Warnings: This fic is a sequel for 'Rapiers and Scimitars', it may be wise to read R&S before reading this. ^_^ This fic does contain violence, angst, lemony lime, sappy Duo & Hilde Maxwell, preggie Hilde, temperamental Dorothy, and anything else my demented mind can come up with.
WARNING: There is a hint (more than a hint actually) of RAPE. It is not explicit, but it is there.
Clowns and Spies
Chapter Five
Stars. Beautiful. They really were just beautiful. The figure leaned against
a lamppost and flicked ashes onto the gray concrete. This was a manicured
street, thin trees surrounded by foot high iron-wrought fences, and lampposts
lit the way. The figure sighed once and threw the cigarette to the ground,
stomping on it with a heavy black boot. A quick glance at the glaring watch
told the figure all they needed to know.
They were late.
Jerky footsteps reached the figure's sensitive ears and they spun around
to watch as she finally arrived. She smiled, not bothering to hide her
glee. She knew what others didn't know. She knew the truth that the press
would love to get their grimy hands on. A click seemed to echo through
the night as a large black case landed beside the remains of the figure's
dead cigarette.
"It's all there." Her voice penetrated the silence and the figure nodded,
bowing their head once before lifting the case with one gloved hand. The
figure was walking away when her voice called to it again; "They'll catch
you. They'll catch me, too. It's fate."
"I make my own fate."
She watched the figure disappear into the night.
*
Gently Trowa placed his hands on Dorothy's shoulders and pushed her away.
Her lips were a bruised red as a pink flush
decorated her cheeks. Her blue-gray
eyes had darkened to a cloudy blue and she watched his face closely. Trowa
dropped his hands and took a step back. "You don't want this, Dorothy."
The dark glow disappeared from her eyes as they narrowed angrily; "You
don't know what I want. Don't dare tell me what or whom I want or don't
want."
"You want Quatre."
"I hate Quatre."
Trowa shook his head, "No, you don't. You love him and that scares you."
He watched as Dorothy's anger seemed to melt away and she smiled that oh,
so familiar dangerous smile.
"Once upon a time there was a Prince and he befriended a mysterious boy.
The Prince was so kind that even this deadly and silent boy could not help,
but love and care for the Desert Prince. The Prince and boy were as close
as brothers and both fought bravely when war wrought their lands. The two
met a lady who sought to harm the Prince, only to have him and his friend
save her." Dorothy took a step forward, wearing a knowing smirk. "The Prince
and the confused lady fell in love, but she also hated the Desert Prince
for allowing her to feel. So, she turned to his friend, the mysterious
boy that had grown into a brilliant man. This man sought to live by the
advice another had gifted him with yet feared this knowledge. For when
the lady approached him, he pushed her away, pretending it was for her
own good. So, he continues to live his half-life, fearful of opening himself
to the common pains of emotions and their effects."
Trowa didn't move as she walked by him and to the door. "Pleasant dreams,
Trowa." She called from the doorway before closing the door with a quiet
click. The acrobat didn't blink or move. He just continued to stand, his
eyes focused on the yellow daffodils…
*
"Wufei!" A feminine voice echoed through the cold hall and the Chinese man paused in mid-step, turning to face the grinning woman that waved at him. Sally's twists swung playfully as she walked alongside the silent male. "Duo told me about the acid." Her grin faded, "They're supposed to check the lab materials twice a week. After the loss of Une's Rose, you would think they'd be paying closer attention."
He stopped and focused on the air before him, "A traitor wouldn't…"
Sally nodded, "We thought about that and the scientists on duty are being questioned and watched. I hate to think that we might have another rotten Preventer." They stood in silence then she sighed in frustration, "Is it all connected or just coincidence?"
"A motive." His solemn, deep voice soothed her anger away as she raised an eyebrow.
"Motive?"
"Look for a motive that links and separates."
