Family
Chapter 39: My War Days, Old Times' Sake, Triangle Connection
Author's note: Previously on Family, Heero and Belmont confronted each other regarding Fate going to France with him. He also spent more time with her and brought her to a café. They also shared kisses under the heavy rain. Heero then brought Fate to watch the sunrise before Fate tells Heero how scared she was during the bicycle accident she was in four years ago. Then they headed back to VLA together.
This chapter will be broken down into shorter chapters so that I can focus on different themes and characters throughout the chapter.
Thank you for reading this story, I hope that you will continue to support it. Please read and review, but NO FLAMERS! Pairing: Heero X OC
Chapter 39.1: My War Days
After Colony 203, 18th July,
Colony L1, VLA, Hotel
Night time, 9pm
It was raining heavily outside and Heero was in his sports car, driving through the rain. He stopped his car at a red traffic light and thought about his day. His day started out busy as usual but, in the afternoon, he received a rather surprising text from Fate. She asked to meet him as there was something that she wanted to talk about. They saw each other a while ago during the weekend getaway in City of Ashford. While the paparazzi situation has cooled down a lot, they still couldn't see each other officially. Yet Heero was reminded of the fact that her message sounded anxious as if something had happened. He was getting a little worried and he knew that she had a very packed schedule today, hence she will not be able to take any calls. He agreed to meet her and managed to find a private yet secure location for them to meet. He couldn't go to her mansion without the paparazzi finding out, hence it was best if they met somewhere else in secret. He had chosen a hotel under SilverWings' name, which had a private lift to the presidential suite. Fate had texted him a while ago that she was already there, and he was on his way to the hotel. He wondered what was wrong but knew that he will find out.
Heero drove around the city in a few more circles and made sure that he was not being tailed before he went to the hotel. He parked his car at his reserved slot before taking the private lift. He had programmed Fate's data into the system, allowing her to use the lift. He scanned his thumb and the lift took him straight up to the presidential suite. He hadn't eaten dinner yet, but he wasn't in the mood for food. He was worried about Fate and wanted to know what was wrong. She seemed alright a few days ago, did something happen today? The lift doors opened to the top floor of the hotel building. Heero walked to the door of the presidential suite and scanned his thumbprint, unlocking the door. He pushed the door open and stepped into the suite. He was surprised to find that the suite was engulfed in total darkness, he could feel the air conditioner running, judging from the cold air in the suite. He closed the door behind him and locked it. But why weren't the lights switched on? He could hear the heavy rain outside of the glass windows, falling hard from the skies above. He reached out and switched on the lights. He watched as the lights slowly lighted up the suite as he walked further into the sitting room. He found Fate standing by the glass windows with her back facing him.
"Fate?"
He felt that something was amiss but couldn't quite describe it as well. She slowly turned to look at him before she turned her entire body to face him. He saw the troubled expression on her face, but what caught his eye was what she was wearing. She was dressed in a Japanese school uniform. The uniform consisted of a black blazer and a short black skirt. She had matched it with black thigh highs and black shoes. He frowned a little at her outfit and wondered why she was wearing a school uniform when she was no longer a student.
"Fate?" He asked again, noticing that she seemed a little out of sorts today.
She didn't say a single word but merely watched him in silence. He closed the gap between them and still she merely watched him without say a single word.
"Is something wrong? You sounded anxious in your text." Heero said.
She stepped back instead and did a quick twirl in front of him.
"How do I look?" She asked softly.
He frowned at her question, she called him all the way here to comment on her outfit? He wasn't sure if he should be angry or honest. She decided to provide multiple choices for him.
"Cute, pretty, youthful or… old?" She asked.
Heero wondered what was really going on. She didn't seem to be herself today.
"Be honest, Heero."
"You look alright." He said.
"Alright, that's all?" Fate asked.
Heero frowned at her words. She turned and sighed instead.
"Maybe I am getting too old for this cutesy getup." Fate whispered.
"Fate, you aren't old." Heero said.
"But you aren't interested in my getup at all." She pointed out.
"Where exactly is this conversation going, Fate?" He asked, feeling confused.
She spins away from him, walking over to sit down on the sofa.
"My last job tonight was a product shoot meant for students, hence the getup. I didn't change out of it as I wanted to surprise you with it. But I guess it was a failed attempt." Fate whispered.
So that was why she was wearing the uniform. But still it didn't explain why she seemed anxious to meet him, was the outfit surprise all there is to it? He watched her in silence before she sighed and removed the blazer she was wearing. She folded it and placed it down on the coffee table and with her eyes meeting his, she removed the ribbon around her neck. He watched her in silence as she placed the ribbon down on top of the blazer. She's still wearing a short-sleeved blouse and the short black skirt. If he was being honest, he found the skirt a little too short, for it revealed a lot of her long legs, except she had covered them with black thigh highs. She reached for the buttons on her blouse.
"Fate…"
Fate looked at him before she laughed.
"Don't worry, I am not going to take it off. Just getting comfortable, you should do the same." She said as she unbuttoned the first two buttons of her blouse.
He stared at her in silence before he removed his military uniform's jacket and tie. They sat down on the sofa while Fate handled him the room service menu, knowing that he hadn't eaten. Heero declined to order anything and earned a disapproving look from Fate. Nevertheless, she puts it aside and immediately reached out to cup his cheek. She caressed his face gently before moving to kiss him. Their kiss was gentle but there was something on his mind.
"Fate, is there something else that's bothering you?" Heero asked her.
"What makes you say that?" She asked.
"The look on your face when I came in." Heero told her.
She sighed before putting some distance between them.
"I haven't dressed in a school uniform for a long time, it… brought back memories of my past." Fate whispered.
"What kind of past?" Heero asked.
Fate hesitated, unsure of whether to bring the topic up especially since war was a sensitive subject, especially to Heero who had fought in it as a Gundam pilot. Fate had not told anyone about how she had spent her days when the war was still raging on, for there was nothing good to tell. She had hesitated about telling Heero the truth, yet she was a little afraid that he will view her differently.
"Fate?" Heero asked softly, noticing her distress.
"I wasn't a student for a very long time, yet somehow… I missed those short yet interesting days." Fate whispered.
Heero watched her in silence, aware that her mind was miles away. Heero met Fate for the first time in the summer of AC 197. He ran a search on her and realised that there were many missing years in her information, as if no one knew what had happened to her during those gap years. But there were quite a lot of information on her for she was already an artist who started her singing career then. Hence Heero didn't dig too deeper into her past, at least she didn't have any criminal records.
"I used to live in London where I attended a private school. I was a student for a short while before my father decided to move back to Japan. It was a rather sudden decision and I was forced to leave school immediately. We returned to Japan, but life wasn't the same anymore." She whispered.
"What do you mean?" Heero asked.
Their eyes met and Fate sighed.
"I am going to tell you something that I have never told anyone and you must promise me that you will not judge me or disclose it to anyone else, even your best friends." Fate said.
Heero nodded in acknowledgement, he can keep her secrets.
"And this is a hard topic for both of us, for it was during war times." Fate explained.
Hero nodded, knowing that she was sharing something very private about her past with him.
