by Jenn Abiding
"Why'd you do it?" Duo asked.
"To save-" Trowa started.
"Yeah, yeah," Duo interrupted, "we all know that part. I mean, no one thinks you did it to save Heero." He flashed a big, lopsided grin which faded as he continued, "But why did you want to save Quatre?"
Trowa looked from one boy to the other, meeting Duo's dogged gaze, Quatre's curious one. "I thought we needed him. More than we needed me. Quatre's the brain, after all."
"Yeah," Duo said. "But you should've known we need everyone." The grin stayed this time as he unfolded his legs and got to his feet, tossed the last empty bottle away and announced he was off on a mission to procure more; he was gone before either of them could offer to accompany him.
It was nearly a minute before Quatre broke the silence: "You do know that, don't you?" He tilted his head as he looked at Trowa. "All of us are necessary. That includes you."
Instead of replying, Trowa said, "Why did you have Duo ask me that?"
"Oh." Quatre laughed a little. Then: "How did you know I asked him to?"
Trowa was quiet. "You can talk to me about things, you know," he said at last.
"I know," Quatre nodded.
"You never do anymore," Trowa said, studying the nap of the carpet.
"I do!" Quatre protested. "We talk all-"
"No."
They lapsed into silence again. Quatre thought about wondering aloud what was taking Duo so long. Trowa was on the verge of getting up to go look for him, when Quatre spoke:
"I suppose." He looked to see if Trowa was looking back; when their eyes met, Quatre gave a small, self-deprecating smile and went on with an exhale that wasn't quite a sigh, "I suppose I was thinking you might say something like you couldn't live without me." The flush of his skin, colored by alcohol, deepened as he dropped his gaze. "I wanted you to say that, I guess."
"I can live without you," Trowa said, just as Duo returned triumphantly.
Quatre gratefully took a proffered bottle, intending to chug; but when the glass mouth met his, he merely lapped at the liquid, lingering over the drops without really savoring them as he nursed the drink through one Duo-fueled conversation after another.
They resumed the strategy game they'd been playing earlier, the competitive spirit sparking banter and camaraderie, mock rage and genuine laughter, and Quatre was considering going for another drink - when he found himself eliminated.
"Looks like you don't need me for my brains, after all!" he smiled. "I'll just leave you two to it, then. Good night, Duo. 'Night, Trowa."
He was nearly to his own door when he heard the footfalls, and was starting to look back when he felt the hand on his arm, turning him around fully.
"I can live without you, Quat," Trowa told him, their gazes locked, flickering and then holding steady: "I just choose not to."