A smile lit up her face and he glanced at her as she clapped a hand on his shoulder. "We are partners, Wufei. I rely on you and trust you." Sally dropped her hand and stepped in front of him so she could face the man. "I've worked alone and with others, but you and I will always be partners." She winked, "No matter what happens."
Wufei watched as she continued the walk down the hall and crossed his arms before his chest. "No matter what…" He turned away and entered the room he'd stopped before. His office was plain because he and Sally were usually stationed in space rather than Earth. He moved his chair back and raised both eyebrows as he nudged a strange black object under his desk. His mouth thinned as the object entered the sparse lighting. A dead rat…
He kicked it aside, frowning at the dead vermin. As a born colonists he was still unused to the numerous animals that populated the earth. Rats and other such vermin found it hard to live and breed on the colonies and as a result a few species had mutated to adapt to the colonies' environment. Fortunately, rats had yet to adapt.
Wufei glared at the offending corpse before sitting down and turning his attention toward a file that he flipped open. Duchess Dorothy Catalonia. Were the recent events connected with this woman? He leaned forward and stared at the information before him with a photo of the Duchess. She was a strong woman, a fact he'd never reveal but acknowledged in the safety of his mind. Trowa could protect her if Michael's death, the loss of the acid, and the explosion were connected to her.
Still…
"A motive…" He stared at his closed door, mind deep in thought.
*
"Oh, Duo…" Hilde wrapped her arms around her husband's neck as he entered
the Darlian mansion, his face drawn and tired. He breathed in the scent
of her hair and ran his hands down her back, relishing the feel of her
body pressed against his. Her lips were on his and tan, callused hands
reached up to cup her face. They parted and Duo ran a thumb across her
now swollen lips.
"I've missed you." His husky whisper made her skin tingle and Hilde's lips
parted as she tugged playfully on his braid. Her free hand ran down his
chest and she grinned mischievously as two buttons popped off his wrinkled
shirt.
"Oopsie." One small hand curled around his waistband and pulled him closer.
"I missed you, too." Duo returned her grin as he pulled her shirt free
from where she'd tucked it into her blue jeans. His hand was creeping under
her shirt when a small gasp interrupted their explorations.
"Sorry!" Relena's cheeks flushed a pretty pink as she backed away from
the intimate scene she'd accidentally walked in on. The couple separated
with impish grins painted on their faces, unashamed completely as they
faced the Minister.
"It's ok, Rellie." Sympathy erased passion as Duo took Hilde's hand and
stepped forward. "How are you doing?" Hilde squeezed his hand as the Minister
looked away, not meeting their gazes.
"I'm fine, Duo. Really."
Duo glanced down at Hilde and she nodded, smiling sweetly. He released
her hand and slowly enveloped Relena in a warm hug. "It's ok to not be
fine, Rellie. It's ok to be sad."
The Minister stiffened as he whispered softly into her hair, then Duo felt
fingers grip his shoulders and Relena shook in his grasp as she sobbed.
It wasn't the quiet, dignified sobs one would've expected from the Dove
of Peace, but body racking sobs that came out broken and shrill. She half-screamed
as she clung to the American, knowing that he understood… He had also lost
people like Pagan.
Hilde watched with tears in her eyes. Relena and she were friends, yet
Duo and Relena would always have something she and the Minister could never
share. She felt no jealously as her husband hugged the pretty young woman.
She was glad that Duo could help Relena release some of the sorrow she'd
been trying so desperately to hold inside. She raised her eyes to meet
the gaze of the man standing behind the hugging friends and watched as
Heero Yuy's face briefly twitched with some hidden emotion… Then his eyes
locked with hers and he nodded once before turning around and walking away.
She shook her head and stared at the ground. This had to be hard for the
Japanese man… For so many years, he had watched Relena grow, watched as
she'd been his symbol for peace, watched as she somehow carved a way into
his heart… Some believed that it was Relena that had gained strength from
Heero, but Hilde knew it was the other way around. Heero looked to Relena
to save him from himself and his past. Her ideals and belief in him was
what kept him from giving up… Now, she needed his help and he was unsure
of how to act or what to do.
