Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters Yada yada
yada. If you think they are my creation more power to ya, but they aren't.
Don't sue. Think if it as an homage.
For lack of
a better title I present to you
Only the Lonely
By Scribbler Quincy007.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
"Duo!"
Hilde gasped, "You're insatiable."
"Heh-heh-heh.
You like that don't ya?"
"Oh, god.
Sometimes I wish you would mature a little."
"Define
Mature." Duo sat up. He was looking around the room for his boxers, how did
they end up on the other side of the room?
"Well, for
starters, you could spend a little more time in afterglow. After all, all
you're doing is going across the hall. Next, you could take our conversations
about settling down more seriously. And…"
"Whoa! Let
me take this one step at a time! Who said I was leaving? I just wanted my
underwear. I can't sleep nekked."
"What about
last week?"
Duo
blushed, "Well, uh ya see I was a little more satiable then."
"Is that
even a word?
"I figured
insatiable was a prefix/word thing. Hold on I'll get a dictionary."
Duo left
the room not bothering to get his shorts. "I can't believe him sometimes."
He rushed
back in. He slammed the door. "We have guests. They let themselves in using a
key SOMEONE gave them." He looked accusingly.
"Its not my
fault you walked out there naked. Who is it?"
"Trowa, and
his girlfriend. I forget her name."
"Laura."
"Yea."
Duo looked
silly being so embarrassed and nervous. He hopped into his boxers and grabbed a
white t-shirt. He looked in the mirror at his braid. The band at the bottom
came off so he had no choice but to let his hair out. "Good god, I look like a
woman."
"Get out
there before they think something is up."
"I'm sure I
could manage to get something up…"
"Get out.
I'm taking a shower." She smiled.
Duo smiled
as he walked into the living room. Trowa had pulled out a book and had begun
reading. Laura? Yea. Laura was looking at a photo album.
"Hello? I'm
glad to see you made yourselves at home."
"Well we
waited outside for Fifteen minutes before we used the key. By the way, I didn't
know you had more nicknames than God of Death."
"You heard
that?"
"Oops."
Trowa smiled mischievously
"Ugh. I'm
getting something to drink, do my esteemed guests desire anything?"
"Water,
bottled if you have any."
"Whatever
you get is fine."
"She's too
trusting. I'll fix that yet."
Trowa
looked at Duo. "You are lucky I can't grab your braid right now."
"Tee-hee!"
Laura
brushed some of her blond hair from her eyes. "Trowa? What did he mean?"
"Ask what
he put in it before you drink it."
"That'll
work." She doubted that Duo would tell her if he did something to her drink.
"He may run
and hide, but he never tells a lie. At least most of the time."
Laura was
puzzled, but she didn't understand any of Trowa's friends. "When was this
picture taken?" she asks changing the subject.
Trowa
looked at the picture. All the pilots and their girls were sitting on
Deathscythe. Trowa remembered the night they did that. That was a rush. Scaling
the Gundams like a climbing wall. Duo won, it was his gundam after all he
probably did that every day. What amazed everyone was that Relena was second.
Duo insisted on pictures. He was big on memories. Duo never wanted to forget
anything. "About a year ago."
"Really?
Who were you with? The pretty blond?" She pointed
"Dorothy?
No I was the bachelor then."
"But, there
is an even number of people…"
"Its no big
deal. Just never mind it okay?"
She
frowned, "I guess…" Why did he dodge the subject like that? It wasn't like him.
Hilde
walked in, her hair wet, Trowa wanted to prod her too. Duo was much easier to
get funny reactions from, but Hilde was just as good. "Hilde? How can you not
laugh when…"
"Finish
that sentence and I'll mix something in your drink." Duo said as he
walked back in holding several cups and glasses, "Hey babe. I got you something
too."
"Thanks
Du'."
"Evian for
the Water snob and Ovaltine for the lovely lady."
"What? I'm
not lovely?"
"No, babe.
You dead sexy." He raised his eyebrows.
Trowa
looked up again as he was checking the seal on the bottle. "Do you two ever
stop?"
Hilde
smiled, "No. But we like it like that."
"What is
that?" Trowa asked Duo, gazing at a fizzing orange substance in an overly large
mug. On the side it was written: Love me, love my Gundam.
"Virgin
Screwdriver."
"Huh?"
"Sprite and
orange juice."
"Oh."
Hilde took
a long drag from her cup While Trowa wondered what was in it, she asked "Trowa do you drink anything besides water?"
"Coffee,
Milk, and Water."
Duo looked
at him, "You do realize that she asked, except water. That by extension leaves
water off the list."
"I like
water." Trowa said as he leaned back and sipped his water.
Duo had
gotten back up. "I'm getting a snack, want something?"
"Twinkie."
Hilde said
"Apple
would be fine. Aren't you playing the nice host?"
Laura
thought, "I'll take a Twinkie too."
"Cool." He
wandered off to the kitchen.
Trowa
watched him go. "What's up with him?"
"He is
probably still embarrassed over his whole situation. It wasn't exactly nice
ribbing him about it. He is sensitive about… I'll stop before I dig our grave
deeper."
Laura asked
a question tired of being left out of the conversation. "Trowa? Are you all
right? You are being kind of chatty…"
"I'm fine.
I just wanted to now what's up with Duo and give him a hard time about it."
Laura
frowned, but didn't say anything. It wasn't like Trowa to be so easy going.
Trowa was a little odd around Duo. He talked more, a little bit more sharp
witted. She certainly hoped there wasn't anything between them.
Duo waltzed
back in, his hands full again. He gave the Twinkie's to Hilde and Laura, an
orange to Trowa and a little fruit pie, to himself.
"Maxwell,
This is not an apple."
"We were
out. No big difference right?"
They stared
Hilde started, "Apples, Oranges. Think about what you just said."
"Oh. Sorry.
I can take it back if you like…" He impersonated a snobby waiter with a bad
French accent.
"I'll
cope."
"So what
brings you to our end of town?"
"I wanted
to play cards, but No one at the circus will play with me. I'm too good at
poker it would seem." His face was straight and serious
Duo laughed
at the thought, Trowa's emotionless face and a hand of cards. "Sure Um, I'll
call around see if anyone else is available.
"Trowa!"
Laura whined.
"Right,
right. Actually, we *cough* were wondering what you do for fun in this town on
a night like this." His voice was that of the Trowa known to everyone else, no
emotion, somewhat boring, and it strongly suggested he wanted to play cards.
And the 'we' was she.
"There is
the theater, Movies, Mall (shudder), Some of them restaurants where they do the
cutting up in front of you. I seem to find that Pizza Hut and HBO are the best
things to so on a night like this."
"Duo! Stop
giving them a load of crap. The Theater has several plays going that could be
interesting. And I've needed an excuse to get this lazy boy from HBO and Pizza
Hut."
"Well, I
think its true." Duo muttered.
"If you
want we could take you out and look around."
Trowa
looked up at Duo and mouthed women Duo knew exactly what he meant.
"Alright then ladies, a night out is a night out, and I need a shower. Be back
real quick.
"He is
always reluctant, but once he decides to do something, he'll see it through. An
admirable trait, yes?" Hilde added as he walked off.
Trowa
looked up from the book he was trying to get into, "Yes. It is. Determination
is always an admirable trait."
"I don't
know so much, it makes the person harder to control." Laura said, becoming
interested.
Hilde
sighed, "If he needs to be controlled what's the point? I wouldn't drag Duo
somewhere against his will. For the most part. He isn't very agreeable when I
do drag him along."
"I don't
know…"
"Hilde!
Where's my Shampoo?"
"Just like
a child I swear." Hilde muttered off to help her boyfriend.