"My family went into hiding in the year AC 189, I was only eight then." Fate said.
Going into hiding would explain the gap years in Fate's files. It was common for important personnel to go into hiding during war times, but why the need to hide? It then hit Heero that Belmont had chosen to bring his entire family into hiding for fear of being captured. But did he have information worth protecting?
"We didn't run from place to place, we remained in Japan all along. Apparently, my father had everything already planned out in advance and we ended up hiding underground for five years, until the war was over." Fate said softly.
All the pieces that Heero had discovered were falling into place, it will explain all the facilities which he saw underneath the De Camden Mansion in Tokyo. Yet to think that they have lived underground for five years while the world above was chaotic and full of fighting.
"It was probably the darkest times of my life; I don't remember much of it as I was really young then. Even I was surprised that we managed to survive living underground for so long. We had stocked up enough supplies for two years before we started growing our own supplies. We do have some servants to serve and tutor us. All I remembered was never seeing actual sunlight, never being able to go out beyond the endless caves. Life was mundane, boring and dull. We had a tutor who taught me languages and different subjects. It was as if I was going to school every day, except it was all done underground. We had a lot of time and little things to do, hence I ended up reading almost every book in the makeshift library. And sadly, as we couldn't leave the area, we were forced to learn every music instrument available. The sounds often echoed in those caves, but they never travelled outside. That is how I learnt the piano, violin and flute. As we only had one tutor, he taught us different things especially when all my siblings' learning capabilities was different. Federick and I soon ventured into tougher, deeper subjects while Fayne and Faith remained at their age's education level. Federick picked up weaponry as he was bored, and the head of security was eager to teach him for everyone was stuck in an underground base with nothing to do." Fate said.
Then she sighed again.
"I don't even know what we were hiding from. At the start we wanted to go out constantly, but our parents will only lie about how long we will remain underground. Eventually we stopped asking for it was clear that we can never go out again. With time on our hands, we explored the caves. Federick and I found a tunnel that led to a door, but we didn't dare to open it. Fayne followed us one day and must have opened it. She came back looking so smug but refused to tell us what happened. I didn't think that something was amiss until she returned with sweets, which was something we didn't have the luxury of having while living underground." Fate said.
"She found the exit and snuck off to the city." Heero guessed.
"Yes, she did and I was angry at her but even I couldn't tell her why she shouldn't do it. So Federick and I decided to be adventurous for once and I finally saw real sunlight after living life underground for five years. I was too timid and too obedient to break the rules. But it was worth it to smell fresh air and know that I am free, no longer a trapped prisoner within the caves. We went back in and locked the door. That door was our secret escape from life underground, that one day we will be able to leave through the door." Fate whispered.
Heero couldn't imagine living life underground for up to five years, it was bound to drive anyone insane. Yet they were all living life like a trapped prisoner when they were in hiding. They had so much time to kill yet nothing to do.
"Yet one day, that door became our weakness. Even I am not sure what happened specifically, but suddenly men dressed in uniforms with large guns stormed our underground hideout. We had no place to run, many of our servants were slaughtered. Father wasn't around that day and I didn't know why. It was a horrible day; it was as if the war had finally found us." Fate whispered.
Heero could imagine how traumatic it must have been for Fate. For soldiers to kill them off and having no place to escape inside those dark caves.
"Mother protected all of us, knowing that they were going to kill us all. But that was also the day Federick lost part of himself. For he took up guns and fought back in an attempt to save us. He held the fort until we could be rescued by father's security team. But too many people had died and… Federick had killed someone." Fate whispered.
It had hurt her to tell Heero this, for this was her most vulnerable and dark past which she had never shared with anyone.
"Eventually we cleaned out the caves but lived in the mansion with tighter security. Everyone had to go through psychological counselling after all that happened. We found out that they had followed Fayne to the door and had burst in through it. Father had immediately sealed the door, but it was already too late. My mother, Fayne and Faith's mental condition wasn't great. No physical harm happened to my mother, but she finally snapped after all that pressure. I remembered how father sat down with Federick and I. There were tears in his eyes as he asked for our permission to wipe their memories." Fate whispered.
Heero was shocked to hear this, Belmont already had the means to wipe someone's memory back then? Was that the information that Belmont was trying so hard to protect? Such technology was not unheard of, but it was often done through forceful methods.
"There was nothing we could do, we agreed to save them. Hence their memories of that night and the days after that were wiped off. Fake memories of us finally leaving the cave were implanted. And so, they were back to normal again but that didn't change the fact that Federick had killed someone and was struggling with the guilt of it. I was unable to help him, for I was still too young. Eventually he joined the secret service and gave his life to fighting the war at such a young age as well." Fate whispered.
To think that Federick had such a dark past as well, he might not be a Gundam pilot, but he had fought his part in the war.
"I finally have sunlight and freedom again, that's when I started singing. Yet I too struggled with how weak I was for I drove Federick to fight in the war. War finally ended and I was so relieved, but war had changed all of us." Fate said.
At least the two years when they no longer lived underground had allowed Fate to go back to her normal life, hence giving her the time she needed to settle down again. At least they remained safe even though the war was raging on.
"I'm not as innocent as you think I am, Heero. I have seen death before my eyes and realized what a coward I had been. How I couldn't even save my own brother from his guilt." Fate whispered.
"Fate…"
"I… still am a coward in a few ways." Fate whispered.
Heero reached out and hug her.
"It's all over now, Fate." Heero said softly.
"I know, but it still haunts me sometimes." Fate whispered.
Heero knew what it was like for he probably has more demons than anyone else.
"I know." He said softly.
"Singing was my way of escaping and my way of expressing my feelings." Fate whispered.
"It may have started out that way, but it has changed, didn't it?" Heero asked.
Fate was silent but knew that Heero was right. She was singing because it was her passion and how she enjoyed bringing smiles to people who listened to her music. They broke their hug briefly and Heero was reminded of something.
"You used all that you have went through to write that song." He said as a statement.
"Which song?"
"The one that you sang at the war memorial." Heero said.
"Yes, I wrote that song myself as I didn't like the ones my producers wrote." Fate explained.
"It was a great song that was able to portray the sad and painful memories that everyone went through." Heero said.
Fate knew that that was still one of her best performances to date, she remembered singing that song in the war memorial, surrounded by so many government officials and soldiers. She remembered wearing a flowy white ballroom gown as she sang that song in the cold winter weather. She was actually freezing cold and really nervous as it was the first time, she was singing at such an important event. But halfway through the snow started falling and it created a beautiful picture. Eventually she found out that it was live streamed all over the Colonies and Earth, touching so many people and bringing them to tears. That performance made her even more famous, but that song had a message of hope in it as well.
"I was freezing in that gown." Fate said.
"But you didn't show it."
"Were you touched by that song?" Fate asked softly.
It was a long time ago, but she remembered seeing almost everyone in the audience crying as she sang the song. But Heero's face was as emotionless as ever. After the song had finished, many people came forward to thank her for the performance hence she couldn't see Heero anymore for the crowd had blocked him from her. Eventually she found out that he had already left.
"I was, but the tears didn't come." Heero said.
