Chapter Thirty-Five
Charity Ball

Heero had started out his morning on a good note, till Serena had called him back. They ended up in another argument which only resulted in her hanging up on him. He didn't bother to call back. The worst part was he never even apologized to her like he had wanted to. At first he couldn't bring himself to do it, then once he felt like he could, she brought up the Charity Ball, asking if she could attend as back up and see if she recognized anyone there who was associated with ROE. Her question wasn't posed with any intent other than pure curiosity, but when he calming; or what he assumed was a calm response came, Serena fired back. They didn't raise their voices, but both trying to persuade the other into giving in. In the end it seemed he had won the battle.

Trowa had informed him when they had all gathered for their meeting prior to the event that Serena had agreed to stay home. Heero knew he wasn't going to be able to check on her all night since his priority was to keep his undivided attention on Relena. Heero was just praying that Serena would be smart enough to not show up under any circumstances. But it didn't mean he wouldn't allow her in if they truly needed her help. He had made sure while going over the security of the building that he put Serena on his speed dial. If anything should arise, he knew she could be there in fifteen minutes, ten minutes tops if she speed through the city. Especially since Heero knew Trowa had taken his SVU, which left Serena with his bike.

Heero had been feeling uneasy since his conversation with Serena. He tried to push away the feelings he had over it. He had gone from angry to being worried, which was another reason he had placed her on speed dial. If he felt something was truly wrong or more like if the nagging voice grew too loud for him to ignore, he would call her. That was if he could break away from Relena's side. Worse case he knew he could ask someone else to call and check on her, but so far he hadn't felt anything. The worry was still there but it could've also been from keeping a close eye on Relena as she mingled with guest. Heero had only left her side a few times so far that evening, making a quick round, around the ball room. Checking in personally with his team. When he did so, either Duo, Trowa, Wufei, or Quatre stepped in to stand close to Relena. Quatre wasn't working for Preventers that night but Heero had made sure he was armed just in case something came up that he could step in and help assist them. Quatre had currently come over to speak with a couple who happened to be talking with Relena, taking the opportunity Heero nodded to him when he stepped closer. The exchange made Quatre slipped into conversation with the couple and Relena while Heero stepped away to make another round.

So far, everything had been going perfectly. But Heero wasn't taking any chances.

Catherine and Serena had ended up at a bar and it happened to be karaoke night. Catherine had been enjoying the night with Serena even when she was being stubborn. Catherine had learned a lot about her and had come to the conclusion that she really liked Serena. She was happy Trowa had found her and that the two of them had started a relationship. But Catherine wanted to keep the fun going. She had been trying to get Serena to go up and sing with her.

"C'mon it'll be fun!" Catherine exclaimed.

"I don't do this." Serena said taking another shot.

"Please?! It's girls night!" Catherine turned back to the stage where another girl was getting ready to sing. "See she's going up there!" Catherine pointed as the music started to play. "Oh I love this song!" Serena glanced sidelong to only see Catherine frown after the girl started singing. "Oh… she's terrible. I hope she won't sing the chorus." Catherine pouted. Serena took another shot of whatever Catherine had ordered and stood. "Where are you going!?"

Serena didn't answer as she walked towards the stage. Grabbing a microphone from someone she stepped on stage causing the girl who was getting booed to freeze. With the music still playing Serena brought the mic up to her lips. Her eyes locked on the poor girl standing in the middle of the stage.

Catherine's jaw must of hit the floor like everyone else's. The whole place had gone quiet. "Holy shit…" She whispered to herself. Serena's voice had filled the room as her voice rose, hitting the high notes. Her control over her range had taken everyone by surprise, even the girl who was on stage with her. Her eyes were wide before she ran off the stage and into the crowd.

Serena tried to walk off the stage after the chorus but the guy who she taken the mic from pushed her back telling her to keep going. Serena wasn't planning on singing any further and figured she had proven her point. Turning back to the crowd she weighed her options before slowly walking back to the center of the stage. Once again bring the microphone back to her mouth.

Catherine held her breath as the second chorus approached. She couldn't believe her ears. How had Serena gone all night claiming she didn't sing when in fact she could? Or maybe it was because she could but wouldn't? Catherine tried to make sense of it but decided to throw all her assumes out the window. She was having too much fun to care at the moment. At the end of the song people were cheering and shouting for Serena to sing another song. Serena tried to walk off the stage only to be stopped again. People shouting requests at her while the staff looked like they were begging her to continue.