Trowa
looked at the empty space with disdain. Crap. Now I might actually have to talk
to her. Next time I'll tell Cathy "No. I am not interested in blind dates." His
thoughts dove deeper Especially when they turn into weird relationships…
"So Trowa,
what's up with you and Deuce?"
"Duo, and
nothing. We found a connection we never realized was there. I won't admit to
him, but I find him pleasing enough company.
Laura was
shocked silent. She was thinking about what the words he said meant. Did he
have some 'thing' with Duo? She doubted, but why else would he be so cold to
her, and not to others.
They heard
some shouting from across the hall. "OW! That hurt!"
"If you
wouldn't move so much I wouldn't have to kick you!"
Trowa
sighed, and he checked his watch. 6:00 "I better help them or we'll be here all
night."
"Good
idea." Laura proceeded to dig through the photo album.
He knocked
on the closed door. Then he opened it. The knock was just giving them warning.
"Duo what are…you…do-"
"What?" Duo
was pulling up some dress pants as Hilde was fighting with his half wet hair.
"Honestly
Duo. What is the point of putting on pants with your hair that wet?"
"I dunno. I
figured two things at once."
"Impede the
process and get kicked by Hilde? Good work."
"Whatever."
He muttered. God, Trowa was being smart-ass.
"Can I help
speed this up?"
"You could
get my shirt from the closet."
"…"
He walked
over to a closet door. Inside was what anyone who didn't know Duo wouldn't
expect. Toys. Puzzles. Guns? Hoo-boy. Duo had issues.
"Where?"
"Behind my
action figures."
"…" He
moved a case of toys to several nice dress shirts. "Duo, This is my shirt." He
pointed to one of the green ones."
"So take it
back."
He did take
the shirt. He handed Duo a pastel shirt. "From the Quatre line? You must be
joking!"
Trowa
sighed that sigh that Hilde did a lot. "My fault. I should have been more
specific." Duo apologized.
His braid
was done by the time he found a shirt that wasn't Quatre's or his. Duo looked
okay in Heero's shirt and pants. Trowa wondered when he got them.
"Do you own
any of your own dress clothing?"
"Right now
my clothes are waiting to come back in style."
"And you
live with him?"
"I know, I
know."
*
In the end
they decided on a play. Trowa thought it was a mistake to let Duo pick it.
However Hilde trusted his judgment. When he took them to a high school, Trowa
got worried again. "Duo?"
"This
school always puts out good plays. I should know. I saw every one."
Laura
seemed to hold his opinion, "Are you sure? I mean these are just teenagers…"
"Lady, I'm
practically still a teenager. This is even better than actors, because they
don't get paid. They do it because they love the art."
I wonder if
Duo is deeper than to first look at. Trowa pondered as Duo locked up his truck.
The vanity plate Dthsyth was a nice touch.
They walked
into the lobby. It wasn't a shabby high school, just under funded. After they
had gotten tickets and programs. Duo let the three of them find their seats. He
wandered off to talk to some people.
"He seems
to like being here." Laura commented.
"He loves
it here. When we were still trying to get our shop on its feet he worked nights
here. Good people. Now he does volunteer stuff for them all the time, like
those lights up there? He did that. For free."
"Yea, and
if you tell anyone I'll hurt you. I have an image to maintain." Duo said as he
sat down.
Trowa
smiled, "Wufie already doesn't respect you, Quatre would think that that is a
great thing to be doing, and Heero wouldn't care."
"Sure he
did, he helped me with the lights over there."
"That old
softy. He always did like you didn't he?"
"We were
friends, favors and such."
Hilde
interrupted them, "Hey, it's starting."
Trowa
watched with interest. Very rarely did he enjoy the theater, but Duo was right.
They really did a good job. His mind wandered a bit in the first act. Pondering
and such. Duo never seemed like the charitable type, but then he never really
had a formal education, none of the pilots did except, Quatre and Wufie,
Because of their training and well you learned fast in Mercenary groups. So
maybe it was Duo reaching for a spot of his childhood he never had. He glanced
at him, watching with interest, or maybe he just likes the school. Trowa
noticed his 'date' was asleep. Wonderful. He nudged her awake.
It was late
before they got back. Duo insisted on dinner too. It must be a skill, his
ability to pick entertainment and eateries. For a hamburger joint, they made
good food. "Grease covered Gut-bombs" as Duo so eloquently put it. Laura had a
salad. Hoo-boy.
"If you
guys want to crash here you can use my room-uh maybe Hilde's room. Mine is kind
of a mess. I'll use the couch."
"Uh-Duo…"
Laura began."
Trowa
looked at Duo, shook his head no. Duo had to think about it. Oh! They weren't
that close yet.
Hilde saved
the day, "Trowa couch, Laura my room, I'll use Duo's and he can sleep on the
floor."
"Gee,
thanks. I'll use the Lazy boy."
In five
minutes Duo had everything set up. They all said good night, And Trowa realized
he was sleeping five feet from Duo. Time to pump him for info. "Duo? You still
in the land of the wake?"
"Yea."
"Why didn't
you and Hilde share a bed?"
"Well, I'm
trying to make a relationship here based off more than great repertoire and
terrific sex."
He said
nothing. With people like Duo, they will talk to fill dead air, "I mean I just
don't trust myself to stay away from her for a whole night."
Trowa
chuckled. That was funny. "You gonna marry her some day?"
"Yea. I
will. When I'm ready. I bet she could have us wed within the month and it would
be perfect she has wanted us to do that so bad. I'm just not ready for that."
"Huh."
"What about
you? I've noticed you seem more chatty than usual. The lovely lady bring that
out?"
"Sort of.
She likes the strong silent type. After all that was how Cathy described me."
"So you are
being chatty because…you are trying to dissuade her from seeing you again?"
"She is a
nice enough person, but I can't see myself living with her."
Duo leaned
back into the chair. "I get ya'. G'night Tro."
"wa. Trowa.
Try it."
He was
already gone. Hoo-boy. Trowa laid in silence for a while. He wanted to do
something real introspective, find out what he is looking for, but he fell
asleep to dreams of fighting in Heavyarms.
He smelled
bacon. Real bacon, not that cheap healthy crap. And what seemed to be maple
syrup. He opened his eyes. The ceiling was an off white. Smooth though. Nice
paint job. His neck hurt. He reached under the pillow he was using. A Rubik's
cube. He played with it as he got off the couch. He walked to the dining room.
He set the finished puzzle down on the table. Duo stared, "I've had that thing
for years, and not once have I ever gotten close to doing that." He eyed the
cube
"Oh well.
Did you cook?"
"Yes. And
if you don't like my choice of food, there is frosted flakes in the cupboard."
"Ah, Yes.
Frosted Flakes, The old warrior's breakfast."
They were done with their breakfast when
Hilde walked in Laura followed looking tired. Hilde smiled at Duo "At least he
cooks."
"That's why
I'm still here." Duo alluded to his usefulness.
"When did
you all get up?" Laura asked with a yawn.
"About a half hour ago."
Duo smiled,
"I would have woken him up at 6:00, but then you never know what he might have
done to me."
About two
hours later Trowa and His girlfriend were off on the road. Duo looked at the
mess he had left in the kitchen. "I made it, I clean it up."
"You could
ask for help." Hilde said as she put her arms around his waist.
"Aw, where
is the fun in that? I wanted to guilt you into doing it for me."
"You wish."
"I can do
really good puppy eyes."
*
"Trowa, I
don't think this is working out."
"What?" He
added some shock in his voice, "Is it me?"
"Yea,
mostly."
"I guess
that's okay I'm not exactly what Cathy described me as."
"Well. I'm
sure we could be friends or something."
"Yea, or
something." He sounded hurt.
"'Kay, cool
bye."