Fate gave him a sad smile. Heero then kissed her on her cheek instead.
"Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me about your past." Heero said.
Fate looked down at the uniform that she was still wearing, maybe it was the uniform to blame. Or maybe it was just a trigger for this was something she wanted to tell Heero for a long time now. She kissed Heero on his lips and wished she could stay here with him. She went on to explain how she and Federick sat for a private degree program's exam. They passed without even being actual students in the university, earning them the degree certificate that they needed. Hence, they no longer needed to study anymore though Federick went on to study more as required by his job as a secret agent. Hence Fate didn't have a chance to wear a school uniform ever since she was eight.
"Do you miss being a student?" Heero asked.
"I never thought about it, for studying and school was over for me at a very young age and due to our different circumstances." Fate said.
"What happened to the tutor after that?" Heero asked.
"He survived the war and is now retired in Australia." Fate said.
"How did you know about that?" Heero asked.
"Federick still keeps tabs on him, to ensure that he never told anyone about what really happened to us during those five years. It was a secret the surviving servants were forced to keep as well."
Heero was happy that at least peace had allowed Fate to have a proper life or she might still be trapped underground, living life like a prisoner. Still he will need to take some time to process such knowledge and he will protect her too by keeping her past a secret. Fate was staring intently at him and he sensed a slight change in the mood around them. She slowly reached out towards him and he expected her to touch his cheek, but her touch never came. As if she was hesitating or she have realized something instead. In the next moment, she left her position on the sofa and stood in front of the glass windows. It was still raining heavily outside and Heero could tell that something was still amiss.
"Something else is still bothering you." Heero said.
Fate didn't say a single word as she continued to stare outside.
"Fate?" He asked softly.
"I…" Then she shook her head before turning to look at him.
"Thank you for listening to me, it feels good to be able to tell someone and know that he can be trusted with my secrets." Fate said.
Her smile seemed forced but Heero didn't want to probe the subject further especially since she wasn't willing to share what else was on her mind.
"Thanks for making a trip down to see me." Fate said.
He knew that she was still hiding something from him and wondered if it was about the time, she met up with Relena behind his back. Or was there something else?
"The news is dying off; we will be able to see each other more openly after that." He told her.
Fate nodded and continued to give him a forced smile. He left his seat and walked up to her.
"Don't overexert yourself, Fate. You can always call me if something comes up." Heero said.
Fate gave him a brief nod, but Fate knew that she couldn't do that, for work was Heero's number one, not her. Heero kissed her gently and she responded in kind. After that kiss Heero picked up his military jacket and tie for he was leaving. Fate knew that he was leaving and hesitated, will he stay if she asked him to? Can she let him stay?
"Heero… I …."
He looked back at her and she suddenly was at a loss for words. She couldn't tell him the words she really wanted to say.
"I… will see you soon then." She said.
Heero nodded and puts on his tie and uniform's jacket. She didn't walk him to the door but watched as he left the presidential suite quietly. She turned back to look at the heavy rain outside. She didn't move or make a single sound for a rather long time. Just then she saw the tears running down from her eyes in her own reflection. Why was she crying? She should be happy, shouldn't she? She said what she had always wanted to. No, she had not… For she was still hiding the truth from Heero. Just like back then she was still very much a coward, for she knew that she could not face the consequences that will come when Heero knows the entire truth. She was finally feeling the sadness and she gave in to it, sinking to the floor instead as the tears continued.
"Fate, is everything alright?" Meteor asked, rolling over towards her as it had sensed that she was upset.
"No, everything isn't alright. And it won't be…" She whispered.
Fate was sobbing slightly and was stunned when she heard the main door open instead. Oh God, did Heero come back? No, he can't see her like this. She struggled to pull herself back together, to get off the floor and to act as if everything was alright. But she was too late for Heero had already found her. His emotionless Prussian blue eyes met her shocked eyes and Fate's mind was a complete blank. Oh God, what should she do now? She was still on the floor and lost all strength to even get up and face him. She didn't know how to explain the tears and the emotions she was feeling as well. But Heero surprised her by simply walking over and hugged her.
"Heero…" She whispered in shock.
"Something was eating at me when I left, hence I came back. I couldn't leave you, not like that." Heero whispered.
Fate merely reached out to hug him back as the tears continued to fall on their own. They stayed in their hugging position for a while before Heero carried her instead. It took her by surprise, but she could tell that he was making his way up the stairs towards the bedroom.
"Heero?" She questioned.
"We can be more comfortable here." Heero said.
She didn't really protest or ask him to put her down immediately. He placed her gently down on the king-sized bed after removing her shoes. He shifted away from her and she immediately reached out to grab hold of him. She wasn't sure of what she wanted but she didn't want him to leave her. He paused in his movement and looked down at her.
"Stay… stay with me." She whispered.
"I'm not going anywhere, Fate." Heero said.
His answer made her happy and she lets him go so that he could take off his military jacket, tie and shoes. He even removed his weapons. Then he joined her in bed, choosing to hug her so that she was close to him. She held onto him, feeling safe and assured that he was here for her. The tears didn't come anymore, and she was glad to be here with him.
The next day, 19th July
Hotel, Presidential Suite,
Morning, 7am
Fate's eyes opened slowly, and she closed them almost immediately as she tried to adjust to the sunlight that was streaming in. After that she slowly looked around her to know that she was in a different place. She must still be in the suite. She slowly sat up on the bed and was not surprised that she was still dressed in the school uniform which she had worn last night. She looked to her side to find the bed empty. She was silent as she thought of last night. She had fallen asleep soon after hence she wasn't sure what have happened after that. Had Heero stayed or had he already left for work?
Fate got out of bed, wore her shoes and left the bedroom. She combed her hair with her fingers, hoping that it wasn't too messy. She was surprised when she found Heero sitting on the sofa in the sitting room, staring at the glass windows. The weather had cleared up compared to the heavy rain last night. Sunlight was lighting up the suite as well as the city of VLA. He was still dressed in his uniform's shirt and pants.
"Heero."
He stood up as he turned to look at her. He hadn't left, that meant that he had truly stayed with her last night.
"Are you feeling better?" Heero asked.
Fate nodded and wondered how she was going to explain everything. He approached her and hugged her gently.
"I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about it." He said softly.
He lets her go before she could reply. She nodded but still she didn't have the courage to tell him the truth.
"I thought about what you said." Heero told her softly.
She watched as he walked over towards the glass windows and stared ahead at the city of VLA below them.
"What do you mean?" She asked softly.
"I'm sorry for what I said to you when we fought in the car after Mariemaia was found. How thoughtless my words were since you do know what it's like to live behind closed doors." Heero told her.
His words surprised her, but she looked down instead.
"It's not your fault, you didn't know." She whispered.
"I have gained more respect for Federick." Heero told her.
Fate broke out into a smile, but she said nothing else.
"I have to get to work. I have already informed Killian and your security detail that you were staying with me last night." Heero said.
Fate nodded and wondered what they must have thought of her.
"Order room service for breakfast and I will see you soon." He told her.
She nodded her head in acknowledgement while Heero puts on his tie and military uniform's jacket. Then he proceeded to leave with Fate walking him to the door.
