She packed everything she planned on taking back home. It wasn’t much. ‘All I have is business suits.’ She suddenly realized.

Depressed eyes looked at all the folded clothes she’d yet to pack, not feeling any better. ‘Did I take ANY ‘fun’ clothes with me?’

Her lower lip jutted out a little, knowing the answer. She didn’t have TIME to have any fun, unless it was at work.

With slow, thoughtful movements, hands moved to those suits, putting them back where they belonged.

She had a lot to wear at home so all she brought were her bathroom necessities and undergarments. Grabbing her bag, those deep eyes looked around the relatively small bedroom one last time, as if she wasn’t coming back.

A soft knock on the front door invaded the silence, startling her. Even though she was on the other side of her apartment, it sounded like someone was pounding on the door. She blinked slowly and turned to the doorway. She stopped again and leaned against the frame, wishing to be as solid as the wood she used for support.

One hand came to lightly cover her face with a distressing thought. ‘I’m never going to be able to survive the funeral.’ Tears threatened, but didn’t make an appearance. The knock sounded again and she forced herself to move.

He stood on the other side, his fist poised to knock a third time. He wondered if she was home because she purposely told him to pick her up. She didn’t want to walk the entire way and wanted to save what little money she had to keep from taking a cab. He wholeheartedly agreed, not thinking she could survive walking.

The door slowly opened, revealing the sorry slip of a girl before him. His heart wrenched. He knew she wouldn’t be feeling very good about having to go back to Earth, but she looked like the walking dead. Still, he resolved to be strong for her, like she needed him to be.

Giving a small comforting smile when she met his eyes, he hand extended to politely take her bag. She stared at it for a second before minutely shaking her head and silently handing it over.

Her keys jangled in the quiet as she searched for the deadbolt. The two locks clicked into place. She mentally knew it was impolite to not invite him in, even for a few seconds, but she figured he’d seen enough of the dump.

The two walked down the stairs and outside, to a gorgeous cloudless day. Her teeth grit against each other. ‘It needs to be CLOUDY and RAINING!’

He helped her in the car and gave the bag to the driver to lock in the truck. He wondered what she packed that hardly weighed anything. He packed a few bags, hoping he wasn’t bringing too much to spread around.

He got in the car with her, the two casting it into silence. She was still brooding over her overshadowed situation and he was wondering about intruding on her family. It was a time of mourning and he was going to be basically living there for a week.

Lightly biting his lip, slightly worried eyes looked out the window at the passing scenery. ‘I REALLY hope the uneasiness leaves, and SOON.’

~*~*~

The darkness of space flew by, throwing passing stars their way. Her deep, thoughtful eyes stared at it in a transfixed morbid curiosity. Her mind was thankfully blanked half of the time, but the rest was thinking about the funeral and if she was going to be able to pull everything off.

‘It’s possible...’

After that day in his office, she tried to cry for her mother. She tried to cry those mourning tears, trying to mimic the pain to let it flow out of her so she could get RID of it. But she was unable to squeeze out more than a few drops of the salty liquid before her eyes mysteriously dried up. She blinked absentmindedly, never moving. It was as though her entire body was a statue.

“Excuse me Master Quatre.” Her ears perked up at the attendant who stopped their way, but didn’t bother looking. No one was speaking to her, so what was the point?

He looked up from the book he borrowed from his father’s office, finding now no better time to read it. Divinity was too preoccupied with whatever was plaguing her and he wasn’t going to get anything out of her. He already TRIED.

“Yes?” He asked, giving a small smile.

“We’re going to be approaching Earth in about twenty minutes. Landing should be shortly after. Do you want me to inform you when we approach the landing strip?”

“No, thank you.”

Going back to his book was pointless, the entranced spell broken. He closed it, not being able to get back into the plot again. Setting it in his travel case, he leaned back and stretched slightly, being mindful of the passenger sitting right next to him.

One hand stretched down to lean the seat back somewhat, trying to get a little more comfortable till they landed. Entwining both hands, they rested over his stomach, elbows covering some of the armrests. Closing his eyes to complete the picture of comfort, he decided on one last attempt to get the stoic girl to talk. “Are you at least a LITTLE happy to be going back home?” He softly asked. “Even for the wrong purposes?”

She leaned back in her seat and finally looked away from the stars. Her short-lived peace was shattered by his question. ‘Damn it...’ It was nice to blank out for a good portion of the trip, to not think of reality for a while. Now she had no choice. She was well aware of her introvert behavior and knew she should be a little more grateful and a little less silent to her caring friend. He WAS, after all, supplying the plane and agreeing to take a week off of work to selflessly help her with matters that didn’t concern him.

“It will be good to be back on my home soil.” She softly admitted. “I have been away from Spain too long and my heart yearns for its soft embrace.”

Slowly, his eyes opened and looked at her with a little worry sparking from those bluish depths. Her distraught eyes looked at crossed hands lying in her lap. She looked like one who lost everything.

He felt bad for her. He didn’t know what else to say, not able to figure out words of comfort. One hand released itself from the comfortable grip and slowly moved to hers.

