Warning: Some foul language.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing. Never have, never will.
Beta: ConquerorAlexander
Word count: 4,076
Beautiful Lie
Meli J Nightly
Chatper 3: Demise of Truth
Soon you feel the need to tell a lie…
Destiny is fate, fate is destiny.
It is in the moments of decision, where your destiny is shaped.
You can lie to youself, but destiny will not lie to you.
Selena admired herself on her big mirror, her dress was custom made like most of her wardrobe. Heero let himself in her bedroom. He watched her intensively; the strapless black laced dress accentuated her skin tone and gave her a hint of mysteriousness. It was then that he couldn't help but wonder why things had to be the way they were in their relationship. At her sight, his mind asked him when was it that he began having an affair and when was it that they had stopped sleeping together in the same room and having to sneak around so the kids didn't notice (on Heero's request). They both made it impossible, that was the reason why, there was no need for time, it had always been just plain impossible.
"It is impolite to stare," she stated without looking away from the mirror.
"It is also getting late…" he responded cold as usual.
She retrieved a diamond bracelet from her jewelry box and motioned for her husband to place it on her right wrist.
Her glare diverted his eyes to hers. "Which is why I must ask you, why are you not dressed?"
"I wasn't informed that I needed to attend also," he responded nonchalantly. He dreaded balls and dreaded dealing with all of the high class society even if he was one himself.
"The Prince of Austria is coming. Of course you have to be there, you are my husband and as such you must show your support."
Heero's stoic features made it hard for Selena to read what he was thinking or what he was feeling. She had given up a long time ago and realized that from the beginning all they were to each other was pure convenience.
"Are you going out?" Charles let himself in with a young girl almost his age hanging on dearly to his small hand.
Heero turned around to attend to his precious children. While Selena merely answered pretentiously, "I'm trying to tell your father he should wear his soldier uniform, he looks quite dashing in it."
He hated that, being exposed as a hero, when the war was nothing but cold and made him lose part of his humanity. He glared back at her, responding short and precise, "the war is over there's no need for my uniform any longer."
Selena gave off a tiny smirk, she loved getting to him; it was joyous for some reason. She then rolled her eyes at the sight of the two children still there wondering what was going on.
"Catherine! Catherine!" She yelled for her maid.
"Yes ma'am?" The brown haired girl and trustworthy maiden came running to her mistress's call.
"Make yourself useful. Feed the children then put them to bed," Selena ordered, making a waving motion with her hand. Catherine nodded. Before she took them away the blue eyed woman kissed her son on the forehead and patted Lillian's (her 'daughter's') head. Lillian directed her eyes to fuzzy bunny slippers, feeling outlandish at her mother's lack of sentiment towards her. She clutched to her brother's hand tighter and her faithful blankie, which she was holding on her other hand. She shyly followed her brother and Catherine out of her mother's bedroom.
X.x.x.X
Duo's glance kept roaming around distracted by the ballroom's French doors. His date had gotten tired of his lack of attention, especially being one of those girls who was used to getting plenty of it. She got up from their table, irritated, but no luck in getting attention from her happy go lucky date. He wasn't sure what he was expecting to come through that door or who perhaps.
"Maybe I do know", he thought, ruffling his bangs while he scoffed, "would it kill them to vary the music once in a while?" The music was always classical. A glance then a drink, it was a process he had adapted well enough. Another glance and a drink.
"Do you really think he's coming? After all he doesn't like these social gatherings." He cursed for his trance was broken by none other than the devil's spawn herself. Dorothy Catalonia gracefully sat down on a seat across from the now annoyed braided man.
"I don't remember inviting you to sit down," he snapped and gave her one of his famous sarcastic grins.
She ignored his snarky remark and continued to place her chin on her hands. She gave him that 'look', the one that could make even the toughest of fighter's crack, except Heero of course. That is why she was a leader on the Preventers Interrogation Center. "You shouldn't hold your breath, Heero might not come." She smirked.
Duo took another sip from his strong drink.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Isn't that the reason you keep on staring at the doors, as if your stare and your almighty wishing will get him here?" The evil smile and tone of hers was evident and by all means sharp.
Duo coughed as his drink went down the wrong way. "Seriously… Dorothy," he coughed once again, "I have no idea of what you're talking about. I am checking to see when my date comes back."
"What, the blond worthless cheap bigot who probably shares a port-a-pottie with the rest of her tramp family? Sorry to say Maxwell dear… but a Golden Retriever is much cheaper and much more faithful," she critiqued oh so eloquently while pointing to the blond girl's direction who was laughing at a really old man's joke, but had the red ribbon that distinguished his status.
His attempt to lie was an utter failure so he 'tried' to redeem himself. "What can I say, the girl likes to mingle…"
"Tsk, tsk. You should really consider your choice in women… unless you're doing it on purpose," again her cynical tone guaranteed him that she probably knew more than him. She laughed and whispered so only he could hear, "You're such a shitty liar."
