Masquerade

By:xzerox195

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam wing

Chapter 1

The first snowflake of winter is said to hold a special power. To obtain this power all one must do is catch it in the palm of their hand. It was on this night, that the first snowflake of winter had decided to fall but unbeknownst to all, this particular snowflake was on a mission. As the first cold blast of winter gently blew across the land the little snowflake saw someone who was in need of its power; and so it tossed and turned in the frosty night air searching tirelessly until finally it found who it was looking for. Standing outside on a balcony sat a girl who looked to be no more than 18. She had long honey blond hair that fell down past her shoulders and was wearing a beautiful silk dress that fitted her well down to her waist, and then fell down gracefully in elegant slopes to the floor. The winter moon shone in her deep blue eyes as she stared up at the sky and her red lips were chapped from the cold night air. The rest of her face however, was covered by a silver mask that made her brilliant eyes stand out even more against the cold dark winter night. The wind died down and the snowflake gradually fell toward earth its mission almost complete.

Relena Peacecraft sat outside on the balcony staring up into the winter sky. She sighed inwardly to herself as she turned her attention toward the masked ball going on inside. It wasn't that she was having a bad time or anything, it was just that she wasn't feeling in the party mood. There were so many things to do and worry about she just didn't know how she could put it all aside and truly enjoy herself. Her kingdom had been at war since very long ago with the surrounding kingdoms. The masked ball was being held by Quatre Winner, a kindly wizard who all the kingdoms held some sort of debt and gratitude to. To ensure all the neighboring kingdoms could attend the ball without worry of fighting; Quatre had put a seal over his home to prevent all those with ill intent from coming in and also a seal that prevented anyone from giving away their identities. It was also required that a mask was to be worn at all times to further prevent others from finding your identity. It was an attempt to bring everyone away from the fighting and sorrow so that they could enjoy an evening in peace.

The fighting had all started very long ago when a brilliant red stone had fallen from the sky. On that day the sky was alight with a red glow, until it came to rest in the mountains. A prophecy spread soon after, that anyone who possessed that stone would hold great power and their greatest wishes would be fulfilled. This soon led to many people fighting and killing one another until finally, entire kingdoms were involved. There were some like Quatre who found no interest in the stone but Relena's people feared the stone and would stop at nothing to ensure they had it. She personally was tired of all the fighting and the wars but she had no choice. Everyone else, including her father, were obsessive over obtaining the stone. But even now, centuries later, fighting over the stone still existed and everyone lived in fear of which kingdom would gain that power.

The sound of a horse carriage pulling up to the mansion awoke her from her thoughts. She turned once again to look at the sky and she saw a single white snow flake falling toward her. She held out her hand and as it gently fell into her grasp. She smiled inwardly to herself as she closed her hand around it as it melted from her warmth. Winter was coming and she was lucky enough to have caught the first snowflake.

Inside the ball room couples danced and swayed to the music, others stood in corners conversing with one another about various topics, but one person stood alone in a dark corner oblivious to the activities around him. Heero Yuy wore a mask as dark as the night, his messy brown hair falling down over his face, and his mouth set into a grim frown. His dark blue eyes were intently focused on the ground, looking as if he was a million miles away. He sighed as he shifted to get more comfortable and looked out over the crowd with grim amusement. The only reason he had decided to come was because his friend Duo kept bugging him until he had finally agreed to come. What was he suppose to do at a masked ball, when he had never even danced with anyone before? The only thing he had known his whole life was war, and lately he had felt the need to find more purpose in his life then fighting day in and day out. If only that stone hadn't ever come into existence. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he looked over the crowd once more as they danced across the floor in their elegant dresses and robes. Suddenly feeling the need to have the cold night winter air on his face he walked out toward the balcony.

He opened the door and instantly, he felt his breath catch at the sight before him. Standing alone, leaning over the balcony, stood a beautiful girl who looked to be about his age. As she turned around Heero felt his heart jump at the sight of how beautiful she was.

