~*~*~ Eye of the Midnight Storm ~*~*~
By: Rogue Angel Barton
Hey! Next chapter! Thanks again to my wonderful editors, Hotaru Yuy, by the way, get the next chaps of your fics out soooooooooooon! Sakura yuy, Ice Queen, Jenn, and Starlight! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And this chap is for PiscesAngel, one of the best authors around. She's been so nice and kind to me, so I asked her what chap she would like to be dedicated to her. So this chap is to one of the best and most talented authors around. I hope you like this one! All for you Pisces-san!
To Jupiter (Seifer's babe) yes, I've see you're the only one that brought up the pretty obvious, I did get ideas from Buffy! Well I'm like, obsessed with that show, that and my crazed imagination combined made this fic! I suppose the slangs are a giveaway. But anyways, about your first question, well, I can't say anything. I'm not supposed to answer that question! And by the way, I TOTALLY LOVE Perfect Communication and Reunion in combat!!!!!!!!!! THEY ROCK!
This is the continuation of the Christmas chapter that you all have been waiting/dreading for.
The girls followed Trowa as he quickly walked through the huge mansion. Ami was to his right, soothing Rei's hair.
"Where are you taking her?"
"East Wing, away from the ballroom."
Ami nodded and continued to sooth Rei. A few minutes of long and wide corridors, marble staircase, and lots of turns, Trowa paused in front of a door. Opening it with Ami's help, he stepped inside. The room fit Rei, the walls and carpet was a dark red. It was huge, with king sized four poster bed in the middle against the East wall. Trowa quickly walked over to the bed and gently placed Rei on it. Ami, Makoto, Michiru and Minako sat by her as she continued to cry. Walking over the two huge windows, Trowa pulled back the dark red silk curtains.
Trowa stayed in the room for a few minutes, making sure they were okay before stepping out. He closed the door behind and sighed as he leaned against the wall to the right. Trowa closed his eyes and listened to the soothing voices that came through the door, well, at least heard by his hearing.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps came from the hall which he had come from. Without opening his eyes, he could tell who it was. One from the footsteps, quiet and soft, but firm. Second it was easy to guess, especially since not that many people would guess that he chose this room. And lastly, not many people had his aura.
Trowa soon heard two more pairs of footsteps behind the first. He brows wrinkled together as he tried to identify these footsteps. They sounded vaguely familiar... ah of course, Haruka and Hotaru coming to check up on Rei.
The first set of footsteps stopped by him for a minute; as if to silent ask him what was going on. Trowa bowed his head slightly as a sign of respect, and then a nod for his response. The man only grunted and proceeded down the hall a little. Trowa knew he was leaning against the wall to the right of the door.
Soon the other two sets of footsteps reached him. He opened his eyes and saw that Hotaru and Haruka were looking intently at him. He cocked his head at the door. The two nodded their thanks at him and walked in.
Trowa turned slightly to look at Heero to his right. The dark haired man sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Calm yourself." Trowa said in his calm and soft voice.
"How can I?" Heero grunted.
"Heero, this is no time to lose it."
"I know, but the mess he's made." Heero sighed and massaged his temples.
"He'll have to clean it up himself."
"Yes, but how did we look down there? Embarrassing, making a scene down there. He not only embarrassed us, but Rei as well." Heero said heatedly as he tried to calm himself.
"Yes, I'd still want to know how Rei knows Wufei and vice versa."
Heero paused and turned to look at Trowa. That was the question in deed, how did Rei know Wufei? Turning to the taller man, Heero's forehead furrowed in anger and impatience.
"That does not matter for the time being, although it does plague my mind."
Suddenly both men stiffened. They had felt an energy nearby, a huge energy source, many in fact. And they were all high and powerful. Trowa looked at Heero, his jaw clenched shut.
The huntresses and the slayer? Trowa asked through his thoughts, staring expectantly at Heero.
~Perhaps, only they can possess such a power besides a supernatural force.~ Heero responded, his knuckles white.
But they seem close.
Then the energy signature faded as soon as it appeared. The guys looked at each other before relaxing slightly. However they focused on a search for power, just to be certain.
Nothing. That was strange. Can they be nearby? Trowa asked, slightly unnerved.
~Perhaps, they must be, but they're gone now. I don't like how powerful that was.~ Heero told Trowa with a small sigh.
Neither to I...
~What's wrong? Out with it Barton.~
One of them... it felt slightly weak... and pained.
~I felt it too. Perhaps they were fighting.~ Heero thought hesitately.
Maybe, but I felt that it was not physical.
~Hm... but what if it were not them?~
What? Trowa asked, startled by Heero's words.
~It might of been a supernatural force.~
It can't be. Trowa said quickly, as if to convince himself.
~Why not?~
It's Christmas Eve, and you know the law that Shinigami enforced. No creature will dare disobey Shinigami. Nothing is worth the price.
Heero nodded slowly, but Trowa could still tell that he was unconvinced.
~With all the supernatural powers around and so forth, I wouldn't be too sure. Especially with the Elders around, there might be a heavy tension in the city.~
The Elders would be fools to mess with us Heero, no worries. Besides they haven't been in town too long, they won't dare make a move on our turf.
~I can only hope.~ Heero said darkly.
The shriek shattered the silence in the mansion. Heero and Trowa quickly turned to the door, but didn't open it. It wouldn't be right to barge in there. They looked at each other worriedly and sighed with relief as more soothing voices were heard through the door. Leaning against the door once again, Trowa could feel Heero's anger increase. Trowa winced once he heard Haruka's angry yells, and all of them involved Wufei.
How's Wufei going to get out of this one? Trowa asked with a mental sigh.
~I don't have a clue, and like I said before, I can't seem to care.~
Heero, we gotta help him somehow...
~Who says? He got himself into his mess, he has to get himself out.~ Heero quickly snapped in Trowa's mind.
What really happened anyway? Do you know?
~Actually... I don't.~ At this point Trowa sweatdropped at Heero's reply.
Heero, aren't you over reacting if you don't know what happened?
~...It's gotta be pretty bad if Rei is crying. She doesn't seem like the over emotional type.~
True, but we should find out what happened.
Heero turned his head towards the door as did Trowa. Even through the thick walls and door they could hear crying and calming and soothing voices. Heero turned to Trowa and gave him a skeptic look before facing toward and closing his eyes again.
~That is not a good idea...~
What about Wufei?
Heero threw Trowa another skeptic look. Trowa rolled his eyes and sighed.
What else can we do?
Heero simply shrugged. Trowa cocked his head in the direction of the door and Heero nodded in response. Turning to the door and straightening his jacket, Heero knocked on the door. A few seconds later Hotaru opened the door a crack.
"Yeah Heero?"
"How is she?" Heero asked softly.
"Better." Hotaru replied hesitantly.
"Good." Heero said nervously.
"What is it?" Hotaru asked quickly.
"The water is running throughout the mansion so Rei can use the hot tub if she wants to take a shower or maybe try to relax. All of you must be hungry."
Hotaru opened the door a little wider, showing Trowa and Heero the room. Rei was lying on the dark red bed sideways, her head in Minako's lap. Her face was stained with tears and her lower lip trembling. Everyone turned to Heero and Trowa, even Haruka who was pacing around with a red face. With a deep bow, Trowa and Heero tried to convey their apologies and respect. Rei nodded while Haruka waved her hand, telling them it wasn't necessary. Trowa suddenly spoke up after a few tense seconds of silence.
"It's about 8 now, you all must be hungry. I'll have some servants bring some food and drinks."
Ami nodded their thanks towards the two before returning to stroking Rei's hair. Heero and Trowa, taking the hint turned to leave. However Heero stopped by Hotaru. He looked into her violet eyes, his own eyes shining.
"I'm sorry this happened?"
Hotaru nodded numbly. Heero smiled slightly and leaned closer to her.
"Look," Heero said looking at Rei. "I know it must be hard on her. However try getting her and the others back to the party later."
Hotaru started to protest but Heero stopped her by putting his index finger on her lips.
"I know I know. But it'll be good for Rei. Hang out a little, talk to some guests, dance a little, you know, ease off the tension."