Her entire pose didn’t shift, but she looked at his hand. Slender fingers softly rested over her hands. Her eyes pricked, but no tears fell. Her throat convulsed in self-pity.

‘Will I EVER be able to cry again?’

Heat from his hand trailed to her cool ones, sending reassurance with it. She eyed him after leaning her head back against the headrest. His eyes remained closed in the silence, chest falling through slow, soft breaths.

A sad, tender smile made an appearance, despite all the grief she was feeling. ‘He looks like an angel asleep.’ She felt that bond, friendship taking a deeper route than before. Feeling the sorrow and pain lift for a short while, she decided to rest as well.

His eyes opened after what seemed a while. They still hadn’t reached the landing yet, even though the sphere glowed brightly through the thick windows.

Silently yawning, he blinked a few times to help shake the sleepiness. Feeling the soft touch of skin under his hand, he looked at the sleeping beauty sitting next to him and smiled tenderly. Her head bent a little against the headrest, unconsciously turned toward him. That horrible frown still marked her face, the worry lines in her brow matching it. But in the peacefulness of sleep, they decreased greatly.

‘At least she can find SOME peace for now...’ His brow furrowed through his own sadness, but the feeling directed to the pained creature in front of him. He missed her smiles, her laughter. It was as if she had a dark twin, one he was witnessing now.

Shifting his head slowly, his eyes closed again to the blackness of the void. It didn’t bother him anymore, now that he’d been able to release the worries and pain to the sleeping girl next to him. The void was no longer a threat as it used to be.

~*~*~

The meeting went better than he expected. The father was grateful that he accompanied his daughter, especially after taking one look into her soulless eyes.

He sensed restrictions from the eldest Barbados son as soon as Enrique set eyes on him, but it ended the second Divinity was seen from the plane.

The ride to his temporary home was a quiet one. He and Eliah took up the very back seat, Divinity sitting in the middle of her other brothers. The two offered to sit with her, trying to send a little comfort. They KNEW she was mother’s favorite, being the only other girl in the entire family.

He discretely eyed her brothers, mentally naming them off in his head to memorize their names.

Enrique looked a LOT like his father; the deep chocolate eyes an apparent trademark in the Barbados family. They all had the trait. His hair was almost army cut, a few inches longer from been grown out since the war ended. His mind reminded him that most of the family was in the war, even though they were only mechanics. The standards would be set for them as well.

Enrique was a few inches taller, the top of his head going to his chin. He had a pretty good upper body build, but it would be necessary if he lifted Mobile Doll parts all the time. The only imperfection he could pick out was a small scar that ran an inch up his left jaw line. He wondered where it was picked up.

Bluish eyes moved around the scenery before looking to his right. The bags under the second eldest brother’s eyes made Eliah look his entire eighteen years. His hair was in the same cut, also grown out a few inches. He possessed the same build and eyes as his eldest brother, but was an inch or two shorter.

A small movement caught his eyes and they shifted to the center seat. He watched as Divinity’s fingers rubbed the back of her youngest sibling’s neck absentmindedly. As if she sensed his conjoining loss and was trying to send comfort somehow.

He eyed the youngest Barbados, wondering if Martin really WAS only fourteen. He was an inch taller than him, but a year his junior. His hair was the only thing that was a normal length, the deep brown almost the same as his cut.

‘He must’ve been too young to work with the rest of his family.’ He was unable to see the characteristics on the youthful face ahead of him, but pictured them in his mind from their first meeting.

He also sported the deep, wide eyes but they held a haunted look from the recent loss and the war. He refrained from smiling. Fierce protectiveness met him when the two shook hands for the first time, sending a message through his eyes.

‘I understand Martin.’ He thought, mildly amused. ‘Don’t mess with your sister. Don’t worry young one, I am only here as a friend.’ He mentally smiled, looking at the scenery from the back window.

He was a little amazed at how young the father looked, but Divinity told him her father was only forty-one. The man sported a very mild widow’s peak, his deep brown hair tinged with a few white hairs. He was as tall as Enrique, but a very fit man for his age.

‘From years of hard labor.’ He thought darkly. He was unhappy knowing such caring, kind people had to fight to survive. It made all he did seem MEANINGLESS, too plush for his own good. He looked down at his clothes, the status of a wealthy businessman.

His jaw clenched. ‘I shouldn’t be wearing such formal clothes. I feel so out of place.’ But there was naught he could do because most of his attire was his normal khakis, button-up shirt, and vest. He owned very little comfortable attire due to his status. ‘There has to be a way to CHANGE that.’

The suits he owned would be good for the funeral, but all he saw was a dusty road. They’d been driving out of town for what seemed forever, leaving the paved roads behind for dirt instead. She told him she lived on a farmland, surrounded by few neighbors and a lot of wide-open space.

He mentally grimaced. ‘Dust is going to be my middle name.’ He lamely joked. He already feared for the lecture he was going to receive from those that washed his clothes on the lack of care they’d get in the middle of nowhere.

~*~*~

The evening came and wound down the day. The sky went through the natural sunset, now painting the heavens with stars and blackness. All the men had gone to bed; save for him and Divinity. He only knew because the piano filtered through the closed door that was his room.

