Family
Chapter 48: Music Video
Author's note: Previously on Family, Heero entered Fate's dream in order to save her from her nightmares. Confronted with the events that took place that fateful night and when Fate is living as Gabriella, Heero rushed to save her from her fears. Trowa confides a little more in Arabella while Quatre moves to VLA. Wufei is getting ready for his training as Deputy Head of the Preventer while Fate visits Heero's penthouse again. After some time, Fate has finally come to terms with what happened that night between the two of them. At the party Fate gave a speech, declaring them to be victors over their fears and announced that she will be back to work. She has major plans to change her upcoming new album.
This chapter will not be broken down into shorter chapters, but it will be a long chapter instead.
Thank you for reading this story and I hope that you will continue to support it. Please read and review, NO FLAMERS! Pairing: HeeroXOC
After Colony 203, 20th September
Colony L1, VLA, Somerleyton Wright Manor, Underground Base,
Morning, 10am
One month has passed since the party Fate held at Moonstone Mansion. Heero was currently busy going through his daily reports. Life went back to normal after the Fear Gas Attack's case was officially closed. Wufei is getting busy learning the ropes to be the Deputy Head of the Preventer Force. They still meet twice a week in their underground facility for physical training. Wufei was improving fast but it was good exercise as well.
Fate had returned to work and after a discussion with her producers and manager, decided to redo almost half of her new album. Hence, she was busy every day with studio recordings, more photo shoots, music video shoots and promotional work. She was appearing on more variety shows, talk shows as if to appease her fans who were worried about her. Of course, the paparazzi was still following her around. But with her rushing from one work site to another, there was nothing juicy to talk about. Fate has been quite tight lipped about what happened when she was asked about what happened to her during the fear gas incident. Kimberly probably briefed her on what to say and her answers were consistent across all shows she had appeared for.
Heero hardly ever sees her at all this past one month. Fate's schedule was simply too packed for any personal time. He only sees her when he goes to her mansion twice a week at night. She is often already asleep or looked exhausted. Maybe she was too tired that she slept through those nights he was there. There were no breakdowns nor a repeat of those nightmares so far according to Federick as well. Heero was still not convinced hence he will continue to watch over her until he's certain she's completely over it.
Fate wrote her own lyrics for some of the songs on this new album; it wasn't uncommon as she did that for some of her songs before this album. But still Heero wondered why she's putting more effort into this album than usual. He looked at the date on his computer and knows that Fate's birthday is coming up in five days.
He had called Helen beforehand to find out if Helen has something already planned for Fate this year. Sadly, Fate was insistent on a small party this year plus her work schedule was too tight that she can't go back to Japan for it. Hence it was likely to be a birthday party among closer friends in VLA. Heero wondered if he should plan this one but he has been questioning Fate in his subtle ways on what she will like for her birthday. She was often too tired to give him a proper answer, but she said she does not have anything in particular that she wanted. Hence Heero was thinking about her birthday gift for a while.
Regardless he left planning of the party to Helen as he didn't want to hijack the party plans. He will need to work on what to give to Fate and getting her to the party as her schedule was too crazy lately. Fate had given him access to her schedule while he had given her a watered-down version of his schedule. As his schedule was usually filled with classified information hence, he can only show her one with a general outline of what he's busy with each day. She was so busy that she was hardly using her phone as well hence Heero noticed the silence on his phone from her.
Meanwhile Quatre has settled into VLA well and is off in search of a new way of life while still being a businessman. He seems to be enjoying his break so far but Heero wondered if he's really alright underneath that fake smile he puts on. Heero called in a favour from one of his soldiers deeply undercover in Colony L4 to check on Dorothy for him. It was quite a silent report from her side so far. But at times like this, Heero wondered if he should step in to help Quatre. Duo is happy with Hilde hence it was a relief. But he decided to call Meteor as he was getting worried about Fate. Fate picked up the call almost instantly.
"It's not like you to call me through Meteor." Fate told him.
"I haven't talked to you for a while." Heero said.
"We just met last night." She pointed out.
"You were already asleep when I got there, and I left early this morning for work." Heero told her.
She was silent before she sighed.
"How are you?" He asked.
"Really busy when I'm not sleeping but it's good to hear from you too." Fate said.
"How is the production of the album coming along?" Heero asked.
"We are still far from the targeted released date, pushing it back will cause more issues." Fate said.
"A rushed job will decrease the quality." Heero said.
"I said as much but then I'm the one who wanted the changes in the first place." Fate said.
Heero heard people calling for Fate.
"I have to go, need to finish this music video shoot by today." Fate said.
"Take care of yourself Fate, I'm worried about you." Heero admits.
"I will be fine, thank you." She said before she hung up the call.
Heero placed the phone back in its place on his desk. He needed to go gift shopping for Fate as well.
VLA, On-site Video Shoot
Night time, 8pm
Fate was filming one of her newest music videos. They have been on the move, moving to a few different sites throughout the day. Fate seldom acts in her own music videos, if they were to tell a story, they will also cast other actresses and actors to be in her music videos. Many of them will jump at such an opportunity as Fate has already made a name for herself. But this time round she wanted to act in this one. She made it clear that she wasn't going to kiss the male co-star but acting like an actual couple was tough. She was stiff at the start, even though he's a very handsome man, he wasn't Heero. Fate will never ask Heero to star in her music videos because Heero is an expressionless man to the outside world, especially on camera. Hence, he wasn't the best choice for the role though he is her actual boyfriend. But she took a break and get it into her head that this was acting. This was what famous actresses do, get into character and act. So, she did that and thank goodness they managed to get the shots they needed.
Fate always gives a hundred and twenty percent on everything that she does hence she gave energy, emotion and power on camera as required by the director. This song is close to her heart as it was about the life of Gabriella. A very normal, ordinary life. The story board follows closely with what she had been through in the nightmares caused by the fear gas. She had another more emotional song written about how she felt when she was Gabriella, the feeling of being forgotten. That song's music video will be hard to shoot if she wanted to star in it herself, but she will determine it after today's shoot.