She hung up
the phone. Trowa wasn't surprised. She had no tact. Oh well disaster was
averted. Now to find some water, God he talked too much this past month.
Catherine
Bloom looked at him as he walked into the trailer. "Trowa, What did Laura have
to say?"
"We broke
up." He found some water, behind the Milk.
"I noticed
you were talkative this month, did that have anything to do with it?"
"Yes."
"Oh, boy.
You heard she likes the quiet type didn't you?"
"Yes."
She slapped
her forehead. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't
want to."
"Be
careful. I still get to throw knives at you tonight."
It wasn't a
question, so he didn't answer. Maybe now he could get all introspective on
himself.
*Jumping ahead several hours…
The knives
hit the wood, not him, like usual. However, they were rather close. If she
wasn't careful he could get hit again. A not exactly pleasant experience, mind
you. All he wanted was to get this last show over and disappear for a few days.
They were moving to another city soon, and would thus be on the road for
several days. The best time to disappear.
"And now
Ladies and gentlemen the most dangerous part, the five knife throw!"
The
audience cheered as Catherine picked up five shining knives. Holding them by
their tips she paused for a dramatic moment, before hurling all Five at once.
He heard the correct thwack noise four times. He felt the slight burn as blood
rolled out of his arm. Nothing serious. He pulled the knife out. Spun it on his
fingertip and tossed it back to Catherine. The audience was dead silent. She
threw the knife again. It landed under his arm. Were it was supposed to go.
After the
show, Catherine was apologizing. "I'm sorry Trowa. I didn't mean to you know
that…"
"Its okay
Catherine. I'm fine. I know you didn't do it on purpose. I forgive you."
He smiled
as he walked out the back.
"What a
strange brother." She shook her head.
*
The Gundam
Hanger was not far from where he was. It was at the most a five-minute drive.
The hanger was not in the best condition anymore. Now that no one took care of
the Gundams, the hanger was falling apart. Sad really. He saw the door had
recently been opened. The rust was in chips on the floor.
He pulled a
gun he forgot he had. Old instincts came back. He slipped into the shadows. The
large arena shaped chamber were the Gundams were stored was brightly lit. Trowa
wasn't sure whether to announce his presence or to hide a little longer. He
chose the former.
"Show
yourself."
He heard a
small scream from Wing Zero. Still as good as the day Duo finished repairing
it. It was the angel of the group. Gundanium doesn't corrode so no work is
needed if they are just on display. And no air gets to the internal parts.
"Trowa?"
He sighed.
It was Relena. But what was she doing here?
He walked
to the massive suit. There sat Relena Peacecraft. She was sitting on the open
hatch. She looked depressed. "You shouldn't be here. It's not safe. This
building is falling apart.
"I'm fine."
"Heero
wouldn't want you here."
She glared
at him, "That doesn't really matter anymore does it?"
"…Sorry." He
knew she was still in pain over that whole fiasco.
"No, you're
right. Its just I wanted to see his Gundam."
"Zero?
Why?"
"It reminds
me of him I guess."
Now it was
his turn to glare. "Stop lying."
"I heard
from Milliardo that the Zero system carries around parts of its pilot's brain
with it. That's why the Gundam and the pilot work so well together. I just
wanted…"
"To see
what he was thinking about last?"
"Yea." Her
voice started to crack. How emotional.
"Don't do
that." He pleaded. Trowa hated it when girls cried. It made him feel bad. He
put an arm on her shoulder. "I can turn it on."
"Thanks."
Trowa
climbed into the seat. He pulled it back Heero was shorter than he was.
"Zero?"
Yes,
Trowa? It was odd it knew his name.
"What
should I ask for?"
Relena
thought, "Tell it to give all the info on Heero from his last mission."
"Give me
what Heero was thinking on last mission to date."
Compiling.
Trowa
relaxed. Maybe he should give the chair to Relena.
Displaying.
The rush of
Images was a lot to process. He grabbed parts of a moment when he saved Relena
from those terrorist attackers, another of when Duo had painted his Gundam
black. He started to get Feelings: Rage, hate, sorrow, kindness, love, and
companionship. He felt Heero's emotions in a split second. He read Heero's
thoughts as he lunged into battles. Worries, Promises broken, and the desire
not to fight. He saw the world from Heero's eyes. As he got used to the rush
the pictures slowed down. He saw the infamous life flash: Relena, Doctor J,
Relena, Duo and himself, Quatre, Wufie. Zechs and him fighting. The Gundams,
Relena, Noin, The war, Buying a ring, which never got to someone's hand,
Relena, Duo and him doing stuff together, The time he worked at the circus for
a month or two, Relena, Him and Wufie fighting in their Gundams, Zero giving a
view of his future. He heard a loud bang, and then nothing. His eyes went
blank. The system had disengaged.
He was
laying back in the chair, Relena mere inches from his face, she looked worried,
"Trowa? Don't do this!"
"Relena…"
he sounded very Heero like. He still had a high off the emotions forced through
his brain. He reached forward and kissed Relena. She was surprised, but didn't
pull away. After a minute he stopped. He was calmer. "Relena, I…I don't
know…Sorry."
"Don't be
sorry, you aren't that bad a kisser." It was a poor joke, but it worked, "I
didn't want that to happen I didn't know…"
"Its okay.
The emotions the visions, I was almost completely shocked."
"I was
worried when you stopped breathing."
"What?!"
"You
stopped breathing. I was worried what had happened then you woke up. You were
in there for an hour. I was really worried."
"Yea. God,
I'm tired." He fell asleep right there. He dreamt of Heavyarms and Relena.
Which was odd.
*
"Trowa,
could you go into town and pick up some equipment?" The ringmaster asked, he
was tired of pawning the jobs off on people, but hired hands were hard to find.
"Mission
Accepted."
Catherine
looked at Trowa as he walked off. "What was that all about?"
The list
was short, but it had at least an hour's worth of red tape. "I really wish
Weapons weren't so hard to get." He muttered as he walked into the Special
permits office.
It was a
slow day. He got the keg of gunpowder, after an enormous amount of paperwork.
The knives and swords weren't that hard, but he was really frustrated with
bureaucrats. When he got back to the circus he was almost run over by someone,
"I'll kill you." He muttered.
Catherine
saw this and was worried. Like any good sister would she asked around to see if
anyone else had noticed anything. Everybody noticed he was colder than usual.
He carried himself differently. And some of the animals didn't like him as
much. She called Quatre to see ask him about it, "Has he been strange last time
you saw him?"
"No. Not
really, still same old non-talkative Trowa."
Trowa was
not happy. He was now working on the trapeze column He knew he hadn't done
anything bad to warrant grunt duty; it was just that workers were hard to find.
So he was all over the circus, he barely had time practice with Cathy.
Making his
day even better, he fell. Could have happened to anyone they say, but he
figured the world was out to get him today. As he fell he grabbed onto the rope
that steadied the column. He slowed down enough to not die, but he would still
hit the ground hard. He was right. The ground was hard. His leg broke. "…"
"Oh, God!
Trowa!" Catherine screamed as he hit the ground.
"…" He
didn't say anything. Not even ow. Not that it was odd, just different. He just
rolled onto his back. He was grabbing at his leg, trying to find the break.
"Trowa hold on, we are getting the
doctor."
He looked puzzled. Why he wondered.
He set his leg into place with a crack. Again no scream, but he was in pain.
"Trowa!"
"I still need to finish the job."
"Don't worry about that!"
*
Trowa's leg
was healed in a few days, thanks to the miracles of modern science. He didn't
give any explanation for why he set his own leg. He just did it. Since he still
had a day or two off he went on a little trip. He didn't tell anyone where….
