Chapter Forty-Five
Surprise

Serena and Trowa had spent the morning lazily about the apartment. Once they had gotten out of bed that is. For the past week, they had been sleeping together every night. Serena hadn't objected to sharing his bed with him and Trowa couldn't complain about having her in it, night after night.

Trowa knew he was falling for Serena. Every day that passed, his feelings had been growing stronger for her. It was easy being with Serena even when she was upset about something. He was always able to brighten her mood and bring back the smile he loved seeing so much. Trowa knew he had made the right decision to pursue a relationship with her.

It was still earlier in the afternoon and they were currently on the couch, Serena was sipping a cup of coffee while reading one of the books she had been working on throughout the week. Trowa had laid himself down, resting his head on her lap. Serena would occasionally run her fingers through his hair when she wasn't holding her cup.

Trowa relished in the small affection she'd give him. Serena had been becoming more affectionate with small gestures. A kiss whenever she walked by him or when he'd come home from work she'd greet him with a smile that reached her eyes. They hadn't spoken much about where things were going and Trowa knew at some point they would need to address it more than they already had. He wanted to try and convince Serena to change her mind and stay no matter what happened, but for now, Trowa was content just being with her.

Trowa had his eyes closed when he felt her fingers run through his bangs again, brushing them away from his face. Opening his eyes he looked up to see a smile on Serena's face as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. Reaching his arm up, Trowa hooked his hand around her neck, bringing her down for a gentle kiss.

When Serena brought her head back up she smiled again at Trowa before turning back to her book. Serena would be lying to herself if she said she wasn't enjoying being around Trowa.

Trowa was invoking feelings in her, but Serena wasn't sure what those feelings were. Serena felt at peace around him and had even opened up more to him than she ever thought she would. Trowa had a knack for getting her to discuss things whether it be casual conversation or to help her to relax and decompress.

Serena had been stressed. It didn't help that when she had finally called Heero back earlier that morning that the conversation ended up in an argument over security for the Charity Ball that evening.

She ended up hanging up on Heero and had yet to try and call him back. Serena was convinced that he'd most likely have a conversation with her come Monday about the situation.

Serena caught sight of Trowa's arm moving again. Watching out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Trowa reached his hand up to finger the teardrop pendant dangling from her neck. She had worn it every day since he gave it to her a week ago. Serena would catch him grazing it lightly with his fingers at night. Taking the arm she had laid across his chest, Serena brought her hand up to hold his, stilling his movements.

Then a knock came from the door.

"Are you expecting someone?" Serena asked as she let go of his hand. Trowa shook his head in her lap before moving to get up. A second knock came as he approached the door.

Opening the door to his apartment, Trowa wasn't sure who would be coming to his place. As far as he knew, everyone was going to meet up at the hotel, later on, to go over a few things before the Charity Ball kicked off.

"Surprise!" Catherine said with a huge grin on her face as she threw her hands up in the air before throwing them around Trowa's neck, hugging him tightly. "Guess I did a pretty good job at surprising you!" Catherine gave him a wink as she moved to pick up her bag.

"Cathy, what are you doing here!?" Trowa's voice rose slightly from the shock. Catherine was the last person Trowa had expected to see standing there.

"Can't I come and visit my dear little brother?" Catherine asked with a playful note in her voice, while she slid past him into the apartment.

"No, but you could've called." Trowa automatically stepped to the side to allow her room. Catherine chuckled as she moved to put her bag on the small dining room table.

"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise now would it?" Catherine smiled warmly at him when she turned around to face him. Trowa caught sight of Serena out of the corner of his eye moving to lean against the back of the couch. Serena crossed her arms over her chest and lowered her head enough that her hair fell around her face.

"Oh Trowa, don't look at me like that. I know you're surprised to see me but you should be smiling by now," Catherine waved a hand at him.

Trowa wasn't sure what to make of the situation. Part of him was happy to see Catherine. He hadn't seen her in some time and last Trowa knew, the Circus was traveling around the Colonies again. The other part of him was worried about the fact Serena was living with him and how that might look to Catherine.

Trowa was trying to process a way to explain to Catherine who Serena was and why she was there.

Catherine knew who Heero was and for the most part, they got along well enough, but Trowa wasn't sure how she'd take to meeting Serena.

Before Trowa could ponder more on the topic he looked up in time to see Catherine moving from the table towards the living room.

"Oh!" Catherine stopped walking, turning towards him, Cathy sent him a look. "You didn't tell me you had company!? Not to mention that company was a girl!" Catherine hissed at him in a low voice.