Hilde prayed he acted soon for this bout with Duo would not completely
heal the scarred Minister.
*
Fingers calmly danced across the vid-phone as Trowa dialed and then calmly
waited for Duo's image to appear. The acrobat was caught by surprised when
instead of the grinning American Quatre Winner's face appeared on the screen.
"I'm sorry, but Preventer Maxwell is not—Trowa?" A smile appeared on the
Winner's face as the Arabian leaned across the desk to get a closer look
at his best friend. "Trowa! How are you? Is anything wrong?"
"Quatre…" Green eyes blinked in surprise once then Trowa allowed a small
smile to warm his face. "Hello, Quatre. Nothing is wrong. Where's Duo?"
He looked behind the Arabian to see that the office behind Quatre was the
American's, yet Duo himself was missing from the scene.
"Home. He really needs some rest and time with Hilde. I was looking over
some information he left me with when you called. Are you sure everything's
all right?" Quatre frowned slightly, concern flooding his aqua blue eyes.
"You look a bit stressed. You know, I'm here if you need to talk, Trowa."
Silence seemed to vibrate from the other end as the Arabian closely watched
the acrobat. Was he imagining things or did Trowa's visible eye twitch
and did he seem paler than usual?
"I'm fine. Why are you on Earth, Quatre?"
A pale hand ran through blonde locks, giving the Arabian a cute disheveled
look. Dorothy had ran her own small hand through his hair like that the
last time he'd seen her… She'd smirked and told him he tried too hard before
turning away. Would he ever see her again? What was so interesting in France?
The Arabian's frown deepened as Trowa observed him. The acrobat's unnerving
emerald gaze dragged Quatre from his dark thoughts. "You don't know? That's
strange, I'd thought everyone voted…"
"The committee. I'd forgotten."
Trowa's sudden words surprised the Arabian, but not more than the actual
meaning. "You…forgot?" Quatre blinked once then decided to not pursue that
line of thought. "Yes, the committee. Everything's become so heated after
the attempt on Relena's life and Michael's death."
"Michael's death?" Trowa raised an eyebrow as he evaluated that piece of
information. "I hadn't been informed of the prisoner's demise. What happened?"
Quatre hesitated, "The top agents are involved with this case. I can't
understand why you weren't—" His aqua eyes widened, "You're part of Duo's
team, aren't you? They're the only ones focused on a different case. Wufei's
part of it and it's hard keeping him out of the recent events." He smiled
sadly, "I don't think I should be telling you, Trowa. I'm assuming that
Duo believed the news might distract you from your own job."
The acrobat looked over the monitor and frowned slightly, just the barest
twitch of his lips. Michael had been killed. One of the main participants
involved with the attempt on Dorothy's life and he hadn't been informed.
What else was Duo keeping from him so he wouldn't be 'distracted'? Damn.
That was all there was to it. He knew Quatre was too loyal to give him
the information and Duo was with Hilde. Damn.
"Trowa? Trowa? I'm sorry, Trowa. Perhaps you should ask Duo when he's here."
"I'll do that." His voice was stoic and composed, but Quatre flinched.
"I really am sorry, Trowa…" They were both quiet then the Arabian asked
softly. "Trowa, you haven't… Well, you haven't seen Dorothy, have you?"
He flushed, "Nevermind. It's ridiculous, really. I mean, she's in France
and you're in space. I miss her though…"
"Have you called her office?" Trowa's face remained emotionless as his
best friend sighed sadly.
"I haven't the courage… Our last meeting was…" Quatre looked away from
the vid-phone and stared at the wall across from him. He was in the process
of sighing again when shock trembled through his body and he glanced sharply
at the screen. He could've sworn he'd seen Dorothy out of the corner of
his eye… But only Trowa stared back at him and he shook his head.
"Call her, Quatre. Leave a message."
