The sun hadn’t even begun to rise over the horizon. The dusk flicked with pale forms of light, so low it was hard to see anything below her. Dark eyes, even darker from the lack of light, looked around with low interest at the beauty surrounding her. She’d seen it lots of times before, and it was always a joy to come up to the roof and look about, to try and bring tranquility to her.

But not today...not now. She was only up to pray for strength to get her through the day’s trials. She only hoped that the funeral would encompass a large portion of the day. She didn’t know what else she planned on doing for the rest of it. Her hands felt so empty.

The trees finally turned red from the warm rays of the sun. All she felt was cold from the dark world that slowly faded. Time seemed no meaning for her, even though the sun started rising on the landscape.

She barely gotten a few hours of sleep, less than what she wanted. She wanted to go to bed and never wake to this nightmare. She wanted to continue living her dream world on L-4, pretend everything was all right below her; that there was another female existing in her immediate family. Now, she was the only one.

Shaking her head of the overly melancholy thoughts, she unbound arms and legs and slowly moved to the edge of the roof. Shifting with utmost care, she lowered herself expertly to the open cracks of her window, edging herself in. Shutting the window after her, she turned and grabbed the dress off the bed, preparing for the day.

~*~*~

He rose slowly to the sounds of the house creaking with human life. Pounding water from nearby a shower invaded his ears.

Blinking open tired eyes, he rubbed them slowly, wanting to roll back over. He didn’t want to wake to the reason he was here, hoping it wasn’t a reality. It seemed like a stupid point, to ignore the entire reason he was here. With a sigh, he slowly sat up, regrettably embracing the morning.

The sun barely touched enough light into his room, though enough for his dilated eyes to see everything clearly. Throwing the covers from his body, he stumbled from the comfy mattress, going for his things.

~*~*~

She stepped from her room slowly, hand still heavily gripping the knob; trying to gain a foothold to be strong to. The wood that barricaded her room from the rest of the house seemed that way for over a decade. But it gave her no comfort today, just when she needed it the most. Downcast eyes looked up slowly to the other occupant next to her.

His eyes met hers and saddened slightly, mentally sending comfort, and hopefully strength. He saw the way no light met her eyes, emotionally or technically. They were lifeless. A void.

His lips tilted minutely in an encouraging, greeting smile. She nodded solemnly, but didn’t return his smile. His concern raised a notch.

She turned away, slowly trotting down to the kitchen, wondering if she’d be able to eat anything or keep it down. Numbly sitting, she blankly looked outside, noting how the sun changed the shadows since she’d seen it last. Having been in the shower till the hot water turned cold, she missed a good portion of the sunrise.

He almost timidly entered the dining room, watching Divinity as she propped her chin up with both hands, still staring outside. He realized TODAY would be when she needed his strength the most.

Firming his courage and resolve, he strode in and sat down at the table. Slowly edging his chair next to hers, he looked at her, even though she had yet to acknowledge him. He kept a smile hidden, pressing his lips together tightly.

Reaching out, his hands slowly took hers from balancing her chin, nearly causing her weighted head crashing to the table. It caught before that happened and looked at him as if seeing him for the first time, not after minutes of being next to her.

She blinked widening eyes, still dry as a bone. She was still unable to cry, even on the day of her mother’s funeral.

He realized how cold her hands were and slowly massaged the skin with his thumbs. Cradling her palms within his own, he stared into her eyes silently, sending her some of his strength to liven her up. If it would do ANY good, he would be grateful.

She didn’t really know what to say, but felt that SOMETHING needed to be said. She couldn’t form the words that rested on her tongue, as if it was frozen.

She knew she should smile and say ‘thank you’ for his efforts in trying to cheer her up, which she was well aware of. But all she wanted to do was turn time back and never allow any of this to happen. If that meant decimating the presence of the caring man in front of her, so be it. She would give ANYTHING to have her mother alive again. If that meant never knowing Quatre Winner or working for him, she wouldn’t blink. But...here he was, and here SHE was. She looked down at her attire, and his.