Hotaru hesitantly nodded, knowing it might be true. Suddenly Heero caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. Lifting her face to look at him, he smiled at her reassuringly.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine, I promise."
With that Heero turned around and walked away. Hotaru simply stood there, missing his warmth. Sighing, she returned to her friend.
As Hotaru walked towards the bed, she could tell that Rei had stopped crying. Haruka was leaning against the wall while all the other girls were on the bed. Hotaru sighed and shook her head. They had gotten no where in the past half an hour. Rei had been crying and the girls have all been trying to calm her. Haruka ran a hand through her short blonde hair. Hotaru could tell that she was really losing her patience.
"Rei what happened?"
Everyone turned to Hotaru. She had been so blunt, and her voice ice cold. Rei stared at Hotaru; her eyes mixed with emotions. Hotaru sighed and her face softened.
~*~ I'm sorry Rei, I didn't mean to be so blunt, but I really need to know what happened. ~*~ Hotaru said quickly in telepathically, putting it out so that al the girls may hear her.
-*- It's okay... I know you guys are just worried. Well... -*- Rei started with a sigh.
* Can you actually say this out loud? I'm sure you guys know every time we talk telepathically we send out an energy signature. We don't need vampires running into the mansion. * Ami interrupted suddenly.
Everyone turned to look at the blue haired girl, shocked at what she just said. True Ami was the really smart one, but she never let slaying come into any part of her life unless she was hunting. Ami simply shrugged while a light blush stained her cheeks.
"Ami's right, well Rei?" Haruka said, unable to mask the impatience in her voice.
Rei nodded and sat up, her eyes shining with new tears.
"Well, I was standing around, when these guys suddenly came up to me, asking me to dance. I said no since I was waiting for Wufei, the Chinese guy. Wufei suddenly came up to me, saw what I was wearing and blew."
The girls could tell there was more than that. Hotaru sighed.
"Tell us the whole truth Rei." Hotaru suddenly snapped.
Everyone turned to the short girl, whose eyes were burning with a violet fire. The girls all gulped. They did not like whatever Hotaru was cooking up. Nope, not good at all. Hotaru suddenly closed her eyes, and the girls felt her energy sky rocketing.
"I came up with this a while ago, testing it out on vampires first." Everyone winced at her cold and emotionless voice.
"Rei, if you do not tell us, I'll just have to show them."
Setsuna stood up, she knew Hotaru had figured out the secret to her powers. She was about to open up Rei's memories for all to see.
"Okay okay I'll tell you."
Rei had said it in a fearful voice. Hotaru felt her heart drop. What was happening to her...? Hotaru walked away from her friends slightly, melting into the shadows. Her emotionless violet eyes staring at Rei while she explained what happened. Once Rei finished, Hotaru's temper was flaring, making her power even greater than usual.
"I'M GOING TO KILL THAT SON OF A B*T*H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Haruka yelled.
Haruka suddenly stormed towards the door. Makoto and Minako followed Haruka, their faces red. Ami and Michiru watched as their friends disappeared. Hotaru remained in the shadows and sighed. Rei suddenly sat up slightly in bed and looked at Ami and Michiru.
"Ami, Michiru, Hotaru, why don't you guys return to the party? Have some fun?"
Ami looked at Rei skeptically and shook her head. Michiru shook her head as well and patted Rei on the back.
"No Rei, we're not leaving you now. You have to come with us." Michiru said, her voice soft and serious.
"Sorry guys, but I can't. Please go down there and enjoy yourselves." Rei said with a sigh.
Ami started to speak but Rei interrupted her.
"Ami, I know you guys care, and I love it that you're all such good friends. But I don't want this to effect you. And besides, I'd much rather be alone right now."
Michiru and Ami looked at each other hesitantly, not knowing what to do.
"Give her space guys. Do as she says." Hotaru suddenly said, speaking up for the first time.
Rei, Michiru, and Ami all looked at Hotaru. Seeing the sure and determined look in Hotaru's eyes, Michiru and Ami hesitantly stood up. Ami kissed Rei on the forehead while Michiru hugged her. Looking hesitantly at the sad girl, and then Hotaru, the two walked out the room.
That left Rei and Hotaru alone in the room. With a heavy sigh, Hotaru stepped out from the shadows. Violet clashed with violet as Hotaru looked into Rei's eyes. Hotaru felt her heart freeze once she saw the flash of pain and fear in the older girl's eyes. Hotaru turned away quickly and closed her eyes as she found it that she couldn't breathe and her throat closed up. Fear... something in vampires' and demons' eyes, but never her friends.
As her eyes opened, she wondered if she had let her job consume and change her. She was practically a stranger to her friends, the only people in this world that she cared for any more. She was one who inspired fear into them... God it hurt her so much. Not trusting her voice, she spoke to Rei telepathically.
~*~ I'm so sorry Rei. I...I... di-didn't... it wasn't supposed to... I... ~*~
Hotaru stopped, unable to continue, and walked to the window by Rei's bed. Her pain filled eyes watched the moon, so ancient, so wise, so beautiful. As she closed her eyes, a picture of her sister appeared in her mind. Clenching her fists tightly until her knuckles were white, Hotaru bit down on her lower lip, however she felt no pain.
Pain, she expected something... anything. Looking at the moon once more, she sighed. She could never lose her friends, she couldn't afford it, she would be nothing without them.
"Hotaru..."
Hotaru's thoughts were broken by Rei's voice. Her eyes widened as if she heard it for the first time that night. It wasn't the usual strong, confident and powerful voice, it was weak, shattered, pain, hallow and raw. She choked from crying. Hotaru felt her anger rising within her again. What kind of F****** moron and a J@CK@$$ of a human being would hurt someone like Rei?
"Hotaru come here... please."
Hotaru turned around and walked to the bed. Sitting down near the edge, she kept her head down, her glaze on her pale hands.
"Hotaru look at me."
Clenching her eyes shut, Hotaru refused. She didn't wish to see Rei's fear... not of a vampire, not of a man, not of a demon... but of her. She'd rather die than see it... again.
"Please..."
When Hotaru failed to comply, Rei brought her hand up to Hotaru's chin. Slowly and gently, she lifted it so that she could see Hotaru's face. Reluctantly, Hotaru opened her eyes and locked gazes with Rei. She saw pain, desperation, and some fear once again.
~*~ Fear... is that all I am now? Something people now fear... eventually avoid... and finally hate? ~*~
"NO! You must never think that!"
Hotaru was not too surprised that Rei picked up on it. The phoenix had the most sensitive senses to telepathic power, along with her power of predication.
"I don't know what to think anymore Rei. Especially after I... I... threatened you..."
Hotaru choked on her words and quickly looked away. There, she had said it; she threatened her friend, her own best friend, who only cared for her. She forced her to tell her secret, by threatening to expose her secret to the others without her consent and by force. God, what did she do? Who was she now?
"Is that all I am now?" Hotaru whispered, her eyes flashing with pain.
"Hotaru... don't worry. You were just worried..."
"But that doesn't make what I did right! I mean... how could I!?" At this point Hotaru stood up and began to pace, trying to walk a hole in the carpet.
"Hotaru, I understand... calm yourself. You're going to wear a hole through the carpet..."
"Rather wear a hole in the carpet than stain it with my own blood."
Rei's expression turned into one of shock, pain and fear. But it was fear for Hotaru, instead of her. Hotaru saw Rei and looked away. God, couldn't she get anything right tonight?
"Hotaru, I understand why you did it. I really do!"
"Yea but it still doesn't justify it! I mean I was just so... I just wanted to know... I mean, I was so worried, and... and desperate! I was out of it... I was never in it! I... I just lost control!"
Hotaru had unconsciously wondered back to Rei's bed. With an exasperated sigh she sat on the bed again. Rei reached over and put her hand over Hotaru's. Squeezing it tightly, Rei silently told her that she understood. Hotaru sighed and looked at Rei, her eyes thanking the older girl. Rei smiled and winked in return.
"Now off to the ball you go lil one!"
Hotaru glared at Rei slightly. She sighed again and plopped back down on the bed. Rei sighed as well and laid down next to her.
"We're kinda sad tonight eh?"
Hotaru giggled at Rei's question. She nodded and looked at the priestess lying next to her.