They have already finished the daytime scenes and Fate had finished her dramatic crying scene. She did not want to portray suicide in her music video hence she dramatized it by fainting due to some health condition instead. The hospital scene and the individual close up singing scenes were done as well. They even did the exact same ending scene the same way she remembered how her nightmare ended. The director was checking all of the footage that was filmed today while Fate waited patiently in the beautiful setting. She didn't know such a beautiful flower shop existed in VLA. Thank goodness one of her designer friend told her about the place. It was a flower shop inside a large glass house. It was beautiful and bright in the morning, but they managed to dramatize the night scenes with fake rain on the surfaces of the glass house during the dramatic crying and fainting scene.
Fate reviewed the footage shot as she wanted it to portray Gabriella's life most accurately. They showed her a some of the clips taken today for her to review. The director said he was extremely impressed with Fate's performance today as she was truly acting on screen for the first time. It was a wrap and Fate heaved a sigh of relief. She thanked her co-star who kind of acted as Heero in her music video. As the crew were tearing the props and equipment down, Fate went back to her star trailer. She removed her makeup and took a shower. After that she was hearing feedback from Kimberly who came to find her. She was really tired but at least everything seemed good.
"How was it, acting in your own music videos for once?" Kimberly asked.
"It was tough, I found it hard to act as lovers when he's not Heero." Fate told her.
"Well it's acting."
"I am okay with the concept of it in photo shoots but acting is totally different as it's a longer period of time and they capture everything on video instead of just a camera shot." Fate said.
"Every cast and crew were impressed with your performance today." Kimberly said.
"Even you?" Fate asked.
Kimberly have seen her fair share of actors and actresses in this industry hence her opinion of her performance was valid.
"You did well for a first acting performance. Though the crying scene was really dramatized." Kimberly said.
"Which was the whole point." Fate said as she checked her phone.
Oh no, she had missed calls from Heero which was rare.
"And for the second last music video, do you want to act in it? You said you will think about it after this one." Kimberly asked her.
Fate sighed, the song itself was hard and emotional to sing. But the video will be even harder for Fate to act it out.
"It will have the most impact if it was me in it." Fate said.
"It's your video of course you will be in it." Kimberly said.
"No, I mean with the emotions coming from me instead of from someone else. I will act in it then." Fate said.
Kimberly agreed and so she will do the necessary changes.
"And about your last music video shoot?" Kimberly asked.
Fate winced at the thought of that one. Sometimes she wonders why she's killing herself like this. It was a fast song and something Fate wanted to try. To fully break away from her cute, beautiful and gentle self to a more mature and sexy style.
"Heero will kill me if he saw that one." Fate muttered.
"We still haven't got a location for it yet." Kimberly said.
"Keep looking, I am asking around for it as well." Fate said.
"You can ask your boyfriend for help." Kimberly suggested.
"No, he will question the concept of it. And he is already frowning at my handbag advertisement." Fate said.
"But that was a good one." Kimberly said.
"I thought so too, but he…"
She trailed off oh well she can't blame him totally. He had always known her as the pure and gentle lady, it's hard for Heero to now see her as a mature, sexy woman now.
"And you need to decide on the outfit soon." Kimberly said.
Fate sighed as she started having doubts that she can pull it off when it came to outfit selection. She blushed at the outfit samples provided so far and decided not to choose yet.
"You wanted something sexy hence you were given outfits that were sexy." Kimberly reminded her.
"I know but sometimes we have to draw a line somewhere and not go beyond it." Fate said.
She was silent and asked for more outfit choices.
"We will reach out to SilverWings and you know your boyfriend will know." Kimberly reminded her.
"I know, I… will tell him." Fate said.
Kimberly then asked her to make a few more decisions on the two upcoming music videos. After that they both left the star trailer with their belongings. Fate was surprised to see Heero standing outside waiting for her.
"Heero?" She asked in surprise.
"I came to pick you up." Heero told her.
It was already late but Fate bids goodbye to Kimberly and Heero leads her to his car. She thanked him for picking her up.
"Did you manage to finish the music video shoot?" Heero asked.
"Yes, we wrapped up today. But I still have two more to shoot." Fate said.
Heero noticed the glass house filled with flowers inside it and he looked back at Fate.
"I don't question your music direction in your songs but are you writing about what happened in your nightmares?" Heero asked.
She nodded, there was no need to lie about it. Both of them got into his car.
"Fate…"
"I'm over most of them, but naturally I'm not going to write a song about the matter between us." Fate said.
"It is wise, Fate?" He asked.
"I am not sure I simply had inspiration from my nightmares, and I believe they are something everyone can relate with. Although Gabriella's story is personal to me." Fate said.
Heero decided to change topic instead.
"Where do you want to go for dinner?" Heero asked her, knowing that she hadn't eaten anything.
"There's somewhere I would like to go."
20 minutes later,
High End Shopping District
Heero was confused when Fate asked him to go to a high-end shopping district. She was clearly not in the mood for dinner as she dragged him down the street with a destination in mind. He wanted to ask her to stop to go into a restaurant, but she kept walking on. Eventually he knew where they were going when they stopped in front of a flagship store for one of the designers under his SilverWings branch.
"Why are we here?" Heero asked her.
"I am doing research for my upcoming music video." She said.
"And dinner?" Heero asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Not in the mood for food."
She was obviously still stuck in work mode. She dragged him into the store, and they were immediately shown into the top floor where the VIP collection was. The very same designer was doing work in his office, but he will be out to see them later. Heero watched Fate in silence as she looked at the designer gowns on the racks. The choices she was looking at belonged to the sexy style.
"Fate, is there something you need to tell me?" Heero asked.
"No, why?" She asked as she browsed through the racks.
"Fate." He said her name as he stared at her in silence.
She saw the seriousness in his eyes and knows she can't hide it from him forever.
"My last music video is more sexy." She admits.
"In what sense?" He asked as he narrowed his eyes at her.
She didn't answer him and gave him an awkward smile.
"Fate, I thought you were against showing too much skin in the first place?" Heero asked.
