Mutually Assured Devastation
By goingdownhillagain
Okay, this is turning out to be a long and complicated mess, and Relena is due for alot if pain and misery. Even I am surprised at how long this could be. This is going to be, it seems, my first attempt at a multi chapter upload. Hopefully, it will work…or not. Let me know.
To all those who waited, forgive me for the delay. I have a regular job now and my sister, who is still in Secondary school, is using the laptop for her SBAs (School- Based Assessments). I'm not giving up on writing; I still have too many stories to write.
Ronin: I'm using your news report idea, but I need to change it a bit. Sorry.
So let's begin…
_____________________________________________________________________
The chandelier was twenty-first century Francesca, its individual glass bulbs hand molded into fragile teardrops. No one had been able to discover the artist's secret, the tools of his trade lost at his death. However tonight, they glowed warmly over a kaleidoscope of fabric and glass. The convention was a success and the ESUN, the Army and Councilors and the Preventers were celebrating another constructive and peaceful event.
And Relena Peacecraft held the floor.
"Thank you gentlemen, ladies. For your time, your dedication and your commitment to the maintenance of peace. We have reached the pinnacle in continuing the journey toward stability. But as we all know, this journey is wrought with blocks and detours, yet we've been able to continue. So I guess, we could all use a little rest stop."
Laughter filtered through the ballroom.
"So, my fine guests, rest a while; eat, drink and be merry. Because come tomorrow, the real work begins."
Champagne corks popped and waiters began swarming through the standing masses. The party had begun.
#######################
For the first time in two weeks, Duo began to feel the knot in his lower back dissipate. Network security had been a coordinated bitch; not excluding the rather persistent virus that made steady in lades into the Preventers' mainframe. It still annoyed Duo no end that it had taken him two blasted weeks to trace and isolate the damned bug. However, the knowledge that headquarters would have the origins by the time he returned to work made him less incline to be cranky.
Which was a good thing…for some reason, he seemed to be real popular tonight.
"So Mr. Maxwell, again I complement you on your work with the mainframe problem. From what I understand it was particularly difficult."
"Yeah, Mr. Olivera…but once you figure out the virus' primary language, de-programming the core command took a very shot time. Actually, I found it really cool how they constructed its basic form."
"Really…how so?"
"Um…they used the binary code…um…it's an old language…now you need a special translator to understand it…"
"Really? That's …interesting."
Seriously, he had been having this same conversation for the entire bloody night. He never realized how many people were so interested in the L2 system problem.
"Um, Mr. Olivera?"
"Please, call me Damien."
"Um…okay Damien…I…uh…need to get a refill. If you would excuse me."
"Ah, yes Mr. Maxwell. Let me not keep you."
Mr. Olivera's eyes twinkled as he disappeared into the crowd.
Twenty minutes later Duo had come to a conclusion, two actually. One, watch out for the old ladies at the bar; they were defending the cocktails from all comers. Two,
the intricacies of virus hunting could not be as interesting as people are making it out to be.
Random people stopped him ten times to congratulate him or ask him some asinine question about the size of the virus or if it could make children. And then there was their expression. Everyone was smiling at him as if he was a five year old after his first successful recital.
Duo took a moment to observe the world around him. It was downright decent of Relena to hold this informal celebration for the both the Preventers and the Army. The fact that half the ESUN Council was there didn't hurt the atmosphere. Everyone was relaxed, talking, laughing and as Relena rightly said, basking in the glow of their momentary success.
The whole damn setup had him jumpy.
Maybe he worked too many long hours in a too small room with little to no ventilation and too much body odor. Maybe he was privy to anal-retentiveness of both co-workers and councilors alike for two straight weeks. Maybe he hadn't gotten his quota of sugar for the evening. Whatever the reason, his normally comfortable day uniform was beginning to irritate his skin.
"Oh Mr. Maxwell?"
Duo swung around only to see Vice-Councilor Anders smiling benevolently at him.
"How are you this evening? My compatriots and I really wanted to have a word with you. We are quite intrigued at your expertise during these last two weeks. Out of curiosity, how were you able to figure it out so thoroughly?"
Duo fought a whimper down.
###########
"Oh in the name of Allah! That woman is truly desperate!"
Trowa head flew up at the exasperation in his companion.
"Look at her. You know bloody well she trying to get Duo as leverage for her little narcissistic romp through her dreams of L2 'social development'!"