The Sanc
kingdom was a beautiful place. The Weather was fair, the scenery exquisite, and
a rich history. Trowa was big on history. If you study the mistakes of the
past, then you are not doomed to repeat them. However he wasn't here on a
historical outing, in fact he wondered, why he came here at all. The answer was
obvious to parts of him while he remained mostly unaware. So late at night when
he was staring at her from her balcony he felt very little guilt. As he checked
the doors he smiled, knowing that the people around here were far to trusting.
He sat down on a chair in the room. And looked at her, Relena Peacecraft.
She
stirred, perhaps from being watched, or maybe she was a light sleeper. "Heero?"
She knew immediately she was wrong, but who else would watch her sleep?
"No. Trowa"
"Why are
you here?" She held her knees close to her chest, nervously.
"I had a
few days of vacation left, so I went on a trip. I came here. I don't know why."
"Do you
think it had to do with…"
"Zero? Yes.
I've changed. I liked who I was, but not whom I'm becoming."
"Can we
stop it?"
"We can ask
your brother. He might know."
"Yea." She
fell silent
"What's
wrong?" He was concerned, she could tell.
"This is my
fault. You wouldn't be in this mess if I hadn't gotten that idea…"
"Hey, don't
be like that. C'mon. Chin up. This could have happened to any of us who tried
the same thing. Better me anyway. Duo would have gone insane, and Quatre
couldn't do well with Heero's thoughts. I'm already the quiet type."
"Heh. You
are just trying to cheer me up. To make me feel better."
"Yea,
pretty much. And this is me talking when I tell you that I can understand why
he loved you."
"Thanks."
"I should
go. I need to get home."
"Can you
leave in the morning? I'd appreciate it."
"…" He
nodded.
She went to
sleep an hour later. He felt that he could leave then, but he told himself to
stay, because he said he would. "Now, I can't bring myself to hurt you."
He sat in silence.
Staying awake. His record was three days before he became incoherent.
At seven in
the morning, Trowa finally stood up. "I have to go."
She tossed
around in her bed, still asleep. The door picked now to open. "Miss
Peacecraft?" and her butler walked in.
"Trowa?"
She mumbled, before realizing the situation. She looked around the room, the
balcony doors were closed, and she didn't see him anywhere. Relena glanced
around some more before spotting him clinging to the open door with his feet
propped against the wall. "Oh, I'm up now Pagan."
"Of,
course. Shall I get Mr. Barton on the phone?"
"Huh? Oh,
no its okay."
She got up
and Trowa slid out the door quiet as a mouse.
The hall
was not unfamiliar to Trowa. He and the rest of the pilots had been here many
times, collecting Heero, or Zechs. He walked down the stairs to use the kitchen
exit. And right into Lucretzia Noin-Peacecraft. Everybody still called her
Noin.
Thinking
quickly he changed his demeanor and pushed back his bangs, "I'm sorry Mrs.
Peacecraft. My blunder. Do you need help?"
"No…I'm fine." She was confused that this butler wasn't in a
suit, maybe he was off today, and why did he call her Mrs. Peacecraft, nobody
did that. She pulled her pistol,
"Who are you? Nobody in this house calls me Mrs. Peacecraft."
"Crap."
He ran off
fast. Noin almost fired, but decided against it. She would check the security
tapes. He sounded familiar. "I better check on Relena."
"No, Noin.
I'm fine. Why do you ask?" she asked innocently.
"I ran into
a man who pretended to be member off the staff. When I confronted him he ran
off."
"Did you
hurt him?" Relena sounded worried.
"No."
She sighed.
Relief? Her room tapes will be first Noin decided. She walked to the security
room. It was intact; thank the world for small favors. As she watched the tapes
she saw a familiar figure stand over Relena and sneak out.
She picked
up a phone. Dialing a number, she spoke quickly, "Get me the current location
of Trowa Barton. Yes, the pilot."
*
The home
stretch he thought as he sat back in his Coach class seating. He relaxed and he
let his mind wander. He saw fights through Heero's eyes. He saw where Heero had
put some of his personal items. He would have to pick those up. "Mr. Barton.
What a surprise."
His eyes
snapped open. He saw Noin sitting in seat next to him. "What happened to the
guy sitting next to me?"
"I traded
my first class spot for this seat."
"God, you
could have invited me up there."
"Why were
you in Sanc?"
"I don't
remember. I remember leaving, and being there, as to why ask Heero."
"He's dead,
you jerk."
"Only
parts. Zero actually has the more interesting parts of his personality in cold
storage." He sneered. He reclined his seat and closed his eyes.
"We aren't
done yet."
"Yes. We
are."
"Why were
you in Relena's room?"
"Watching
her sleep. We also had a brief conversation."
"About?"
"It was
personal."
"You ran
out of there like a bat outta hell. Give me some answers."
"Ask
Relena."
"Don't make
me cause a scene."
He opened
his eyes. They weren't his usual Green. They were a cold dark green. She had
seen that look in Heero's eyes. His death stare. "What happened to you?" she
whispered.
"Watch the
movie. You'll feel better. I'm going to sleep."
*
Zechs, Duo
and Quatre were listening to Noin's tale. Relena hadn't said anything, but Noin
hadn't asked yet. "So then he gives me Heero's death glare. He had it down. I
was scared."
"Trowa? Not
Trowa." Duo said, "He has been more talkative since the incident."
"I know,
but he hasn't called me in a while." Quatre added.
"Why am I
here?" Zechs asked.
"He said
the Zero system had the more interesting parts of Heero's personality in cold
storage. What did he mean?"
"The Zero
system computer copies parts of the user's brain, for faster timing, it can
also be a security feature."
"So…what
did he mean?"
"I don't
know."
"He means
he got screwed." Relena added from across the room. She had walked in wearing
jeans and a green tank top. "He was doing me a favor and something happened. He
absorbed some of Heero." She almost cried.
"No. I mean
is that possible?" Duo asked
"Why else
would he be acting like that?" Noin added.
Duo
snorted, "I won't even fathom why Trowa does the things he does. It would be my
sick guess, he wanted to get closer to Relena."
"That is
sick."
Quatre
snorted also, "He isn't like you Duo, feeding off of other people's pain, we
should check out Zero."
Duo shut
his mouth obviously offended, while Noin talked, "I tried the Bunker. The
Gundams are still there. We should try to do something."
*
"Trowa,
this is for your own good."
"No!
Catherine, I don't need a psychologist!"
"Something
is wrong with you!"
"I know! I
can't be helped by some head doctor!"
"But…"
"Sorry,
Cathy. I didn't mean to snap like that. It's my problem. I need to help it.
I'll disappear for a while; I won't comeback till this is done. Okay?"
"But what
if something happens?"
"I promise.
I will solve this and come back."
He left
through the door. Catherine sat down and cried. Her brother was in trouble and
she couldn't help. What could she do then?
Wing Zero
was still as angelic as the day Trowa saw it last. It had more personality now
that he saw it with Heero's view.
"Trowa!"
"Quatre?"
The blond
pilot was standing behind him. He turned to face him he said, "Trowa, what's
wrong?"
"I don't
know. I have a slew of feelings and emotions that aren't mine. I know that I
should get rid of them, but I don't want some to go."
"Why would
you not want to get rid of them?"
He sat
down. He looked at his hands for a while, "He had something. Someone loved him,
and he loved her back. It was sweet, and it felt good. I've never felt that way
about anyone. Its something you would never want to give up."
"I know."
Quatre thought about the time when he was in love, God that was painful. "But
what about Catherine?"
"She's my
sister, it doesn't count. I always thought I was missing something. I think
this was it. But I don't want Heero's emotions, its too leachy."
"So are you
going to come along with me? We have a plan."
"…" He
stood up, and looked at Quatre.
"Right."