Both arms moved to add to the pillow under his head. His brow furrowed in confusion. He stayed at the house to get used to his quaint surroundings the entire time, also keeping Divinity company. She hardly said a word to anyone after they arrived, just put her things in her old room and then grabbed some paper and went into the music room. She hardly left except for bathroom purposes and grabbing a few small bites to eat.

And missed the wake as well.

He couldn’t understand it really, but he wasn’t going to pry the reasons from her. He figured she would want to see her mother before the coffin lid was nailed shut, but she nearly holed herself up in the room.

‘I just don’t GET it.’ He helplessly wondered. Closing his eyes with a sigh, he felt the small coolness of the night filter in through cracks of the old house. His window was left open and it felt good to feel such extreme changes in temperature. He was so used to the even temperatures of L-4. This was a nice change.

He only opened his eyes again when his mind registered silence. He blinked tired eyes and tried to get his mind to focus, but it was late and he was mentally tired from the whole trip and trying to adjust to such pain he felt.

Quiet creaking from old floorboards sounded louder as soft footsteps came down the hall. His brow furrowed and he slowly moved to keep sound down. Those soft footsteps stopped near his door before a small creak from a different door sounded.

Sitting up in bed, his eyes closed in the dim light and his ears reigned supreme. A small grunt in the room next to his sounded before something slid open noisily. His eyes opened to curious slits before he slid from his bed and to the closed door.

Opening it as quietly as the old house would allow, he peeked a timid head out and looked around. The door on his left was cracked open, cool air coming through it. He stepped out and went to it, knowing he was placed next to Divinity’s room for good reason. He was her friend and there to help her, it would do him no good to be on the other side of the hallway. Being closer to her would only help in the end, if he would get to spend some TIME with her.

His hand paused before it nervously touched the knob. “Divinity?” He whispered, hoping not to wake anyone. A small howl from soft wind greeted his ears, a draft touching his face. Biting his lip at such an intrusion, he decided to chance it and slowly opened the door, giving her plenty of time to stop him if need be.

His eyes took in the personal touches in her room and he felt a smile tilt his lips. But it left in a second when he realized she wasn’t in her room at all. But there was nowhere she could hide.

Taking a few steps inside, his eyes widened when he spotted an open window, gaping at him dauntingly. “Divinity?” He whispered louder, panic edging his voice.

Long legs quickly took him to the open window, hands gripping the sill as his upper body stuck outside. He looked around in an almost wild fashion before he spotted a jut to the house. The Spanish style shingles created almost a perfect walkway to the higher part of the roof.

Something in his mind clicked.

~*~*~

Doe-like eyes greeted the stars again, feeling in an oddly calmed mood. She was emotionally detached from being in her old home again, from reliving old memories on the piano bench as she practiced all day.

‘It’s almost finished.’ She thought with mild satisfaction. She wasn’t happy in the least that she missed the wake, but she HAD to finish the song.

The funeral was soon and she had to run everyone through the lyrics and music to get them familiar with it. She spent the previous week before they left, working on the lyrics and notes, trying to work it out in her head. It was thankfully a hard job, something to ALMOST take her mind off reality for a while. Though every word she wrote down, reminded her of her mother.

Biting her lip as tears came once again, they blurred the cloudless night sky, but not falling. She tried crying all day, but was still unable. ‘Mayhap I told myself I would be strong for mis hermanos too much and now it’s affected the one ability I could really USE right now.’ She sadly thought.

Sounds below reached her ears, but she paid them no mind. She knew who it was; knowing everyone else was in bed asleep. Her family made no complaints about her playing so late. They all missed the notes flowing through the house and told her so before they left for the wake. With an after warning to not play too much that she became glued to the bench. She managed a brief tilt to her lips at their small jesting.

A hand gripped the edge of the roof and her eyes moved to it, staring at those slender fingers with a strange fixation. Arms comfortably wrapped around both legs, she offered no help to the person trying to climb to the top of the shingled roof. She was an expert on it, having done so countless times in her youth. It only took a little maneuvering to get around the haphazardly stationed tiles, but she just used a little stamina and determination to get by.

His blonde head popped up before his arms raised his upper body above the roof. Turning quickly, his rear met the top of the roof while he carefully scooted backwards, stopping next to her. Looking at her in small relieve, a brow rose. “What’re you DOING up here?” He softly wondered, hoping not to wake anybody.

Her eyes didn’t meet his, just continued to look out at the horizon she could barely see. “Sitting. Looking at the stars and the area. Why?” A small smile played with her lips. “I used to do this a lot when I was younger. I’m in no danger of falling.” She softly commented.

He scowled lightly at her lack of perception for the danger she was in. ‘She sounds like a few people I know.’

A sigh worked its way through, getting rid of some of the worry he felt over her safety. He supposed he should’ve known better, this was her HOME after all.

“Well you didn’t answer me when I called, I was just a little worried was all.” He softly admitted, mimicking her position slowly. He wasn’t used to sitting on such an odd surface and it took patience to move around.

“You needn’t be Quatre.” She softly answered.