"Well, you're riled up."
Quatre and Trowa were strategically situated in one of the enclaves of the ballroom. There was enough foliage to keep everyone but the determined out. More importantly, it allowed them to keep surveillance over the crowd.
At least Duo is holding his own…"
They watched as Duo smiled and chatted with the group trying to mob him. He looked amiable and totally comfortable, but only a fellow soldier and his friends could notice the stiffness in his stance and how his hand automatically drifted to his braid.
"Holding his own my… I'm telling you, she is going to nag him till-"
"He gives in?"
"When it comes to Duo, that isn't remotely the worst case scenario."
Quatre continued to look at the scene.
Trowa, let's go get him."
"I think someone beat you to it."
"Huh?"
As they watched, two gentlemen in Preventers uniform suddenly melted into the group. They were about the same height, but while one sported the regulation crew cut of black hair, the other blinded everyone around him with his electric red shag of a mane. Both men smiled brilliantly as they were introduced to the group. As Trowa and Quatre watched, they positioned themselves, flanking Duo and cutting off Vice-Councilor Anders from her prey. They watched the frustration play over the woman's face as gradually the two men withdrew with their cargo. After a brief moment, the two agents made their excuses and disappeared with their catch into the crowd.
"See, there was nothing to worry about…"
Trowa looked down at his companion, only to see his face devoid of any color. If that wasn't scary enough, Quatre was clutching his chest.
"Quatre?"
"That was Diablo and Waterway."
Trowa raised an eyebrow.
"Yes…so?"
"Um, Trowa…I need to explain something…"
One could barely see inside the enclave housing the owner and CEO of Winner Corp. and Captain Barton. But if they focused really hard, they could make out Mr. Winner frantically explaining something. They would also notice the growing disbelief washing across Captain Barton's face…
…and would have been very concerned when he began to laugh hysterically.
############
Too many people…
mine
There were too many people…
mine…mine…
Relena should know better…security was not up to standard.
he's mine…mine
Where was she?
mine
Too many people…
###########
"No Miss Relena, south squadron has not seen Captain Yuy in the last forty-five minutes. He probably finished his scan of the system."
"Alright then, thank you anyway."
The interior of the office fell silent as Relena disconnected the video call and pulled out the earplugs. The office was huge, with bay windows that looked out to the ballroom below. But with the presence of upholstered paneling and strategically placed furniture and paintings, the room was almost soundproof.
"Well?"
"Nothing. They said he already left."
"So it means he's moving, right?"
"Dorothy, it means a lot of things. Unfortunately with the present situation, it means a lot of bad things."
Dorothy sighed as she reclined on an aggressively stuffed armchair.
"Relena, I still say Chang was being mean. For all we know Yuy has completed his rounds and is relaxing with the rest of his division downstairs."
"Dorothy, pardon my language, but when the hell have you ever known Yuy to relax…"
Dorothy opened her mouth.
"In uniform."
She shut it with a snap.
"Okay, the only thing we can do right now is go back downstairs, mingle and pray to every divine force that no-one does anything to set off anyone."
"I thought you were concern with Yuy?"
"Yes, I was. But he's not the only problem. Dorothy, didn't you notice the tension down there. Une hasn't really explained anything but I think Preventers and the Army are not on amiable terms right now."
"When have they ever been…"
Relena smiled, "True, but this latest tiff has the entire crowd edgy. Didn't you observe the Army is making a sort of barrier at the doors? Most of the Preventers are outside on the balcony."
Dorothy got up and took a look.
"Oh…oh my…"
"Exactly. Something is going to happen. I just want to make sure Heero isn't the cause."
The knock on the oak door startled them. Wufei opened the door.
"Can't find him?"
"Chang, for the last time. Stop enjoying this!"
Wufei chucked as Relena snorted in disgust. "But why ever should I stop? This is the first time I've ever had so much fun."
Relena stalked past Wufei, trying desperately to remember Lady Sylvain's five rules of Etiquette.
"Whatever Chang, just remember anything that happens down there is your responsibility. Especially if it involves Heero Yuy."
Wufei sobered up as he shut the door and followed the women downstairs.
############
"So Maxwell, how ya likin' it so far?"
"A lot better, thanks!"
"Happy to oblige."
Now this was more like it. The minute he got outside, his little cocktail with the paper umbrella was swapped for a beer. His tie was loosened, a nice breeze blew through the veranda and the noise had peaked at the comfortable level of a bar on a Saturday night.
