Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Gundam Wing or its characters; that right belongs to Katsuyuki Sumizawa.

Author's Note: This story inspired by the song Step 1, 2, 3 by Ciara featuring Missy Elliot. Though it evolved and didn't really stick to the lyrics.

Step 1 - Kagome's Amendment

Since arriving on the space colony, Kagome had hoped things would flow smoothly. There were a lot of things to attend to. But like always, something had just to put a wrench in carefully laid plans. Although, she'd be lying if she said she was not amused at the moment.

The man behind the desk she was sitting before seemed to be horrified. His mouth was working, though no words came out. Even she, herself, had not expected what had been said.

Keeping her head down, Kagome let a smile curve her lips upwards and doing her best not to burst out laughing, which she must have been failing at due to the pressure being applied to her shoulder — making Kagome quickly peek up at her guardian and fellow Foundation partner. The gleam in his golden eyes and the set of annoyance to his lips made her sigh and reach up and patted his hand. All the while, she was still listening to the ongoing conversation happening before her.

"Please tell me Quatre that this is your warped idea of a joke that is in abysmal taste. Not to mention the timing."

Again silence filled the room except for the slight sound of Mr. Winner grinding his teeth. Unable to help it, a soft chuckle escaped, unbidden, past her lips. It resounded in the quiet of the Mexican Staring contest that was going on. Keeping her head down as she felt all four sets of make eyes look at her, Kagome felt heat suffuse her cheeks.

"Do you find this amusing Miss Higurashi? Even though it involves you directly."

She was smiling as her body went still at the tone Mr. Winner had used. Kagome directly looking at him through her black bangs, Kagome wondered just how dense the man was.

With the smile still on her lips, she raised her head for the first time since arriving and being seated and enjoying the mixed reactions from the three men in front of her. Since she was mostly kept from the public's eyes. The reason being her guardian and the current head of the HiTai Foundation didn't want him suffocated, and she quotes 'By ignorant idiots,' when there are other duties she had to perform. Both for the Foundation and personal.

So, as her bright, deep blue eyes flicked from Mr. Winner to the slightly opened mouth Quatre, who shut it when she glanced at him, to the tall brown-haired Trowa Barton, whose face could give her guardian a good run for money on how blank-faced he was, even if his cursory stare was rather dark.

"Yes! Yes, I do, Mr. Winner. Since the solution is straightforward."

At her reply, it was as if chaos broke free of its restraints and started to run freely. Kagome kept from rolling her eyes. Quatre and Trowa appeared intrigued while Mr. Winner stood up and slammed his hands on his desk.

"Miss Higurashi, I feel I must remind you that this arrangement has been finalized for the last thirteen years. It will join the HiTai Foundation with my own company. And I do not want to lose face on this contract because my son has suddenly decided he is in love with another male. Who probably only wants his inheritance."

At the man's words, Kagome let her face slip into an unreadable mask, and she had perfected over the years before the fighting between Earth and the colonies escalated into a full-blown war. Giving a small sigh as she rested her eyes solely on Mr. Winner. She was taking a few seconds to think about how to say what she had to say.

"Mr. Winner, I have been aware of the contract since I was old enough to understand what is at stake. Both financially and personally. So, do not presume sir to think that I am a flight, small-brained female. My lot in life was decided for me the moment I was born a female. The 'weight' of my sole responsibility."

Her voice steady, firm as she let her blue eyes bore into the arrogant man before her. She was having a visual battle of wills. When Mr. Winner stiffened and sat down, showing she won this round, Kagome let the smile graced her lips once again. Though, she knew, it did not reach her eyes this time.

"That is good to hear. But do elaborate this 'simple' solution to this... development, if you will."

Sitting back, Kagome let her shoulders relax into the overstuffed chair. Threading her fingers together as they rested in her lap, still staring intently at Mr. Winne, than his son and friend and lover.

"No written contract is set in stone. There is always room to change things. And thirteen years ago when you, out of many, were chosen to get right to it... Could you honestly say you knew your son, my fiance, would make this claim, Mr. Winner?"

Going silent as she let her eyes move between the three men before her. Quatre having caught on first, followed by Trowa, who looked very wary of her suddenly. Mr. Winner looked perplexed. Telling Kagome he didn't grasp what she was saying as he responded with a simple, no, to her question.