"Thank you for staying with me." Fate said, reaching up to kiss him goodbye on his cheek.
Their eyes met and both broke out in a small smile. With that he left and Fate locked the door after he was gone. She sighed and wondered if she could ever tell him the real truth.
Chapter 39.2: Old Times' Sake
24th July,
VLA, Private Tea Salon
Morning, 11am
Fate de Camden was all dressed up today as she is meeting someone important today. She had cleared her schedule for today hence she was a little excited. Her security detail was accommodating to her request and they managed to secure a private location for her. They managed to book an entire tea salon for just her and her contact, so that no one will disturb her, especially the paparazzi who are still following her around. She is wearing a lilac dress and matched it with matching heels and handbag. Fate managed to reach the salon on time and was glad to see that the person whom she is meeting was already here. She asked her bodyguards to wait outside the private room as she didn't want to be disturbed. With that she went in and hugged the person who returned her hug in kind.
"Thank you for coming." Fate said after they have broken the hug.
"Of course, anything for you." The woman said with a smile.
Fate is meeting Kimberly Walker in private. Kimberly has been her manager since the start of her singing career when she was only fifteen. Yet now seven years have passed and while Kimberly is still her manager, a lot of things have changed since then. Kimberly and Fate have a great working relationship and they get along well with each other on a personal level.
"What's with the sudden invitation? You know that you see me often enough." Kimberly said.
"You have been taking such good care of me for so many years, Kimberly. I wanted to thank you for it. This meal is on me." Fate said with a smile.
"You don't have to. Though I know how rich you are." Kimberly said.
Fate merely smiled.
"Then again thank you for so many of your wedding gifts that you just keep on sending." Kimberly said.
"It's the least I can do, after all I can't attend it with all the paparazzi still chasing after me." Fate whispered.
"I know, you already apologized and explained so many times." Kimberly said, waving it off.
Fate can't believe it as well; Kimberly is getting married and the wedding is in two days' time. As much as Fate wants to go for it, she can't when she will only attract unwanted attention to Kimberly's wedding. Kimberly who has been with her for these seven long years is finally getting married. Fate knew that Kimberly was always busy seeing to her schedule and making sure that everything was running smoothly for her, that she hardly has any personal time. But Fate is glad that Kimberly has found the man she loves and he's rather accommodating of Kimberly's work. Fate only met him once during a dinner as she insisted that Kimberly set the three of them up for dinner. He was quite a fan of hers, he was star struck which was rather normal for people who have met her for the first time. But she can tell that he loves Kimberly very much. They had a rather rocky relationship thanks to her too, after all she was always flying all over Earth and the Colonies. Not to mention the times she kept on moving to and fro between Japan and the Colonies. But Fate had made it clear that she's staying in the Colonies permanently, hence Kimberly can be less worried in that area.
Fate had told Heero about this news a few months back and Heero hadn't responded much. As if he already knew it before she did but he didn't reveal anything. Kimberly had been stressed out juggling work and wedding planning lately that Fate had decided to let Kimberly take two months off to prepare for the wedding. However, with Heero declaring their relationship to the public, it made Kimberly's job more difficult as she has to do damage control. It had been a stressful two months for everyone, especially Kimberly who was on damage control and must plan a wedding at the same time. Fate had tried her best not to make matters worse by avoiding Heero, but the media still loved to write nonsense about the two of them.
Heero had surprisingly gone way beyond what was necessary to help Kimberly as well. Like securing their desired wedding venue in such a short amount of time and sending one of the best wedding planners to assist Kimberly. It helped to take some of the wedding stress off Kimberly so she can concentrate on doing damage control. Fate hasn't seen Kimberly for a while as she was working behind the scenes and hence Fate decided to meet up with her today.
Fate then congratulated Kimberly on the wedding yet again before they ordered their drinks and food. Fate smiled and listened attentively as Kimberly complained about the wedding preparations a little. But everything was already arranged and hopefully it will be perfect. They chat about their lives lately over tea and Fate is glad to have such private times with Kimberly where they can put aside their job positions and just be good friends. Then Fate presented Kimberly with an envelope.
"What is this?" Kimberly asked.
"It's a gift from Heero and me." Fate said.
Kimberly took it and was encouraged by Fate to open it. She was stunned to see that it was two first class air shuttle tickets to the second largest city in Colony L7, which was a holiday getaway destination.
"My God!" Kimberly exclaimed in shock.
"I know that both of you didn't book anything for your honeymoon yet probably because of work schedule differences. Heero helped me to confirm the information. But I know how much you wanted to go there, you talked about it being your dream honeymoon destination all the time. I thought that this was the best gift I can give you two." Fate said.
"This is too much, Fate. I can't accept it." Kimberly said, shoving the envelope back to her.
"No, this is not too much. You have looked after me all this time, you deserve a reward for yourself. Go and enjoy your honeymoon." Fate said, pushing it back.
"I can't, Fate. I know you are rich, but those tickets must be expensive especially when they are open dated and first class seats!" Kimberly exclaimed.
Fate merely laughed.
"You know who my boyfriend is, he owns the airline. They are at his beck and call. Heero even offered one of his private jets to take you two there instead, but even I felt that it was too much." Fate said.
Kimberly just shook her head.
"No, Fate I still can't take them."
"Just say yes, you know you want them." Fate coaxed, giving a wink.
Kimberly considered for a while before she sighed.
"I will take them because you insisted and help me thank Heero for his help. He has been really helpful lately." Kimberly said, finally taking the tickets.
Fate merely smiled.
"He's like Santa Claus, giving out such gifts and favours so easily." Kimberly said.
Fate knows that Heero had a lot of connections especially since SilverWings is so huge now. But more importantly, Heero is always willing to help others if he could do so. This was merely one example of it, though he usually acts behind the scenes as well. Guess people feel better if they thought they were helped by luck or by chance instead of by someone else. Fate smiled for Heero can be very generous sometimes.
"To think that he had this side to him as well."
"It's not something that he reveals to a lot of people, but he's always willing to help." Fate said with a smile.
"I guess you knew about this side of him a long time ago?" Kimberly asked.
"Yes, though one can never tell from that same constant emotionless look on his face." Fate said.
They sipped their tea in a short moment of silence.
"Sometimes I can't believe how much time have passed. You have changed a lot since your first started out Fate." Kimberly said.
Fate merely smiled.
"I remembered that I was an assistant manager for one of my seniors when I first met you. I remembered that it was a singing talent competition and you took part on your own. Other contestants were already trainees in idol training. Naturally, they have more staff to help them with their wardrobe, appearance and vocals. But you had nothing yet still you went and took part in it. You sang really well, and I remembered that the other girls got jealous especially when an unknown got through the first round." Kimberly said.
Fate remembered sneaking out of her mansion and evading everyone's notice to go for that competition. She knew that her parents wouldn't allow it, after all she is still a lady from a distinguished family. Being a singer had a bad reputation especially among the high society. Yet still she went for it against her family's wishes. The first stage of the competition wasn't aired on television hence she could keep that fact hidden. She knew that she didn't have much of a chance against everyone else who were already in idol training longer than she was. But the war had just ended, and everyone was slowly chasing the dreams that they used to have. Fate simply wanted to express her emotions through songs.