"Sure beats the vampire from L2."
"Oi, ya red headed idiot! You're from L2!"
"So are you, dweeb!"
"Dweeb?! Who you callin' a dweeb, midget?"
"You. And I'm taller than you! So you are the midget!"
Duo chuckled as the two began tussling.
"God, you guys are fuckin' hilarious."
For an instant, there was a twitch in the general flow of the world; a magical place where young men's hearts palpitate with strong emotion. It was there that the hearts of young Diablo and not so young Waterway quivered at the genuine warmth of Maxwell's voice. If the twitch was a little longer, there would be bright blushes on manly cheeks and love-glazed gazes.
But it wasn't, …so there weren't…
"Well…um…we aim to please."
"So…" Diablo began, looking at Waterway. Waterway shrugged before chugging his beer, "what are your plans now that ya have two weeks off."
"Not sure…probably visit a friend of mine on L2. She's expecting her second kid about now. Then bum around I guess…you guys got plans?"
Diablo took a deep breath. They had talked about it for a month. Both were very secure in their relationship and were open to the idea of a threesome. But for a long time they found no one who interested them in that way. Then Maxwell transferred to their unit.
Diablo was still amazed how quickly the gay and bisexual population at headquarters increased. It was like Maxwell was the only slice of apple pie with whipped cream topping left in their excuse for a cafeteria. Unfortunately, according to Waterway, everybody wanted a taste.
"Well, we were thinking of attending this festival up in Maine. They're having three days of Pre-Colony rock."
"Whoa, the real stuff?"
"Yeah, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Twisted Sister, SoundGarden, The Who, Linkin Park, Green Day..."
"Metallica?"
Waterway's eyes lit up.
"You like Metallica?"
"Yeah, in their early career. They got kinda emo after a while."
"Man, they were always emo. They just got a really good excuse to do it in public later on."
"True."
"So…ya interested?"
Diablo and Waterway held their breath as Duo made up his mind.
"I guess-"
"HEY MAXWELL! DUDE, ANDERSON DOESN'T BELIEVE YOU BEAT WARCRAFT 54: NEW DAWN IN FIVE HOURS!"
All three jumped and one felt the beginnings of a heart murmur as Lieutenant Webb's burly voice ricocheted over the agents. Soon Webb appeared, dragging a slightly panicked Anderson in his wake. The partners were contradictions to the nth degree. While Webb was a hulking giant of a man, all muscle, sinew and biker bravado, Anderson was the paradigm of a classic Roman physic (down to the spectacles perched imperiously on his broad nose).
"I-I-I didn't say he couldn't have beaten it. I just think that he couldn't have done it without at least one of the cheat codes."
"So you're sayin' I cheat?"
Anderson's eyes bulged.
"No-no-no…um…that's not what I meant…I mean..."
"What he means is that you had to have figured out the one path needed to beat the game. And he needs to know."
Duo laughed, "Why didn't you say so, Ellis? See, here's how ya do it.'
And with one arm flung around Anderson, Duo began waxing the merits of raising skill level by roaming in a particular plain.
Waterway looked lost. They were talking to Duo first; he distinctly remembered that they were talking to him. And now Duo was talking to the dweeb in Accounting. How did this shit happen? To his left, Diablo was fuming over the lost opportunity. He couldn't blame him. He was certain Duo was going to agree to their suggestion. But Webb interrupted them, the stupid…
Waterway's eyes widened in horror, glued to Webb as he laughed at a comment Anderson made. By coincidence Webb looked his way. Their eyes met, then Webb smiled…and winked.
"Oh, hell no…"
Duo was still talking to Anderson, but as the young man nodded to all Duo's suggestions, Waterway noticed the slow flush creeping up his neck.
It seemed that tonight, they had competition.
#################
General Enzo Lourdes of the Earth Sphere Armed Forces was grateful but not a complacent man. Years as a Major with the Romefeller Foundation and later as Brigadier for the United Earth Sphere Alliance had honed his instincts to almost psychic potency. Yet life had been good to him. Instead of the prison sentence he had been resigned to, he was given the opportunity to lead once again. In his heart of hearts, he was happy to have he opportunity to mold young minds into respectable human beings. He was happy to mold his army into soldiers that didn't blindly follow the commands of men and women with personal ambition. He should be happy that the young Peacecraft child had achieved this and at the age of fifty he could be in a ballroom filled with former enemies enjoying the finest vintage. But as he stood there enjoying the music and conversation he couldn't shake this feeling-
"General Lourdes, I see you're not relaxing. The convention is over, sir. And I believe the bar has been restocked."