He nearly did a double take at the calm in her voice. His eyes snuck a peek at her face, seeing deadness in her eyes, but evenness everywhere else.

“You okay?” He softly wondered, feeling worry surface again.

She felt like laughing insanely. Her only mother just died and he wondered if she was OKAY? She fought to keep from smiling like an idiot.

It took some time before she was able to answer him. “Not exactly amigo.” She muttered, looking down at the roof tiles solemnly. She was thankful to have a blank mind while she was on the roof, as was custom whenever she sought the place out. But having him remind her of the troubles around her lost that peace. That emptiness in her soul and heart magnified itself and her frown returned.

“Why didn’t you go to the wake?” He wondered, really wanting to know. He was ready to accompany her with the rest of the family, but ended up staying at her house during the time. He had nothing else to do during the duration except listen to the piano play...and wish he brought his cherished violin to play with her. He longed to play along with her again, to bond like they had at his mansion seemingly so long ago.

Turning her head and resting it on her knees, she looked at him with an almost tired expression. “I was working on something for the funeral.” She muttered mysteriously, slowly closing her eyes from sudden exhaustion. “A ‘going away’ present for mama.”

Those brown orbs fluttered open and met his dark eyes, even darker in the lack of light. She felt a little down that she couldn’t see such incredible color, but didn’t let it show.

“I’ve been working on it for weeks now; I don’t have much time left. It has to be ready for the funeral.” Her lips pressed together, feeling small urgency surface to finish her ‘masterpiece’. She WAS basically finished, but she only fine-tuned every piano note, mentally rehearsing every note each person would sing. It was a tiring experience, but a diligent one, full of love.

He didn’t really know how to respond, so he said nothing and looked at the stars above them. He was glad to be back on Earth again, the last time being at the Sank Kingdom.

He wished he could call Relena and Duo to catch up on Hilde’s progress, but figured he would when things around him cleared up somewhat. All his efforts were going to be focused on THIS right now. Otherwise, there was really no point in him coming.

~*~*~

He woke early in the morning to that ever-present piano. The sun had JUST cleared the horizon. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes and covering a yawn, his upper body leaned up a little and took in his room. Remembering where he was, he fell back against the pillows and closed his eyes with a small sigh. Going back to bed for another hour sounded SO tempting, but his mind sprung forth a sudden plan.

A small playful smile sprang for through his peaceful face. Reveling in the comfortable mattress for a little longer, he regrettably threw off the covers and met the morning chill. Shivering a little, he realized he forgot to shut the window after coming back to his room from sitting on the roof those few hours. He thoroughly enjoyed Divinity’s presence, even though she was experiencing as she was.

Briskly rubbing hands over his arms for a little warmth, he grabbed slippers and trod sleepily to the door. Slowly opening it, the piano greeted him with an even louder volume. Other than its beautiful haunting melody, the house seemed almost empty.

Nearly shuffling down to the main floor, he looked around with sleepy eyes to find the family in the kitchen, already eating. He blinked with near stupefaction at how early the Barbados woke up. Giving a small smile to those that looked his way; he covered up another yawn and scratched the back of his head.

“Buenos días señor.” Manuel Barbados greeted softly. He added a friendly smile and nod to the youth above the paper he held.

He offered a small smile. “Y Buenos días a USTED señor.” He repeated. A small flush appeared on his face as everyone looked at him a little shocked.

Ducking his head slightly, he bit his inner lip to try and keep from smiling sheepishly. Divinity taught him such greetings along with titles, something he practiced when he was alone. Now able to use it, with PROPER vowel usage, he felt proud that he bridged the gap in some small way.

Enrique looked at his father, raising a curious eyebrow. He hadn’t known the young man to be bilingual. “Where did you learn español señor?” He asked, turning in his seat to look at the blond.

He smiled slightly. “Divinity taught me a little upon request.” He admitted softly, feeling the heat on his cheeks increase slightly. “Speaking of your daughter Mr. Barbados, does she plan on doing anything besides cooping herself up in the music room all day?” He asked curiously.

Manuel shook his head with a small smile. “She intends on having us go through the song she is working on. But we have nothing to do till tomorrow at the funeral.” He reported.

He nodded slightly, one hand thoughtfully rubbing his chin. “How far is it to town?” He asked, seemingly offhanded.

Manuel raised an eyebrow slightly. “About two miles or so.” He reported confused.

He nodded his thanks through a smile and turned to his room for clothes to change into. The four turned to each other with confused looks, but just shrugged off the blonde’s strange behavior.

~*~*~

She softly hummed her part in the song for the fifth time. Everything had to be perfect for her mama. It would bring tears to everyone’s eyes and hopefully her own. It had been another day she was unable to cry. Even going through the song as many times as she had was ineffective. She wondered if she would ever regain her gift again.

The door slowly creaked open, giving away someone’s presence. She didn’t bother asking whom it was, inhaling to give a response to leave her until later. Hands covered her eyes before she could utter a syllable, rendering her temporary blind.

“Guess who.”

She managed a small smile for the easy guess. Mischief sparked in her mind. “No SE quien es, pero no puedo ver JUGAR.” She answered, smirking.

