Title: Five Pilots and a Baby pt. 4/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit

Disclaimer: we don’t own the boys, but boy are we gonna have fun with them!!!

Warnings: AU, shounen-ai, angst, sap, fluff, cuuuuuuuute!

Rating: PG

Pairings: hasn’t changed! They’s aaaaaall good friends!

Note: AGAIN MORE!! *cackles and falls over* Enjoy and please review!!

‘thoughts’

Snuggling among his warm blankets, Duo buried his face in his pillow.  Stretching out like a little kitten, he yawned cutely.  Flexing his fingers like that self same kitten, he was lost in dreamland, peaceful and serene. Until the worst possible sound could attack him: the screeching cry of a small infant.  That same infant screamed loudly, waking the whole household in her need for food. A soft curse was heard in the same bed as Duo, then the soft sounds of feet running to the makeshift nursery was heard. Wufei grunted softly, putting an arm over his eyes. "Heero moved fast..." He mumbled.

"When doesn't he?" Duo countered, mumbling into the pillow.  He yawned, falling back asleep just before he heard another pair of soft feet head into the baby's room. Wufei chuckled softly as he kissed Duo's head and fell back to sleep. It was nice not having to be the one to get up for the night calls.

~**~~**~

Heero sung softly to Shaina as he rocked her, her bottle gently held to her mouth as he paced in that slow bouncing way that parents naturally go into. Stepping into the room, Quatre gave a sleepy smile at Heero, watching him feed Shaina.  It was just so precious.

Shaina blinked up at Heero, sucking vigorously on the bottle.  She kept her eyes on his, never wavering as she continued to eat her breakfast. Heero lifted two fingers in greeting to Quatre as he continued singing softly. He went to the chair by her crib and sat down, rocking slowly back and forth as he continued his singing feeding. Smiling softly, Quatre came in, closing the door behind him.  He made his way over to Heero, waving at the little girl. She blinked, staring at him as she sucked on the bottle.  Finally pulling it away, she continued to stare at him, blinking a few times as she did so.

Heero grinned and whispered softly, "What do you see, little one? Is someone next to us?" He felt his grin soften into a smile and glanced up at Quatre, winking.

Quatre grinned, kneeling next to them.  He held out his finger to the baby, brushing her cheek.  "Hello, little one.  Sleep well?" Shaina stared at him hard, then giggling, she bounced the bottle off of Quatre's head.

Chuckling softly, Heero caught the bottle and put it to the side. "Gomen, Quatre...it's plastic so it shouldn't hurt." He said with a slight smile as he bounced little Shaina up to his shoulder and burped her with soft pats.

"That's quite all right." Quatre couldn't help but grin.  He snickered as Shaina gave off a loud burp.

"Sugoina, little one." Heero whispered the praise as he brought her back down and sat her on his lap, bouncing her a bit. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head, smiling peacefully. Smiling at the two, Quatre reached out to tickle Shaina as she was bounced.  She giggled, waving her arms around gaily.  She was having so much fun! Heero's smile grew as he bounced her, then tickled her. Baby laughter was so contagious...

Quatre looked up at the unfamiliar sound.  His eyes widened, and then he grinned as he watched Heero laugh.  He'd never heard the sound before and it was music to his ears.  He grinned at the little girl, tickling her more.  'You're very good for him, little Shaina.  I do not look forward to the day when we have to give you up.'

Heero chuckled some more as little Shaina giggled. He kissed her head again, then stood up. "Time to check your diaper, little star." He said softly and went over to the table that was serving as changing table/food maker.

"You know how to do that?" Quatre asked incredulously, his eyes wide.  He went over to Heero, then gagged and took a step back. The scent that wafted from Shaina was enough to make a hardened warrior fall over in a faint.

Heero seemed immune to the smell as he proceeded to clean and diaper her. "Hai. It was one of my...training sessions." He said with a frown before his face became impassive once again. His voice flattened as he finished up and said, "It's all right, Quatre. I can handle this."

"I'm sure you can, but I want to help too." Quatre all but pouted.  He grinned, getting used to the smell as he took Shaina's hand.  He grinned as her small hand wrapped around his finger.

