I will come right out and say it, this chapter in not heavy on plot, is heavy on glompable Duo moments though so…we're happy yes? Seriously nothing much happens besides a lot of bonding and insight into the relationships between the various characters, fluffy but Duo can be. Once again worry over and actual semi-needy friend and WoW has delayed this, I plan to have 7 out in July. For those who play World of Warcraft you can hit me up on Duskwood, Alliance Faction, Aishicc, feel free to look me up in the armory anytime.

WarNinGs: Light on plot events, some fluff…Duo made me do it.

Aishi Say

"I ran down to the ocean sidehis

horse so still, his eyes so bright

the hills were startled by my cries

the knife cuts deep,

I cannot die!And the seabirds cry for me…"

Part of "The Knight Of Dublin Castle" by miss Darby Devon, this song is referenced near the end of the fic but feel free to listen to it before hand, very pretty sounding.

Duo held obediently still, eyes closed, getting use to royals messing with his hair more then every merfolk he had ever met had. The clothes were blowy and fun to swish, when he was allowed to move, so far other then holding still for so long he did not mind this dressing up thing. Clothes were not something merfolk worried much about, even the females, but humans seemed to put a lot of thought into them. Thinking back he noted Quatre often wore paler colors then Trowa, and his clothes were slightly dressier but otherwise looked like everyone else's. It occurred to him he had no real idea what a prince was suppose to dress like. The queens always reminded him of flowers with their many layers but Richard had not been dressed like that, he assumed he was dressed up all the time. Frowning he was not sure so he let it go, he would see for himself soon enough. "And here I thought I would never meet another who could hold as still as my nephew." Katrina teased please Duo was being so agreeable, not all would put up with all this fussing Queen's orders or not.

Duo smiled more then pleased to be compared to the feline akin prince, "Well I do have a lot of hair to play with. So what is this thing anyway?" All he knew was it was formal, which meant big words and manners back home, here he was not so sure about.

"A masquerade, have you ever been to one?" Katrina rather liked masks herself, they were fun and reminded her of when she first met her King.

"No…is that bad?" Masquerade did not mean anything to him but the queen sounded happy, what made her happy seemed to please her nephew as well.

"Heavens no child, a pity but hardly an evil thing. I met my future lord at one, so I am a tad bias. There we are, you may move now child." Katrina nodded satisfied with her work, his hair was wondrously soft and so fun to play with.

Duo opened his eyes blinking at his reflection, his long cinnamon looks were pilled high on his head before they were allowed to fall between his shoulders. Silver knot work similar to what he had seen on Katherine held his hair in place, allowing a few curls to hang about his face. Touching it he could not help but think of stories from log ago, from before magic went into hiding. More knot work wound around his neck holding pale lavender in place, a large knot ended in the hallow of his throat. Soft pale fabric left his shoulders bare, coming together a bit above his elbow to form a billowing sleeve. Darker violet started as an almost vest, two thin straps tied behind his neck, the rest hanging loosely to his knees before trailing behind him. Tilting his head he frowned not sure how others would take this look, or if he liked the darker violet. "Do I look alright?"

"You look like a Fair Folk my little imp, with the mask on the masses will never know it is you." Katrina smiled setting down two masks, "If you are to spend the night on the arms of princes you should look the part of a princess."

"Fair Folk?" Duo repeated questioningly until remembering what those were, he had been thinking something similar. "I'm no elf but thank you." Taking the half face mask he held it up frowning, he had never worn a mask before. "Is everyone going to wear one?"

"Of course child, that is the point, those will hide your eyes since the only other one there with eyes like yours is Katherine. You will also not be the only male in a dress, a few enjoy dressing up for sport, thought not as nicely." Katrina was pleased that unless someone grabbed Duo in the wrong place they would never know by look alone.

Duo set the half mask down and took the full one holding it up, it was white with wisps of color around the edges and eyes, lips red. It hid his face behind a still pale shell, odd but interesting. "So the idea is no one knows who you are?"

"Yes, though some people enjoy being known most like the freedom of masks." Katrina tided the silver ribbon that held the mask on before nodding. "Very nice."

Duo tilted his head to either side getting use to this strange thing, it was not uncomfortable so he turned. "As I guy I couldn't spend all night with them?"

"No child. I know you are a bit shy still, and not all nobles are as…accommodating as we can be. Now if you are ready we can go met the others now?" Katrina picked up her own sky blue skirts not sure why Duo would not be ready.

Duo gave himself one last look before hopping off the stool, he did want to see what Trowa looked liked dressed up like a prince. "I'd like that," Smiling he nodded falling in behind the Queen, humans knew their world best.

"You know you are cute when you worry?" Quatre teased, gold and white shifting as he nodded to a group of passing nobles.

Trowa frowned at the blonde, the half mask he wore did nothing to hide it. "What are you going on about?"