"Didn't think so," she muttered darkly, earning a harsh squeeze of warning.

"Mr. Winner, in that copy of the contract, there is a clause that allows me to back out if I deem my fiancee is unstable or unfit to marry. I could have used his involvement in the War as a Gundam Pilot to nullify it. But I chose not to. Because even though we had not met, I had faith in him to rise to the challenge of the task assigned to him, survive and exceed all expectations."

As she finished, Kagome felt pleased as all three of them looked at her admission. Since that knowledge was technically classified. Then again, the Foundation she helped a part of was made up of the Two oldest Japanese families still on Earth. It had ties with several other prominent families, including the Peacecraft family. And thus had their fingers in almost every proverbial pie out there.

"Also, during battle can change people. Those who willingly and unwillingly participate in it forging bonds of many kinds. Bonds that are not easily broken either. Besides, I can tell you just by looking at your son and Mr. Barton, that they are very much committed to each other."

She was pausing as she turned to look at both Quatre and Trowa. The former faintly blushing as he reached a hand back to grasp Trowa's. Further confirming what she said, while Trowa just kept staring at her. Interest and suspicion shining in the depths of his brown eyes.

"It does not matter, Miss Higurashi. He is my only son and, as you stated, has a duty to you to perform."

Quirking an eyebrow, showing her displeasure even though she continued to smile.

"Yes, duty. Hence my solution. A very simple one. As I stated a few minutes ago, there is no such thing as a contract set in stone. Each can have things added or subtracted to it based on how things change."

The small twitch at the edge of Trowa's lip and the faint, amused smile on Quatre's fuelled her to continue. All while understanding dawned slowly on Mr. Winner's face.

"So, what do you propose?"

Tilting her head a bit upwards, Kagome looked down her nose at the man. Earning a loud snort.

"It's straightforward, Mr. Winner, as long as the main requirements are met. I.e., me being a picture-perfect wife when in public, and producing two heirs, one for your company and the other for the Foundation. Then why should I care with whom your son beds? AS long as it is discreet, of course."

The soft huff of laughter from her guardian, mixed with the gasp and strangled choking sound of the other three, had Kagomes smiling bigger, so it made her eyes shine. Deciding to elaborate further before anyone could speak up, she shifted her eyes to pin down Quatre and Trowa. Her next words for them.

"Let me make myself very clear if Quatre does not enjoy consummating our marriage, than I. Will. Not. Force. Him. There are other options like In Vitro fertilization, which again is a discrete method and one that does not bring up too many questions."

Silence washed over the room, Kagome saw so many emotions and thoughts fly through Quatres wide, shocked eyes. Trowa's, while not as wide, clearly showed his disbelief.

"You... What do you get from this."

Blinking at the sudden question from the brunette, Kagome let her smile shrink and become gentle. Standing up, smoothing out her knee-length skirt before responding to Trowa.

"I do not recall much of my parents, Mr. Barton, as they passed while I was young. But, I do remember my father's favorite age-old saying, 'A happy wife is a happy home and life.' So, if my husband is happy, then that should dictate I'd more than likely be more content in the long run. Thus, making concessions, meeting in the middle, is the smartest thing, right?"

The contemplative look she got answered enough. So, Giving a small bow at the waist, excusing herself, Kagome righted herself. She was making eye contact one last time with each of the three men.

"If no one has a problem with the amendment I have proposed, then I will have the contract re-drawn up, sent to you first thing Monday morning. As for me, I have to get ready for Miss Peacecraft's charity gala tonight. So, pardon me, gentlemen."

With that, she swept out of the room. Her ears catching Seho telling Mr. Winner that she was never to be underestimated. And not to mistake her kindness for weakness. Making her laugh from her belly as she made her way back to the docking bay.

Step 2: Quatre's Acquisition

He stood there being fussed over by his sisters. Quatre let his mind slip back over the last two and a half months. It had started with the meeting on the colony. He had expected a much larger fuss, more so from his bride to be and her guardian. Since he had little to no information other than age and she was the heiress to half of that particular Foundation. Quatre already knew how his father would react to his announcement.