He inclined closer to her, cupping her chin gently. "And it seems you're a bitch in every sence of the word … now would you go away," he menaced.
She shooed his hand away and grinned. "I am a bitch to you because you need a cold slap of reality and I am here to give it to you wonder boy. You don't fool me with your merry smile and playboy attitude. You and I both know that's just a masquerade. However I understand how you feel…"
Dorothy jolted just a bit when Duo's fist hit the table gathering attention from the neighboring tables. He smiled trying to hide his hurt ego, "You have no idea how I feel. You, who only know how to play with people's feelings, 'love' is a word that is not in your vocabulary Catalonia."
"You're just like a rabid dog right now aren't you? Biting down your instinct of wanting to kill me, you're jealous that I get to have Heero in my bed while you will never be anything more than just his 'friend'."
"I rather have his sincere friendship then just be his fuck buddy…" He realized the mistake he had just made by saying that. He cursed at himself in his mind; he had fallen right into Dorothy's trap.
She grinned, proudly and triumphantly. "I knew it! You're in love with Heero Yuy… I knew you were a fruit cake all along!" Dorothy could not help but squeal in delight while Duo was alarmed at the scandal she was making. He got up and pulled a seat next to her.
Covering her mouth was the next step, she muffled but he still didn't let her go. "Look. You dare say anything to anybody about this and I swear I will skin you alive. I will tell Lena the relationship you have with Heero and she'll surely exile you." His warning was honest and deep. He uncovered her mouth and cleaned his hand of her venomous lips on his black pants.
"I didn't think you had it in you," Dorothy clapped her hands, "I am proud of you Duo Maxwell. Although, I've been quite inquisitive as to why you would keep my relationship with Heero a secret. What's in it for you?"
"You don't love him," he stated simply.
"Not that he seems to mind much." She bit her lower lip and made a face filled with pleasure, "Especially when he's in my bed and I'm on top and he is gasping and breathing hard… after a long exhausting-"
"Too much info! Too much info!" Duo waved up his hands to motion her to stop. "Geez! Shut up will ya? Someone's bound to pick up on what you're saying! Damn it."
"And I was just beginning to have fun…" Dorothy pouted at the sight of a blond man making his way to them and the fact that she would now have to cut her teasing short.
Duo sighed in relief and stared defiantly at the blond veiled woman next to him. He began pushing her chair with his foot so they were no longer closer.
"Could you move away a little bit? Just a little bit? Perfect. Thanks."
"Frightened, to be seen so close to a real woman?" Dorothy whispered her last comeback.
Duo shoved her chair a bit harder almost making her fall, but Quatre graciously caught her in the nick time for a graceful recovery, as was his style.
"Dorothy, are you alright?" Quatre asked with worry tainted in his voice.
"I'm fine. They don't make chairs like they used to…" She released herself from his strong hold. For a man with such a soft expression he had very strong arms. It made Dorothy a bit rosy on her pale cheeks.
"Yes, dumb chairs…" Duo added coyly fighting a smirk.
"My, such a gay atmosphere we have today at this glorious ball…" Dorothy faked a smile as she accented the word "gay".
Quatre was confused. He shrugged it off and asked if he could join their table, after all the mingling he had to do, he was finally happy he saw people who weren't servile self-seekers who hoped to gain favors and approval by praising him.
Without any of the two noticing he managed to check if his minty breath was still there. He popped another mint in his mouth just in case and turned to watch the two. He was still confused at Duo's and Dorothy's antics as they continued to glare and throw remarks condescendingly at each other.
0o.0o0.o0
"Marimeia would you please turn the music down…"
Lady Une is a beautiful woman in her late thirties and even for her age she is better kept then most girls half her age. No doubt a package of beauty and brains all in one. If only she were able to see that herself…
"Would you please learn how to knock?" A red head girl answered in a snobby attitude without lifting her head up from her laptop.
She frowned and made her way to turn the volume down from the heavy rock music that was playing on the radio.
Marimeia abruptly closed her laptop and glared at the woman in front of her. And to add to her dismay she sat down on her bed. "I was listening to that! "
"Could you just make a bit of time for me?" She asked cautiously. "I just want to be your friend…"
"And I'm a hula dancer, now what do you have to say?" She replied sarcastically.
"Marimeia if we're going to get along-" Une began but was immediately cut off by the teen's spiteful tone.
"Who said anything about wanting to get along with you?"
No matter what she did there was no way of getting through the rebellious teen. If she didn't love her husband Treize as much as she did she would've left him the same day that girl appeared on their door claiming to be his child and finding out about the long love affair he had had with her mother Leia.
"I'm only trying to understand you," she said almost in a whisper.