"Trowa? Are
you all right?" Duo asked
"I'm not in
fine mental health, but Quatre didn't have to use the baton he has in his
pocket."
They all
looked at him. He felt obligated to perform a demonstration. He pulled out a
small round tube, pushed a button. It clicked as the tube snapped into a small
steel baton about three feet long. "What?"
"Nothing.
Nothing at all." Duo smiled as he watched Quatre put it away.
"Ack-hm."
They all
looked at Trowa. He tapped his head. Zechs shrugged, "Well, I have a theory.
It's not much, but with Quatre's help we might make something."
"I don't
want to hear the science. Just make it work. If you don't need me, I am going
to visit Heavyarms."
He spun on
his heels. Relena asked, "Should we leave him alone?"
"No. Go
with him, or follow him I don't care." The four began to discuss plans for a
device.
He had
flown other Mobile suits, but he always compared them to his Heavyarms. When he
found out Heero had saved the Gundams from destruction, he was happy. He did
love that chair. Real leather, a birthday present from Duo. The somber blue was
soothing compared to the Red it used to be. Heero had replaced the switchblade
with a beam saber. It could be mounted in place so he could use it like the
blade. He could take it out too. "You really went out of your way for me that
time Yuy." The Four gatling guns were in perfect condition. The vault for
Heavyarms was Air tight with zero humidity, no rust formed here. The ammo was
still good. I remember the smell of the black powder smoke, and the standing in
the battlefield at the turn of a joke. Those were the days.
"Are you
just going to stand there or are you going to sit in it?" Relena asked from
behind him.
"Sit, but I
haven't seen this old girl in a few years. I was just reminiscing."
He opened
the hatch and sat down in the seat. He loved the feel of the sticks in his
hands; it reminded him of the days of using the suit. "I miss the fights." He
admitted to the world's leading pacifist.
"Warriors
do. Its part of their charm."
"Charm?"
"Charisma,
appeal, People wouldn't do it if there wasn't a positive, War Hero sounds good
in a bar."
"There is
nothing so stupid or dangerous or painful that people won't eagerly do it, if
by doing it they will make others believe that they are better or stronger or
more honorable."
"Wow. That
is deep."
"Yea. Not
mine though. Orson Scott Card wrote that."
"Really?
That's still deep."
"True." He
turned on the monitors. The familiar hum of the fusion generator made him feel
better. It took so much work to separate his ideas from Heero's. It didn't help
he was talking to Heero's girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend. No that wasn't right, but
neither was widower. Oh that was complicated.
"Trowa? Are
you all right?"
"I wish
people would stop asking me that. I'm fine aside from my mental health."
"Sorry it's
just that I'm not used to being around people who don't talk. In the political
arena, I have to fight to get my words in. Duo is the only one to ever call, I
just feel awkward not saying anything and not listening to something
stressful."
"Here try
this." He got out of the cockpit. "Get in."
Slowly she
got in, "It's not going to hurt you Relena. Its just hurts other people."
She sat
back in the chair; it felt like leather, "Is this…"
"Leather?
Yes. Birthday gift from Duo. Any way. Sit back and relax. Don't worry, I'm just
reaching for a control panel." He stretched across her to a panel. He flipped a
few switches. The lights died, leaving only glow of the instrument panels. He
turned them off too. He flipped another switch and displayed the Night sky on
the monitors. "Okay, open your eyes."
"Oh, wow."
She looked at the artificial sky. It was so beautiful. And quiet. When she
relaxed it was enjoyable. "This is so cool."
"I
discovered this one time on a mission in that involved a lot of waiting. I
turned off the lights to the cockpit and displayed the outside. The space was
so quiet and awe inspiring I took a picture and put them up in the monitors.
This always helps me relax."
"They're
beautiful, aren't they? The stars. I mean you never look at them the same after
being in space, but they really are beautiful."
"Yea. The
only thing I've ever seen that was better than this was when I was floating in
space after Quatre destroyed my Mobile suit. I couldn't remember much of
anything, so I had a very fresh look on life, and I saw a Meteor shower passing
through the solar system. They left a sparkling trail, and slowly disappeared
in complete silence. I knew I would never forget that, no matter what I
remember."
"I can
imagine."
"I don't
recommend my means of viewing it, but you should try to view something like
that. Everyone views at least one sight that they will never forget. Some it's
a beautiful face, but they are hopeless romantics. Others see items, they are
material, then you have the people who see a view or a landscape, and they are
the crazy ones."
"Crazy
ones?" She asked
He smiled,
"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers. The
round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They
aren't fond of rules, and have no respect for the status quo…"
"…You can quote them, disagree with them,
glorify, or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some
may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the ones who are crazy
enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
"That's
sweet."
"But it
also means we are crazy. Can you handle that?"
"If we are
crazy what is Duo?"
"A hopeless
romantic."
Relena
giggled. He was a deep thinker, a quick wit too, if you could get him to talk.
Quiet, yet supportive. He seemed kind of sensitive. She hoped she wasn't
falling for him; one gundam pilot got her hurt…if she was she hoped it was
Trowa and not Trowa with Heero's thoughts.
"Do you do
this often?"
"Normally
I'll watch from a open field, but Heavyarms works."
"That's
nice. Have you ever told anyone else?"
"I tried
this on Heero once. He put it a close second to…"
"What?"
"Let me
just say, he was helpless romantic."
"Oh." She
turned her head away. She didn't want to look him in the eyes.
"I
shouldn't have said anything."
"Its okay.
I can't dodge this particular bullet forever."
"…" Trowa
reached into a backpack he pulled out a bottle of water. He swallowed some,
then offered the bottle to Relena.
"Thanks."
They heard
footsteps, Trowa looked up. It was Duo. His shoes made an odd sound on the
catwalk. "Hey, Tro?"
"In
Heavyarms Duo."
"Oh." He
walked closer. "What's that on the display?"
"A star
field."
"Oh. Wow."
They sat there for several more minutes "When I stop to think about it that is
the second most beautiful thing I have ever seen."
"The first
being…?"
"Hilde."
"She isn't
here Duo. I don't think you need to kiss ass."
"I'm not
kidding. You're lucky I'm in such a good mood. I should have hit you for that."
"You were
right." Relena sounded surprised.
"About
what?"
Trowa
smiled, "You aren't crazy like us."
"And why
not?" He asked.
"Later. I
take it we are ready for a test trial?"
"Yep."
"You
coming?" Trowa asked Relena.
"I should,
this is my fault."
"I told you
don't be like that. I'll get out of this okay and then you won't worry about
the guilt trip."
"Yea." She
blushed, it sounded like he was doing it for her, and not to reduce his own
problems.
"Can you
shut her down?"
"I'll
manage."
"…"
"Hey, lets
go before Zechs gets suspicious." Duo added.
Trowa walked
with Duo who was not really intent on ribbing him, but more of a warning, "I
don't think you want to tread there Trowa. Rebound and all. I know."
"I don't
think you do."
"Trust me.
You don't want to go there. It changed the H-man big-time."
"For the
better. He loved being with her. He would have married her if he got back."
"You're
kidding."
"Not now,
about this." They had continued in silence until they reached the other end of
the hanger.
Zechs
glared suspiciously. "It was awfully dark over there."
"And
awfully bright over here. I wanted the contrast."
"I bet…"
"Don't
think like that Marquise. I am not shallow or cold hearted enough to use a
person like that."
"…Sorry."
He looked away.
"What do I
do?" He raised an eyebrow at the mess of wires and black boxes.
"Just sit.
We have this end taken care of."
"I lied
before, what are you doing to my head?"
"Well…"Zechs
trailed off.
"Ya'see…"Quatre
tried to start.
"Its like…"
Noin flopped.
