A Night's End
by Jess Angel
Quatre Winner led Dorothy Catalonia through the twisting corridors of the Winner estate. His hand rested lightly on the small of her back as he directed her to the front door. He felt something in him constrict when she allowed the contact, especially after the emotion-laden night.
He had prepared himself for her to jerk back in fear and anger from such familiarity. Despite, the comfort he provided and the pleasant evening that followed, this was still Dorothy. Things were never that simple with her… and he wouldn't have had it any other way.
He slipped in front of her as they reached the grand entrance, parting the door for her to exit. The blonde woman nodded him her thanks.
"I'll walk you to your car," he offered, falling in step beside her.
"Always the gentlemen, Mr. Winner." A slight smirk curved her lip.
"Quatre," he corrected for perhaps the hundredth time that night and again, she didn't seem to hear him.
Outside the world was lost in darkness and trillions of stars swam into its wide abyss. The couple continued in a hesitant silence towards her car. The creaks and hums of nature were all that passed between them….
Finally, they reached the vehicle. Dorothy was about to reach for the door handle, but then retracted from the car door and turned to face the Arabian. Neither braved to voice their thoughts.
What did one say when they didn't want the night to end but knew it was inevitable?
The blond violinist chose to speak first.
"I had a lovely time, Dorothy." He took hold of her hand in farewell.
"You didn't expect I'd be dull company, did you Mr. Winner?" she teased, that dangerous look in her eye once again.
He had to smile. "No, of course not. If there's one thing you aren't Dorothy, it's dull."
The temptation was too great. She just couldn't resist. "And would you like to see just howinteresting I really am?"
Quatre's lip twitched nervously. She was still Dorothy all right. "…Would you care to meet for tea in the future, perhaps?" He inwardly groaned at the pathetic comeback. It wasn't much of a comeback to begin with.
'Oh, fumble, Q-man, fumble!' He could hear Duo's voice for the second time that night. He sighed. It was amazing what she could do to his nerves. She managed to make him feel as awkward as a schoolboy.
"Two dates in one day, Mr. Winner? Just what are you playing at?" She raised an eyebrow. She loved watching him squirm.
"I, I, well I-" his rambling was cut short.
"Next Monday, your place at three would be perfect." A glint of amusement lingered in her blue-gray depths.
He nodded dumbly. "Perfect."
She straightened the tie of his tuxedo. "I'm glad you agree. Now, it's quite late and I simply must be getting back."
He snapped from his stupor. "Of course." Quatre leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek.
Centimeters away he was delayed. "Don't get fresh with me, Winner."
He blushed and began backing away.
A strong tug brought him back and down. Dorothy's sweet lips were on his and when she pulled away, he was dazed. It had been quick… but it had happened. Quatre's face was left flushed, and he took a breath.
Her thumb wiped a smudge of 'passion red' lipstick off his mouth.
"Red really does become you, Mr. Winner, and you're right. This was lovely," she announced to the stunned heir. "I'll see you Monday."
With a satisfied smirk, Dorothy Catalonia was in her car and speeding away from Quatre Raberba Winner's home and onto the main road.
·:·. Fin..·:·
Author's Note: This is the sequel to "Letting Go." Just a little something to wrap things up a bit. Comments and constructive criticism appreciated.
"Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other."
Psalm 85:10
Gundam Wing and its characters © Bandai, Sunrise, and the Sotsu Agency