Eye of the Midnight Storm
By: Rogue Angel Barton
AHAHAHAHAHA!
You guys all thought I was dead ne? Well, even if I AM dead, I'd come back from Hell just to see your faces when you guys realize I updated!
This chapter is dedicated to Hikari-Angel, who have been very patient... dead... tended to remind me of the dates I originally set for updating... but patient I guess.
Well, I hope you like it! Cuz I worked pretty hard on this...
I DON'T OWN SM OR GW! IF I DID, I'D BE IN MY CONDO IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH A WORKING COMPUTER!
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Storming through the hallways, he inspected the decorations with great care. Everything was going to be perfect tonight, down to every leaf in their correct places on the plants. He had worked hard to make sure this party was the best this year. It always was, though he was never in charge of it. Perhaps that is why he wanted it to be no less spectacular than when Quatre was in charge. He did not want to be defeated by Quatre on something as trivial as arranging plans for a party. Then why was he so crazy over this? Because of the guests coming tonight.
The last party had turned out disastrous, for no reason of his own. If Chang had not embarrassed the very woman that the idiot loved... he and Hotaru would be...
What would they be anyway? He cursed himself silently. He wished they were more than friends. Yes, he admitted it to himself. After coming to know her over the past two months, he's come to love the girl. Not as a sister, like the many other girls over the years. But as someone he would die for, someone he knew...
"Master Heero! Master Heero!"
The dark-haired man looked to the source of the yelling. It was a young woman, in her late twenties, running towards him.
"Yes?"
"Sir! It's five thirty!"
Heero cursed under his breath. Thanking her, he quickly ran towards the garage. He was to pick up Hotaru in half an hour, and he had no intentions on being late. Choosing to abandon the classy and sophisticated look, he quickly got into his silver BMW racer.
At six thirty sharp, he arrived in front of her house. Getting out of his car, he rearranged his tie. Everything had to be perfect for tonight. Slowly, he made his way up the stairs. Straightening to his full height, he rang the doorbell.
After a few tense seconds, the door opened. Haruka stood there, her blue eyes scrutinizing him carefully, wishing to catch something wrong. Finally, with a disappointed look her in eyes since she found nothing out of place, she let out a sigh.
"Right on time." She said, eyeing him carefully still.
"I like to be on time." He responded coolly, prepared ahead of time for the third degree she would no doubt give him.
"Hotaru will be down in a few minutes." She said, then hesitantly adding, "Please come in."
Heero was shocked when the tall woman moved aside. Thanking her, he walked in. Standing awkwardly in the lobby with Haruka, he felt a bit nervous.
"Yuy."
Heero turned to Haruka with an inward sigh. He knew it was too good to be true.
"Now, I'm telling you right now, I don't like you. But, you're Hotaru's friend and you make her happy." Haruka sighed. "That's the only reason I'm letting her go out with you. But if you dare hurt her in any form, I will hunt you down like a dog and kill you very slowly." Haruka growled.
"I wouldn't hurt her." Heero said simply.
"Heero! Right on time." Came the soft voice from the stairs.
Heero looked up to see Michiru slowly walking down the stairs. He couldn't help but smiled at her.
"Ms. Michiru."
"Stop with the formalities. We have known each other for a while," the aqua-haired woman laughed as she made her way over to the two.
"As you wish... Michiru," Heero said awkwardly.
"Great! I'm just here to announce... that's Hotaru's ready!"
At that moment, Heero heard soft footsteps on the stairs. He quickly looked up, his breath escaped from his lungs. The young girl was wearing a blood red dress, a color that Heero thought looked a bit scandalous on her. A plunging neckline allowed Heero to get an excellent look at her elegant neck and bossom. Of course, the dress, in order to bring out her creamy ivory skin, was sleeveless and left half of her back uncovered. The silk dress fitted her form like a glove, going down all the way to her ankles, where it belled out slightly in rivets.
Her shoulder length hair had been left alone, the dark strands contrasting against her skin. The bracelet he had given her on her birthday graced her right wrist. A simple silver necklace that left the ends trailing down her chest made it almost impossible for the vampire to stop staring.
Hotaru smiled as she reached the bottom of the stairs. Snapping out of his stupor, he walked toward and bowed. Hotaru smiled slightly and curtsied in response. Heero took her hand, and brought it to his lips. Kissing her hand gently, his eyes focused in on her face. She wore a mask, just as he had asked. Instead of the usual feathered kind, she decided to stand out, and did she ever.
The mask was smooth, and black, like those used in dramas, except it only covered half her face, the left side. The eye was holed out, and covered in black glass. Silver tears, glittering lightly in the light, made its way down the black mask from the corner of her black glossy eyes.
"You look... ravishing." Heero complimented slowly, unable to keep the goofy grin off his face.
"And you, though I see you decided to abandon your tuxedo."
She eyed his outfit for the night. Both his suit and his dress shirt were black. His outfit was finished off with a blood red silk tie. She smiled mischievously at him.
"Copying Duo, a re we?"
"I figured I should match with you tonight, as well as the occasion. Is it my fault that Duo just happened to wear the same thing at one point or another?" He responded quietly, his eyes scanning over her dress.
"Yes, yes, you are QUITE the psychic."
"But of course," Heero looked at his watch. "I believe we must be leaving, it's almost time for the party."
Hotaru nodded. The two then noticed Haruka and Michiru, one of who was glaring severely at Heero, the other, smiling happily. Heero led Hotaru over to the two, and bowed to them deeply while Hotaru nodded.
"Have fun you two!" Michiru explained kissing Hotaru on the cheek, and pulling Heero into a quick hug, which surprised the blue-eyed man.
"Don't have her home too late." Haruka grunted, her eyes promising death to Heero.
Heero blinked and then nodded. Hotaru rolled her eyes and sent a meaningful look towards Michiru. The raven-haired girl then slipped her hand from Heero's arm, and gave Haruka a quick hug. The blond hugged her back.
"Remember what I said, don't be merciful if he tries anything," she whispered, though making sure it was loud enough for Heero to hear.
Heero paled a bit, but then quickly pushed away his nervousness.
"I assure you Miss Tenoh, I won't try anything..." Heero said coolly as he looked at his watch.
"Hotaru, we don't want to be late, it's starting in a while."
Hotaru nodded and hugged Haruka and Michiru again. Heero nodded as the two walked out of the mansion. Hotaru hugged her fur wrap closer to her body as the frigid night air embraced her. Heero looked at her in concern, and quickly led her down the stairs, and to his car. Opening the door of his. Hotaru thanked him with a nod and stepped in wordlessly. Heero smiled a bit and walked over to the driver's side and got in.
"Will we be late?" Hotaru asked in concern.
Heero turned to her with an evil smile and pulled away from her house.
"The only way to show up at a party, even your own, is late."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Rei! What's taking you SOOOOOOOOOO long?!"
"Calm down! I'm fixing my makeup!"
"Come on! We'll be late!"
The door in the hallway opened. The annoyed youth turned expectantly to the door. His breath caught in his throat. She was... breath-taking.
The raven-haired fighter watched him smugly, her enticing lips upon which purple lipstick had been painting quirked up in a smirk at the sight of his open mouth. She walked over to him, her hips swaying to the invisible beat of music, her figure accented perfectly by the soft material that clung to her like a second skin. The dress was dark violet, matching the eyes that he loved so much. She decided to go for a more modest appearance, a spaghetti strap that held that which Wufei loved, but left everything from the bottom of her breasts up, uncovered. Her neck was bare of any accessories, though he loved her large silver hoop earrings.