Trowa opened his mouth to say something when he heard a chuckle. Catherine turned her head sharply, while Trowa swung his eyes to Serena. Serena had her eyes open and was staring directly at them. Her lips curled up into a smirk.

"I'm sorry, I should introduce myself, my name is-" Catherine's words died on her lips. "T-Trowa?" Catherine questioned.

Serena stayed where she was leaning against the couch as Trowa moved to stand next to her. Serena glanced at Trowa when he put his arm around her shoulders.

"Catherine, I'd like you to meet Serena," Trowa tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible. Turning his head, Trowa looked at Serena. "Serena, this is my sister, Catherine," he said. Serena gave him a small nod.

Trowa knew Serena was aware of who Catherine was but he felt it would be rude not to properly introduce them to each other.

"Uh-huh," Catherine nodded. "Um," she said, turning her head back to Serena for a moment, then back to Trowa. "I don't mean to be rude here, but… she looks a lot like Heero."

"Mhm," Serena nodded her head.

"Are you his sister?"

"No."

"Oh… okay... I'm sorry but this is just a little strange," Catherine held up both her hands. "Trowa, please explain this to me, or better yet the both of you can explain this. Not to mention what's going on between the two of you," Catherine said, pointing a finger at them. "I expect answers, now Trowa, why don't you go make us some coffee and we'll sit down and have a little chat."

Trowa dropped his arm from Serena. Chancing a glance at her, Trowa saw Serena raise an eyebrow along with the questioning look on her face. Serena must have felt his eyes on her when she turned her head to look at him. Trowa nodded his head. He knew they weren't going to get out of the situation and it would be easier to appease Cathy than to try and fight her.

"I'll get the java going," Trowa said as he pulled away from Serena.

"Good, now Serena," Catherine said. "Let's sit down and get to know each other a little better."

Catherine moved to take a seat on the couch. Serena looked at him and all Trowa could offer her was a shrug of his shoulders. Trowa wasn't sure what was going to happen or what Cathy was planning to ask them.

Catherine had made them explain everything, starting from the beginning. For the most part, Trowa had allowed Serena to speak, considering Cathy mainly kept her attention on her. Catherine had only glanced at him a handful of times, but each time, Cathy's face had been masked and she had been keeping it masked. Trowa was having a hard time figuring out what Catherine was thinking.

Cathy had asked questions when she needed to but allowed Serena to guide the conversation. Trowa had to admit that speaking with others was easier for Serena than it was for Heero. Trowa knew Heero could talk when he wanted to, mainly when Heero felt like it or if he was giving vital information, but Serena had an air about herself when she did speak freely.

It was in those moments, especially when they were alone that made Trowa fall for her more. Serena could speak her mind in such a way when it came to certain topics, Trowa wished she would do it more often.

Trowa's musing came to halt when Cathy's question reached his ears.

"So how long have you two been seeing each other?" Catherine tried to hide her smile behind her coffee mug. Catherine had caught Trowa staring at Serena fondly from the armchair he was sitting in.

"Excuse me?" Serena asked. Serena shot Trowa a look when he swung his eyes to hers for a brief moment.

"Ah, I see." Catherine took another sip of her coffee. "So a little while now?" Catherine smirked into her mug as she watched Serena and Trowa exchanged another look.

Luckily for the two of them, Trowa's phone began to ring. Pulling it out of his pocket Trowa frowned as he looked down at the screen. Standing, Trowa excused himself, leaving Catherine and Serena alone. Catherine set her mug down on the coffee table before she leaned forwards to speak with Serena.

"You and I are going to have a chat later," Catherine grinned as she took in Serena's expression.

The confused look on her face right before Serena pulled herself back. Serena might have been able to hide her feelings, but Catherine knew of a way to get her to open up.

Catherine wanted to know more about Serena. Needed to know more about the girl sitting in front of her. It was obvious that Trowa had taken a liking to her, a very strong liking from the looks of it. Catherine had never seen Trowa gaze at another woman the way he had at Serena.

Catherine knew that Trowa was falling for Serena, but the question was, was Serena falling for Trowa?

Smiling to herself, Catherine knew she'd find out one way or another.

"I have to go in early," Trowa said as he came back into the living room.

"Everything okay?" Serena asked as she moved to stand. Trowa raised his hand, stopping her.

"Everything's fine, just need to go over security detail and head to the hotel early."

"Yuy," Serena said as she eased back into the couch. "I don't like the fact it's still being held and that it's at a hotel no less. It's a bad idea. Too many loopholes someone can use to their advantage to gain access to the Ball," Serena said as she folded her arms over her chest. "Did Heero set up your own video feed through the hotel as a backup?"