"I guess we are. So, how did ya meet Wufei?"
As Heero walked out the room and down the corridors, his eyes and face darkened. Making his way to the ballroom, he sent out a telepathic call to two of the gods.
~Duo... Quatre...~
I'm here Heero. Quatre answered quickly.
= Hey buddy, sup?= Duo's cheerful voice asked.
~How is everything down there?~
We calmed everyone down. The party is up and running again.
~Good. Good job guys.~
=Listen Heero, what was up with Wufei and the babe?= Duo asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
~I don't know. Where's Chang?~
He's in the training room I believe.
~Hn...~
=Are you going after him?=
~Yes. I need to know.~
We'll go with you.
~No. Stay at the party.~
=Yes... master...=
~MAXWELL!~
=Sorry Heero.=
Heero frowned as he changed directions. Now heading towards the West Wing, he senses came alive. It always did in this part of the mansion, the part that was more the power and warrior side of him.
Walking past the main hall, the decorations change. Instead of a golden color and texture in the main halls, it was now a deep blue and green. The walls were now a dark blue color, while the curtains for the tall windows were dark green silk. His heels clicking against the wooden floor, Heero looked at the pictures. Instead of the main portion showing off wealth, and class with fine art, this wing was more... the page out of a fantasy book.
Paints of dragons, tigers, and other creatures hung on the wall. The dark green silk draping on the walls annoyed him, but Maxwell insisted them being there. Heero growled as he stepped onto one of the many blood red rugs on the floor. Without a thought, he turned to the right.
This wing had more a powerful feeling to it. Something... strong, willful, confident... He stopped by one painting, with was one of a knight, slaying a dragon and rescuing the princess. Heero felt his eyes soften before he continued walking. This wing... was their treasure. Power... flowing from every painting on the walls. Acts of heroics, warriors, legends...
"But never our legends..."
His eyes taking on a silver quality as he made a right. He felt Chang, pounding away on his punching bag no doubt. The thought of Chang and Rei made his other side come out. Besides the silver quality to his eyes, his fangs sprouted toward, reaching over 1 ½ inches.
Heero looked at the door before him. It was over twenty feet tall, and made of cypress. One each door was the Gods' insignia. It was everything, power, fear, destruction, perfection...
Heero thrust his hand forward, and the door slammed open as if hit by in invisible wind. With his tailcoat flapping from the power flowing off of him, he walked into the gym. He was right, the fool was pounding away on the punching bag, trying to vent his anger.
Wufei sensed Heero's presence, and looked up. His black eyes clashed with Heero's angry Prussian ones. Wufei sighed and looked away.
"Chang."
Wufei nodded at Heero and then walked to the window. It overlooked the garden. Wufei ran a hand through his now lose hair, his cold heart heavy.
"Care to fill me in on what happened with Rei?"
Wufei turned to look at Heero before turning to look out the window again. Yes... Rei... the phoenix. Was it not a sin to make such a powerful and beautiful creature cry? No matter, he had had more sins that perhaps Maxwell and Winner added together. But this... this wasn't killing and destroying a monster or anything like that; this was making a woman cry. Somehow, it seemed worse than any other sin he has committed.
"I suppose I must."
Wufei received no answer as the emotionless god walked next to him and watched the gardens with minor interest. Looking out of the corner of his eyes, Wufei realized that Heero was dead serious, as he predicted. His face was in that carefully guarded mask, his Prussian eyes dim with lifelessness.
"I saw Rei in the dress, and I insulted her."
Hero glared at the Chinese man next to him. He shook his head slightly and allowed his aura to darken and his power to clearly rise. Wufei became nervous next to him, but remained calm on the outside. He should have none better than to try and out play the Prefect Soldier.
"Fine, I insulted her by calling her a disgrace to women, a slut, without dignity, disgraceful, a hoe, an embarrassment to me..."
"That will do Chang."
Heero couldn't contain the anger in his voice, or the fact that the atmosphere had changed to one of darkness, anger, and evil. His eyes were flashing between Prussian blue and silver once again. He knew Chang must have been cowering on the inside, despite his calm facade.
"And do you plan upon apologizing?"
Wufei looked at Heero in surprise. He expected to be flung into the next dimension by now instead of speaking to a calm Heero. Okay, a deadly and evil calmness quality to his voices but still, no action what so ever.
"No."
"What?"
Heero managed to squeeze that out, but not without the acid and threatening quality in his voice. How stupid was Chang?
"She won't take it."
"I never said anything about Rei accepting it. But you should apologize."
Wufei nodded numbly, despite the almost friendly tone to the last part, he knew it was a command. Wufei sighed and ran his hand through his hair once more. He really needed his friend right now, not the Perfect Solider.
Heero sensed his feeling in Wufei and inwardly sighed. There was such a thin boundary between powerful vampire and friend, one, which was always blurred for him. Hesitantly and slowly, Heero rest his hand on Wufei's shoulder. Wufei snapped to look at him, and Heero could tell he was completely shocked.
"Like I said, Rei accepting it is one thing. But not apologizing will make you appear to be an even bigger jackass than what you've already made yourself look like."
"Oh thanks."
Heero smiled faintly as Wufei rolled his eyes. Heero turned and opened up the windows, letting the chilly winter air nip at his skin. He then frowned; he could never feel the cold, why bother?
"You might still have a chance with her."
Wufei looked at Heero with disbelief and shock. The black haired man shook his head and looked out the window.
"Her spirit reminds you of Merian doesn't it?"
Wufei simply nodded at Heero's answer. His eyes held a glassy and far off look. He had left her slip through his fingers, and never truly appreciated her and who she was until it was too late. Now he had lost his chance with Rei. Wufei smiled bitterly, talk about protecting yourself, always hurting those around you.
"I-I am sorry about Merian. You have no idea what it's like for me to bear the memory, perhaps as bad as you do with it. Demo... Rei is like her in a lot of ways. Her good qualities don't let her escape as well my friend. Don't let her go."
Wufei looked at the man next to him. It was one of the rarer times that he saw Heero Yuy. Actually saw Heero Yuy. The man's Prussian eyes were heavy with the memories of the past, coming to haunt him as they commonly did. It was no secret among the four others that Heero lived with his past and what he has done every waking moment. He might act as if he's emotionless and all, but he was cracking on the inside. And it was known, that the only reason that Heero didn't end it all, was for them.
"How?"
Heero looked at Wufei and smiled in a mischievous manner. He turned and rested his hand on Wufei's shoulder once more.
"Come my dear Dragon, there is much that I must teach you in this game called love."
++++++++++
Hotaru and Rei laughed as they revisited a memory from the past. Rei was now dressed in a dark red silk nightgown that Trowa kindly provided. Hotaru did not change, but her hair was now down from the bun.
Suddenly a knock came from the door. Hotaru looked at Rei hesitantly, before the phoenix nodded.
"Come in!"
Upon hearing Hotaru's voice, the door opened. In stepped Heero, with a mocking smirk upon his lips. He walked into the room and stopped three feet away from the bed. He then bowed at the waist slightly, that smirk still on his face.
"M'ladies."
Hotaru rolled her eyes at Heero and waved her hand as if in a dismissive way. Rei watched the exchange between the two and smirk inwardly. These two would be quite the handful when they hook up. And she noticed how she said when instead of if. That's since she knew that they would get together.
"What is it that you want servant?" Hotaru said smirking and emphasizing the word servant.
"I am terribly sorry to disturb you Your Highness, and Princess Rei as well." Heero quickly countered, that smirk still present.
"Ay good sirrah, you are wasting my precious time."
Heero rolled his eyes at this and walked to bed. He leaned on the bed and rested his hands inches away from Hotaru's exposed knee. His face still held that stupid smirk that Hotaru found both mesmerizingly beautiful, and seemingly arrogant and rude.
"Waste your time... I dare dream not to do such a thing."
Hotaru shuddered at his voice. So sensual, so beautiful, so husky, so deep, just like his endless eyes. His face was centimeters away from hers, and she could smell his scent. Distinctly his own, mixed in with some cologne. She was losing all her senses.
"Although I do have a proposition."
