~*~*~ Eye of the Midnight Storm ~*~*~
By: Rogue Angel Barton
Dudes sup?! *Crickets chirping* Geez, silent bunch. Well I don't own anything, expect maybe myself, but I think that technically belongs to my parents right now. Ciao!
Oh yeah, thanks to Ice Queen, Hotaru Yuy, Jenn, Sakura Yuy, and Starlight for being my editors! Now let's just hope you guys can put up with me. I owe you guys big time! I would go on my knees and gravel, but currently I'm being glomped by my daughter, Jade Lowe Maxwell.
Jade: Mommy! I fweel swrry fer you pweople that decideds to bwe mama's editors.
Rogue: okay, you're grounded.
Jade: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Minako stepped out from the limo that Quatre sent to pick her up and gasped. His mansion was beautiful! It was even bigger than her house! A servant escorted her up the fifty white marble stairs.
"Excuse me?" Minako asked.
"Yes Miss?"
"How big is the compound?"
"Well the whole compound takes up about 16 acres. The house takes up about 4 acres." The servant explained.
Minako gasped. The house was huge! It was amazing how Quatre could afford such a house! She smiled at him and nodded her thanks. Once she reached the top, Minako saw a pair of twenty feet wide and forty feet tall huge dark oak doors. She was then led into the lobby. Minako's eyes widened. The ceiling was about forty-five feet high, and the lobby itself was huge. Huge thirty-five feet tall windows lined the walls on either side. The walls were painted a dark golden yellow, with huge columns lining the wall, next to the windows. Black, blood red, dark green, gold, and dark blue curtains hung above the windows and then fell that the sides in that order, starting from the door. A huge, nine feet wide beautiful chandelier hung in the middle of the lobby, its hundred lights making the whole lobby seem to glow with a golden light. Minako walked across the floor, her high heels clicking against the shining black marble.
On the right and left sides of the wall, were two huge marble staircases, which lead to a central platform in the middle. Then there's a doorway at the end of the platform and huge red curtain hung above the doorway. Minako could hear music and laughter floating out of the doorway.
An old man approached Minako in his early sixties.
"May I see your invitation Miss?" He asked politely.
Minako pulled out Quatre's invitation from her orange purse and handed it to the man. The old man's eyes widened and nodded.
"I'm sorry to have been so blind as in not to recognize you Miss Aino. Please forgive me." He said as he bowed deeply to her.
Minako was puzzled. How did he know who she was? Catching her puzzled expression, the old man smiled.
"You see, Master Quatre doesn't invite too many people himself. The invitation not only has his color, gold, but his crest as well." The old man explained as his eyes twinkled with something for a moment.
Handing the invitation back to Minako, the old man told her to go up the stairs and through the doorway. Minako's eyes widened once she entered the next room the ballroom. It was even more beautiful and elegant than the lobby. It was about fifty feet high with a dome ceiling and was about 100 ft. wide in the shape of a circle. The walls were a beautiful gold with the similar tall columns like the lobby.
Minako looked around and realized that there were more than two hundred people, all in beautiful gowns and tuxedoes. Without a doubt, she knew they were of the upper class. Minako took a deep breath and walked down the marble staircase. Suddenly the spotlight shone on her, and she put up her best celebrity smile.
The crowd gasped and Minako could see they were shocked. What, did they not think she belonged in aristocratic society?
Suddenly a man with short blond hair in a tux came up to her. Minako's eyes widened with recognition.
"Haruka!" Minako shouted as she started to walk towards Haruka.
Haruka smiled at Minako as she walked up to her. Michiru soon appeared behind the tall blond in a beautiful long sea green gown, which matched her hair. The shoulders were slightly puffy, and there were no sleeves, which should off her graceful neck and ivory skin. The waist was small showing off her trim waist and then the skirt belled out. Her hair was done up in a bun, with two wisps out in the front, framing her face. She wore a simple silver necklace with a pair of silver wings.
"Michiru!" Minako shouted as she hugged the older woman.
"Hello Minako." Michiru replied with a smile.
"Minako, are you Quatre Winner's date?" Minako could hear the scorn and disapproval in Haruka's voice.
Minako turned to a scowling Haruka. Minako smiled nervously and nodded. Haruka glared at her before Michiru slapped her arm playfully.
"Why don't we get some punch?" Michiru asked trying to get off the subject.
"Probably spiked Michi."
"Haruka Tenoh! You know Winner Corps!" Michiru screamed in shock as she glared at her lover.
"Sorry Michi." Haruka replied sheepishly.
Minako smiled and shook her head, those two... deeply in love, but complete opposites. Suddenly everyone hushed again. Minako, Michiru and Haruka were now in the back so they couldn't see who it was. Ignoring it, they returned to the punch.
Ami thanked the hand as he opened the door of the limo Trowa had sent her. Her eyes lit up with shock and disbelief. The house was huge! A kind gentleman offered to escort her up the marble stairs, which she took. As she entered the lobby, a man in his early sixties greeted her.
"Welcome Miss. May I see you invitation?"
Ami nodded and pulled her invitation from her blue purse. Handing over to the man, she looked around the huge lobby. A second later the man looked at Ami with wide eyes and bowed.
"Miss Mizuno, I'm sorry to have mistaken you. Accept my apologies."
Ami was confused by this, but allowed herself to be led up the second set of stairs and into the huge ballroom. Ami's breath caught in her throat. The huge white marble staircase that she was standing on took up about ¼ of the room. Once she walked through the doorway in the lobby, she found herself standing on another marble platform about twenty feet wide, which was oval shaped and kind of like a balcony with nothing underneath it. The thick marble railing had golden silk draping on it. Beautiful flowers blossomed everywhere on this platform. In the middle of the platform, was another huge white marble staircase, which was about 11 ft. wide and it flared out once it reached the floor. The stairs were covered by a dark reddish purple carpet.
A spotlight suddenly shone on Ami as a light blush escaped her cheeks. With a small smile she descended the stairs. She realized the room was dead silent and most people's eyes were wide open. Looking around, she didn't know where Trowa was. So she decided to use the Ladies' Room.
^^^
Rei bit her lip as she hurried out of the house. There had been something wrong with her dress and she just arrived home from picking it up. Rei quickly put her shoes on as she ran into the garage. She grabbed the keys to the dark red BMW and race towards the Winner Mansion.