“Okay,” He drawled slowly, “I’m not going to ATTEMPT to understand what you just SAID.”

She snorted humorously, figuring he wouldn't. It was a distinct advantage at times, as well as something to playfully dangle in front of him. She loved being bilingual sometimes. She moved over and allowed a little extra room for him to sit on.

He took the invite and plunked a few keys absently. “Are you ever going to get off this bench?” He asked, smiling a little to show he was only joking.

She eyed him and smiled back slightly. “Only when this is finished.” She vowed, playing a little for him.

A brow rose. “If what you told me is true, you should’ve BEEN finished with this for a WHILE now. Why do you still practice then?” He wondered.

“It has to be perfect. I don’t want to screw up ANY lyrics and I don’t want mi familia to either.” She said seriously, staring at the mahogany grand piano.

His lips pursed. He allowed her a small brief silence before trying a ‘frontal assault’. “Well you’ve practiced enough. I want you to get OFF that infernal bench and out of this room.”

“¿POR QUÉ?” She asked, looking at him strangely. Leave the memories she reveled in? There was years worth of practices with her and her madre stored in these walls. She played with closed eyes and pictured herself as a child, her mother sitting next to her on the bench, helping.

“WHY?” He looked at her equally strangely. “You’ve basically locked yourself in this room all day and night playing something you probably could in your SLEEP. You didn’t go to the wake BECAUSE you wanted everything to be perfect. But you seem to forget how WELL you can sing and play. You don’t have any problems, and neither will su familia.”

She smiled at his small use of Spanish. ‘He’s learning.’ She thought proudly.

He blushed slightly when he realized he just spoke her native tongue. But a proud smile peeked through when she only gave him a satisfied smile of her own. “And you have nearly ignored me here when you ASKED me to help you deal with everything.”

Her eyes lowered the bench below them in guilt. “So this’s your time to ‘redeem’ yourself.” She looked up at him with a cocked eyebrow. “I need your help.”

She blinked at him, a little lost. “I’m going to sound like a broken record but...WHY?” She joked, grinning wryly.

He smiled back. “Well...LOOK at me.” His arms spread out at his sides, being mindful of the piano in front of him.

She looked him up and down, not figuring out what he was getting at.

He felt like blushing slightly. “And look at YOU.”

Playing along, she looked down at herself, wondering what point he was trying to make.

“All I basically own is clothes relative to what I’m wearing. I need something BETTER. Something more of España.” His grin widened as his tongue formed the syllables. He could get USED to speaking her language, it was such a nice change of pace from English or Arabic. It was a fun challenge.

Her expression softened slightly. He was trying to intertwine his style with that of her homeland? How could she NOT be touched?

Nodding minutely, her head bowed in decision. She wanted to get things finished up and run through the parts she wrote for her family with the others, but she HAD been ignoring her friend recently.

Clenching her jaw lightly, she figured he had a point. She looked back into his sea-like eyes, feeling like blushing from the intense gaze he pinned her with. A brow rose slightly. “¿Qué?” She asked softly.

He smiled and shook his head. “Oh...nothing.” He looked at the piano quickly before sliding away from the bench.

She wasn’t going to let it slide though. Getting up from her seat was heaven for her legs, but she ignored it. Grabbing his arm before he could exit, she swung around to face him. “¿Por qué está mirando a mí como ese?” She asked, her language slipping.

He gave a blank look in answer before smiling wryly. “English...please?” He asked softly, chuckling when she grinned sheepishly.

“I SAID...why are you looking at me like that?” She translated. It was his turn to grin sheepishly. Realizing she still gripped his arm lightly, she squeezed it slightly, imploringly.

“Well...I just...” He stuttered, not really wanting to tell her his thoughts. “I just realized your hair was down today. It looks nice.” He smiled bashfully as she looked away with a small tinge to her cheeks.

Exhaling a deep breath, he decided to change the subject and spare her the discomfort. “Shall we?” He asked, changing his tone.

Now wanting desperately to get out of the house, she nodded slightly.

~*~*~

“Well Quatre, have you gotten enough clothes of España yet?” She smiled slightly from the few sacks he carried around with one hand. Blond hair tousled slightly as he shook his head in negation.

She chuckled slightly. ‘Didn’t think so.’ She thought, almost fondly. She had to admit, she missed being able to shop in her homeland. The colonies taste in clothing was NOTHING compared to her native threads. Though the style changed a lot in the decades, as style ALWAYS does, some of the traditional colors were dominant on a lot of shirts and dresses. She was able to spend some of her hard-earned money on some dresses that looked pleasing. She firmly thought she EARNED it.

She nearly had to drag him from the clothing store they immersed themselves in to get to a different store. Though the town was relatively small, one could still get lost if a tourist.

He was greatly excited to see such a beautiful land, now knowing what he fought for. All of the splendor that surrounded him was proof enough. A good portion of the buildings still held that antique Spain ‘look’ to them in their own unique design. Trees provided shade against the mildly hot temperatures, a small wind helping all the more.

The streets were maroon cobblestone with concrete walkways. It all looked like a dream, one he hoped to never wake from if it was. He almost dared not pinch himself lest he wake.