Hotaru noticed the flash of something in his eyes as he said that. The smirk had grown bigger, mocking and daring her.
"What is this proposition?"
Heero smiled as he leaned forth towards his even more. His mouth was right next to his ear, and she left his lips touch her ear as he spoke.
"A dance with me."
Heero drew back to see her reaction. Her violet eyes first gleamed with surprise, than with suspicion.
"Why?"
Heero merely shrugged as he pulled back and stood up straight.
"I asked you to this party, I think I should get a dance?"
Hotaru glared at him as he smirked again. She heard Rei giggling behind her.
"Well it's true Hotaru. He does deserve one little dance."
Hotaru snapped back and glared at Rei as well. She turned to face Heero, determined to say no. Then she stopped in her tracks. God, that's it, he looked like a god.
The yellowish light above gave him an almost heavenly golden glow. However, his dark brown hair and Prussian eyes were a total contradiction to the bright and light glow. His Prussian eyes stood up, though his face was hidden in the shadows by his hair. The suit fit him like a glove, showing off his broad shoulders, long legs, and slender waist. And then, he had that lopsided smile that made him look like a charming schoolboy. Then he held out his right hand to her, like a gentleman. How could she say no?
"Fine, one dance."
Heero smiled as she slipped her small pale hand into his. For the first time in centuries, he felt warmth that he could never feel, something that the hottest fires could not provide. It made him feel... alive.
Heero pulled her smoothly up from the bed and to himself. One hand rested gently on the small of her back.
"That's all I ask."
Hotaru stared into his eyes, lost, and allowed him to guide her to the door. She shot Rei a look before she left, and Rei gave her a wink. Hotaru rolled her eyes and allowed Heero to escort her out.
A while ago...
Duo and Quatre sighed as the guest finally calmed down. After the brief conversation with Heero, they could finally relax, or so they thought.
"WHERE IS THAT JERK?!"
Quatre and Duo looked at one another before looking at the main entrance. In came a red Haruka, who was followed by a boiling Makoto and a steaming Minako. They both gulped before attempting to talk to the three ladies.
"Ladies and gent, why all the fuss?" Duo said with his grin as he casually walked up to the three.
"Be quiet and stand aside." Haruka growled.
Quatre noticed how angry Haruka was and walked up to Duo. He smiled kindly at the four and called a waiter. Soon a servant came with several glasses of champagne. He took a glass and offered it to Haruka.
"Perhaps some champagne while taking a breather?"
Haruka glared at Quatre but took the glass none the less. She drained it with one gulp and shoved it back at Quatre. Quatre simply shrugged and offered her another glass.
"Where is that idiot?" Makoto suddenly snapped.
"Who do you mean Ms..."
"Kino. She's Makoto Kino Quatre, my date."
Duo grinned as he slipped an arm around Makoto's waist. Makoto looked at the braided one and blushed slightly. Duo looked puzzledly at Minako.
"Ah, you're the beauty that was with Quatre before. Breath-taking dress. Hm... nice date Q-man."
Quatre blushed while Minako walked next to him and slipped her hand into his. Quatre looked at her and smiled. Duo whistled innocently to get Quatre's attention. Quatre looked at Duo in confusion before the realization dawned upon him.
"Oh... I'm terribly sorry. Duo, this is Minako Aino. Minako, this is one of my best friends, Duo Maxwell."
Duo smiled at Minako as she held out her hand. Duo took her hand and kissed it with a gleam in his eyes. Quatre and Makoto glared at him as he smiled innocently.
"Enough of this! Where is that Chinese man?!"
Quatre and Duo's smile faded as they turned their attention to Haruka. The tall blond was not pleased or calmed at all. Quatre sighed inwardly as he had another bright sunshine fake smile plastered on his face. His patience was running out. Damn the almost full moon, damn the effect it had on him.
"I'm sorry Mr..."
Suddenly Minako and Makoto giggled. Quatre looked confused at the two before he saw the man fidget. Wait a minute... blond hair... blue eyes... IT WAS A WOMAN!?!?!? ALLAH CAN'T BE THAT CRUEL TO HIM RIGHT!?!
"I-I-I-I-I-I'm s-so sorry Miss! Please accept my humblest apologizes." Quatre stuttered as he bowed deeply.
Quatre heard Minako giggle again next to him and he turned and glared at her. Minako waved her hand in almost an apologetic way and kissed Quatre on the cheek. The blond man felt his cheek color up as he felt a pair of eyes glaring at him. Quatre gulped once he realized that the woman he mistaken for a man was giving him Heero's deathglare.
"Who are you?" Haruka managed to growl out without pouncing on the two guys in front of her.
"How do you do? I'm Quatre R. Winner, nice to meet you." Quatre stated in a neutral voice as he held out his hand.
Haruka hid her surprise as she shook his hand. This young man was Quatre R. Winner, the owner of one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world? Impressive for a man his age. She noticed the braided one moving towards her. At first glance she saw thought it was a woman, but it was indeed a man. Not a bad looking one at that.
"Hey! I'm Duo Maxwell, I may run and I may hide, but I'll never tell a lie. That's me in a nutshell."
Haruka shook Duo's hand and resisted the urge to smile. He was different alright. Winner seemed polite and of high society. However, he was more relaxed and playful.
"I'm Haruka Tenoh."
Quatre and Duo only nodded. Suddenly, two more women came into the ballroom. Quatre and Duo recognized one of the blue haired women was with Trowa before. And the other one was with Haruka. Their eyes gleamed as realization dawned on them.
Michiru smiled at the four younger... er... younger looking ones and hugged Haruka. Ami shyly appeared between Makoto and Minako. Duo and Quatre looked at the two new comers and looked at their girlfriends for answers. Michiru caught this and held out her hand to the two of them.
"Hello, I'm Michiru Kaioh."
"A pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady. I'm Duo Maxwell." Duo said with a smile as he kissed Michiru's hand. Michiru blushed.
"How do you do Miss Kaoih? I'm Quatre R. Winner." Quatre bowed deeply and kissed Michiru's other hand. Michiru flushed even deeper while Haruka glared at the two. She walked to Michiru and slipped an arm around Michiru's thin waist.
"Hello, I'm Ami Mizuno."
Quatre and Duo turned to the source of the shy and humble voice. They both smiled. This girl was perfect for their friend Trowa. Her voice was low and soft, just like their tall comrade. She was shy, and very beautiful. Her eyes held an inner wisdom of one beyond her age. Her intelligence was clear as it shined in her eyes.
"I'm Quatre Winner. It's nice to meet you."
Ami blushed like Michiru as Quatre kissed her hand. Duo walked next to her and kissed her hand and bowed.
"Duo Maxwell, and I must say, Trowa chose well."
Ami was now a deep scarlet, and it didn't appear to be disappearing any time soon. Ami blushed even deeper once a pair of arms encircled her waist. Duo smiled sheepishly as a pair of deep green eyes glared at him and Quatre. Quatre chuckled, amused as his taller friend kissed Ami on top of her head.
"Trowa..." Ami said while leaning into him.
Trowa smiled down at her and nodded his greeting in the other's directions. Duo winked at him as he pulled Makoto closer to himself. Quatre smiled knowingly at Trowa as well as he kissed Minako on the nose. Minako blushed and teased him back by looking at him seductively.
"That's enough! Where is the Chinese man?!"
Trowa turned to Haruka and sighed. This might be the death of this friend... well... second death.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know where Wufei is." Trowa replied calmly.
"Liar. Where is he?" Haruka asked, this time more heatedly.
"Miss Haruka, I am sorry but we indeed do not know where Wufei is." Quatre defended his friend politely.
"That's bullshit. All of it! How can you defend him after what he did to Rei?!" Haruka retorted and stepped toward.
"Miss Tenoh, you must understand, we do not accept or honor Wufei's action towards the Miss Rei. However, there are at time where the best comes out of not knowing, in this case, his presence."
Quatre and Trowa both looked in surprise at the braided one. Duo merely shrugged and watched as Haruka refused to calm down. The other girls were looking at each other worried. They feared what Haruka would do.
"For the last time, where is he?"
"We don't know." Quatre responded firmly.
"That's it!" Haruka yelled before pouncing towards Quatre.