But, when there had been nothing, except his father's rhetorical question. Which was followed by soft, feminine laughter that echoed in the silence of the room? Quatre had only felt floored and confused. Only to go into shock as the small, petite and shy girl lifted her head. Revealing eyes that'd put sapphires to shame as she stared proceeded to tear his father apart. All with a smile on her lips. The offer she made before answer Trowa's question made him want to chase after the girl. Wanting more specific details as well as a few of his questions answered.

In the following weeks, the moment he had gotten free time, Quatre went down to Earth. Intent on talking to his fiancee. Needing more information. Only he as met by her guardian Seho Taisho, who informed him that do to the Higurashi family traditions, that he would not get to see her until their wedding day.

Not often in his life, had Quatre felt that frustrated? Deciding that adhering to the tradition, he returned to the colony. Trowa was meeting him, being a silent pillar of strength, until Quatre had been able to explain things to him.

It was as they were trying to figure out what to do, Trowa agreeing that more information was needed on his fiancee. Quatre had received an email from her. Explaining in more detail about the tradition and that while she was unable to see him, that an emissary of his choosing to act on his behalf if there was anything he wanted to say or know, could come and see her.

From there, Quatre periodically sent Trowa in his stead. The visits never more than thirty to forty-five minutes at a time while he did a personal search into the Taisho and Higurashi families.

On Trowa's first visit, they learned quickly that deception would not work. Leaving Trowa angry as he had been led into a room, asked to remove any weapons or electronics. Which he mostly had complied with. Watching as his stuff was taken away before a small shockwave ran through the room, followed by the mini camera he had hidden on his person, was rendered useless.

Kagome had stressed that Seho, like his predecessors, took keeping the Foundation safe. And that when Quatre and herself were married, he would start having access to the information pertaining to the Foundation. Though in small monitored amounts. Which as a show of trust, in the long run, assuring his loyalty to the Foundation.

Smiling as his body was spun by his sister, doing as she bid. Having been informed that not just the Higurashi family traditions would adhere to, but his family's own ancestral Arabic ones and lifting his arms as the traditional robes were slid over his arms, to hang loosely over the white silk and wool blend shirt and pants. Both a mix of white, gold and sand-colored tones. Not his choice for what to wear to a wedding. He preferred the more traditional black tuxedo. But again, this had been a request of his bride to be, since honoring one's origins was important.

Giving a wry chuckle as he recalled a month back, Trowa had returned after a meeting with his unique fiancee. His usually bland face screwed up in confusion before he promptly said she was out of her mind. When he had calmed Trowa down enough to elaborate on it. Quatre, himself, had the same thought. Because of her response to his question of 'did she know how to use a weapon.`` Only to say she was a crack shot with a bow and arrows in any situation. Then proceeded to tell Trowa that she'd be more than happy to demonstrate on him if he didn't stop looking at her as if she belonged in an asylum.

Add in the fact that she was smiling and giggling while being completely serious. Trowa admitted he felt uncomfortable because it reminded him of Duo mixed with Heero. The very image of that left an odd taste in Quatre's mouth. But the whole incident had given him the inspiration for a wedding present for Kagome.

When his sisters began to fuss with his hair, Quatre waved his hands at them. He was okay with how it fell naturally, framing his face and highlighting his eyes. Turning her looked into the mirror, amazed at the twenty-one-year-old that stared back at him.

He was smoothing the robe down, before giving a slight nod of his head. Ready to get the ceremony started and done. Wanting to see Trowa, who was standing in as his best man. Curious as to what constituted as traditional wedding clothes on him. Already knowing her maid of honor was Relena Peacecraft, our of formality due to, he found out, the Foundation is a huge supporter of her as well as the two girls grew up together, mostly.

After leaving the small house on what was a very well preserved Shinto shrine, Quatre blinked to help adjust his eyes to the setting, early fall sun. Noting almost all the seats were filled. A good portion of people either associated with either his father's company or the Foundation. But he could already make out those who he knew.

Closing his eyes and breathing deep, Quatre walked down the cobblestone path to the altar. Flashing a bemused smile at Trowa, who he could tell was not liking the simple flowly Arabic clothing. Coming to stand by his lover, Quatre brushed his hand against Trowa's secretly to help reassure him. Only receiving a softly spoken demand.