Wufei gulped visibly. God, this woman did SOOOO many things to him. She stopped a few feet away, her violet eyes twinkling expectantly. She held her arm out and both sides and twirled around, girlish giggles adding a touch of innocence to her mature and elegant appearance.
Shaking his head, the Chinese man couldn't help but give a throaty chuckle at her antics. Walking over, he grabbed her hands gently and pulled her to his hard chest. Rei stopped, staring up at his face. His chiseled jaw, his high cheek bones, but the perfect oriental touch...
He lowered his face to hers, and closed his eyes as he buried his face in her long hair. Basking in her scent, he growled in her year, sending shivers racing down her spine. She laughed and ran a small hand through his loose black hair.
"Not very appropriate for this kind of party..." she teased with a deep purr.
"Hm... I figured if I am to walk into the ballroom with a beautiful woman like you, I have to do something to get their attention..."
"My, my, my. Is the Wufei Chang flattering little ol' me?"
"Hmmm... my dear, if I don't flatter you, who will I flatter?"
The woman snorted, though she looked at her boyfriend adoringly. With a smirk, she turned and grabbed him by his tie and dragged him to the car. Behind her, his eyes were dancing with mirth.
~^~^~^~^~^~
Green eyes flickered with annoyance as they glared at the person looking into the mirror. With an aggravated growl, she threw her hands into the air in exasperation. Her partner turned to her and gave her that large grin of his.
"Calm down babe, I gotta make sure my hair looks good."
"You've been doing WHAT exactly for the last hour?"
Finally, her boyfriend came out of the bathroom. She approved. He had worn a pair of black slacks, with a black turtleneck, making his pale skin seem almost white. He had finished the outfit with a black leather jacket.
Duo walked over to the girl and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he looked down at her adoringly. Makoto simply blushed under his gaze and looked down. Placing a hand under her chin, he forced her to look at him.
"Happy Valentine's day Mako-chan."
She smiled dreamily up at him. Somehow, no matter how many times he called her that, it still made her feel weak in the knees.
"Happy Valentine's Day to you too..." She whispered as she stood on tiptoes.
Duo's grin became an expectant smirk as he bent down to taste her lips. Their lips met in the middle, the kiss gentle and tender. The two of them had done many things since meeting what seemed to both be a very short time and a lifetime ago. Before they met each other, they were empty, living a meaningless and seemingly much duller life. But the second they met, the second they knew they were meant to be together, it was as if both of them were reborn. No longer did they belong to the world, but only to each other. Yet for the two lovers, eternity would not be enough time to stay by the other's side. It was really corny if they thought about it, but when in love, clichés and corny sayings really didn't exist if they spoke of the heart's desires.
"Now, I do believe we have a ball to attend kind sir." Makoto said pulling away as she placed her mask upon her face.
Duo smiled quickly and placed his mask on as well. He bowed politely and offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
"We shall."
~*~*~*~*~
Trowa sighed, sneaking yet another glance at Ami. The blue haired girl blushed. The tall man had been staring at her all night. The expression on his face when he first saw her was simply hilarious!
^^^^^
Trowa Barton sat on the couch, calm despite the blue eyes coming from a certain blond that promised a painful death. He had decided to pick Ami up an hour earlier than everyone else, since he hated the thought of being away from Ami for too long. They had a schedule. Wufei picked Rei up rather early that morning to bring the violet eyed one to his apartment. Makoto stayed in Duo's apartment last night. Quatre and Minako had been out all night, so he didn't know what was happening there. And Heero would pick Hotaru up afterwards, being fashionably late of course. He had dropped Ami off at her house around 3 in the afternoon, after about six hours together, and was now here again, three hours later.
His brows furrowed as he checked his watch again. Ami was always very punctual. But right now, she was actually several minutes late. With a sigh, he quickly fixed his bow tie.
Footsteps on the stairs suddenly caught his attention. He looked up quickly, happy that Ami had finally arrived.
The second Trowa saw her, he felt his mind go blank. All the control of the muscles in his face was gone as he suddenly found his jaw on the floor. His forest green eyes were wide open with shock, disbelief, and amazement. He managed to make a few sounds... which further added to his currently idiotic image.
Ami wore a black dress, silk to be more precise. It had a choker-like collar, which immediately traveled down her chest, covering her breasts and front, and a bit of the small of her waist. The rest of the dress clung to her, and reached half way down her calves. Slits were on either side, trailing upwards and halting a little above the middle of the thighs, leaving Trowa nothing but long legs to gawk at.
The blue haired girl, seeing the look on the normally calm and blank face, blushed deeply. Hearing his unintelligent mumbling, the blush deepened, though a satisfied look appeared in her eyes. She walked down the stairs slowly, feeling Trowa's eyes take in every inch of her body.
She smirked, something most people didn't think she knew how to do. She had picked something a bit... revealing for someone like her. But, seeing Trowa's reaction, the dress was a large success. She shuddered inwardly. His gaze made her feel completely naked, though part of her mind did not mind at ALL.
"Good evening Trowa."
"Ahhh... ya... uh... hnn..."
Ami giggled. She has never seen Trowa Barton so flustered, and to think, by a bookworm like her. She placed a hand on his cheek, her skin tingling. She snaked the other around his neck, and pulled her slowly down to her level. She leaned toward, and smiled as her breath tickled his ear.
"Happy Valentine's Day..."
^^^^^^^^^
It took a lot to make a man like Trowa Barton completely dumbfounded. And tonight, was the first time it has happened in over 500 years.
And god, did he love that sensation.
She was absolutely breath taking. Actually breath-taking belittled how beautiful she looked. There is no word and will never BE a word that could describe how she looked tonight. She looked absolutely... scandalous.
Not that he minded. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her all night, and probably won't until... well, the rest of the night is yet to be decided really.
He never knew she liked those kinds of dresses, much less owed one. It was revealing just enough in all the right places, but left certain things to the imagination.
And boy, was his imagination working overtime tonight!
He glanced at her again, only to meet blue eyes. The blue orbs were obviously amused and satisfied by his behavior. Blushing ever so slightly, he turned his eyes back on the road. Ami smiled and shook her head, suddenly feeling more like a woman than she ever really has before.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Quatre walked around Minako, eyeing her from head to toe. The blond girl fidgeted a bit and glared at Quatre nervously.
"Will you stop? I feel like I'm on display!"
Quatre sent her an apologetic look and stopped. He walked over to Minako and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Two pairs of blue eyes stared at the image in the large mirror.
Their blond hair matched perfectly, with Quatre's only a shade or two lighter than Minako's. Their blue eyes held the same innocence, and the same dark secrets hidden carefully behind the walls that they built up. Their skin tones were pale. Being winter, Minako's summer tan faded, leaving behind silky but pale skin. Quatre... well, Quatre's dead. The dead doesn't really need color.
"You look beautiful..."
Minako shuddered, feeling his lips brush against her ear. His low and husky whisper sent her brain reeling. She looked into his eyes in the mirror.
"Do you really think so?"
He smiled and brushed his lips against her cheek, before looking into her eyes through the image in the mirror.
"I know so."