"I am still keeping to that, but some areas are turning into borderline cases." Fate said.
"Like?" He asked.
"Legs, back, figure…"
He stared at her in silence and she can tell that he's angry.
"I'm still wearing clothes." She exclaimed.
Heero drew back to his usual self and she turned just in time for the designer to come into the room. He greeted both of them excitedly and Fate immediately pulled the designer aside to tell him of her concept. Heero sat down on the sofa and waited for them as it was clear that she's not going to listen to his objection on this matter. The designer showed her a few pieces which Fate kept shaking her head. In the end the designer came back with a sketch pad and they did a discussion on it. Heero looked at the design that was sketched out and raised an eyebrow at Fate.
"I need to dance with it, so a slit up the side?" Fate asked.
They did the changes to the drawing, but Fate wanted an even higher slit.
"Shorten the dress." Heero said.
"What?" Both of them exclaimed.
"With a slit so high up it makes the gown practically useless." Heero said.
They changed the design until they finalised on one. It was a really short dress that has a low cut on the back, and it's a little low on the front. Heero thinks it looked like a clubbing dress, but Fate said it was workable. The designer said he will see what he can come up with under this general direction. Then Fate said she will need a full couture piece for the solo singing shots which was no problem. Fate is not so particular on the full gown but asked for something mid-range sexy. With that they left the shop as the designer has a very tight deadline.
"You are unhappy." Fate said.
"It's a clubbing dress." Heero said.
"A sophisticated, short dress." Fate corrected.
"Where is the location shoot?" Heero asked.
"We haven't found the place yet." Fate said as they walked down the street.
"I want to be there." Heero said.
"Heero, don't you think your presence there will only make me distracted?" Fate asked.
"You have a very high sense of professionalism in terms of your work, you won't be distracted by me." Heero said.
She was silent but knows that he's looking out for her like this. She sighed but held onto his arm as they walked on.
"Okay, since you will only show up anyway." Fate said.
"Since both are dresses sponsored by SilverWings, naturally." Heero said.
"Shall we go for dinner now?" She asked.
"You mean supper." Heero corrected.
"On second thoughts maybe not." Fate said, knowing that she needs to be on a strict diet these few weeks.
The dress will be figure hugging hence she will have to hit the exercise machine harder these few weeks.
"Fate…"
"Let's go back to my place." Fate said.
Heero stopped her and hugged her as if not caring that they were in the middle of the street.
"Heero?" Fate asked.
"I'm worried about you. I do hate the idea of you in short and revealing dress. To top it off the entire universe will be seeing it once the music video is released." Heero said.
"But?" She supplied as he broke the hug and look at her.
"But I won't stop you since we already agreed to be supportive of each other's career. Especially since this idea came from you." Heero said.
Fate smiled and thanked him for being understanding in this.
"Promise me one thing Fate, never go full nude or even partial nude on anything. That is not up for discussion." Heero said.
"I promise as I have no intention of doing that." Fate said.
Their eyes met and Heero knows that she meant her words.
"The only person who can see you naked is me, remember that." He said it so softly that she thought she misheard him.
But then she blushed almost immediately, forcing herself to look away from him. It was hard to meet his eyes right now.
"When the time is right, and you are ready for it." Heero added.
She merely nodded, too embarrassed to say anything. Heero gave her a small smile and held her hand before they walked on. She walked on beside him, still feeling so shy about it. He was silent as they walked towards where he parked his car, but Fate can only hope that it will be much better than their first time together.
5 days later, 25th September
VLA, Everlasting Studios,
Night time, 7pm
Fate had just finished another studio recording of one of her new songs. She had changed her outfit into a formal gown, did her makeup and styled her hair. Since she's certain that her birthday party was tonight. She had been so busy that she had forgotten about it until she received birthday gifts from her fans. She's now waiting for someone to come pick her up to go to the party venue. There was a knock on the door, and she gave the person permission to enter. She was surprised to see that it was Jace, who smiled happily at her. He opened his arms wide as if expecting a hug, but he was met with a silent stare. He was wearing a black three-piece suit hence Fate was right that it was still a formal party.
"Right, sorry I'm not Heero." Jace said as he dropped his arms and approached her.
"And where is your brother?" Fate asked.
"He is busy and asked someone to fetch you. How can I pass on an opportunity to have a private talk with you? I jumped at it immediately." Jace told her as he smiled at her.
It was odd to see the same identical face of her boyfriend with a wide smile as Heero never smiled like that before. Fate stood up and picked up her clutch. Jace checked her out from head to toe.
"You look beautiful, Fate." He told her.
"Thank you and Heero will punch you if he knows you just checked me out." Fate said jokingly as they made their way to leave the room.
"I'm sure that he understands that every man likes a beautiful woman." Jace said in defence of himself.
Fate said nothing, one can't always out-talk a lawyer. They went to the lift lobby and Fate asked where they were going.
"It's a secret and I can't tell you so don't bother trying to find out through me." Jace answered smoothly.
The lift came and they took it down to basement level where Jace parked his car.
"Happy Birthday Fate." Jace told her.
"Thank you." Fate said.
They got out of the lift and walked to Jace's sports car. He helped her into the passenger seat before getting behind the wheel. They drove off into the City of VLA and Fate wondered where they were going.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Fate asked Jace directly as it was getting quiet in the car.
"Are you really alright, Fate?" He asked her suddenly.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Your condition was the worst among Heero's best friends after the fear gas attack hence I wanted to know if you are really alright now." Jace said.
"I am alright now." Fate admits.
"Did Heero tell you about his nightmare?" Jace asked.
Fate frowned, what was Jace up to?
"He did, did he tell you about them as well?" Fate asked.
"No, Heero didn't say a single word about them to me after he woke up from the nightmares. But he doesn't have to, for I know about his nightmares for a while now. I even know what happens in them." Jace said.
"What do you mean?" Fate asked.
"I had the same nightmare Heero used to have once in a while, hence I know what happened in them." Jace said.
"But how?"