Quatre just smiled use to that frown, he was never as annoyed as it made him look, "You are worried about Duo. It's sweet really." Gold rimed white mask glinted, the golden rays mostly hidden by his pale hair.

Trowa sighed at his smiling friend, he did have a tendency to gush. "He is not use to this kind of thing, and being paraded around is just annoying."

"Richard would not dare do such a thing after almost being bitten just for remarking on his dress." Quatre assured his friend trying to calm him. Duo was a very confident young man, but nobles were a bit overwhelming, and he knew that hair would draw them like a flame.

Trowa shock his head as he crossed his arms, "If he dose I will bite the cur, I did warn him to leave Duo alone."

"I would rather you not but it is not like I could physically stop you." Quatre was under no delusions there, his friend was built like a feline as well as moved as one. Lean muscle was deceptively powerful and allowed for much faster movements then the bulkier builds did. He was also not as weak as he might appear, but he had never been a match for Trowa.

Trowa sighed once more, Katherine would chew his ear off if he got blood on his clothes, as if he could not afford new ones. "True. Hello Duo."

Quatre turned when a brunette moved to stand behind them blinking, his mother had out done herself. "Hello Duo, where is my mother?"

"Oh she went to sit with your old man, she figured it was best not to come in together." Duo smiled behind his mask, the blonde's reaction made him feel more confident about this masquerade thing.

"Entering any room full of nobles on a royal's arm guarantees you no peace until something new grabs their attention." Trowa muttered absently, use to such things but still not likening them, he prefer commoners even if they did gape when he told them who he was.

Duo thought about those birds humans called seagulls, they seemed to fit pretty well. "I'd rather have yours." Placing a hand on dark green that look all but black in the shadows he smiled wanting the human's full attention.

Trowa chuckled softly at the teasing before turning his head to face Duo and just blinked lips parting slightly. The lavender was no surprise, it looked good on most brunettes he knew, the dress was very different, the hair keeping to the whimsical look. Eyes that where fully hidden were looking up at him, his expression he could only guess at. Taking Duo's hand he brought it to his lips before bowing, "Truly a vision to behold milady."

Duo smiled at the soft chuckle pleased to have amused Trowa so easily before just staring when he turned to face him as he had wished. The golden mask cover the top half of his face as Quatre's did, most men seemed to be wearing half masks. It tapered wing like along his cheeks, reminding him of some fluffy cats he had seen, which was likely the point. Dark green feathers framed the top of the mask, the eyes online in dark green as well providing the only color to the golden feline face. He did not recognize the feline but he rather liked it, the feathers looked fun to play with. Noticing the prince's reaction to him he blushed looking down, glad his entire face was covered just then. Looking back up he blinked when his hand was taken and kissed before remembering he was playing the part of a lady. Blushing as red as the princess's hair he turned his face away hands going to his face since he had been released. He could not help the reaction, lady or not this prince was a charmer. Remembering his manners he curtsied as he had been taught to, finding a bit harder to do while pink faced. "You flatter me milord."

Quatre smiled watching the pair play their parts, Duo recovering quickly form the compliment, Trowa was very good at giving them if not taking them. It had not taken long for noble's to notice Duo, let alone that he a prince's personal attention. He knew Duo had not noticed yet, he had other things to focus on, Trowa simply ignore them as he often did. Moving to Duo's left he bowed getting his attention, taking his hand he kissed it as well. "Welcome to my home my lady."

Duo turned from green eyes when he noticed gold move to his side, Quatre bowing to him before greeting him as a friend rather then a mystery as Trowa had. Touched he curtsied to the sweet prince feeling like the luckiest man in room. "You are too kind my prince."

Quatre smiled, Duo was very adaptable so he would not have to worry about him fitting in, he would leave that to Trowa. "Not at all. Please excuse me?" Winking he walked past Duo heading for his parents, his mother would be pleased to hear how well her work had paid off.

Duo smiled once again at Quatre and hoped he found someone who would treasure that smile for the warmth it held. Bowing his head in farewell he turned his gaze back to Trowa, noticing the nobles staring for the first time. He was very sure he could not approach the prince again so he waited for a cue, this was Trowa's world he knew the rules. Eyes turned when a young man in dark blue took a few steps forward freezing when Trowa held out his hand. Taking that as his cue he placed his in Trowa's giving the lesser noble a slight nod, he had no way to know if he was kind or not. "Is it not selfish of you to claim my attention from another?" He had learned ladies used banter to test and play, Trowa seemed to enjoy that form of communication, plus was not the mysterious beauty not to play with those around them?

Trowa smirked at Duo's comment, the silky purr was different form his normal playful bright tone but he rather liked it. "Not at all milady, since it was you who took the hand I but offered."

Duo tilted his head as if considering his argument, he would give him his hand anytime he held his out, he could not help it. Pulling his hand back he half curled his fingers as he held it up, "And if I choose to take it back and give it to another?" He wanted the prince to take his hand and never let him go, even if this was just a game now he still wanted Trowa to claim him.

