�Trowa, stop talking to those lions and get dressed for our performance already. We don�t want to keep our audiences waiting.�

A girl with curly brown hair and gray eyes appeared from behind Trowa and pulled him up from his position by the cages and shoved him into one of the dressing rooms.

�... and try to be nice to the children today. We wouldn�t want to have them growing up scared of clowns, now would we?� she said as she laughed heartily, about to add another remark when she was quickly pulled over to the side.

�Was he telling those lions about his little angel encounter again? It�s bad enough that he wanders around trying to find a church everywhere we go just to look at those angel paintings.�

A large man dressed in a red coat, presumably the ring master looked sternly at the young lady before him.

�You know how he is. He isn�t exactly very social with other people. Just let him do what makes him happy.� the young girl explained.

�Catherine, this isn�t normal! He�s been doing it for years. This little obsession of his is getting out of hand and ...�

�So, you say my heir is still dreaming of angels?� a deep voice suddenly interrupted the conversation between Catherine and the man, startling both of them.

�Mr. Winner!� It was as if the wealthy businessman appeared out of nowhere.

�Don�t worry about him. I, admittedly, still dream about *my* angel and I doubt that I�ve gone insane.� he said, reassuring them.

�I�m sorry. We shouldn�t even be reminding you of these things.� Catherine immediately interrupted, hoping that their recent conversation did not cause their new visitor any grief.

�My son�s memory will always remain with me, but ... I believe that it is time to move on and take care of my *other* son. I know that my angel would have wanted me to.� he said solemnly.

Catherine looked at him and understood what he meant. She was very grateful that she had found her brother and somehow, she believed that the young blonde was *really* Trowa�s angel.

�Mr. Winner, I can�t thank you enough for what you did for my brother. Please, if there�s anything you need, just ask.� she said.

�Well, I was hoping to get vacant seats for tonight�s show. My daughters have been begging me for weeks to come here. They really want to see Trowa.� he suggested, remembering his daughters� antics the night before.

�Excuse me, Mr. Winner, you didn�t happen to bring those foot soldiers with you, did you?� The ring master, quiet for so long, suddenly interjected, afraid of the answer.

�Eh... umm.. you wouldn�t mind, would you?� the man asked hesitantly while scratching his head, a bit embarrassed.

�Nonsense!� Catherine exclaimed. �He wouldn�t mind at all! The thirty seats for you and your daughters will be ready and ... I�ll find a way to get another forty vacant seats. That won�t be a problem.�

The ring master�s eyes widened but Catherine quickly calmed him down by reassuring him that she would take care of everything.

�Well, as long as Catherine promises to do it, I wouldn�t mind.� he said, addressing Mr. Winner.

Meanwhile, from one of the far tents, Trowa was watching the exchange. His movements were focused on dressing himself, but his eyes and ears were concentrated on the interaction he was observing.

True, he had been deemed insane by many, but nobody had the heart to confront him. He knew what was happening, but didn�t mind at all. All his thoughts were focused on the more important details of his life such as the gifts his angel from long ago had given him.

It came as a great shock to the five year old to see something as horrid as the execution of his angel. He never believed the scene he witnessed before him, thinking that it was all just a bad dream. Even after ten years, he still hoped that his angel would return, not understanding that *his* angel was a deceased being named Quatre Raberba Winner.

His beliefs, of course, had some ground to it. After all, his angel had given him everything he had promised. He now had a family, ... two families even. He lived with his true family, his sister Catherine and often, his adopted family would visit him. Not only had his angel granted him his wish, he also got an extra family out of the deal. That wasn�t bad at all.

Now, Trowa never remembered asking for candy other than the ones offered to him that glorious night, but he was given that anyway. True, his abundance of candy could not be eaten but it sure was useful when he wanted to buy something. He was the new Winner heir, one of the richest beings in the universe. His credibility was never contested and nobody tried to harm him because of that. What more could he ask for?

�I still want to see my angel.� he thought, never believing that magnificent being from long ago had actually left him. After all, how could he grant Trowa�s every wish if he no longer existed?