Realizing his own silliness, he shook his head with a slight smile. ‘Of COURSE everything is real.’ He gently chided himself. ‘Do you think you could imagine such magnificence?’

He’d never been to Hispanic places, never been able to think up such vivid colors and generous hospitality. People were polite with everyone, despite age, gender, or race. Nobody laughed at him if he attempted to speak Spanish or ask them to translate in English. A few even helped him figure out a new word for his ever increasing vocabulary.

She let go of his arm and entered a music shop, looking around with relish. Here was her element. Clothes were nice, but not particularly her main focus. Music was, and always had been.

Looking through booklets of famous, and ancient, composers, she mentally played the lyrics in her head. Weaving her way from the early century to later millennia years, she stopped and paused. Picking up a relatively thick booklet entirely piano, she smiled lovingly. The notes were a beautiful melody. She flipped to the cover to find the creator responsible.

‘Yanni huh?’ She thought. She scanned the front and back for a last name, but there seemed none. ‘Odd, didn’t people normally HAVE first and last names back then?’ She didn’t think too much more on the subject, but grabbed a few of his works to play at home, to practice on.

~*~*~

“How bout we get something to eat?” He suggested.

She nodded, feeling her stomach getting ready to growl. “Good idea, gotta feed the beast.” She agreed, smirking.

He chuckled back absently, still entranced with all that surrounded him.

She led them to a quaint outdoor/indoor café, sitting on one of the tables outside. She waved to a waiter and waited while he brought over menus.

“Buenos tardes amigos.” He greeted. Brown suddenly lit up. “¡Ah Diva, está en casa!”

She nodded and smiled slightly when he looked at Quatre with an almost brotherly suspicion.

“¿Y quién es ÉL?”

“Un amigo y mi jefe. No preocupa Angel.” She joked, winking at him playfully. He grinned widely. “Ésta aprendiendo español.” She smiled proudly. “Y estoy enseñanzalo. Pero ahora no comprende mucho, así necesita hablar en inglés por lo.”

Angel nodded. “So señor, are you ready to order?”

Only able to pick out a little of what the two said, he took to looking at the menu for something to eat. Only it was all in Spanish and he still knew very little. She hadn’t translated food dishes for him yet.

He looked up at Angel and then Divinity with a bashful look. “Sorry, I’m still a little new at this.” He apologized sheepishly.

She smiled and reached across the table, patting his hand. “It’s okay Quatre,” She atoned, that accent changing his name a little, “I already told Angel that.” She ignored his curious look and turned to the waiter. “¿Angel, puede dar nos un poco minutes más?” He nodded and left.

He watched Angel’s departure before swinging his eyes to hers. “What did you say to make him leave?” He asked.

She smiled mysteriously while looking at the menu. He continued to stare when she didn’t answer and she felt his eyes. Deciding on something, she put the menu down and decided to humor him. “I asked him if he would please give us a few more minutes.” She translated.

He nodded slowly, feeling extremely out of place now. He looked down at his menu and decided to change the topic. “So what do you normally like here?” He asked, scanning the foreign words again.

“Have you ever eaten Spanish food before?” She queried.

He felt a small tinge to his cheeks from being caught. “No.” He softly answered, looking at her.

Her eyes widened a little, a side of her mouth tilting. With a small sigh, half laugh, she looked at the menu. “Then you should try the fajitas.” She said with a small nod. “With some...” Her lips pursed as she scanned the drinks. “Ah they DO have té here.”

“What?” He asked, not liking it when she slipped languages on him. Not knowing what she was saying was the most frustrating part.

She smiled sheepishly, realizing she did it again. No matter, if he wanted to learn, he would have to immerse himself in the dialogue. “Tea.” She said again, looking at him. “They have tea here Quatre.”

He nodded, happy to have an element from home.

She looked back at the inside, catching Angel’s eye. He grabbed the pad before walking back over. “¿Están listo ordenar?” He asked.

She nodded, folding the menus and grabbing Quatre’s in the process. “Sí. Querré su chile. Pienso que es la estación para lo.” He nodded absently, writing everything down. “También beber...ah, agua es ok.” She looked at him and smiled briefly before motioning to Quatre. “Y para el caballero, pienso que gozará de los fajitas. Y tendrá unos té.” Her Hispanic friend nodded again before looking away from his new order to fulfill.

“Algo más?” He asked, knowing she wouldn’t be finished.

She smiled knowingly at his pointed look. “Y los postres más tarde.”

Angel grinned through a tiny wink and left the two to get their drinks.

Leaning back in the comfy whicker chair, she silently looked at him through a small smile.

Not saying anything for a while, he decided to ask her. “What’re you so happy about?” He asked, smiling a little to show he was joking.

Her smile widened. “Just glad to be home I guess.” She shrugged. “Angel is an old, good friend of mine. We knew each other since we were niños.” She explained, knowing he’d know the family words. She taught him a lot, in comparison to his vocabulary about three weeks ago.