Trowa arched a brow when Duo pulled his hand back holding it like a feline about to bat something, his coy challenge got a blink. Duo sure knew how to play the minx better then he would have assumed, perhaps he was more accustomed to being chased then he lead on? Sneering he closed his fingers around Duo's hand pulling him a step forward, "Then I shall simply have to hold on all the tighter."

Duo smiled pleased when his hand was squeezed, once again where it belonged, the soft mummers form the gathered nobles made him purr inside. Back home he could never be so bold, nobles all knew he was not one, here if you wore the right clothes and acted bold no one questioned you. He was more then happy to see the disappointed female faces, while he was sure some of them were good people, he wanted Trowa all to himself and he would have that. Turning his head at music he blinked when Trowa moved to stand close as the crowed moved away. "They did not look very happy when you took my hand back."

Trowa smirked leaning close, "They were not." Pulling away he placed his other hand on Duo's side, "It is lucky they will not recognize you tomorrow."

Duo nodded moving closer to the prince copying those around him, being this close was a nice way to spend the evening in his opinion. "Yeah Katrina seemed to think so. She said since I would be spending the night on the arms of princes I should look the part of a princess…I hope Katherine won't mind me trying to act like her."

Trowa chuckled shaking his head, "She'll be delighted, I assure you. Red headed women tend to be…outspoken. You seem rather comfortable dressed like that."

"It's very flowy, and moves well so I like it. You look very handsome my price." Duo knew he did not have to refer to him by any honorary title but it seemed right to just then. It seemed he was correct in wanting to see his prince dressed up as one, he was cute even if he was wearing more clothing then he normally did. The more formal attire would not move with breeze, or cling when wet, the only down sides he saw at the moment, even without breeze or water around.

Trowa couldn't help but smile at Duo's answer, he really was adorable. Blinking at his compliment he frowned slightly, he was nothing all that special really, especially compared to Duo. "Perhaps, but you are always beautiful."

Duo blushed turning red yet again, breath caught for a moment, playful banter or not he could die a happy man right now, not that he wished to. 'Gods mean that, please mean that…I never want to leave your side.' "That guy in blue would likely agree," The comment came out sounding teasing, much calmer then Duo felt just then.

Trowa frowned, is this how people felt when he dismissed their praise outright, if it was he would have to work on that. "I have no doubt but he cared for only your looks, nothing more."

"So sure?" Duo cooed softly, he wanted to hear that his heart was what was beautiful. He had heard Trowa's in his playing, if he had not already wished to meet him that would have been enough. The joy of being free had pleased the dolphins as it had touched him, he too loved being free. He smiled when the other's pensive frown did not leave his face, he had only been teasing.

Trowa turned his dark gaze away confused by his feelings, why should he care if others thought Duo was beautiful? Dressed as he was it was impossible to miss but that was not it, that would not annoy him so much. "Most here would bed you then never wish to see you again."

Duo frowned thinking about that, he had never thought about other people wishing to be with him, let alone when they did not truly care. He would gladly spend the night with Trowa, Quatre he would consider since he was so very kind, but no one else appealed to him. The idea of others touching him upset him, he had not come for others to have. "I'm here with you not them."

Years of causing frowns told him Duo was even though he could not see it, sighing softly he glanced at Duo. "Yes you are. If it makes you feel any better I am simply a trophy they would wish to keep their hands on."

Duo knew that sigh, dark eyes turned back to him and he smiled reassuringly even if only he knew it. "That is why you dislike them so much. They want something pretty, but once they get it they do not want it anymore. Why want it if you will simply toss it aside the next moment?"

Trowa smiled at Duo's verbal train of thought, it was so rare to met someone who understood him so well. "I knew I liked you."

Duo turned his gaze fully back to the prince when he smiled, he was not exactly sure why his thinking out loud had cheered him up until he spoke. Smiling back he could not help but laugh a little, he preferred teasing when it involved smiling. "You like everyone who dose not go around dismissing people like they are nothing." That hurt, to know that no one cared, even Hilde would forget all about him in time.

Trowa squeezed his hand gently, not sure who would cast some so kind and insightful away but cursing them just the same. "Perhaps, do not worry about them."

"Because you will claw anyone who tries to touch me?" Duo purred not having to ask who the prince meant by them. Cats had wickedly curved claws to slash with, something the hand holding his lacked.

Trowa sneered at the challenge, Quatre would not be so amused, leaning close he chuckled, "No, I'll bite them."

Quatre smiled as he came up to his mother's side, "I see you had fun."

"A lady needs some help with formal wear my son," Katrina reminded her son with a straight face since her pearl accented mask only hid half her face.

"You did a fine job, Trowa was speechless for a moment." His friend had always recovered from shock faster, rarely showing more then a blink. Their years together had taught him to recover quickly but he was still not that quick.

Katrina took a moment to simply smile, pleased her work was appreciated by more then the masses, their opinions were colored. "I am glad he will not be bored.'