The Arabian forced a smile, "Maybe I will…"
"Cathie wants the phone. Goodbye, Quatre." The acrobat cut off the connection
and straightened as a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Michael's dead?" Dorothy walked around him and smiled sweetly as she leaned
backward against the table the phone was placed on. "Pity, I'd so been
hoping to do the honors myself." Her smile was as sharp as the rapiers
she so loved. "Mr. Winner's presence graces earth. You didn't tell me that,
darling. And what is this I hear of a group Mr. Maxwell is so graciously
leading?"
"I'd have thought you above eavesdropping, Dorothy." Trowa answered as
he watched the blue-gray eyes shine and blonde hair twist around a long,
elegant finger.
"Well, you don't know me very well, Mr. Barton. Answer the question."
They eyed each other as time slowly ticked by. Outside the sounds of people
setting to work around the circus announced that morning had arrived. The
morning after… The same day as, actually…
"You don't know me at all, Mr. Barton." Dorothy finally spoke, breaking
the silence, and stood straighter, no longer leaning her weight against
the rickety table. "And you don't know Quatre either." She smiled viciously;
"Continue your little game of observation and you'll see how wrong you
really are." She moved around him and toward the doorway where she'd stood
by while listening to their conversation…
"Why did you come here, Dorothy?"
The blonde paused and blinked, surprise flickering across her features.
Trowa stood behind her, his voice seeming to echo inside Dorothy's head.
"You became so caught up in proving me wrong, to having a fashionable exit
that you completely forgot. You say you're living your life for yourself,
but you're still caught up in the teachings of others, caught up in trying
to be what others expect." It was probably the longest speech she'd ever
heard from him and she spun around, her eyes blazing as she faced him.
"Stop trying to get inside my head, clown. You won't like what you find."
The Duchess smirked condescendingly as she turned around, ready to leave
the acrobat to his own wanderings. Her reason for coming didn't really
need his attention. But the hand wrapped tightly around her arm stopped
her from leaving as he pulled her back.
"I've seen worse." Trowa replied coldly, watching the pale woman's features
contort in rage. Simple words and it surprised him to see the affect on
the calm Duchess. She flung her free hand upward as her foot kicked out,
ankle knocking into his foot. He caught her wrist and pulled her down with
him as he fell. Her arm was pulled free and a fist caught him in the side
even as he sought to grab the freed arm. Trowa's eyes narrowed and he grabbed
her other arm before she could land another punch and flipped her over.
He slammed her arms down and used his own long legs to crush her kicking
ones to the ground. His body weight pressed against her struggling form
as cold blue-gray ice glared daggers at him.
"GET OFF!"
"Calm down."
Her head twisted from side to side as she tried uselessly to buck the acrobat
off. "CALM DOWN?! GET OFF OF ME!" Dorothy strained her body upward but
that only brought the realization that Trowa weighed more than she did.
She squeezed her eyes shut and somewhere in her mind a part of her screamed
as his weight seemed to press harder against her. Her eyes snapped open
and Trowa jerked as something akin to fear sparkled in her eyes.
Once he'd seen that in her… When she'd foolishly fallen from her bar and
he'd confronted her… or tried to… At the time her fear had merely been
discarded in his fury… Later, it had allowed him to ignore the incident.
However, this second appearance of fear again directed at him…
Something inside the stoic Trowa Barton shattered and he snarled, reminding
Dorothy of the very lions he loved so much. He leaned closer, his nose
nearly touching hers as he rasped. "Do I scare you, Dorothy? Is this what
you want? To fear or be feared?! Are you satisfied?!" Her eyes widened
as his breath danced across her skin and emerald eyes flared. "This is
what you wanted, isn't it? To get a reaction? All you've ever wanted! To
shock people into proving they're as cold-hearted as you."
"Shut up." Her own voice seemed to surprise him, but only momentarily.
"You don't know anything about me. You see me as someone worse than you,
hoping that my own viciousness and cruelty make you more human. I live!