She gave him a devilish smile. “And I’m glad to be speaking my primary language again as well.” Both elbows suddenly rested on the tabletop, allowing her chin to rest on both palms. “It’s also funny to see your face when I DO speak it.” She giggled slightly at his flushed look. “Oh, no está así turbar.” She reached over and patted his hand, noticing that familiar blank look. “I SAID, don’t be so EMBARRASSED.” She translated, laughing softly.

His ears rang with the soft tinge of her soprano tone. It was nice.

Their food was brought soon after the small talk died down. He had to admit the fajitas she chose for him to try were very delicious. He told Angel to give his appreciation to the cook.

After the two debated on who was paying, they decided to split the bill, knowing neither would readily give in. The restaurant needed the table anyway. Grabbing the few bags they both possessed, the two left the area.

The walk was a comfortable silent one. He was still entranced with the town before him and Divinity was just glad to be home. As much as it’d been dumbed down through her ever-present work, homesickness was in the back of her mind. Now seeing the familiar cobblestone streets and looming trees, her throat clogged with happy emotions.

Their drive home was mostly silent, save for the hum of the van. He sat next to her up front, looking at the near barren landscape. The farther they went from town, the more wild grass he saw, along with trees dotting the way. Dust kicked up from the wheels as they went down the dirt road to the farmlands.

He smiled serenely, at peace with all he was around. It was an interesting culture she was apart of. “Thank you for spending the afternoon with me Diva.” He softly spoke. His gaze remained glued to the fascinating scenery.

Her lips tilted upwards in a soft smile. “De nada Quatre.” She replied softly. He looked over and she cast a sideways glance before diverting it back to the flatlands. “You’re welcome.” She translated, softer than the first time.

His eyes softened slightly. Something in his heart fluttered.

~*~*~

She went straight to her room to put her new beloved possessions away. He mimicked her, but only went to change into the new clothes he bought, to try and feel more at ‘home’. She rounded up her family and sat at the piano again, feeling as if a small lifetime passed since this morning and her diligent practice.

Mentally shaking herself of the feeling, she went over the lyrics with her brothers and father; playing while they warmed up their voices and slowly ran them through all the words.

He stayed in his room for the time being, knowing it was a private moment. One he wouldn’t be able to connect in, even if it WAS in English. Sitting up in bed, multiple pillows propped behind him, he flipped through a few history books he bought about her town and the country as a whole. He was intrigued and his attention focused solely on the topic he held for a while.

He was actually able to finish almost half of his reading when he heard footsteps coming his way. Looking up, he realized the sun was setting, almost halfway done. Jerking his head in surprise, he closed the book and decided to make his presence known again.

He didn’t have to go far. Her door closed just as his opened. Giving a small ironic smile, he knocked on her door, wondering what she was doing.

“Yea?” Taking that as his cue to enter, he slowly opened the door, hoping he wasn’t intruding on anything. “Hi Quatre.” She said, giving a small smile. He sensed it was reserved and knew she was under strain from the upcoming funeral and wanting her song perfect. “What’s up?”

“I heard the lack of piano and wondered what you were doing.” He muttered humorously, leaning against the doorway, stuffing both hands in his pockets.

She looked at his attire for the first time and the smile met her eyes. “That looks really good on you.” She softly acknowledged.

He looked down at his clothes and smiled sheepishly.

“I’m glad you dragged me with you today.”

He raised an eyebrow. “DRAGGED you huh?” He joked, smiling dryly. Leaning away from the door, he stood near her bed and looked at what she was holding. “Admit it, you had fun.” He continued, eyeing some kind of music sheet.

Her gaze left the piano composition and met his distracted ones. “Okay I admit it.” She softly agreed.

“What is that?” He asked.

She stood slowly and handed him the piano notes. “Something I was wondering if I should play tonight.” She said. “Just to play a little.” She added softly.

He glanced over the notes, mentally playing a line in his head. It sounded beautiful. He flipped to the front and read the composer’s name. “This Yanni sure knows how to play.” He commented, just to create small talk. He never did like a lot of silence.

“Yea.” She nodded slightly, looking at the floor.

His eyes strayed to hers from the offhand soft tone. His heart went out to her from the empty emotions in her eyes. She looked like a lost little girl. But at the moment, that was understandable.

The two locked eyes and stared at each other seriously for a small minute before she reached over and slowly hugged him.

He was mildly taken aback, but wrapped his arms around her waist in return. He almost expected her to cry, but all she did was sigh deeply. He sensed her melancholy, could feel it seep from her pores. A hand rubbed her back slowly; trying to draw that horrible feeling from her so she would be the person he spent the afternoon with.

She didn’t really know why she hugged him, other than she just wanted to be held for a short time. It felt so good to wrap her arms around something and embrace it for however long he would let her. And it was even nicer to feel that small comfort and strength he possessed wrap around her body with his arms. It encompassed her, spearing straight to her soul. She didn’t know if she wanted to let go of him.

Resting her chin on his shoulder, she looked at the far wall with dull eyes. Her mind was thankfully a blank after the practice her family endured, but she just felt...empty. Down...whatever word she could find to describe however she was feeling. But she couldn't find the words and that’s what was so bad. Her condition was nameless.