She blushed, bring a pink tint to her cheeks. Quatre smiled at her, checking his watch quickly.
"The ball's starting in two hours. Why don't we go to my apartment, and take a shower before going?"
Minako only nodded.
"I'll be right back."
As Quatre walked away to pay for the dress, Minako walked closer to the mirror. She placed a hand slowly, feeling the cool glass beneath her fingers. She inspected the image. The same blue eyes, the same long blond hair, the same secrets, but a different her.
She sighed and looked away. She didn't belong in his world. The balls, the dresses... the wealth...
She was a lowly employee, someone that served him coffee every day. Can she honestly expect people to treat her with respect?
Shaking her head furiously, she sent a cascade of hair flying through the air. She couldn't afford to think of this right now. Perhaps later, yes that was it, later. After...
"Ready to go?"
Quatre appeared in the mirror. Minako looked at him, and quickly put on a smile. Quatre frowned and opened his mouth to say something. But then he closed it and shook his head.
Minako turned around and walked to him. Caressing his cheek, she smiled at him.
"Come on, I need a shower and make up."
Quatre crushed her small body to his own. He bent down and kissed her forehead tenderly before looking into her eyes.
"You looked beautiful no matter what."
~*~*~*~
Heero and Hotaru walked through the halls, the servants in the house bowing to them both. They reached the doorway that would lead them into the ballroom. Of course, a silky dark red curtain was draped over it so no one could see them, until they were ready.
"Hey you two, being fashionably late?"
Heero smiled as he and Hotaru turned around. A pair of dark green eyes as well as a pair of violet eyes stared at them in amusement. Duo was leaning against the wall, Makoto in his arms and leaning into him. Heero smirked a bit.
"You decided to be on time Duo... for once."
"Of course, my date here likes to be punctual."
Makoto smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. Hotaru smiled at them knowingly, finding the couple absolutely adorable, though they would probably kill her if they knew that was the word she used for them.
"Actually, I was surprised you two weren't here yet..."
Heero cleared his throat in embarrassment. Meanwhile, Duo only laughed at his girlfriend's teasing.
"Maxwell, shut your mouth."
Wufei and Rei walked out of the shadows, a frown playing on the Chinese man's lips. Rei gave him a disapproving look, which Wufei simply shrugged off. Duo smiled, though it was obvious from the look in her eyes he was less than pleased with Wufei at the moment.
"It's Valentine's Day Wu-man, and I'm not feeling any love from you."
Wufei growled, hating that nickname. He stepped toward, but was stopped by the pull on his arm from Rei. He looked back at the violet-eyed girl, then looked at Duo, his eyes flaming.
"You two have fought enough, don't ruin Valentine's Day."
Four more people appeared from the way that Heero and Hotaru had. The three young men had quite the hard time not gawking at Ami. Trowa of course saw this, and hugged her closer to him protectively while glaring. Quatre laughed and clapped a hand on Trowa's shoulder.
"Trowa, please! We all know that if anyone touches Ami, you'll have our heads!"
Everyone laughed while Trowa blushed deeply. Ami's eyes twinkled as she turned to Trowa, pressing herself against him, and gazed at him through half closed eyes. Trowa, for the first time in centuries, gulped.
"Trowa," a shiver went down his spine at her voice, almost a sexy purr. "Don't you know that I only have eyes for you?"
The mighty Barton's friends were all laughing inwardly at the sight of the man. The normally stoic and calm man was trembling as he stared at his girlfriend with his jaw in China. He was paler than usual, if that was at all possible. He gulped and practically peed in his pants.
"Ahhh... ah.... hm.... uh...."
Unable to control it anymore, four of the five members of the G5 found themselves laughing like hyenas at their best friend. Trowa only blushed while Ami giggled, obviously satisfied at herself.
"Ami... you little devil you! Trowa Barton has certainly changed you!"
Ami turned to see Makoto winking at her while everyone else giggled. It was now Ami's turn to blush. None of them noticed the appearance of an old butler.
"Ahem! Masters and Mistresses!"
Everyone stopped. The girls stared at the butler in shock. Did he call them Mistresses?! They were the boys' girlfriends true, but they weren't MARRIED yet! Whoa! That was a dangerous thought...
"Yes Jacob?"
Everyone turned to Heero, now having composed himself.
"I believe you all are about twenty minutes late. Time for your entrance..."
The group placed their masks on, staring at each other in excitement. As if automatically, Wufei and Rei stood in the front, smiling at each other tenderly.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The hosts and hostesses of this ball!"
"Hostesses?" Hotaru hissed to Heero. The brunette only gave her a shrug, he was completely clueless as well.
"Mr. Wufei Chang and Miss Rei Hino."
The couple walked out of the dark red curtains and into the ballroom. Rei, having put up a fake smile, looked down from the tall balcony they were on. It was strange to be standing here again, after the last time she entered the party on this very balcony.
"Mr. Quatre Raberba Winner and Miss Minako Aino."
Quatre and Minako walked through right after them. The blond couple looked slightly unnerved, which surprised Wufei seeing as how Quatre was one that thrived in such environments.
"Mr. Trowa Barton and Miss Ami Mizuno."
The spotlight now focused on them as they appeared. A few cat calls where heard from the young men standing underneath, staring at Ami. The blue-haired girl heard Trowa growl, and only giggled while squeezing his arm. He looked at her and smiled gently.
"Mr. Duo Maxwell and Miss Makoto Kino."
The brunettes finally made their entrance. Surprisingly, neither did anything out of the ordinary, which shocked almost everyone. Hotaru's grip on Heero's arm tightened, much to the unease of the brunette. That girl had quite a grip.
"And finally, Mr. Heero Yuy and Miss Hotaru Tomoe."
With smiles plastered on their faces, they stepped into the spotlight. The crowd went silent with awe. The five couples stood above them with such grace and dignity that they doubted they were so young. Of course, five of them were young, while the other five have been around almost forever.
Hotaru stared out at the guests blankly. Her mind couldn't even comprehend where she was at that point. Here she was, the slayer, the girl who refused to let anyone came near her, at the social event of the year, with the one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. Who would have thought she would befriend a man such as Heero Yuy? who would believe that this cold and stubborn man would be so beautiful?
"Still nervous?"
She smiled unknowingly and turned her head to look at the man who whispered in her ear. A reassuring smile played on his lips as his dark eyes focused on her from behind the mask. She shook her head ever so slightly and looked out at the audience again.
"You wish."
Heero looked toward and let an amused chuckle escape. Fiery girl, never admitting her weaknesses. He saw Duo send him a knowing look, to which he responded with an annoyed glare. Duo chuckled, leaned over to Makoto, and whispered a few things in the brunette's ear. Makoto's eyes danced with mirth as she looked at Hotaru and Heero and giggled.
Heero stepped toward, Hotaru a step behind him. The blue-eyed man smiled widely for the guests.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the annual G5 Valentine's Day Masquerade ball. Please, enjoy yourself. My friends and I hope that tonight, you'll have the time of your life."
The guests applauded the young businessman. Hotaru stepped toward. The crowd hushed, waiting for this beautiful woman to speak. Her ruby lips curled upwards into an enticing smile.
"And for all the bachelors and bachelorettes out there, may you find love on this very magical night."