"Make sure the girl compensates me."

Nodding his head as the sound of Japanese harps fill the air, playing the traditional wedding march, signaling the wedding was starting. Shifting just enough to watch as his bride to be made her way towards him. Not expecting to have his breath catch in his throat.

Before his eyes, Seho was leading Kagome down the same path he just walked. Resplendent in layer upon layer of shimmering what Kimono. Her face hidden behind a sheer lace veil, the same white as her Kimono. Behind her was Relena, holding the train off the ground. Wearing a modest and very demure peach and gold-colored Kimono, blond hair swept up in an elegant but loose bun of woven braids.

The moment Seho stopped, offering Kagomes hand to him, Quatre felt as if time became surreal. Flowing both fast and slow at the same time as their vows were exchanged, him kissing her as they were announced, to his first dance with her — everything going smoothly as if it were choreographed and rehearsed numerous times.

It wasn't until after the man, Quatre standing next to Trowa, that he noticed Kagome was dancing with a familiar face. From the raised dais, he let a soft hiss escape from his lips. The familiar face was none other than Wufei Chang. And from the way he and Kagome were smiling and chatting as they danced, clearly knew each other. Leaving him feeling very unsettled starting in the pit of his stomach.

Glancing at Trowa, Quatre saw his curiosity echoed on his friend and lovers' face. Looking back at the small dance area, Quatre froze. Wufei was now dancing with Relena. Face a neutral mask like always before he let his gaze roam to find his bride. Only to catch a brief flash of white as it vanished around the side of the house.

A frown finding its way onto his face, Quatre reached out and brushed his hand against Trowa's. Without a word, he stepped down from the dais and made his way towards the house and possibly Kagome. Knowing Trowa would follow at a safe and discreet distance.

Going to the opposite side to have less chance of being seen. Quatre circled to the back of the house. Hearing hushed voices talking. Shooting a look back at Trowa, who just nodded before silently creeping to the corner and peeking around to see who Kagome could be talking to. Only to jerk back and mouth a single name to Trowa, whose eyes just widened fractionally as they listened in on the conversation.

"Heero Yuy! This is highly inappropriate. What possessed you?"

Silence reigned before a reply came.

"I came, but there was no mention of me dancing with... Her."

A soft, feminine chuckle was heard, accompanied by an annoyed grunt.

"You knew she'd be here. And she gave her word not to annoy you on one condition, a single dance. Do not Heero, undo the work I went through to find you and get your butt here for both Quatre and Trowa."

Once more, silence prevailed. Drawing out into a long pause, causing a small wave of panic to build in Quatre. Knowing a silent Heero was not a good thing. Tensing up to step around the corner, he was stopped by Heero's sudden reply.

"Fine. But the debt I owe you personally is repaid in full."

"Of course! Though the debts you owe to Seho are not. Please stop trying to hack into the Foundation. Either just email, call or come on in to talk it over with Seho."

A non-committal grunt was the only reply given as Kagome's happy laughter was heard.

"It is good to see you again, Heero. Thank you so much. Now I need to return before certain people panic. Say hi to Duo for me."

The sound of retreating footsteps had Quatre leaning against the back of the house. Stunned. His new bride knew not only Wufei but Heero and Duo. The former had debts with her and the Foundation, causing more questions to form in his mind.

When a hand touched his shoulder, Quatre started. Not realizing he had gotten so wrapped up in his thoughts. Turning his gaze towards the only person who touched him, Quatre felt his eyes widen. Behind Trowa, he saw both Wufei and Duo. Wufei was standing and looking at him in his reasonable speculative manner, while Duo was leaning back against the house, one leg bent, so the foot was pressed against the wall, arms crossed over his chest even though it was his amethyst eyes void of all emotions and thoughts that had him feeling a bit on edge.

"Make her happy and keep that smile on her face."

Twisting around on instinct, body tensing in reaction, Quatre met the cold, distant eyes of Heero. Who was staring him down, a look that promised pain if he didn't do as he was told? Quickly his brain processed what had been said. Along with a list of questions, he knew Heero would not answer if asked. So, in reply, he just nodded his head yes.

"She is a special girl. It is not pretty, not fun when someone takes her smile away Quatre. That smile is something all three of us would kill over, putting back on her face. Even if it meant facing her temper."

