Chapter Thirty-Six
Too Much Alcohol
Heero and Duo drove in Heero's SUV while Trowa and Quatre took his. He had agreed for one drink then he would leave, hoping to make it back home at a somewhat decent hour. Trowa had sent Serena a message informing her of what was going on before climbing into his SUV. Once they arrived at the bar Duo suggested, Trowa pulled out his phone to see if he had gotten a response back from her. Frowning he put away his phone. She hadn't responded. He thought maybe she was already asleep.
"Everything okay Trowa?" Quatre asked. The frown hadn't gone unnoticed by him.
Trowa turned his head to his long time friend. "Yeah why?"
"I saw you take your phone out before getting in and now you're checking it again." Quatre smiled at him, "Are you seeing someone?"
Trowa's eyes went wide for a moment. "I was just checking to see if Catherine sent me a message." It wasn't a complete lie.
"You're dodging my question. You're seeing someone, who is she?" Quatre's smile widen.
Trowa didn't know what to say. How could he explain this to Quatre when it was obvious Quatre knew something was going on? Luckily Duo knocked on the window. "You guys coming?"
Quatre turned back to look at Trowa before opening the door. "We'll talk later. But I want to know who she is."
The group made their way down the street. They were only about a half block away from the bar Duo told them about that "they just had to check it out". Getting closer to the door they saw two females stepping out arm and arm as they laughed. They turned to go the opposite direction, but something about them looked familiar. Two men stepped outside after them and began to follow the two females. When the street light lite their figures they were able to see a woman with curly reddish brown hair and one with straight dark brown hair.
"Hey doesn't that look like..." Duo started to say as Heero and Trowa cut him off.
"Catherine." Trowa said.
"Serena." Heero growled as he picked up his pace, Trowa following close behind.
"Who?" Quatre turned to Duo who just shook his head and followed after Heero and Trowa. "You'll find out soon enough."
Serena had sensed the two men behind them. She knew they had followed them out of the bar. She kept laughing and talking with Catherine as to not scare her. Serena tried to pick up their pace to put some distance between them and the two men, but with the amount of alcohol they had already consumed that night it only made their pace slowly and unbalanced. Then she felt someone grab ahold of her shoulder at the same time she felt Catherine's arm being ripped away from her.
Heero and Trowa were about to start jogging when they noticed the girls trying to walk faster. Even as the two men were catching up to them. Then they saw both men grab each girl. Catherine screamed as she was pulled away from Serena.
Serena swung her eyes to see the man who had grabbed her. Catherine's scream sounding in her ears as they were pulled apart. The man standing holding onto her had a wide grin on his face. "Little late to be out by yourselves. Pretty little things like you shouldn't be alone." Serena growled low at the guy. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Catherine struggling to break free.
Heero and Trowa broke out into a run as they neared the girls. The two had been separated and Catherine was trying to get herself free while Serena glared at the guy who was holding her. Heero saw something flash in her eyes before he saw her fist started to ball. But she would never get the chance. As he got closer he balled his own fist before sending it into the guy's jaw.
The guy stumbled back holding his jaw. "What the fuck man!?" Heero didn't give him another chance. He sent his fist into the other man's stomach, causing him to hunch over. Pulling him up by the collar Heero glared a death threat into the man's eyes.
"Leave." Heero growled at the guy before releasing him. Trowa had taken care of the other guy who had been holding Catherine. They watched as the two men ran to the other side of the street and away from them.
"Are you okay Cathy?" Trowa turned worried eyes to her.
"Yeah I'm fine, but what are you guys doing here?" She asked looking at him. She was slightly swaying as Trowa reached out to steady her. He was about to answer when he heard Heero and Serena. Catherine turned her head to look at them as Trowa did the same. None of what was being said could be understood.
"What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Heero turned angry blue eyes on her.
"I could've handle it." Serena's own eyes glowing.
"How much have you had to drink?"
Serena narrowed her eyes at him. "That's none of your business."
Heero growled at her before taking a step closer to her. "Do you have any idea what could've happened!? What if you got hurt!?"