"My dear what are you talking about?" Dark brown eyes turned to his beloved queen and only son knowing them, he hated missing part of their conversations.

"Just Trowa my love, you know how like his father he is," Katrina assured her husband taking his arm, stern looking as he might be he was a kind man and she loved him dearly.

"Ah, well, yes. Michael never cared for formal…anything, sometimes I still find myself in agreement with him." The king smiled at his dear queen patting her hand gently, "He dose love you so."

"He is a sweet child, why he hides it sometimes is still beyond me. Come beloved I wish to join the happy glittering masses." Katrina enjoyed happy people, formal event or otherwise it made no difference, smiles were smiles.

"As the lady commands, Quatre," Smiling he nodded to his son as he was more lead then followed his wife.

"Father, Mother," Quatre hid a grin as his father was pulled away, turning when he noticed someone had come up to his side. "Katherine."

"Quatre, care to explain hm?" Katherine asked nodding towards Duo a knowing smile on her lips.

"Not at all," Quatre answered, her sense of humor was rather similar to her brothers.

Duo walked down the pale stone stairs and up to the fountain, the golden lights from inside playing off the falling arches of water. Smiling up at the stone merfolk and dolphin above him he turned his head to look over his shoulder when he sensed Trowa approach, sometimes he wondered if he knew how to make noise when he walked. "Is it alright to be out here?"

Trowa came to a stop beside Duo more then happy to be outside and away from people, "Why would it not be?"

"Well…it is a party. Back home it was considered very rude to just walk out like this." Perhaps stepping out was not as frowned upon by humans as it was merfolk, royals here were much nicer so it very well might not be.

"Stepping out on the balconies and such is just fine, that is why the doors are open, besides it is rather nice out here." Trowa glance back towards the doors they had exited but no one was paying them any more mind then they had indoors. Those who had long tongues would gossip about what they wished no matter what they saw, he would waste no time on them.

Duo caught Trowa's quick glance but did not bother to look behind them, if a friendly face had come out Trowa would have smiled in greeting, he was not. Watching the human's mouth he climbed onto the wide stone rim, height never really mattered much underwater but on land one could not simply swim higher to see better. Grinning when Trowa tilted his head at him he just took his skirts in his hands and began walking slowly, "Where do you think all the magic is going?"

Trowa turned his head when he heard cloth move only to tilt his head questioningly at Duo, long skirts and water were not the best of mixes. Falling in beside Duo he stopped with a blink at his question, "What are you talking about?"

"Well Quatre said once people had magic all the time, and all those fairytale critters ran around with them…where do you think all the magic is going since it is rare now?" Duo knew his kind hid from humans because on land they were rather helpless but why were humans no longer being born with gifts?

"Father said we had become too greedy for it so the Gods started taking it back, that may be true but I really don't know. As we lost our gifts those born of magic retreated into the wilds, that may be the cause rather then a result. Those of us who still have it are either regarded with awe or fear, my people prefer awe to fear." Trowa smirked at Duo, the lands of fairies would likely never be free of magic even if the rest of the world lost all of their's "You would not fear me even if I could call the trees of the forests to tear you apart."

Duo frowned considering Trowa's response, greedy humans did scare him since they could steal his magic and so his life. The fact such humans attacked those born of magic until they fled the human world and took the human's magic with them made sense, but was also very sad. Quatre was the sweetest person he had ever met, Trowa could be harsh but he was by no means evil, magic had no reason to fear humans like them. Turning at the teasing he smirked back even if he could not see, "Why fear what would never harm me? Silly human you'll have to try harder then that."

Trowa chuckled at that, Duo did not scare any easier then Quatre did. "That I will, but for now you should be worried what will happen to you if you ruin that pretty dress."

Duo frowned looking down, the trail hung down to the stone, the skirts held over an inch above the edge of the rim far from the water. "Can water really hurt this thing? What do women do when it rains if it'll ruin their own pretty dresses?"

Trowa shook his head arms crossing, "If it is silk they screech like owls and run for cover, you will be fine as long as you do not trip."

"You mean you would not leap to my rescue? Some noble prince you are," Duo scoffed turning up his face in mock disgust getting a laugh, how he loved that sound.

"You read too many fairytales milady, I have two red heads to answer to you have none." No one would scold him if he tore something keeping Duo from falling in but that did not mean he cared to do so, wet gowns were a pain to move in.

"True, forgiven then. It would be no fun to tease you if you could not hear a word I said to you." As soon as those words were out he closed his eyes thinking about how empty the world would sound to him without the human's voice to fill it. He did not even care if the other's gifts came through in his voice as clearly as his playing, Siren song or not he knew he loved the heart behind it.

Trowa smiled even though the idea hardly amused him, he had no interest in spending the rest of his life so limited. "I too would curse such a fate. Tell me of the royals where you came from?"