Serena swung her eyes to her. Catherine only shrugged before cheering along with the crowd for her to sing again. A wide smile on her face as Serena moved back to the center of the stage placing the microphone on the stand. "Okay, okay." Serena said with both her hands up. "What song?" She was bombarded with a list. Picking one she turned to the guy who was playing the tracks. Speaking quickly she nodded her head.

Catherine's smile grew wider as the music started to play. Quickly she pulled out her phone. She needed to record Serena's performance. She looked like a natural on the stage. The lights bouncing off her as she engaged the crowd in the song. But the biggest thing Catherine noticed was the smile on her face while she sang. In that moment Catherine decided Serena was perfect for Trowa. Perfect for their family.

Catherine cheered as the song ended. But she had a feeling they weren't leaving this particular bar any time soon. Serena was already being asked to sing another song. Catherine only smiled any time Serena looked at her. She had mouthed to her to enjoy it. Serena had rolled her eyes before smiling back at her.

Their girls night was turning into one of the best Catherine had had in a long time. And she was excited she was spending it with someone who she could see herself growing close to.

Nick Renwood had been walking around Brussels hoping to find some clue as to where Delta was. Commander Gavin had told him to put together a team and head to Earth. Going on a whim, Nick along with five ours headed for Brussels. If Delta knew or found out about the Charity Ball there was a very good possibility she was there. Whether she was going to make some move and expose herself or she was laying low. Chances were she was staying close to her target. Nick had sent his other men out as well. They didn't have a lead but maybe one of them would spot her. There was still a chance she had changed her features to better hide herself, so it meant they needed to look for any tell tale signs that it was her. "Glances that seemed to linger longer. A woman moving in such a way to suggest she was trying to lose her tail. Nick had made a point to go over everything before they split up. No one was to engage her, but to follow her and to call and notify him if they spotted her.

Nick had been walking around for a good two hours when he came across a bar that had a drink special to go along with it's "Saturday Karaoke" night. Deciding that a cold beer wouldn't hurt he walked inside. To his surprise and luck, there was the object of his mission. Long brown hair and blues staring out into a crowd. Dunking down, Nick moved to find a spot on the back wall. He couldn't believe his eyes. There she was of all places and he just happened to pick the right place to go into. Without hesitation he pulled out his phone dialing a number. Bring the phone to his ear he smiled as he watched Delta.

"I've found her. She's in Brussels." Nick said as soon as the called picked up.

"You have confirmation?" Gavin asked. His tone slightly surprised by Nick's statement.

"Oh it's her alright. She didn't change her appearance at all."

"Where did you find her?"

"At a bar of all places. Listen." Nick held his phone out, before bring it back to his ear.

"Hm, I heard she could sing but I didn't know she was that good."

"Delta's got the whole place going. Pretty interesting to watch." Nick commented. "You want me to bring her back?"

"Not yet. Is she with anyone?" Gavin asked.

"Not sure, though there's this cute redhead who's now with her." Nick wasn't sure if the two knew each other or the other girl just wanted to speak with Delta.

"Don't do anything just yet. Just keep following her. Don't lose sight of her. If we take her now she'll just cause a scene. We just need to wait."

"Understood, sir."

"Call if anything changes." Gavin said before ending the call. Nick pocketed his phone as he leaned against the back wall.

Nick's lips curled up into a smirk. His opportunity would come, he could feel it. He was never a fan of rejection like most people but Delta had been the worst. No matter how many times he tried she'd either stare blankly at him till someone came and took her away or she'd flat out tell him "no" before walking away. It all depended on what personality you were speaking with at the time but Nick knew he'd get his way. Edwards couldn't have her all to himself all the time. That and Nick knew she had been "someone's date" for an evening when they needed her to convince someone of wealth to join their cause. None of it matter to him, even if it irritated him. He'd get his chance to have her. Gavin probably wouldn't even bat an eye, as long as Delta was in fighting condition afterwards.

"Enjoy your freedom now, Delta. Because it's all about to end." Nick said to himself.

Michael Faulkner stood next to his step-father Senator Robert Gates. Michael came from a wealthy family and when his father died he had inherited his wealth along with Gates. Gates had married his mother two years after his father's passing. Gates played the father role, taking Michael under his wing and modeled him in the man he was today. He had power and even more money than he had before. But soon he'd had even more power. Once ESUN was taken over and the new ruling order was in place, Michael stood to make a great deal more profit along with a position within the new government. Possibly even more if he played his cards right.