"Miss Tenoh, please calm yourself. I'm sure you don't wish to make a scene."
Everyone turned to the source of the voice and saw Heero as he walked in with Hotaru's hand in his. Haruka's eyes began to twitch while Hotaru blushed slightly. Duo, Quatre, and Trowa winked and smiled knowingly at the powerful one. Heero rolled his eyes and stopped a few inches from Haruka.
"Where is he Yuy? I don't care if he's your friend. He hurt Rei." Haruka stated with an air of desperation.
"Yes I know, and that was a major mistake. However, mistakes can be corrected." Heero said with that knowing smirk upon his features again.
Everyone appeared to be shocked at his words. Trowa smiled at Heero and high fived him.
"So you've decided to help him." Trowa stated more than asked with an amused tone in his voice.
Heero merely smiled at Trowa as the other boys finally got it and chuckled. The girls watched him as Haruka narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Heero shrugged as Haruka glared at him.
"What does he have planned Yuy?" Haruka growled.
Heero smiled again and led Hotaru towards the dance floor. He looked behind his shoulder and smiled reassuringly at Haruka.
"He'll make up for it. Trust me."
Heero twirled Hotaru around and around until they arrived at the center. She looked at him suspiciously and glared. The two felt seven happy pair of eyes on them and one pair of menacing and death promising ones.
"What does he have planned?" Hotaru said in a dangerously low voice.
"You should say what do I have in planned." Heero retorted still smirking.
Hotaru glared at him again before Heero bent down and kissed her on the forehead. Hotaru stood frozen as Heero drew back and looked into her violet eyes with his beautiful Prussian ones. The two kept twirling around on the dance floor, their eyes still concentrating of the other's face. Heero brought his hand up and gently touched Hotaru's cheek. Hotaru sighed and leaned into his touch.
Suddenly Heero's eyes flickered and he led her towards the balcony doors. Hotaru looked at him puzzled before Heero smiled and leaned down.
"Trust me..."
Without a word, Heero led her out to the porch made of marble on the outside. Hotaru smiled at the beautiful garden at night. The moon was shining brightly in the dark sky... a full moon. Normally she'd be out hunting on a night like this, but not tonight. The flowers were glowing softly as the nightly dew made the whole garden glow with a silver light.
Suddenly a beautiful white rose appeared in front of her. Heero walked over to her from the right as he smiled at her. Hotaru looked at him in confusion and then in thanks. She slowly took the rose, but dropped it as a thorn prickled her. Heero gently picked up her finger, brought it slowly to his lips, and softly kissed the small bleeding wound.
Hotaru looked at him as they stood like that for a while. Heero, looking like a dark god, while Hotaru looked like a beautiful goddess. Heero stilling holding Hotaru's finger to his lips as they stared into their dark eyes.
"The show's about to begin."
Hotaru looked at Heero in confusion as he jumped over the white marble railing. He held his arms out and mentioned for her to jump.
"I'll catch you, I promise."
Hotaru only rolled her eyes and jumped, landing perfectly on her feet. Heero shrugged and led her towards another part of the mansion while on the gravel path. The two walked in silence, with only the flowers to accompany them.
"The garden's beautiful..." Hotaru suddenly complimented trying to make conversation.
"I can't say thank you since I haven't done anything." Heero replied while shrugging.
"Whose house is this?" Hotaru asked while looking at the dark youth next to her.
"Quatre's. The blond." Heero curtly replied and walking closer to the wall.
"I see, beautiful house." Hotaru said as she followed Heero. Heero simply nodded.
---------------
Rei sighed as she stepped out from the shower. After Hotaru left, she took a quick shower and was feeling a little better than before. Stepping into the thin silk dark red nightgown as before, she dried her long raven hair with a white towel. She sighed as she walked back into the room.
Suddenly, a soft melody floated into the room. Rei's brows furrowed as she looked around, the radio and stereo were all off. Suddenly she realized that it was coming from the outside.
Rei slowly walked over the balcony, and hesitantly opened the red silk curtains. She slowly opened the glass doors and felt the cold stone meet the bottom of her feet. She slowly made her way to the railing, and the music grew louder.
Rei gasped and brought her right hand to her mouth as she saw the source of the music. Below her, standing in a huge field of beautiful violets and lilies was Wufei. All around him were candles as well. But there he stood, still in his white tux, his hair free and blowing in the wind, playing a guitar.
"Baby
Please try to forgive me
Staying don't go out the glow
Hold me now don't bother
If every minute it make's me weaker
You can
Save me from the man that I become."
Rei felt a tear fall down her cheek as she heard him begin to sing. She never thought he could be so...
"Looking back all the thing's I've done
I was trying to be someone
Play my part
kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of my heart."
Rei watched as he closed his eyes, as if he was battling his inner self. Why him? Why did she have to choose him?
"Sadness is beautiful
Loneliness is tragical
So help me
I can't wait this more
Touch me now don't bother
If every second it make's me weaker
You can save me from the man that I become."
There was nothing she could do now... he had her. She might have been angry... but now... she just didn't know.
"Looking back all the thing's I've done
I was trying to be someone
Play my part
kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of my heart."
Maybe he really didn't mean it. She didn't think Wufei Chang of all people would be standing down there, singing to get her forgiveness.
"I hear with my confession
Got nothing to hide no more
I don't know where to start
But to show you the shape of my heart."
Maybe it wasn't supposed to easy. All couples had their ups and downs. But... they weren't a couple... they were only friends...
"I'm looking back all things I've done
I never wanna play the same old more
Keep you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of my heart."
He wouldn't be doing this if they were just friends though right? Not this song anyway. Maybe... just maybe... they were something more, like he said, the shape of his heart...
"Looking back all the thing's If done
I was trying to be someone
Play my part
kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of my heart."
Maybe they had a chance. Sure they were both totally different, but they did say that opposites attract right?
"Looking back all the thing's If done
I was trying to be someone
Play my part
Kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of..."
Maybe she could forgive him... just this once.
"Show you the shape of my heart..."
Rei simply stood and watched as Wufei finished. He looked up at her with black eyes that for once showed what he was thinking, instead of hiding from her. She saw regret, pain, anguish, and a pleading looking. Pleading to be forgiven, pleading to have another chance.
Rei smiled finally and nodded at him. Understanding, Wufei smiled graciously and quickly climbed a ladder and jumped into the balcony. Rei moved away and turned to look at the other side of the garden. Wufei slowly and hesitantly walked to over to her.
"On-Rei... I'm sorry."
Rei snapped around in shock. To sing a confession was one thing, but to actually hear the hard headed one say it was another. She felt fresh tears appearing in her violet eyes. Wufei saw this and quickly walked over and engulfed her in a hug. With one hand he laid Rei's head on his chest and hugged her as if she was his only lifeline.
"Don't cry... you've cried too much tonight."
Rei looked up at him with twinkling violet eyes. Wufei looked down, his eyes showing true joy and bursting with an inner light.
"I'm sorry I really-"
Rei didn't give him a chance to finish as she put one finger on his lips. Wufei gently kissed it as Rei giggled.
"That's enough." Rei stated while giggling.
Wufei only nodded leaned down to kiss her. Rei turned her face away and glared at him, her violet eyes shining mischievously.
"Oh no buster. You're still not totally forgiven. You have a long way to go!" Rei declare smirking.
Wufei groaned slightly but smile once he heard Rei's laughter once a gain. He looked down at her, his eyes sharing that meaningful gleam. Rei stopped and watched as he leaned closer. Suddenly he leaned even closer as he put his hands behind her head. As he withdrew, she felt something fall on her neck. She looked down to see a simple silver chain, with a golden phoenix on it. Rei looked up to speak but stopped as Wufei smirked.
"Then let me do us both a favor and wipe that smirk off your face and begin my redemption."
Without another word, Wufei captured Rei's lips with his in one passionate kiss. As their lips met with the promise of tomorrow, the two disappeared into the room.
####################
Duo and Makoto witnessed the scene from the security room. Duo smiled as did Makoto when they liplocked.
"I'm glad I installed cameras throughout the house." Duo said while smirking.
"Duo! Quit spying!" Makoto scolded as she whacked Duo softly on the arm.