She knew where it was, but the security was so tight that she'd never seen it, let alone set foot in it. It was in upstate New York. According to the real-estate records she saw in the newspaper, half of upstate New York where The Winner Mansion was located was owned by the G5. Large areas of land in a state simply owned by them.
Rei stepped on the gas. She'd be there in about half an hour. Looking at her watch, she realized that she would be there at about 7:10, ten minutes late. Rei sighed and looked at the five presents in the back. Realizing that there were five main names on the bottom she had decided it was only polite to bring presents.
After half an hour of 90 mph, Rei finally stopped in front of the mansion. Stepping out, she felt the men around the entrance stare. Putting on her best smile, she handed the keys to a servant and walked up the marble stairs.
"Miss, may I see your invitation?"
Rei smiled at the man and handed it to him. The man's eyes widened and he bowed and kissed her hand. Rei was really confused.
"You are the young lady that Master Wufei invited. Miss Rei Hino, am I correct?" He assumed as he straightened with a smile on his face.
Rei nodded and allowed herself to be led up the stairs. She gasped as Ami and Minako had done. She was amazed by the beautiful ceiling. It was a dome, and like the walls a deep gold. The huge chandelier hung from the middle of the dome. The about fifteen feet from the walls, it was no longer a dome, but it was straight golden wall. The columns held up the ceiling, tall, twenty-five feet columns. About ¾ of the huge circular ballroom was covered, every four feet, with huge twenty feet tall windows.
Rei was suddenly blinded by the bright spotlight. She winced slightly before smiling at everyone. She heard a few catcalls among the younger and less sophisticated men. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she started to walk towards the nearby window. She could feel eyes on the back of her head. Walking to the back of the ballroom, she stood by one of the pillars and sighed. She hadn't seen Wufei anywhere. Rei grabbed a glass of champagne the waiter offered her. Sighing, she held the expressive glass to her lips.
~~~
Makoto groaned as she saw a white limo crash into a black one. She was about a mile away from mansion when it happened. Now she was stuck in a line of honking limos, her forest green Eclipse seemingly out of place. Thanking the goddesses for her quick and durable car, she pulled away from the main road. Speeding past the other cars on the side of the road, she made sure to stick her tongue out at the driver who caused the crash.
A few minutes later, she went through the main gates of the mansion and continued her way to the mansion. After a long twenty-minute drive, she finally reached the mansion. Reminding herself to ask Duo why the road to the mansion was so long, she got out from the car. Throwing the keys at a nearby servant, she quickly walked up the long white marble staircase. Taking only a brief moment to look at the white outer wall of the mansion.
She hurried into the house and paused as a gentleman came up to her. She started to hand him her invitation, but he stopped her with the gesture of a hand.
"Are you Miss Makoto Kino?" The old man presumed with a slight bow.
"Yes, I am."
"Welcome to Christmas Party of the G5."
Makoto smiled at him and allowed the old gentleman to escort her into the ballroom. It was huge, and a beautiful thirty feet wide glass chandelier lit the room in soft golden glow. Four smaller chandeliers about fifteen feet wide made a square around it, pointing to the four directions, north, south, east and west. As she descended down the huge staircase, she noticed a few jealous glares and evil looks being sent her way by the women.
Makoto stifled a giggle and looked around, no cute guy with a braid anywhere. Looking at her silver watch, she realized that she was twenty-five minutes late. Makoto sighed and waited for the party to begin. What exactly happened at these parties anyway?
^^^
Ami sighed as she stepped out from the rest room. She looked around, still no sign of anyone she knew. She noticed the stage across from the stairs. Checking her watch, Ami realized it was already 7:30. The party is beginning. Suddenly the lights went out. Ami looked around in the dark, her huntress senses allowing her to see.
Slowly a lone and soft noise suddenly reached everyone's ears. After a few seconds, Ami realized that it was the soft strokes of a violin. Ami smiled as it sped up, and the soft and low sounds of a flute joined it. By now Ami recognized the soft but quickly melody, Carol of Bells.
Then as the music became faster, a piano and cello joined it. Then finally another violin. Suddenly a spotlight turned to the stage. Ami quickly followed it, and watched as a platform suddenly spiraled upwards, higher than the stage. Ami saw five figures on it, one of which was Trowa.
He looked really good in his suit. Black dress pants, with a dark, dark green suit jacket. His dress shirt was black, and his tie was forest green, probably silk since it shined slightly in the light. He looked really good, the tie matched the beautiful color of his emerald eyes, which were closed as he poured his all into the music that he played. His hair had a soft glow, and to Ami's amazement, his whole body seemed to glow dark green with a kind of power.
Rei smiled as the stage spiraled upwards. She saw Wufei sitting behind the black grand piano. She felt a smirk tugging at her lips, Wufei playing an instrument? Scary.
She noticed that he also wore an unconventional outfit. He wore a tuxedo, which was normal, but it was white. Rei noticed that he was braking tradition, she would have fun later. She also noticed that his vest was dark blue as was his bow tie. She hate to admit it, but he looked every handsome. Especially when he had his eyes closed in deep concentration as he played the piano.
Rei looked at his companions, cute, really handsome hunky hot! She recognized Trowa, which was looking pretty good, not as good as Wufei though.
^^^^
Minako smiled as she heard the violin. Knowing about Quatre's musical abilities, she felt a smile tug at her lips. As he appeared, she felt her breath catch in her throat. He looked like an angel. His short blond hair was in the usual style, and his baby blues were closed as a small smile graced his soft lips.
He dressed formally, and yet it seemed to bring out his godlike beauty. He was dressed in a tuxedo, like the many men at the party, but the vest and the bow tie was white. Minako smiled as the white of his vest, dress shirt and bow tie made his pale skin seem even paler.
Then the yellow spotlight seemed to give Quatre an unearthly golden glow. For a split second, Minako felt a surge of power from the young musician. A second later it vanished as quickly as she felt it. Shaking her head, she thought it was just her mind playing tricks on her.
^^^^
Makoto watched as the platform now towered over the stage. A soft smile touched her lips as she realized that her loudmouth boyfriend was playing the cello. Who would have thought?
Taking a minute to take him in, Makoto found herself resisting the urge to drool. As she suspected, Duo wanted to stand out from the crowd. Instead of a tuxedo, he wore a suit. Black dress pants, and a black suit jacket. The dress shirt was black as well, and he topped off his outfit with a silk, blood red tie.