Heero blinked, then shrugged. "I understand." He said in a flat voice, then picked up the 'bomb object’, and tossed it into the garbage that was serving for 'toxic waste disposal' as Duo had put it. He sighed and dressed her up in one of the onesies that Duo had just cleaned, then picked her up. "All clean now. Shall we finish our bottle?" He asked with a smile at her. Shaina tilted her head as if to think about Heero's question.  She finally shook her head, then bounced up and down, squealing for no apparent reason. Quatre sweatdropped.  He'd never understand children...particularly female children. Heero snickered softly as he held onto her bouncing body. "Little stinker..." He said the nickname from Duo lovingly as he smiled and twirled her around.

Turning her head, Shaina all but beamed at Heero.  She blinked up at Heero, then unceremoniously stuffed his green tank top into her mouth, and began sucking on the material. Quatre couldn't help the snicker that came out.  He grinned up at Heero innocently. Rolling his eyes, Heero took her mouth from his tank top. "Iiee, little one...you shouldn't do that. Here." He gave her the nook, smiling at her as he murmured to her in Japanese for her to take it. Shaina looked from the pacifier to Heero's shirt.  Her lower lip stuck out in a pout, gauging which to take.  Finally making her decision, she once more stuck Heero's shirt into her mouth, ignoring the offered pacifier. Heero rolled his eyes again then sat down. He sat her on his lap, then took off the tank top, ensuring she wouldn't have it as he tossed it aside. He gave her the nook, pressing it to her mouth with a nuzzle to her cheek, whispering.

Sniffling at the loss of her new play toy, Shaina's lower lip quivered.  She pushed the pacifier away from her mouth, giving a cry of discontent and anger. 'She's cute, but let's see how Heero deals with her when she's in tantrum mode.' Quatre mused to himself, watching silently. Softly, Heero whispered to her, then touched his nose to hers before putting his finger on her nose. He grinned at her, wrinkling his nose at her. Not placated, Shaina gave a cry, pushing him away.  She began to cry, her hand reaching out for the green shirt imploringly. Sighing softly, Heero put his finger into her hand and smiled down at her. He grabbed her bottle and began feeding her again.

But Shaina wasn't having any of it.  She was on the verge of a tantrum and she'd be damned if she let him talk her out of it!  She sobbed, and then let out a high pitched wail and began to cry. Sighing softly, Heero got up and grabbed the tank top. He murmured softly to her as he gave her a clean edge, hiding the more dirty edges self-consciously. Reaching out, Quatre stopped Heero's hand before it gave the shirt to Shaina.  He shook his head slightly, a soft smile on his face.  "You don't have to give it to her, Heero.  She's just testing you, seeing how far she can get with you before she gets her way." Shaina stopped crying instantly as the shirt came within reach.  She pouted as it didn't get any closer, her glare centered on Quatre.  The blond boy was messing with her conquest!!

Heero smirked slightly at Quatre. "Arigato...Quatre." He said softly with a smile. He picked up Shaina and let the tank top drop. "It's dirty anyways...I'd rather she didn't." He said with a wink and began singing again to her and bouncing her. Quatre just grinned, picking up the dirty tank top.  Shaina pouted more, turning her piercing glare onto Heero.  Despite her anger at him, she finally succumbed to sleep, his soothing voice and bouncing soothing her into slumber. Smiling softly, Heero laid her out in the crib, tucking her in carefully. He leaned his chin on the rail, just watching her as he hummed softly. Coming over to Heero, Quatre smiled as he watched the little one sleep.  He looked up at Heero, a sad smile on his face. "I...remember my mother singing that song to me. How she would smile and ask me if I was happy..." Heero said softly, suddenly, in the silence. He straightened and sighed, his face hardening and becoming cold. "Let's get to bed. We'll need our sleep in case of a mission." He said flatly and headed out.

Swallowing, Quatre gazed down at the sleeping baby.  "Your papa is sad, little one.  We'll have to see what we can do about that, won't we?" He wasn't sure if Heero would hear him or not, but one thing he was sure of.  If anyone could be Shaina's father, it would be Heero.  They had a rapport that the little girl didn't have with anyone else.

Heero didn't hear Quatre as he left the room silently, though he did say quietly over his shoulder. "Get to bed, Quatre."