"We are
copying your brain into this box, Zero sifts and we shove back in." Duo
summarized.
"Oh. Who
built the contraption?"
"Me." Duo
added defensively.
"Good." He
sat down in the chair.
"Aren't you
scared?" Noin asked, a little nervous.
"Always do
what you are afraid to do."
"Ralph Waldo Emerson." Duo
identified, He flipped the switch, having faith in God, and his soldering.
It was
different than having stuff go in. He felt a buzzing. His head hurt. He didn't
feel much of anything, like Novocain was injected into his blood. He tried to
concentrate on what he wanted to remember should this fail. It didn't work so
well last time he lost his memory. Well beam rifle shots never strike twice in
the same spot, wait. Heero did hit that energy shield in the same spot during
the Endless Waltz situation. Crap.
It was too
late for him to disengage now. He had faith in Duo and his deity of choice. He
felt rushes of emotions, slow at first then simmering. He knew what was coming.
He tried to relax. He began to see rushes of images.
*
"How long
has it been?"
"Four
hours."
"I don't
know…"
"We can't
disengage now." Duo added.
"Holy shit!
He stopped breathing!"
"What?"
Quatre and Relena said at once. Both ran over to him. He was in fact not
breathing
"This
happened last time. It was about a minute I think…"
"Trowa?
Remember to come back." Quatre pleaded after a minute.
"I'll feel
bad if you die, I'll have guilt." Relena said
"I still
need you to explain why I'm not crazy."
"I don't
want to deal with a guilt stricken Relena."
"I
personally don't care one way or the other. Die or come back but hurry up and
do it." Noin said. The other four looked at her.
He wheezed
out a sentence, "Your…compassion…is…comforting…"
"Trowa!"
They all cried. Relena hugged him as he sat up. Quatre did too.
"I'm…fine…just
a little light headed."
He fell
back asleep into the chair.
* One month later…
"I don't
know what to feel anymore." Trowa said to Duo as they worked on his truck at
Duo's shop.
"Well, what
is the first thing you want to do when you see her?"
"…I just
want to be close to her, after that. I don't know."
"Well, does
she feel the same?"
"I don't
know. I don't even now what I feel. How can I worry about her when I am more
confused?"
"You still
worry thought? The need to be accepted by the one you love."
"Right, I'm
a mess, but I can't help but think about her problems."
"That's
that then. You have your answer."
"Why is
everything so plain to you?"
"I'm the
helpless Romantic remember? You're the crazy one."
"True."
They worked
in silence for a few more minutes. Trowa took the time to think about what Duo
had said. He seemed to be sincere. Still… "I wish I had some vindication of
what I'm feeling."
"That's
your problem, you want the information that can't be provided. You should take
a chance. At least normally."
"Say what?"
Duo pulled
himself from under the vehicle. "I got something that might help you, or it
might scare you off from her forever. I can only show you the door. You have to
walk through it."
"Try me."
Duo walked
over to a locker. As he opened it Trowa wondered what he was talking about.
When he saw a familiar mess of wires he understood. "You kept that thing?"
"Not
intentionally. I just haven't found a use for the parts. But this is what I am
referring." He held up a vid-disk.
Trowa took
it from him. "What's on it?"
"I don't
know. I'm pretty sure it's the copy of what went back into your head. I never
watched it."
"Why?"
"Its your
thoughts. I'm not one to pry like that. It would be immoral. I'm going to go
back to the truck. If you want to watch it, there is a screen if not, do
something with it."
He stood
there for a long time. He held the disk in his hand. It could answer his
questions or it could wreck the chances he told himself he had. All he had to
do was look at it. "Do I really not trust myself that much? I don't need
vindication on this, do I? Either I do or I don't."
He stood
alone for a minute pondering the ramifications. They told him it worked and he
was free from Heero's memories and influence, but he doubted them. Why would he
feel like this if he weren't under some alien influence? He never had designs
on Relena before, maybe something was missed, but he had taken the time to get
to know her better…could I actually be in love? If that was the case then this
disk could… "I'll make a decision. Now."
*
"Are you
sure you want to do this?" Quatre asked for the tenth time.
"Yea." He
responded for the tenth time.
"This is
big though. I mean what if…should we…"
"If should
haves and buts were beer and nuts we'd have one hell of a party. I'm going in
there and I'm getting an answer. I don't know what the answer will be, but I'd
rather know than die cold lonely and uninformed."
Trowa
started to climb the rope. After he was on the balcony, he pulled it up. "Get
to your room before they notice. Zechs has been watching me like a hawk."
It wasn't
dark like Trowa expected it to be for three in the morning. In fact, it was
bright. He reached for the gun that wasn't there, after all no weapons were
allowed in the Sanc kingdom. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a
throwing knife. It was a performing tool not a weapon officer; I don't know how
it landed in that man's chest. He shook his head, it probably wouldn't work but
he needed all the chances he could get. Trowa glanced inside the room. Relena
was sitting there reading a book. It wasn't a bad book, just depressing. And
quite the page-turner.
The door
was locked, Zech's idea apparently. No matter Trowa stuck the blade into the
lock. The blade cleanly cut through all the pins. The door opened easily. He
stepped in quietly. It helped that Relena wasn't paying much attention. He
silently walked over until he was able to read the text. "Boo."
She gasped
and dropped the book. She was kind of white as she looked at him. Trowa bent down
to pick up the book, he opened it to the page she left off on. "Sorry, it was a
little immature."
"Its okay,
you just scared me. Why are you here anyway?"
"I have
something I want to tell you."
"Yes…"
He sat down
on the edge of her bed. He hung his head as he gathered his thoughts, "I'm not
real sure how to start. This is somewhat out of character for me."
"Its okay.
Just say it." Relena wondered if he was going to tell her what had been
haunting her dreams ever since that day a month ago. Quatre had hooked up a
monitor to the Zero unit, She and Quatre watched what went back in. Duo
muttered about prying, but Quatre said he was being thorough She saw images of
herself that didn't seem platonic…
"I
think…no, I know, but I don't want to ruin anything…"
"Are you
usually this wishy-washy?"
"No. I'm
nervous. I've never done this before."
"What?"
"Tell
someone I…Relena, I don't know how you feel about me, but I love you. This is
from the sincerest part of my heart."
"Oh,
Trowa…" She hugged the stoic pilot.
His heart
was racing, did this mean…
"Trowa I…"
* Three months later…
The Sunrise
in the Sanc kingdom is always a beautiful sight. If you are on the west wing's
roof you get good shadows from the rest of the building. It was now one of
Trowa Barton's favorite things to do in the morning. Get up, make coffee and
watch the sun rise. He was probably too sentimental nowadays. Pity how emotions
ruined his killer instinct. Or maybe he didn't need it anymore. "I get way to
introspective way to early in the morning."
Lucretzia
Noin-Peacecraft was also there, taking her coffee much stronger. "I wouldn't be
so harsh on yourself. You've probably grown in much better ways."
"Perhaps.
Does this country have Winter? I've noticed it was colder out."
"Yes. They
say this one will be the harshest yet."
The pair
stood in silence. Noin had been a good friend to Trowa since he had started
staying there. They often talked about things that Relena wouldn't understand
or Zechs doesn't care to listen to. "Noin, Zechs has made his opinion of me
very clear, but you never said anything about our relationship. Does Zechs
speak for both of you?"
"I never
would have thought you would care so much about what others think of you."
"I never
used to. I probably still don't, but I don't believe I should disregard the
opinion of others. Sometimes a fresh perspective is needed to grow to the next
level."
"Well,
since you asked, I think you two are great together, but she will always love
Heero. Runner-up prize to use a harsh term."
"I don't
know what to do about it though."
"That is
the thing, you can't do anything about it. When she is ready she will let go,
but with that she may let go of more than her past loves."