Enzo turned to find Commander Lady Une, in full Preventers uniform sporting, of all things, a beer.
"Really Commander, that's good to know. I take it you have finally developed a taste for America's finest."
Une smiled, "Yes. You can say so. So General, you seem not to be too interested with the little soiree. Anything wrong?"
Enzo looked carefully at Une marveling how quickly he forgot the caliber of person he was dealing with. In a way, Une reminded him of the Peacecraft girl. Physically she looked no older than his 22-year-old daughter, her young body blossoming. However her eyes were a different story. They were the eyes that had seen war and devastation; participated in every form of cruelty human beings had the courage to commit. They knew how evil the world could be with the right inclinations.
She was a lot older and wiser than he could ever hope to be.
"Ever heard an old Japanese saying about peace time."
"I believe it is, 'in peace time, sharpen your sword.' or something to that effect."
Enzo smiled, "Close enough."
"So you think peace is under threat."
Her stance snapped to attention, even as she casually shifted her bottle to the next hand.
"No, not that far reaching. I think the concern should be right here."
Une looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Enzo let his eyes pan the ballroom, "I can't lose this twitch at the base of my neck. Like I'm expecting someone to throw a bottle at me."
"Really, since when?"
"Since this entire bloody convention started!"
Une smiled, "Ah, the issue with the virus trace. I can see why your kids would be still irritated with how that turned out."
For a brief moment Enzo felt a shiver of jealousy. Of course, they would be irritated! They got shown up by a bunch of computer brats from her company!
"General, you okay?"
He knew she was smirking.
"Fine, very fine. But it still doesn't dispute the fact that I have the urge to assume the defense position."
Une looked around.
"You may have a point, but I don't think your people or mine would be that stupid as to try anything here. Later probably, but not here."
Enzo looked around.
"I sincerely hope so, Commander Une."
##############
There were consequences to holding a 'casual' celebration.
All around her was dimmed lights, music and revelry. She could feel the base of the music working through the marble floor and up her thighs. There was slurry of alcohol fumes in the air and cigarette smoke hung like wet fog over the heads of the partygoers. The ground was already littered with cans, paper plates and cigarette butts, and she hoped she was mistaken when she heard some one had brought in a massive order of chips, nuts and…more beer. Although she didn't look up, she could see the lights from the chandelier dancing across what was visible of the floor. Relena sent a brief pray that the support chain would hold up. She was not in the mood to explain to Maman why her greatest antique piece was damaged in someway.
It was a moment of nostalgia for Relena.
The last time she was in a bar, she was four months away from becoming the most powerful teenager in the world. At age fifteen she found herself two decades older and a hundred years wiser or jaded as the case may be. Who would have thought that the one place she could be herself, was the only colony where her safety was under the most risk?
One night Relena Peacecraft-Dorlaine left…
And Lena Constantine arrived at her 'uncle's' bar in L2 to spend some time away from Earth.
The whole experience was an eye-opener in many ways. First and foremost it showed Relena in the most brutal detail, how much work was ahead of her. She saw the complacency human beings could settle into once circumstances seemed overwhelming. She cringed at how quickly a smidgeon of power would transform a person into a beast. She raged at how easily people would sacrifice the most innocent of the group without remorse. But she also saw the exact opposite.
Her 'uncle' was like Pagan, an old man who was dedicated to the life that he lived, and on the surface had allegiance to no one. But in those three months, his bar became a haven. The moment anyone crossed, a blanket of camaraderie seemed to settle, fitting into the sharp corners of a society already scraped to its rawest point.
She made friends with good men and bad men alike. She learnt how to hold her liquor and how to shoot a semi-automatic pistol without the kickback. She saw that the war for what it was, an entity that smothered and warped people into monsters of its own design.
And as she valiantly doggy paddled through a sea of drunken debauchery, trying to control her growing annoyance with one MIA Captain Yuy, she remembered the mighty cleansing power of beer.