Duo laughed as he turned around and sat on the huge table. He grabbed Makoto around the waist and pulled her against his strong chest.
"If I recall Miss Kino, you were the one that suggested we do this." Duo said matter of factly as he laughed.
Makoto stuttered for an answer before giving up and glaring at the brunette. Duo laughed once again as he hugged her even tighter to him. Makoto smiled before resting her head on Duo's strong chest.
"I thought tonight was going to be completely hopeless." Makoto said with a sigh.
"I knew it would have been okay. After all, Heero's on the job. And besides, Christmas is a time for miracles eh? And I think that was a miracle." Duo said as he breathed in Makoto's ear.
"Yeah but... I was afraid... I was afraid that I might have done something bad to that guy." Duo stiffened as he heard her voice tremble with fear.
"Everything always work out when you have me around. Everything's always fine."
Makoto looked up at Duo's sparkling violet eyes and smiled. He was right, everything was alright when he's around. She looked deeply into his violet eyes again like whenever they just had a moment to relax and bath in each other's warmth and be amazed by the other's beauty. Deep violet pools of endless pranks and limitless faces. He was a master of deception, but he could never hide from her. Even though she's only known him for around a month, she felt like he'd known him forever. Each small gesture had a deeper meaning...
... Each smile held something deeper. Duo grinned as he traced her lips, which were curved into a mischievous grin under his fingertips. So beautiful... god what did he do to deserve her? So mesmerizing... so exotic... so... his.
Duo couldn't hold back and leaned toward quickly to catch her rosy lips in a heated and passionate kiss. His lips pressed roughly against her smooth ones, beckoning for more than just simple play. Makoto relented and let his tongue slip into her mouth.
They stayed like that for several minutes, Duo wanting to press on. But he remembered that Makoto was still human... and humans needed to breathe. He pulled back, Makoto gasping for breath. He simply stared at her with half closed lids, his forehead on top of hers. A small, true and happy smile on his face instead of the usual grin.
"What have I done to deserve you?"
Makoto suddenly looked at him as she heard his hoarse whisper. She saw that his violet eyes had lost their usual shine. But instead it was dark, with worries, fear, pain, uncertainty... self-doubt. She simply smiled and brushed his cheek with her hand.
"I was going to ask you the same thing." Makoto said earnestly, smiling at him.
"God I don't deserve you..." Duo said as he buried his face in Makoto's free brown hair.
Makoto simply stood there as he hugged her tighter and tighter. He sounded so lost... so pained... so hopeless. She just wanted to make those things go away. To love him... and that was all. She soothing rubbed his back in circles and let him draw his strength from her.
A second later, he drew back and gave her a thankful smile. Makoto kissed his cheek affectionately and tugged his hand in the direction of the door.
"Come on, we need to get back to the party... they're missing their front man."
"I'm only one of them."
Suddenly the clock struck midnight. The two stared at the clock for a minute before they turned and smiled at each other. Duo traced her jawline with his fingertips and pulled her close to him. He slowly put his hand into his jacket pocket and drew out a small box.
"Your Christmas present." Duo said in a low voice.
"But Duo... I don't have your present." Makoto said while gasping.
Duo simply shrugged and gave the black box to her. Makoto could tell it was a jewelry box, but this one must be special since it was from Duo. She opened the box and she saw a beautiful platinum bracelet. It was simple and light. In each heart shaped piece of platinum was a heart shaped amethyst.
"Duo it's beautiful." Makoto whispered as Duo helped her put it on.
"I wanted it to be special, but I saw you and your friends' jewelry show tonight. I guess it's just another piece of accessory."
Makoto immediately looked up as she heard the desperation and pain in his voice. She shook his head furiously as tears collected in her emerald eyes.
"No Duo, it's more special than any piece of jewelry I can buy! I love it. It's beautiful. This is special, since you gave it to me."
Makoto said as the tears fell from her eyes. Duo shook his head and bent down. Slowly he kissed away the tears and then drew back.
"I still don't have a present for you here." Makoto said as her eyes saddened.
Duo simply shrugged and kissed her briefly on the lips. As he drew back, his violet eyes shining bright with earnest and truth. She rested her hand on his cheek and he laid his forehead on hers. He smiled at her.
"You're an angel sent from Heaven. You are my Christmas present, the best I've gotten in a really long time. Thank you, for being with me. I still don't know why you chose me, but I'm thankful, with all my heart, that you did." Duo said hoarsely in a low whisper.
Makoto let the tears fall. He was so wonderful. She lowly wiped away the tear that slowly rolled down Duo's cheek. Then in that one moment, they knew that they had found their other half. Slowly, they sealed it with a kiss.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Quatre smiled down at Minako as they danced around and around. They had been dancing for the past fifteen minutes, and neither of them were tired. Quatre stiffened as he felt two eyes burning a hole through his back. There was a price that came with dancing with the most beautiful woman at the party, her angry friend with the promise of death in her eyes trying to make his head combust.
"Too bad for Haruka that my head isn't combustible." Quatre whispered into Minako's ear.
Minako giggled and gave him a playful glare. Quatre only chuckled. Soon, Minako's light laughter joined his deeper one. The song stopped as they headed for the tables for something to drink. Quatre gave her some punch and took some champagne for himself.
"Hey! How come you get champagne?" Minako asked whining.
"That's because my lady, champagne is still bad for you." Quatre responded laughingly.
"Well then why do you drink it Mr. Winner." Minako said smirking, thinking she had him.
"When you've grown accustomed to such things and have been around for a long time, something this small doesn't effect you." Quatre said quiet, his demeanor suddenly changing.
Minako watched as he looked blankly at his champagne as he swirled his glass around. His eyes were dark, secretive, unlike his usual kind and polite aura. Minako laid her hand on his cheek in worry. Quatre seemed to have realized her presence. As if by magic, his eyes changed back to that light and clear blue, and a smile on his face.
"Come on, I don't want to stay in here." Quatre suddenly said and grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the door.
Minako didn't exactly feel safe, but allowed Quatre to lead her out the ballroom. He slowed down as he walked towards the West Wing. Minako stayed quiet, out of curiosity and fear.
"I'm scaring you aren't I?" Quatre suddenly asked.
Minako shook her head furiously, but wasn't very convincing. Quatre sighed and ran a hand through his short hair. He turned to her and smiled.
"I'm sorry, I just... really want to show you something."
Minako nodded and calmed down. That was all. Of course, Quatre wasn't like all the other guys she knew. He would never...
"Come on, this way!"
Minako giggled at his childish voice and allowed him to drag her even faster through the huge corridors. After several minutes, and Minako's feet aching from running in three-inch high sandals, Quatre finally stopped. He smiled mischievously at Minako as he stood behind her and rested his hands on her bare shoulders.
In front of them was a huge set of oak doors, painted a deep goldish brown. ON each door was a huge sun, with a cheetah in the center. Minako looked confused at Quatre who merely smiled in response. He pushed her toward gently, telling her without words to enter the room. After a brief pause, Minako turned one of the golden knobs and opened the door.
She gasped at the sight that awaited her inside. The room was pretty big, really big actually. There was a glass dome ceiling, and 1/2 of the room had no walls, only glass. Several display cases lined where there was actually wall, holding several awards and plagues and such. Right across from the door was a huge brown stone fireplace.
"Quatre this place is beautiful."
"It is, but still not what I wanted to show you." Quatre whispered into her ear.
Minako felt a shiver go down her spine once she heard his husky voice. He walked in front of her, took her hand, and slowly led her to the fireplace. He delicately picked up an object, and then turned around to give it to her.
"Quatre it's gorgeous!"
Minako carefully took the object from Quatre. It was an old, rectangular shaped dark wood box. On all for sides, a fine, thin glass was embedded into the wood. Upon the glass were beautiful carved vines with small flowers upon them. And then she looked at the top. Carved deeply into the wood were a bouquet of roses. The edges painted in black were the same vines.
"Open it..."
Minako looked at Quatre and then slowly opened the top. She gasped when a gentle and soothing melody flowed out from it. The inside was half full, the other half empty. It was so simple, so old, so beautiful.
"Quatre this is... extraordinary!"