A smile quirked at the edges of Quatre's lips as he looked up.  "Yes, papa." He grinned, then gave Shaina a kiss on her cheek before following after his friend. Heero frowned darkly as he walked away towards his room, nodding at Trowa as he stood in the doorway of his bedroom. Trowa watched Heero go into his room silently and frowned slightly. Grinning, Quatre winked at Trowa as he followed after Heero.  As he followed after his friend, he couldn't help but let his eyes travel over Heero.  Shirtless, he was...nothing less than beautiful. Trowa smirked slightly back and went into his own room silently. Quatre would take care of Heero...

Heero sighed softly as he searched for another shirt. He settled for a soft navy shirt that he usually used for undercover situations. 'It'll do.' He thought with a sigh and put it on, but left it unbuttoned.

Waving to Trowa, Quatre followed after Heero.  He crossed his arms over his chest, watching Heero from the opened door.  "I hope I didn't upset you with my words, Heero."

"What words?" Heero asked flatly as he ran a hand tiredly through his hair. He went to his bed and lay out, stretching an arm tiredly above his head. "I thought I said get some sleep, Quatre?"

"You did." Quatre said softly, coming in and closing the door behind him.  He went over and sat on the edge of the bed, not too close, but not too far away either.  "And you know what words I'm talking about.  You want to be her father, don't you?"

"Iiee...I'm just caring for her until we get her to another better home." Heero said flatly, coldly before turning onto his side.

"Really?  Is that why you spend all your time with her?  Why you look at her with that loving expression on your face?" Quatre challenged, knowing he was right.  Heero had done what many would deem impossible for him; he'd developed a love for the child.  "She knows you love her, Heero.  That's why she responds so well to you."

Shrugging, Heero didn't move. "It's because I don't yell at her like the others. Besides, I found her in my gundam. How was I supposed to act?" He snorted and sighed. "It doesn't matter. I heard all of you talking...you know what we have to do. It'll happen sooner or later and she'll be out of our lives." He said flatly.

Shaking his head, Quatre reached out and touched Heero's shoulder, his eyes serious.  "Do you honestly think that will go on permanently?  We won't always be at war, Heero.  I can think of no one else who would be a better father to Shaina than you."

"I'll be dead. I know my perimeters...as do you. You may want to live...but I don't." Heero said coldly, his gaze over his shoulder ice cold. "Leave."

"I don't believe that, Heero." Quatre said softly, refusing to believe his friend's words.  He reached out, touching Heero's cheek softly.  "How can someone who cares so lovingly for such a small, beautiful child want to die?"

Heero coldly grabbed Quatre's hand and glared at him. "You have crossed that line, Quatre. Leave...now." He said icily, then turned back onto his side, ending the conversation.

Tears in his eyes, Quatre nodded as he bowed his head.  "I'm sorry, Heero.  I just...wanted to help you.  I...hate to see those I...I...love...hurt..." He stood up, heading for the door in defeat.

Heero didn't answer, just faked being asleep as he waited for the blond to leave. 'It's better this way. Perhaps...hai. I'll do that. Mustn't get too close.' he thought firmly, feeling his heart twinge with slight pain at his decision, but knew he had too. Quatre was right...he was getting feelings for the little one. It was almost the same as his feelings for the other pilots. And he...couldn't risk that.

Once outside, Quatre slumped to the floor of the hall, letting his tears fall freely.  He'd been telling the truth in there.  He did love Heero...he knew that as clearly as he saw the stars at night.  Heero and Trowa...they were his heart.  He cared for Wufei and Duo...but he didn't care for them as deeply as he did the other two pilots.  And now he feared he had pushed Heero away completely. "Quatre?" Trowa's soft voice floated from his room as the banged one opened up the door. He frowned lightly in concern as he watched Quatre. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing, Trowa.  I'm all right." Quatre quickly brushed aside his tears, looking up at his friend with a smile.  Even he could tell it was forced, but he didn't care.  "I'm okay.  Go back to bed.  Tomorrow will be a long day."

Frowning slightly, Trowa sighed. "Going to come into my bed like always, little one?" He asked in a somewhat exasperated voice.

Biting the inside of his lip, Quatre looked away.  "Not...tonight, if you don't mind.  I'd like to be alone for awhile." He knew if the stayed with Trowa that he'd never keep quiet and he'd break down and confess everything to Trowa, making himself look like a weakling.  That was the last thing he wanted any of them to think of him.