The crowd roared to life with applause and laughter. Hotaru looked over to find a rather shocked expression on Heero's face, though the amusement dancing in his eyes attracted her attention far more. Just then, she noticed that the other four couples who stood next to them not seconds ago were making their way down the marble stairs. Hotaru raised a brow at Heero teasingly.
"Would a true gentleman leave a lady unescorted? Appears to be rather rude."
Heero chuckled again, that cocky little smirk on his face as usual. He stepped toward and offered her his arm. Hotaru slipped her hand onto his arm with a victorious smile as they moved down the stairs gracefully.
"No," Heero said slowly, "a gentleman would not leave a lady unescorted."
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Heero turned to Hotaru slowly, one finger trailing down the cheek that had been left uncovered. A shiver went down Hotaru's spine, the contact reducing her to a childish schoolgirl.
Heero smirked upon seeing her reaction. He leaned toward, his cheek brushing against her mask. Hotaru's knees almost went out from under her as she felt his lips brush by his ear, though she caught herself quickly. His masculine scent mixed with light cologne invaded her senses.
"But then again, who said I was a gentleman?"
Hotaru felt a spark race through her. Hmmm... he was a delicious badboy wasn't he? She turned to look at him calmly as he pulled away. She leaned toward, making her sure he had a view of her chest. To her amusement Heero's eyes trailed from her face to her chest and his eyes widened ever so slightly.
"Hmmm... I was always told never to play with bad men."
Heero closed his eyes and savored her low and sexy whisper. He opened them slowly, his eyes twinkling. His hand cupped her cheek as his other arm, which had snaked around her waist, crushed her roughly to him hard body.
"I have much to teach you then."
^^^^^^^^^^^
Duo's violet eyes scanned the crowd. Once the group reached the bottom of the stairs, they had gone their separate ways. He spotted Hotaru and Heero together, the lust in their eyes telling him that they wanted each other, and they wanted each other now. With another chuckle of amusement, he nudged Makoto.
The green-eyed woman looked at him, clearly annoyed for being disturbed when she was keeping tabs on Ami and Trowa. Duo cocked his head towards Hotaru and Heero. Makoto giggled, grabbed Duo's hand, and dragged him towards the dance floor. He looked at her in puzzlement.
"Don't do anything to those two," she scolded quietly. "They've been going through denial for long enough, they don't need you messing up anything."
Duo frowned as he threw Makoto a disbelieving look. "What makes you think I'll do anything to ruin them? I want them together as much as you do."
Makoto smiled apologetically and gave him a soft peck on the lips. "Sorry, I know you want them together. But, your plans tend to go wrong."
Duo scoffed indignantly. "How do YOU know that?"
"Wufei told me," Makoto responded with a teasing smile on her lips.
"Hn, Wufei. Remind me to repay him for his kindness later."
Makoto giggled at his immaturity and kissed him again. "Duo! Leave Wufei alone. He's got enough to worry about with Rei being his girlfriend and all."
Duo chuckled again and bent down to kiss her. Makoto pressed a finger against his lips and pushed him back. Duo looked at her in confusion. She giggled again, unable to resist his cute but confused expression.
"Dance first."
"But one small kiss won't harm would it?"
"No, dance first, kiss later."
"I dance better if I get a kiss first."
Makoto smiled at his attempts. "Well let me warn you now, if you step on my feet, there will be no kissing at all."
Duo whimpered but finally nodded. He led his date out to the dance floor. A waltz came on as Duo stepped back and bowed to Makoto. Makoto smiled and curtsied as the violet eyes one scooped her into his arms quickly, one under her knees, and other hand under her shoulders. The green-eyed one gave let out a shriek of surprise as her boyfriend twirled her around.
"Duo! What are you doing?!" She screamed as laughter threatened to bubble out.
"This way I can't step on your feet!"
Makoto's laughter filled the entire ballroom. Couples on the dance floor watched Duo's antics in amusement. The older couples smiled at the memory of how it feels to be young and in love.
~~~~~~~~
Trowa watched Duo and Makoto in amusement. He felt a pair of arms hugging him from behind. He smiled and placed his large hands on top of the much smaller ones.
"They're adorable."
Trowa only nodded as a response. Ami, sensing his hesitation, loosened her grip so that she could appear in front of him. Feeling her blue eyes on him, he looked down. Ami reached up and ran a hand through his soft and silky hair.
"What."
It was a demand and not a question.
Trowa sighed and looked back at Duo and Makoto. Ami followed his gaze, she pressed herself closer to him. Trowa looked down at her again, hesitant.
"Is it all right if I'm not like him?"
Ami blinked in confusion as her brows knitted together. He seemed so serious.
"Who do you mean by 'him'?"
Trowa pulled away and ran a hand through his hair. His body language was telling Ami that he was scared, deathly scared. Of what though?
"Duo, " he started heatedly. "I'm not like him. I can't express my emotions in public like he does. I'm not as charming. My personality and his are completely different. I know a girl like you want to be with a carefree guy like him. A girl like you deserves a guy like him."
Somewhere in the middle of his out of character ranting, Ami finally figured out what he was talking about. He was scared that she regretted being with him. He was afraid that she'd rather have someone carefree and free spirited. She sighed and walked over to him. She wrapped his arms around her neck and gave him a passionate kiss.
"That's just it Trowa," she whispered as she pulled away and gazed at him tenderly. "I'm not a girl, I'm a woman. And I need a man, not a guy."
Trowa stared at her in disbelief. Ami giggled at his expression and pulled him down for another kiss. This one was longer, since Trowa decided to kiss back. Finally, considering that Ami was human, Trowa pulled away and smiled at her.
"Thanks."
"It's okay. Even the smartest men in the world get confused sometimes."
He nibbled her ear before he whispered, "That's why we have the world's smartest women to set us straight."
Ami laughed, low and deep as she went in for yet another kiss.
"You got that right."
~*~*~*~
Quatre held Minako closer as they danced. The blond woman looked at him in confusion. Her partner only smiled as a response. She smiled back and rested her head on his shoulder.
Quatre sighed and kissed her hair lovingly. He'd notice she's been acting differently. It was something he couldn't quite place. Her smiles didn't always reach her eyes anymore. She seemed hesitant about kissing him. She tensed slightly sometimes when he hugged her.
Quatre stopped dancing. He wanted answers, and he wanted them soon. Now was as good a time as any. Minako looked at him in wonder. What was going on?
"We need to talk."
Minako felt her throat close when she heard those words. She bowed her head and nodded calmly, while her hold on Quatre's arm tightened. She bit her bottom lip, here it was. She knew it would come eventually, she even prepared herself for it. She wanted to keep her dignity, to salvage whatever she could if... when Quatre needed to have a talk with her. But now, when it actually came the time to hear it...
She couldn't bear to hear those words. Forget her dignity, pride was only a figment of the imagination, and all that was important now, was to beg that he reconsider.
Quatre led her outside, away from the people, away from the dancing, away from the noise. Minako cautiously looked up and noticed the dark look on Quatre's face and quickly looked down again.
The two walked into the garden. Minako kept her head down, looking at the different flowers lining the stone path. The night was dark, with a bit of winter chill. Quatre led her to a fountain, one deep in the large gardens that he and the others owned.