He felt entirely content to hold her all day. Time seemed to slow down, turning seconds into minutes for them. He waited for her to cry, but she never did. Her breathing remained even and controlled, save for the deep sigh she released. He didn’t want to press her with whatever was plaguing her because he sensed it dealt with the funeral tomorrow. It was just pleasant to be in silence for now, to wrap his arms around her thin body and just hold her.

Their warmth mingled together as clothes continued to clash in the lack of distance. She feared she would fall asleep on him, holding him like she was. The notion was a nice one. But the night had yet to wear on, the time still too early for sleep. She wasn’t exactly tired anyway...

She eventually pulled away, just as she had initiated contact. It was slow, deliberate. Looking into his eyes gently, she smiled softly. “Thanks, I needed that.” She nearly whispered. His face was extremely close to hers. She felt as if she could drown in his eyes. His serious look made him seem all the more grown up.

A gentle smile somewhat appeared. He felt as if he was falling into the unimaginable depths of brown. “Quite alright.” He whispered back.

Her arms rested lightly over his shoulders, his hands over her hips. Neither really noticed as they continued to stare into the other’s eyes. His heart fluttered again, a small amount of adrenaline running through his veins.

Giving him a small smile, she pulled back completely, stepping a few steps away. Stopping in the doorway, she looked at him and held the composition up. “Care to listen?” She softly asked.

He nodded and turned to her. “I’ll be right down.” He muttered. She nodded absently and slowly made her way to the piano room.

When she was gone, he slumped down on the edge of her bed, resting elbows on knees, his head in both hands. A heavy sigh worked its way through him, hands heavily scrubbing his face. “What are you DOING Quatre?” He softly wondered. Thoughts of her lips ran through his mind! The moment to kiss her was not lost on him. He actually wanted to KISS her while she was dealing with her mother’s death! What was WRONG with him?

‘Besides being selfish...’ He shook his head in self-disgust. She had enough on her plate without having to deal with him kissing her. That was attachments she didn’t need to think about at the present time. They were friends for now, just good friends.

‘But friends don’t kiss other friends.’

~*~*~

She set everything up on the piano like nothing had happened. In truth, she didn’t really think too much of what transpired, other than it felt really nice to hold him. Like she belonged in his arms...

One reason she pulled back. She was a little worried that he wouldn’t want to hug her in the first place but when she pulled back, the look in his eyes mildly told her he didn’t mind at all. Another reason she stepped away. She inadvertently got too close, physically and figuratively. Although he was her friend and took the journey to be with her, he was still her boss and she wasn’t going to cross that line. Not even for her own sake, or his.

She almost wondered if he didn’t want to hear her play, but was proved wrong when his socked feet entered the room. She suppressed a smile when he sat next to her on the bench, on the seat she purposely left open for him. It was wide enough to fit them both easily and she shouldn’t make him stand. He could help turn the pages.

She mentally smirked. “Since you’re here,” Hands positioned themselves over the keys, “mind turning the pages when I say so?”

He smiled slightly and nodded okay.

The melody was beautiful; the title he spied ‘To Take...To Hold’. He thought it was almost ironic with their situation moments ago. She played slow...the notes melancholy.

The music gave promise to reveling in better days gone by; remembering times with fond friends; taking pleasure in the smaller things in life.

Her slim, lengthy fingers were perfect for hitting the right keys. Years of practice allowed her to work the middle and higher parts at once. ‘It must be where she gets her concentration.’ He mused lightly. ‘From years of playing piano.’

He suppressed a chuckle, only watched those fingers play the tune. He sumptuously sunk peeks at her face and found small concentration on her features, but a softness in her eyes as she played. It truly was something she loved doing, he could see if in her eyes, could FEEL it. He could sense it in his heart, could see the way she lovingly stroked the keys, as if they were her children.

She plunked the last few keys and kept her foot on the pedal, allowing the sound to vibrate through the room. When the last traces of the chord left their ears, she rested those slim hands in her lap quietly. The music WAS indeed beautiful and she mentally thanked the composer, deceased as he was. His heritage lived on in his writings, something she now owned.

She looked at her companion and smiled slightly, softly commenting on the beautiful piece. He echoed her sentiments with nearly the same pitch.

They offered to call it a night, both knowing what needed to be done the next day. Neither wanted to approach tomorrow, but it would come whether they liked it or not. The night already started wearing down, the sun long past set. She grabbed the music and they silently walked back up the stairs.

She paused while opening the door, staring at the hand on the knob. Seeing out of the corner of her eye that he hadn’t moved inside either, her vision swung to his. “Thank you for today Quatre. I enjoyed every minute of our outing.”

He nodded with a tender smile, not saying anything.

Her gaze swung to the floor with a shy grin. “Buenos noches Quatre.” She whispered.

“Good night Divinity.” He repeated in English. They shut their doors quietly, not wanting to wake the other inhabitants.

All the lights were off and they stayed that way. She knew every inch of the room by heart, having lived in it long enough. Leaning heavily against the door, her eyes closed from the swarm of emotions that surrounded her heart and mind. ‘Amable sueños Quatre.’ She thought tenderly.