Both stared at one another until Heero flinched and looked away.

"Sorry I didn't mean to intrude."

"Not at all, I was actually just about to go back inside," Relena felt her cheeks turn red as she quickly replied.

He was so handsome and here she was standing out on the balcony catching a snowflake like a little kid, he must have thought she looked so silly standing there. Trying to look anywhere else but his face, she slowly moved away from the end of the balcony towards the door.

As she walked by Heero felt strange, almost as if he didn't want her to leave. What was wrong with him? Before he could stop himself he heard himself say "It's a lovely night" in a voice barely above a whisper. What was he doing he had never made an attempt to small talk why was he doing it now?

Relena was thoroughly shocked, here was a handsome guy attempting to make small talk with her. She froze in her steps and trying to keep her composure replied "Yes it is lovely out tonight. Winter is my favorite and it's rare that I get to go out and enjoy evenings like this."

"Me too I enjoy the cold and I too find my evenings spent indoors more often then not, It would seem we share a lot in common" Heero said wondering what this new emotion coursing through his body was.

A slow song started to play from inside as the orchestra slowed down the beat. An awkward silence fell over until Heero stepped forward and held out his hand surprising even himself and said, "Would you care to dance?"

Relena flushed, "I've never danced before, I wouldn't want to step on your feet."

"Nor have I" Heero said relieved that he wasn't the only one new to this. "But ill do my best to avoid your feet as long as you try to avoid mine."

Smiling Relena took his hand and they began to sway with the music. Time stood still as they held one, they danced in silence but it didn't feel awkward to either of them it. A cold gust of wind hit the balcony and unconsciously they moved closer together. Heero looked down at her, he didn't even know her name, he had only known her for maybe 5 minutes, but here he was and he felt as if he never wanted it to end. Relena too looked up into his eyes and felt her heart skip a beat at the intense way he was looking at her. When the dance ended they reluctantly let go of one another but still stood only a few feet away from each other.

They both looked up at each other at the same moment and smiled.

Meanwhile inside Duo Maxwell was fully enjoying himself at the party. He had long brown hair that went down to his waist that was put into a single long braid and bright violet eyes that always made it look like he was laughing. He wore a black mask with a black rope and cape. He had danced with almost every girl there and was pretty sure they had all fallen for his charm. Too bad Heero decided he didn't want to hang with him tonight. He still didn't know how he had managed to drag Heero out to this party but he had done it. That guy seriously needed to get out he was like an emotionless doll half the time. Speaking of which he hadn't seen his anti-social friend for a while. He started walking around the mansion checking all dark corners but found him no where. He was just about to start checking outside when a hand grabbed him on the shoulder. Turning around he saw it was his friend Trowa. He was quiet guy but a bit more social and extremely more laid back then Heero. He had green eyes but one was always covered by his long red hair that fell down far in front of his face.

"Hey what's up? Enjoying the party?" Duo instantly took on his happy cheerful mood but as he caught sight of Trowa's eye he could tell something was wrong.

"Where's Heero" Trowa said his tone confirming Duo's suspicion.

"I was just looking for him, what's wrong?" Duo said the cheerfulness in his voice gone.

"We need to find him now ill give you details later meet me out front when you find him ill have the horses ready to leave" and with that Trowa turned around and made a bee line for the front door. Duo started searching twice as hard as before if Trowa was in that much of a hurry something was extremely wrong.

Outside snow began to steadily fall as Heero and Relena conversed. Heero found it strange how easily he could talk to her and Relena too found it strange how she could be her real self around him and not have to pretend to be interested in what he was talking about or fake smile and laugh.

"It looks like winter is finally upon us" Relena said finally realizing the snow falling around them.

"Yes it would seem" Heero said he looked over at Relena and felt like his heart was going to burst out of his body, she looked heavenly staring up into the night sky with snow falling around her. He smiled to himself he had never had such a nice time with anyone before. He barely even talked to anyone and here he was having a whole conversation with her. Without even thinking he said, "Please tell me your name."