“You look good in black.” She softly responded, not registering the compliment. Her mind shut down on processing any common thoughts.

He blushed slightly and ducked his head, looking at his chosen clothes. He didn’t really think it was anything, just black slacks and a dark gray shirt. He bought the matching black vest as well, just to complete the picture. It was the darkest outfit he ever owned.

“The gray makes your eyes darker.”

He felt a sheepish smile come forth, silently thanking her for the compliments. She looked away when she finally realized what she was saying. But, compliments were nothing to worry about...

When he finally got the heat withdrawn from his face, he looked up again, unable to meet her eyes. They fixed on some blank object on the white wall behind him. He gently squeezed her hands, trying to get her attention. It failed.

He softly cleared his throat, a little uncomfortable. “You look very nice as well.” He softly commented, eyeing her lightly. She didn’t even react, her face seemingly set in stone. His brow furrowed up slightly in concern.

“Yea, I look good in black, don’t I?” She asked dully, her face emotionless.

He eyed her attire. It was simplistic in its own way. A halter; full length, form fitting black dress, no designs on it to mar the lightless beauty. It inadvertently added grace to her slim neck, hugged all her curves, lightened her tanned skin somewhat.

“This dress was mama’s.” She nearly whispered, face still emotionless.

Uncomfortable beads of sweat seemed to form on his forehead. The need to do something, ANYTHING, was apparent. But he had nothing to say that would make everything okay, nothing he could DO would change the present for her. All he COULD do was be there and hope it was enough. He would just have to let her current attitude slide from his shoulders or it would end up affecting him too. He couldn’t allow that, it needed to stay the way it was currently, for her.

~*~*~

A body stopped in the shadows of the hallway, watching the two. He felt overprotectiveness for his baby sister flare from the way her ‘friend’ held her hands. But he said nothing, did nothing. He simply continued to eye the younger man, sizing up his unnoticed feelings for his sister.

Enrique could see them in Quatre’s eyes, even if the blue-eyed man couldn’t. Brotherly instincts to protect kin from harm were forced back, though slightly. He would make sure Quatre’s intentions were completely honorable around his baby sister; his ONLY sister. He didn’t want Divinity hurting any more than she already was.

~*~*~

The silence in the van was thicker than what he could breathe. He feared it was going to suffocate him, physically and emotionally. He felt more than uncomfortable, but didn’t dare say anything. What would he SAY? Anything that came from his mouth would seem foolish and stupid by his comparison.

His gaze simply shifted to the windows, looking at the passing scenery that soon added houses to barren farmland.

She stepped from the van and looked at the building as if it shouldn’t belong in front of her. But alas it stood, even though she silently commanded it deemed from existence.

An arm wrapped around her shoulders, slightly startling her. Her head whipped around as much as her ensnared hair would allow, looking at caring blue. She blinked and moved a hand to untrap her lengthy hair. It was a decision to leave it undone, since she hardly had the inner or outer strength to do ANYTHING with it.

His arm left her shoulders when he sensed eyes on his back, and felt like fidgeting. Fighting that urge of discomfort, he looped his arm with hers. He wondered who was looking at him, possibly even judging him. He shook the thought off, focusing his entire attention on his friend.

The funeral parlor was enclosed in soothing light blue carpeting, the walls framed with crème colored wallpaper; flower designs dancing around the ceiling. Vases of flowers and floral arrangements dotted the entryway and hallway stands. It was a very peaceful place, ironically enough. Stepping in after Divinity, he looped their arms again, letting her know he was at her side in case she needed him.

She slowly tugged him to the main room where everything would transpire. She eyed the piano in the corner and made a mental note to check with the pianist for her piece, just to make sure the player knew everything. She didn’t want anything getting screwed up today.

Slowly untangling their arms, she gave him a brief smile before walking in the direction to the open coffin.

He wondered for a second if he should follow her, but restrained himself. She would want to be alone for now, since she missed the wake.