The crowd had achieved the mellow haze that only a 2.0 blood alcohol level could create. Everyone was friendly, hugging and laughing like there was no tomorrow. In one corner of the hall, an impromptu sing –a-long was in full gear. The councilors had given up all pretense of dignity; Relena was trying her best to wipe the memory of L1 Councilor Lewis doing a hoola-dance with a napkin. The bar had given up all pretense of sophistication, opting to serve every known variety of beer, rum, scotch and brandy. The enclaves that lined the circumference of the hall became suspiciously dark, moist and popular with…men and women alike.
"Yahoo! Free Bird!"
To top it all off someone had reprogrammed the automatic music system to tap into the local commercial free radio station. Now if only she could find Heero.
"Well, at least they can't say this soiree is a complete bore!"
"Who said this was boring?"
For weeks to come, Relena would never admit that Heero made her spill her beer on her bosom.
"Damn to hell, Heero!"
Heero just raised an eyebrow.
"Heero, where the hell were you?"
"Reconnaissance. Parameters must be secured."
Relena snorted, "Somehow I doubt it, but right now I'm too fuckin' buzzed to care what exactly you were up to. So what is your next mission, oh mighty Agent Yuy?"
As Heero looked at Relena, he came to the realization that Relena was a good drunk. He knew she had at least six beers under her belt, he had watched as she downed bottle after bottle. Still, looking at her no one would know the difference. Her skin, though flushed, didn't have the sheen of artificially manufactured perspiration. Her eyes were clear and her speech crisp as the morning coffee usually accompanying her in her meetings with the Council. However, Relena was first and foremost known for her demure and restrained personality. She never felt it prudent to be blunt unless it was absolutely necessary and when she had to be she tried to do it in the most gentle of way.
But, as they learned almost a year ago, give Relena enough painkillers and she becomes real brutal. It seemed alcohol was going to have a similar effect.
"Well, since there is no obvious problems with security, I was going to do a surprise inspection of the crowd, for un-authorized material…"
"Heero, you're avoiding him aren't you?"
Heero stared. Yes, very brutal.
"That is an irrelevant…"
"You're avoiding him."
"No, that is not the parameters-"
"Heero-"
"Relena, I think it is important-"
"Heero stop being an ass! You're avoiding Duo and using me as an excuse!"
Heero was so shocked that he actually felt silent.
"Negative…"
"Negative shmegative. You've danced all over this already secured hall for the past three hours. Nothing's wrong, nothing will go wrong and as of twelve midnight nothing has gone wrong. Heero, you have no reason to be sulking around here."
Relena knew she was pissing him off. Heero was rigid, keeping his hands safely at his sides. She could see the glare just creeping into his eyes, and the way his mouth thinned into a brittle line. But at that moment she didn't care. He had her jumpy and scared for the entire day. She spent hours panicking because of what he could do. She even went as far as to place a spy on him so she would have some idea where he was. Combined with keeping control over Councilors and their power trips and groups of men aching for a fight, she had not been able to unwind since the music began. And he made her spill her drink!
"Miss Relena, you once again don't realize how vital it is to maintain security at a time-"
"And you are avoiding that damn balcony because don't have a bloody mission plan to follow in relation to Duo."
Heero flinched like he was slapped but went still, Relena continued.
"I take it I hit a big nerve. Whatever Heero. All I know is that the time you took to sulk around this room, Duo has been talking and laughing and having a great time."
There was a flash of panic, but he remained very still, staring Relena down.
"What amazes me the most is that even after our little talk you haven't gotten it yet. Heero, what did I tell you at that lunch."
It was funny to watch Heero frantically search through his mind for her exact words, but Relena was short on patience…and beer.
"Heero…if you like Duo, all you need to do is tell him. He isn't one of your missions, he isn't a target…he's the guy that you love. Right?"
Heero for the first time in his life looked ... scared.
"But what of the others…the ones…they want him…I need to plan…"
Relena took a calming breath.
"Heero, just go and talk to him. Show him that you're interested. It's better than standing here finding invisible threats."
Heero gazed rather desperately through the patio doors out to where the other agents were. Relena could see he wanted to go but at the same time, his body refused to move. Relena knew what she had to do.
"Captain Yuy, attend to me!"
Heero automatically snapped at attention.
"Ma'am!"
"I'm placing you on off-duty. Adjourn to the patio area with your peers. You will locate one Captain Maxwell and await further instructions. Is that understood?"
"Yes ma'am, understood."
It was at that moment he realized what Relena did.
"Relena-"
"Heero, just go, you're under orders."