"I haven't seen her." Michael commented.

"Hm. It would seem she's not. But there's a good reason why." Robert Gates caught his step-son's eye. "I got word that Delta is indeed in Brussels." Gates said as he sipped his drink.

"How?"

"Seems she's out and about. She's currently at some bar." Gates turned away from Micheal looking over the crowd of people on the dance floor.

"That's interesting." Michael said. "Should we still proceed with our original plan?"

"No. All five of them are here. Yuy has barely left Darian's side all night. If he does leave someone else is always close by."

"Hm." Michael took a sip of his own drink. "That could prove difficult."

"Don't worry. We know Delta's here. We just need to find her and bring her back. Till then don't do anything. Plans can always be reworked and still end in our favor."

"Understood." Michael said before he stepped away.

The Charity had gone without any issues. Heero was please with how everything went and was even able to enjoy the sight of Relena mingling with guest and even other members of ESUN and Colony representatives. It was where she shined the most. Relena had been working hard all night to get the funds she needed to keep moving with the Mars Terraforming Project. In about five years, it would be complete if they kept up the funding, which they needed through private investors.

Other delegates had done the same. Proposing their own pet projects to private investors in hopes they would select them to fund. It was a yearly event where everyone could work on their own personal projects. Even when this happened at any and every event. It wasn't something that was new, but this one event was set up in the hopes that people would stop trying to work their own business into other charity events that were held for their own specific reason. But Heero had to admit Relena was damn good at her job. She had secured more funds and seemed to be congratulating herself with a drink.

Heero came up behind her. Lowering his head to speak quietly into her ear. "Don't drink too much."

Relena whirled around to face him. "I'm allowed to have one drink. Thanks to me, I was able to get the extra funds we needed." Relena lifted her chin to him.

Heero chuckled. He had finished his rounds since the evening's festivities were starting to die down. People were heading to their rooms in the hotel or heading home. His night was almost over and he was looking forward to spending the rest of the night with the woman in front of him. "You did good, but I don't want you getting too carried away." He reached to take her drink away.

"Oh no you don't Yuy. I earned this." Relena pulled away from him. "Plus I have to deal with Dorothy."

Heero's eyebrow shot up. "I thought you two were friends. Why say it like that?"

Relena sighed as she looked into his eyes. "It means we can't spend the rest of the night together."

Heero frowned as he looked down into her light blue eyes. He could see the remorse in them. "Can't you talk with her tomorrow?"

Relena shook her head. "Dorothy already planned to come to my room later. And since it's only eleven thirty I'm sure she'll be staying there for a while to go over whatever it is." Relena waved a dismissive hand.

Heero's frown deepened. He had Relena book a room so he didn't worry about her getting home, even though they didn't live far away. But also so when he was done for the night he could meet her in the room. "Can't you get out of this?"

Relena laughed behind her hand. "Oh Heero, you're acting like you'll never get any for a while." Relena teased. Her eyes glittering at she watched his eyes closely.

"Maybe we can sneak away for a…."

Relena swatted his arm. She saw his eyes darken as his lips curled up. "Heero, one night won't kill you, nor will it kill me. Besides we have all day tomorrow."

"Yeah, if Dorothy leaves." Heero mumbled. Relena only rolled her eyes at him. It had been a surprise to see Dorothy, though it shouldn't have been since she came as Quatre's guest. Since Quatre was an investor with the Terraforming Project Heero knew he was coming to help Relena in any way he could. It also meant another set of eyes to watch for any signs of trouble. But with the news that Dorothy was going to be spending some time with Relena, it only put a damper on his idea of a good night.

A half hour later, once the last of the guest had left, Heero stood with Relena in near empty ballroom. He still need to double check a few things before heading out but Relena had hung back to talk to him before she had to go up to her room. Heero agreed to come back in the morning and meet Relena for breakfast, if he didn't come earlier than that. As they continued to talk Duo, Quatre, Trowa and Wufei made their way over to them.

"There you are." Duo said as he came to put his arm around Heero. "Been looking for you."

Heero shrugged Duo's arm off. "What do you want?"