His eyes roamed over the near dozen people that already gathered, more nearly streaming in from the door. His brow arched minutely, not realizing their family was so huge. Soon, over a dozen people surrounded him, and still coming in droves. He felt a little uncomfortable, seeing he was the only blond around. He stuck out like a sore thumb.

‘They all look alike.’ He realized, back leaning against the wall, inadvertently keeping out of the way. Each occupant in the room held deep brown hair of some length with matching brown eyes. Only a few held hazel or possibly a light green. Nearly all the women held shoulder length hair or longer. A few of the more elderly women possessed hair longer than Divinity’s.

She turned almost agonizingly from the coffin in search of him. He was easy to spot. She noted the downcast, uncomfortable look and looked at the carpet in shame. She left him alone, even though about half of her family had gathered. That would end.

Weaving through the weeping or silent people, she stopped a few foot from him wordlessly. He looked up and caught her eyes. She gave him a small smile, silently apologizing for making him lean against the wall when he was only trying to help. She hadn’t MEANT to make him uneasy...she just wanted to see her mother again. Even like this.

Her hand reached out slowly, palm extended. He took it without thought and she entwined their fingers. Squeezing softly, she tugged gently. “Come,” She nearly whispered, “I’d like you to meet someone.”

He didn’t need to guess at whom she was talking about. He allowed himself to be skillfully directed through the masses to the front of the room. Feeling curious eyes on his back, he ignored them all, focusing on the front of him. On the intricately designed mahogany piece before him.

They stopped inches from it and he looked at the peaceful face, so like Divinity’s. She looked a LOT like her mother, but something was very different from the generation. Her mother looked oriental in the eyes, more so than her daughter. His eyes narrowed curiously, but he dropped it.

She felt him staring at her and looked over slowly. Offering a small smile, she slightly gestured to the person in front of her. “This is Maria Lydia Angel Barbados.” She whispered, her accent slipping greatly. “Mi madre.” Her eyes shone a little, but no tears fell.

It seemed forever before they left the mahogany bed and took their seats. The entire place was packed. He estimated about forty people or so, and there were a few that stood in the back of the room because there were no more chairs. He felt bad since he DID have a chair, being only a friend and not real family.

They sat up front due to the song she prepared, also by her request. She wanted to be able to get up front as quick as possible when the piano played.

Just after the preacher took the stand, her head swung to his. “I’ll have to translate everything to you Quatre.” She whispered quickly. “It’s all in Spanish.”

She scooted even closer, her head mere inches from his ears. She mentally deemed it a good thing that she had something to do during the service. She figured she would have to do the same during the burial as well.

“We meet today to recognize a great woman.” She almost inaudibly began.

He also had to lean closer to hear her, and hope they didn’t get looks for speaking during the service.

“We are not saying goodbye to her because goodbyes are forever. Her soul has gone to heaven to be with God. She will watch over us all, as her family has done for HER all these years. She is in all our hearts and memories. As long as these memories survive, she will always live on. Beloved Maria Lydia Angel Barbados will be cherished as long as there are those that know her...”

Aunts and uncles stood at the podium with eulogies of their own. He almost wondered why her father didn’t want to say anything about his wife, but figured he had the song. He listened to the song plenty of times; that would say everything for him.

He patiently sat through the entire thing, listening as she translated everything for him just as patiently. Her voice never wavered as she spoke and he was curious about that. She should’ve felt SOME sorrow; been unable to talk from the overflow of emotions, but it hadn’t happened. It was as if she’d shut off to her emotions. He sensed it somehow, the lack of feeling she possessed. He was heavily concerned about that. She SHOULD feel something; it would help her to heal.

When it came time to perform, she felt butterflies start up. They were only natural though. She nearly slaved over this song, pushed herself to make everything perfect. She didn’t want any screw-ups when it came to something like this. This was for her mother. But it was in front of nearly half her entire family. Their word was important to her.

Giving his hand a quick, tight squeeze, she gave him a sideways glance before standing with her father. The others wouldn’t be needed for a while, not for a few verses. She stared at her father, giving him a small nod. His lips briefly tilted in response.