Minako looked up once she heard the sound of running water. She looked up to discover a large, white marble fountain. In the center was a sculpture of, so Minako thought, the Goddess of Love herself. She stood tall, her long hair flowing like waves since the sculptor had made it to appear as if the wind was blowing on the silky strands. Sash adorned her, showing her shoulders, stomach and long legs. By her head, to the left, was young Cupid. The cherubic baby had his wings spread out as if in flight, and his bow in hand. A mischievous smile played on his lips as he pulled the bowstring back, as if ready to fire the arrow at an unsuspecting person.
'If only,' she thought silently, 'love cam save me from this.'
Quatre cleared his throat awkwardly. He had noticed Minako deep in thought and the frown that marred her features.
Slowly, Minako looked up at him. A pang of pain shot through Quatre's heart as he noticed the sad and almost dreadful look in Minako's eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, and took a step toward. Minako winced and backed up.
The flash of pain and confusion that appeared in Quatre's eyes could be seen by anyone. Minako straightened.
"What do we have to talk about Quatre?"
Quatre winced inwardly at the calm tone she used. He would never let her see him wince, never, considering who he was.
"Minako, what's wrong?"
"What do you mean what's wrong?"
Quatre stepped closer, the concerned look on his face making Minako's knees weak. So caring...
"Minako, seriously, don't you think I'd notice all the changes in you?"
Confusion was now registering very high with Minako. Changes? What changes? She hasn't changed. Perhaps he means that her attitude's changed since she knows she doesn't fit in with his crowd.
"What changes?"
Quatre looked at her. What changes? Did she think him stupid or did she not know of her changes?
"The smiles that never reach your eyes anymore, the way you stiffen when I hug you, how you're hesitant when I kiss you and why you just seem more.. distant. Those changes!"
Minako was taken aback why Quatre's voice. She heard the anger, the annoyance, the hurt, and the confusion. Looking down, her long blond hair created a silky golden veil around her face.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about Quatre..."
Quatre let an uncharacteristic growl escape his lips. Minako winced, fear growing in her chest. She looked up hesitantly, afraid of what she'd see.
The blond billionaire began to pace, running a hand through his neat golden hair. He was barely able to keep in his agitation. Did she think he was stupid? Or was she the one that was stupid?
"Minako... don't lie."
The words cut through her like a knife. She gasped and stepped back, a pain in her heart making itself known. She bit her lip and held back the tears.
"I-I am not lying!"
Quatre was silent, his blue eyes staring at her blankly. A lump formed in her throat as she held her hands up to her chest. He didn't believe her...
The pain in her heart grew.
"Minako... what's been going on lately?"
The blond secretary shrank from her boyfriend. What did he mean? Was he talking about how she has noticed that she does not belong to his circle?
"Why do you care?"
That's great Minako, push him away. When you can't handle someone, you push them away. When you are too scared to confess something, you push them away. You push them away to keep yourself from taking a chance. You do it to prevent yourself from the slightest chance of getting hurt.
She felt her heart stop, and backed away. God, why was she doing this? To him? To her?
"What? How can you even say that?! Why do I care? Isn't it obvious Minako?"
In anger, Quatre stepped toward and grabbed Minako's wrist roughly. The blond woman let out a cry of pain as she felt his usually gentle hands crush her wrist. With a single movement, he pulled her forcefully to him. Losing her balance, Minako collapsed into his chest.
"Are you that stupid?"
Quatre watched as Minako tentatively turned his large blue eyes to him. His eyes widened, and if he were still alive, his blood would cease to circulate.
Fear.
Floating in those beautiful blue eyes was fear. He dropped her wrist and backed away. She was... afraid of him. The only person that he vowed to protect... was afraid of him.
He felt the world around him slip away.
~~~~
Minako shuddered as the tears fell. How could she be so stupid? How could she let herself trust him? How could she set herself up for the plunge? How could she think he was different...?
A pair of familiar arms wrapped themselves around her waist and pulled her to a solid chest. Soft lips placed tender kisses on her face as he whispered apologies.
"I'm sorry Minako... oh god I'm sorry... I didn't mean it. I'm so sorry..."
Minako's arms snaked around Quatre's neck as she buried her face in his shoulder. The blond vampire's arms tightened around the small woman in his arms. How could he ever hurt her?
"Please forgive me... but tell me Minako, what's been on your mind lately?"
Minako pulled herself from his embrace, regretting it immediately, missing the warmth he provided. She turned to him, her anger appearing from no where.
"ARE YOU BLIND QUATRE?! YOU REALLY CAN'T SEE WHAT'S BOTHERING ME?"
Quatre stepped back, shocked by Minako's sudden anger. But his demonic side appeared before his mind could grasp what had happened. He was THE Desert Prince, one of the most powerful vampires in the entire world. Is he going to sit by while this...this mortal insult his intelligence?!
"How am I supposed to know what you are thinking?"
Minako's anger faded, only to be replaced by fear. She expected him to yell at her, to hit her even, but not to be so calm. His voice was soft, almost peaceful, but from the dangerous glint in his eyes, Minako would think he were anything BUT peaceful.
"Answer me. How am I supposed to know? You don't tell me a damn thing. You never tell me what's on your mind, hell, I know almost nothing about you."
A slim form turned away from her accuser, the tears threatening to fall. God, what was happening?
"You haven't exactly volunteered any information about yourself either! How much do I really know about you?"
Quatre's eyes hardened. How dare she turn this around? How dare she make him feel guilty?
"Well, it's a good thing that I know what you're really like now, before we went any further."
The hurt swelled inside Minako, threatening to kill her. But death would be such a sweet escape at this moment. He does regret being with her. And here she thought he really was different.
The anger pushed the hurt away. She was not going to allow him to hurt her, at least, not without punishing him.
"And to think I loved you!"
Silence.
Quatre looked up at her. The fire that held him had suddenly disappeared. He stood there, staring at her speechlessly. He felt the last of his heart slowly crumble. He staggered, unable to stand on his own.
That was it. It has ended. Two amazing months, the happiest in his life. His relationship with the woman he dreamed of having, the woman that he thought he would stay with him through eternity.
Why?
Because of his foolishness. Because of their foolishness.
Who was the winner?
~*~*~*~*~
Minako stared at his prone form. She turned slowly. Why did she feel as if she couldn't breathe?
The wind played with her golden locks. She lost the person she cared about the most on Valentine's Day. The night of all nights.
A bitter laugh escaped her trembling lips. Was destiny really that cruel to her? Did it enjoy toying with her.
'Just walk away,' she told herself. 'Don't look back, never look back. You'll regret it, just keep walking.'
"Minako..."
She paused, her heart tightening. Why was he calling out to her? Was he just playing with her? Didn't he hurt her enough already?
"Minako... please..."
"What is it?"
"Don't walk away from me. Don't walk away from us."
"Do we have a future?"
Silence. The tears came again. Minako bit her bottom lip, her fists clenched.
"Do you want us to have a future?"
She strengthened her resolve.
"I learned long ago, it doesn't matter what I want. What matters is reality."
A sigh came from behind her. Before she knew it, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her into an all too familiar chest.
"What's reality without hope?"
"Reality without hope is life."
"Why so cynical?"
"I'm being real."
She broke away from his embrace. If she stayed in his arms any longer, she'd want to stay with him. She would willingly forget how he hurt her, she would forget how he really was on the inside.
"Why are doing this to me?"
"Doing what? Loving you?"
She turned around, glaring at him with angry blue eyes. The billionaire winced, and took a step back.