Trowa started to debate with himself yet again as a hoard of women came pouring in his room, unaware that their little brother was still not fully dressed.

********************

Somewhere, in a different part of the world, an old woman could be seen laying on her deathbed, oblivious to the noise that was filling her surroundings.

�Maman, ne nous laissez pas, s�il vous plaît!� [1] could be heard over and over again as grieving family members wailed uncontrollably.

The loud and rather disturbing cries only seemed to intensify the depressing mood of the people that were in the hospital. The nurses, hearing the sounds of turmoil, were quick to their feet. They immediately entered the room, intending to calm down the mourning family.

The old woman, in turn, still did not notice the chaos that was permeating the air. She just gazed quietly and steadily at the wall before her. All of a sudden, bright lights emanated from the walls, engulfing her surroundings and engaging her senses.

From that brilliant light emerged a boy with glorious white wings that spread from end to end. Above his head was a golden ring that glowed intensely, accenting his beautiful blonde hair and immaculate face.

�Vous êtes un ange, n�est ce pas?� [2] the woman said with a hoarse voice, unable to take her eyes off the splendid figure that was floating before her.

�Oui.� [3] he said, his voice sounding sweet against the other, now inaudible sounds that filled the room. ��tes-vous prêt à venir avec moi?� [4] he then asked.

His eyes were clear and bright, full of promise and sincerity that the old woman could not help but reach out to the hand that was offered to her. It was at that instant that she felt at peace, looking thoughtfully down at the world she was leaving behind.

�How did the last one in Luxembourg go?�

An angel of bigger stature who looked elegant with golden blonde hair that flowed through his back emerged from the curtain of clouds, beckoning the smaller one before him to move closer. An air of wisdom and authority surrounded him as he floated amidst the heavenly sight.

�It went well.� the smaller angel simply answered as he flopped down on a stray cloud that drifted by.

�Quatre, you really don�t seem pleased with the results.�

The younger angel Quatre released an exasperated sigh and looked down at his feet that swung back and forth while he shifted positions on his comfortable, makeshift seat. He knew that now was the best time to explain to the other how he really felt about his duties.

�I really don�t like taking souls away from those that cherish them.� The statement was short and simple, but it held a lot of truth and meaning to it.

�But this task fits you perfectly.� was the response. �I doubt that there are any souls out there that would refuse you. It just takes one look at you for anybody to trust you unconditionally.�

�That�s what�s disturbing me.�

The older angel�s face lit up with amusement and wonder at the other�s remark. He looked at Quatre earnestly, his questioning face eliciting a hesitant answer.

�I�d rather be a guardian.� Quatre said softly, embarrassed at his seemingly selfish request. All the angels had their own duties which they performed without question. Unfortunately, he was unhappy with his. He felt guilty, but he also felt that he was reasonable.

�That involves a lot of work and attention.� the other quickly answered.

�I�m aware of that.�

The smaller angel was very proud of his answer. He knew that he could handle the responsibilities that would be given to him, whatever they were. It was obvious that this was what he had wanted for so long.

He raised his chin up in pride. His eyes were pleading and almost demanding when he stared hopefully at the magnificent figure before him. The figure could not help but notice the other angel�s resolution.

�Well then, ...� the older angel said, a bit hesitant of what he was going to do �... we�ll see what can be done about that.�

Quatre immediately bolted from his seat and ran straight for the one before him. They both landed softly on the clouds as the young angel embraced his guardian thankfully.

Composing himself as he stood, the older, now disheveled angel said �I should have known that was coming.�

He watched the excitement build in the young one�s eyes. All he could do was shake his head in disbelief, remembering that he had once guarded a little boy named Quatre Raberba Winner, naughty but sweet, naive yet determined.

********************

Back in the circus, Trowa tried, unsuccessfully, to hide himself from the stares he was receiving. He grabbed the first piece of clothing he could get a hold of and tried to cover as much of himself as possible.