When the piano started, her fear and apprehension vanished as if by magic.

She counted off the beats with small nods as she watched his face. It was full of anguish, but he kept it composed. She could see the emotion only in his eyes, in the small upturn to his brow. He slowly turned to the coffin, lightly resting both hands on the brass handles. Bowing his head, eyes closed, a tenor voice rang through the room. It never wavered, even through all the emotions he dealt with. 

Sorry I’ve never told you all I wanted to say

And now it’s too late to hold you

Cause you’ve flown away; so far away

She walked a few steps when it came time for her to sing. Resting a hand lightly on his shoulder, she gave him a small smile when he looked at her.

He quickly blinked back tears before they both looked at the coffin and the inhabitant inside.

Tears came to her eyes and she blinked at them quickly. Part of her was angry that she might finally cry. She didn’t want to NOW. 

Never had I imagined living without your smile

Feeling and knowing you hear me; it keeps me alive

Alive

Hands briefly touched her shoulder, drawing her attention behind to her brothers. They nodded encouragingly, silently letting her know they were there.

She gave them a slight pained smile, meeting their shiny eyes through her own. She grabbed her father and Eliah’s hand, entwining their fingers.

Her father reached for Martin’s hand, Martin reaching for Enrique’s.

Her eldest brother grabbed hold of Eliah’s hand, completing the circle.

And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven

Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way

And I know eventually we’ll be together

One sweet day

Her father broke the circle first, turning back to the coffin. He didn’t bother masking his sadness this time, letting everyone know that he grieved as much as they did, if not more. Enrique’s deep voice piped up during his spots, almost shyly.

Darling I never showed you, I never showed you

Assumed you’d always be there

Manuel Barbados turned from his beloved wife, looking at his only daughter. He looked at her as they sang their parts together, their voices meshing beautifully.

I thought you’d always be there

I took your presence for granted

But I always cared, and I miss the love we shared

The family didn’t bother turning to face the rest, just stayed in their small huddle. They could hear each voice better that way, fix their own in turn; make the melody even more perfect than it already was.

And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven

Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way

And I know eventually we’ll be together

One sweet day

Manuel looked to the ceiling, tears threatening to overflow from his eyes. But even through his sadness, a small smile peeked through the corners of his mouth.

Although the sun will never shine the same

I’ll always look to a brighter day

She eyed him almost curiously; that same serene smile upturning her mouth slightly. The tears roamed through over her eyes, but never fell. It was as if her mother was standing with them in spirit, relishing in her gift. For a brief second, she didn’t feel so sad.

Yea

Lord I know when I lay me down to sleep

You will always listen as I pray

She looked around the small huddle, eyeing her brothers. That same smile popped up on all their faces, as if an epidemic. It was brought on by their mother, by someone they loved very much.

They cried enough for her while she was sick and after her departing. For now, they could be content for once. Content to sing their farewells in the manner that the most talented chose.

Their voices rang through the silent room, growing and lowering where necessary. Expertly flowing as though a tide gently lapping against the shores of their homeland. Every tenor, bass, and single soprano easily blended from hours of practice.

She couldn’t have been prouder of her brothers and father. They hit every note perfectly.

And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven

Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way

And I know eventually we’ll be together

One sweet day

~*~

And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven

I will see you eventually

Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way

I know you’re lookin down from heaven

And I know eventually we’ll be together

One sweet day

When the group’s last line was sung, all the males in her family took a respective step back, allowing her to shine on her own.

She looked at them quickly with that serene smile still on her face. Bowing her head minutely in silent thanks, she turned to her mother to finish the last line. She mentally hoped that wherever her mother was in heaven that she loved the song she wrote just for her.

Her father’s voice softly filled in the last of the words, just for effect.

Sorry I never told you all I wanted to say

 ~*~*~

The sky shone with the deepest afternoon blue he had ever seen on Earth. It almost rivaled the uniqueness of his eyes.