"Were you loving me when you yelled at me? Were you loving me when you said all those things to me?"
Quatre took a step forward. He wasn't going to let her end it, not like this.
"Minako, you're not being fair."
"Fair? Fair Quatre?! Fair flew out the window the moment you brought me to that expensive boutique! Fair was gone the instant you decided to show me off to your high-class friends! Fair disappeared the SECOND I became your girlfriend!"
The confusion melted into shock, and finally into annoyance.
"Minako, I've already told you, I don't care if you don't fit in. I don't care if you're not like the other aristocratic women! So what? All that matters is that I care about you. Don't you see that?"
She raised her gaze and looked at him. Quatre's dead heart almost shattered as he looked into those sad blue orbs. Why couldn't she just understand?
"Quatre, be realistic. How can you not care? Can you ignore the other aristocrats and CEO scuffing at the fact that you chose such an uneducated person to be your girlfriend? Can you ignore it when people that used to look up at you begin to look down on you? Will you be able to stand it when you see your friends and associates walking in with elegant wives and then look at me? Will you be able to stand it as your popularity goes down because of me? Because people will think you're not as classy as everyone thought you were?"
Quatre engulfed her in yet another hug, crushing her in his arms while kissing her face. Minako's arms snaked around his neck, holding on for dear life.
"Idiot," he whispered. "Don't you get it? When I'm with you, none of that matter. I don't care what they say, I don't care what they think. When you're by my side, I feel like I can do anything I want. Forget everyone else. They aren't important."
The blond Huntress felt her broken heart come back together. The wounds were being healed as Quatre spoke. His eyes told her everything. He was serious. He really didn't care. He loved her.
"You're the most wonderful thing that's happened to me in years Minako. Don't you get it yet? I love you."
A bit of heaven was given to Minako. She was the happiest woman alive! She was on top of the world!
"Say it again."
Quatre laughed, whole-heartedly. He buried his face in his lover's hair, taking in her scent. The vampire heard the beginnings of laughter in Minako's throat, though he knew she refused to let it out.
That only made him laugh even harder.
Finally, Minako let the dams break.
She laughed.
She felt the pain disappear. Her broken heart now healed by the very man that broke it. The self-consciousness she once felt now seemed foolish. The worries had been lifted from her shoulders. And what held her back from Quatre faded away.
"I love you, Minako Aino."
The second the words left his mouth, Minako stood on tiptoes and captured the golden haired man in a passionate kiss. Quatre, stunned momentarily, soon recovered and returned the kiss with as much, if not more passion.
Minako pulled away. Quatre gazed at her lovingly, knowing his love was trying to say what he has always wanted to hear. He bent down to kiss her again, letting her know that he would wait until she was ready.
A single finger was placed on his lips, stopping his descent. He watched her, knowing she was still struggling. The arms around her waist tightened, supporting her. She smiled, her eyes half closed as she gazed tenderly at Quatre.
"I love you, Quatre."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Rei looked at Wufei and giggled. The man had an enraged expression on his face and was currently glaring at the mob of women that were fluttering their eyelashes at him. His onyx eyes soon turned onto her and glared, though it softened considerably. She fixed the black tie he had on, which had come loose after five dances. He shot her an appreciative smile.
"What would I do without you?"
Rei smiled back at him, buttoning the black vest he wore in place of a suit jacket.
"Let's hope we never have to find out."
The smile on the Chinese man's face faded, and became a dark frown. He was immortal. She was not. So perhaps, one day, he would have to find out what it's like to be without her.
Of course, he had been through that all before. But now, now that he has had a taste of her, enjoyed the smell of her hair, and fell in love with her, he never wanted to go back to that. Who would want to live once again in darkness after they have seen light?
"Rei, don't you wish we could spend eternity together?"
The dark haired woman said nothing and dragged him onto the dance floor. What would he do if he knew of the existence of vampires. IS he the type to take that immortality?
She shook her head quickly as she felt Wufei's arms around her waist. They swayed to the slow beat of the music.
He would never. He had too much pride to even consider becoming one of the living dead. He would become a soulless creature, dependent on the blood of others. No, Wufei Chang had too much pride to do that. Either way, she had to give an answer.
"Yes, but wouldn't we get sick of each other after a while?"
Wufei chuckled despite feeling his heart slowly being crushed. Get sick of each other? Would she really get sick of him if she had eternity with him? If they were to spend eternity with each other, would she really consider being with another?
The only thing he knew was, if he were asked the same thing, he would say yes. He would want to spend eternity with him. And although they may fight, he would never get sick of her.
"Maybe."
She heard the hesitation and hurt behind his voice. Was he annoyed at her for saying that they'll get sick of each other? It was only a joke. Did she actually hurt his feelings? Guilt washed over the raven haired Huntress. She looked up at him and gave Wufei a smile.
"I was only joking Wufei. You know I would love to spend eternity with you. But... we're only human..."
Wufei felt his chest tighten. His hold on his lover tightened as he practically crushed her to his body. If she only knew...
If she only knew that he has been around for 2000 years. If she only knew there were other beings that COULD live forever. If she only knew that if she so wished, she could be with him for eternity.
"Wufei..."
The Chinese man gazed into her violet eyes. He saw a kind of understanding and sadness. Understanding? Of what? He couldn't help but feel fear when he thought of the possibility that she might know of the world of vampires.
His rational side attacked that thought. How could something as beautiful and heavenly as the creature in his arms know of the dark side? How could a woman such as Rei Hino know of the monsters of the night?
But she might know. This woman was strong, one of the strongest he has ever met. She was dangerous, though she hid it well behind that seductive sway of her hips as she walked and that sexy smile of hers. He, the Solitary Dragon himself, have fought her and felt as exhausted after the battle as he did after a fight with the Huntress known as Phoenix.
Why had he never noticed that before?
Come to think of it, the two were alike in fight technique, VERY similar. The same moves, and the same lack of power behind her punches...
No, what WAS he thinking? How could the sweet woman in his arms be the enemy he has to fight night after night?
~^~^~^~^~^~
Hotaru sighed and turned around. She had been staring out the window that overlooked the garden. And she had seen the occurrence between Minako and Quatre.
"What's wrong?"
She focused on the man before her. Hotaru took the glass of champagne Heero was offering her and drained it immediately.
The blue-eyed man felt his lips tug downwards in a frown. He watched as Hotaru took his glass as well and drained the alcoholic liquid in one breath.
"Woah, where's the fire?"
She gave him a weary look at his lame attempt to get it out of her. He shrugged and grabbed another glass of champagne from a waiter passing by.
"Why did you just gulp down the two glasses of champagne? One of which, if I may add, was not yours."
Hotaru said nothing and simply sat down on one of the chairs. Heero's brows knitted together as he took another sip of the champagne. Such a strange creature she was.
"Well?"
She turned to him, watching his dark orbs flicker with annoyance from behind his black mask that covered the top half of his face.
"Why must there always be drama at one of these parties?"
Heero nodded calmly, understanding exactly what she was talking about. He sat down next to her, drawing a melodramatic sigh from his date.
"So you know what happened."
Giving another shrug, he felt Hotaru's violet eyes boring into him.
"I felt it coming on, the second I saw the two of them."
'Observant... as usual,' Hotaru commented to herself dryly.