�Woah! Trowa, have you been working out?�

�Oh my, our little brother has become a hunk�a hunk�a man since we�ve last seen him!�

Trowa just stood in the middle of the crowd of women gathering around him, furiously blushing and still trying to clothe his bare self. It was getting harder for him to do so when his pathways were blocked from all sides. He reached blindly for the rest of his outfit and suddenly felt someone poking his arm.

�Trowa, these are really well-defined biceps. How much do you lift? ... and is that a six pack?�

One of his sisters grabbed a hold of the insufficient cover Trowa was holding against himself and exposed his perfectly sculpted stomach. Within seconds, the crowd moved even closer into the circle as mounds of women examined him and bombarded him with questions as well as complements.

�You know, it�s a wonder you don�t have a girlfriend. You�re absolutely stunning! What do you say, girls? Shall we set him up with someone?�

It didn�t take long before someone answered. �I agree! ...but first, we�ve got to spice up his personality. That would be a good start!�

The tent was then, filled with voices of young women, giggling and making numerous suggestions. By this time, Trowa had given up on trying to hide himself. He just stood shyly in his spot with face cast downwards, hoping that his savior would come soon.

Fortunately, his silent pleas were heard when Mr. Winner entered the tent.

�Girls, I think that Trowa needs to get ready without us disturbing him. He�ll be late for his performance.� He motioned his hand towards the exit. All the twenty nine women looked at their father and followed him obediently out the tent, each giving Trowa a good luck kiss.

Before following his daughters out, Mr. Winner gave Trowa a pat in the back. �Good luck, son.� he said and then left.

Just as he thought that he would be spared from further embarrassment, a sister peeked in the tent and said, in a hurry �...Trowa, we brought you some new outfits and some other stuff for your place. I bet you�ll never guess what today�s theme will be. Bye. See you later.�

Trowa froze after that and started picturing his room in colorful wallpapers, filled with stuffed elephants and lions, and of course, clown shaped pillows. He couldn�t help but shudder at the thought.

Moments later, he heard Catherine�s voice calling him, effectively ending his musings.

�Hurry up! It�s almost time for our act. Your adoring fans await you!� she said as she chuckled to herself because she knew exactly what was going to happen. Of course, this wasn�t the first time his adopted family had come to visit.

When the curtains rose, Trowa tried as hard as he could to look anywhere but *at* the crowd. He was blushing again as he presented himself before his audience. It felt strange that the only time he felt uneasy was when his �family� was watching. The roaring cheers form the crowd only seemed to further his discomfort.

�That�s our baby!�

�Master Trowa, watch out for those knives!�

�We�ll save you from those lions, Master Trowa!�

Trowa felt like a cute little two year old, subjected to hours of presentation to aunts that would constantly pinch his cheek. On the other hand, he was overjoyed that he now had two loving families that lived to praise him.

Ignoring, or at least trying to ignore the familiar voices, Trowa tried his best to look professional by not hiding his face behind his hands. Amazingly enough, he was able to keep a straight face that gave nothing away of how he felt at that moment. The only signs of uneasiness that could be seen was through his slightly flushed cheeks. Catherine couldn�t help but be amused by her brother�s reactions, hidden from the crowd but very visible from her view.

********************

�Congratulations! You are now a guardian.�

The news came quickly for the young angel who had been patiently for the older angel�s return.

�Really? That was fast!�

Before the other could even prepare himself, the small load was again attached to him as they both fell softly on the clouds under them.

�Thank you.� Quatre said with much delight. �Even in heaven, you still watch over me.�

�Believe me. I�ve always enjoyed that responsibility� The older angel answered.

He lifted the still elated angel off of him and deposited him on a cloud that drifted by.

�Look...� he said. �I�ve got to prepare you for this. As much as I enjoy your enthusiasm, I doubt that you know exactly what to do.�

Quatre nodded, looking much like a child who was excited to learn about something new.

�You will be guarding the soul of a boy.� he began. �Umm, I don�t know how to explain this ... how shall I say it? Well, he�s never had a guardian before.�

�That�s awful!� Quatre said, looking sorrowfully at the other.

�Don�t so that! You�re going to make me cry!� The older angel was teasing but he did get swept away by the other�s expression. He sat beside Quatre and continued.

