Radiance

It's been a year since I last saw him, and even longer since we spoke. I'm unsure when it was sure he saw me last. I know he's been looking for me off and on for a while now. The last time he saw me for certain was the day we set the self destruct on our Gundams for the final time.

After that he returned to his family, taking over as the young heir he was went to be. He was one of the people at the forefront of solidifying the new-found stability of peace. Finally playing the role that he was always meant to, though managing far greater due to his experiences. The experiences all of us soldiers of the war share to some extent.

Looking up in time I see him enter the bar. It's St. Patrick's day, so although it's early in the evening the place is already busy. It'll be work later on, but I suspect that neither of us will stay until that time.

He's grown into a handsome young man over the years. Even though I've always found him attractive, that doesn't stop the butterflies from stirring. Though doubts begin to run through my mind again, but it's already too late. He's spotted me and is making his way over.

This time he is certain of my identity, I can see it in his eyes. Eyes that were once full of such passion and warmth. They've become cool and guarded over the years.

People say that war is bad; but to me, business is even worse. I find the two concepts to be very much alike. Though with war, you know it's all around you. Who your enemies are, and with whom you can count on as allies. With business however, one can never be certain of anything. The lengths some go to in order to undermind their competitors can only be considered ruthless.

I think the main reason Quatre hasn't fallen from grace, yet maintained his strength as a leader is due to his time in the war. As Gundam pilots we went through a lot, and not much of it was pretty.

"Trowa," setting himself across from me. "It's good to finally see you again." He offers be a smile, and although it's not nearly as radiant as it once was, it's brighter then it's been in a while.

I return his smile, soft though it may be. "It is. Though understandable considering how busy you have been." He shifts nervously, not in a way most people would notice. But I'm not most people. "I'm proud of what you're doing. There's not many who have the fortitude to do what you are, and last so long."

A breath of calmed nerves escapes his lips, and I know what I said was the right thing. Of course, I truly do believe what I said. I don't think I would last the day if we were to switch places. The very thought of it scares me.

He's talking again, and I blink, realizing that I've missed most of what he's said. "You're not even listening, are you?" It's not an accusation, but more of an amused statement.

"I'm sorry," having the decency to at least appear slightly ashamed for myself. "I was just distracted thinking about how good you look right now."

A blush dusts across his cheeks, which sparks my interest. "I... thank you." The blush settling in even deeper. "There's been something I've been wanting to tell you. Something I wasn't completely sure of, nor ready to say the last time we spoke."

This grabs my attention, and I can only wonder what it is that he's been holding in for so long. "You know you can tell me anything Quatre, we're friends for life." I find that the easiest way to say that we'll always share a certain bond because we were Gundam pilots. The same can be said about the others as well. There will always be that connection between us that nobody else can ever touch.

"I know, it's just..." he takes a soft sigh. This must really be something hard for him to say. I've never seen him this flustered before. A look of determination flashes in his eyes, and I know that he's just going to blurt it out. "I think I'm in love with you...!"

I place my finger on his lips, knowing full well he was about to go into the speech he had prepared in his mind for this. "I believe you Quatre. I know you won't say something like this without it being true."

With his lips free to move again, he sighs. "You hate me now, don't you?" I hate to say it, but he looks as though somebody kicked his puppy. In my opinion, that is an expression he should never wear.

"Far from it actually. I'm glad you waited until now to tell me. I don't think either of us were ready to deal with the magnitude of what you've said tonight. In all honesty, I don't think it would have lasted if we were to have had a relationship back then. It probably would have ended messily, which wouldn't have been something I would have wanted." He's probably gone into shock with the amount that I've said. Not that I blame him though. It's rare that I speak this much, only when I believe it to be important. To me, there's nothing more important then Quatre.

"I don't understand Trowa... what are you trying to say?" This confused look is a far better expression then the previous one, but it's not quite what I'm going for.

"I'm in love with you as well, Quatre." I hold a hand out for him, having stood and moved towards his side of the table. The place is becoming to crowded to continue this talk. "Let's continue this elsewhere... your place perhaps?"

Taking my hand, he rises from his seat. With a nod he smiles for me, leading me out of this place.

The look I've been searching for emerges. That one aspect of him that I've been dreaming of all these years is once again shining in his smile.

His Radiance.