Of course, she had felt the strange vibes coming off the couple all night, but had simply dismissed it as a figment of her imagination. Minako and Quatre were the perfect couple. She was the sweet, beautiful secretary and he was the kind, generous, very handsome CEO.
Sounded like one of those romance novels.
But not all was well in paradise.
"What do you think they were arguing about?"
Hotaru looked up to discover Heero's questioning look. It was her turn to give a shrug.
"Beats me."
"You're horrible at lying."
The young Slayer couldn't help but glare at his cocky smirk. But of course, part of the reason for the glare was to cover up for her shock. Her classmate always had a way of putting the obvious up front so bluntly.
"You're horrible at being indirect."
This drew a snort from the blue-eyed man.
"I never said I was being indirect..."
An annoyed growl escaped from pouting pink lips. A weary smile was given in hopes of preventing a physical display of her aggravation.
"You know what they're arguing about."
Heero winced slightly at her directness. However, any sign of his discomfort faded as quickly as it came as he regarded her impassively.
"So?"
"So why be an idiot and ask?"
Heero scoffed at her insult as Hotaru shot him a triumphant smirk. The score was now 1:1. The violet-eyed girl shifted as she voiced her thoughts hesitantly.
"Do you think they'll work it out?"
"They will."
Silence settled over the two. Finally one sighed, her fear etched clearly in her features.
"How do you know that?"
Slowly her companion turned to her, his eyes dark. Without pause, he turned away and stood.
"Because they're in love."
~*~*~*~*~
A growl slipped as Makoto sent him a teasing look.
"Getting tired, Duo?"
The braided vampire only snorted as he continued to sway to the beat of the music with his date in his arms.
"You're not very light Mako," he stated dryly.
A pale hand gave him a soft slap on his head. Violet eyes sent an annoyed look at her, drawing a soft giggle.
"Then put me DOWN, Duo. You've been carrying me for almost two hours now..."
With a sigh, Duo finally relented. Of course, not only did the endless nagging of his lover contribute to that fact, but logic as well. Even if he were one of the most powerful vampires in the world, he did have a limit.
Gently placing Makoto down on a chair, Duo rubbed his shoulders painfully.
"I'm not THAT heavy," came the indignant pout.
"No, but after almost two hours... you're like a block of lead Mako."
The response earned him yet another whap on the head. An annoyed glare appeared on his face as it rivaled with the one that Makoto was giving him.
Finally, with a sigh, he relented and broke the glaring contest. He could never win against this particular female.
Arms wrapped themselves around his waist as soft lips pecked at his own apologetically. With a large grin, he bent down and captured her pink lips. A large hand found its way through her loose brown hair, the other rubbing teasing circles on the back of her neck.
"Duo," came the husky whisper. He shivered in pleasure.
"We should dance."
The braided one barely avoided crashing to the floor in disbelief. Makoto laughed as her lover tried to steady himself.
"THAT, was mean Mako."
The comment and the cute pout only made her laugh harder. Just as Duo was about to pounce on the girl in anger, a loud voice came over the speaker.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Now, since we are nearing midnight, is time for the Couple's Dance! Will all couples please proceed to the dance floor!"
Duo grabbed Makoto's hand and pulled her into his strong chest. He nibbled on her earlobe playfully.
"That's us."
Makoto only smiled as he led her to the dance floor.
~*~*~*~*~
"Have you ever wondered what the future holds?"
Trowa turned his head and looked at the woman besides him. Her blue eyes twinkled as they focused on the couples twirling on the dance floor. He smiled slightly, appreciating her beauty and intelligence.
"No, I can't say I have."
Blue eyes turned to him in astonishment. He cleared his throat casually. He did think of the future once, a long time ago, when he was still a young vampire. But after being around for a few centuries and actually seeing what the future is like... it became pointless to think about it. Why waste energy and time on something that you'll experience?
"I must say I'm surprised. I thought you'd be the type to think about that..."
Trowa shot Ami a quick smile before returning to his watch of the dancing couples. He felt the blue-haired beauty scoot closer to him, obviously curious. The man couldn't help but sigh inwardly. One of the bad things about having someone as intelligent as Ami for a girlfriend was that she was often curious. Quite unfortunately, curiosity might lead her into danger, and lead her to discover things Trowa thought best she did not know.
"Well, I figured it's pointless thinking about the future. Sometimes, people concentrate so much on what's to come, that they completely miss out on what they already have... what's already here..."
From the corner of his eyes, Trowa watched as Ami nodded. A sigh of relief escaped. The girl bought his explanation...
"But aren't you the least bit curious about the future?"
He sighed inwardly once again as he realized that her curiosity would not let her give up. A ghost of a smile played on his lips as he turned to her.
"I only think about one future..."
Ami's blue eyes danced as she waited expectantly at his response. He chuckled. Even in the sexy dress she worn tonight, no matter how beautiful she looked, the woman could still appear to be a curious and innocent little 5-year-old.
Ami watched as he leaned into her, his green eyes lustful. Fear made itself known, fear that she wasn't ready for him. But at the same time, she felt her own lust for him become apparent in her own eyes. She leaned into his touch as he placed one large hand on her cheek.
"I only think about our future..."
A groan was all he received from the woman. He licked his lips anxiously as he leaned downwards to capture her red lips.
" Ladies and Gentlemen! Now, since we are nearing midnight, is time for the Couple's Dance! Will all couples please proceed to the dance floor!"
Trowa groaned, having been interrupted from kissing the woman of his dreams. A soft giggle came from the woman in his arms, earning her a mild glare.
"Come on Trowa, let's dance..."
The tall man allowed himself to be dragged like a small child onto the dance floor. The couples parted for them as the two made their way to the middle. Trowa's arms wrapped around Ami's thin waist as the woman responded by wrapping her arms around the much taller man's neck. As he tucked her head under his chin, Ami sighed and closed her eyes, letting him guide her.
"If I should die this very moment
I wouldn't fear
For I've never known completeness
Like being here
Wrapped in the warmth of you."
Trowa's hold on Ami tightened. It was true. He has lived for centuries, yet he has never felt this way in any of those years. This woman, this mere mortal woman that he now held in his arms has made his heart stir in a way that he has never known. The feeling of being lost has always surrounded him. He never truly belonged anywhere, except with his fellow Gods.
Yet none of them could make him feel as safe as it did right now, holding his precious creature in his arms. The centuries seemed so empty... and his few months with her seemed like his entire life. Before he met her, he had accomplished nothing. He felt so empty... and then she came.
The darkness gave way to her light. The ice melted by her warmth... the emptiness filled by her love.
~^~^~^~^~
Duo couldn't help but sigh. IT was actually perfect. He was at a Valentine's Day party, one that he's hosting. The company was doing great. The Huntresses haven't been giving them much trouble. And of course, he was doing the woman of his dreams in his arms.
Life, or the undead life, was good.
"Loving every breath of you
Still my heart this moment
Or it might burst
Could we stay right here
Until the end of time
Until the earth stops turning
Wanna love you until the seas run dry
I found the one I've waited for."
Duo Maxwell never knew he could fall in love. Even when he was alive, Duo Maxwell was more of the lady's man than most people he knew were. Tell anyone that knew, or knows him that he has fallen head over heels for someone, and they'll laugh in your face. The thought of Duo Maxwell settling down was preposterous.
But somehow, Makoto Kino managed to snare him, and knows how to keep him down.