"I don't know but there might be some sort of link between us as we are identical triplets." Jace said.
"And?" Fate asked pressing on.
"They were really scary, hence I wondered if he talked to you about them." Jace said.
"He did tell me a summarized version of what happened." Fate said.
"Okay, I just wanted to check with you, that's all." Jace said.
Fate looked at Jace in silence.
"You could have asked Heero directly." Fate said.
"He doesn't want to talk about them with me, so I didn't think it was wise for me to ask." Jace said.
"He's your brother, Jace." Fate pointed out.
"I know, we are on much better terms than when we first started. But Heero always gives off this taboo topic vibe. That he doesn't want to talk about it." Jace said.
"You need to poke him in the right ways, only then he will tell you." Fate said.
"Has it happened to you before?" Jace asked.
"Yes." Fate said as she was reminded of the matter regarding Marshall Noventa.
"Sorry for bringing up such sad topics." Jace said.
"It's alright, it goes to show how much you care about him." Fate said.
"Sorry that you have to be the spy for us sometimes." Jace joked.
Fate shook her head and smiled as well, aware of what he meant. The car continued driving on until they stopped at a high-rise building. Fate frowned at the sight of it and wondered where they were. They went into the building and went all the way up to the highest floor. The lift doors opened, and Fate was surprised when everyone wished her happy birthday, pulling a birthday surprise. They came out of the lift and Fate realised that it was restaurant on the rooftop of the building. She was surrounded by her family and close friends. They sang her a birthday song before she made a wish and blew out the candles. They started taking photos of her and then she cuts the cake first. The large cake was given to the staff to distribute while Fate started thanking everyone who came for her party.
Everyone wished her happy birthday privately. Fate thanked them for their gifts and for making time to attend her party. It was much smaller than her usual one which was a good thing. She took photos with her friends and chats with a few people. She did scan the crowd and noticed that Heero wasn't around which was odd. She asked his best friends if they knew where he was. Quatre approached her and handled her a small box instead.
"Heero has to attend to a last-minute work emergency hence he left some time ago. But he asked me to give you this." Quatre told her.
Fate forced herself to smile even though she was immediately disappointed when she heard Quatre's words. She took the small box from Quatre and thanked him softly.
"I'm sorry Fate." Quatre told her.
"It's not your fault, it can't be helped." She whispered.
She turned away from Quatre and kept the box inside Meteor. She will look at it later. Then she forced herself to continue smiling as she moved on to talk to her friends. Fate is grateful that they are all here to celebrate her birthday with her but somehow the man she wants to be with is missing. Why does Heero keep on missing her important days like this? She pretended not to be affected by it, after all it's her birthday celebration! She should be happy; she will deal with Heero later.
Fate's fake smile did not go unnoticed by her family members and best friends. But as it was a party setting, it was still best not to damper the mood. Fate seemed to be forcing herself extremely hard to appear happy and cheerful. But at least she was putting in effort to entertain her friends. Wufei noticed that she didn't even eat anything, not even her own birthday cake. She was constantly moving about, talking to people one after another. Federick noticed all of this and came forward to stop Fate when she finished her fourth glass of champagne. Fate has a low tolerance for alcohol; hence it was best if she does not get drunk.
"Enough champagne for the night, Fate." He advised.
"Oh but…"
He separated her from her friends, pulling her to the buffet table set up by the restaurant.
"You should try the food here, it's delicious." Federick told her.
"I'm not hungry." She whispered.
Federick picked a few dishes from the buffet table and handled the plate to her. He then sat her down at an empty table and politely sent people on their way should they try to talk to Fate. He was giving her the time and space to eat something. But Fate wasn't in the mood and drank more wine instead.
"It's about your missing boyfriend?" Federick asked.
Fate didn't respond but finished her glass of wine instead but Federick easily stopped her from getting her sixth glass. She stood up and pushed open the glass doors that led to an outdoor balcony. She walked all the way till she was at the edge, protected by the railings. Federick followed after her as if to watch over her. She looked out at the city of VLA in front of her. It was a beautiful view, but it did nothing to console her. She stared ahead in silence and sighed before she put her fake smile back on.
"I have a feeling you will rather skip the entire party and spend the night with your boyfriend." Federick said.
"That would be the plan if he's here. But he's not." Fate said softly.
She sounded bitter, no she still needed to be the happy party girl not a sad one.
"You know how work is to him." Federick said softly.
Fate remained silent as she didn't trust herself to speak. She turned and forced herself to go back into the restaurant but Federick stopped her.
"It's painful to watch you like this Fate. Your good friends and family can tell that you are upset so act like it, don't pretend that you are happy when you are not." Federick said.
"I can't, not when it's my birthday party." She whispered.
That's when both of them heard a really loud noise. They turned and Fate frowned as she couldn't see what was making that noise. But Federick spotted that there was a helicopter flying towards where they are. He immediately dragged Fate further into the restaurant area as the helicopter got closer. The sound of the propellers rotating increased, so did the strong winds caused by the helicopter as it was approaching where they were. Everyone watched in shock and wondered who it was. As there was no helipad for the helicopter to land, it hovered in the air. The door to the helicopter opened and Fate was surprised to see that it was Heero. She immediately ran out of the restaurant to go near where he was. Federick followed after her as he felt that it was dangerous for the helicopter to be so close to a building. Heero was dressed in a black tuxedo and he wasn't making any attempts to jump from the helicopter into the building.
"Heero!" Fate called out.
Heero nodded when he saw her and signalled for her to come to him. Fate was surprised to see his signal. The propellers were too loud that they wouldn't be able to understand each other through words. He continued to signal her to come with him. She looked back at her family and friends who were wondering what the commotion was about. Fate mouthed a few words to Federick, knowing that he can read her lips. Federick reacted in shock.
"Fate!" His protest was in vain as she can't hear him.
