering. "The girls were all around me when they walked in, and the client asked where the one who wore the pants in the family was." A faint smile was barely visible through the green veil. "The silence was immediate, then they parted like water. Father and the client walked through and there I was, with no idea how embarrassing it was for Father to see not only his one son, but his heir dressed like a girl. I only knew that the girls though I was adorable. But I was so happy that Father had voluntarily come to see me that I jumped up and ran over to him to show off my outfit."
"I'll bet he loved it."
"I note the sarcasm. I'd never seen him so angry in my life! His face got all red and he started spluttering. Oh, were my sisters in trouble!" Quatre laughed softly.
"Basma, where are you going?"
Basma froze, one arm around Pai. She looked over her shoulder at Iria. "We're going to my room."
"Why?"
"I can't say. Pai'd get embarrassed." Basma grinned as Pai blushed. "See?"
"Ask Quatre. It's his party."
Basma made a face and pulled Pai up to where Quatre sat, kneeling. "My gracious lord Quatre."
Quatre smirked, caressing Trowa's cheek. Trowa was nearly purring. "Yes, O lesbian one?"
Basma's mouth twitched as she fought to stay in character. "My lord, you know that my love for you is great, and I wish you to have the happiest of birthdays, but I fear I must most humbly beg leave of you presence."
Quatre tilted Trowa's head up and toyed with his veil. "Are you bored?"
"No, my lord."
"Then why do you wish to leave?" Quatre reached under the veil and pushed gently down on Trowa's lower lips until Trowa opened his mouth slightly, then slid the tip of his finger in and ran it along the tops of Trowa's lower teeth, never breaking eye contact with him.
"My lord, the one I cherish most arrived this morning, and---"
"Bring them forth." Trowa's eyelids fluttered as he opened his mouth more, allowing Quatre to slide his entire finger in bit by bit.
Basma gestured to Pai. "My lord, this is she."
Quatre nodded, not looking up. "Name, girl, and rank."
"Ling, ah, Pai Ling sir. I am the daughter of an author of books." Her voice was soft and docile.
"Is he well known?"
"No, sir."
"Ah." Quatre added a second finger for Trowa to suck on, his breath increasing. 'Oh, I can think of much better things for you to do that to, love . . .' "Basma, in blunt terms, what do you and Ms. Ling plan to do if I let you two leave?"
Basma smirked. "In blunt terms, my lord, I plan to fuck Ms. Ling brainless, or at least until she's screamed my name twenty times. We haven't seen each other in three weeks."
Quatre raised an eyebrow and smiled, taking his fingers from Trowa's mouth and running them down his lover's chest. "And does Ms. Ling share this desire?" 'This will keep me out of the pool . . .' Trowa bit his lip as Quatre returned his hand to his lap.
Pai blinked, face red. ". . . Yes, lord."
Quatre raised his eyes to the two women and smiled. "Considering that Basma is the only one who would toss me into the pool, and I know how it is to not be able to be near the one you love and want private time with them, I give you permission to leave. Have fun."
Basma smiled, lacing her fingers in Pai's as they stood. "You are very gracious, my lord. I thank you, and we'll have fun, I promise." She slid her arm around Pai's waist, hand resting on the Chinese girl's rear as they disappeared into the house.
Quatre smiled. "Well, that takes care of being dumped in the pool." He stood, as did Trowa.
"Not entirely."
Quatre looked over his shoulder at the brown-haired boy. "What do you mean?"
Trowa smiled slightly through the veil and looked down at the faint bulge in Quatre's pants. "You need to cool down."
"I agree," Duo said as Trowa grabbed Quatre under the arms, then the braided boy took Quatre's feet.
"Hey!" Quatre protested, squirming. "Stop! Iria, make them stop!"
Iria laughed. "I'm sorry, Quatre. No can do."
Quatre looked at Duo. "Duo, please . . ."
Duo shook his head as he grinned. "Nope!"
"Trowa---"
"No."
Quatre was suddenly airborne, and just as suddenly soaking wet and under water. He came up spluttering, shaking the water out of his eyes. "Hey! That wasn't nice!" He climbed out and glared at everyone. That made everyone laugh even more. "Come here, Duo!" Quatre grabbed the violet-eyed boy and pushed him in, then turned to Trowa and hugged his lover tightly, getting him wet. "Face my wrath!"
Trowa merely chuckled softly as Heero pulled Duo out of the pool, then wrapped a towel around Quatre. "Are you angry?"
Quatre shook his head. "No, just wet." He unbuttoned his vest and shirt and took them off, then started drying off. Trowa's eyes widened.
"Gee, Trowa, don't get a nosebleed," Duo said as he wrung his braid out. "Though it is a nice view." He leered at Quatre, who leered right back.
"Dream on, Duo."
"Naw, I'd rather have Heero."
An odd pang hit Quatre's heart when Duo said that. It was as if . . . he wanted Duo to want him. Quatre shook the feeling off with an effort, then smiled at Trowa. "Come on, let's have fun! If I know my sisters, they've got some great stuff planned."
Trowa took his hand and allowed Quatre to pull him into the mass of people. On impulse the blond looked behind him. Duo blew him a kiss, then Heero jerked him around and spoke angrily as Duo cringed slightly. Quatre frowned and started to go back, but Omisha wanted to get he and Trowa's picture for her portfolio, and Quatre didn't think about it again until later that night, when Duo came to his room.