When Duo spoke, Quatre decided to leave back against the house again — giving him a view of all present. Shifting his eyes to look at Duo and Wufei, he realized his confusion must have shown. Because not only Duo smiled, but Wufei even cracked a small smirk, that was barely there before speaking.

"I've known Kagome since we were kids. Her father originally tried to arrange the marriage for us. But I had been promised at birth. And I'd do anything to keep her smiling. She is a truly amazing, compassionate, and giving person. Though I think you already know that. But never mistake her kindness for weakness."

Once more, silence filled the air around the five former Gundam Pilots. Quatre looked at Trowa, who just nodded.

"You all are giving a death threat to keep her happy, or you will kill me?"

A resounding yes from the three of them were heard. Making both Quatre and Trowa shake their heads. Quatre smiled, and Trowa looked a mix of worried and amused.

"I understand. Maybe one day, I will learn about her connections. Cause it seems I have acquired some scary big brother-in-law."

Step 3: Trowa's Accomplishment

It had been six full days and nights. The feeling of frustration was starting to make Trowa angry. Rare, very rare, indeed since he contained his emotions very well.

Things had started well the night of Quatre's wedding. Though he should have guessed something was up the moment, the blushing bride said that her gift to Quatre could not be given publicly. Her words had been valid when the door to his room had opened, and Quatre waltzed in looking mildly confused but smiling bemusedly. Only to have the door snapped shut and locked from the outside. As Kagome said, her gift could not be given publicly. It was Quatre spending their wedding night with him.

It had come as a shock at first since Trowa knew his room was right next to Kagome's room. He had not wanted to hear the sounds of them consummating their marriage. But then again, the girl was confusing enough, so he took was being offered. Quatre was his world.

But since then, he'd come to see and realize things about Kagome. First was that she practiced the archaic duties of being a shrine maiden. Making any type of comment about it earned her temper, which was quick and explosive. From that one scenario, both Quatre and he learned it was not just the three of them.

She had vanished, leaving them, mostly himself, to look for her, which gave him an appreciation for just how big and natural the shrine grounds were. It took two hours, but he'd finally found her in a small clearing. She was leaning against a large white mound with two ravens, a small, very rare fox kit, and an oddly marked cream and black colored kitten. She was holding her new bow, Quatre's wedding gift to her, and sleeping like a small child.

Or was until he'd gotten closer and the white mound moved, barring large teeth as deep amber eyes glared threateningly at him while the four other animals were now wide awake as Kagome watched him.

After that thing settled and was explained, Trowa got her back to the house, where all the animals were introduced to Quatre. Seeing the delighted smile on his lover's face helped calm Trowa down because all he wanted was for his friend and lover happy.

A state of being he currently was not. Due to his errant new wife. Who was continually proving resourceful and elusive? Due to not performing a duty that was essential. Which struck an odd chord in Trowa. Because from what he had seen, Kagome was very strict about completing all her duties, but this one.

Hearing the water shut off, Trowa grinned darkly. Setting into play his plan, he opened the door behind him, leading into the house's master bedroom. A room they'd found was almost sacred to Kagome. Even though by right, it was hers. Though she claimed she wouldn't sleep in the King-sized bed until a specific condition had been met.

Slipping inside and hiding behind the door, Trowa waited as he heard the bathroom door open. Hearing Kagome calls out that it was free to Quatre. Knowing she'd run into her room and somehow seal herself in. She was making it impregnable to him and Quatre. Both had tried to enter through both the door and window, but neither would even budge. It was odd and fascinated him. When the sound of her bare feet stopped, he knew he had her. Soon they were moving towards the master suite.

Slowing his breathing and heart rate, Trowa waited until Kagome entered the room before shutting the door with an audible click. Knowing Quatre would join after he showered. Right now, Trowa knew that he'd have to deal with a furious woman before him. Her blue eyes were flashing dangerously like Heero's in her apparent anger. Leaving him feeling tense.

"What do you think you are doing, Mr. Barton?"

Keeping the door directly behind him as he met her gaze head-on while she spoke. The question straight and forward, just like her.

"Getting your attention because I want to talk to you."