The girl clutched her fists and snapped, "You are not my mother! You will never be anything like my mother!"
"I'm not trying to replace your mother," Une tried to explain. Her eyes quivering, she tried extending her hand to touch her face. Marimeia countered with slapping it away from her.
"You could never replace my mother even if you tried. She was a million times prettier then you, that is why my father loved her more then you."
The girl's words stung her like lemon and salt on an open wound. She suppressed the urge to smack her across the face, telling herself she was just grieving over her mother's death. It had to be devastating to lose a dear loved after all. She had lost a child once, and the pain was unbearable, even though the baby never had the chance to be born he had been loved from inside her womb. An aching pain began to pierce her head. All the thoughts and stress was beginning to get to her.
"Hey… are you okay?" The girls ice blue eyes softened. She was alarmed but then turned back to her regular dreadful self when Une nodded. "Why didn't my father take you to the ball?"
"I was having a slight headache. Besides I wanted us to spend some time together, to get to know each other."
Une smiled sincerely.
"Could it be the he just decided to take someone else other then you?" She scoffed. "Get something straight. We will never 'spend some time together'," she mocked her with two fingers raised on both hands quoting her phrase.
"Why can't you just try? For your father," Une pleaded.
"Because. I. Hate. You." She looked at her straight in the eyes, venom embedding each word. "If it hadn't been for you, my father would've stayed with my mother. Because he loved her, yet he felt sorry for you. I will never forgive you. You ruined my family." With those last words said and pleased to have left a shocked 'stepmother' in her room, she went to the kitchen to warm up some garlic bread. She figured she should treat herself to at least that.
0o.0o0.o0
Selena greeted every important figure at the ball, with Heero by her side. He was like her bodyguard after all, making sure their 'symbol of peace and unity' between earth and the colonies was safe and sound at all times. Heero managed to hide a yawn, which didn't escape his wife's view, for she herself was suppressing many. She motioned him to leave her side. He hesitated for a while but realized the ball was well guarded so he took the opportunity to have a break.
As Selena watched him leave, she could only think about what Trowa had said to her earlier and the ultimatum he had given her.
"I thought it was a girl's job to give an ultimatum," Selena joked.
"Well we're switching roles, after all I am the 'other woman'," he mused. His serious tone didn't take long to kick in once again, "I can't take it just seeing you every once in a while. I know I can't make you choose between your family and me. And I know, I can't give you wealth like Heero Yuy. But all I ask is that you come with me and give it a try. If you don't like what we may have or you realize you really don't love me. I will say to everyone that I took you against your will… and Heero will have to take you back…"
Selena wanted to laugh but noticed that Trowa had a straight face while he was saying it.
"I leave next weekend. If you decide you really want to give me a chance… then meet me at the airport. If not then I'll know what you have chosen and whatever we had will be nothing more than a memory." She was stunned and speechless at Trowa's petition. He cupped her face with his hands, "Whatever you do choose, know that I will always love you." At that he kissed her deeply as if it were their last.
She couldn't stop thinking about it. His voice echoed within every part of her being. She didn't know what to do. If she left Heero she would end up losing everything she had gained. Her fame, power, money and her soon to be title 'Queen of the World', not that she was looking forward to it, but it was something her father had always wanted her to be. It was what she was raised to do. On the other hand she would lose the love of her life. She needed a plan of some sort. It didn't take long for a flashback to occur. Bright ideas come to those who wait and there was no doubt she would now know what to do …
"Relena… Relena Darlian." She blushed.
"Ha, that's just amusing. Your name is even similar to mine… maybe you're my twin… no that would be impossible. You're just a nice coincidence…" She encircled Relena like a lion does to its prey. "I might just use you for one of my crazy ideas."
Her thoughts were interrupted by a petit woman her age. Two ginger blond thick curls framed her face and a fake smile plastered her lips. "Your highness." She curtsied elegantly. The gracious tall man next to her did the same.
It was evident on Selena that she was definitely not fond of the woman at all. She managed to put on a fake smile of her own. But looked directly at the man and extended her hand, "It's lovely to see you again Mr. Khushrenada. I thank you for all the support you have given to my father so far and to the alliance."
Treize smiled conceptually pleased. Selena dismissed herself without even talking to the girl next to him. He bowed and kissed her hand lightly.
The girl was fuming red from anger as she had been publicly humiliated. Everyone had seen how Selena Peacecraft ignored her.
"Take it easy now, Ms. Noventa," Treize uttered.
She walked to the balcony followed by her escort. "I hate that wench. She thinks she's better than me? Ha."
"What did you expect? She wasn't going to receive you with open arms, after all your family did cause them some controversy. The only reason you are accepted in court is because of your grandfather," Treize explained while he grabbed a glass of champagne from the waiter.