�It seems that we made a mistake. He�s been accidentally looked over on the list. These kinds of mistakes are very improbable, but it does happen. Don�t worry!� he suddenly piped up. �That means that he�s always been meant for you. Otherwise, his soul wouldn�t have come up just when we were trying to find you a match. Now, isn�t that nice?�

Quatre nodded his head again, excitement being replaced with a solemn expression.

�He�s a little unresponsive, a bit sad even, but I know that you�ll make him happy. You will, won�t you?� the older angel asked, shaking Quatre out of his despondent state.

�Of course I will!� Quatre cried out in defense for his capabilities.

�I don�t doubt you, Quatre. I�m sure you will.�

It didn�t take long for Quatre to hear everything he needed to know about the soul he was going to be watching over. Within minutes, he was able to commit every single detail to memory. Now, there was only one, important detail left out.

�So, what�s his name?� he asked.

�Let me check.�

The older angel looked through what seemed like a file of some sort and then said �... Trowa Barton.�

Quatre was stunned at the familiarity of the name. He had faint memories of a friend he had met years ago. He remembered a sad, despondent boy dressed like a clown. The events that took place afterward hit him like a bullet that instantly awakened him to the gravity of the situation.

�I promised him so many things.�

His thoughts were overflowing with guilt at the realization that he had not been able to check back on the boy ever since he left the mortal realm.

Quatre spread his wings right away and prepared himself for his journey below.

�You�re wrong.�

The abrupt response from Quatre only seemed to puzzle the older angel that was regarding him with immense concentration.

�He *had* a guardian. His angel had just been too busy doing something else. Trowa�s been waiting for his angel to return someday.�

Passion and determination now surrounded Quatre as he took flight.

�He�ll get his wish because his angel is returning to him.�

The sweet voice was now inaudible as the newly appointed guardian made his way down to the beautiful expanse of the earth.

********************

When Quatre arrived at his destination, he found Trowa walking out of a tent, looking very exhausted for some reason.

�Those performances must be tough.� Quatre thought.

His theory was proven wrong when he spotted someone very familiar grab Trowa�s arm.

�Ok, remember what we said. Be careful Trowa!�

Of course, it was just like his dear sister to tire out anybody by the simple act of redecorating a room. Before he could even take a closer look at his sister, she disappeared into the tent as quickly as she appeared.

Trowa was ready to begin his walk when he was stopped by a deep voice, also familiar to Quatre.

�Master Trowa, it would be very dangerous for you to roam the streets at night. Perhaps it would be wise if we accompany you.�

�So, my family had taken care of him after all.� Quatre was now talking to himself.

Trowa, on the other hand, was beginning to get tired of the constant protection he had around him. He was very grateful of everyone�s concern so he just wanted to respond courteously. He massaged his forehead trying to think of a polite translation for �leave me alone.�

Quatre noticed his exasperation from his position behind the bushes. He couldn�t help but let out a small chuckle as he remembered the attention he also received from his loving, but overprotective family. The chuckle immediately turned into laughter. Quatre had to quickly cover his mouth when he saw Trowa stare at the bushes with clear annoyance.

�What are you afraid of? He can�t see you.� Quatre had to remind himself of that fact. Otherwise, he wouldn�t be able to concentrate on doing his job. Being nervous never seemed to help him with anything he had to do.

�Oh, right!� he exclaimed, now with more confidence, knowing that none of this would be heard.

After reassuring himself one more time, he looked back at Trowa who now had three of his sisters trying to convince the larger man to allow Trowa solitude for the night.

�He�s old enough for this. Aren�t you, Trowa?�

Trowa did not say a word but he answered with his head nodding vigorously. Trowa was completely amazed that his sisters would let him out alone.

�If that�s what makes Master Trowa happy.� The large man said in defeat.

Relief came over Trowa as he walked towards his destination. Quatre began to follow him but stopped briefly to catch the faint whispers from the tent.