Trowa chuckled to himself, Serena was so much like Heero, even going over things when she wasn't going to be there.

"Yes, he's got that covered."

"What about all possible exits and entries? Do you have enough people to monitor? What about the staff? Was everyone screened prior?"

"Serena, everything will be fine. Heero said to remind you that you're still not allowed to come," Trowa tried not to laugh when Serena rolled her eyes. He had caught some of their conversations from the morning and after Serena had told him that she tried to work her way into being allowed to attend. "Besides, someone needs to keep Cathy company. If anything I'll call if we need you, okay?"

"Fair enough," Serena huffed her disappointment.

Trowa smiled as he moved into the bedroom once again to change his clothes. While his plans for the day had changed, he was going to try and get back as early as possible. Trowa knew early would be around one in the morning, but it didn't mean he couldn't wake Serena up. They'd have to be quieter though with Catherine staying there. Trowa was pretty sure at this point that the neighbors on either side of them knew what was going on in the apartment.

Trowa dressed quickly, changing out of his clothes and into his Preventer-issued dress-wear. Grabbing his watch, the one Serena had given him, Trowa put it on. Serena had learned that Catherine was the one who had given him the watch in the first place. Serena had been happy that she was able to replace it for him. Trowa smiled at the memory, at least the first few minutes of it before Duo had ruined it. Grabbing his handgun, Trowa tucked it in the holster before putting his jacket on, concealing the weapon.

When he came out of the bedroom and back into the living room, Trowa saw both Catherine and Serena stand up. Catherine made her way around the coffee table to hug him goodbye.

"Be safe and I'll see you later?"

"I'll be getting back late, I'm sorry we can't spend more time together," Trowa said as he hugged her back. Cathy pulled away smiling at him.

"It's alright, we have all of tomorrow, I don't have to leave till Monday," Catherine said. Trowa smiled softly.

Moving away, Trowa made his way to the door. Serena followed behind him while Catherine went to sit back down. Serena stood leaning against the doorframe as Trowa put his shoes on.

"You'll keep me updated?" Serena asked as he came to stand in front of her.

"I'll message you throughout the night if it'll make you feel better?" Serena gave a simple nod as she moved to open the door for him. Trowa stepped into the threshold of the entryway before turning to her. "You know where I keep everything just in case?" Trowa asked. Serena leaned herself against the doorframe once again.

"Kitchen and two in the bedroom, yes I know. But I'm pretty sure Catherine can handle herself if something does come up. She did spend years throwing knives, especially at you," Serena said as a smile spread across her face.

"Yes," Trowa chuckled lightly as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

Serena had found where he kept one of his spare guns in the kitchen. Serena had left it out one night when he came home from work telling him to find a better place for it than behind the cans of soup.

"Just be careful please, I'll see you when I get home." Trowa had yet to leave Serena alone at night and even though he knew Serena was capable of taking care of herself, Trowa was still worried.

"I'll see you later then," Serena spoke softly.

Serena had been seeing Trowa out every day since she started staying with him. Locking the door behind him when he left. But the past week their normal route had changed. They'd share a kiss before he left for work, but today there would be none.

Serena turned her head as Trowa dipped his head. He stopped for a second, giving her a peck on the cheek and murmuring a goodbye.

Catherine had watched the two as they stood at the door. When Trowa pushed Serena's hair out of her face, Catherine saw the look in his eyes. Trowa was falling, if not already completely in love with the woman standing in front of him.

Catherine saw when Trowa moved to kiss Serena only to kiss her on the cheek. Catherine also saw the smile on Serena's face before she shut the door.

Catherine watched as Serena made her way back to the couch. Her face had become a mask again. Catherine smiled a mischievous grin as she locked eyes with Serena.

"We're going to get to know each other better, then I'll decide if I like you or not."

"Decide if you like me or not?" Serena narrowed her eyes.

"Trowa is my brother and from the looks of things, you may become a permanent part of his life. I just want to make sure you're right for him," Catherine glared slightly at Serena.

"Right for him?" Serena kept her eyes narrowed as she stared at Catherine.

"Yes, I'm not stupid. You two have been together for some time now. I can see it in the way Trowa looks at you. Though I wonder, do you care for him or are you just using him?" Catherine crossed her arms over her chest as she watched Serena's reaction.

"Just using him? You think I'm using him?" Serena deepened her glare.

"Trowa normally only has flings, so the fact he's seeing someone makes me wonder what you've told him or what you want out of this," Catherine held her glare, she wouldn't be swayed by Serena.

"I've never lied to him if that's what you're accusing me of. As for what I want out of this, I want nothing."

