Chapter 2

That's the Way Love Goes.

This one continues where the first left off. You need to read the first part to understand this.

The usual disclaimer applies: I don't own Gundam Wing or any of the characters.

******
Duo didn't come home that night. Before dawn Hilde took a transport to colony L3. The circus was there and so was her target. She wasn't even sure what she would say to Trowa to make anything sound believable. Anger drove her toward this pilot otherwise she doubted she would have journeyed to see him even with the agreement with her friends.

It was morning when she arrived at the colony and she didn't find the circus until noon. The show didn't begin until evening but she decided to meet with Trowa before that. Hilde thought she'd make up something once she saw him. The grounds were crowded and the animal smell was worse than the usual fragrance of fuel she was surrounded by all day.

Hilde turned a corner and saw Trowa immediately. He was carrying a bucket in each hand and walking toward the animals. He was handsome, wore tight jeans and a loose fitting shirt and his green eyes sparkled like gems. He bent over to pour the water into a trough near a couple of elephants. Hilde gave a determined spring to her step and walked up to him. "Trowa, is that you?"

He stood up and looked toward her. He didn't seem to know her at first but as she stopped in front of him recognition entered his eyes. "You're Hilde."

His voice was soothing. "Good memory. I was in the neighborhood and I remembered you worked here."

He stared at her and didn't say anything. Hmm, he never talked much did he? She pressed on, "Duo is always on the look out for a new opportunities and I thought there might be some job openings here, or at least another supplier for our little business. It's getting harder to find work in the neighboring colonies anymore."

"Yes, I heard that," Trowa said.

"Not that Duo would ever think of trying anything different. He never takes my suggestions to heart sometimes.." Hilde said bitterly. She didn't mean to let her anger slip through but it did.

Trowa tilted his head. "So, Duo is okay?"

"He's always okay. Look, I know it's short notice, but I have some time on my hands before I meet with an associate. Would you like to have lunch with me?"

He stared at her and didn't say anything for several moments. "I don't know..."

She gave a small laugh, "I know you must be busy, sorry. Maybe I should go." She put her hands behind her back and stared at him, hoping he would say something.

"Trowa?" A breezy voice called from the distance.

"Here, Catherine."

Hilde frowned. Catherine? Did Duo mention a Catherine? The tall thin woman stepped into view and gave a questioning glance toward Hilde.

"Cathy, this is Hilde, a friend of Duo's."

"What brings you here?" Catherine said.

Hilde repeated the same story to Catherine and she warmed up immediately. Hilde wanted to ask Trowa out again but something in Catherine's manner told her not to.

"So you're trying to get as much work in before the ceremony next week?" Catherine said.

"Yes, I'm supposed to accompany Duo to the colony, but maybe I won't. He'll be too busy for me and I can get more work done alone."

"You're going with Duo? You never said you could take someone with you Trowa," Catherine said.

"I didn't think you'd like it Cathy. It's mostly military speeches. Boring," Trowa said.

"I think I can amuse myself," she said taking his arm. "That is, if its all right?"

"Yes," Trowa said.

Hilde watched this exchange in wonder. What happened? No one mentioned Trowa having a girlfriend. She was getting a headache. Gundam pilots - who needs them?

"I'd better get going, I'm sure I can find something to do with my time," Hilde said. "Nice to meet you Catherine."

"Oh Hilde, I'm sorry. Why don't you stay here for awhile, I can fix lunch," Catherine said.

The thought of sitting here watching them together made her nauseous. Who was supposed to be getting jealous anyway? "No thanks. I'll be fine. See you at the ceremony."

Trowa and Catherine watched her go, and she could hear Catherine talking about what she should wear to the ceremony. Now she wasn't sure who she was mad at more, Duo or Trowa.

****
Relena had gotten back from a UN meeting and wanted to relax. All she needed was food and some tv as she lounged in bed. When she returned home, Pagan informed her of a number of things: dinner would be late, her mother was on a trip to Spain and Quatre Winner was waiting for her in the living room. She wasn't sure which of the news was worse, but she put a smile on her face and greeted Quatre. He stood up when she entered and put his hands behind his back.

"So what brings you here?" Relena said.

"I brought the file you forgot. And I thought I'd check in on you." She nodded. "And Heero called me back today. He said he'd see you at the ceremony."