'Always the one to stand out right Duo?' Makoto thought with a small smirk.
Suddenly Makoto gasped. For the first time, Makoto saw the other side of Duo Maxwell. She always thought that he was just a carefree kind of guy, sure always dressed in black, but just another guy. But now in this outfit, under the pale yellow spotlight, he seemed... dangerous.
Makoto couldn't describe it, but something about Duo, with his friends, made him seem like the dangerous type. She could almost feel an aura of death and power around him.
Makoto then focused on how cute he looked. Unlike the others, his eyes were open, and scanning the crowd. Once is violet eyes met with her own forest green ones, they lit up with an inner light. They were brighter than the spotlight, which only made them brighter. Makoto looked into his eyes, and found herself falling for him, even more.
All thoughts of him being dangerous left her mind as Duo smiled at her. This was going to be a long, but beautiful night.
^^^
As time progressed, Duo eventually found Makoto. Thankful that he was in the front and in the light, unlike Heero who was still in the shadows, he took her in. His eyes brightened once he caught her, she was breathtaking. She had decided to wear her hair down from the usual high ponytail. She looked beautiful like that, her light brown hair flowing gently and ending in waves around her shoulders. Her face was bare of any makeup, except some shiny lip-gloss.
Duo smiled as he saw her dress. He was breathless and stopped playing. Wufei nudged him before he remembered that he was still on stage. She looked like a goddess. Her dress was forest green, like her beautiful eyes, and modest, not too over-the-top. It was off the shoulder, with a kind of corset like waist, and then the dress went out a tiny bit, and then straight down to the floor. It showed off her beautiful neck and her thin waist. The emerald green color matched her eyes, and made them seem like bottomless jungle grottos he could easily get lost in He was practically drooling. She was just like a goddess, strong but soft and tender.
He noticed a HUGE necklace around her neck. In the middle was a huge emerald, about 60 karats decided Duo. On either sides were 4 diamonds, about 30 karats each. Duo blinked a few times, he never knew she could wear so much jewelry. He also noticed emerald earrings on, as well as a gold ring with a huge 40-karat emerald on it. Duo thanked his good eyesight.
Duo found himself grinning like a fool as Makoto smiled at him. Her smile made him feel as if he could conquer the world, although he probably already could if Quatre didn't stop him. He would do anything for her, anything.
~~~~
The girls and the crowd went wild when the guys finished their performance.
Hotaru slowly stepped out from the limo. Smoothing her dress, she walked up the marble staircase. Her chin high and her shoulders square, she ignored he guys staring at her. With self-confidence and grace, she stepped through the oak door, demanding attention from everyone in the lobby. A man approached her, and by instinct, she started to pull out her invitation. The man made a gesture for her to stop.
"And my lady, you would be Miss Hotaru Tomoe, am I correct?" The old man asked with a bow and a smile.
Hotaru nodded.
"It's a pleasure meeting you my lady. Please follow me."
Hotaru followed him up the stairs and walked through the doorway. Everything was pitch black, and the only spotlight was on five figures on the stage. Suddenly the spotlight turned to her, and she instinctively smiled as she held her head high and walked down the marble staircase with grace and elegance. Everyone's eyes were on her, but she was used to it. As she slowly reached the bottom of the stairs, people stepped away, forming a circle around her. Some men bowed while some women curtsied.
She took a few steps toward the center, and to her surprise, everyone stepped out of the way and formed a walkway for her. Just then, four of the figures on stage walked towards her, all four of their eyes shining with a kind of curiosity towards her. Recognizing the tallest one as Trowa, she smiled at him and curtsied. Trowa responded by bowing ever so slightly. They formed a semicircle around her, blocking the crowd from her.
The mischievous looking one with the braid looked at Trowa and winked.
"Your date Trowa?" The braided one asked with a smirk in a mocking tone.
"No." Stated a cold and piercing voice.
The cold and impassive voice had pierced the serene mood. The four young men turned toward the direction of the stage as the fifth member finally detached himself from the shadows of the stage. Everyone moved aside to form the pathway once again, for they had closed it after the four young men came. The pathway started from the stage, and as the figure moved closer, people moved aside. As he passed, men truly bowed and women curtsied, like they did for Hotaru.
Hotaru still could not see the figure's face, for he was still moving along the shadows, but she had no doubt as to the identity of this enigma. With catlike grace, he moved along the pathway, ignoring the people around him who bowed, his Prussian eyes focused on Hotaru's violet ones. They captivated her as her eyes controlled him, made him bend his shields and walls.
As he reached the end of the crowd, he was still five feet away from her, and next to the other young men. To Hotaru's surprise, even the four young men bowed their heads slightly in respect. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he looked her up and down.
"You came." He said, amusement laced in.
It was more a question that a statement. Hotaru giggled ever so slightly.
"You didn't give me much of a choice." She replied tartly.
Prussian eyes danced with humor and the tiniest bit of embarrassment as his cheeks darken ever so slightly with a pale blush. That soon faded and a small smile took its place on his handsome face.
"I suppose not."
Good humor was laced in with his statement as he mocked himself. Hotaru felt a shiver go down her spine, his smile suddenly so sexy and seemed to lure her in. Then with three steps he was at her right. He bowed to her before offering his arm slightly. He looked deep into her eyes, searched them for something.
"May I escort my lady?"
Hotaru smiled at him and curtsied. Gently placing her gloved hand on his forearm, she smiled.
"Why of course kind sir." She replied with an air of elegance.
With that the two walked toward the stage. The four men in the front stepped aside and bowed as the two walked past them. Then in suite as they walked down the pathway, everyone else followed and either bowed or curtsied. Hotaru found herself attracted to his now bight Prussian eyes as they walked. Those Prussian orbs stayed on her face, even after she turned away to hide her blush.
"You look breathtakingly beautiful."
Hotaru blushed at his husky and slightly lust filled voice. It was so beautiful and sexy. She smiled at him.
"Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself." She replied.
His lively and melodious chuckle was her only response. Satisfied, she turned her head to look at him. Yes, he did look beautiful tonight. He was dressed in a traditional tuxedo, his hair still in its usual wild state. His Prussian eyes were dancing with a kind of beauty and elegance and shone with a light that she had never seen before. He looked like a god himself.