"Whoa, Mr. Grumpy tonight, and to think all of this went without a hitch." Duo guestard around with his arms.

"Hn." Heero grunted.

"Everything's clear, Relena is the only one left in the ballroom." Wufei said while crossing his arms over his chest.

"You already did a walk through?" Heero lifted a brow.

"There weren't too many people left and the two of you have been in this little corning for some time now. Walk through was completed. All guest have arrived to their rooms or safely to their vehicles. All personnel have been accounted for and have checked in. Everyone is stationed on their respective floors and we have teams to do walk throughs as well as video monitoring."

"You would've heard that if your earpiece was in." Duo pointed a finger at Heero. Heero had taken out his earpiece a while ago. He hadn't heard anything so he figured everything was fine. He said nothing as he glared at Duo.

"I'm leaving now that my work is done." Wufei said as he turned away from the group.

"Aw c'mon Wufei stay. Come have a drink with us!" Duo frowned when Wufei rolled his eyes before walking away from them. Turning Duo looked at the rest of the group. "Well Princess I'd ask you but Q-man here says Dorothy's waiting for you. But how about the rest of you?"

Relena tried not to roll her eyes. She was tired and knew Dorothy would be keeping her awake for some time. "Thank you for the offer Duo, I do appreciate it. Maybe next time."

"Sorry Relena, I tried to get Dorothy to change her mind. But you know how she can be." Quatre turned sorry eyes to her.

Relena waved him off. "It's okay, thank you for trying but yes I do know how she can be. I should probably get going then." Relena moved around the group giving everyone a hug, before turning to Heero. "I'll see you tomorrow then?" She watched as he nodded his head and gave her a small smile before pulling it back. Relena wasn't upset he didn't hug her but the smile he gave her and to her only.

The guys watched as Relena walked away, waving a goodbye before walking out of the ballroom. Two Preventer agents flanking her on either side. Heero knew he didn't have to worry too much. Though he didn't plan to be away from her long. He knew Dorothy was probably carrying some weapon. Most likely a firearm. Heero knew Dorothy would protect Relena if need be, plus Relena could handle herself and worse case she'd find a way to call him.

Duo was the first to break the silence once Relena left. "So how about a drink?"

Heero shrugged. He didn't have anything better to do. He could wait around in the hotel till he knew Dorothy had gone back to her room, or he could please his braided friend. One drink wouldn't kill him. "Sure."

Duo grinned as he turned to Trowa and Quatre, "How about you two?"

"Sure, I wouldn't mind getting to talk with you guys for a little." Quatre said. He hadn't been on Earth in some time and see everyone was a nice change of pace.

Trowa shook his head, "I should get home." He had been counting down the minutes till he could leave. Serena had been plaguing his thoughts all night.

"C'mon man, one drink won't hurt." Duo pleaded with him.

"Duo's right Trowa. One drink won't hurt plus I haven't seen you in a while. Would you rather be home alone or at least have a drink with us?" Quatre smiled warmly at Trowa.

Trowa glanced at Heero who just stared at him. Trowa had spoken to Quatre for a little throughout the night but he hadn't said anything to him about Serena or Catherine. In fact none of them knew Catherine was visiting from L3. He had been checking his phone all night when he had the chance. The last message between him and Serena was over an hour ago. He had been updating her like she had asked him to. Deciding he could send her another message letting her know that he was going out for a beer with the guys, then he'd be home. Nodding his head he agreed. "Sure, one drink."

"Great! Then let's go! I know a great bar just down the street from here." Duo turned on his heel making his way out of the ballroom.

A/N Happy Saturday!

Yes that's right, double chapter post this week! I told you I was working hard ;). Or at least trying to. I know nothing "super" exciting happened but there's a reason for that... you'll find out very soon. Like next chapter soon. :-D Who knows maybe I can get that one up within the next few days.

It seems that ROE has found where Serena has been. Wonder what they plan to do to get her back? Or how they're going to get her back? This Nick guy seems to have some harbored feelings for Serena... maybe he's a little crazy. Then we have Michael who we've learned a little more about. (Pay attention to this tiny info. :D) What's his deal!? And what about his step-father? So many questions! Not to mention how drunk did Catherine and Serena get? I'm sure they're enjoying bar hopping. Now the guys are going? Like I said, so many questions! Though I do have answers to some of these. Stay tuned for the next chapter... maybe you'll get some answers.

-MM