You cling to the past, scared of actually letting go of who you were! NANASHI!"
Trowa jerked, releasing her arms, as his former name seemed to slap him.
Dorothy smiled, baring her teeth in a somewhat maniacal grin.
The grin faded in shock as a callused hand fell against her face, leaving
the imprint of Trowa's hand against her pale skin. The acrobat's
body still kept Dorothy pressed against the floor and he stared down at
her, panting as a pale hand lightly touched the red cheek.
"You hit me."
"Yes."
Dorothy turned her head away staring at the worn couch that stood nearby.
"How is she?" The cold, impersonal voice of her grandfather caught Dorothy's
curiosity as she stood outside Master Cauthon's office. Behind her, Collie
tensed and Dorothy glanced at the quiet girl with her large, solemn gray
eyes. In the two years since they'd first become acquainted they were rarely
apart. At times, the girl's constant presence was an annoyance that Dorothy
forced herself to ignore. Other times… There were a few things that one
needed a partner to accomplish.
She didn't even have to motion for Collie to stay quiet. They were too
well taught to need a reminder.
In truth, Dorothy could understand the other girl's need to be close. In
the last two years, Dorothy had been the only one Collie had ever felt
truly comfortable with. In a sense they were friends, though both had been
taught to not need such things. She listened calmly as her tutor and relative
spoke.
"She's the top of her class. She's efficient, composed, and brilliant.
Though, her spirit is still too wild." Cauthon's voice came to the two
girls, one eleven and one just turned twelve. "Her mission with Coronal
Trent's son, Alex, went wonderfully. She's showing all the signs of becoming
one of our highest ranked agents."
"Hmmm…" Her grandfather paused then chuckled. "How old is she now?"
"She turned twelve a month ago."
"Twelve… I trust her in your capable hands, Cauthon. Continue her training
to the next level."
Outside Dorothy smirked, as if her grandfather truly knew what the next
level actually contained of. She, of course, didn't either but the old
man should really turn more attention on what she was being taught instead
of focusing on the results. Collie placed a light hand on her shoulder.
Dorothy nodded slightly and the two began walking away even as the door
opened to reveal Cauthon and Dermail.
Dorothy felt eyes on her as she sauntered down the hall and glanced at
the quiet Collie. "What?"
The girl continued her observation of the blonde noble, "Why do you continue
this if you plan to only use them as puppets in the end, Dorothy?"
The young lady smiled, "They are useful for now. Truthfully, I could not
learn as much if I left so I stay till their lessons are through. I am
not foolish enough to leave without proper training. This next level should
prove interesting." Dorothy raised an eyebrow, "You look worried, Collie.
Do not worry for me. I can take care of myself." Her smile widened predatorily,
"Trust me."
Trowa watched as Dorothy blinked once, then twice, and the silence grew
between them. Her cheek was still a startling pink where he'd hit her and
her breathing had calmed under him. Somewhere the clock chimed announcing
that it was now ten A.M.
"What are you thinking, Dorothy?"
She blinked a third time.
"Mistress Catalonia, you are to start your new training today." Cauthon
smiled down at the young lady, a cruel gleam in his usually cool eyes.
Dorothy ignored the gleam, pretending to be slightly surprised by the news.
She smirked, tossing her hair over one shoulder, her fencing outfit still
clinging to her young form.
"Really? I'd say it was about time." She bared her teeth challengingly
while Cauthon chuckled coldly.
She hid surprise as he placed a finger under her chin and pushed her face
up, meeting her eyes with his own. "You will be learning from a fellow
student." He removed his hand and motioned toward a figure that had been
waiting in the shadows. Dorothy had noticed him, but had perceived the
figure to be of no threat. She didn't recognize him and merely raised an
eyebrow. He was taller than her and looked older, too. He was handsome
in the average way.
"A practical lesson, intriguing." She yawned slightly. This boy posed no
threat; she could easily beat him in a duel.