True he had gone with the traditional tux, but he looked better than any other man there tonight. His black dress pants showed off his long legs, while his tuxedo jacket and white dress shirt fitted him perfectly, showing off his broad shoulders and trim waist. She could feel his powerful arm muscles under her hand as they walked. The black bow tie gave him a sense of elegance and class usually unseen in his baggy cargo pants.
The over all effect was, as said before, the look of a god. His lightly tanned skin standing out against the white dress shirt. The tuxedo gave him a sense of class and elegance, as said before, but also danger and mystery. It made him even more of an enigma than usual, one which she died to discover the secret of.
###
Heero felt her eyes on him as they walked down the pathway formed by the upper class. She looked absolutely, ravishing tonight. No, that word did her no justice what so ever. Beautiful? No, too common used and unfit for someone like her. Elegant? Yes that, but something else as well. A goddess? No, that didn't sum it up quite right. Ah, Heavenly, yes that is absolutely the word! She was like a goddess, an angel, someone sent down from god.
From the minute she appeared on the stairs, she had left him breathless, in a manner of speaking of course. She looked so different from how she usually did, even more beautiful, which he thought was rather impossible. Her hair was up, in a bun, with two wisps coming down on the sides of her face. Her violet eyes were shining with a kind of excitement, and elegance. She looked beautiful as she held her head up high and descended the stairs, to him, descending from heaven itself.
She wore a dress, of course. It was deep, deep red, bordering on purple as the deepest red velvet usually does. The color was beautiful on her, truly was. The dress was strapless, which was slightly odd for this occasion but Heero ignored rules of the high class for tonight. It had an almost corset like waist, which allowed Heero to see just how thin she was. The font of the dress belled out ever so slightly while the back belled out further. As he expected, the dress was floor length. As she moved, the dress seemed almost painted on her. The deep color of the dress brought out her pale complexion, which added in part to her beauty. Her hair shone in the light, as he saw the smallest amount of blush on her cheeks, giving them some color. Her lips were graced with the presence of some shiny lip-gloss. A simple silver chain with an amethyst heart in the middle hung around her neck. Heero couldn't help but be attracted to... um... that and... a little south of that. Her ears were amethysts as well, simple and round. A platinum ring was on her index finger, with a 7-karat diamond. At first Heero thought that would be too big for her, but looking at the ring, he noted that the design was simple. A medium thick band of platinum spiraled downwards, forming a circle in the middle. The diamond was attached to the center. Heero smiled as it fit her perfectly and ignored the size.
As they walked down the pathway, Heero could feel nods and looks of approval from the surrounding people. No surprise that she would gain their approval, just look at her.
"Quit staring Heero." Hotaru said suddenly with a slight glare.
Heero smiled and blushed as he looked ahead. Damn he got caught. Of course he got caught, he could practically feel himself drooling.
Suddenly a soft melody filled the room, and a waltz started to form. Heero turned to look at his grinning friends on the stage conducting and rolled his eyes. However Heero Yuy was not one to give up a perfect opportunity. Heero backed away slightly from Hotaru, with a smooth gesture he slid Hotaru's hand into his own. Then with an irresistible smile and soft pleading eyes he offered her his other hand.
Hotaru smiled slightly and simply slipped her small hand into his cold and callused ones. Heero then placed his left hand protectively on the small of her back, as Hotaru placed her hand on his broad shoulder. Then Heero led her towards the stage, the people now forming a circle around the two. Heero smiled as a light blush stained Hotaru's cheek. Then she looked up, and looked deep into Heero's eyes.
She kept swimming in the endless sea of blue. They were so beautiful, and held the windows to his soul. They reminded her of a storm, untamable, uncontrollable, and yet harsh and cold. It was determined, unrelenting, and unyielding. And yet a storm could be gentle, he could be gentle. But overall it was still a mystery, he was still a mystery. The more she tried to figure him out, the more she became confused and the more she felt pulled into him.
"You can dance better than most aristocratic ladies Hotaru." Heero noted suddenly.
"Well I am one myself after all."
She could tell he was surprised, but only through his eyes. His face slowly reverted back to that of the impassive mask he wore so much.
"Really now?" Heero said.
His voice held no curiosity, but more of a spiteful tone to it. As if he was condemning the fact that she belonged to the upper class. But he was one himself, and his condemning gaze confused her.
"Just because I am born into that world, does not mean I live in it, or enjoy it." Hotaru quickly defended herself.
Heero seemed to relax slightly at her comment, and the gentle gleam in his eyes returned. He smiled slightly at her, as if to say, 'That's the right thing to say.'
Hotaru looked confused at Heero with dim violet eyes. What was his deal? Heero looked above her head and at the crowd who smiled approvingly at them, well, except for those jealous ladies who were glaring at Hotaru. A smile tugged at his lips. Figures that someone who they accepted would be from their class. With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes and guided them around and around.
"What is it?" Hotaru asked with worry laced into her voice.
"Nothing." Heero quickly responded.
"Don't lie." Hotaru said as she frowned.
Heero looked down at her curious and scowling eyes. He said nothing at first, and only pulled her closer to him.
"They accept you..."
Hotaru was confused by his words until she looked around. She could tell by the faces of the men and women around, that they thought Heero and her made a cute couple, and they did accept her.
"So? Is that important? Heero Yuy, are you one who bases who he interacts with on the rules and the acceptance of the upper class?" Hotaru demanded, her tone serious.
Heero could tell that this move would either end, or start his friendship with Hotaru. With a slight frown, he replied in his cold and impassive voice.
"Of course not."
"You lie." Hotaru stated coldly with glaring eyes.
"I do not my lady and don't tell me when I lie or not." Heero replied with an edgy tone.
"I can see it in your eyes." Hotaru said quietly as she looked down.
It came out as such a whisper that Heero barely caught her words. He sighed and leaned his forehead on top of hers.
"This is where I am, don't think that it is I." Heero pleaded with despair.
Hotaru was silent and only looked down. Heero felt a sudden desperate need to explain it to her unlike anything he had ever felt before.
"Hotaru, like you said, you do not enjoy this life, neither do I."
"But you were born into it, not many dare resist the urges of that which you were born into. Especially when you have never experienced anything else. How and why would you want nothing, if you can have everything?" Hotaru said quietly, looking at him.