"Duo told
me once that if I followed Heero I would be the rebound man. I don't wish to be
used, but I can't deny my feelings either."
"The timing
kind of sucks doesn't it?"
"You are a
harsh person aren't you?"
"No, just
blunt. I don't care much for double speak."
"…I think I
will go see if Relena is up yet."
"Before
seven? Good luck."
He gave her
a mock salute before walking over the door to inside. Noin stood there for a
few more minutes, watching the world come to life. Zechs appeared several
minutes later his blond hair whipping in the new wind. "What's on your mind
Noin? You seem lost."
"I know we
were told not to tell him, but when he finds out he'll be hurt. I don't want
Relena to hurt him. He has good qualities, And after tonight who knows how this
will turn out... it will be sad."
"I wish she
never hooked up with another Gundam pilot."
"At least
it wasn't Wufie, or Duo."
"I grant
you that, I'll grant you that."
"He loves
her, I don't know when he made that revelation, but its good for him. Love can
heal any person's soul, and those Gundam pilots have more baggage than an
airport."
"We've made
mention of certain issues they carry around, yes."
"Zechs it's
to early to be thinking this much, is breakfast done?"
"No. We
could find something to do though."
"Oh really?
What is there to do in this castle?" Her eyes shined with mischief.
"Well…"
"Aw
shut-up" she laughed and pulled Zechs into a kiss.
*
It was too
early to be up, but she felt the sun on her face, that meant that Trowa was
back, earlier than usual. "Something go wrong?" she asked as she stretched.
"Actually
the sun never came up."
"Ha-ha."
She looked at him, dressed in a long version of the Preventer coat it and his
usual variety of turtleneck. He was looking at her. "Is something wrong?" she
asked.
"No, not
with me. It is just that everybody I talk to tells me I shouldn't have done
this. They tell me that you are going to hurt me."
"I don't
believe that. I wouldn't want to hurt you, I love you." Emphasize the want. I
really wish this wasn't happening to me. Here I have the nicest most caring guy
I've ever met and I'm going to hurt him…
"Thanks, at
least we agree on something."
"Agree?"
"I love you
too, and I couldn't bring myself to hurt you. In any way shape or form."
He was so sincere. Sometimes she wished there
was a part of him she didn't like. She reached over to him and gave Trowa a
hug. As they held each other Relena noticed his frigid temperature. "You're
cold."
"I'll get
over it."
"Always the
problem solver."
"Lets get
something to eat. If breakfast isn't done, I'll cook."
"You cooked
last time."
"Yea, but
you can't cook at all."
"I'll
learn." Relena answered defensively.
*
Breakfast
was completed by the time Relena was ready to present herself to the rest of
the house. She had put her hair into one braid, similar to Duo's. "Whoa." Trowa
said as he saw the braid.
"What?"
"I've never
seen that look on anyone but Duo, I'll probably see that every time I look at
him."
"So?"
"I would
find it awkward to be reminded of your girlfriend every time you saw a man."
"Cute."
Relena let
her hair out then, which reminded him of Lady Une, but he didn't say anything.
As they began to eat breakfast an aide approached Relena with her schedule.
"Miss
Peacecraft, I need to remind you of the meeting to settle the dispute between the
earth and colonies."
"Is that
it?" she asked trying to not sound depressed. Like she could forget about that.
"You do
have Mr. Winner's ball to attend tonight, but that is on the private time part
of your schedule." Trowa looked up, somewhat confused. He then looked to Relena
for answers.
"Tell me
Jean, do you ever tire of being efficient?"
The aide,
Jean, smiled, "No. I love it."
As she left
Trowa spoke up, "Quatre never mentioned a ball to me. Nor have you. Is my
presence there undesired?"
"The ball
is for two colony's election of presidents. They however are not great fans of
the Gundam pilots. Quatre was going to be there because it is his ball, and he
is from one of the colonies. So I just figured…"
"To avoid
unnecessary problems I wouldn't go."
"Yea. If
you want to go I understand and we'll go together, but…"
"Its not a
big deal, maybe I'll visit my sister."
"Thanks for
understanding. See you."
"Must be
planning a long night eh?" he said to his plate. Still hungry he walked into
the kitchen and got a bowl of Frosted Flakes. As he munched, he saw Noin and
Zechs come down to the kitchen. They look tired. "Let me guess, Butterfly
curls?"
Zechs
looked at him and whispered, "Hot, wild, passionate, unbridled sex."
"Oh, and here I thought it was two people
working out. Silly me."
"Were did
my sister go?"
"She had
lots of meetings today, and left early. Have you two heard of Quatre's
ball/party thing tonight?"
"Uh…Yea.
We've been invited. Why do you ask?"
"I wasn't."
"Oh…I
wonder why…"
"The
elected officials being celebrated don't like Gundam pilots I'm told."
"Yea…I
remember that now…" Noin said.
"I was
going to go hang out with my sister, Unless you need me to do something."
"No. Its
okay, you aren't the handyman."
"Right."
The older
people left, leaving Trowa to his cereal. As he ate he pondered on things
ponderable. Why would Zechs be invited if the leaders didn't like Gundam
pilots? Tallgeese III was almost as good as a Gundam. If wasn't exactly popular
knowledge that He was the pilot of it, and some people still thought he was
dead, so it's a possibility. Trowa decided to look into this.
The
research room has several links to several networks all over; perfect for
Zechs's homework, which he seemed to do so often. Trowa had long ago found out
the passwords to log onto the network, and as such used them. He found out very
little about the ball, except that the guest list was huge, and had most of the
Preventers on it not as security but as guests. Including Wufie. "That is
interesting." He muttered, and searched the guest list for civilians. "Hilde
and Duo? More interesting still." He shut down the computer and wondered This
was going to be big, yet he wasn't going to be there. Time to pry info from
other sources. He dialed a number.
"Yes. Hello Hilde. I'm fine. Its
okay. No we aren't fighting or anything, I know I'm not invited, could I talk
to Duo? He went out shopping? On his own free will? I did not take all his
dress shirts, those were mine! Yea. I know. Sorry to put you through that
particular lump of trouble. When did you know I wasn't invited? I didn't even
know about it until this morning. Really? I'll look into it. Thanks Hilde.
Maybe I'll visit soon. Uh-huh. Bye." He
hung up the phone and thought again. Something so important to make Duo go out
shopping. " I think I shall go. Discreetly." He looked up at his trademark
bangs. Hoo-boy. "I better find some hair gel."
*
Wing Gundam
was always a good jet. It was fast and quiet. More importantly Heero left it in
his care. Not to much trouble getting it to start. It was still in good shape
so he thought it would be good for getting to the party discreetly. He landed
the massive suit (in bird mode) at a private airstrip. He called the cab, and
was at Quatre's winter mansion about an hour before the festivities started,
they were still in greeting people stage. Tugging on the cuffs of his new suit
jacket, he checked his wig again. The gel didn't work, so he found a black wig.
The contacts he had to change his eye color were in place so, "I guess I'm
ready to party."
He walked
up towards the main pile of guests. He saw Quatre and Relena were greeting
guests one as the host and one as the highest-ranking dignitary in the
building, so far. Not trusting his own disguise too much he slipped in behind
them.
He walked
among rich guests looking for a familiar braid or even Wufie's
whatchamallcallit. He was about 100 feet in before he was stopped by a mass of
guests, "Excuse me dear boy, perhaps you could settle a bet between us."
"I can try
sir."
"Well, Bob
over here says that the young princess of Sanc was involved with a new young
man before tonight's events, whereas I was telling him that if she was we all
wouldn't be here tonight."