Arm entwined with his friend’s, they left the funeral parlor after the rest of her family. He watched as her elder brothers and father, along with a few uncles, loaded the coffin into the hearse. All eight were the pallbearers to their next destination.

He wondered about his place in the van, wondering if Martin would want to sit next to his sister. But his silent ponderings were cut short when Martin almost hurriedly got through the van’s sliding door. With a small shrug, he opened the passenger’s side and hopped in.

During the entire drive, he wondered if he should say something to her. His eyes discretely strayed to her face every so often, just to see how she was faring.

Her face was emotionless if anything, the only show was from the small upturn to her brow. There was nothing in her eyes, nothing that HE could find. He tried to sense something, but couldn’t seem to touch her emotions. As if they simply didn’t exist. It mildly puzzled him.

“Was there something you wanted to say Quatre?” She softly asked, never looking away from the funeral precession in front of her.

He jumped slightly, than looked down at his hands demurely placed in his lap with a small blush.

“I loved your singing.” He softly answered, searching his brain for SOMETHING to say.

Her mouth quirked up momentarily. “But you’ve heard it many times before at home.” She softly answered, denying his compliment.

“It was still enjoyable though.” He continued, feeling the heat increase a little.

Her smile broke through that solemn expression again, staying a little longer, thanking him.

Martin eyed his sister and her boss from his place in the back as best he could. They sounded strange. He’d seen the blonde’s head move somewhat and wondered what he was doing. Now he knew...

Brotherly instinct flared behind his eyes, speeding his heart up. That stranger was trying to take away his sister! At least, that’s how HE rationalized it. He wondered if his older brothers thought the same; he would have to ask later.

~*~*~

Once again sitting in the van, he looked at the late afternoon sky as the hillside rolled on. Houses and buildings soon gave way to dust and tall grass. The afternoon had come and gone, the funeral and burial finalized. It was all over. All except for the family gathering.

All forty of Divinity’s relatives, plus her family, headed off to one of her aunt’s house for supper. He heard her father say something about meeting a few more cousins and aunts that couldn’t go to the funeral because it would’ve been too hard for them. He started wondering just how many relatives she HAD. He almost felt inclined to ask.

The van parked next to one of the cars from the funeral parlor. They wordlessly got out, allowing him a perfect time to view the house he would remain at for Allah knew HOW long.

She grasped his hand and silently tugged him in the direction of the large, brick structure. From the look on his face, her mouth upturned in amusement. “I have somewhat a large family.” She explained, smiling a little more.

His eyes jerked to hers, as if noticing she was next to him for the first time. “I’ll BET.” He nearly breathed. “Forty people so far that I counted. How many HAVEN’T attended today?”

She started naming off those that she knew on her mother’s side. One eye closed in thought. “I’d say,” She trailed off momentarily, pursing her lips, “about ten or so that didn’t make the funeral.” She looked at him and smiled wryly. “On mother’s side alone.”

His eyes widened faintly, his mouth failing to create a coherent sentence. “That’s...a LOT...of PEOPLE...” He breathed.

She looked at the ground sheepishly. “Well mi mama is one of five children.” She looked at the house, then those that filtered around outside. “Hispanics are well-known for large families. Papa is ALSO one of five children. I have at least two-dozen cousins my age. But I am also an aunt as well.”

He raised an eyebrow, obediently letting her drag him around her aunt’s house, showing him the plush area.

~*~*~

After having been given the grand tour of the entire place, he slowly walked around the immense backyard, just taking everything in. He eyed each cousin, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He didn’t feel uncomfortable anymore, just at peace with all that surrounded him. It was a better feeling now than any he experienced earlier.

Stopping on the back porch, both hands clasped behind his back in his wistful surveillance. He almost wished for a family as close as this one, even though his was possibly twice this size. He hardly knew half of his sisters, as he told Divinity before. He almost wondered if he should contact a few of them when he got back to L-4, just to say hello. A small smile twitched his lips. It was a good idea, something he should’ve done a long time ago.