Relena sighed. She knew she would see him then anyway. The last time he spent any time with her was six months ago. She thanked Quatre for the file and the news.

"You're welcome. I'd better get going, you must be busy," he said.

He came all this way just to leave? As much as she wanted an evening alone, she couldn't be a poor host. "You should stay for dinner. It should be ready. Soon I hope."

"You're tired, Miss Relena."

She stroked her hair and took a deep breath. She must look a mess. "Maybe a little, but you're a guest so no argument. Join me for dinner."

"Okay," he said smiling. "Maybe I could listen to your speech while we wait."

She went through her briefcase to pull out the latest version. Quatre sat on the couch and leaned forward as Relena stood in front of him reading. Her speech was brief and when she finished he congratulated her.

"Sounds good. You always give the best speeches," he said.

She blushed. "Do you have a speech?"

"No. I'm not representing the Winner family this time. I'm there as a soldier. You added all the main points I gave you, so that's good."

Pagan entered announcing dinner and led them to the dining room. She complimented her servants on assembling everything so fast. They ate and talked for an hour about mutual acquaintances at the UN.

After dinner they went back to the spacious living room. Relena sifted through her papers on the table and gathered them in a neat pile. She was more than ready for this ceremony.

Quatre looked out the window admiring the view. "I always liked the sunsets on Earth. Sometimes I wish I could live here."

"You can do anything you want," Relena said.

Quatre walked around to the grand piano and sat down. "You're right, but I have responsibilities. You know how that is princess."

She smiled at her former title. She'd rather forget it, but Noin and Quatre clung stubbornly to it on occasion. He played the piano. Mozart Symphony in A minor. It was flawless. He stopped in the middle and stood up.

"Your were excellent. Is there any instrument you can't play?" Relena said.

"A few."

"Don't stop playing," Relena pleaded.

"It's getting late. I've taken a lot of your time all ready. I wanted to bring you the file and see how you're doing."

Relena didn't want him to leave, she was enjoying his company. "When are you going to Preventer Headquarters?"

Quatre walked over to her. "The day before the ceremony. I wanted to go earlier but my schedule..." he shrugged

Relena patted the couch and he sat down. "I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I barely get a moment to myself. But after this ceremony I hope to lighten my schedule."

Quatre said, "Yes, I understand. You can't imagine the responsibility of representing a large family. Sometimes, I don't think I know what fun is."

"Me either but it's worth it. With this kind of schedule though, I imagine I'll be old and grey by the time I'm 25," Relena said.

Quatre gave a laugh."That might be interesting to see."

Relena giggled. "I'm glad you came over, Quatre." She smiled warmly at him. It wasn't a bad evening after all.

"Me too." They didn't say anything for a moment then Quatre said, "I - uh, better go."

She nodded. He took her hand and kissed it. Relena stared into his eyes. Quatre looked reverently at her. Then he leaned over and kissed her. She was surprised at this action but the kiss was pleasant.

He stopped and looked away "I'm sorry, Miss Relena," he said flustered.

"No, it's all my fault. I was flirting with you before..."

"No you weren't, you're kind as usual. It's me. I - I don't know what's wrong with me."Quatre shook his head.

She took his hand. "Nothing's wrong with you Quatre. It's... we're both tired - that's all."

"Right - and we both care about Heero."

"Yes," she whispered.

"You miss him, I'm sorry. Forgive me."

"Stop. There's nothing to forgive," she said sternly.

He beamed fondly at her. She lowered her head and noticed they were still holding hands. Quatre placed his other hand over hers. They stared at their hands a moment then gazed at each other. Before she realized it, they were kissing each other again. This time they didn't stop.

Relena tried to clear her mind and focus. They had to stop this. It was on her mind to say so. Soon Quatre's kisses became passionate and she was going to say something. Maybe if she stopped kissing him back she could think better. She was going to stop this any minute or else Quatre was. She knew it. One of them was going to say something. To say this was - was... As they continued their embrace, Relena felt him unbuttoning her shirt. They reclined on the sofa and Quatre melted into her, holding her tight. When his kisses moved to her neck she forgot what she was going to say and enjoyed herself.