"First off, I was not born into this society, this class. I am born of low class, the poorest of the poor. However, I climbed up here, with one goal in mind, to live the best life I can. I wanted to have everything everyone else had, the best!"
"Exactly. Why would you go back to having nothing if you could have not only everything, but the best of everything?" Hotaru questioned, her voice icy.
"Am I like all those other men? Am I?"
Hotaru hesitated to answer for a moment.
"You are not like anyone I have met Heero Yuy, but it is human nature to want everything. To be greedy, to want the best." She managed to croak out at last.
Heero suddenly pulled her in again, crushing her with his strength to his chest, trying to make her understand.
"It is not greed. It was simply a dream."
"And now that you have your dream, why give it up?"
"Because everything comes with a price."
"What is the price of wealth and power and being the upper class?"
Suddenly stopping with the waltz, Heero pushed her away slightly so he could look into her eyes. Hotaru was captured, as his eyes seemed to come alive with passion. Behind it, however, she could see pain and despair. He did not break his gaze, and his eyes told her hat he was about to say was true.
"Because it's so lonely at the top..."
The guys watched the beautiful waltz on the stage. After the first few minutes of conducting, they became tired of watching. With a nodded and an understanding gleam in everyone's eyes, they set off to find their own dates. Duo had seen Makoto in the audience while he was playing. No doubt she was watching Heero and his date right now.
Thinking about Heero's date, Duo felt himself smirk. He was wrong about Heero not having a date, dead wrong in fact. Not only did Soldier boy have a date, he had a drop dead gorgeous date. Taking a minute to look at the dancing couple in the middle, he realized that Soldier had a small content smile on his face.
Laughing silently to himself, Duo faded into the shadows as he continued his search for his Makoto. His violet eyes twinkled as he caught sight of his prey. As he started to walk towards her he froze. Makoto slowly turned around, and threw a coy smile at him. At that moment, Duo's brain turned into mush, and if he had a need to breathe, he would be dead since he wouldn't be able to.
He saw her silky hair down for the first time, bringing out her forest green eyes. Her lips were rosy red as usual, as a pair of emerald leaf earrings graced her ears. She put some sparkly eye shadow on, and Duo was mesmerized. He had seen her dress and how she looked before tonight, but now he was so close to her, that her true beauty was finally realized.
Makoto looked at him and blushed, noticing his unwavering stare. She smiled slightly, as if to ask Duo whether or not it looked good on her. Duo blinked, and slowly moved closer to her. He stopped a few inches from her, and his eyes held hers with an unwavering and longing gaze.
"How do I look?"
"You look... wow." Duo stuttered.
Makoto giggled and blushed at Duo's answer. Duo only smiled sheepishly, for the moment that he saw her, he had forgotten his entire vocabulary. Moving closer to her, he smiled his usual grin, this time, a tiny amount of lust escaping through.
"How about we dance?"
"After this one."
Duo nodded, knowing that Heero would kill him if he interrupted his dance. He offered Makoto his arm, which she gladly took. As if suddenly remembering who he was and his legacy, Duo straightened his back, his head held high. Makoto noticed this change and shifted her posture as well. Thanking Michiru, Haruka, Setsuna and Hotaru for the lessons, her chin was high as a sudden presence of grace swept through her.
Duo noticed this change in Makoto as he walked. The waltz would be ending in a matter of seconds. As he continued to walk towards the center with Makoto by his side, people automatically cleared a pathway for him, remembering his importance. Duo merely looked straight ahead as he walked, sneaking occasional glances at Makoto.
^^^
As Quatre walked in search of Minako, people had greeted him and told him what a great party it was turning out to be. Many people wished to know whom the young lady was that was dancing with THE Heero Yuy. Keeping the polite conversations short, Quatre merely told them that he too did not know the identity of this young woman, and that she was private guest invited by Heero.
At this point, many people were clearly shocked and surprised. Quatre couldn't blame them, after all, he was curious as to this beautiful lady's identity as well. It wasn't often that Heero would personally invite someone to their Christmas ball. She really was beautiful. Perhaps his friend had found someone?
Quatre's brow furrowed as another old CEO of some important corporation or another attacked him. Making a few seconds worth of small talk on stocks and such, Quatre quickly excused himself. Now the blonde's patience was wearing out, where was Minako?
Thanking Allah for his height, Quatre peered over everyone to try and catch sight of her. Finally spotting her on the other side of the room, Quatre hurried in search of her. However, he stopped when he saw Wufei having a quiet conversation with a beautiful lady with long dark hair, not quite dressed for the occasion. He could tell Wufei was rather angry, however, his onyx eyes were looking her up and down while shining with a kind of lustful gleam. The lady was quite beautiful in the outfit.
Sighing he quickly returned to his search for Minako. Spotting her backing away from a bunch of high-class ladies, Quatre, the white knight as always, hurried to her aid.
"Minako, I've finally found you." Quatre interrupted quickly.
Minako, hearing Quatre's light and almost warning voice, turned and smiled at him. The ladies seeing Quatre all curtsied.
"Mister Winner."
"Ladies, are you enjoying the party?" Quatre asked, always polite.
"Yes sir, I most certainly am. And might I say, the young lady dancing with Mister Yuy is quite lovely. Who is she?"
Quatre smiled hearing the jealous and spiteful tone in their voice.
"I do not know actually. If you'd excuse me, I must borrow my lady for the next dance."
With that, Quatre bowed to Minako and kissed her hand. Minako giggled slightly, but caught herself and curtsied in returned. Thank the goddesses for those lessons from the others! Taking Quatre's arm, she allowed herself to be quickly led away knight in shining armor.
"Thank you Quatre! I'd thought I'd never get away!" Minako exclaimed as she sighed with relief.
Quatre chuckled at Minako's nervous look. He really looked at her, and he felt his eyes widen at the sight of her. He just noticed what she was wearing. Quatre couldn't help but blink, a lot. The outfit Minako was wearing was.... NOT WHAT HE HAD IN MIND!
Despite the fact that it was... completely inappropriate. Quatre looked at her, damn she looked revealing. She was wearing a corset like top, in a deep gold, almost orangish color. The laces in the back were black, and the front had a little V notch neckline. The bottom was the classic ball gown bottom, nice and puffy. It was a deep gold, but lighter than the top. The bottom of the gown was sparkly.