The small quirk of a single eyebrow as she pressed her lips into a thin line as she snorted.

"You did not have to go to such lengths. You could have just asked."

Unable to help himself, Trowa gave her a short bark of laughter at her words.

"I do not think so. You can vanish without damn near any trace, or hide in your room. I will find out how you seal it so no one can enter it, Kagome."

The guilt that flashed fleetingly in the depths of her blue eyes told him all he needed. The woman was too honest and open for her good. So, with a shake of his head, Trowa pressed on.

"Do you have any idea how much you've hurt, upset, and now angered Quatre? What is it that makes you refuse him, his right to your bed? Is it that you dislike him or even abhor the idea of bedding him, knowing he likes men?"

The last statement of the accusation he felt was justified. As he matched Kagome's blue eyes mist over before she dropped her head and shook it no. While her body tensed to move, the moment she tried to dash forward and to the side, Trowa knew Kagome was going to try to hide what it was. Thrusting his hands out to grab her, he felt his eyes widen marginally as she ducked under them and spin to put distance between them. Her eyes now trained on him, tears glistening along their edges as she shifted further away from him.

His mind replayed what just happened. Realizing Kagome just tested him, using a feint. Now he saw her slowly backing away from him, towards the window. Amusement washed through him at her reaction, the need to capture his prey filled him while his mind rationalizes that he was acting out of his norm. Something that Trowa did not think he cared about at this particular moment.

The moment Trowa saw Kagome shift her weight, so most rested on her back foot, he knew she was making her attempt to escape. She was causing him to spring forward, toward her and easily overtaking her with not only with long legs but honed reflexes. Grabbing Kagome from behind at the waist, Trowa spun, tossing her onto the bed as she shrieked loudly in shock and outrage.

He was not giving her a chance to scramble across the bed and take a break for the door. Trowa covered the short distance to the bed and a rising Kagome. Reaching out, grasping her under the arms to restrict her, while pulling her flush against his chest. Earning a colorful set of words, no proper lady should be speaking, as she tried to kick back at him. Trowa silently thanked his time in the circus, leaving him extraordinarily flexible and using to his advantage as he rolled them, so he was beneath her, his long legs snapping out and trapping her own entirely and forcing Kagome to calm down a little, just as his ears picked up movement coming down the hallway.

"Answer me. Do you dislike or hate Quatre?"

Making sure he spoke loud enough that he could be heard through the door. The silence between them was broken with a soft sob that came from Kagome. Trowa felt the last of her resistance fall away, leaving her limp in his arms.

"No. No, I do not dislike or hate Quatre. But it hurts badly, knowing that I have been in love with him since the first time I saw Quatre during the War. That and the knowledge that he can never love me back the same way. I'm not blind, Trowa. The way he looks at you and the subtle touches. To me, those are the things I'll probably never receive from him. Leaving me scared."

Eyes on the door that had silently cracked open as Kagome gave her softly spoken admission. Shock coursed through his system, mirrored on Quatre's as he entered the room, staring down at Kagome. Who, from what he could tell, was unaware of the other's presence with her head hanging so her chin rested on her chest.

Looking down at Kagome, Trowa got a good look at her bare legs being exposed. Her robe opened wide to her waist because of his legs pinning her to the bed and glancing up, seeing Quatre at the end of the bed, a living look coupled with a predatory gleam in his eyes. He was sending a shiver down Trowa's spine, realizing quickly what was going through his lover's mind. And who was he to deny him?

"Then you are sadly mistaken. Raise your head and tell me yourself, Kagome, if he doesn't feel the same way?"

The moment she lifted her head, Trowa felt her breath catch in her chest as her heart sped up, accompanied by a gasp of a shock seeing the deviant smile on Quatre's face. Trowa moved his legs, dragging them towards Kagomes and his bodies. Bending both their knees, further exposing Kagome to Quatre by opening her up to Quatre as he climbed onto the bed, so he was kneeling between their legs.

"I hope you are ready to pay a penance for denying him, Kagome."

With that said, Trowa let a smile curved his lips. IT was going to be a long night and very fun as a strangled moan came from Kagome. Who was now squirming against his hold as Quatre touched and teased her? Speaking dark promises to her, the Trowa knew he would deliver on.

The End!