**********
Duo was getting mad. Whenever Hilde pulled a disappearing act he had hell to pay. He called everyone she knew but they hadn't seen her. Then he found a ticket stub to Earth and figured she went to talk to Relena. Since the Vice Foreign Minister didn't return his calls Duo took the fastest transport to her house.

He wondered what he could buy Hilde to make up for whatever she was mad at this time. Chocolates were always good. He was still angry at her as well, but he hated to admit how much he cared for her. They were leaving for Preventers HQ in a couple of days and he wanted to make up with her soon. He hoped she was at Relena's.

When he got there it was after sunset. The butler took his sweet time opening the door.

"Hya, Relena in?" Duo said.

"The Foreign Minister is indisposed."

"Disposed?" Duo said.

"Engaged," the butler tried again.

"To who?" Boy this guy was too easy, he thought.

"She's busy at the moment."

"I'm lookin' for Hilde."

"The madam isn't here."

"Can I just come in? Relena might know where she is," Duo said.

"Try later."

"I'll wait."

"I'm sorry..." he began.

Duo frowned. "If you don't let me in there, I'll stand out here and howl like a wolf at the moon until you do!"

Pagan stared at him a moment. "Come with me."

He opened the door and let Duo in. Pagan told him to wait by the door while he retrieved Relena. Duo stood there five seconds then followed quietly behind the butler. Pagan stopped at the living room door and put a hand to his mouth to cough discreetly. He was too slow, because Duo still managed to see Quatre on top of Relena locked in the deepest kiss he'd ever seen.

"Quatre?!" Duo said a bit shocked.

Quatre and Relena jumped up startled. They stood and straightened their clothes. "Duo what are you doing here?" Relena said. Annoyance was in her voice.

Duo was speechless for a moment. Quatre blushed bright red. Pagan wisely left. Relena acted as if nothing happened. Duo frowned then gave them a bright smile. "I'm lookin' for Hilde."

"She's not here," Relena said.

"I can see that. Do you know where she might be?"

"I'm sorry Duo, I don't have time to keep track of Hilde," Relena's tone was short, telling him to leave, but Duo wasn't going to budge.

"So - how long have you been here, Quatre?"

His eyes darted toward Relena then back to Duo. "N-not long. I'd better get going. I'll see you soon." He whispered the last part to Relena who nodded.

"Come on Duo," Quatre said.

Duo didn't move. "So when's the last time you heard from Heero, Relena?"

She frowned. Quatre grabbed Duo's arm, "Please Duo!" Rolling his eyes, Maxwell walked out with Quatre. "I'll give you a ride back to your colony."

Duo muttered a thanks. Quatre's limo soon arrived and they got in. "So how long has this been going on?" Duo said.

Quatre looked out the window, "Nothing's going on. Nothing happened."

"ReeALly!?" Duo said.

"Really. It was just a kiss," Quatre said.

"Some kiss."

Quatre looked nervous. "I don't know what happened. It was wrong. Let's not mention this again. Especially to Heero. Please."

Duo pouted and folded his arms."Okay. I won't say anything. I just hope Relena doesn't say anything."

"I know her. She won't," Quatre said.

Duo smiled broadly again, "Oh, do you?"

"Duo!

*********
Heero and Chang stood in front of Sally waiting for her to finish reading their recommendations. She had to commend them, the security plans were flawless. "There should be no problems with everything you've implemented, still the Mars extremists are creative. I'm sure you can handle anything though."

"No problem," Heero said.

"When the others arrive. I'll leave it for you to brief them when they begin duty," Sally said.

"I'd like to suggest a change ma'am," Wufei said.

"What is it?" Sally said.

"Considering our security it wouldn't be prudent to have everyone on duty, at least in uniform all at once," Wufei said. "Trowa has requested some time off and I think Noin and Zechs would benefit in the delay as well. Since they are more concerned with Mars paperwork I don't think their mind would be on security until the day of the ceremony."

Sally had to give Chang credit, he was thinking of some plan to avoid Zechs. She was sure of it. She looked to Heero for confirmation and his gaze betrayed a hint of surprise. "Okay Wufei, I don't see a problem with it. Is that all?"

"Yes ma'am." Chang gave a smile. There wasn't a hint of anger on his face but Sally knew better.

If it was a setup she didn't see it. He didn't even complain about dealing with Zechs. "Dismissed."