Quatre closed his eyes and gulped. He tried to count to ten before talking to Minako. How could she show up like that?! She was very beautiful, and Quatre was a man, so he had to admit, she looked good! But it... too... how was he going to explain this to the men and women who were total aristocrats.
~ Will you stop thinking about things like that? ~
Heero! What are you doing in my head?
~Oh gee I don't know Quatre, trying to find out the secret to your puppet collection?! ~
Hey Heero! Be a little more polite in my mind will ya?
~Fine. Minako looks great.~
How do you know her?
~ *Sigh* Very long story. Basically, stop thinking what everyone else would think and start concentrating on your opinions and how you feel. Quatre, we've been around for a long time, and well, you still haven't learned?~
I suppose she had gone a little overboard.
~First off, a little? Second of all, Quatre, what do you think?~
She looks beautiful. Like an angel, well, without the little halo and wings.
~Good, then tell her.~
Thanks! This is a first, your giving me advice about this stuff!
~Quatre, don't push your luck.~
Oh, sorry.
Minako saw Quatre's face pale even more once he realized what she was wearing. He looked, well, petrified. She looked down at her outfit, okay, it was a little, too fluttery for a ball like this. But she didn't know it would be this big. Quatre's brow furrowed as he looked like he was having an inner battle with himself. Minako looked down, suddenly knowing why everyone had stared at her when she came down. They didn't think she fit in, and she didn't. Looking around at the beautiful gowns and fancy dresses that everyone was wearing, she suddenly wanted to go hide in a little corner.
Her fist clenched and her knuckles turned white. She was a joke. For the first time in her life, Minako Aino was unsure of herself. She better leave, she didn't want to embarrass Quatre. A single tear started to make its way down her cheek. She started to turn around, when suddenly Quatre's hand snapped out and caught her wrist. Unable to look at Quatre, she kept her blue eyes on the floor.
"Minako..."
Slowly, Quatre's large hand reached up and caressed her left cheek. The softness of her skin making his senses wild for a minute. Then he saw the crystal tear making it way down her cheek. He slowly leaned down, and kissed the tear away.
"A tear doesn't belong on you..."
Minako was shocked, but kept her head down. Quatre forced her chin up, but she kept her eyes closed. Quatre sighed, and pressed his forehead to hers.
"Minako..."
The silence between them was unbearable. Quatre clenched his eyes shut, how can he tell her? Quatre cursed his upbringing, to always be of high class. Quatre could hear Minako's breath coming out unevenly, as if she wanted to cry even more.
"You look beautiful tonight, indescribable."
Minako's eyes suddenly snapped open and looked into Quatre's baby blues.
"Stop lying."
"No, I'm not kidding. You do look beautiful tonight." Quatre said seriously.
"Quatre, you know that I don't... you know... fit in." Minako said softly, looking down.
"So? You're still beautiful."
Minako shook his head furiously. Cursing his kindness, she looked into his eyes with a kind of desperation.
"Quatre, you're lying."
"I don't lie. And I don't have to. You look... really... wow. Really."
As Minako was about to open her mouth and object, Quatre bent down and captured her soft lips into a tender kiss. He bit down on her lower lips gently, in a reassuring way.
"Come on then my lady."
Quatre grabbed her right hand and rested it on his left forearm. With his head held high and a smile on his lips, he led her towards the middle. People threw looks at Minako, which were answered by Quatre's icy glare. But out of respect for Quatre, they moved out of the way and bowed.
"Where are we going?"
"To dance my lady."
Minako looked at him for a minute, confused. Quatre slowly turned to Minako, his reassuring smile shining down at her.
"Don't ever be ashamed. And don't ever think I'm ashamed of you. Someone who is, isn't worth it."
Minako felt another tear, this one of joy. Quatre smiled and bent down, kissing her briefly once again. He focused on her simple gold heart necklace. The chain was made by heart clasps. (Think Sailor V.'s Love Chain) Cocking his head to one side, he raised his brow.
"Nice necklace."
Minako giggled at his puzzled expression. Quatre also noticed her other accessories. Her earrings, was the chain, like the chain in the heart clasps, dangling to her shoulder. A thick matching bracelet was on her left wrist. Quatre blinked, cute and innocent jewelry, but very... interesting outfit.
Minako giggled again and hit him lightly on the arm.
"The dance?" She prompted.
Quatre grinned sheepishly and led her once again to the dance floor.
===========
Trowa weaved in and out of people, in search of Ami, while trying to find the blue haired tenshi, Trowa even asked people. An unlikely scene. After a few women tried to flirt with him, Trowa gave up his new tactics. Trowa sighed and fingered his long brown bangs. Taking a glass of wine from on of the waiters, he pressed it to his cold lips and took a drink.
Laughing bitterly at the act that he couldn't help but do, he resumed his search. He finally found her, in the garden balcony, figures. Sticking close to the wall, he moved silently towards his target. Silently stepping out, a soft smile touched his lips as he saw that she was gazing up at the stars.
Unable to control himself, Trowa walked right behind her, yet she did not sense him. Trowa then slipped his arms around her thin waist. Ami was startled and her huntress instincts almost kicked in, before she felt a pair of lips slowly making its way up her neck.
"Trowa..."
"Why are you out here instead of enjoying the party inside hm...?" He asked her, his voice husky.
Ami sighed and slowly relaxed against him. She felt her back mold into his strong chest and stomach.
"Just looking at the stars..."
"You missed it..."
"No, I didn't..."
"I didn't expect him to actually ask her..." Trowa confessed.
"I didn't expect her to say yes..."
Another moan from Trowa silenced whatever Ami was about to say. Trowa gently ran his hand down her arm, feeling the goose bumps on her skin.
"You're cold."
"No. I really don't feel it..."
Trowa nodded and kissed her cold right cheek. Ami sighed with contentment and continued to look up at the bright stars above. Ami's blue eyes twinkled with a kind of universal understanding. Trowa saw the look in her eyes and kissed the top of her head.
"It makes you feel so small don't they?" Trowa asked with a small smile on his lips.
"All the knowledge of the universe, locked away in the stars..."
Trowa smiled at her answer. Hugging her tighter, for the ump-teen-millionth time since he met her, he wondered how she decided on him, and how special she was.
"Beautiful..." Trowa said, as if in a daze.
"Yes Trowa, they really are..." Ami replied softly.
"I meant you..."