"I...see." Trowa said softly, hiding the flash of hurt quickly as he turned away and went back into his room. "Good night then. Sleep well." He said softly before shutting his door.

Sniffing as he curled up on the floor, Quatre stared off into space for a good fifteen minutes.  He seemed to be hurting everyone, all of a sudden.  He sighed, finally getting up.  It wouldn't do to wallow in his self-pity.  Making his way to Trowa's room, he knocked almost timidly.  "Trowa?"

"Enter." Trowa's soft voice floated through the door after a minute.

Sticking his head in, Quatre looked repentant as he gazed at his friend.  "Sorry if I seemed short with you, earlier.  I was just...preoccupied."

"That's all right. Did you want...to talk?" Trowa's voice floated from his shadowed bed as he shifted onto his side, gazing at the doorway.

"Are you sure?" Quatre asked softly, feeling ashamed of himself.  He came in slowly, closing the door behind him.  He kept his eyes on the floor, not wanting his friend to see the sadness within them.

"I am. You are such a tender heart, little one. It is all right. Come here." Trowa's voice was gentle as he shifted and the covers shifted back invitingly. Nodding, Quatre swallowed as he came over to the bed and sat down next to Trowa.  His friend always had a way of soothing him, calming his troubled heart. "Shoes off." Trowa said teasingly as he smiled up at Quatre and laid his head back on his pillow.

"Yes sir." Quatre said immediately, a slight smile coming to his face.  He toed his shoes off as he sat back on the bed.  "Better?"

Nodding, Trowa smiled softly up at Quatre. He reached up and rubbed his hand against Quatre's back. "Do you want to talk now?" He asked gently as he relaxed his friend.

Shrugging, Quatre sighed as he rested against Trowa.  "I just blundered, as usual."

"You are human, Quatre...what happened?" Trowa asked softly, smiling slightly as he rubbed his friend's back soothingly.

"Heero got mad.  What else?" Quatre sighed, resting his head on Trowa's shoulder.

Snorting softly, Trowa sighed. "Most likely you told him the truth and he didn't want to take it in his usual way. Were you discussing Shaina?" He asked softly as he laid his head on the soft blond head.

"Yes...and other things." Quatre said warily.  He sighed, giving in.  "I told Heero he would make a good father to Shaina."

Grunting slightly, Trowa didn't say anything as he rubbed Quatre's back slowly, thinking on it. "Hnn…yes, the way he is now, he would. If the circumstances were better."

"To hell with the circumstances!" Quatre replied heatedly.  "He all but admitted he didn't plan on living past the war!  That's bullshit!"

"No, Quatre...it is simply stating what his fears were." Trowa said softly, matter-of-factly. "We are in over our heads for this war and can't swim out just yet. He's just stating a cold fact that might...or might not...happen."

"Maybe.  But if he believes that, how can he hope to survive?  How can he have any hope of surviving if he believes he'll die?" Quatre questioned, biting his bottom lip.

"Quatre...you have a kind heart. And you weren't raised to be a soldier as Heero and I." Trowa said kindly, smoothing out the soft lip gently as he smiled at his friend in the darkness. "When you have done nothing but fight and kill all your life and you know the identities of war, you know whether or not you will make it. Heero understands this...and he is ready to make that ultimate sacrifice for the success of the mission."

"I know...I just wish it was different for him.  He started to tell me a little about his mother before he clamed up." Quatre sighed, wishing he could do something for their friend.

"I think...that we all wish it was different, Quatre. But...things have a way of working out." Trowa said softly, encouragingly as he rubbed his friend's back gently. "Have faith. At least...for those of us who don't."

"I'll try." Quatre smiled softly, resting his head against Trowa and snuggling close.  "You always know how to make me feel better."

"I try." Trowa said with a grin as he rubbed his friend's back soothingly. He pressed a hesitant kiss to Quatre's blond head. "Go to sleep, little one. We'll need it." Nodding, Quatre sighed as he rested in his friend's arms.  He closed his eyes, letting sleep slowly come to him. Smiling softly, Trowa followed Quatre into sleep after a few minutes. He had a feeling things were going to be interesting.

TBC