"The girls were jealous bitches and they did everything they could to sabotage your second round. You were a threat to them; hence they were scared." Kimberly said.
Fate said nothing, she knew that they had cut up the dress that she had chosen to wear on stage during the competition round. She was devastated and shocked that there were such horrible people. She wanted to quit that day, give up and just go home. Maybe the viciousness of the music industry was not something she could handle. After all she wasn't like them, she wasn't capable of sabotaging others so that she could win. Still she went on stage with the current dress that she was wearing and sang rather well. But she had heard rumours backstage of a girl sleeping with the head judge so that her win will be guaranteed. Naturally that girl won the competition, Fate felt it unjust but knew that the music industry wasn't as peaceful and easy as she thought it to be. There were more grey areas than the black and whites.
"What happened to the girl who won back then? I didn't keep track of her." Fate said.
"Well she managed to release two albums before she got herself pregnant and everything was downhill from then. She disappeared off the music industry almost two years after she won." Kimberly said.
Fate said nothing, she knew that there were far too many such sad stories when it comes to chasing fame. Many people had left the industry either by bad reputation, scandals or difficult circumstances. Not everyone made it big while chasing after their own dream to be a superstar.
"I still remember how you sang on that empty stage after everything was over, how so many emotions were expressed in that one song. After that I decided that I want to be your manager." Kimberly said.
Fate had sung on that empty stage as she felt that it was unjust. She did not cry but she knew that has to go through more down moments in order to get one up moment.
"I still remembered how you reached your hand out to me and said I will make you famous." Fate said.
Kimberly smiled for she did say that.
"And look where we are now, you rose up faster and shined brighter than any other singers or idols out there. You went international, you even reached the Colonies. And now you are a superstar, your face is everywhere, and everyone knows who you are." Kimberly said.
Looking back Fate did find it surprising that she had manged to last so long in the industry and had succeeded in becoming a superstar. While it wasn't her goal from the start, it never failed to amaze her that she had gotten so far. Naturally, she knew that she wouldn't be here without everyone's help. She had always been honest and true to herself right from the start, and it hadn't been easy to do. Especially when there were so many traps and opportunities to rise faster if she took shortcuts. But she didn't and Kimberly had stuck to her values as well. Her family eventually accepted her career choice and have supported her all the way. She knew that she was much more fortunate than the rest for she was born in a rich family, but she never took funding from her family. She refused to accept it, it could be out of pride, but she wanted to make it on her own and not build a career out of her parents' money.
"It has its drawbacks, like these few months." Fate said.
Being too famous causes people's eyes to be on her constantly. What she's wearing, what she's doing, who she is dating, even what she is eating! Everyone wants to know more about her and girls wants to be like her. But even Fate knows that fame can fade faster than it was built. One trigger or scandal and it will be a fall from grace.
"I know but you hardly caused trouble for me. But when you do, Heero's always involved in it somehow." Kimberly said.
"Guilty as charged." Fate whispered, knowing that it was true.
"Have you ever thought about where you will go from now on?" Kimberly asked.
"I will still continue to do what I do; I still love singing. And I will continue for as long as I am able to." Fate said.
"What about Heero?" Kimberly asked.
"He has been rather supportive of my career; he will accept my wishes." Fate said.
"Any wedding bell plans in the future? I should be informed for it will yet be another wave of media explosion, after all Heero is Carlton Wingate's heir." Kimberly said.
Fate blushed at the thought of marrying Heero. Heero hadn't mentioned anything yet but she knew that it was too soon. Both still want to focus on their career first, especially since Heero is such a workaholic. But they are still quite young, they still have time on their side.
"Not so soon, besides Heero hadn't said anything about it yet." Fate said.
Kimberly nodded and showed her a photo on her hand phone.
"Look what I found?" Kimberly asked.
Fate looked at it and laughed, for it was her first advertisement campaign. She looked so young and innocent in the photo, when she just had her debut as a solo singer.
"Your style has changed a lot since then as well. You were more of cute and ladylike in the past, now you are so versatile you can be anything. But I will say you are more towards glamourous and sexy. Though the ladylike has stuck with you since the beginning of time, must have come from your family." Kimberly said.
Fate merely smiled and she did notice the change in her style after all she had grown up and is an adult now. Though things are getting a little sexy, Fate's rule of thumb is still to be fully covered. She will never model lingerie and swimsuits. Those job were turned down before they can be proposed, and she will never bare all on any set. It was her criteria for any job which Kimberly did a good job of setting as a standard. Hence everyone in the fashion world knows that by now and if they want something more, they must pick someone else to do the job.
"I think your brother was quite against it when we changed your style for once." Kimberly said.
"He's just being overprotective." Fate explained.
"But it definitely turned heads, though I am unsure of whether it turned Heero's." Kimberly said.
"I think he never noticed them." Fate said.
Since Heero was not one who watched television other than the news and he never flips through magazines or gossip papers. Hence Heero never saw her so called sexy photos.
"I'm sure he would know."
"He never mentioned it." Fate said.
Kimberly laughed at her comment, earning a smile from Fate as well.
"I always laugh or cringe every time they ask you what your beauty secret was during interviews or talk shows." Kimberly said.
Fate smiled as well; they ask that same question all the time. Fate will always answer that she will find time to relax and pamper herself once in a while. Fate does exercise rather vigorously to keep fit and maintain her body shape. Though not a lot of people know about it. She doesn't gain weight easily but still it was good to always look good. She eats food normally unlike a lot of people who chose a healthier diet.
"You always amaze me with how different you are on the job and in your personal life. You always give your best and is so professional about it. You are the easiest person to work with and everyone agrees for you always give them what they are looking for. The energy, the poses. I even wondered where you learnt all of it." Kimberly said.
Fate merely smiled, it could be natural talent or from reading and watching too many videos on modelling. Or could be the endless practices she does in front of the mirror when she had nothing to do when she was hiding underground during the war days. But no one needed to know that.
"You are still the face of Silver Wings. You have been with them from the start till now as well." Kimberly said.
"Thanks to Heero." Fate said.
"I think both of you helped each other, he helped to start your career in the Colonies. But your fame also helped his product lines." Kimberly said.
Fate knew that it was true for she wouldn't have gotten so far without Silver Wings which was Heero's company.
"You hated working for them for a while. But I guess when you are so deep within the brand that you can't get out of it so fast." Kimberly said.
"I was trying my best to move on because of my personal involvement with Heero, but I am glad that I stayed." Fate said.
They smiled as they ate their food. Thinking back, she too can't believe that she had gotten so far from when she had first started out. She is living the dream now, at the peak of her career and she is happy that she had stuck to her values. She's officially with Heero and honestly things couldn't get any better. Except that she still needed to work out some issues with Heero.
"I think Heero has been there supporting you throughout your career as well. Be it when he was your bodyguard to becoming your boyfriend."