She stood silently on the back porch, leaning against the wall, just watching him. He looked so majestic the way his shoulders were set, the way his arms lightly crossed behind his back. She felt a small smile invade her solemn face, almost unburdened.

Timidly looking at the ground momentarily, she looked back and walked up behind him. She decided to tap his shoulder lest she scare him. Even so, he jumped slightly from his reverie.

He whirled and smiled softly when he met her eyes. Giving her a small friendly nod, he eyed her idly as she handed him a plate of food.

“A small number of goodies a few of my aunts made.” She softly explained. He took it and grabbed a few unidentified foods, nibbling on them. He was quickly getting used to the unique taste of Spanish food.

“It’s good.” He remarked, smiling slightly.

She smiled almost bashfully, mysteriously, and stood next to him as they both surveyed the backyard.

Martin eyed the two from his spot on one side of the house. Leaning against one of the chairs, he stole a glance at his eldest brother. “¿Qué piensa, eh?”

Enrique looked at his baby brother. “No sé.” Brown eyes narrowed slightly, a little suspicious. “Pero, no me gusta lo...” He looked at his youngest brother, who nodded in agreement.

“Think we should go...HABLAR con él?” He asked, gaining a small evil smile.

Enrique matched his smile, but shook his head slightly. “No AHORA...when nos hermana is not around him.” He looked back at the mildly cute pair, who stood almost close enough to touch shoulders.

“I wonder if señor Winner knows what he’s doing.” He contemplated thoughtfully, a finger rubbing his lips. “If not, we can’t really BLAME him for being...AMABLE...” He trailed off, eyes narrowing in mysterious calculation.

He suddenly turned to his brother, smiling slightly as Martin snacked on the full plate they both compiled earlier. “But, we shall go and find out...más tarde.” He compromised.

Martin looked at his brother, seeing a part of his father on his features; especially in the protective way he was eyeing their sister. He nodded slightly, trying to swallow the chunk of tortilla he’d torn off.

The two eyed the newcomer along with their only sister, never finding a good opportunity to talk. Their stay eventually ended with nightfall, sending the small party back home.

~*~*~

‘Well...NOW what am I gonna do the rest of the time I’m here?’ He wondered. Part of him wondered that during the party. What WOULD he do to occupy himself? A small, quiet knock sounded at his door, rousing his attention. ‘BESIDES figure out who’s at the door.’ With a small smile, he got off the bed.

Instead of seeing Divinity as he’d come to expect, he found her brothers just outside. The three eyed each other before He found his voice. “Hello, did you need something?”

Enrique nodded. “Yes señor, we wish to talk with you.” He said quietly, hoping not to wake their sister. She was understandably exhausted from the day’s events and went straight to bed. It was only sundown, but they didn’t want to disturb her.

His brow furrowed slightly in curiosity, but he stepped outside the appointed room and shut the door quietly behind him.

Enrique’s head jerked down the hall. “This way señor.” He whispered.

He sat on the backyard swing, having never gotten the experience to use such a simple device. He gripped the chains and stared at the ground, slowly moving with help from his feet. “You needed to talk to me about something?” He asked, seeing the two didn’t plan on talking anytime soon.

Enrique got off the bottom of the slide and sat on the other swing. “I’d like to talk to you about my sister.”

His brow creased in confusion. “But...YOU know more about her than I do.”

Enrique shook his head. “I want to talk about your FEELINGS toward my sister.” He restated.

“My...FEELINGS?” He echoed, astonished. His head shot up to Enrique’s, meeting dark eyes in the night.

The eldest nodded seriously. “Your feelings. We want to know,” His head jerked to Martin behind him on the top of the slide, “do you LIKE her?”

He felt his entire face heat up, MORE than a little embarrassed. Sure he LIKED Divinity, but he hardly admitted that to himself.

He looked away awkwardly, eyeing his feet as they continued to push him on the swing. If he hardly admitted the truth to HIMSELF, how was he going to tell her brothers? His mouth pursed. “Of course I LIKE her, she’s my FRIEND.”

