Heed the genre! Click on my profile to find more information about the character used here. This was written about, meh, four years ago? Anyway, enjoy and please R&R! This series has a special place in my heart for being my introduction to anime, so I appreciate feedback!

Quatre and Duo ended their private conversation with a much greater understanding of their purpose in the rebellion against OZ- as well as some questions for the scientists that sent them.

But the questions would have to wait. The festivities outside beckoned them, and they joined in enthusiastically. Duo was amazed at the food, music, and sheer amount of people around, and Quatre was happy to explain the cultural nuances of his people to his new friend.

"This is lamb kabob," Quatre held up a small spear with meat, tomatoes, and small onions crowding it. "It's really delicious. We eat it with rice."

"Don't forget the eggplant dip, Master Quatre," Abdul said, passing the bowl to him.

"Wow, you people know how to eat!" Duo exclaimed, a grin on his face.

They were seated with a few of the Maguanac soldiers around a long, low table in the square, enjoying lunch. The young pilots were starving, and they eagerly gorged themselves.

"Master Quatre," Rashid stood. "Earlier today Commander Sadaoul welcomed a travelling troupe of dancers into the village. They would like to preform in honor of you and Master Duo."

"Alright!" Duo said through a mouth of Basmati rice.

Rashid clapped his massive hands. Drums started from somewhere beyond the table. A puff of green smoke exploded on the ground before them, and from that smoke leapt a single young bellydancer. She was beautiful- long legs, creamy skin contrasting with her green costume, and a very shapely bottom. Trills erupted around the table as she began to sway, pulling a long sword out from behind her back. As she brandished the sword above her head, two more dancers seamlessly appeared from behind her back.

"Woah, what's she gonna do with that thing?" Duo leaned over and asked Quatre.

"It's the traditional sword dance. Bedouin women have done this dance for centuries." Rhythmic clapping began across the table as the young dancers moved, and the Gundam pilots followed suit. Quatre watched the young woman in green with a great appreciation for her skill and his culture that produced such beautiful traditions.

But as she danced, he noticed something different about her. Her hair, the color of honey, was different than the other Arabs in the village. Her eyes were a lovely maple, and they shone with a mischief that was at once sensual and familiar. What's more, as she danced, she looked only at him.

I know that girl, from somewhere.

The dancer lifted the sword high above her head and twirled, head back. Her short hair flew back behind her, and Quatre instantly knew who she was.

Elizabeth!

"Duo, I know that girl. Th one in green. It's been years, and she's grown up so much...but there's no doubt it's her!"

"What?" His fellow pilot turned to him.

"That's Elizabeth Espinoza. We grew up togther in space. Her mother was my godmother."

Duo studied the young woman in question. "No kidding?"

"It's been three years at least since she was sent to earth. I thought she- well, nevermind."

As if she could sense the two young men were talking about her, Elizabeth spun close to them, so close they could smell the sandalwood perfume drifting off her skin. She stared right into Quatre's eyes, and winked at him before rejoining her fellow dancers.

"Quatre my man, you have some seriously hot friends." Duo teased. Quatre blushed.

"I really can't believe I'm seeing her again," Quatre repeated in wonder. "She's- wow." Does she even remember me? She must. We were intended for each other, after all. She was my best friend.

Flashback

"Can't catch me!" A young girl cried, racing down the hall. Her honey hair flew out behind her, and her laugh filled the air.

"Watch me!" A boy ran after her, panting. His green eyes were shining with the effort, and his platinum blonde hair was plastered to his forehead.

"Quatre, you run like a girl!" she cried gleefully over her shoulder before nearly slamming into a maid.

"Miss Eliza!" The woman cried, catching the little girl. "You really shouldn't run in the house!"

Quatre slammed on the brakes and nearly collided with the pair. He received a similar scolding, and the two were sent on their way. "Got ya," he whispered to her as they walked down the hall, under the watchful eye of the maid. Elizabeth stuck her tongue out at him, and he laughed.

"There they are," Mr. Winner came around a corner. "I've found them, Espinoza."

"Que bien," A hulking Spaniard followed Quatre's father. "Children, come with us. We have something for you."

They went into Mr. Winner's office, where Mrs. Espinoza, a serene bedouin beauty, waited. She smiled at the children and knelt before them. "Quatre, you and Elizabeth will soon be turning 12. When you children were still growing inside your mother and me, we made a pledge. A daughter for a son. It was our dearest wish." She looked down at her lap. "My friend will not live to see it happen, but at least I can still honor the pledge. Elizabeth, your father and I have signed a bethrothal document. When you are old enough, you and Quatre will marry."

The two youngsters looked at each other, confused. Mrs. Espinoza rose and took two rings from the desk. She gave one to each of the children. "Keep these as a promise to each other. When the time comes, you will exchange them, and Mrs. Winner will smile down from heaven on the both of you."

End Flashback

Elizabeth finished her dance to thunderous applause. "Well, what are you waiting for?" the American cried encouragingly. "Go talk to her!"

Elizabeth bowed and removed her veil, exposing the lower half of her face. Now Quatre was sure it was her. He caught her eye, and the two broke out in matching grins. The young Arab rose and went over to her.

"I can't beleive it!" He cried. She laughed and hugged him tightly. "Elizabeth!"

"Quatre! I was starting to think I would never see you again!" She pulled back to look at him. "My goodness, you've grown up so handsome!"

"Look at you!" He laughed. "I didn't even recognize you at first."

Elizabeth pretended to look hurt. "What, did I get that ugly?"

"No! No, you've gotten even prettier," she laughed at the compliment and twirled for him.

"You like the costume? I made it myself."

"Yo, Quatre, you gonna introduce me to your girl?" Duo sidled up to them.

"Of course. Eliza, this is Duo Maxwell, a- friend of mine."

"Pleased to meet ya," he shook her hand heartily. "That was some pretty impressive sword work back there."

Elizabeth smiled winningly. "You're funny. Quatre, I like him already."

Duo bowed low. "At your service, pretty lady, but right now, I'm beat. I'm gonna go get some shut eye for a while. You two have fun catching up!" To Quatre, he winked. "Behave!"

He was off before the two could retort. "He's just the opposite of you," Elizabeth remarked. "None of that mellow yellow stuff in him, huh?"

Quatre looked at her. "You're probably wanting to go rest yourself, after your performance-"

"Are you kidding? I've just found my best friend after three years without him. Sleep is the last thing on my mind."

He grinned. "A walk it is, then."