She turned back and Federick thought she wasn't going with Heero. But he soon realised that she was trying to put more distance between herself and the helicopter. Surely, she isn't crazy to try jumping over. There is still a gap between the helicopter and the building, if she misses, she will be falling straight to her death. She placed her clutch bag into Meteor. Fate waved goodbye to the people in the restaurant. Then she held up the sides of her formal gown before she started running towards the edge of the balcony. She jumped over the railing and was definitely going to fall as the gap was much larger than expected. But Heero caught hold of her easily and supported her as she slides into the back seat of the helicopter. Heero closed the helicopter's door after him and gave the order to leave. Fate was still catching her breath when the helicopter started flying away.
"My God, that was crazy." Fate said.
"I didn't think you will jump." Heero said.
"You asked me to." Fate said.
"I did but I thought you wouldn't attempt it." Heero said.
Fate then moved over and hugged him immediately. God, she had been so upset and angry at him, but all of it seemed to have melted away with his appearance. Heero hugged her back and kissed her on her forehead.
"Sorry, an emergency happened." He explained softly.
"I was really angry and upset at you." She admits.
"I know."
She then turned and looked out of the helicopter's window. The city of VLA looked even more amazing from up here.
"I used the military base's helicopter to come back as soon as possible." Heero explained the helicopter.
"You can use it for personal reasons?" She asked.
"It is for transportation and emergency uses. Not missing my girlfriend's birthday party is a priority to me."
Fate smiled at him.
"But my mind changed when I got here and thought I will give you a surprise instead." Heero said.
"What surprise?"
"A helicopter ride above VLA." Heero told her.
Heero then gave the pilot the location of their destination. Fate finally relaxed and started to enjoy the helicopter ride through the lighted city of VLA. Heero held her hand as she looked out of the helicopter's window. She smiled at him until Heero leaned forward and kissed her on her lips. It was a gentle kiss, but it was exciting that it was one they shared while they were high up in the air. Eventually the helicopter landed on a rooftop's helipad. Fate wondered where they were. The helicopter lifted off after they have walked off the helipad.
"Where are we?" She asked Heero.
"This is not the exact place; we still have some distance to go by foot." Heero told her.
She smiled at him as they went into the lift to go down to the ground floor. The minute the lift doors closed, Fate threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Heero kissed her back just as passionately, aware that she wanted to do this since the helicopter ride. Mainly because she's just relieved that they are finally spending time together on her birthday. Heero stopped her as they have reached the ground floor. She blushed as she looked at him, but they left the lift together. She wrapped her arm around his and smiled up at him. With that they walked together down the street. Heero came to a stop outside a café that has a closed sign. But the lights in the café were still on. Fate looked at the large signboard of the café and realised that she had been here before. She looked at Heero in question.
"Do you remember this place?" Heero asked her.
"Why did you bring me here?" She asked softly.
She remembered wanting to try this café when it opened. It was a popular place and Fate waited until the crowd had died down before she asked to meet Heero here. She sat there until closing time but Heero didn't show up at all. He didn't even explain why he couldn't turn up. Fate had went home feeling really upset. But she still forced herself to pretend that nothing was wrong the next time she met Heero again.
"I remember that you wanted to try this café with me, but I didn't show yet you didn't even question me why." Heero said.
She said nothing, wondering why Heero was bringing their sad past up now. Still Heero pushed open the door despite Fate trying to stop him. She had little options but to go with him. The café's manager smiled when he saw them. He leads them to a table meant for two before he passed the menu to them. Fate looked at Heero in question.
"I will explain later, you should order something as you haven't eaten anything yet." Heero said as he looked through the menu.
"How did you…"
"I know you well enough by now, Fate." Heero told her.
Their eyes met before Fate ordered light food and a cup of hot tea. She thought she was going to be drunk soon but she wasn't. She was getting hungry now that she didn't need to be a hostess to her family and friends anymore. She looked around the entire café and noticed that no one was around.
"Did you book the entire place?" She asked.
Heero nodded as it will give them the privacy they needed.
"You haven't explained why you brought me here." Fate said.
"I want to replace our bad memories with good ones." Heero told her.
She looked at him in surprise but wondered if that was possible.
"Besides, I was reminded of this place when I drove by recently."
"Why… no it doesn't matter anymore." Fate whispered.
"A hostage situation involving one of my charges happened. I was too busy with the rescue operation to tell you that I won't be coming." Heero told her, knowing that she wanted to know but was afraid of asking.
Fate looked down slightly.
"I thought it was related to your ex-girlfriend." Fate admits.
"I admit I might have forgotten about it as the hostage situation took days to resolve but when I remembered it was too late. I didn't know how to explain it to you, but you acted as if nothing happened. It made it even harder to bring the subject up again." Heero told her.
"We have a lot of such moments, me covering everything up and pretending that I'm not affected. I was too afraid to lose your friendship even though I wanted more than that." Fate said softly.
They have a lot of sad moments between them and in a way they don't always go away. But like Heero said, maybe they can replace them with happy ones.
"I was afraid that you will get too close and find out something that you don't like, forfeiting our friendship instead." Heero said softly.
She looked at him in surprise as she had never heard how Heero felt about her back then.
"Sometimes it was a defence mechanism, for me to push people away when they get too close." Heero said.
They were interrupted by a waiter who served them their drinks. Fate was silent as she stirred her tea. Their food arrived swiftly after that hence both were silent as they ate their late dinner.
"Was the emergency tonight resolved?" Fate asked suddenly.
"Most of it, Lionel is doing the follow up." Heero said.
"He has become your right-hand man." Fate said.
"He's one of the few people that I trust." Heero told her.
She smiled as she's happy that Heero managed to find someone who can help him in his military career. After they finished their food, the dishes were cleared away. Heero asked if she had opened his gift yet. Fate shook her head hence they retrieved the small box from Meteor. Heero opened the box before he held it to her, showing her what it was. She was surprised to see that it was a beautiful tennis white gold bracelet with many small hearts linked together. Each heart has a shiny heart-shaped crystal in it. But there was a larger heart that was filled with a heart-shaped sapphire gem in it. It was a very well-made bracelet and it was really shiny under the light.