Quatre merely nodded as Minako was bursting with glee. He gently ran his hand through her hair as he fingered the music box with his other hand.
"It's been in my family for thousands of years. My sisters passed it on to me when they... died."
Minako heard the pained tone in his voice and gently kissed his cheek, showing him that he was sorry. Quatre smiled at her, the pain in his eyes disappearing and he looked deeply into the blue eyes that he loved so much. Suddenly the clock struck midnight, bringing Quatre out of his mood. He looked at Minako and smiled.
"It's yours now."
"Quatre no!" Minako gasped as her eyes went wide.
"Yes. I want you to have it."
"But why?"
"Because, you're... so special. You make me feel things. When I'm with you, it's like magic. I feel alive.. and I want you to have it. Because you are so special... especially to me."
Minako felt the tears flowing down her cheeks as she stared into Quatre's baby blues. They were filled with honestly, and a bight light. Minako smiled and leaned up to kiss him while he leaned downwards. Their lips met in the middle, and it truly was magic after that.
Trowa hugged Ami closer to him as the two watched the scene unfold from the rooftops. They watched as Wufei kissed Rei at last and Trowa looked down at Ami with a small pained smirk.
"Ami, they kissed. Now please let go of my hand."
Trowa smirked as Ami quickly let go and blushed. He massaged his pained hand and watched as Ami smiled and she walked to the other side of the roof. His brow furrowed as he sensed her change in demeanor. What was wrong?
Trowa walked over to her, a few feet away, he could smell her scent, so tender, sweet, roses... hm...
Silently and gracefully, he made his way to her, his emerald eyes keeping track on his target as she swayed slowly. A small worried smile touched his never changing features as he hugged her from behind and gently pressed her against himself.
"Hm... penny for your thoughts?" Trowa whispered softly into her ear.
Ami shuddered at his closeness, the warmth and power that radiated off of him. So unlike any other she had ever met, or will ever dream of meeting. Her blue eyes blazed with a passionate fire as he slowly and gently kissed her at the base of the neck, and moving upwards slowly.
"Trowa..." Ami moaned as she felt her body earning for him.
"What's wrong..."
"Nothing." Ami replied walking away from Trowa's body.
"To me...? You lie to me?" Trowa asked forcefully, his voice raw with confusion and pain.
"There's nothing wrong." Ami attempted as she turned back to Trowa.
"Don't lie to me!"
Ami stepped back slightly as Trowa yelled. She had never heard him raise his voice before. His emerald eyes held an almost maddening light in it. They burned with anger, disappointment, and pain. Ami could only watch as his anger seem to darken his aura. It became cold, unrelenting as he paced around the roof, trying to calm his emotions before they were unleashed.
"Trowa..."
Ami slowly made her way towards Trowa. As she reached out to touch him, Trowa suddenly snapped back at her, and she saw that his eyes were filled with hatred, raw hatred. Then a second later, his eyes returned to their normal cool and collected emerald as Ami watched him in fear.
Trowa's eyes flashed with realization and pain as he quickly walked away from her, not wanting to hurt her. He walked to the far side of the roof, and dropped to his knees. His hands on the edge of the roof, his eyes widened as he tried to control the animal side of him as his eyes turned into a silverish green.
Ami could feel the pain radiating off of him. Damn it, what set him off like that? That was... another side of him. It scared her... it...
"Trowa...?"
Ami slowly walked over to him, she knew he needed her, more than ever. She slowly kneeled next to him, and hugged him from behind. She felt him stiffen, then a few seconds passed before he loosened up.
"Trowa what was that?" Ami asked in deep concern.
"I... I just... why did you lie?" Trowa stuttered, unable to look at Ami.
"I... I... I didn't want to worry you." Ami whispered gently with regret.
"I would give up... eternity for you. And I... I thought we were deeper than hiding the truths. I... I can't stand it when anyone..."
Ami nodded and pulled Trowa to his feet. He looked down at her, and Ami held her breath. She slowly caressed his cheek as he gently leaned into her touch. He looked so confused, so vulnerable, like a helpless boy. What she couldn't give to give to show him the way.
Then almost as if he knew what was on her mind, he smiled slightly, his eyes shining with a bright new inner light. He caressed Ami's cheek with his hand as she leaned into his touch as well. He slowly put his forehead to hers. He put his hand into his coat and withdrew a small light blue jewelry box. He turned it to face her and opened it. Ami's eyes widened with shock and disbelief. In the box was a beautiful platinum ring with a heart on the band, a crown above the heart, and hands around the heart. He slowly took the object out and looked at her smiling softly.
"You are my way..." Trowa slowly whispered.
"It's an Irish culture... part of my heritage. The hands represents friendship..." Trowa whispered as he took her right hand.
"The crown stands for loyalty..." He said as he began slipping it on her ring finger.
"And heart stands for well... love." The ring was now half way down her finger.
"You wear it pointing out meaning you're not attached..." He continued as it rested gently at the bottom.
"And if you wear it pointing to you, it means you belong to someone..." Trowa said as he fingered the ring. He slowly brought up his right hand.
"...like this..." As he finished, Ami could see an identical ring on his right hand's ring finger as he held it for her to see.
"I belong to you..." Trowa breathed out huskily.
Ami snapped to look at him, her eyes wide. His eyes were shining with honestly and love. Her eyes glazed over with tears as she wondered why she deserved him. Trowa simply smiled and leaned towards her. Then as their lips met, Trowa felt the anger leaving him. His battered and lost soul suddenly lighting up as it found the way. Ami's mind blanked out, all doubts escaped as she realized nothing with this man, could ever be wrong. Slowly Trowa pulled away and smiled. Ami looked at him puzzled as to why he broke the kiss. His smile widened as he leaned in again, and whispered softly into her ear.
"Your other present is here now."
Ami looked at him confused before her eyes widened. A single, white puffy snowflake rained then from the skies. Then, as if the heavens just opened up, more and more came. Ami's eyes lit up as she stepped away and watched as the pure white heavenly tears poured forth from the sky. They gently landed on each flower, each stone, and each grain of soil. As a soft breeze picked up, a trail of ghostly wind carried flakes, rushed around Ami and circled her before moving to the silent youth next to her. He simply watched as her eyes shined with the beauty of a child, so innocent and pure.
Ami ran back to her and tossed herself into his out stretched arms. He twirled her around easily, her feet flying off the rooftops as she giggled with delight. His low and light laughter soon joined hers as he put her back on the ground. Ami stood on tiptoes and gave him a small peck before looking at him with endless joy in her eyes.
"Oh thank you Trowa!"
Trowa simply smiled as Ami wrinkled her nose when a snowflake landed on it. She grabbed his right hand, their rings clicking together, as she dragged him running around the rooftops covered with snow. In the mansion, the great clock in the ballroom struck midnight.
Hotaru felt herself smile as Rei and Wufei kissed. Sure she may not like the stubborn and arrogant jerk, but Rei did appear to be happy. The question was, how long before he does something stupid again?
"Dear Princess, he won't make another mistake again."
Hotaru snapped around as her companion's deep and monotonous voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked back at him to find him leaning casually against the white stone wall, his eyes closed and his mouth twisted upwards in a small smirk. She glared at him.
"How would you know?" She growled out before crossing her arms over her chest.
"I just do." Heero replied simply, still smirking.
"Well I am SO sorry your highness. Didn't know you were a fortune teller too!" Hotaru said venomously as she rolled her eyes.
Heero's dark blue eyes snapped open as he looked at her with mild shock and pain leaking from his mask. Hotaru saw this and her features softened ever so slightly. She merely sighed and rubbed her temples.
"I still don't know." She sighed as she walked deeper into the forest.
"You can feel the others at peace can't you? You know they've settled it all." Heero asked suddenly, his eyes shining, knowing her reply.
"Yes, they're at peace. Finally." Hotaru replied as she smiled, content.
Heero merely nodded and walked to catch up with her. He watched as she bent down and caressed a bunch of roses. She slowly leaned down and took in their sweet scent. He was amazed at how this feisty girl can be so gentle, so loving... so beautiful...
Heero quickly shook his head to erase his thoughts. Tomoe, beautiful? It must be the happy mood in the air doing this to him. He watched her again... who was he kidding? From the moment she entered the ballroom, he knew she was a heavenly angel. So... exquisite.