Cauthon pointed toward a corner in the ceiling, "I'll be watching." He
shared a vicious grin with the boy before exiting the room.
"Drink?" The boy asked, his voice a low bass, and Dorothy accepted the
cup haughtily, not fearing poisons. After all, Cauthon may hate her, but
he didn't want her dead. She had an immunity to most poisons, but he was
one of the few people that knew which ones her body couldn't destroy. She
sipped it as she eyed the boy, who made no move to join her in a beverage.
He waited till she'd finished the drink before finally speaking as she
poured herself another cup.
"Do you know what an aphrodisiac is?"
She smirked, "It can be a food or drug that enhances sexual desire. What
a strange question to be asking a lady such as myself."
"Have you ever heard of Maca?"
Her nearly empty glass shattered as it fell to the floor and Dorothy faced
the boy with narrowed eyes. "Yes. Why?"
He calmly leaned against the table holding the pitcher; "It was placed
in your drink. I hear your body's quite good at destroying most drugs…
However, something about the simple herb passes it by." He watched as she
threw the pitcher across the room then bent down to pick up a large piece
of shattered crystal. Dorothy advanced toward the composed male, the crystal
held out like a dagger.
"I'll kill you."
He grabbed her smaller wrist and twisted, ignoring her startled cry as
the crystal fell to the ground. She gritted her teeth and kicked his feet
out from under him. He merely threw her down with him, releasing her wrist
as he easily jumped to his feet. Dorothy flipped to her own feet and tried
to ignore the warmth rushing through her body, the feelings of… She shook
her head, sending blonde hair flying. It was the chance he'd been waiting
for as his body slammed into hers and they fell to the cold floor. He viciously
crushed her smaller body, but Dorothy's lips curled upward as she moved
to flip him.
His body tensed, his muscles standing out like oak, as her plan failed
and his weight continued to crush her. His face leaned close to hers and
he smiled, watching his reflection in her eyes. "I've been trained for
the last two years for this moment. All my movements have been planned
to counter yours. I know your techniques better than the back of my hand."
"Why?" She hissed, still trying frantically to fight him off even as her
body welcomed the feel of his skin on hers. She cursed Cauthon. What was
he thinking to put such a drug in her drink!?
"For this moment." He grinned, "For your new lesson." His eyes hardened,
"You've been my life for two years for these lessons." She tensed as lips
brushed against her neck. "I'm here to teach you that life isn't fair."
Lips were on her cheek. "You may be the best in a fight, but someone won't
always play fair. You can't play fair." His lips pressed against hers and
she exclaimed in surprise as his tongue brushed against her pink lips.
He took the opportunity and her eyes widened as his tongue explored her
mouth… Then narrowed as she bit down hard.
He cursed and jerked away. The slap made Dorothy's ears ring as the sound
of clothes ripping made her scream.
Laughter sang outside as the triplets passed by his trailer, unaware of the scene playing inside. Trowa continued to watch the Duchess, her steady silence beginning to concern him. He grazed her red cheek with gentle fingers, but she didn't seem to notice… She just blinked a fourth time.
Unable to push his body off, unable to stop the humiliation, unable to
stop the fact that her body wanted this because of the damn drug… Dorothy
bit her lip, tasting blood as his head buried itself between her breasts.
Tears welled, but she angrily blinked them away. Her body hurt and…
This boy had spent two years studying her so she could learn this lesson.
What lesson? That no matter what, a man could always take this in some
way or form? No. If that was it, then they were fools for believing she'd
believe such a lie. Seduction. She understood what they wanted to teach
her now. The art of seducing the unwary and wary.
They wanted to break her. Cauthon wanted to break her spirit so she could
become one of his best.
They had broken her. She'd never be the same.
Somewhere, underneath the mask a child had still survived… The child that
had sought to save Collie so many years ago. The child that had left Alex
with a friend named Mueller. The child that had loved her grandfather even
though he was a cruel, old fool.