Duo blinked at the sudden question, he should have seen it coming since he had been teasing Trowa about being a prince since he was able. "They are not cruel but I feel they are colder then they need be. You all are so kind, and I know you would be even if I had never saved Quatre's life."

Trowa looked away with a sigh, if he had lost his dearest friend that day it would have killed him, no one doubted that for a moment who knew him. "You did more then save his life Duo, you saved my sanity. If I had failed him…it would not have been pretty. Not all of royal blood are as kind as those fond here and my own lands, if only."

Closing his he could not help but hear that scream, he hated those dead men still for making him scream in such pain. Quatre was dear to him and he had known him but a moment compared to Trowa, losing him would hurt as well. "I couldn't just let him drown when I could prevent it, I never want to met anyone that evil. All my life I have been around others but never felt I belonged with them, then you come along and take me home. A nobody like me the envy of all those highborn ladies…still feels like I'm dreaming."

"Your blood makes no difference to me, as mine dose to you. If all I cared for was such a foolish thing my father would rise from the dead and beat my lost sense back into me." He could care less who Duo's parents were beyond simple curiosity, a flaw of his. Duo teased him about being a prince but did not go around bowing every other breath, if he started he had better be teasing him once more. "Highborn dose make one superior to another, am I so much better then you really?"

Duo looked up at the question, "I think you are, but you being a prince has little to do with it." He was not sure how Trowa would take that, but assumed he would kindly dismiss the praise. Kindness and loyalty were what he offered those who would offer them back.

Trowa tilted his head at Duo frowning slightly, "And just what about me do you think makes me so much better then you?"

Duo smiled at the question asked out of curiosity not ego, he loved that about him as well. "Your kindness." It was a simple answer but it was true none the less, he knew he was able to be so kind to strangers.

"My kindness? I fear you have mistaken me with Quatre." Trowa was use to family teasing him about such things but Duo was not family, what he 'knew' about him was more feelings then facts. Normally that would annoy him but Duo seemed to understand him so well he did not really mind knowing so little about him.

Duo smiled wagging his finger at him, "Ah, ah, ah I can see you just fine even if you cannot see me. Animals who have never met you are as harmless as kittens around you, and you do not think you are so kind. I think the wilds know you better then you do yourself."

Trowa just stared at Duo too surprised to make any response to his words let alone his teasing. Closing his eyes he shook his head, how did Duo see so much others who had known him longer missed constantly? "Perhaps they do. I have been teased by family about many things, but few besides them say such things. Is that why you speak your mind so freely around me?"

"Why not be honest with you?" Duo asked unsure why anyone besides Richard would have any reason to fear doing so. Holding out his hand he smiled when Trowa took it and helped him step down, he had missed the warmth of his touch. "I am not Richard after all."

"Gods that man would fall over dead if he saw you now…not such a great loss but it would ruin the party for everyone else. To answer you many dare not speak up around royals out of fear we will not be pleased by what they have to say." Trowa shrugged, there was little he could do about even nobles being timid around him because he outranked them,

Duo smiled not heartbroken over the idea either, reaching up he played with the dark feathers pleased they were as soft as they looked. "I can be too bold sometimes but I think you like that about me."

"If I did not you would not be as amusing to be with, a pity to say the least." Trowa chuckled when Duo batted at the feathers with a mocking huff. "So thin skinned."

Duo grinned at the teasing before pushing Trowa's mask up, "You are a horrid brute. It is no surprise no lady would have you." Huffing he pulled the mask back down and turned his back to him, he had seen him kill in anger but he knew he was truly gentle. All the joking in the world would not change that fact, he never wanted him to change.

"Hey," Trowa protested as he fixed the mask so he could see, "I assure you even blind I can still tease you."

Duo smiled turning to look over his shoulder pleased to see Trowa had come up behind him, "Would you forgive another for such teasing?"

"Why would I not? It is not as if you meant any of it," Trowa smirked as he leaned close sensing Duo tense despite his teasing. "Are you afraid of me all of a sudden Duo?"

Duo could not help but shiver slightly at the whisper so near his ear, he wondered if Trowa realized he was being so unfair? He could not see him toying with him if he knew how he felt, that was too cruel and unlike him. Leaning back against him he turned his head tempted to tear his mask off and kiss him, the rules never said he could not make the first move. "It's just a little windy, are lady's dress designed to not stop chills just so men have an excuse to hold them?"

"Katherine would be the first to tell you yes," Trowa would not be surprised if that was the case, young couples would hardly complain even if it was. Hugging Duo loosely he shook his head, "You could have said something Duo."

Duo closed his eyes feeling much warmer even if green sleeves did not cover much of him, "I did not really notice until just now. Sea air seems to always be so cold, I wonder why?"

"The sea here is always cold so it is not all that surprising really. Are you sure you are alright?" The last thing he wanted was Duo getting sick because he thought he could speak up.

