Author: Merula
Pairings: 3x4
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Yaoi, Angst, Sap
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not mine.
So, waaaay back in October, when I was doing the drabbles, I started this one to fill a request for something with Quatre, Wufei and Trowa. I did about half of it and then, thanks to Trinity Blood and Wikipedia, I wrote a different drabble about them sort of being Ghostbusters.
I found this one in my folder and finished it. It's sappy. Sorry! And I think I'm in a little rut with endings, so I apologize in advance.
Drabble 37
"Are you sure you're up for this?"
Quatre smiled in the direction of Wufei's voice, picturing the worried look that he was sure was on the other's face. "I'm fine- you heard the doctor. I need to get out- sit in the sunlight for a bit."
"A most imprecise directive. How long is a bit? He said earlier the sunlight would hurt your eyes-"
"That's when he thought I'd have a chance of using them again." Quatre reminded him as he pulled himself out of the bed.
He heard the soft sound Wufei made in response.
"I was expecting it, old friend. The blast was so severe- I didn't hold out much hope." Not for his eyes, and not for...
"We're still looking," Wufei said as if he'd spoken aloud. "Don't give up all hope yet."
"It's been nearly three months." Quatre reminded him. Two months, three weeks, five days... He couldn't cry, his eyes were so damaged that even that comfort had been taken from him. "If he was alive, he would've gotten word to us somehow- or if he was captured- they would've demanded a ransom."
Wufei's hand closed around his elbow. "We never found the carrier he was in," he said gently. "There is still some hope."
Quatre bit back the response he wanted to make. "Aren't you supposed to help me outside before you rush off for that meeting that you can't be late to?" He asked instead.
"All right," Wufei led him to the door and out into the corridor. This part of the route was familiar- the soft sounds from other rooms, the brisk footsteps of the nurses.
There was the woosh of an automatic door, and Quatre took a deep breath of clean fresh air. He could hear people speaking, the laughter of children... Wufei made a faint noise of dismay.
"What?"
"It looks like the hospital is having some sort of party for the children..."
The days clicked in Quatre's mind and he smiled faintly. "It is Halloween, Wufei. It's to be expected."
"It's not very restful out here."
"Just find me a quiet corner. I'll be fine. It's good to be outside for a change."
Wufei guided him away from the sounds of the children. "Here," he said and eased Quatre into a chair. "I will let the nurses know you are out here. Do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you." Quatre smiled upwards. "Don't be late for that meeting."
He felt Wufei's hand brush against his shoulder, squeeze hard for a moment. "I'll check in on you later."
"All right," Quatre agreed, knowing it was useless to protest. He listened to Wufei's footsteps retreat towards the hospital and leaned back in his chair. The air was crisp and cool against his face, a light breeze teased the edge of the bandage he wore around his useless eyes.
Fall. Trowa's favorite time of year. What had happened to him? Had his carrier been destroyed? Had the attackers murdered him and dragged his body out for the carrion eaters to find?
Guilt tightened Quatre's throat. It was all his fault. Why had he been so insistent on going out to meet the rebels face to face? Une had been against it- but he'd had been so sure he'd be able to talk them around...
He rested his hand on his head and wished he could cry. Wished he'd dare scream... but that would frighten the children and no doubt the nurses would call Wufei back...
"Beloved."
His head snapped up- he hadn't heard footsteps approach. "Trowa-?" he said softly, reaching out a hand, groping in the darkness. Was he going mad?
"It's me."
"Where are you-?" His hand still encountered nothing but air.
"Right here." The voice was near his ear, but he didn't feel any breath, didn't sense any movement. Was he going mad?
If so, it was a sweet insanity... he hoped it lasted.
"Where have you been-? We've- they've been looking for you- for months-"
"I know. I just found out. It took me a long time to get back to civilization- and then-"
"And then...." Quatre repeated, waiting. The realization hit him. "Then you found out- about this?" He gestured towards his face and bit the inside of his lip before he said anything more.
"I did." There was something in Trowa's voice, some feeling, that Quatre could identify. Something that made it grate against his ear. "They only told me that you were in the hospital... that Wufei had been taking care of you..."
"Who is they?" Had others seen Trowa? Maybe he wasn't insane.... But then why couldn't Quatre touch him? Why hadn't he taken Quatre's hand?
"Heero, Duo, Sally..." Trowa's voice trailed off and Quatre drew in a deep breath. Those three were out in the field- wrapping up the fallout of the attack- if they had seen Trowa-
"I don't think they knew the extent of the damage at the time." Quatre said, trying hard to keep his voice even. If only he could see...
"Did they try a regen?"
"Yes. It didn't take. The area is too badly damaged. They're talking about prosthetics now, but..." Quatre managed a rueful smile. "Well, the nerves are shot- and I'm not too sure I want to end up looking like one of the doctors!"
"I'm sorry I wasn't here."
Quatre shook his head violently, reaching out again. "No! It wasn't your fault- the attack- it was mine. I'm the one that insisted we go out there. I'm just relieved you're alive and back again-"
The response was so soft he nearly didn't hear it. "I don't have to be-"
"What?"
"It's been three months, Quatre. I wasn't here- and you've gone through a lot..."
For a moment, he couldn't breathe. "I understand. I'm... damaged... and you.."
The faint sound of exasperation was familiar. "I don't mean that! As if something like this would ever change how I feel!" Fingertips brushed gently over his cheek. "I mean- I haven't been here- and Wufei has-"
Quatre reached up and seized Trowa's hand before he could move out of range again. "Idiot. Wufei has been a good friend. Nothing else. No one could replace you. Don't you dare leave me because you think he's taken your place."
"But it was okay to leave you when you thought I couldn't deal with this?" A gentle touch skimmed over the edges of his bandage.
"That's different."
Warm lips pressed against his. "Idiot."
"That makes two of us then."
Trowa laughed against his lips and Quatre reached up a hand to pull him closer still. "I'm glad you're home."
"Me too."
OWARI
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