Fate already has a lot of expensive jewellery of her own, but she only wears them on special occasions, black tie events or when high society events requires them. Heero reached out a hand to her and she obediently gave him her right hand. Heero lifted the bracelet out of its box and he puts it on her right wrist for her. It was a beautiful bracelet, but it wasn't heavy even though it has a lot of crystals on it.
"Heero…"
"I know you have a lot of jewellery, but I chose one that's simple and light so that you can wear it every day." Heero told her.
"It doesn't look simple." Fate commented softly.
He gave her hand a squeeze before he caresses it gently.
"It goes well with the necklace I gave you." He told her, aware that she's wearing the necklace he gave her now.
"Do you plan to give me an entire set?" She asked in surprise.
"If I can." Heero said with a small smile on his face.
Their eyes met and Fate sighed, she might as well thank him for it.
"Thank you for the bracelet, it's lovely." She said with a smile.
"Wear it and think of me." Heero told her.
It is unlike Heero to say something so sweet, but she smiled at his words and closed her hand around his.
"I don't need a bracelet to think of you." Fate said.
"Oh?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I think of you constantly." She admits.
"Now who is being overly sweet?" He asked.
She smiled as their eyes met and she blushed under his teasing gaze. He only shows her such expressions when they are alone.
"But it can be quite showy, and I often have to take it off for photo shoots." Fate said, giving practical reasons.
"I'm sure you will discern when to wear it." He told her.
She looked at the bracelet and then Heero lets her hand go. She turned to see a waiter walking over and he placed a cheesecake in front of Fate before he left them alone. The cake had a lighted candle on it, she smiled up at Heero.
"Happy Birthday Fate." Heero told her.
She made a wish before she blew the candle out. Then she left her seat and hugged Heero from behind.
"Fate…"
She kissed him on his cheek.
"Thank you for spending my birthday with me." Fate told him.
"It's a relatively simple celebration." Heero told her.
"It's okay, as long as I'm with you." She said.
Heero stood up and turned so that he can give her a proper hug. They smiled as they stayed in each other's embrace.
"I love you." Fate whispered.
"I love you too, Fate." He told her.
Their eyes met and she saw the love in his eyes more clearly this time. She wanted to kiss him but decided not to for they were in public after all. He seemed to pick up on her hesitation. He paid for the bill and then they left the café together. Fate wrapped her arm around his as they continued walking for a short distance. Then they waited for Heero's sports car to arrive under the autopilot summon function that it has.
"Will you stay the night with me, Heero?" Fate asked him softly.
Heero knew that she wasn't talking about sex as they had agreed to take things slowly until she's truly ready. But he nodded watching how happy she looked after he agreed. They shared a kiss on the sidewalk, not caring if anyone saw them. Then his sports car arrived and Heero drove them back to Moonstone Mansion.
5 days later, 30th September
VLA, Restaurant
Morning, 8am
It was a Sunday and Fate will be busy filming the last music video today. She had been practicing her dance routine every day, but it was different without the actual outfit. Her outfits were already prepared but she hadn't worn them for filming before as they were all new. Heero had picked out the location for her and it did fit the concept she wanted for the music video. But the crew were here at 5am to do set up and the last-minute touch ups on the location, to make it appear more glamourous and as if it was at night.
Fate arrived at exactly 8am for dressing, makeup and hair styling. She met the music video director and did a brief run through what was going to happy during the filming today. Kimberly re-briefed her on what was going to happen as they prepared her in her star trailer. She heard voices outside and looked at Kimberly. Kimberly opened the door and steps aside, allowing Heero to enter. Fate was surprised to see him here, looking as handsome as ever in his suit. She hadn't expected him to come so early.
"Heero." She greeted.
"Is filming starting soon?" Heero asked.
"In a few hours, they are testing shots with the dancers." Kimberly said, then she left to give them some privacy.
"You came."
"I said I would." Heero said.
Fate was already dressed. Her hair and makeup were done as well. She was currently wearing a coat over her outfit for now.
"How is the clubbing dress?" He asked.
"Short dress, it turned out great." Fate said with a smile.
Heero raised an eyebrow at her.
"But you will see it later." She said.
Heero approached her as she was sitting in front of the makeup table.
"Thank you for booking the restaurant for me, it looks lovely." Fate told him.
She had gone in to take a look at the location, it was a two-storey restaurant with a large floor place on the first floor allowing them to dance there. They will shoot the crowded restaurant scene at night.
"You will be bored watching me film a music video for the entire day." Fate told him.
"It will be good to see it firsthand, a behind the scenes look." Heero told her.
He smiled when he saw her wearing the bracelet that he had given her.
"I am wearing it because it matches the short dress." Fate said.
"Clubbing outfit." He corrected.
"Mr. Wingate… You have no idea what a clubbing outfit looks like." Fate accused.
"I have seen them on Isabelle."
"Yes, but not on me. I have my own fair share of clubbing outfits." Fate told him.
"You do?" He asked with narrowed eyes.
"I do, I just don't wear them. Maybe I should wear one so you can notice the differences." Fate told him.
"Oh?" He asked.
They leaned closer to each other and Fate remembered where she was and leaned back.
"Right, stay out of my sight as you are distracting." She joked.
She was being called and so both of them left her star trailer to enter the restaurant. Heero was the CEO of SilverWings who owns the restaurant hence his presence here as client was valid. Though Fate did inform Kimberly beforehand hence they have a seat arranged for him near the filming cameras. Fate was being briefed by the director as they talked about the dance scene. Fate has been giving directions for these few music videos, it was her first time as a producer as well but she's learning new things from this as well. Fate nodded and hoped that they can get the shot that they needed.
Her dancers were all dressed up and ready. Heero watched as Fate took off the coat that she was wearing. Everyone looked at her in shocked silence, Heero narrowed his eyes at her immediately. But she ignored all the stares and waited for her makeup artist to check her makeup and outfit. Her makeup artist had made her look fiercer than usual as she doesn't want to portray cute today.