Relena felt her heart speed up, should she tell him? Was it okay? She had barely just met him, what would he think when he found out she was a princess? Looking anywhere but Heero's eyes she took a deep breath and regained her composure. "My name is?... My name?...." but she couldn't do it something inside her was holding her back. She looked up at Heero and saw hurt flash across his eyes and suddenly she realized the problem. "It's the seal Quatra put up, Its preventing me from telling you who I am."

The hurt quickly disappeared form Heero's eyes and was replaced by relief "I'm sorry I forgot all about the seal," Heero said embarrassed. "I've just never met someone like you before."

"Nor have I," She said smiling and her face turned a new shade of red. Suddenly getting an idea and feeling bold Relena quietly said, "Would you like to remove my mask?"

Heero looked into her eyes and felt himself get lost. He took a step forward and reached around her head but paused right before he was about to touch one of the ribbons that held her mask ?Are you sure?" Heero said feeling completely awkward about this but at the same time, it felt completely right. Relena looked up into his dark blue eyes and felt her smile broaden at him asking her for acceptance. "Of course."

Heero lightly touched one of the white silk ribbons holding her mask. He slowly started to pull the ribbon; he could feel himself holding his breath but at the same time felt completely calm and comfortable. All at once was the balcony door swung open and two things happened at once. Heero suddenly feeling extremely embarrassed and agitated at the sudden intrusion jumped back and looked at the ground trying to appear as nothing was going on. Relena, surprised at both Heero's sudden movement and the sound of the door let out a little scream but soon regained her composure and was now staring at her shoes having found a new fascination in them.

Duo who had been frantically searching the entire mansion sighed in relief as he caught a glimpse of Heero through the balcony window. As he opened the door he was about to yell out to his friend but froze as he saw the scene before him. Standing not 5 feet away from Heero was a beautiful girl and even more surprising was Heero blushing? Heero never blushed he barely even smiled! As Heero turned around to look at him and realized who it was, Duo instantly cringed. Receiving Heero's trademark death glare. He took a step back but quickly shook it off remembering what Trowa had said. "We need to leave ?..NOW" Duo said keeping his tone serious.

Heero realizing that something was wrong nodded and said "Give me a minute ill meet you out front" Duo obliged and quickly left the balcony to go help Trowa get the horses prepared to leave and to find out what was going on.

Heero felt torn. The way Duo had said "Now" meant something serious was going on, but on the other hand he didn't want to leave. For whatever reason he felt so comfortable and relaxed around this girl and he didn't even know who she was or even what her name was.

Heero turned around and faced Relena who was staring at him concern in her eyes.

"I'm sorry I have to leave," Heero said trying to make his voice sound as soft as possible.

Relena nodded and softly replied "I understand."

Heero walked up to her and embraced her. Both stood there for a moment relishing in each others touch. After what seemed like only a second Heero softly whispered into her ear. "I wish to meet you again."

Relena looked up into his eyes and smiled warmly, her heart skipping a beat. "As do I."

"Would you meet me two nights from now at the tree?" Heero asked looking out over the balcony and pointing toward a tree about a mile away from where they stood. It was a large white tree its branches bare from the fall it was said to have been there that had been there for centuries.

Relena nodded and whispered back "Until then," her heart breaking as both reluctantly stepped away from each other.

"Until then" Heero said in a half whisper. He knelt down and planted a soft kiss on her hand, then turned around and walked off the balcony. As he walked away, both felt their hearts breaking wishing that the night had never ended.

Authors Notes: I saw the movie Card Captor Sakura the part where her and Syaoran are doing the play and i thought itd be a cool story to write about. It was kinda a stretch to explain how they didnt know each other yet they were the prince and princess of enemy kingdoms and why they couldnt give each other their names. But it was fun to write about :-)

Thanks for reading I already have the story finished I'm just going through and editing it right now but I finished this section so I figured I'd just post it!

Please Read and Review even if its bad feedback Please!!