Ami blushed at his husky and sexy tone. It was low, and she could feel the soft rumble in his chest as he spoke. He said that close to her ear, so that his cold breath tickled her ear and she shivered. Unconsciously, Trowa went over what she was wearing. A simple white slip dress that was sleeveless and a round neckline. And on top was a sheer blue over dress that started an inch above the slip dress neck, that went to the floor with the under dress. The sheer blue dress was a really light blue at the top, and gradually darkened to a navy blue at the end. A split went up the dress on either side to her knees.
'Wow, she looks... um... wow?'
Trowa's eyes went wide as for the first time she realized how beautiful she really was that night. She had on some shiny lip-gloss, making him focus at her beautiful and full lips. She had some light blue eyes shadow, which matched her shining and lively blue eyes.
"Trowa...?" Ami said pulling him out of his thoughts.
Trowa blinked a few times and saw that she was looking at him in concern. With a small sheepish smile and a light blush on his face, he kissed her forehead.
"What about we join the party?"
Ami seemed hesitate and then nodded. Trowa straightened his posture and held his head up high. Ami looked at him and wrinkled her nose.
"What's up with the change?"
"Always be a gentleman, when you're about to feed yourself to a pack of wolves."
Ami giggled and then followed him. She held her chin high and shoulders back.
"My lady?"
Trowa offered his arm, which Ami took with a light kiss on his cheek. Then with a nod, someone opened the glass doors to the garden. As they walked in, people around them bowed, as usual. Ami found this unnerving, but with a small squeeze from Trowa's hand, she relaxed. As Trowa expected, everyone bowed and curtsied before him. With a nodded he dismissed it and continued down the pathway they formed.
Wufei straightened his white tuxedo as he tried to steer away from women, they had a tendency to, oh... throw themselves at his feet. Responding them with snorts of impatience and glares of disgust, he quickly got away.
'Where is that onna?'
Wufei snarled as he couldn't see the dark haired phoenix anywhere. However, he did see a crowd of men gathering at one side of the ballroom. Something told him that where there were groups of men, there was Rei. A small feeling suddenly burst forth in his chest as he glared at the back of those men.
However the feelings disappeared once the men left, their faces showing disappointment. What was the feeling anyway?
The question disappeared when Wufei saw what she was wearing. Feeling his jaw drop to the floor, Wufei looked at Rei. She was wearing a strapless, dark red dress. On the top was tight, so that he could see all of her curves. Then it was tight all the way down to her knees. Then at her knees, the front part of the dress ends, showing Wufei her great lower legs, while on each side it slants down and the back and the sides of the dark red fabric reaches the floor. A silver necklace with rubies all around was on her neck, as well as a pair of 20-karat dangling earrings.
Wufei felt drool coming out of his mouth, before he realized where and who he was. Then lust was soon replaced by anger and disbelief. Marching up to Rei, his face became red. Rei sensed him and turned around with a small smile on her face.
"Wufei, great par-" She started.
"Onna! What are you doing wearing that dress?!" Wufei yelled in rage and disbelief.
"Well, I'm supposed to wear a dress aren't I?" Rei answered, trying to keep her calm.
"A dress! Not a tight piece of cloth like that!" Wufei argued.
"Well, the men seem to be enjoying it..."
"Class onna! Have you no dignity what so ever?!" Wufei screamed at the top of his lungs.
"I have dignity baka! And I am proud of my body!" Rei yelled back, losing control.
"Being proud is one thing, being a slut is another thing!!!"
Rei seemed shocked by this as her eyes widened. Anger and rage soon filled that surprise and her eyes became a firey violet. Wufei did not back down, even though he knew he had gone too far. But the dress she was wearing! What was that?!
Somewhere in the back of his mind, a little voice was saying that it made her look so, beautiful. As usual, Wufei pushed away that side of him, and instead put up the mask of honor and pride he hid behind all his living and undead life.
"How. DARE YOU?! How dare you call me such a thing you chauvinist pig?!"
Rei's hand lashed out and hit him hard across the cheek, sending his head toward the right. Wufei winced inwardly, not at the hit, but at the sound of her voice and her raging violet eyes. Clenching his jaw tightly shut, he could not back away, where was his honor in that?
"Who do you think you are judging me? Especially calling me something so disgraceful? Yo-you have no right to judge me on what I wear!" Rei yelled, completely outraged.
"Well how do you want me to see you as if all you're wearing is that?!"
"I expect you to at least say something that compliments me!"
"Complimenting you on what?! Trying to look disgraceful for all women?! Trying to come into a grand party like this looking like a hoe?! Showing way too much cleavage and skin?! Embarrassing me by your outfit and having you are my date?! I expected you to know better!!!"
Wufei stopped, his eyes flashing with an unknown power. Rei looked away, trying to control her temper. Her knuckles were white and her long nails dug into the vulnerable skin of her palm. Her shoulders were shaking from the bombardment of emotions as she tried to keep it all in. Never show your enemy what you were thinking, or feeling.
Wufei saw her shaking shoulders and sighed. Closing his eyes, he felt his anger beginning to disappear and be replaced by guilt and regret. He shook his head, how could she show up in that? She looked beautiful, but it was so... so revealing, and so not what he expected.
"Well I'm sorry then..." Rei said in a soft voice.
Wufei's eyes widened as they returned to her trembling form. Her voice was... so cracked with emotion. It seemed like she was trying to regain and keep control. He opened his mouth to speak before Rei looked up at him. Wufei felt his whole body plunged into a lake of icy water.
Rei's beautiful violet eyes were glazed over with water. She looked up, trying to prevent the tears from falling. Her bright eyes were dim with pain.
"Rei..." Wufei began.
"Shut up!" Rei screamed.
Wufei stepped back as she yelled. Her eyes turned into a red-hot violet flame as they filled with anger and hatred.
"I don't want to hear it! Yes I am sorry! Sorry that I had said yes to coming! Sorry for thinking that you were nice for once! Sorry for trying to look nice for you! Sorry for trying to make you look good by coming with someone that looked nice! Well I'm guilty for those things so I'm sorry!"
With that she stormed towards the middle of the ballroom. People looked at her but allowed her to pass. Wufei was frozen for a minute, before running to chase her. As much as he hated to admit it, she did strike at his heart, and besides, he didn't wanted to look bad by having his date run out on him.
Omniscient P.O.V. as in Godlike me!