"How could I not be with you right here?" Duo asked softly before placing his hands on Trowa's arms, the cloth was so warm and soft the had to fight the urge to pet him.

Trowa sighed resting his chin on Duo's shoulder, "You can be as stubborn as I can be, serves me right I guess."

Duo smiled at the prince who felt so at ease with him to use him for a pillow, it really did feel good to be loved. "I'm not cold anymore so I can be if I wan to. Are you tried? You don't normally use people you are talking to as pillows?" As much as he was enjoying his solid warmth he could not be content if the human was unwell even just a little.

Trowa chuckled as he raised his chin from Duo's shoulder, "You worry too much about me." It was sweet really but he was hardly dying so it was nothing worth worrying about.

Duo turned to face Trowa and frowned up at him, "You are aren't you? And here I am going on when…what?"

"Didn't you ever have a cat growing up?" Trowa asked amused by Duo's clear concern over something so trivial, what was it about him that seemed to attract such people?

Duo blinked not sure what having a cat had to do with the fact he thought the prince should be resting rather then standing there asking him such strange things. "No I never had one. What dose a cat have to do with you being tried anyway?" Sometimes humans made little sense to him but Trowa was not like many of them, it was why he loved him so.

Trowa chuckled at Duo, it might be a little cruel to tease him when he was concerned but he had done it to Quatre for years, he just could not help it. "If you stop chiding me I will tell you." Duo said nothing but he was sure he was pouting a little behind his mask, Quatre often did when they played this game. "When a feline is content they become very lazy."

Duo frowned despite the amused chuckle, he loved this man but he was fighting the urge to shake him, he would have to ask Quatre what he did when he had acted like this in the past. After teasing him once more he took pity on him and answered, getting a thoughtful frown. Felines were not something he was intimately familiar with but that made some sense to him. "So I should scratch your ears and tell you you are a good kitty then?" He raised his hand to do just that when Trowa laughed, gently pushing his hand away, "Bad kitty let me pet you."

Trowa laughed again, this time catching Duo's wrists and holding him playfully struggling before him, "Oh no, I prefer being able to see what you are up to."

Duo laughed back as he gave up and was released, he preferred seeing those beautiful eyes as well. Watching Trowa turn his head slightly he reached up and stroked the long feathers as he looked over the human's shoulder. "Hey Quatre I wondered where you got to."

Quatre smiled in greeting not at all surprised Trowa knew he was there without having to turn, "Hello Duo. Having fun I see."

"Come now Quatre it would be rude of us to not entertain our quest." Trowa reminded his blonde friend ignoring Duo's hand, he did not mind him playing.

Quatre smiled curling his fingers near his chin, "That it would be. Francis is rather cross with you, and most of the young ladies are jealous of you."

Trowa sighed shaking his head, "That man can hardly keep his hands to himself."

Duo smiled pleased at the displeased tone Trowa used when speaking of who he assumed was the man in blue. While he knew people who could not keep their hands to themselves were not well liked by either prince he still felt loved. "I would not have been having such a pleasant time with him. Your mom said she met your dad at one of these things."

"Yes, Trowa's father did not hate these as much as he did most formal events." Quatre smiled at Trowa's mocking growl at the word formal. "Mother will be pleased to hear you have been enjoying yourself."

Duo grinned at that, the queen was one insightful lady. "She's been so nice to me, you all have been, it's sweet of you all."

"It has been our pleasure Duo, both our families are indebted to you for what you did." Quatre glanced at Trowa who looked thoughtful but said nothing, nothing new.

"You don't owe me anything at all really, just being able to help is enough for me." Duo could not help but want to cry, how could humans be so kind yet so feared? Freezing he blinked when Trowa gently lifted his mask and wiped his eyes. Blinking he smiled up at him, Hilde and those like her were fools to so blindly hate what was not nearly as different as they cared to believed. "Thank you."

Trowa nodded before lowering Duo's mask back into place, "You both are so sentimental."

Quatre smiled taking Trowa's arm and hugging it, "So are you oh noble lion, you simply hide it much better."

Trowa chuckled at Quatre's teasing before kissing his cheek, "Fool. Duo would you hate me if I go say hello to his parents, it is expected."

Duo watched Quatre tease Trowa and was paid back in turn, they were adorable together really. When Trowa spoke again he wondered why he should be upset if Trowa left his side for a moment? Taking that as a compliment he shook his head, "Not at all, I will keep the ladies off of Quatre while you are gone."

Trowa chuckled at the as he slipped his arm free of Quatre's lose grip. "We both thank you." Leaning close he kissed Duo's mask covered cheek before turning from the pair and heading back inside without another word.

Quatre turned catching Duo touch his mask, "Is that not something your kind do?" The kiss of peace, or just a friendly kiss on the cheek was not uncommon among humans.

"It might be but no one's ever done that and not tried anything, those in power are not always so kind. Dose he do that often?" Duo had seen him kiss Quatre a few times, they were as close as family, and was affectionate towards his family but not anyone else.