******************

The tone around the house for the last week could only be described as frigid. Not that Hilde wanted to be cold, or angry, but she couldn't help it. She wanted some attention, some respect. Duo only gave it to her when she was mad. He did question her whereabouts and practically interrogated her about the other day, but she told him she was looking for new job opportunities for them. Somehow she didn't think he believed her.

When they finally left for Preventers Headquarters they caught the shuttle in silence. Duo flipped through a magazine while Hilde looked out the window, trying to ignore him.

"How long are you going to be mad at me?" Duo said.

"I don't know," Hilde said.

"Oh, come on, you know me. Other girls don't mean anything. You know how beautiful you are, right?"

She didn't say anything.

He sighed and flipped the book again, "You know you always give a guy a hard time. I mean, I look after you don't I?"

"Sure Duo, but you don't have to. I can take care of myself," Hilde said.

"Did I say you couldn't? When did I say that, huh?" He frowned demanding answers.

She decided to say what was on her mind. It was time to see where Duo stood with her.

"We've been together awhile and you haven't exactly treated me as your true love - I mean..."

"Stop it - Don't start with me again, Hilde. You know I care," Duo said.

He was angry again but she wasn't going to give in. "I know, but what am I - your little sister?"

"Do you want to see other guys, is that it? Fine with me. Just leaves me free for more babes." Duo slumped in his seat and put a magazine in front of his face ignoring her.

She took the magazine from his face and gripped it in her hand. "How long are we going to be like this, I mean don't I deserve a commitment?" Her voice was getting louder. She didn't care. "Don't you want to get married some day?"

"Marriage!?" he squeaked. "We're talking marriage now? Man!"

"Forget it. Never mind." Hilde gave up. What did it matter who she flirted with, or who Duo saw. It looked like he wanted to stay friends. Perfect.

They sat in silence a for the next half hour. Duo picked something else to read. He would glance over at her then look away when she turned to him. She looked at her watch. How long was this flight? She rifled through the stack of magazines and picked one.

"Hey, I was going to read that," Duo said.

"Are you reading it now?"

"You can take this one." Duo handed her his magazine.

"I don't want that one," Hilde said exasperated.

"Well, I'm sure I can find you something better," he picked up one and held it open. "Now here's one. It's got nothing but surveys and relationship questions in it. But you know what it will tell you? That Maxwell is the best." He leaned over into her seat and touched his cheek to hers. She leaned away from him as he tried to kiss her.

"Oh, come on Hilde, you can't stay mad forever."

"Just leave me alone, Duo."

He looked at her surprised, then hurt. "I'm going to the bathroom." He got up and went to the back of the shuttle. Hilde found a magazine, flipped a few pages then stared out the window. Nothing but stars. She tried to read, but after reading the same sentence three times she gave up and closed her eyes. Maybe she could sleep her way through this flight.

She felt when Duo sat back down beside her. She opened her eyes briefly to look at him. He was still mad. "Don't wake up on my account," he said.

"I won't." She closed her eyes again. She heard him shuffling paper next to her. Then he started shifting in his seat. She ignored him and kept her eyes shut. Soon she fell asleep.

****
They hadn't been in their room thirty minutes when Zechs decided he wanted to brief Sally. Noin wanted to change her clothes, get some food, relax, but Zechs insisted. They met Sally at one of the diners at the headquarters as a compromise and it was then Noin remembered to talk to Wufei. It slipped her mind before but the moment she saw him she realized it. Noin decided she had better talk to Chang quickly before she changed her mind.

Wufei nodded to Zechs and headed for the bar. Sally escorted them to a table and excused herself, then she followed Wufei. They were sitting comfortably when Duo came in. He immediately went to them. "Hey Noin, looking good. Zechs, long time no see."

"You always say that Maxwell," Zechs replied.

"And it's always true. Heero's around here somewhere, I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about."

Sally rejoined them. She took a seat and so did Duo. "If you could give me a brief run through Zechs, I'm trying to go over last minute security details," Sally said. "You can give a more detailed report to Chang later."

Zechs frowned and looked over to Wufei. Duo put his arm around Zechs neck. "You have no worries Major, not with all us Gundam pilots around. We can sniff out trouble. Eh, Zechs?" Noin tried to suppress a laugh.