The child died in the harsh arms of the man that panted against her now.
Man now. The boy had died with her child. It was this man that had destroyed
her so maliciously.
Trowa's eyes widened.
Her hand wrapped around something cold and smooth.
He reached out with one finger.
The man cried out once as the ragged crystal dug into his throat
and tore across the windpipe, silencing any other cries he might've tried
to make. Dorothy shoved him away, blood soaking her hands and nude body.
They had killed the child.
And awakened the woman.
And caught the tear that slid down the porcelain face.
"It feels strange." Relena softly spoke, causing Duo to look up from the
coffee he'd been drinking with her. Hilde paused in the doorway carrying
a pile of folders and a tray of cookies. "It's a new year, another year
of peace…" She stared into her cup, as if seeking for some mystical answer.
"He would stand right where Hilde is and he'd smile so… sweetly and tell
me." She hesitated, a tear sliding down her face, "He'd say, 'Another year,
Miss Relena. You're father would be so proud.' We always spent New Year's
together and now… The house feels so empty…"
Hilde forced her body to move farther into the room and she dropped the
tray and folders on the small table, watching as Duo remained silent. Relena
lowered her mug to the table and picked up a file. "What is this?"
"As part of the committee, I have to be kept updated on any recent discoveries
concerning the explosion and the prisoner's death." Duo answered calmly,
ignoring Hilde's worried glance sent his way. Relena flipped the file open
and stared at the information hidden inside.
"A theft... You think Michael's death and this theft are connected with
Pagan's death?" Her voice was too calm, but Duo nodded and the Minister
continued. "These other files… They hold the information on the suspects?"
"Yeah… Why?"
Relena looked up, "No reason." She smiled, "More coffee?"
Hilde and Duo exchanged nervous glances as Relena began to hum softly and
poured them each more beverage.
*
It was strange what one's body could do while their mind was miles away… When he'd caught the single tear sliding down her face, Dorothy Catalonia had reacted by shoving him away, using his surprise to her advantage. She had not exactly run from his trailer, but it had been a close thing. Once outside, she'd made her quiet way into Catherine's trailer and tried to act as if nothing had happened. She would, of course, think of some way to deal with this situation. She was, after all, Dorothy Catalonia.
Dorothy stared outside the trailer's small kitchen window, watching as people awoke and set to work. Already she had received a visit from Clay and the manager… It hadn't taken much to convince them that it had been a planned surprise act. Most here assumed that she and Trowa had been involved at one point and the acrobat was so mysterious that it was easy for them to believe he'd plan such an act for the circus. She drummed her sharp fingernails against the windowsill; she'd filed them all to a fine point sometime around eleven.
She smiled as three identical sisters walked by the window, smiling and waving as they spotted her. She waved back, her face a beam of sunshine till they walked out of sight and the smile disappeared. Her face was as expressionless as the elusive Trowa Barton's as her eyes focused on the horses being exercised while nearby the same man that had barged into Catherine's trailer during her discussion with Trowa lifted two giggling girls.
January 1st. The beginning of a new year. She ran a finger across the glass, drawing a face that could only be seen in her mind. Wide, endearing eyes set in a sweet, handsome face with a slight smile. One hand raised in that charming habit as it ran through usually perfect hair.
"Quatre…"
"Lav, are you okay?" Catherine's voice caused Dorothy to sigh, an act very unlike the blonde Duchess, and she forced a smile.
"I'm fine, Cathie. Just thinking…" Dorothy watched as the woman pulled over a stool and sat beside her, a warm smile on her open face. Auburn curls framed concern-filled features and the Duchess observed the woman as she crossed her long legs and leaned closer.
"Lav, when you came here… Did you leave someone behind? I mean, at your old troupe?" Catherine flushed, "I don't mean to pry, but… Sometimes, you look at Trowa as if… But then I'll see you staring off as if you're missing someone."