Fate knew that Heero was one of her biggest supporters, but it was all done behind the scenes like he usually does. He won't know how many songs she has, how many albums she had released, how many concerts she had held. But she saw his fingerprints there in minor ways. She did question why he was doing so much for her when they were just friends but even till now, she didn't know the answer to that. The two of them continued chatting over lunch and Fate was glad that they could reminisce about the old times that they had and laugh over the embarrassing moments that Fate rarely has. But it was good to have a friend especially in such a vicious industry.
Moonstone Mansion,
Night time, 9pm
Fate is having a video chat with Heero and as usual he was still in his office at his base. Heero was giving her the full attention which was rare. She talked about how Kimberly accept the tickets and how they chat about the time when she had her debut till now. Then it reminded her of something.
"Thank you Heero." Fate said.
"What for?" Heero asked.
"You have been there supporting me throughout my career right from the start. It's not obvious to the naked eye but I could tell that you were there." Fate said, giving him a smile.
Their eyes met and both were silent for a while.
"Someone had to look out for you. But I am glad that you made it. Many stars have fallen through time, but you have survived and shone brighter than others." Heero said.
"Not me, we made it, Heero." Fate corrected with a smile.
He raised an eyebrow at her words but then he nodded in acknowledgement.
"Yes, we made it." Heero said.
"Oh, my shots for the school uniform look will be out soon, but I have something else to show you." Fate said.
She picked up Meteor and pressed a few buttons to allow Meteor to show a projected image. It was an image of her taken during a photoshoot for a handbag. It was more of a sexy shoot and Fate was quite pleased with it. But since Heero hardly ever saw her advertisements, she wondered what his reaction will be.
"What do you think?" She asked.
Heero raised an eyebrow at her. Heero thinks that she looked sexy yet glamourous at the same time which is different from her usual everyday look.
"So?" She asked.
"I think the bags will sell well." Heero said softly.
"Do I look that bad in it?" She asked.
"No, it's just very different from your usual look." Heero said.
She showed him a few more that belonged to the sexy category, it wasn't easy to be sexy while still clothed. But Fate managed to pull it off so well at times even she couldn't tell it was her.
"Fate, why are you showing me these?" Heero asked instead.
"I guess I just want to show you that I have changed my style during the past seven years." Fate said.
"I am aware of that, Fate." Heero said.
"You are?" She asked, giving him a doubtful look.
Heero looked away from the phone's camera briefly.
"I'm glad that you are changing as well, but keep in mind that you are still my girlfriend. I don't want to hear men talking about you because of those advertisements." Heero said.
"You noticed them?" Fate asked.
"Yes, I did." Heero said with a sigh.
Fate smiled, satisfied with his answer.
"I should let you get back to work." Fate said, going to hang up the call soon.
"Fate?"
"Yes?" She asked.
"I think that you are incredibly sexy as well." Heero said softly.
His words took her by surprise, but she knew what he meant. She didn't need to show him those photos to prove that she had changed and grown sexier. He knew that all along, just that he can't really show it, probably thanks to her wanting things to go slow. That made her feel a little guilty, but she knew that it was something they needed to work on. Still she wanted to tease him.
"Really? Because you don't seem to show it." Fate pointed out.
"Sadly, my way of showing it would involve ravishing you on the spot and I think you aren't ready for it yet." Heero remarked.
Fate laughed and blushed at his words.
"You can be quite hard to resist Fate, but don't push it too far when you are still not ready." Heero said softly.
"What do you mean?" Fate asked.
"The short skirt and the thigh highs." Heero said softly.
She knew that he was referring to the school uniform get up and he seemed a little embarrassed to mention it. She smiled instead.
"I knew it, you were interested!" Fate exclaimed.
He cleared his throat loudly as if to change topic.
"Right, so I will see you soon." Heero said.
"Thank you Heero." Fate said instead and Heero gave her a small smile before he hung up on her.
She felt that her confidence had a major boost, so he was turned on by her and that made her blush. Guess they really do have things to work on if she wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Chapter 39.3: Triangle Connection
They say that one of the worst things for a man to encounter is to be sandwiched between two women that he loves. Not because both are his lovers and he cannot pick one, but it's because he's caught in the middle between his lover and his family member. Usually that is his mother, but there are times when that position is replaced by a close sister. Or in Trowa Barton's case, his only remaining blood relative.
He knew that Catherine Bloom who is his actual blood sister hates his girlfriend, Arabella Jayren. Everything started out well when Trowa introduced Catherine to Arabella. But everything turned south when Catherine found out that one of Arabella's best friend is Fate. And as Catherine is fiercely loyal to her good friend Relena, the dislike for Arabella grew and it escalated until they will often get into verbal fights within seconds of seeing each other. Trowa could not understand why they were like that. It wasn't as if they hated each other personally but they hate each other because of their best friend's involvement which in fact had nothing to do with them at all. Yet both are fiercely loyal to their good friend and refused to listen to any insults of them. Trowa was often placed in a difficult situation as he doesn't know whose side he should take. If he sides with Arabella, Catherine will be angered by it. But if he sides with Catherine, Arabella will be so angry that she will go on a cold war with him. And that was far worse than Catherine being angry with him. Hence Trowa was often placed in such a tight spot and he hated it because both women are important to him. Why can't they just get along? That way everyone will be at peace. Trowa always felt that going to war as a Gundam pilot was easier than dealing with these two women. Duo always teased him about this while Quatre was more encouraging, trying to help both women to come to terms. Wufei will always say let the women fight it out among themselves which Trowa does not believe to be a good option. But even Trowa is near his breaking point as well.
31st July,
VLA, Trowa's Apartment
Late Afternoon, 5pm
Trowa had managed to take a half day leave so he doesn't need to go to work from afternoon onwards. He had plans to get his girlfriend and his sister together, it was a setup, but he desperately wants both women to get along with each other. Catherine has been in VLA ever since Lady Une's wedding. She found a job in VLA and decided to move over to VLA to be closer to Trowa. Before she moved over to VLA, Catherine was still working in Colony L3. They hardly see each other as Trowa's job as a Preventer will send him all over the Colonies and Earth for missions. While Catherine seldom comes to VLA to see him. They still video call each other occasionally and Trowa will make sure that Catherine is financially stable. Catherine refused to accept any of his money, hence he was keeping tabs on her in his own ways to ensure that she has enough to get by in Colony L3. Catherine chose not to stay with him which was a god send decision as he will end up seeing Arabella less since both women can't stand each other and Arabella often stayed the night in his apartment.
He met up with Arabella who happened to be free even though she is busy modelling for the upcoming autumn's collection for some fashion brands. They went to the nearby supermarket to buy groceries as Trowa decided that they should cook dinner together. Everything started out well and Trowa was a little nervous how Arabella would react if she knew she was set up. They returned to his apartment and they started prepping the ingredients when the doorbell rang. Arabella looked surprised; he had a guest? Trowa opened the door and lets Catherine in. Catherine is enthusiastic, feeling excited about having a home cooked meal with Trowa. But her smile died at the sight of Arabella, who is shocked to see Catherine as well.
"What is she doing here?" Both women asked at the same time.
Trowa sighed.
"I decided that we should all have dinner together." Trowa said.