"Often no," Quatre answered softly, expression thoughtful. "He is rather selective about his affections, just as a feline. Those of us lucky enough to get close to him are rewarded with his loyalty and affection, you saw that loyalty at work already."

Duo nodded absently, if Hilde had seen it she would not dare try anything, she might hate his kind but she was not so blinded by hate to want that temper turned on her. "Yeah. All I had ever seen of him was this sweet, charming guy and then…That scared me, really scared me."

"Trowa's people have always been fighters, his line even more so really. Trowa is as gentle as a kitten unless given a reason to be otherwise. He will kill any who threaten what he loves without hesitation or remorse, while sweet it is not his most charming trait." Quatre loved him for his protectiveness but it did scare him from time to time, rage was freighting even if you are not in any danger from it.

"Hilde despises humans, she is convinced I'll end up on display, or worst, but I knew I could trust him, and I hoped I could trust you." Duo sighed softly sitting down on the ridge of the fountain, "I do not want to go back, if she knew I was here she would lock me up until you both were long dead."

Quatre sat down beside him hand on his shoulder, "If she tried he'd hang her up by her tail, I am sure she would deserve it but I would rather avoid fighting. Is there a limit on how many times you can come back like this?"

Duo shook his head, "I never heard of one but the royals back home are not too forgiving of those who try and fail. Saving a human is one thing, we are pretty good at telling if someone is worth saving or not like you two really. Hilde hates him because I love him, not that she has ever really seemed to care before."

Quatre frowned as he patted Duo's shoulder, it was never fun having people care about only when they wished. "She is far away, powerless, I know that can be easy to forget but please try, for your sake?"

Duo smiled placing his hand over Quatre's paler one, "At first I was so jealous of you, you could make him smile so easily and I could not even let him see me. I am glad that he has friends like you, even if I never get to see him again he won't be all alone."

"Duo it will be all right, please don't cry again? I can tell him if you wish?" Quatre was sure the fact Duo was a merman would be treated like a joke, the face he was in love would not be.

"No, thank you though. I'm just being silly and he'd be the first to say so, I'm just not use to really being wanted around for me." Duo pulled his mask up and dried his eyes before smiling reassuringly at Quatre. "I'll never forget what you've done for me."

Quatre smiled back touched, the merman was so endearing, "See he laughs once a day, at least, and that is all the thanks I'll ever need."

"Done," Duo agreed wholeheartedly before replacing his mask, he wanted nothing more then to hear that laugh just then.

"Ah there you are child, come here," Katrina smiled warmly at her bloodless nephew as he obediently walked up to her. "I did not send my son to fetch you, I just did not know where you got off too, just like your father."

Trowa smiled at the queen's playful teasing, "It was not my intention to worry you, the young lady wished for some air away from so many glares."

Katrina chuckled at that getting her husband's attention, "Poor dear, I do hope they are feeling a bit better now?"

"Much yes," Trowa assured her before turning his attention to her husband, "Lord Winner."

Lord Winner smiled at the bow, while not as intimate their relationship was also very close. Michael's son had been a good friend to his children and he had always been obedient to him. "Ah, yes, the mysterious young women you were with. I am pleased to hear she is feeling better."

"Your first formal event can be a bit overwhelming even when you know others there. Hello my sweet," Elizabeth walked slowly up to her son, soft gold shimmering in the lights around her.

"Mother," Trowa greeted turning to face her with a warm smile, "How long have you been here?"

"Oh I was a bit late so I came in as that girl led you out, good timing on my part." Smiling knowingly at her son she turned to her two old friends curtsying as protocol demanded, since this was not her kingdom, even if it was her second home. "I think young Francis's eyes are greener then yours tonight child."

Trowa shook his head at his mother, "His manners are not what they should be mother. It is better to have green eyes then be seeing red after being so reminded."

Katrina nodded to herself, "I would hate to see his face lined with his own blood when he was slapped for being so forward."

Lord Winner frowned slightly in thought, he did not care for any mistreatment of his guests, even if he had yet to met them. "Agreed, such happy times should not be ruined by such avoidable foolishness. Please inform our shy quest we are sorry she felt so over whelmed, and are glad she has recovered."

Trowa bowed his head more then happy to return to his friends outside, "She will be touched by your concern. My Lord, Lady, mother."

"She is lucky my son is as considerate as he is charming or I fear she would be in a bit of trouble." All joking aside Katrina knew her son used that charm to smite those spiteful harpies who annoyed him, they all earned his venom.

Lord Winner nodded as Francis swallowed as Trowa passed him, clearly nervous, "Perfectly harmless until given a reason. You did a fine job Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled able to catch a glimpse of the hugs her son received in greeting, "As did the both of you, our lands will know another generation of peace at least."

Katrina hid a grin thinking about how impish Duo, Trowa, and even her own Quatre could be, "Happy children are all we could ever hope for, the gods were so very kind. Now sit and tell me where you got that dress, it is simply gorgeous."