She was wearing a white silk dress with a sweetheart neckline showing off her cleavage. The bust part of the dress has many crystals sewn into it, making it shine under the light. It had a low cutting behind it, baring her back. The dress clung to her like a second skin, showing off all of her curves. It was a relatively short dress hence it showed off her long legs as well. She matched it with a pair of strappy white high heels which makes it difficult to dance in, but she brought extra shoes in case.
Everyone got into their dance position and Fate was playing her dance moves out in her mind, testing her heels on the polished floor of the restaurant. She can feel Heero's eyes on her; but she ignored it. She got ready and waited for the cue from the director. They played her song that was recorded in the studio on the speakers first. They were going to dance during the chorus of it hence Fate was still mentally practicing her dance moves in her mind. The director is filming in a countdown of ten seconds and Fate immediately got into her superstar mode. The chorus started and Fate immediately started dancing while lip syncing to the song along with the dancers. Her timing was great, but she realised that something was amiss. Especially since the moves were rather seductive like. She called the first cut herself which surprised everyone.
Then she said she will do a trial dance with the dancers first. So, she did run through the entire dance routine first with the dancers, but she felt that something was still off. Kimberly went forward to find out what was wrong. Fate was silent as she thought of the issue, was it the dress, the floor or her shoes? She squats down and touched the floor and considered what to do next. She has a feeling that if she uses too much energy, her heels will break, likely to cause an accident. Her only option was to get good enough takes. She asked Kimberly to ready her extra pairs of shoes as she knew something like this will happen. With that they resumed positions. Fate sighed and waited for the cue from the director. She will have to finish the dance segments as soon as possible.
5 hours later, 2pm
Fate knows that she's tired and running out of stamina. She wasn't like her dancers who were professional dancers hence they could still keep up. It was a really fast dance with many steps due to the fast song. Fate knows that if this drags on, she will only look tired and heavy in the video. They have gone on with only a few short breaks to patch Fate's makeup. She broke two pairs of shoes and thank goodness she didn't sprain her ankle. If not, the entire filming might be cancelled for the rest of the day. They were about to continue when Heero called for a break instead. As the catered food has arrived and everyone needed to rest as well. They have a few great takes on the group dance hence Fate hopes she doesn't have to do that again. Heero came forward to help her as she was really tired, her legs and feet ache.
"Are you alright?" Heero asked her.
"I think so." She whispered.
Heero surprised her by reaching down to carry her. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck in surprise, hoping that she won't fall off. Heero told Kimberly that he's taking Fate to the trailer to rest first. But then the director said that they have enough dance footage along with close ups on Fate during the dance. Fate heaved a sigh of relief. There was going to be a two-hour break as Fate needed to change into formal wear and do the individual close up shots. She lets Heero carry her and he puts her down so that she can go into her star trailer, the entrance was too narrow for two people to go through. She took off her heels and sank her feet into a foot bath filled with hot, fragranced water first. Her makeup artist came and removed her makeup for her. She can finally take a break before they change outfits and redo her hair and makeup. Heero brought her lunch for her but Fate said she was too tired and needed to rest first.
"How was I?" She asked him.
"I didn't like the dress, it looked too short on certain angles. I was afraid of you flashing your underwear to everyone." Heero told her.
"I'm wearing safety shorts." She reminded him.
"Nevertheless, it must have been tough to dance in such tall heels. But I think you did well even though it was still too sexy for me. Too much hip and leg action." Heero said.
"I'm too tired to tease you on it." She said.
"You did well." Heero said softly.
She smiled and then dried her feet before she lied down on the bed in the trailer to rest first.
"You need to eat." Heero reminded her.
"Let me rest first." She whispered.
Fate closed her eyes and managed to nap for thirty minutes before Heero woke her up. She ate little food before she had to change clothes. She washed up in the bathroom while Heero waited for her. Then she changed into the formal wear which was more of her usual style and Heero was satisfied with it. Her makeup artist and hair stylist came to get her ready for the music video. Soon they were shooting her close-up scenes, which were easy. She only needed to look sexy while lip syncing, it didn't have much movement involved. She did these scenes easily and so everyone had a longer break before they shoot the night scene. Fate changed out of her formal gown into a simple cotton dress. Then she napped some more and managed to talk to Heero for a while. He was bored as he was already doing his work-related things even though he was here. The director asked if Heero wanted to star as an extra in Fate's music video but Heero said no.
Night soon came and Fate was getting ready for the crowded restaurant scene. She was dressed in a sexy black gown. Her makeup makes her look fierce, but she looked glamourous at the same time. Her jewellery was a little overkill but necessary as it was from their sponsors. The restaurant was soon crowded with extras all dressed in formal wear to make it look crowded. Fate came in when it was ready for filming. Soon the cameras rolled, and she did what she needed to. Filming continued as they changed location within the restaurant itself. Retakes and close up shot on Fate were taken as well.
Heero didn't seem impressed when Fate had to act coy towards the handsome men who were out to flirt with her. There were scenes where she had to catwalk around which was still easier compared to the dance scene. The director checked all the footage while Fate took a breather, the second half was still much easier than the first part. When everything was okay, it was a wrap at 10pm that night. Everyone was tired but Fate thanked everyone for their help. The crew came in to clean up the restaurant, tearing down their props and camera equipment. Fate returned to her trailer, removed her makeup and hair pins. Then she took another hot bath and changed into something simple.
She thanked Heero for accompanying her on the filming set for the entire day. He said he was bored but it's good to watch over her and take care of her. Fate has nothing planned tomorrow so she can rest tomorrow after the long shoot today. She was excited about how the actual music video will turn out. Since the song was mainly about Fate proving that she is more than just the gentle and cute girl, that she can be a sexy woman too.
3 days later, 3rd October
Moonstone Mansion,
Night time, 10pm
Heero was at Fate's mansion again. He often spends his nights here with her. Heero is certain that Fate is not suffering from the nightmares anymore. As she hadn't had them since that time when she couldn't wake up from them. It was a relief, but it also meant he doesn't have to come here that often to observe her.
They were both sitting up on her large bed, both busy with their own work. Fate is reviewing the photos chosen by the staff from her photo shoots for the album cover and photo book. She looked at him who is busy typing away on his laptop's keyboard.
