Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Sacrifice ❯ Chapter 3

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Title: Sacrifice
Dedicated to: Flaming Venom
Warnings: Angst; slash.

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Chapter 3

Trowa and Heero sat in silent contemplation of the board in front of them, neither uttering a sound. The curtains were shut against the glowing moon, and cozy lights had been turned on in the living room. Neither of them wanted to talk about what had happened at the party, though each thought about it constantly.

Trowa's mind started drifting off as Heero concentrated on the chess board, and thought about Quatre, which brought back some bad memories. A year ago, he could've called Quatre his closest and most trusted friend. A year ago, they would see each other everyday, despite their jobs and their other obligations. A year ago, they were happy.

~Flashback~

Trowa stepped out of the flower shop, cradling a dozen roses in his arms. Smiling, he placed them on the passenger seat, then slid into the driver's seat in his convertible. Tonight, he and Quatre were going out to a concert and dinner, and Trowa was planning on telling him his feelings.

You see, ever since the war ended, the five young men had all become very close friends, and Trowa and Quatre hit it off instantly. They had so many things in common, and neither of them could deny the growing attraction between them. Trowa had found that his feelings for Quatre had turned into something else, a deeper kind of feeling. So now, he was going to tell Quatre. He won't keep it a secret any longer.

Trowa bit his lip as he came to a stop outside the huge Winner manor. He was somewhat nervous about telling Quatre, but he felt that there was a big chance of Quatre responding favourably to his confession. Smiling slightly, Trowa slid out of his car, picking up the flowers on the way, and walked up the manor.

Stopping at the huge double doors, Trowa banged the knockers firmly and listened as the noise echoed around the entrance hall. He would probably have to wait a while...

Trowa blinked in surprise as the door opened instantly, and Quatre's sister Kara looked up at him. He smiled politely at the woman, having met her before. She was an okay person compared to her other sisters; at least she actually cared about Quatre.

"Hello, Ms. Winner," said Trowa, inclining his head slightly. "I'm here to see Quatre."

Kara frowned slightly, then pushed the door open, coming fully out. She closed the door decisively behind her, causing Trowa to blink in surprise. He stepped back as the woman looked at him again, but didn't say anything.

"I wondered if I could have a word with you, Mr. Barton," Kara said hesitantly. Trowa blinked again, but kept his outer expression neutral. What on earth could she want to talk to him for?

"Of course, Ms. Winner," he said, keeping the formalities.

Kara bit her lower lip, and wrung her hands, but in the end, looked up at him with determined eyes. Trowa's apprehension grew larger, and he couldn't help but feel a sort of foreboding to this.

"My sisters and I have had a lengthy discussion, and we feel that it would be in Quatre's best interests if you stopped seeing him."

For a moment, Trowa was silent with shock. Then, his eyebrows drew together as he frowned down at the woman. Kara didn't flinch or look away, however, but kept on looking up defiantly.

"I don't think it's really your decision, Ms. Winner, whom Quatre befriends."

"It is if you are having thoughts about dating my brother!"

Trowa's mouth dropped open, and he stared blankly at the woman.

"I know what's going on; so does everyone else. You two have been friends at the start, but we can all see what's happening. Don't tell me that you don't look at Quatre with longing, or that your heart doesn't yearn for him." Kara looked away then, crossing her arms as if from the cold. "I know that you might truly care for my brother, but I can't allow this to happen. You can't be together!"

Trowa blinked again, then closed his mouth. He pressed a hand to his face, smoothing out his frustration.

"But, don't you see? If Quatre is happy, then what else matters?" He looked at the woman, a frown marring his face.

"Our family," Kara said, looking back up. "Our family matters, Trowa. If Quatre and you are - well -a couple then Quatre can't continue our line."

Trowa opened his mouth to protest, but Kara held up a hand to stop him.

"Quatre feels bad enough as it is that he rebelled against father when he was younger. If he fails to continue on the Winner line, I don't know how he can take it. He personally blames himself for causing father's death, and if he cuts off the only thing that he has of Father's, then he'll be devastated. If he's with you, he'll continue blaming himself, and he'll be miserable! Don't you see? He can't be with you!"

Trowa fell back a step as if Kara's words stung him. Blinking, Trowa swallowed dryly, and clenched his fists tightly.

"I see," he said quietly, not looking at the woman. He then nodded slowly, as if coming to a conclusion. "I-I understand." Trowa pressed a hand to his face, the flowers falling limply to his side. A moment later, he looked up, his face set, but with an unknown emotion in his eyes.

"Alright," he said quietly, eyes on the woman's. "I'll - I'll stay away from him. I won't bother him anymore. I'll leave him alone from now on." He broke away then, the flowers falling from his hands, and ran to his car. Trembling uncontrollably, Trowa climbed into the convertible, despite Kara's calls, and slammed on the accelerator. He had to get away from here; if he doesn't, he'll break down.

'If he's with you...'

Kara's words ran through his mind relentlessly, causing him to speed down the road quicker.

'He'll be miserable...'

Trowa bit his lower lip, blinking back the hurt tears.

'You can't be together...'

Trowa was angry - angry at Kara, angry at Quatre, but mostly, angry at himself.

'He'll be devastated...'

How could he have not thought of this earlier?! Quatre was aristocracy... He had duties, obligations, and family ties. He couldn't give up his whole bloodline and betray his family; what had he been thinking?!

'He can't be with you...'

Trowa slammed on his brake, lurching forwards as his car screeched to a stop. Burying his head in his hands, he let the tears flow out, muffled sobs coming from him. His chest hurt, as if his heart was throbbing in pain. He thought he and Quatre could be together, and that they could be happy together. But life was never as simple as that, was it? If Quatre was with him, he'll be miserable. He can't let that happen. He loved Quatre too much to let him suffer.

But life was so unfair! Why couldn't they both be happy? But, compared to his own feelings, he'd rather have Quatre be happy. He won't make Quatre miserable, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.

~ End Flashback~

"Trowa... Trowa?"

Trowa snapped back to the present, turning his head to meet Heero's serious eyes.

"It's your turn," the Japanese man said quietly.

Nodding slightly, Trowa turned his attention back to the board. There was no use dwelling in the past; there's no way to change the things that have happened. There's only now and the future and he had to make sure not to ever do anything he'll regret.

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(TBC)