"I can handle myself Heero!" Her own growl coming out as she spoke.
"You're drunk. I can smell the alcohol on your breath. How could you have handle yourself?"
"Why do you care!? Why does it matter what happens to me!?"
"Serena." Her name coming out as a warning. "You could've been hurt, then what?"
"What is it to you?" Serena shot back.
"What would we do if you were hurt or worse killed!?" Heero's voice raising as he leaned towards her.
"We? Ha! Tell me something Heero, are you just concerned because if something happens to me there goes your only connection to ROE? Or do you actually care about me?" Serena's own voice raising to match his.
Heero leaned back staring at her for a moment before ranking a shaky hand through his hair. He didn't even know he had been shaking. Why was he so upset with her? Was it because of her intel or was it because he did cared about her? "Go home Serena, we'll discuss this when you're sober."
"Discuss it later!?" Serena took another step towards him. "You can't even answer my question? Hm? Is it because you only see me as the key to taking down this group?" Her eyes boring into his.
"Serena." Heero tried to keep the anger out of his voice. "Just go home." Heero watched as she took a step back from him. Anger filling her own blue eyes.
"Whatever Heero." Serena said as she brushed past him to stand next to Trowa. She gave Catherine a once over before turning around.
Quatre and Duo had been watching the exchange between Heero and Serena. Quatre couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at Serena. Turning to Duo, "I'm guessing that's Serena." He whispered.
"The one and only." Duo said as he crossed his arms over his chest. Quatre turned back to look at Serena who was looking directly at him. Something gripped him at his core as he stared into her eyes.
Thousands of thoughts and feelings passed through him. When she finally turned her eyes away from him did the grip loosen. She was hurting, conflicted about something and there was also a great sadness to her. Quatre couldn't make sense of everything in that moment but part of him wanted to help her. She needed something, but what that something was he didn't know. His eyes shifted to Trowa. Quatre noticed the way Trowa was looking at her.
She must be the girl.
Quatre tried to wrap his head around everything but he still kept coming back to that one emotion he felt from Serena. She's hurting but what's causing her to feel that why? He continued to think of some reasons as to why. Turning his attention back to Trowa he could sense the worry. Whether it was for Catherine or Serena he didn't know.
Trowa put his arm around Catherine to steady her. He looked at Serena who was standing still and decided that she would be okay walking back to the vehicle by herself. "Let's go." He said quietly as he guided Catherine, Serena following along side him.
Heero moved to help Serena as she fell into step next to Trowa, but when he reached a hand out to her she jerked back muttering she was fine. Heero pulled back watching as the three made their way back to Trowa's SUV.
"Well that was something." Duo said as he turned to Heero. "You two had one hell of an argument huh? She looks pretty pissed at you man."
Heero said nothing at first before turning his head to Duo. "I need a drink and your buying." Turning back he headed for the entrance of the bar.
"Whatever she said to him must of gotten to him. Geez wonder what it was?" Duo turned to look at Quatre who hadn't said anything in awhile.
"It was enough to make him think that's for sure. But Duo," Quatre turned his head to look at him. "I'm more worried about Serena, she's…"
"Yuy, yeah I know. Kind of scary but she's nice." Duo cut him off with a shrug of his shoulders. Making his way towards the door he called out over his shoulder. "I'll fill you in, but we better get inside before Yuy comes looking for us."
Quatre shook his head. That's not what I'm worried about. I understand that but I'm just worried Serena is hiding something. It's got to be the only reason why she would be feeling like that. Shaking himself again he headed to where Duo was standing holding the door open for him. Maybe he could find some answer when speaking with Heero and Duo.
Nick had been following Delta and the redhead who was with her as they went from one place to another. When they finally left the last bar they had been at, Nick gave them a few moments before heading out after them. When he made it outside he saw two guys. Each one holding one of the girls. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of two men running past him.
"Shit!" Nick cursed under his breath. He recognized Barton and Yuy as they ran by him. Before he knew it Maxwell and Winner were in front him as they made their way towards the scene that was unfolding in front of him. Cursing again he turned heading away from the group.