�Let him do this. Let him fulfill his desires and his illusions. So much has been taken from him. I know that this kind of self-imposed therapy could help him.�

�But Master Quatre was...�

�Perhaps Quatre�s fate was inevitable. As much as I�d hate to say it, I think that he was taken for a very good reason. I�m sure that he was always meant to be an angel.�

Quatre smiled at his sisters� accuracy and continued to follow Trowa into the darkness of the night.

The church was empty and very quiet when Trowa came in. After giving his respects, he made his way to the paintings on the walls. He looked with great concentration at the lovely artwork that surrounded him. Chubby angels covered in golden tassels danced before his eyes.

His expression changed and his eyes burned with fascination as he examined the walls, carefully feeling the texture of the paintings in his fingertips.

All this time, Quatre had been watching him with as much concentration as Trowa had for the painted angels. It was only in the light that Quatre had noticed Trowa�s features, previously hidden by the dark night.

Trowa still looked somber after all those years. However, he looked absolutely striking against the soft light that filled the inside of the church.

�You�re amazing! You just radiate with an absolute splendor I can�t begin to explain.�

Quatre was immediately awakened from his dazed state as Trowa exited the church through the majestic doors. Trowa walked back home in silence looking extremely bored, very distressed, and oddly annoyed as he had been earlier when he stared at the bushes.

Quatre continued following him, every now and then giving insightful comments about the figure that walked before him.

He then saw Trowa turn right instead of the intended direction as if trying to avoid something. This caught Quatre�s attention right away. He became very worried at the other�s disregard for safety and voiced out his concern.

�What is wrong with you?�

He knew that it was crazy to talk to someone who couldn�t hear you, but he continued nonetheless.

�I can�t understand this! What am I going to do with you?�

All of a sudden, a voice other than his own cut through the darkness of the night.

�Stop following me.�

Quatre looked left and right to find out who Trowa was talking to in a seemingly deserted street. He instantly paled, however, when he found out that he was the only one around.

********************

�You can see me?� Quatre asked.

�Of course, that white outfit easily contrasts with the dark surroundings.� The response was simple for Trowa who did dare to look in Quatre�s direction.

Quatre couldn�t say anything in response to that short, straightforward reply. He blushed, remembering all that he had said out loud the whole time he had been watching and following Trowa.

�This isn�t funny.�

The cold, detached voice interrupted Quatre�s thoughts and completely baffled him.

�What do you mean?�

�Who hired you?�

All Quatre was getting were very rude, evasive questions. Although he now understood the source of the other�s distress, he was surprised that he could actually be heard or even be seen by a mortal soul. Another idea that stunned Quatre was the fact that Trowa did not appreciate the presence of his own guardian. He doubted that anyone, given the privilege to see such a great phenomenon, would inconsiderately toss aside the event with such uncouth questions of disbelief.

His fogged mind could not comprehend the situation and so he decided to have Trowa repeat the question if only to confirm what he heard.

�Could you say that again?�

�I said, �who hired you?��

�Why would you ask me something like that?�

This time, it was Quatre�s turn to ask the questions.

�There is no need for you to go any further. I understand the joke and I don�t mind as long as you leave me alone.�

�What joke?�

Trowa turned to regard the person he was talking to. He intended to answer the naive question. Shock ran through his system, though, when he saw his companion. He was too stunned to utter a word.

Complete silence followed as Trowa studied the �hired� angel that stood gloriously before his eyes.

�You look just like him, only older.� he finally said, feeling a wave of disappointment at the realization that none of this was real.

His looked away and his eyes were now downcast as he headed, this time, to the right direction.

�I know people think I�m insane.�

Not once did he even try to look back at the person he was talking to.

�You�re the third �fake� angel this month. I must say, they�re getting better every time. Go ahead and report back to your employer. Enjoy a good laugh, but please leave me in peace.�

Quatre stood still, trying to digest what he had just heard. Shock and sorrow completely paralyzed him.

He made no attempt to continue the conversation and decided to return when he would know exactly what to say or do. He stretched his wings and lifted himself from the ground. He flew up without even informing the other of his departure.