"You seem to spend quite a bit of time watching me." Dorothy spoke without thinking, bitter venom embedded in the words. Words that Lavender Gladius would not have spoken. However, Catherine merely smiled slightly and nodded.
"I'm very protective of my brother and I admit I'm scared of what a person like you could bring into his life… My life…" She sighed and looked outside, "It took me years to find him and… I don't want to lose him again. I understand that he's an adult now and I respect that, but… There are times when I'll accompany him to those balls or parties honoring the peace he and those others fought for and I want to take him by the hand and just run." Catherine rubbed her arms as if suddenly very cold. "I have nightmares where they come and take him away for another war, but this time… This time he doesn't come back. So, yes… I have been watching you closely. Watching to see if you're good for him or not and… I've seen you two together. His face… He expresses emotions around you… He speaks, he argues, and…" Dorothy watched as Catherine laughed sheepishly and wiped a tear from her face.
"Why do you believe someone cries, Cathie?"
The performer blinked in surprise then smiled. "Emotions. One cries because they're overcome with sorrow or grief or happiness. Why?"
Dorothy looked away, "I once knew a woman who couldn't cry…"
"That's very sad. A woman who can't cry… Lavender!" Catherine jumped to her feet as Dorothy's empty mug fell to the floor, shattering upon impact. "Are you hurt? Did it cut you?" Catherine hurriedly bent to her knees and began gathering the larger pieces of glass and throwing them in the trash. She glanced up to see that Dorothy hadn't moved and Catherine placed a hand on the other woman's knee. "Are you ok, Lav? You're trembling."
Dorothy shook her head, sending her hair flying, "I need some air." She nearly ran from the room, ignoring Cathie's worried yells.
Heero stared at the light streaming from the living room and slowly made
his way to the doorway, pausing to observe the dark room. The light came
from the fireplace, the flames causing shadows to dance along the walls.
Curled up before the fire was Relena, sheaves of paper surrounding her
as her eyes absorbed the file she held. An open book lay before her and
occassionally she glanced at it before continuing her reading. She wore
a pink robe loosely tied and sitting on the couch was a familiar teddy
bear. The flames made her look unearthly and ethereal.
"Relena."
She jerked in surprise and looked up as he walked farther into the room.
"Heero," Relena's whisper barely reached his ears, "What are you doing
up? It's late. You should be sleeping."
"Why are you awake?" His eyes fell upon the papers and book, "Relena, what
are you doing?"
She also looked down, but her voice was low and fierce. "I want to know,
Heero. I want to know who killed him. I helped you last time. I can help
now and I know I can. There's something wrong about this whole picture."
Relena picked up one sheet and waved it at him. "This acid; do you know
what it's capable of? The amount they took could easily kill a dozen people!
Why? Why take so much?"
"Relena, you need sleep." He took the sheet and carefully placed it inside
the book, closing it quietly. Heero took her hand and gently pulled her
to her feet. His voice was still its usual serious monotone, but the hand
holding hers was gentle. "Go to bed."
"No." She jerked her hand free and picked up the book, shaking it at him.
"He was my family, Heero! He was there for me when everyone else was gone!
He deserves at least this." She smiled sadly; "I'm not looking for revenge.
I've followed that path before and it only led to more bitterness. I just
want to try, for him. So that another person won't be hurt… Please understand,
Heero."
He took the book, "You won't be much help if you exhaust yourself."
"I won't be much help if I don't spend time on this case."
The two stared at each other, anger nonexistent as neither smile or glared.
They were both stubborn and strong-willed people, but it was Heero that
finally looked away by kneeling to pick up the original file. A smile danced
across her lips as she joined him and pulled a stack of papers over, showing
him her own neat handwriting. "I've been writing everything I can think
of here, but none of it adds up. Heero, what is going on?"
"This isn't my case. Ask Duo."
"In the morning." Relena flipped the book open, "Now I'm not sure if I'm
understanding this correctly…" Heero heaved an unusual mental sigh and
focused his attention on Relena… Not such a hard feat, actually…
*