The two boys sneaked out of the mansion, which to their surprise, went successfully. They were expecting to hear a cold voice from Heero asking where they're going, but they got out without any interference.
"Look at this, Trowa!!"
Trowa couldn't help but smile at the sight of his friend running about in the big shopping mall. The size of this shopping mall amazed both him and Quatre. In fact, this was one of the largest mall on earth.... not including the destroyed ones.
"When we have our vacation, lets all go check it out!!"
Trowa remembered when the mall was on the news, announcing its grand opening and Duo's eyes sparkling.
"Let's go together, ne?"
And remembered Quatre whispering beside his ear, careful not to make audible for anyone else.
"Duo looks good with this cap. Ne, Trowa?"
Quatre turned around, wearing a red cap. Trowa didn't know why, but all he saw was his beloved blond, smiling at him, even though he knew what he should really see is a boy with a long brown hair.
"..I guess red is his color."
Trowa smiled.
"You think so?"
Quatre took the cap in his hand and examined it. He grinned.
"I'm going to buy it for him. I hope he'll like it."
Quatre ran up to the cashier.
Trowa knew it. He knew that inside Duo's body was his Quatre. Everything he did, every smile he showed... It was Quatre for sure. He knew it from the beginning, but now, he had no doubt.
After dinner at Quatre's favorite restaurant, they were comfortably in each other's arms in Quatre's room. Once again, they snuck in without anyone noticing. Trowa knew how resourceful Heero was, and thought maybe he was being prudent. But it didn't matter. What mattered was that Quatre was in his arms.
This moment was all that mattered to Trowa.
"...I had a great day today, Trowa.."
Quatre turned his face to Trowa and kissed him.
"Thank you."
Even though Trowa was sure it was Quatre, he couldn't help but feel a little guilt kissing Duo's lips. It was like using Duo's body for their own good.
"I know... I feel a little strange too..."
Quatre looked down.
Trowa was always surprised by how Quatre could read his mind so easily. His expression should be steady, keeping all his thoughts inside. Like Heero.
But somehow, Quatre always knew how Trowa thought and felt.
It was almost a miracle.
"Trowa?... Have you ever wondered...."
Trowa waited. Quatre shook his head.
"....Never mind..."
Trowa kissed Quatre's cheeks from behind.
"No. I want to hear."
Quatre inhaled deeply and was quiet for a while. He slowly got up from Trowa's embrace and wandered to the window. He leaned on it, and shivered a little when his cheek touched the chilly surface. He embraced his chest and gazed at the night sky.
"..Look at the stars, Trowa... It's so beautiful.."
Trowa sat motionless on the bed, watching Quatre's every move.
"...Have you ever wondered... what's it like... up there..?.."
Quatre kept observing the sparkling stars, while Trowa tried to comprehend what Quatre had just said.
"...I really don't believe in heaven and hell, Trowa... I believe that when people die, we all go to the same place... Up there with the stars..."
Trowa tried to respond, but all he could do was to stare at the boy, with aura of light surrounding him. Quatre almost looked transparent...
"Even as we die.... those stars will keep shining... like nothing ever happened.."
Quatre closed his eyes and smiled.
"...They will always shine..."
"Quatre!!"
Trowa dashed to Quatre and locked him in a tight embrace.
"Don't.... leave.. me!.."
The site of Quatre standing there smiling, with countless stars glowing in the back was too much. Trowa was afraid Quatre would fade into thin air.
"Quatre.. I know what you're saying... But I can't!.."
Trowa knew what Quatre was getting at. He wanted Trowa to go on with his life, like nothing ever happened. Like the stars that never stops burning.
"Trowa... I am here.. And I always will be.."
Quatre faced Trowa and buried his face in Trowa's chest. He wanted to stay like this forever.
".....I have to go.."
Trowa squeezed his eyes shut.
He finally made his decision.
"I'm sorry, Duo..."
"Trowa?!"
Trowa suddenly picked Quatre up and gently placed him on the bed. Quatre was shocked.
"....Trowa..."
"I know Quatre... I know it's Duo's body... But!.."
Trowa nestled on top of Quatre.
"...Please... Quatre.."
Trowa took Quatre's hand and kissed it so tenderly.
"Trowa!"
Quatre's face was wet with tears. He pulled down Trowa for a deep kiss. Trowa kissed back, holding Quatre's head. They locked their eyes.
"..Duo gave me this second chance... Another chance to be with you.... And I am not going to waste any of it..."
They didn't want to let go.
But they both knew the harsh reality.
The stars watched as they both thanked each other.
I am thankful that you were born
I am thankful that I've met you
I am thankful that I fell in love with you
They were both uncertain how the future is going to be like, or when they'll meet again.
But one thing for sure.
At that moment
they were one.
To Epilogue