"Heero."
"Yes?" He asked without looking at her.
"The director sent me a compressed version of the edited music video. Do you want to watch it together?" She asked excitedly.
"All of them?" Heero asked.
"No, just the dance one." She told him.
She had already watched through all the other edited music videos so far and is pleased with the one about Gabriella's life. The more emotional one had been hard for Fate to act in, but it turned out great. She is excited to see the end result of this one. Heero saved his work and looked at her laptop as she played the file, increasing the volume on her laptop.
The two of them watched the music video in silence and Fate did notice that Heero's frown was deepening as the music video went on. After it was finished, Fate felt that it was edited well. It did indeed manage to portray that she's indeed a sexy woman, not always gentle and sweet all the time.
"What do you think?" Fate asked him, wanting his opinion and approval.
"I think you achieved what you wanted to, although I still find it too seductive." Heero said softly.
She smiled feeling happy at his partial approval.
"I'm worried that you may gain more crazy male fans." Heero said.
"Don't worry, my love for you won't change." Fate told him.
Heero then closed her laptop and placed both of their laptops on the bedside table. Then he reached over and hugged her, surprising her.
"Heero?" She asked.
"I was having a hard time personally." Heero said softly.
"You are? When?" She asked in surprise.
"When you were filming, you looked… so sexy. I didn't like how other men were ogling you. Yet I know I have to hold my urges back for your sake." He said softly.
"Heero." She whispered.
"I admit I wasn't used to your change in style to become mature and sexy. I didn't want other men to see more of you than I do." He said softly.
"You mean skin wise?" She asked.
"You have incredibly sexy legs, Fate." He muttered.
She blushed at his compliment but then she smiled for she had been exercising a lot lately.
"I'm a man, Fate. All of these are making it tough on me too." Heero told her.
She knows she's to blame for this. It was a little hypocritical of her to not be intimate with Heero yet exposing so much skin and enticing him with all that seductive moves. She is flattered that he's affected but is aware that Heero can only take so much of it till he reaches his limit.
She broke their hug and started to remove the jacket she wore over her nightgown. If she can be so confident to show that much skin on screen, shouldn't she be confident to do it in front of Heero? Heero's hands reached out to stop her hands immediately.
"Fate…" He was being cautious, not wanting to press her into doing something she's afraid of, especially with him again.
"It's alright, it's only fair. After all you are my boyfriend and the man I love." She said,
Still Heero stopped her.
"Heero?" She asked in question.
"No, if this continues I might…."
She knows that he's afraid of hurting her again and she's afraid of being hurt by him like that again. But she's not going to run from it anymore. She freed her hands from his hold and removed her jacket entirely. Heero stared at her in silence and she's aware that her nightgown is rather revealing. It had a low cut on the front and was really short. She blushed under his gaze but leaned in and kissed him gently. Their kiss was a short one as he continued to stare at her.
"Fate…"
They have hugged like this before as she constantly hugs him in her sleep. But she had never openly revealed her nightgown to him when the lights were still on. She was a little self-conscious about her body under his stare. But this was her taking the first step.
"Can I touch you?" He asked softly.
"Where?" She asked softly.
"Neck area, shoulders."
She blinked at his answer, she thought he would go right into it.
"You seemed surprised." He said.
"I… thought you will want… more?" She asked hesitantly.
"Does that mean you are okay with more?" He asked her.
She wondered as well before she leaned in and whispered something into his ear.
"You are not helping the situation, Fate." He told her.
She merely smiled at him.
"Final choice?" She asked.
"Neck and shoulders." Heero told her.
"Okay for both." She gave him permission.
She was surprised when he immediately kissed her passionately. They changed angles and their tongues entwined with each other's, but the kiss kept on growing hotter as Heero pressed her down on the bed. She wasn't sure where to place her hands hence she was quite shy about it. They broke apart so that they can catch their breaths. Heero reached out and pushed her golden blonde hair back and caressed her neck gently. His hand felt warm and she felt her body warming up thanks to the kiss just now. She turned her head slightly and gave him more access to her neck. He kissed her on her neck gently and the sensation of it caused her to flinch, sending shivers down her spine. He froze immediately, she felt him tense up before he pulled back from her.
"Wait…" She tried to explain.
"I think we shouldn't push it." Heero told her softly.
Their eyes met and she felt a surge of disappointment.
"I do want you Fate, but when you are ready. Not like this." He told her.
She watched as he got out of bed, she sat up on her bed immediately.
"Heero?" She asked.
"I will return to my penthouse tonight." He told her, as he started getting dressed in his formal suit again.
"Wait, Heero…"
"I think it's best for both of us. If this goes on, I may end up hurting you again." Heero said.
"But… surely we can stop if it gets too much?" Fate asked.
Heero was silent but he continued to get dressed.
"I don't think I can stop at that stage." Heero said softly.
The surprise on Fate's face was clear.
"But that's on me, so let's stop now before we get there." Heero told her as he started packing his laptop.
"Heero…" She whispered, overcome with guilt.
"I'm mad at myself, not you. Don't let it get to you." He told her.
"But I'm the reason we are… not… intimate." She whispered.
"We have been through this before, let's take it slowly Fate. When you are really ready." Heero told her.
"But I think I am…"
"The body doesn't lie Fate, you flinched at my kiss proved as much." Heero told her softly.
She looked down sadly, she was a hypocrite indeed. She knows that she's only going to hurt Heero if she presses on this issue.
"I…"
Heero came over and kissed her on her forehead.
"Good night Fate, don't think too much into it." He told her.
She looked at him sadly but didn't stop him as he left her room. Wasn't there anything she could do to help their situation?
To be continued…
Author's Note: This chapter focuses more on Fate's work as a superstar and how she wanted to change things in her upcoming new album. Heero is supportive of her career but doesn't like the direction Fate wants to change to. Naturally, both still struggle with being intimate with each other as Fate is still in the process of recovery. Please do continue to support this story and look forward to the next chapter!