Archivist's note: The theme for this story is #2 news; letter.

Thirty Kisses: The Lost Art of Letter Writing
by Ralphiere

Trowa set the stack of mail on the table by the door, and picked up the small squarish envelope and held it in his hand. There was no mistaking the neat script addressing the letter to both Quatre and him; it was the same that had scrawled quick messages on postcards over the years from some of the most bizarre places. Trowa turned the envelope over and smiled when he noticed that not only was there a return address, but one he knew well.

Ignoring the rest of the mail, Trowa made his way into the kitchen where he'd left Quatre sipping tea and working on a crossword puzzle. He stood in the doorway for a moment, watching the way Quatre chewed on the end of his pen while he thought before filling in the boxes with confidence. God he loved lazy Sundays.

"Hey, we got a letter from Heero." Trowa came and leaned against the table next to Quatre, handing him the envelope. "Take a look at the return address."

"There's a return address?" Quatre's surprise increased when he looked at the address. "He's staying with Duo."

"You're surprised?" Trowa asked, motioning for his lover to open the envelope.

"Pleasantly," Quatre answered with a grin, tearing it open and slipping the contents out. He unfolded the letter, skimming it for a moment before handing it to Trowa. "Read it out loud?"

"Of course." Trowa took the letter, and started reading in a soft baritone.

Quatre and Trowa,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've contacted you. Before I say anything more, I'd like to thank you again for inviting me to come stay with you. Although I admit the visit wasn't quite what I'd expected, it was exactly what I needed. The three weeks I was there made me realize that time could be easily squandered searching for answers to questions barely understood, and that I'd squandered more than I'd intended without being aware of it. When I not only got to see the life the two of you built for yourselves, but was welcomed so warmly into it, I knew that there was more out there for me. It wasn't until then that I slowly acknowledged to myself my final destination.

After leaving L-4, I returned to Earth with a mission, the first mission I'd ever had that I actually looked forward to completing. It took me almost five months to tie up loose ends and gather my courage to board a shuttle for L-2. While I was visiting the two of you I'd watched what you had and allowed myself to believe that such a thing wasn't just a fairy tale for me. I'd known for a long time with whom I wanted to be with, but it took me a bit to admit it even to myself.

I hadn't warned Duo of my visit, showing up at his door unannounced, but I'm happy to say not unwelcome. Duo didn't pressure me for answers, he didn't turn me away ... even after all these years his soul is still kind. He invited me to stay with him, gave me a job in his garage, and made me feel worthy of his friendship. I'd forgotten what it was like to feel worthy of such a privilege.

I've been here over a month now and can't remember the last time I was this happy. Maybe I've never been this happy before, not that I have much to base a comparison. I don't feel it necessary to torture the two of you with details, just know that I've found a home in Duo that I didn't think I'd ever find. I'd like to think he's found the same home in me.

Well, I'm sure you've had enough of my sentimental side, or are still reeling in shock that I actually have one. Second to sending my thanks to you, I'm also writing to ask a favor. Duo's birthday is in less than a month and I'd like to do something special for him -- to show my appreciation and depth of my feeling. The other night he'd mentioned the ocean, and how long it had been since he'd last seen it. I was wondering if Quatre still had that cottage on the beach, and if so would it be possible for us to use it. I'm not too proud to admit that funds are a little too tight to rent a property on the beach and still be able to cover travel expenses. If this isn't possible, no worries, I'm sure I can think of something else to surprise him with.

Thank you again, for everything you've done for me. I value the both of you, and the friendship you've shared.

Take care,

Heero

P.S. Please don't let Duo know of my plans, I'd really like it to be a surprise.

"No fucking way," Quatre said, grinning up at Trowa.

"Way," Trowa chuckled, folding the letter and setting it on the table. "I'd say he sounds happy."

"Do you think they're ... 'together' together?" Quatre got out of his chair and moved to stand between Trowa's legs, looking up at his lover.

"Do I think they're a couple?" Trowa teased, touching Quatre's cheek with the back of his fingers. "Or do I think they're having sex? That they're fucking like rabbits?"

Quatre smirked, nipping at Trowa's chin with his teeth. "All of the above."

"Well, Heero sounded happier than I though he was capable, so even if they're not fucking like rabbits I think they probably found something good." Trowa pulled Quatre closer, smiling when his lover gasped softly.

"I think all this talking of fucking has gotten to you," Quatre said in a low voice, wrapping his arms tighter around Trowa's waist.