"So, then why are you with Trowa? If you want nothing then is it just for your own physical needs?" Catherine moved to sit straighter.

"I don't expect Trowa to give me anything in return. Regardless if he has feelings or not," Serena said. Catherine knew Serena was becoming irritated.

"Trowa does have feelings for you, it's written all over his face. The way he gazes at you tells me Trowa's falling in love with you if he hasn't already. So what do you plan to do Serena? Do you feel the same for him? Or are you just with Trowa for the thrill of it?" Catherine watched as Serena's face changed from irritated to shock then to a mask of indifference.

"I..." Serena trailed off, dropping her gaze.

"Do you love him?" Catherine asked after a minute. "I'm not trying to be mean, Serena, I just want to make sure Trowa isn't going to get hurt. I've never seen him look at someone the way he looks at you."

"What?" Serena snapped her head up. Catherine moved a little closer to Serena. Catherine could see the confusion in Serena's eyes.

"I've never seen Trowa look at someone the way he looks at you. Like you hold the key to the world, to the universe. The whole time we were talking Trowa never took his eyes off you," Catherine said softly. Catherine saw the pieces slowly fall into place in Serena's head as her eyes grew wide. Reaching a hand, Catherine placed it on Serena's shoulder. "You didn't know, did you?"

"No… I mean... I saw the way he looked at me, but..." Serena trailed off again looking at the ground.

"Serena, don't overthink it. I can see you're struggling to understand. But I have just one question," Catherine waited till Serena brought her eyes back up. "Would you ever hurt him?"

"No, I could never hurt Trowa," Serena said. Catherine smiled, pulling Serena into a hug.

"Then that's all I need to know for now. And I'm sorry, I'm just protective of Trowa," Catherine said as she pulled away from Serena. "I have an idea. Why don't we go get ready and we can hit the town up tonight? Have a girl's night and we can get to know each other more."

"Um… girl's night?" Serena asked with a confused look on her face. Catherine laughed.

"We'll go out to dinner and hit the bars, have a little fun. It's better than being here. You do drink, right?"

"Yes."

"Great! Then let's get ready and grab an early dinner. Then we'll hit up the town!" Catherine clapped her hands together as she smiled at Serena.

A/N

Happy Monday!

Did anyone enjoy the fact that I have now officially tied more coffee/java humor into my story but also a soup joke!? I mean this was the perfect chapter for this. They all tie back to Trowa and Catherine after all. Not to mention the fact Serena tells Trowa that if someone comes to the apartment, Catherine can just throw some knives at the person. Haha, I couldn't help myself there.

So Catherine has finally come into the picture or story... Either way, Catherine has come for a visit, and my my, did she pick the perfect time to show up! Not only is Trowa not home alone, but it seems her dear brother is dating someone. This was by far, not what Catherine was expecting when she planned her surprise visit.

Catherine goes from being happy, to confused to taking charge of the situation. She wants answers, and she's going to get them one way or another. Which she does, and then some. Catherine isn't foolish, she's well aware of what going on between Trowa and Serena. Catherine is taking her role of being a big sister to heart and making sure Serena isn't a bad person. Though, once again, Serena has persuaded yet another person to like her.

I hope when you read that Trowa and Serena have technically only been "dating" for a week threw you for a loop because it feels much longer than that. I purposely did that to remind you all of the timeline and once again, this story takes place over a two-month period. But also, because um... people can fall in love quickly. Cause at this point... if Trowa can't figure out that he's in love with Serena... then there's no hope for this relationship. Though I don't think we have to worry too much if Catherine is picking up on the fact that Trowa's lovesick.

But what does this mean for Serena? We see that Serena is very much coming to the realization that Trowa's feelings run deeper than she had even thought. While we haven't seen Serena's thoughts on the matter, you'll have to wait to find out, Catherine asks Serena an important question. Would Serena ever hurt Trowa? Serena seems to be on a pattern of telling the truth, to a point as always, but Serena tells Catherine that she wouldn't hurt Trowa. Or we can hope that Serena is being truthful and that she wouldn't hurt Trowa.

Trowa, Trowa, Trowa, what are you going to do buddy? Are you going to be able to work this event? You can't have your thoughts on Serena the whole night, though I have a feeling they will be.

Poor Serena... she's getting a lot of girl time and it may be a little overwhelming for her. Hopefully, this outing will go better than the previous night, but I cannot make any promises there. Wednesday's chapter is finally the Charity Ball. Will something happen? Will it go off without a hitch? Who else will be joining the story!? If you've read this story before, you should know! Have a great rest of your day!

-MM