No no no, that was not the word to describe her. Once again he found that his mind was blank. Nothing could truly capture all that she was. He walked along the stone path, looking at the beautiful flowers on the sides. Flowers... so simple and yet... so captivating and beautiful.
Heero found his attention drawn to the petite girl once again. His lips curved up to form a small smile. Perhaps that was it. She was like a flower, appearing to be simple on the outside, and yet she captivated him so. She was a mystery, and Heero Yuy loved mysteries. Not so much solving them... but they enticed him. Perhaps for her... he was interested in both.
Hotaru suddenly stood and turned to look at the dark haired man. Violet clashed with blue as their gazes met. They seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Just staring into each other's eyes deeply, as if trying to discover the other's secrets. Both turned away at the same time, no. The other could not find their secrets, for the discovery will bring death, and they didn't want to lose another... even if they would never admit it.
"Tonight was a great success." Heero suddenly said to break the silence that had settled between them.
"Yeah, just peachy." Hotaru said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.
She watched as Heero smiled slightly and snapped a blood red rose from its steam. He held it in his hands, his Prussian eyes seem to be searching for something deeper in the soft petals. Suddenly he looked at her and started to walk to her. His eyes never broke contact as he stopped a foot away from her. Slowly, he held out a rose to her.
"An apology, for the boring night I've provided for you tonight."
Hotaru looked at it before reaching out to take it. Their hands touched briefly as they both stared at their hands. Then as if they realized what was happening, they quickly moved away and blushed. Hotaru smiled as she smelled the rose, so sweet and beautiful.
"Thank you."
Heero merely nodded and looked up at the stars. His Prussian eyes, deep as the night, reflected the bight stars in his eyes, creating a night of endless hopes and dreams in his emotionless eyes, emotionless like the sky. For stars are what makes up dreams and hopes.
"I forgot something..."
Heero looked at Hotaru as he suddenly spoke. Hotaru simply looked at him confused. Heero Yuy was a paradox, completely opposite of what he was. He walked closed to her again, and this time held out a tall dark purple box. Hotaru took it, and slowly opened it.
Her eyes slowly shined with light as she looked upon what was in the box. Her fingers gently passed over the smooth and cold material. An angel... of crystal...
Huge wings were spread out, as a long dress covered her. Long hair cascaded down her back, and her hands held neatly together. Hotaru looked up at Heero with wide eyes.
"It's beautiful."
"I didn't know what to get you. You're hard to shop for... even for a woman." Heero stated jokingly.
Hotaru mocked glared at him as she traced the small angel with her fingers. Her eyes seem to be far off as Heero watched the dreaming girl. Suddenly Heero looked up and the sky and chuckled. Confused and surprised by the sudden action, Hotaru snapped her head to look at him. Heero looked down, a small smile graced his lips. He slowly reached out and brushed one of Hotaru's stubborn bangs behind her ear.
"'Tis the season."
Hotaru looked at Heero blankly. Then slowly, a single white puff of snow floated down form the heavens between the two. Hotaru jerked back in surprise as she gasped and snapped to look at the sky. Then as if magic, more followed the first and started to rain down upon the earth. Hotaru let a childish giggle escape as held her tongue out to catch the first snow of the season.
She realized that a pair of eyes was burning into her back. Quickly snapping around, she saw that Heero was watching her with an amused lopsided smile. She merely stuck her tongue out at him and twirled around in the snow, one hand holding the rose, while the other was holding her crystal angel. Her heart lifted as she let her worries and pains go. She felt herself revert slowly into a child, free of decisions and the fate of the world resting on her shoulder. Hotaru simply closed her eyes and kept twirling, in the beautiful snowfall, in the middle of a garden of snow covered roses.
Heero felt a smile tugging at his lips once again. Childish innocence, something he thought he would never see in Hotaru. Most of the time she was so strong, so aloft, so uncaring... almost like himself. But to stand there, and watch as her beautiful violet eyes light up at the sight of snow... it was something that touched his ice-cold heart.
He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms as she continued to spin, faster and faster, her presents in her hands. Her hair spinning in silky strands of short silk around her pale face. Her skin, almost as pale as the snow itself, reminded Heero of those medieval beauties. Her eyes, burning amethyst of joy and happiness, captivated him. She looked so beautiful in that dress.... almost...
...like an angel. Heero's eyes lit up with a joyful fire as he realized what could be used to describe her. It did not understate it, it didn't make it sound corny, it was perfect. Angel... she was an angel. All he could focus on was her, each smile, each twinkle in her eyes, each giggle, each gesture. They were heavenly, and she was an angel. An angel he must perfect, at all costs.
"I will protect you..." Heero whispered as he looked at the spinning girl.
"From the darkness..." His eyes were firm with determination.
"From the evil..." Prussian eyes burned with a new fire, for they had found a purpose.
"At all costs..." A small smile touched his lips and the clock announced the arrival of midnight.
"Merry Christmas... angel..."
Hotaru simply kept twirling, her eyes closed as she felt the wind beneath her arms. Her ruby lips curved upwards in a small smile. A few feet away, a pair of Prussian eyes watched her. His eyes bright with an strong emotion for this girl, his heart melting at her happiness, his soul telling him, that nothing will happen to her, for he will watch her.... for eternity...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OKAY! AND WHAT!? AND WHAT?!?!?!?!
How was that for a follow up on the earlier Christmas chap?! Huh huh?! Oh yeah! That took me two weeks but oh yeah! I'm finished! *Rogue does lil happy dance*
How was that huh?! Really, was that good or sucked big time?! A lot more romance in there! I hope it wasn't a disappointing finish to the beginning of the Christmas party!!! Did I end it well?! Come on tell! Well please review! Even if it's a flame!
I put more romance in there, not just between Hotaru and Heero either, although I don't think their part really counted. So tell me what you think! That took me forever! It's 42 pages long so that better keep y'all happy for a while. I'm working on other fics now. Don't expect another one for a while.
Well review! Ciao!
Oh and I don't own Backstreet Boys' Shape of My Heart. It's one of the songs I actually like from them. Well laterz now!
Oh and sirrah is the medieval term used for a person of low class or peasant... I'm pretty sure it is anyhow.
***A Moment in Rogue's private life***
*The Gundam Boys minus Wufei have their ears pressed against a huge oak door.*
Duo: Shush Trowa! You're making too much noise!
Trowa: I can't help it! Wufei's in there with my girl!
Rogue: *Muffled from inside the room* Oh Wufei! Will it fit in?! I mean, it's so big!
Wufei: Onna, will you hold still?! I'm trying to weasel it in there!
Rogue: Wufei, did it get bigger since yesterday?! I mean, the last time I checked, your equipment wasn't half as big!
Wufei: Onna! Quit fidgeting, you're making this a lot more painful than it has to be!
Rogue: But Wufei, I don't have as much experience as you! You do this with others all the time!
Wufei: Onna! Don't pull on it that hard!
Rogue: Quit pushing so hard then!
Wufei: Stupid onna, how's it supposed to fit in there then?!
Rogue: Will it? I mean, we've been trying for 3 hours now! We've already done this 5 times!
Wufei: I finally have it! I finally have access! Oh yeah baby!
Rogue: YES! OH YES! FINALLY! BRING IT ON SOME MORE!!!
Wufei: Fine! If that's what you want!
Trowa: *Face red* THAT'S IT! I'M GOING IN THERE!
*Trowa bursts through the door only to freeze*
Rogue: *Gasp* Trowa! What are you doing in here?!
Trowa: What ARE YOU DOING IN HERE WITH THAT IDIOT WUFEI?!
Rogue: *pulling out a model of Altron from behind her* Building Altron to finish you Gundam model collection.
Trowa: *Blush and blinks* Er...
Wufei: What did you think Barton?
Trowa: Well... I... er... thought you two were... er... well... getting some.
Rogue: *Gasp and glare* That's it BARTON! YOU'RE ON THE COUCH TONIGHT!
Trowa: But... but... Rogue!
Rogue: No buts! That's it! *Storms out*
Duo: *Snicker* Poor Trowa...