Trowa kicked a can in anger while walking back home. All of a sudden, a gush of wind blew through his back. Wanting to know the source of the strange movement in a completely deserted street, he looked back only to find the angel gone.

His eyes scanned the area entirely and found no trace of his former companion. His mind tried to comprehend the possibilities of such an event, but his heart told him that this time, it was not an illusion.

Just as he turned back to walk home, a white feather landed before his feet. He noticed that it�s glow rivaled the darkness surrounding him. It�s aura glimmered, creating a wave of mystery that tried to convince him of something.

It was at that moment that all his mind�s questions were answered and all his heart�s hopes confirmed.

********************

�You left him? Why? You�re supposed to be a guardian. You are not allowed to leave his side!�

The older angel was completely caught by surprise when Quatre appeared behind him looking very perplexed. He, too, was confused by Quatre�s sudden disregard for his new �responsibility.� He had thought earlier that the young angel was very eager to meet the soul of Trowa Barton. Now, it seemed like his assumptions were wrong.

Without waiting for a question, Quatre explained himself.

�He saw me. He was confused. *I* was confused. It came as a shock. I didn�t know what to tell him. He thought I was a fake. I didn�t know that it was possible for them to see us. I didn�t know what to do.�

The explanations came pouring out of his mouth, making him look somewhat like a child who had been accused of a grave fault.

�Calm down. You�re not going to be condemned for leaving him.�

It looked like the young angel was going to continue even after the reassurance.

It was only after Quatre stopped his passionate defense for himself that the older angel explained what he understood about the situation.

�To my knowledge, no human soul is supposed to see us. Perhaps he had made this wish before and now it�s being granted.�

�Are you telling me that everyone down there gets what they wish for?�

�No. Only *his* wishes are granted.�

�He�s that special, huh?�

�No, not exactly. There is a possibility that he was granted this wish in exchange for our little mishap. Remember, he was never assigned a guardian.�

�Isn�t that dangerous?�

The older angel laughed at the unrestrained curiosity of the young angel.

�He has a pure soul, Quatre. Such souls would never take advantage of such a rare opportunity. We make sure of that. Besides, he doesn�t even know that he could do it.�

�What am I supposed to do?�

Panic quickly returned to Quatre as he remembered that he still had to return.

�That�s for you to think about. I can�t help you with this. Now, move along before Trowa gets into any kind of danger.�

Quatre couldn�t protest so he spread his wings and flew back down to the earth. The talk he had with the older angel did very little to contain his anxiety. Possible solutions to the situation were debated within his head as he slowly descended.

�I knew this was going to be hard for him.� the older angel thought to himself.

�I still don�t understand why they would give Quatre such a difficult case. He�s just a neophyte after all.�

Back on earth, Quatre materialized right in front of Trowa during one of his more dangerous performances. Quatre�s shocked mind was only able to process his surroundings when he felt very little support beneath his feet. In fact, the only thing that was holding him up was a thin rope.

Whatever balance he had was lost when Trowa, who was looking straight at him, said �What took you so long?�

The rope shook as he slipped. Before he could even flap his wings to levitate, Trowa grabbed his arm, easily pulling him back up.

�Oh my! A balancing act *and* a mime act. This is incredible!�

The audience cheered louder as they saw the young acrobat reach down to catch what they thought was an imaginary object.

�I can fly you know.� Quatre said.

He was a bit annoyed that it was him instead of Trowa who was surprised from their encounter under very unusual circumstances. He was, after all, the �mythical� being whose existence had not been proven in the realm of human consciousness. His arms were crossed and he tried to frown.

�I�ve missed you, Quatre.�

�What?�

Quatre�s balance was again lost at the sudden mention of his supposedly unspecified name.

Trowa did not waste any time as he grabbed the bewildered angel and hugged him tight, unmindful of the now completely baffled crowd beneath him.

It was then that Quatre remembered, once again, exactly what had happened the first time they met. He remembered the quiet boy being too forward and his unprepared self completely agreeing with whatever the other desired.