Enrique’s brow went up. “What we saw today at mi tia’s house was NOT ‘friend behavior’.”

“We saw the way you two were standing on the back porch earlier today.” Martin piped up, accusation lacing his voice.

He looked up at the youngest Barbados. Were they...? “You weren’t...SPYING on us, were you?” He asked, somewhat tentatively. To accuse someone when you were in their hospitality was a dangerous thing. But he didn’t like being accused when he wasn’t in the wrong either. But here they sat, pointing fingers at him.

“We just want to make sure you aren’t taking advantage of Diva.” Enrique interrupted evenly, playing the momentary peacekeeper. “We don’t want her getting hurt; not now. Not during all this.” His hand waved around idly, as if one could see emotional pain.

He nodded seriously. He met Enrique’s eyes silently, trying to sense him. He suddenly smiled softly, as if knowing something the brother didn’t.

“You don’t have to worry about Diva, Enrique. I have only her best interests at heart.” He pushed off from the swing, gaining a little more wind. “Besides, I’m her boss and she’s my employee. I have a feeling that’s the way she wants it anyway.” He stopped suddenly, biting his lower lip. Caught red-handed with thoughts of what might be. “Even if I like her as a friend or as...something ELSE...I would NEVER take advantage of your sister.” He softly explained.

Enrique looked at the serious person in front of him momentarily before eyeing his baby brother. Martin was also looking at the blonde, but with a quirked brow.

The two brothers eyed each other, conveying a message through their dark orbs. Martin smiled slightly, nodding. Enrique copied him and turned back to Quatre. “That’s good señor. We just wanted to make sure you were honrado.” He stared blankly and Enrique smiled slightly.

“HONORABLE señor. We just had to know. You pop up with mi hermana one day for an entire week out of the blue, even though nos hermana has reasons. We’ve had ill bosses before. We just wanted to make sure you were ‘okay’.”

He smiled slightly and nodded, not offended anymore. They were just looking after their own. “No hard feelings.” He said, smiling a little wider.

Enrique thankfully nodded, not wanting discomfort around their visitor for the remainder of his stay. He was glad it wouldn’t BE that way. “Now that we know señor, you have our blessings.”

His eyes widened slightly.

Enrique gave a protective brotherly smile. “Just let our talk STAY with you in the future.”

He nodded slightly uneasy from the stare, trying to shake it off.

He would never hurt her in ANY way, but having three brothers as her silent bodyguards made things a little different now. But, he had their blessings... That meant something to him. He was accepted, even though he didn’t really know them that long. He smiled slightly.

~*~*~

The mid afternoon sun beat down with unrelenting fury. The heat was barely acceptable, the humidity not lowering until sundown. Until then, he would have to get used to such overly fluctuating temperatures. It sure was different from being on L-4, where everything was regulated.

His eyes followed the movements of the mower, along with the person pushing it. She seemed in such deep contemplation about something. He wondered what it was, but could most likely guess the topic. It was all she’d thought about for two days since the funeral.

Manuel Barbados pulled the blonde aside in the hallway, having been looking for him for a few minutes. “I wonder if you could help me señor.” He muttered.

He nodded confused. He didn’t know what he was needed for, but he’d try his best.

The elderly man smiled briefly. “I need you for ‘backup’ to help me get mi hija from her room.”

His head cocked to one side, but nodded again. He looked down the hall to her room and back at Mr. Barbados with a determined look.

“I’ll help however I CAN señor.” He nearly whispered.

The music played again for the umpteenth time since the afternoon started. She hadn’t bothered changing it, completely content to listen to the melancholy composition. Having recorded the song she worked on so many times for the funeral, it played in one big continuous loop. Her family’s voices sounded again as the song started over.

One hand moved from behind her head to scratch a small itch on her scalp. When finished, it situated itself back into the makeshift pillow with her other hand. Her foot idly twirled in a circle to the rhythm with the melody. One calf rested over her raised knee, allowing for such an action.