He stood there for a moment, his eyes wide open, mouth gaping. Then, if suddenly remembering his location, he closed up. Standing straight, he nodded to Relena, then spun around and disappeared into the crowd in the direction of the patio.
"Well, that was easy…now to get some…" she looked down at her bottle, "beer…that's what I wanted…beer."
Thus a slightly buzzed World Leader dove back into the drunken crowd.
##############
There was no prestige in the armed forces.
That is what Sergeant Marcus Williams thought blearily as he finished his tenth shot of bourbon. Beer had lost its taste a long time ago and in light of the two weeks he and the others had, the Vice Foreign-Minister's on-the-house-policy was welcomed and vigorously used. Still the sweet tang of alcohol couldn't wash away the simple fact that the 'Pre-tenders' had once again shown them up.
"Marcus hon, you're brooding again."
Marcus tried to focus on his wife's face. He felt a small sliver of consolation that his wife's Preventers uniform was just as grungy as his.
"I'm not broodin'. I'm sulkin'."
She smiled, "And why is that?"
"Because you made me look bad."
She rolled her eyes in amusement.
"Marcus dear, I wasn't in your section of the conference, remember? That was the network security detail."
"Same difference."
His wife raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really? How so and need I remind you, your response determines where you will be sleeping tonight."
Even in his drunken state, the hormonal chemical for self-preservation was coursing through his veins. So instead he sulked some more.
Seriously, he still didn't get how their relationship worked. Here he was annoyed as hell with the little upstarts yet firm in the knowledge that later on tonight he would probably be nailing his personal little upstart into their mattress. His friends were amazed that they lasted so long, much less join in holy matrimony. But Anna liked him enough to put up with his anal retentiveness…and she could beat him into the ground without batting an eyelid. Therefore, she knew him well enough to know that he needed a little comfort now.
"Marcus…hon…you know very well that that virus was incognito for a long time. Remember, it took them the entire two weeks to find it. Besides they would have probably missed it altogether if your people hadn't notice the fluctuations in temperature."
"Yeah, but we were responsible for casing the location a month in advance. Stupid virus…how were we suppose to know it was on the program system for the damned waste and sewage disposal?"
"Yeah, that was really evil. Everytime someone took a leak, it released part of the trigger. Well, at least when we're finished you guys get the pleasure of arresting the bastards."
Marcus smiled in glee, "Oh yeah…"
Anna looked around.
"You know what, I gonna get another drink. What say you to us getting out of here after so that you could nail me into our mattress." And with that she disappeared into the crowd in the direction of the bar on the veranda.
Marcus smiled.
There were times he really loved his wife.
################
"Are we the only two people sober in this party?"
Trowa looked around carefully.
"Seems so. You wanted to join them?"
"It would be so easy. Unfortunately there is a 60-minute meeting tomorrow that necessitates my coherency. But it shouldn't stop you from enjoying yourself."
Trowa looked at Quatre for a moment.
"Sorry, drinking is not as enjoyable unless you have good company."
Quatre smiled, "and these people aren't good company?"
"They are. Just not as good as you."
Quatre blinked in shock.
"Besides, Relena asked me to keep a general eye on the crowd. Just to be safe."
"Oh…um…that-that's a good idea."
Quatre looked away and totally missed the small smile on Trowa's face.
"Hey isn't that Commander Ogawa?"
And indeed it was. A distinct man in his thirties, he carried a millennia of family history on his shoulders. However the ancestors that went back as far as the emergence of the Minamoto clan on a turbulent Japan failed to diminish his own worth as a soldier. His commitment to peace was ironclad and no organization was going to hold him back, which was why no one felt it necessary to highlight his desertion of the United Earth Sphere Alliance to join the rebel forces. L1 council had welcomed him with open arms when Relena appointed him. He was well liked, a strong and fair leader who knew the type of people he was dealing with.
Still there was a dangerous aura that surrounded him. As he strode through the crowd, everyone seemed to subconsciously step out of his way. He smiled at those he knew and occasionally stopped to make small talk. But it was obvious to everyone that he was determined to be somewhere.
"Oi Ogawa! Fancy seeing you here. Thought you were heading to Japan."
"Oh Barton! Still sober I see. Good night Winner. Hope you're enjoying yourself."
"Yes…um…yes I am."
"So Barton, anything to report?"
"You don't miss anything. I take it you saw the change in guards."
"Yes, I figure there would be problems since it's Preventers and Army together. And with the day the Army's had, I would prefer to be surrounded by my peers."