�Umm, Trowa, everyone�s going to think you�re crazy.�

�I don�t care.�

The answer was short and simple, promising that the tight embrace was not going to end any time soon.

********************

The weeks that followed proved to be some of the best times of Trowa�s life. People noticed that he smiled more. He would occasionally engage in small conversations that completely amazed all that knew him well. His sisters, in fact, would notice that instead of hiding in his corner, he would now participate in the redecoration of his own room. Although still reluctant to have a circus themed room, he would willingly indulge his sisters� obsessions.

There was, however, something peculiar about him that everyone noticed. True, they did enjoy the more open side of Trowa, but they did feel disturbed about his recent behavior.

Often, they would find him sitting under the shade of a tree, talking to the wind, the air, or some inanimate object within his voice range. During performances, he also seemed to be in conversation with an imaginary friend. Talking to the lions was already strange enough, but this new act of talking to himself was even more unusual.

Strange as it seemed, nobody minded this behavior. It didn�t look healthy but it proved to be more effective than the most advanced medications available.

Years passed and soon, Trowa was an old man. Nightly performances were no longer a part of his schedule. Nonetheless, he still involved himself in the many activities of the circus. He taught all the newcomers, took care of the animals, organized groups while also attending to his immense wealth.

He was a constant visitor to numerous orphanages and had been known to donate large sums. Everyone adored him and praised him for living such an accomplished life. All this time he had fulfilled his life�s dreams with his angel by his side.

One day, while walking on the shoreline in the early morning, he reluctantly told his angel something that had been bothering him for years.

�My only regret is that I never had you as my own.�

The angel beside him turned to regard him, quite puzzled by the remark. His questioning eyes were still beautiful against his mysterious form.

�What do you mean?� he asked with the same sweet voice that had soothed Trowa for years.

�What I mean is ....� Trowa paused to thoroughly think about what he had to say.

�You�re an angel and I�m human. As much as I�ve wanted to, I can�t have you completely for myself.�

�I *am* yours, Trowa. I�m your guardian, remember?�

�Is that all you�ll ever be?�

Quatre was stunned with the question. He seriously did not understand where this was going.

He tried to find the meaning behind Trowa�s words and when he did, sadness filled his entire being. Trowa loved him just as he loved Trowa. Their situation was so complicated and seemingly hopeless.

�Look at us right now.�

Trowa interrupted Quatre�s thoughts.

�We will never grow old together. We may share each other�s company, but I ...�

He didn�t know how to put his feelings into words.

�I love what we have right now. I�m not complaining, but I feel that this ...� He moved his hands to indicate their condition. �... isn�t complete. I just wonder how it would have been if it had happened differently.�

Quatre hovered over to face Trowa. He looked at him intently, leaned over, closed his eyes, and delivered a gentle kiss.

�Maybe in a different lifetime.� he said and then repeated in a hushed tone. �... Maybe in a different lifetime.�

He went back to his position beside Trowa and tried to change the mood of the atmosphere.

�So, if you were given the chance to live differently, what would you change?�

�Probably my eccentric behavior.�

�Trowa, you�re not weird, just unique in your own way.�

�People say that I�m too quiet.�

�True, but everyone has a reason for acting the way they do.�

Trowa looked at Quatre with the intention of asking the same question.

�What would *you* change?�

�Umm, I ... don�t know. I�m not really sure. Maybe...�

�You�re perfect the way you are.�

The sudden interruption caught Quatre off guard. He blushed furiously while Trowa regarded him, unwavering. Trowa was amused that after all this time, Quatre was still not used to his use of unending stream of compliments. Perhaps it was something he picked up from his sisters. Nevertheless, he loved using it if only to watch his angel turn lovely shades of pink.

Noticing that Quatre felt awkward, he decided voice out his mind�s many scenarios.

�Maybe I should be an evil pawn of darkness and you, an angel. We�ll meet each other and you�ll turn my life around. We�ll fall in love all over again.�

�That would be nice, but it would pose a problem since the world is huge. You can�t be sure that we would actually meet each other.� Quatre said in response.

Trowa took his angel�s hand and simply said �I�ll find you.