"Mmm hmm. And it'll be getting to you soon." Trowa took Quatre by the hand and led him towards the stairs.

"Shouldn't we write back?" Quatre wondered as he followed Trowa towards the bedroom.

"We'll call later."

Another Saturday night spent curled up on the couch, and there was no other place Heero would rather be. They'd spend the day pulling the engine out of Howard's pick up truck and replacing it with one Duo had been rebuilding in his spare time over the last two weeks. Duo had been anxious to try out the new chain fall he'd recently purchased to replace the broken cherry picker that was giving him more trouble than it was worth. Once they got it all set up it had worked like a dream.

The day had been a good day actually, closing up shop for the public so they could focus on Howard's truck. It wasn't work really as they talked and drank a few beers, like the old friends that they were. In the two weeks since they'd become lovers Heero was pleased that things hadn't drastically changed. Sure they tended to touch each other more, and the glances they shared were much more meaningful, but the solid friendship they'd formed hadn't altered.

When the phone rang, Heero tightened his hold on Duo, who was struggling to get off of him and answer the phone. "Let the machine pick it up."

"But it might be Howard, and I'd left a message on his machine to call me back." Duo kissed the tip of Heero's nose before he pulled away and ran to the phone to catch it before the machine picked up. He hit the button and was skidding into the chair as he said hello. As soon as he looked at the screen, he grinned.

"Hey Quatre! I've been meaning to call you first, but haven't managed to get around to it." Just then Trowa moved in next to Quatre and gave a little wave. "Hey Trowa, nice to see you!"

"You haven't answered my last couple of emails, so I figured I'd call and make sure you were still alive," Quatre teased. "At least you look alive."

"I'm sorry, work has been crazy busy. Since Heero got here --" Duo stopped, mentally slapping his forehead and turning his attention towards the couch. "Heero, get over here and say 'hi'."

"Heero?" Trowa asked with a raised eyebrow. "When did he get there?"

Heero was just coming up behind Duo to see Trowa ask, sliding in behind his lover on the chair when Duo moved forward to make room. "About a month and a half ago."

"Good to see you," Quatre said, looking back and forth between the two men on the screen. "Good to see both of you actually."

Duo leaned back against Heero, his smile growing soft when Heero tightened an arm around his waist. "I really am sorry for not getting back to you. Since Heero came we've had more work than we can handle and I haven't managed to make time to catch up on email."

"Don't worry about it." Quatre shrugged.

"So how long are you visiting, Heero?" Trowa asked, and Heero could see a sparkle in his eye and he almost laughed.

"I'm not visiting." Heero rested his chin on Duo's shoulder. "I'm living here."

"Oh, really?" Quatre leaned closer, grinning.

"You two are bad," Duo laughed, shaking his head. "Let me answer the question you guys have flashing all over your faces. Yes, we're living together, as in together."

"And you were going to tell us ...?"

"When we had the chance," Heero said, shooting them a look and trying to figure out what was going on.

"Good enough," Trowa nodded and smiled. "Actually, while Quatre was calling to check up on Duo, I was calling for more practical purposes. Do you still have that arc welder for gundanium alloy? I can't manage to find one anywhere, and I need one for a project."

Duo paused for a moment, thinking. "It should be down in the garage. I'll look for it, and get back to you."

"Could you take a look for it now? If you can't find it I'm going to have to figure out a way around it and I'm getting pressed for time." Trowa shrugged apologetically.

"Sure, I'll be right back." Duo extracted himself from Heero's arms and headed down to the garage. As soon as the door closed, Heero looked at the screen and raised his eyebrow in question.

"Sorry Heero," Quatre said, grinning widely. "We wanted to talk to you in private."

"I'm figuring as much."

"We got your letter, and couldn't wait to see this for ourselves," Trowa teased.

"And we wanted to tell you that the cottage is yours for as long as you want it. Just tell me when you're going and I'll call ahead to get it cleaned and have a key left for you."

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this," Heero said earnestly.

"It's nothing. We're just happy that the two of you found each other." Quatre was about to say more when Heero cocked his head towards the door and shook his head.

Duo walked in, catching his breath. "Hey Tro? Didn't I already lend you that arc welder?"

"Did you? I'll have to check the garage and I'll get back to you."

With that they said quick good-byes and disconnected, leaving Duo looking slightly stunned. "What was that all about?"

Heero shrugged, standing and taking hold of Duo's hand. "They always were an odd pair."