Three Steps From Paradise

Tsukasa had the same cooped up feeling though he'd finally been released from the hospital. He was still told he'd have to go back for checkups to make sure his back was healing but that was much better than being stuck in the room.

Riku had offered to let him stay with him for now, but he was only going to do that until he found a job and place he could call his own. He still felt like Riku was doing to much for him.

Today though he'd taken to exploring a bit and had stumbled upon the library. Upon looking in he noticed Quatre and his slight problem with the books. He hurried over concern on his face.

"Um, are you okay?"

He could heal him but he didn't want to do something that got him into trouble. He'd promised Riku after all.

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Looking up, Quatre nodded, "Yeah, I'm okay. Mostly just frustrated. Thank you though."

He gave Tsukasa a bright smile. It was nice of him being concerned, but he didn't want to trouble anyone. Reaching down, he snatched up the book and set it back on the cart.

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Sorry Quatre you have a concerned angel and he's moving forward.

"Can I heal it for you? I'm not sure I can make it completely better but I know I can at least help it."

He'd just recently figured out his ability to heal and it wasn't strong enough yet for the more serious injuries. It was also making his possibility of being a greeter even more promising. He could help those that woke up like he had.

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"Oh, I don't want to bother you with something like that. Really I'll be alright. It will heal naturally." There was something a little off about the other boy. But Quatre ignored it. He wasn't one to judge people off of a single feeling.

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Tsukasa offered a small smile and moved forward placing his hand over the leg.

"It's not a bother I promise. I want to be a greeter here and help others that are hurt."

A soft yellow glow started and a warmth spread through Quatre's leg.

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Quatre almost protested again, but Tsukasa was already at work. He could feel the residual pain being melted away by the warmth.

"Thank you. That feels better already."

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He was able to heal it mostly at least to where Quatre would only have to deal with being off with it maybe a week more but there shouldn't be any pain left.

"I'm glad I could help."

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Quatre gave the other boy a surprised look. Not only was the pain gone, his leg felt nearly healed. He couldn't believe it.

"I...thank you. Thank you so much."

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Trowa honestly hadn't been trying to shadow Quatre. It just happened naturally. He didn't often explore libraries, either, preferring to do more than sit back and 'relax'.

Quatre could take care of himself. He'd helped as much as he felt he should and not push the blond away - that wouldn't help either of them. So he'd headed off to find some way to make himself useful.

Yet books had their place, and so he walked silently amongst the shelves. He was hoping to find something further on the city, though rather doubted it from what he'd been told. Gods, indeed.

Hearing books fall heavily to the floor had him turn the corner to glance down the aisle, wondering who would abuse things that weren't theirs. ... Quatre? So it was an accident. He shook his head slightly and walked up to stand a few feet away.

"Want a hand?" It was an offer the blond could easily refuse.

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Great, perfect. Clearly someone was conspiring against him. Or Trowa was following him. Either way he nodded and plopped down on the stool he'd pulled into the aisle with him. "Thank you Trowa."

It felt good to sit down. He didn't want to admit it, but his leg was starting to ache a little bit.

"What brings you to the library?"

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Trowa nodded at the thanks and knelt to pick the fallen books up. The stool was good to see, just as it was nice to know he didn't need to say a word. Quatre was doing what he needed to to take care of himself, yet not go stir crazy.

"A book." He spoke completely serious, tone carefully calm. But he didn't give the blond more than a second or two to interject before he glanced up and continued. "Some more information about the city, ideally. I feel there's something missing in what we were told."

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"Oh." Well yes Trowa would come to the library for a book. Had his brain completely disconnected or something?

"I'm not sure if there is anything on the city here. I haven't come across any. But then I'm still stuck here in biology." He gave Trowa a half smile, then got back to his feet. "I can go look it up with you though."

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Ladies and gentlemen, Trowa Barton, the terrorist who failed at making jokes.

He shrugged slightly, handing the pile of books back to Quatre as they both straightened. "I don't want to get in the way of your work. I'll find it if it's here."

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"That's part of my work too Trowa. I don't mind, really." He said as he set the books aside.

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Trowa nodded and turned to head back down the aisle, then onto where he'd been heading when he'd heard the books fall.

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Quatre followed more slowly behind him. At least he had the walking with crutches part down. He gritted his teeth and caught up to Trowa, keeping pace with him. "Have you checked in history?"

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"I just got in; was on my way there." It took more effort than he'd have thought to not simply slow his steps and make it too easy for Quatre to keep up. He wouldn't want anyone to make such an allowance for him if he were hobbling around like the blond, after all.

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"Okay. Its good to see you. Even if I'm working."

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