"Like hell. She should be bowing to me. Everything she has should belong to my family!" She bellowed.
Treize removed a small brown lock that came to the front of her face, "Well no one said life was fair."
"Aren't you in the least bit angry? The Khushrenada family should be even more powerful than the fools from the alliance." She bit her lower lip in order to stop herself from making more of a scandal.
"I have done my share of bad deeds. Come due time I might want to try to regain what rightfully belongs to me. But I will do it intelligently… you however, are just a bitter little girl."
"I am not a little girl," she informed him, pressing her body close to his, enough to tease him.
He grinned and grabbed her by the waist, "Even so. She will be the new Queen."
"Not if I can help it." She snickered at the wicked ideas that encircled her mind. "God will forget to save the Queen this time…"
And just like if it was on cue two gunshots were heard, a smile embedded her face and Treize raised in eyebrow in question. He left her side and entered the ballroom once more. There was a big commotion around and a man with a guard uniform on the floor soaked in blood. He searched around for the source and saw a shocked Selena crying her heart out and Heero Yuy with a steady firm hand still holding his gun.
Dorothy ran to her friend's side. "Lena! Lena! Are you alright?"
Selena watched once more as her life almost passed her by. She was sick of that, sick of her life being in danger all the time. It was time for her to see a different kind of light… it was decided.
Meanwhile Silvia Noventa looked disappointed at seeing the whole scenario. Well it seems you have more lives than a cat... Her plan was going to take longer than expected.
0o.0o0.o0
Hilde sat down by her best friend's side placing a cup of tea in her shaking hands. "Drink it, it will do you good."
Relena could barely sip the tea, she was a nervous wreck. Hilde rubbed her back sympathetically but could come up with nothing to say to consol her. They had been there for a few hours and still no news from any of the doctors or nurses. The more time that passed the more nervous they became.
One of the doctor's that had gone into assistance came their way, his face looked grim. The worst of thoughts crossed both of their minds. Relena and Hilde stood up fast but neither could sound out any kind of word.
"She's in observation right now," the doctor informed.
It was like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders and the world was no longer upside down. She sighed and tears of joy streamed down her face. Hilde hugged her and smiled for she too was relieved.
"We need to do more tests before she leaves. And she will be left in observation until she stabilizes."
"Can we go see her?" Hilde asked.
"I would ask you to wait. It is better if you go rest and return tomorrow."
Hilde thanked the doctor. He gave them a kind smile and returned to his other patients.
A few seconds later a nurse came by with a clip board. "I'm sorry to bother you at a moment like this. But we need you to sign this in order to allow further tests and for her room in the observation unit."
Relena took the clipboard from her and read the file. Her eyes darted to the numbers at the end which had the kingdoms money sign. The price was exuberant, just for the stay and the medications. She closed her eyes for a while letting things sink in while Hilde took a peek at the file too. Her eyes widened at the amount in the paper.
"What am I going to do?" She muttered.
"I have some money Lena. Don't worry, we'll make it." Hilde tried to reassure her but even her voice was cracking.
Her world had just turned upside down once again. But fate had a present for her and it presented itself with her ring tone, she didn't want to pick up not in a moment like that but something told her to answer.
"Is this Relena?" The voice at the other end asked.
Her eyes opened wide when she recognized her voice.
"How did you get my number?" It was the only thing that came to her mind.
"I'm a Peacecraft. I always get what I want. I also found out your mother was hospitalized…"
She could see Selena smiling at the other side and for some reason it pained her.
Selena didn't wait longer for her response, "I can help you save your mother… in fact I bet you I can change your whole pathetic situation."
Selena explained what she wanted, while Relena could only listen, her head buried in her hand. Hilde only watched confused with the call.
"What was that about?" Hilde asked after Relena hung up. She couldn't understand anything because Relena barely spoke during the call.
"I put myself in a sticky situation and I can't get out!" She cried out. "But I don't know what else to do!"
Hilde was alarmed by Relena's answer. "What do you mean?"
"I just made a deal with the devil…"
0o.0o0.o0
AN: Well I really hope this chapter has as much spice as the last one. I don't want to disappoint anyone. Please tell me what you think! Leave a review to let me know if it's going well or if it needs something else. I am having fun with this fanfic, even if it's AU I want to show that the characters are versatile. I hope I'm staying true to their characters and that the plot is somewhat different. I wanted to mix things up a bit.
On another note, I have made a trailer for this fic so check it out. You can go to my profile where it says FUN STUFF or copy paste this but remove the spaces:
http : / / www. youtube . com/ watch?v=mnw7E5OuBRg
Special thanks to:
ConquerorAlexander, Kat Cora, Illico, Alaskantiger.
I thank you deeply for taking the time to read and review. Your reviews keep me going, I was really happy with your enthusiasm towards this fic! Thank you so much, you guys rock!