"You set us up!" Arabella exclaimed.
"I… well, yes. I thought that we…."
He trailed off when Arabella was heading towards where her bag was placed at, as if to leave. He moved over to stop her.
"Bella." He whispered.
"I'm not staying if she's here!" Arabella exclaimed, trying to sidestep him but he won't allow her to do so.
"Can't we all just be civil to each other and have a decent meal together?" Trowa asked softly.
"I'm a genuinely nice person, wish I can say the same for her. Eating with someone like her will only make me sick." Arabella remarked.
"The feeling's mutual." Catherine remarked angrily.
"Well if you want her to stay then I am leaving, goodbye." Arabella said.
"Bella, come on. Can't you just stay for my sake?" Trowa asked.
Arabella stared at him with narrowed eyes.
"Let her go Trowa, I'm sure she has better places to be than here with us. Probably thinks that she's above us commoners." Catherine said out loud.
Anger flared in Arabella's eyes.
"How dare you say that?"
Oh god, it's starting. And they barely even saw each other. Trowa thought to himself. This was exploding way out of proportion.
"Can you deny that you aren't a class above us?" Catherine asked.
"Just because I am a model does not make me a class above you."
"More like she earns way more than us that she looks down on us." Catherine muttered.
Trowa could tell that Arabella was angered and she will be pushed to breaking point as well.
"I have never looked down on either of you." Arabella said.
"More like on me." Catherine remarked.
Both women stared at each other with narrowed eyes.
"Catherine, stop this. Arabella doesn't see us like that." Trowa said, coming to Arabella's defense.
"Great, now even my brother is standing on her side. I should leave instead, leave you two love birds alone." Catherine said, turning to leave.
"Yeah leave, you are just an extra in the first place."
Trowa knew that Catherine was angered by it for she immediately turned back and stalked right up to Arabella.
"Who the bloody hell is the extra, we were fine before you came along!" Catherine shouted.
"Fine? You call being so far apart being fine? You could move to VLA earlier, but you refused!" Arabella shouted instead.
While Trowa was trying to get both to stop, the verbal fight only worsened. Trowa could only watch both women bickering at each other and he clenched his hands into fists too. Damn he hated this, why can't they just get along? And in that moment, Trowa finally snapped.
"ENOUGH!" He shouted above their voices.
Both women stopped and stared at him in shock.
"I hate this, being stuck in the middle between the two of you! I love both of you, one of you is my girlfriend and the other is my sister. Both of you are important to me! Why can't the two of you just get along? Stop fighting with each other so much and learn to put aside your differences!" Trowa shouted.
Both women were speechless before him.
"I set today up because I wanted an opportunity for the three of us to enjoy a simple homemade dinner together. Is it that hard to ask for? The two of you keep on fighting with each other like this but have either of your thought about me? How I will feel to see the two of you being so close to slapping each other?" Trowa asked.
Arabella looked down sadly, but Catherine turned to look away instead.
"Get your act together, we are all adults here! Stop acting like the childish teenager you used to be!" Trowa said.
Then he turned and left.
"Trowa?" Arabella asked softly.
"I'm leaving, at least I can get away from this suffocating atmosphere." Trowa said.
Trowa left the apartment and the door slammed shut after him before either woman could speak. Then Arabella turned to look at Catherine who looked upset as well. What were they going to do? Arabella knew that they had been too focused on their hatred for each other that they have forgotten how it was hurting Trowa instead. Arabella felt guilty about it and wondered if Catherine felt the same.
"I'm sorry, Catherine." Arabella said, and she meant it.
Catherine looked at her in surprise, she was surprised that Arabella will put aside her pride and apologize first.
"I know how much Trowa means to you, just like how much Relena is as well. But that doesn't mean that we can't get along despite our differences. After all we all both have one thing in common and that's our love for Trowa." Arabella said.
Catherine was stunned that Arabella can be so honest about her feelings for Trowa. But she knew that Arabella was right. No fight with anyone was worth ruining her relationship with Trowa for he's the only family member she has left.
"I'm sorry about the words I said about you and Fate. I know that she's important to you as well. And you are right, Trowa should come first instead of our own differences." Catherine said.
Arabella smiled and surprised her by hugging her.
"Arabella?" Catherine asked in surprise.
"Thank you for looking after Trowa in your own ways, I'm sure he knows that you care a lot about him despite living so far away from him." Arabella whispered.
Catherine returned the hug as well.
"Thank you for being there for him when I couldn't be." Catherine whispered.
They broke the hug and both women smiled each other for once.
"What should we do next?" Arabella asked.
Catherine stared at the ingredients in the kitchen.
"We finish what we started?" Catherine asked.
"But he's not coming back." Arabella asked.
"He will, after he has cooled off." Catherine said.
Arabella was surprised but both stepped into the kitchen. And surprisingly they were able to work well together to cook dinner for the three of them.
2 hours later, 7pm
Trowa returned to the apartment, expecting it to be empty. He felt horrible for snapping at them like that and knew that he will have to apologize to them privately. But he was surprised to see that the lights were still switched on. But what surprised him even more was the aroma of cooked food. Wait a minute, who stayed to cook the ingredients that he had bought?
"You are back." Arabella said with a smile on her face.
He was a little disappointed to see that only his girlfriend had stayed. The dining table was already set with cooked dishes and he was surprised to see that Arabella had set the table for three people. Could it be?
"About time." Catherine exclaimed.
He stared at both woman in shock, especially when both women were smiling.
"What's going on? I thought the two of you will have left by now." Trowa asked.
"Well we… decided to put our differences aside." Arabella said.
She looked at Catherine and Catherine smiled as well. Was this for real? Even Trowa had doubts.
"Really?" Trowa asked.
"Yes, and you are right, brother. I am sorry for hurting you." Catherine said.
"And I'm sorry too." Arabella said.
Trowa hadn't expected any of this to happen in a short span of two hours hence he wasn't sure how to react.
"I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have snapped like that." Trowa said.
Arabella started laughing instead.
"Stop turning this into an apologetic party. Let's eat before the food gets cold!" Arabella said.
Trowa was pushed to sit down at the table where they started to eat dinner. The food was delicious and Trowa was impressed that both women can work so well together. But above all it was great to see smiles and hear laughter over the table than shouts and curse words. He finally felt at peace and was happy to be surrounded by his family and the one he loves. Was this what Heero and Quatre felt when they are surrounded by people that they love?
"What's wrong?" Catherine asked.
"Nothing, I am glad that we aren't fighting anymore." Trowa said.
"Catherine's not that bad when you get to know her." Arabella said.
"Same to Arabella." Catherine said.
Both women smiled at each other again and Trowa could only hope that this was the start of a friendship between both women. It was good to see both women on good terms with each other for they are connected through him and that formed their own triangle connection.
3 hours later,
VLA, Blue Marine Pub,
Night time, 10pm
Trowa was at Blue Marine Pub to get a drink after sending Catherine and Arabella home. After dinner they had washed up and he was glad that both women were finally able to get along with each other. He asked Arabella privately when they were alone in his car if she meant what she said. Arabella had laughed and kissed him on his cheek. She asked him not to worry for she will try harder to get along with Catherine for his sake as well. Trowa had smiled and kissed her before she left to go back to her apartment.