"True."
Quatre spoke up.
"Out of curiosity, have you seen Maxwell? I was looking for him but he's no where in here."
"Um…I haven't a clue…last I saw him, he was talking to Vice Councilor Anders. But if anything he'll probably be around a lot of people."
"Yes, Duo is an… out-going individual."
"Yes, he really is. It amazes me that he's still single."
"Unfortunately contact with General Maytower would deter anyone from even contemplating any sort of relationship."
"Yes, luckily Maytower is no longer anyone's problem."
"Besides I believe Duo's looking for someone special. He's taking his time."
Ogawa smiled to himself, "You never know, he might find someone tonight."
And with that he walked off, his body disappearing in the crowd swiftly.
Trowa looked at Quatre.
"Well, did you find out what you wanted to know?"
Quatre stared off into the place that Ogawa disappeared.
"Yes, I think I got all the info I needed. Heero is going to have a fight on his hands."
"What makes you say that?"
"Ogawa is really into Duo. I can feel his…intent pouring out of him. And before you ask, its good intent. If I didn't think Heero is all Duo really wanted and needed, I wouldn't have minded Ogawa for my friend."
"You really do care for him, don't you?"
"He's the closest thing to a brother I wished I could have had. He, of all people, deserves to be happy."
"So do you."
Quatre's eyes flew to Trowa's face and for a slight space in time, he saw something dance across that both excited him and terrified his soul. Then Trowa looked away over the crowd.
"Um…well…thanks…I hope the same for …you."
Trowa acknowledged Quatre's response with a smile and nod. But as Quatre watched, his face settled into stilled disquiet.
"Trowa, what is it?"
Trowa frowned for a moment, "I'm not sure. I think I just saw Heero walking through the crowd."
"So, he's probably looking for Relena."
"Yes, but when last I checked, Relena was by the piano. He's heading outside."
"On the balcony? Are you sure you saw him?"
Trowa looked down on Quatre's panicked face.
"I'm not sure. Maybe it wasn't him. I really wasn't paying attention."
You think we should-?"
"Let's check with Relena first. Maybe he's with her."
"Maybe."
##############
Two suitors gazed at their mutual intended with equal adore. Each man admired the way his face lit up at an intense conversation or the way his smile shone at a well-told joke. They hungered for the touches he gave to freely to those around him and snarled in frustration at each touch that was returned. He was the epitome of all their desires and wants. They yearned to touch his skin, to run their fingers through his now limp hair. Each man could almost imagine the texture of the damp tendrils of curls that even now clung to his heart-shaped face. The feel of his flushed lips against the rough pad of their fingers. Yes, these two suitors were in the first flushes of love and tonight, they knew they had to something about it.
It is here that the two minds diverge; each following its own thought patterns in relation to the how's of courtship. One, decidedly older, was prepared. He had had a long time to scheme; he knew his target's likes and dislikes. Tonight was going to be the first night of his courtship and he was confident that he would succeed. The other mind was young in some aspects, but aged in the basic human understanding of survival. For a long while it operated in the safe haven of black and white; yes and no; have and have not. Now faced with the possibility of something born out of its own need, it hesitated like a child forced to chose a favorite candy. Yet still it hungered and apparently with the permission of one it held in high esteem, it knew that it needed to act.
Two pairs of eyes watched When Duo's head suddenly shot up, his eyes scanning the crowd. Their hearts began to beat just a bit faster as he suddenly focused on them, a warm, broad smile spreading across his face. Even before they heard his call, his hand was like a siren, beckoning them into his inner circle of admirers.
"Hey Heero! Daisuke! Where the hell have you guys been? Come over here an' have a drink!"
Both men stopped, finally noticing world around them. They noticed crowded balcony and the heat of a thousand bodies separating them from their goal.
Most importantly they noticed each other.
Asian man looked at Asian man, each genuinely surprised at the other's presence. They stood a moment, looking at each other carefully, almost frightened to even speculate at the reason for the other's intent.
"Oi, guys you're coming?"
Bodies switched in response to Duo's request and in that moment they knew. Even as they showed their acquiesces with raised hands, even as they began to cut through the crowd in unison, even as they arrived within Duo's circle of friends and accepted a can of beer with a smile and a nod, they knew who they were.
On the open balcony, with the merriment still hanging in the air with the fumes of alcohol, a time bomb began to tick.
Oh...................hell...