Deep chocolate eyes remained glued to the bedroom ceiling, locking with nothing. To a casual passerby, it might look like she was bored, but it was quite the opposite. She was perfectly satisfied lying on her back over her bed, staring at nothing. Somehow, it helped clear her mind, blank it entirely. She hardly blinked.

The door slowly opened suddenly, hardly dredging her from the stupor she placed herself in. The two took one look at her solemn face and looked at each other with worry.

Manuel took a step toward the recorder and turned it off. Her eyes looked his way. “I was LISTENING to that.” She solemnly said. Her voice reminded him of Heero. Emotionless.

His brow crinkled in sadness. That was ONE person he DIDN’T want her to end up as. Emotionless.

“Conozco hija.” Manuel pacified softly. “Pero necesita obtener de este cuarto.”

“¿Por qué?” She asked softly, her heart wishing for the song to return to her ears.

“Because you’ve almost cooped yourself up in here Divinity.” He softly interceded. Her face turned to them, staring at them blankly.

“So what?” She softly asked.

He fought the urge to fidget from the intensity of her deep brown eyes.

Her father took a step forward. “¡Hija,” He muttered sternly, “OBTENDRA este cuarto, AHORA!”

Knowing better to argue with her father when he took that tone of voice, she slowly moved to sitting position over her bed. “What do you want me to do when I AM out of here?” She softly asked, chaste eyes cast to the floor.

“Well, Enrique and Eliah are outside already getting ready to mow the lawn.” Her eyes locked with her elders. An eyebrow rose slightly. “It’s high time to do so, and you would do well to help.”

She pushed the lawnmower around wordlessly, eyes locked on the line of unmowed grass. She’d been actually doing a lot of thinking since she got outside in the fresh air. It helped her mind process a few things.

One was how much she’d been neglecting Quatre’s company by sitting in her room for nearly two days straight. Another on her way of dealing with her mother’s passing.

‘I’ve been unable to cry since after Enrique called me. I never cried at the funeral. I didn’t cry at the burial. It seems the only thing my eyes CAN do is water up.’ She blinked blankly, looking up a little. Her eyes briefly locked on her elder brother’s forms, an automatic mower in their hands.

He stood from the swing, walking to Manuel standing on the back porch, surveying everything. Silently standing by Manuel, he watched the three.

“I want to thank you for your help earlier señor.” Manuel replied suddenly.

He didn’t look away from his post, but smiled slightly. “It was nothing señor. She needed to get out of that room and get some fresh air; this is the perfect thing for her to do.” He replied, denying the gratitude. He didn’t really DO anything, just helped.

Manuel looked over at the boy, feeling fatherly pride surface at the humble way such a powerful man behaved. Quatre seemed to truly have her best intentions at heart.

The whole time he watched Divinity and her brothers work, his mind started whirring with the beginnings of a plan. He’d been thinking of what he could do to help them since he got off the plane and first saw the entire family. They were more than gracious to him his entire stay, even though there were a few...questions about his motives for being in Spain.

Every morning he got up and put on his small amount of ‘normal’ attire and felt like he were undeserving of such luxuries. This family was torn apart because of their mother’s illness and the mass amount of bills that surrounded them. Divinity had to leave home, leave the privilege of seeing her dying mother to work on L-4. Sending home almost all her money to pay for treatments, not allowing herself anything to buy with all that hard-earned money.

He knew that she would go back and work a little longer, mostly to finish paying the bills for her family. After that was a mystery. ‘If she comes back home, it won’t be without my help.’ He thought firmly.

His eyes locked on her figure, following it as the trio finished up. The plan started distinguishing itself in his mind. A truly selfless task, but he would gladly do it again to help her out.

‘I don’t want to see a family this gracious to suffer.’ He immediately started thinking of all the things he was going to have to do once they got back to L-4. A small twinge of adrenaline surged through him.

‘No one but him and I will know about this.’ He thought decisively, wondering how he was going to contact his new ‘partner’.