He fell in love.
Sometimes when he wakes up by her side, he could barely believed it himself. Once in a while, he'd pinch himself, just to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
He loved moments like this. Who wouldn't? The perfect woman in his arms. A woman that loves him, not for this money, not for his looks, but for who he was. He never even knew he had been looking for her, until he found her.
Everything was suddenly right. He finally understood why the sun shines so brightly, why the oceans were so blue, why people say love is the most beautiful thing in the world.
$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$
"All this time I've loved you
And never known your face
All this time I've missed you
And searched this human race."
Makoto couldn't agree with the lyrics more. She always wanted someone like Duo. He was funny, charming, handsome, lively, caring yet utterly mischievous. She had thought that there was no one in the world for her. Each guy she looked at was completely wrong for her. They were never what they appeared to be.
Yet Duo came along with his flirtatious nature and swept her off her feet.
How did her heart yearn for him if she never knew him?
He was her soul mate that's how.
Though she was the type to scoff at the idea of someone predestined for you, she had no other explanation for Duo. This guy was perfect for her in any way, and he loved her. He made her heart race, made her blush, made her stutter like a fool in front of her friends.
He made her feel special. He made her feel all fuzzy inside. He made her feel safe. He made her happy. He made the perfect love to her.
So was it so wrong now to think that he was her soul mate?
###################
Wufei Chang frowned in dismay. The whole, couple's dance thing had disturbed his train of thought. However, part of him was all too happy to be kept off track from his thoughts.
He didn't remember how he suddenly formed the idea that Rei and Phoenix were the same really. One thing led to another and pretty soon, he had compiled a rather long list of similarities.
Which made him notice that he pays as much attention to his enemy as he does to his girlfriend. If Rei knew, he would probably pound him into the floor for that one.
Unconsciously, he discovered that he was actually paying attention to the singing in the background.
"Here is true peace
Here my heart knows calm
Safe in your soul
Bathed in your sighs."
The onna made him feel things he thought he'd never feel again. She calmed his raging heart, and gave him a sense of peace. She ignored his remarks, and found a way into his heart. And with the way they were now, he knew she would stay there.
How one woman was able to do this to him, he did not know.
It happened once, but that was ripped away from him. Now that he was blessed to have another taste of it, he would have to be an idiot to let it go. Who would let go of heaven?
He knew that he sounded like a weakling at that point. But who cares? Logic disappeared the second she waltzed in, interested in a job at his karate school.
The same woman that held her ground against him, punch after punch made him forget about his pride. The same hand that landed bruising blows soothed away his anger. The same violet eyes that challenged him portrayed her love for him. The same lips twisted up in triumphant smirks kissed his worries away.
So he have learned to let his guard down. He has learned to throw caution in the wind and trust her. He has learned to trust her.
And what he found, was peace.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Heero Yuy and Hotaru Tomoe waltzed through the room. They held themselves perfectly, as everyone had expected. Their eyes were carefully guarded, nothing slipped from their expressions.
"Don't look now, but the lovebirds are back."
Hotaru stole a glance from the corner of her eyes. And sure enough, Quatre and Minako walked in from the gardens, the love in their eyes stronger than before. She looked back at Heero and allowed him to see her joy there.
"They're back to together... you were right..."
A smile was offered as a truce. He simply nodded and led her in another direction. He would not let her win that easily.
"If I didn't know better Yuy, I'd say you're enjoying this whole being superior to me thing."
He gave her a cute smirk.
"I choose to wisely remain silent at that comment."
Laughter escaped from Hotaru's lips. Her companion soon joined in with a deep and husky chuckle that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. That husky laugh of his... it drove her wild.
"So, does this mean we're a couple?"
Heero Yuy had trouble standing at that point. He groped for an answer while Hotaru basked in his loss for one. She loved teasing Heero Yuy.
Suddenly he looked up, and she froze. His eyes were hopeful...
A hand found its way to her cheek while the other wrapped itself around her waist and pulled her to him. She could only gasp as she quickly placed her hands on his strong chest to balance herself. She watched in shock as Heero Yuy slowly bent down, centimeters away from her face.
"If you so wish..."
The blood pounded in her ears as she felt her cheeks warm. Looking away from his eyes, she tried to calm her rampaging thoughts.
Did Heero Yuy... say what she just think he said?
"Wha-what did you say?" Hotaru forced out hoarsely.
"I said, if you so wish... then we are a couple..."
She barely had time to think of how cute he looked as the blush appeared on his cheeks. He was saying what she subconsciously have been hoping he'd say.
With a thoughtful smile, Hotaru leaned into his chest and placed her head on his shoulder. Heero smiled and ran a hand through her hair.
"What do you want, Heero?"
Heero smiled tenderly as he swayed gently to the music. With his eyes closed, he moved closer so that his lips brushed her ear as he spoke.
"I want you to be happy..."
Hotaru pulled away, looking at him with bright violet eyes. At that moment, Heero knew that he had made the right decision. He smiled at her and leaned towards her.
Hotaru's heart hammered in her chest as she watched his descent, immobile. Part of her wanted to meet his lips greedily half way, while the other part was too shocked to act.
Heero could smell her. He could feel her heart beating... or more precisely, pounding. His smile widened. Finally...
Screams went up as the sound of glass shattering tore them from their kiss. Heero cursed in every language he knew and looked up quickly to the large stain-glass window. Heero's eyes widened.
Over forty vampires poured from the broken window. They landed gracefully on the marble floor of the ballroom, eyeing the guests with blood-lust eyes.
^^^^^^^
Hotaru's heart stopped. Vampires?! Here?! At THIS party? There were hundred of people here...
Her adrenaline started pumping through her body. No... she wouldn't let anyone get hurt...
^^^^^^^
Heero watched as a familiar vampire floated into the ballroom. Silver hair was left untied as usual as ice blue eyes gazed into his dark eyes from behind long bangs.
Then the blue eyes wandered over to Hotaru.
Heero's eyes narrowed dangerously, despite the fear he was feeling. He better not dare hurt her...
~*~*~*~*
The Gods moved closer to Heero, knowing that trouble was starting. They moved the girls closer together and behind them, so if need be, they could protect them. They didn't know what they were up against.
They didn't notice the looks that the girls were sending them, the fear in their eyes. The Huntresses knew that these beings were vampires... and they didn't like how they were looking at the boys. They tried to move in front of their lovers, but found the boys pushing them back despite the fact that they were using their superhuman strength.
"Well well well, the famous G5 Valentine's Day party... I just had to crash it."
Heero let a growl escape his lips. He looked at the others from the corner of his eyes, and watched as his companions tensed, ready for battle. He stepped toward, ignoring Hotaru's tugs on his arm.
"Get out."
The vampire threw back his head and laughed, despite the clear warning he received from Heero's voice. He wiped a tear from his blue eyes as the laughter died down into a deep chuckle.
"I always KNEW you were insane, but this is ridiculous. The mighty Perfect Soldier dating the Slayer! And even better! The other gods are all dating the Huntresses!"
The world of ten people suddenly fell apart.
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BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW ABOUT THAT! HAH! HAH!
I kept you guys waiting, SO NOW THERE'S THE FUN!
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!
The real fun starts!
BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, review please! Please! Tell me whether or not I should continue!
Oh yea, the song I used is "Gorecki" by Lamb.