The four couples approached the middle as the waltz ended. Trowa and Ami from the North and the gardens, Quatre and Minako smiling from the South, Wufei and Rei from the West, and Duo and Makoto from the East.
~Minako and Quatre~
"Come my lady, this is our dance."
The two reached the end of the pathway and the circle.
~Trowa and Ami~
The two smiled at each other one last time before stepping into the circle.
~Duo and Makoto~
Makoto smiled as Duo winked at her. With a huge grin, he held her close.
"Our turn to show them what real dancing is!"
~Rei and Wufei~
"Rei please!" Wufei cried in vain.
Rei ignored them as she burst forth into the dance circle. She froze as three other couples came out.
~Heero and Hotaru~
"Because it's so lonely at the top..."
As Hotaru's eyes widened, she could see the truth in those eyes, swimming with such emotion. Just then, someone wearing red burst out of the crowd and into the empty space.
~Minako's P.O.V~
Oh my god, isn't the crying woman Rei?! What is she doing here?! Why is she crying?!
~Ami's P.O.V.~
Oh, isn't that Makoto?! Why is Rei crying?! And who's the Chinese guy running up to her?!
~Makoto's P.O.V~
Oh my god! Hotaru's with Heero?! Ami's here with Trowa?! And the girls?!
~Rei's P.O.V.~
Oh dear god!!! This isn't happening!!! NO! Heero and Trowa aren't with Wufei! They don't know each other, oh dear god please don't have them know each other! And the girls are here to! This is so embarrassing, dear lord why be so cruel?
~Heero's P.O.V. ~
The girls are here with the guys?! God this was unlikely! Wait, why is Rei crying? Wufei?! She's here with Wufei?! Dear lord what did he do?
~Trowa's P.O.V.~
I had a feeling something like this would happen. The girls are with the guys. Isn't that Rei crying over there? Isn't that Wufei?
~Hotaru's P.O.V.~
God everyone is here. How can this be? And why is Rei crying? I swear, whoever hurt her...
Omniscient powerful me's P.O.V.
Rei could take it anymore as her knees buckled beneath her. She fell backwards before Wufei caught her. She slapped him and tried to get away. All at once, the girls rushed out to Rei. Michiru and Haruka burst out as well. Haruka pushed Wufei and towered over him. Duo and Quatre shot out to restrain her.
Hotaru held Rei while the other girls tried to calm her. Suddenly, she felt someone's hand on her shoulder. Seeing that it was Trowa, she backed away slightly. Trowa bent down and easily scooped the shaking girl into his arms. Without a word he walked towards the stairs to go upstairs. The girls all followed, except Haruka and Hotaru who stayed behind. Wufei was attempting to follow Trowa before Hotaru went up to him and pushed him hard.
"Who the hell do you think you are?! How could you treat her like that?!"
"Onna out of the way! It's none of your business!"
Hotaru's eyes flashed dangerously and turned black as her anger boiled to no end.
"I AM HER FRIEND! HER PROBLEM IS MINE!"
Wufei wasn't scared and pushed her out of the way. Hotaru fell to the floor since she was so surprised by the act. Haruka was infuriated and continued to surge towards Wufei. Duo and Quatre however kept a hand on her.
"Why don't you check on the Miss?" Duo said, his eyes dark.
Haruka calmed and went to pick up Hotaru. Taking the chance, she leapt towards Wufei and began to punch him. Wufei however was not one to stand while someone hit him. Punching Haruka hard, she sent her into Hotaru. He walked towards her, intending to finish her.
"WUFEI CHANG YOU STAY WHERE YOU ARE!!!"
Wufei froze while Duo and Quatre gasped. Heero had never raised his voice to anyone before. Everyone, including Haruka and Hotaru, turned to see Heero's cold and impassive face turn into one of complete and utter anger. His eyes were flashing with danger as they turned an unnerving deep purple.
"HOW DARE YOU ACT LIKE THAT IN THIS HOUSE?! IN MY PRESENCE!?"
Heero walked a few steps to Wufei, who stepped back, the first time in his many times to feel utter fear.
"YOU DISAPPOINT ME! First you cause Rei to cry, then you knock over Hotaru, and then you DARE TO LAY A FINGER ON HARUKA! Have you no shame?! Do you have no honor or pride?!"
Wufei clenched his eyes close and bowed his head.
"You disappoint me! Unruly behavior! You've taken things too far! Especially on a day like today!"
Wufei stepped toward Heero, attempting to calm him. Without a thought, Heero's hand lashed out and punched him, sending him flying.
"You disgrace! Clean your act up. You are a disgrace not only to me, but all of G5! You embarrass us with your action and bring shame to your family name! Now clean up and get the hell out of my face!"
With that Heero turned around and stormed out of the ballroom to follow Trowa. Haruka and Hotaru looked blankly at each other, before following Heero. They would deal with Wufei another time.
Duo and Quatre turned to each other, their faces grim. Without a word, they turned and assured the crowd that everything was fine, while Wufei sat alone on the floor. His mind filled with what Heero had said, and his heart full of emotions.
Sorry guys! Took me 3 days to write that chapter! I'm sorry if it's not funny or happy like you expected it. I started writing and soon everything about funny and light atmosphere disappeared. It'll be better next chapter I PROMISE!!!! I can't always be depressing.
Did I disappoint you guys? I sure hope not!
And once again thanks to my wonderful editors! A special thanks goes out to Starlight, whom I now think is the best designer IN THE WORLD! Thanks to Starlight, I got the beautiful dress for Ami and Minako! She's brilliant! And I used part of her idea, along with Hotaru Yuy and Ice Queen's ideas for Rei's dress! Thanks to LilSweetCeres, who I call Ceres-sama, for Makoto's dress! Even though I had the same dress in mind... And as usual, thanks to Jade Lowe Maxwell, who is my daughter, well, at least when she's a Chibi! Without her, I wouldn't be writing fanfics, and I would still be sane...
Wow for once I'm thanking people! Maybe my ego has shrunk from the size of Alaska! Okay, maybe not.
PLEASE REVIEW!!! AT LEAST 15 BEFORE ANOTHER CHAPTER! I AM SAYING THAT RIGHT NOW! NO 15 REVIEWS, NO CHAPTER! AND DON'T YOU GUYS WANNA FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS WITH WUFEI AND REI?!?!