Duo sighed as he set the brush down just staring at his reflection for a moment, the silvery light of the moon and the golden candle's caught the highlights in his long hair. Underwater nights were so dark and colorless, here everything was cast in silver like fine mist. Getting to his feet he walked up to his balcony over looking the ever moving waves, time meant nothing below them really. Merfolk were not immortal but they were long lived as most children of magic were, maybe that was why many let things slip away? Becoming human he would trade all those human life times he would have lived for one incomplete one with the human he loved, sounded a bit foolish when thought of like that. Other lives together, or whatever afterlife they found themselves in together, sounded more appealing then lifetimes under ever moving waves but never really changing world. Turning from the water he frowned feeling restless but also just wanting to lie down and sleep. Siding with restless he walked out of his room and down the hall not really aiming for anywhere special, humming drew his attention back outside. Stopping he glanced down at Elizabeth who was walking in the garden below him, ignoring him if she even knew he was there. Her humming slowly changed to singing and the young merman listened closely to the words he had never heard before, sung with such soft sadness it force him to bite back tears. The song was about a lady who's knight went off, she thought him dead, she was slain on a beach, he returned to find her dead and lived alone for the rest of his days. While the melody was easily humable the words were far from the cheerful things most humans hummed. She had lost her love, perhaps a knight himself, but at least she had her children still so she was not all alone. He knew just much true loneliness hurt, he never wanted to return to those feelings. Picking a rose she sighed softly before looking up, "Oh hello there Duo."

"Lady Elizabeth, that was a pretty song if not sad." Duo fidgeted a little not sure if that was the right thing to say or not. It did not seem to upset her so he sided with it had been alright to pay her the slight compliment.

Elizabeth smiled plucking a pink rose fro the nearby bush, "That it is, could you not sleep child?"

"Felt a little restless…not sure why really, tonight was wonderful." Duo smiled as he folded his arms on the cool railing. The royal pair were such pleasant company it was all but impossible to not have fun with them.

"I dare say you and Katrina had a bit of fun at our expenses, the masses would mostly turn red if they knew they were lusting after a fellow male." Elizabeth had been half tempted to tell Darius but he was a bit too proper to get a good laugh out of it.

"Is that really so bad?" Duo was not sure if that was frowned upon or not among humans, he doubted Quatre would so encourage him if it was.

"Not at all child but to most of those fools a fine lady is the only prize worth chasing. Being pursued by own of your own gender can be most flattering." Smiling she just watched the youth's face saying nothing more.

Duo thought that over, Trowa had shown no interest in any of the ladies there, other then those of his blood. "Sounds like you were so flattered once."

"Once yes, turned as pink as this rose here but that was many moons ago now," Elizabeth had already been in love at the time but she was still flattered by the attention. Tossing the rose she smiled when Duo caught it frowning at it. "Thorns prick so, Michael always removed them for me. Sleep well child, your friends all do."

Duo blinked teary eyes touched by her kindness, "I will and thank you." The red head simply smiled as she turned slowly and walked back into the cattle through a half shadow hidden door.

Graceful fingers were gently closed over the thornless steam before Duo brushed bangs back into place with an absent smile. While he did not doubt Elizabeth he had wanted to see for himself his friends were, in fact, sleeping well. Quatre had been as still as Trowa was, though he had been smiling at something or other. Content he just stood there watching the human sleep for a long moment before leaning down and kissing his cheek. "Sweet dreams my prince, you all deserve nothing less."

The reason the rose is pink, besides the cute blush tie in, is thanks to Blood + ep 22 the Zoo, not sure which manga that is in. For those who have not seen this, see it a decent straight pairing in a Vampire plot whoa right? Saya, the Vamp who doesn't know it, loves roses but not pink ones, not sure why since she wears a lot of pink. In the Anime she tells her new 'friend' she wants roses of another color and he tells her to go pick them herself, he's a kid and she is kindda bossy. After a surprised say what now rich moment there is some bonding and pink roses show up in the show a few times after, the last episode for one. In the manga she tries to get Haji/Hagi, cute Vamp to be, to leave so she asks for blue roses, 1920's here people. Unable to find them he removes the thorns from normal colored ones and she buries her face in them, she had always wanted to do that. Both are too cute, not the norm for the series but still awness, so they both inspired those little scenes at the end. The dance was inspire by The Man in the Iron Mask movie, some men should not wear dresses ever. Not much really happened in this one but I hope you all enjoyed the awness of Duo, wanted to glomp him a few times while typing this. I will try to add more real plot to the next chapter, and more glompable Duo, all should enjoy glompable Duo, who's with me?

The song mentioned near the end is called "The Knight Of Dublin Castle" by miss Darby Devon. It is by no means as old as the time period this fic is set in, whenever that is, but I enjoy the song and it is easy to hum. Look it up on YouTube if you do not believe me.