Glancing back he saw the two guys that had been trying to get Delta and the redhead running across the street. Stopping he stood off to the side watching the rest of the group. Delta and Yuy were in some heated argument from what he tell.
Pulling his phone out he placed a call. "Gavin, we got a problem."
"What is it?"
"Delta is with the other pilots."
"What!?" Gavin yelled into the phone.
"She's with Yuy, Barton, Maxwell and Winner." Nick said as he kept watching. "Yuy and her are arguing about something."
"Shit." Gavin said. "Stay with her. We need to know where she's going." There was a pause before Nick spoke again.
"With Barton it seems."
"Barton?"
"Yeah, they're walking this way. I'll follow and find out where they're going." Nick didn't wait for a reply as he ended the call. Staying in the shadows Nick walked towards his car. He had been lucky the girls ended up going past the hotel he had parked at. It gave him an advantage if Delta was left alone he had planned to take her. Nick waited till the SUV started driving away before jumping in his own car.
Trowa finally got Catherine inside the apartment with the help of Serena. She took Catherine to the guest room to help her change into her sleepwear and get her settled into bed. Trowa was grateful Serena had taken over the task. He didn't mind helping his sister but some things he just wouldn't do.
Once Serena had disappeared with Catherine, Trowa made his way into the kitchen to get them some water. Based on the car ride back to his apartment he learned just how intoxicated Catherine was. There was no doubt Serena had consumed just as much her. Catherine had rambled on about their night and had gushed over Serena.
From the looks of it the two had a pretty good time together aside from when they left the last bar they hit up. Serena had been quiet though. She had her eyes closed the whole time they drove and by the time they got to the apartment the effects of alcohol were starting to show. She had swayed when they rode the elevator but from the looks of it she was holding her own.
Trowa started walking to the guest room with a glass of water when the door busted open. Catherine flying out to go to the bathroom. Serena came out after shaking her head. The two waited patiently till Catherine came out of the bathroom. Trowa stepped in to help her back to the room leaving the glass of water on the night stand. When he came out he saw the door to his room was open with the light on. He made his way back to the kitchen taking the other glass of water before heading to the bedroom.
Closing the door behind him, he watched as Serena took off her shirt. A smile tugged at his lips as he saw the pendant hanging around her neck. He caught her eye as she turned to fully face him.
"You doing okay?" He asked as he handed her the glass of water.
"I'm fine" Serena said before taking a sip.
"You sure? How much did you guys have to drink tonight?" Trowa lifted his brow at her.
"A lot."
"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" He questioned her again. He didn't want to press her on it but he wanted to make sure.
"I can handle it. Catherine on the other hand, I'm guessing not so much." Serena took another sip of water before sitting down on the bed. She knew the effects of drinking for hours were starting to get to her. Trowa taking a seat next to her. "
Who's idea was it?"
"Hm? Oh Catherine said we should have a "girls night.'" Serena shrugged a shoulder. "Never knew it entailed heavy amounts of drinking."
"Normally yes, but girls night could mean anything." Trowa chuckled.
"Wouldn't know." Serena tilted her head as she looked at him. "Why were you out?"
"Duo wanted to grab a drink with everyone so we went out." Trowa frowned as he looked at her. "Didn't you get my message?"
"Hm?" Serena got up and went to where she had put her jacket down, pulling out her phone she saw she had a missed the message. "Damnit." She said aloud. She had been trying to respond back to him in a timely manner all night. But this one had slipped by her.
"What's wrong?" He asked from behind her.
Serena spun around to face him. "Nothing, I guess I missed your message. Sorry."
Trowa frowned more as he looked at her. Her whole appearance had changed. "Are you sure everything's okay Serena?"
"Yeah, everything's fine." Serena tried to keep her voice even and her face masked. If she kept her thoughts away maybe he'd believe her. But her eyes betrayed her.
Trowa took a step closer to her. He reached up taking the water she had in her hand before putting it on the dresser, followed by her cellphone. He turned his eyes back to her reaching up again but this time to cup her face. His emotions overtaking him. "I missed you."