"Maybe you're right Noin. We can do this later, my head is splitting at the moment. Sorry Sally." He got up trying to ignore Duo. "Are you coming Noin?"

"I'll join you later." He walked swiftly away and Sally gave her a sympathetic look. Duo followed Zechs.

"Poor Marquis. I can tell that you've forgotten of our little plan," Sally said.

Noin shrugged. "I can't be mad at Zechs. But I do intend to talk to Chang right now. I can even brief him on the Mars reports."

"I'm not sure if this is the right time. I've literally plucked his last nerve. In a way I've enjoyed this." She tapped her chin. "You have fun, I've got a million things to do, so I'll talk to you later." Sally left and Noin to pondered her next step.

She turned her attention to Wufei. He sat at the bar with his back turned ignoring everyone. She went to him, and sat down beside him, "Hello, Wufei." He looked at her out of the corner of his eye and didn't say anything. Wonderful.

She continued, "If you have a moment I want to talk over a few things with you."

He swivelled on the bar stool to faced her, "Oh yeah? What?"

She smiled slightly. He was unaffected. "Well, we haven't really talked since the war ended. I know you've done a lot of things back then that you probably regret now. We all have. I mean, when we first met, you blew up the barracks at my base."

"You worked for Oz didn't you?" Wufei said.

"I know but..."

"So you're still hanging on to that pathetic memory? How foolish."

Noin felt her anger rise. She clamped it down and brought her voice under control. "You killed some good men back then, it wasn't justified. I only thought that you and I could come to some kind of understanding..."

"Understanding?! I killed a lot of people and they were all justified. And I don't need to sit here and talk to some foolish weak woman about what happened years ago."

That did it. To the devil with manners. "Listen you young, jumped up excuse for a pilot, you can be polite enough to let me finish a sentence. You were rude when you were a kid and the years haven't changed you."

"Woman, I have had enough of this." He got up to leave but she stood up and blocked his way.

"The name is Lucretia Noin, and you don't leave until I finish talking. I wanted to be nice, try to talk reason with you, try to make peace and this is what I get?"

Wufei frowned, his black eyes smoldered as he stared at her for a couple of seconds. Then he took a deep breath. "Woman, how dare you **** come here and think you can order me around. I have never had someone so weak and **** pathetic *****, ***** tell me anything like that and expect to live. Go back to your man, before I ***** do **** something you ****, *** regret!"

Noin looked at him during his tirade amazed at the amount of curses he could come up with. There were a few she had never heard before. Those in the area turned to listen - mesmerized by the loud and incessant cursing. Once he finished she stood up and patted her thigh with her right hand. "Are you calling me weak?"

Chang snorted, "Stupid woman, **** didn't understand a ***** thing. Move before I teach you some manners."

Noin made a fist and hit Wufei in the jaw. His face turned with the impact, but he didn't stagger or flinch. He looked surprised at first then his eyes crackled with anger. She knew he was an experienced fighter and could beat her, but she intended to give him a good workout.

He said, "If you weren't weak I would kick your..."

"Give me a try and I'll show you how weak I am," she said dangerously.

He clenched his fists. "Stupid woman!" He shoved his way past her and nearly knocked Maxwell down leaving the room.

"Duo? How long have you been standing there?" Noin asked

"Long enough to see the show. You really ticked him off," he said.

"Yeah, well it's none of your business. And stop sneaking up on people."

"I've been hearing that a lot lately," he mumbled.

***********
"Did you have to argue with him Noin?" Zechs said. "I mean - everyone's talking about it."

Two hours later and she was now the talk of the colony. "He ticked me off. I was only trying to be civil and he wouldn't listen to reason," Noin said. She paced the floor trying to calm down.

"Ticked you off? You seam to have a short temper lately," Zechs said.

"Well I guess I have issues, okay," she said. She stopped walking and folded her arms.

"I see. Am I an issue as well?"

"Don't start with me, Zechs."

"Don't bring up the past, it's better forgotten. For Chang and for me."

"Really Zechs? Then maybe you two should get together, you'd be perfect for each other." She walked for the door.

"Where are you going?" Zechs said.

"To my room," Noin snapped.

"This is our room."

"No. Now it's your room. I'll find another one." Noin stalked out.

End part 2