He was surprised to find Heero at their usual table, drinking alone. He joined him at the table and Heero acknowledged him with a nod. He ordered his usual drink before turning to look at Heero.
"Why are you here alone?" Trowa asked.
Heero was pressing on his tablet before this and Heero showed him what was up. Trowa looked at the screen and was surprised to see that it was a photo of an advertisement campaign. Fate was modelling a handbag in it. But what surprised Trowa was the fact that she looked so sexy in it and it was so different from her usual style.
"Right. Is that why you are sulking here?" Trowa asked.
Heero didn't speak but he seemed to have a lot on his mind.
"What's going on Heero?" Trowa asked softly.
He was silent for a while before he drank his whisky, finishing the glass in one gulp.
"Sometimes people change so fast and so much that we are forced to accept it even if we don't want to." Heero said.
"You are referring to Fate?" Trowa asked.
Heero nodded, as he looked at the photo again.
"It's not a bad photo, it just doesn't look like her." Trowa said.
"Exactly. But Fate wants me to acknowledge and accept this side to her." Heero said.
Trowa was silent as he thought of Arabella. Maybe because he met her later than Heero met Fate, hence Arabella is already a model. Arabella's style is more towards the sexy side which attracted Trowa at the start. But Heero seems to be finding it hard to see Fate that way, beyond the beautiful lady she is.
"We all grow up, Heero."
"I know its human nature and she's a beautiful woman. But sometimes I just want her to remain the pure lady I know her to be." Heero said.
"Well you can't deny that she is sexy and maybe she wants you to acknowledge that she's not just all cute and beautiful." Trowa said.
He earned a glare from Heero at his remark.
"What? Everyone feels the same. Look at all the comments about her on social media." Trowa said, scrolling down to let Heero see the comments.
"I already read them." Heero remarked dryly.
"See, I'm trying to prove a point here." Trowa said as he drank his drink.
Heero sighed and blacked out the screen as if not wanting to think about it anymore.
"What about you?" Heero asked.
"This is a celebratory drink." Trowa admits.
"What for?" Heero asked.
"A miracle happened."
That earned a raised eyebrow from Heero.
"Arabella and Catherine are finally able to get along with each other." Trowa explained with a smile on his face.
Heero nodded in understanding.
"I am savouring the moment, who knows how long it will last this time round." Trowa said.
Heero said nothing as Trowa continued drinking his drink.
"I think I finally feel contented." Trowa said softly, as Heero signalled something to a waiter.
"In what way?" Heero asked.
"Like I finally have everything. A well-paid job though dangerous at times, a girlfriend, a sister and surrounded by friends and people I love. All the things that I didn't have back then and things I never thought I will need or will be able to get." Trowa said.
They remained silent as the waiter placed a whisky bottle and two new whisky glasses at their table.
"What is this?" Trowa asked Heero after the waiter had left.
"One of the premium whiskies in my collection." Heero said.
"You have a collection?" Trowa joked as Heero opened the bottle and poured them a drink.
"I do have a very extensive one which I share with my family and friends." Heero said.
"Really?" Trowa asked.
"Like you said it's a celebration." Heero said.
"Cheers to that." Trowa said.
They clinked their glasses and drank their whisky. Trowa immediately understood what Heero meant by saying that it was premium whisky.
"Wow, I didn't know whisky could taste like that." Trowa exclaimed.
"You haven't tried it all yet." Heero said softly.
Trowa laughed instead.
"To us, for we are far better off than where we started." Heero said.
"To us." Trowa said with a smile as they clinked their glasses yet again.
After all, in human standards, Heero was the one who went way beyond their expectations and truly have it all. Yet now all of them have a much better life compared to when the war first ended. Could be that peace had changed them or maybe they were simply blending in and trying to live a normal human life? To be accepted by society and the feeling of having it all.
"What do you do in moments like this?" Trowa asked.
"Be thankful and grateful of what you have. Because one trigger and everything will vanish faster than they were achieved." Heero said.
His words sounded rather negative in this moment but Trowa knew that it was true. For they all had a secret that will ruin their lives should there be a single leak among them. And this was something that had always been on his mind ever since he and Arabella have gotten so close.
"I can't decide if I should tell her." Trowa said softly.
"That choice is yours but heed this warning, Trowa. I won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to remove whoever who tries to destroy the life that we have worked so hard to build." Heero said.
Trowa knew that he meant it, this was Heero's way of protecting all of them. For everything was fragile and could be broken so easily.
"Even if it was Fate?" Trowa asked softly, in a what if scenario.
"Yes, even if it was Fate." Heero said with determination in his voice.
"Even if it will kill you inside?" Trowa said.
"Yes." Heero admits.
This was why Trowa always admired Heero, he will always do what needed to be done without bringing any personal feelings into it. He will do it even if it will destroy himself, even if it will make him hated by everyone. He will go to great lengths just to protect everyone. He was noble and stupid at the same time, but he was also their last resort. Trowa knew that he was nowhere near Heero's level for he wouldn't be able to do it. Not to Arabella.
"I won't be able to do that to Arabella." Trowa whispered.
Heero didn't speak but drank his whisky instead.
"How can you be so certain that you wouldn't waver?" Trowa asked softly.
"Because it's a math problem with a clear answer. One vs all, it's an either or. No in between, no grey area here." Heero said.
Trowa sighed and drank his drink instead. No point worrying about things that may or may not happen. What's important is to live in the now. He will worry about it later.
"Fate's hiding something from me." Heero said softly.
And that earned a surprised look from Trowa. He knew that Heero was telling him this because he trusts him to keep it a secret. Then again, it's hard to hide things from Heero, he's often one step ahead of them.
"What makes you think that?" Trowa asked.
"She's hesitating as if unsure if she should tell me." Heero said.
"Do you know what it might be about?" Trowa asked.
"I have a few ideas, but somehow it's puzzling." Heero said.
"Do you need help to look into it?" Trowa asked.
"No, because this is personal. I need to figure this one out on my own." Heero said.
"If you insist." Trowa said.
Heero was silent after that but then he checked his phone.
"I have to go." Heero told him.
"Work?" Trowa asked.
"No, it's Jace." Heero said.
"You two seem closer now." Trowa said.
"Everyone needs a drinking buddy once in a while." Heero said.
Trowa smiled instead.
"Finish the bottle if you want to, I have plenty more. The bottle's mine so the tab is on me." Heero said as he picked up his tablet.
"See you around." Trowa said.
Heero nodded and then he left the pub. Trowa poured himself another glass and wondered if they will always be worried about similar things. Nevertheless, he was still in a celebratory mood.
Author's Note: This chapter was broken down so that I can focus on more characters. Fate is indeed hiding something from Heero which will be addressed in the next story arc. I wanted to mention a little of Fate's past as well as her past when she first started out to be a singer. Trowa has it tough being caught in the middle of two women he loves but at least this is resolved. I can finally move forward with the next story arc after finally overcoming the writer's block I had for this story. Hope you look forward to the next chapter, thank you for your support.