Nick had been sitting outside of an apartment complex. He had followed Delta in what he assumed was Barton's vehicle. "So she's staying with him." Nick said to himself. "Gavin's going to find this every interesting. Delta's found herself a nice little place to stay. Wonder what will happen when they find out who she really is?" Nick laughed as he made another phone call.
"Nick, do you have more news for me?" Gavin asked.
"She's staying with Barton from the looks of it."
"Interesting." Nick waiting for further instructions. It seemed Gavin was debating their opinions. "Get your team and keep watch. We need to wait till she's alone before you move in to take her."
"Understood, sir." Nick smiled to himself. It would only be a matter of time before they had Delta back in their possession. Mainly his possession.
Heero had tried to push away the thoughts that were consuming him. "Why do you even care what happens me?" Serena's words echoed through his head. Why did he care?
"Tell me something Heero, are you just concerned because if something happens to me there goes your only connection to ROE? Or do you actually care about me?" Taking a sip of his beer he placed it back down in front of him. Staring into the golden liquid, thinking maybe he'd find the answer to her questions.
Quatre had been watching Heero out of the corner of his eye as Duo filled him in about Serena. Quatre knew the moment he laid eyes on her that she was a clone. The added information Duo was gave him made sense. If J had created her the likelihood that she would be an exact copy of Heero was very probable. Quatre listened intently to Duo trying to pick up any hints as to why he felt such an emotional struggle from her but nothing Duo had said indicated that. Then there was the question as to Trowa and Serena's involvement with each other. Quatre was pretty sure that she meant something to him. Trowa had checked his phone before they got out of his SUV and when Serena went to stand next to him Quatre felt something from Trowa before he locked eyes with Serena. He decided that tomorrow he'd pay them both a visit since Duo had told him that Serena was staying with Trowa.
Turning his attention back to Heero, Quatre could feel Heero waging his own war in his head. He hadn't once looked up at them nor did he add anything to Duo's story about Serena. Quatre could only guess it had something to do with what had happened earlier. Heero and Serena's argument had been heated after all. Whatever was said was obviously affecting him deeply but unfortunately because everything was spoken in Japanese, Quatre had no knowledge of what was said to make him think so deeply.
Heero finished his beer placing it back on the table. Looking up he saw Quatre had been looking at him before he swung his eyes back to Duo. Heero had heard some of the conversation but never added to it. Deciding he was done for the evening, he stood up. "Are you two ready to go?"
Duo spun around to face Heero. "What do you mean? We've only had one beer!?"
"I agreed to one drink and one drink only. Now it's time to go." Heero glared at Duo as he grabbed his jacket. Duo threw up his hands.
"What!? C'mon man!"
"No Heero's right Duo. It's getting late, we should go." Quatre stood grabbing his coat.
Duo turned to look at him. "Not you too?"
Quatre smiled at Duo. "Next time we'll plan something okay?"
Duo finished his beer before setting it down. "Fine but next time Yuy's paying." He jabbed a thumb in Heero's direction.
"You can walk back to your hotel if you want Maxwell." Turning on his heel Heero made his way to the door.
Quatre turned to Duo. "Ease up on him Duo. It's obvious something is bothering him. Just try to be a good friend."
Duo lifted his brow but said nothing. It hadn't gone unnoticed to him that Heero was struggling with something. But knowing Heero, he would never come out and just say what it was that was bothering him. But if Duo had to guess it had something to do with a brown haired, blue eyed girl. Standing up he grabbed his own jacket before making his way to where Heero and Quatre stood waiting for him.
A/N
Happy Monday! Here's another chapter just to brighten your Monday blues; if you have any! But good news, only four more days till the weekend!
I have a couple of things to quickly say. What the hell is up with Serena and Heero? Did Serena finally lose it? I know she's on edge but I don't know why she would freak out on Heero.. or do I. And Heero, do you think he's finally come to the conclusion that Serena is truly one of them and worth helping? Possibly even protecting? ;);) Also are any of you excited that I brought Quatre into this story!? I am :-D. One last thing... I think things are about to get steamy all up in here!
-MM