Trowa thought, or at least
pretended to, so the word wasn't out yet that he and Relena were together, "I'm
sorry to say sir, but Bob is quite correct. She does have a new man in her
life, there are all sorts of rumors, but I hear it is a Gundam pilot."
"Thank you young man, I appreciate
you filling in an old man."
"Think nothing of it." Hew walked
off again. Thinking some more, he thought his way over to the hor` derves, is
that right? Oh well. The munchies table then, where he found one of his
comrades in arms. "Time to see how well I'm recognized."
Duo was dressed in a black suit
that was identical to his. "Are you Duo Maxwell?" he asked, putting some high
society in his voice.
"Huh? Oh yea that's me. Hey nice
suit."
"Very similar I noticed." He
gestured to Duo's suit. "You are the gundam pilot, aren't you not? I love your
work."
"I like you. What's your name?"
Trowa paused he forget to make up a name Duo continued, oblivious, "C'mon every
body has one."
"I wouldn't dare to think that the
great God of Death would bother with introductions you must meet hundreds of
people like me a day."
"Naw, C'mon. I want to know."
"Carl Rogers." He made it up.
"Well, Carl I tell you I am not as
famous as some people would believe."
"A gundam pilot? How could you not
be loved and showered with gifts and marriage proposals everywhere you go?" Is
Duo really to dense to see that I'm Trowa? The hair must do a lot for me.
"I don't know. Maybe word is around
that I'm hooked up."
"I don't believe it! A girl could
win your heart?"
"I would like to think that I won
hers, but…"
Trowa found it amazing that Duo
could become friends so fast with someone. If he kept on telling him what he
wanted to hear he wouldn't bother to look to closely at him. "I hear rumors
that there are no single pilots out there anymore."
"Does it matter?"
"I have a sister who adores the
five of them."
"Oh. Well to be frank, there is
only four, look, at Winner over there. He has someone now, but I don't count on
him being loyal to her...and the other one, Barton he is kind of shacked up, I
don't expect it to last, especially in light of tonight's events."
"Yea I heard rumors that he was the
one to hook up the princess of Sanc."
"Carl, you are one in the know
guy."
"Just rumors. I hear ones all the
time about how this is all a façade and the pilots are really all gay."
"If I ever knew who started those
rumors, I swear to god I would kill him."
"Him?"
"Has to be a guy, why would a woman
not think I was straight?"
"I dunno. Hey is that Milliardo
Peacecraft?"
"The blond? Oh yea. That's him."
He talked with Duo for about an hour.
Duo was usually pointing out his opinion of people or talking about himself,
trying to impress Carl. If Trowa had known he was this unrecognizable he would
have done this sooner. Duo was entertaining a group of people with an old war
story. He remembered that battle. Duo was being a bit more heroic than usual in
that story, "Excuse me, Mr. Maxwell, but didn't the Wing Gundam Zero save you?
I don't recall the Deathscythe fighting its way out of that many MS's"
"Wing Zero's attendance in fights
is usually exaggerated because it was the flashiest suit. No disrespect
intended."
"Who is going to take any? The
pilot has been gone so long he is probably dead."
Some people took that as a shock.
Others weren't surprised, Duo looked at him shocked. No one ever mentioned
Heero's absence as a death. No one ever mentioned it at all. Trowa took this
time to fade away.
He almost got away from the crowd
when someone ran into him, as he hit the ground Trowa felt a contact fall out.
Not bothering to pick it up he took out the other one.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit
you like that…"
"Its okay, I know you didn't mean
to."
"Trowa?"
"Cathy?"
The siblings looked at each other
for a second. Trowa merely smiled, "I can never miss a party."
"You shouldn't be here."
"I'm wondering why."
"I can't talk now. I'll be quiet,
but you should leave." She ran off. He followed her movements for a second but
he gave up. His cover would be blown in a few moments if he didn't make for the
exit. Or just make yourself known. He moved to the bathroom where he removed
the wig. He checked himself in the mirror again. "Damn sexy."
He walked out. No one took a second
glance as he found a seat by the bar. The bartender looked up for a second and
gave him a weird look. "Why aren't you off schmoozing with the rest of high
society?"
"I happen to have severe
anti-social tendencies."
"Okay. Beer?"
"No. I don't believe in alcohol."
"'Kay."
He watched the events unfold in
silence. After being hit probably the worst blow of his life he got up and
left, never announcing his presence.
*
Quatre R.
Winner was having a stressful day. If it wasn't enough that he was hosting the
party for this event, he was going to responsible for hurting his friend, He
hoped Trowa didn't come here tonight it could get ugly. He looked at Relena who
had the same expression on her face.
"You could
have told him beforehand. He might have handled it well."
"I couldn't
tell him face to face, it would have crushed him. Its easier to write a letter
or something."
"This is
wrong and you know it."
"What can I
do?"
"Not much.
Still, he loves you. This isn't just a crush, Relena it could hurt him in the
greatest understatement off all time."
On the
other side of the ballroom a similar conversation was occurring. "I feel bad,
not being able to tell him." Noin said.
Zechs Duo
and Wufie nodded. Hilde and Sally weren't saying anything, once they were told
they knew this was going to suck. Duo said, "I don't understand why they didn't
want to tell Trowa. I mean he deserves to know as well as the rest of us did.
It will probably hurt him more than us."
"It is an
injustice. An err. I don't think it was wise. He would be justified in killing
us all for keeping such things from him." Wufie said.
"Why don't
we tell him?"
"I would
fear the retribution. This is not something to be taken lightly. His Love is
about to be taken away from him for life. He will have no chance at getting her
back. He is a far to ethical man to do something after the fact."
"I doubt
Quatre will be that ethical. He is after all not thrilled with the idea. He
might try to break the contract."
"And risk
an all out war?"
"The only
way out of this that would let Trowa be happy would be to leave his business to
Trowa and then die."
"Just
because the colonies elected a sexist leader. He won't talk to anybody who is a
represenitive of Relena. She needs to be subordinate to somebody. Trowa didn't
fit the bill; he doesn't have any political power. Quatre does."
"That
weakling. He can't stand the idea of a superior woman."
Everybody
looked at Wufie. He looked back, "What? I can change. I have seen many examples
of Women stronger than their male counterparts. Take Duo and Hilde for
example…"
"Shut up
Wufy."
"Whatever.
A stronger man would have attacked back. You are weak Maxwell"
"And this
from the guy can only bench 150."
"What can
you bench lift then?"
"160."
"Bull."
"You wanna
challenge me? Lets go!" Duo held up his steak knife.
"Fine. I
shall win." He held up his own.
Noin ended
the fight. She pulled a small gun from somewhere. "Later."
"Assuming
there will be a later. I expect Trowa to pull a Quatre, go psycho, and nuke the
place in Heavyarms."
"Doesn't
pulling a Quatre involve using the Zero system? And building a new gundam?"
"The
details change, but the spirit remains the same." Duo defended.
Hilde put
in her two cents "I don't think Trowa would kill other people. Without a vent
however, he might kill himself."
"Couldn't
we just kill the president of the colonies?" Noin suggested.
Zechs
smiled, "I love it when you're blood thirsty like that."
"That's
nice dear, but I wasn't kidding."
They all
stared, except Duo and Wufie, who had started discussing plans. "We aren't
going to kill him." Sally said sternly.
"Here is
the moment of truth." Hilde told them as Relena and Quatre stood up in front.
*
"Trowa?" It
was early morning when Relena got back. She had wanted to talk to Trowa since
last night. She couldn't find him.
"On the
balcony."
"Oh. I was
looking for you."
"…I was at
the party last night."
"Oh, Trowa…"
she embraced him, not sounding happy. "I didn't want to, it seemed like the
only way for peace. I wanted to tell you, or break up slowly but it all
happened to quickly…"
He sighed.
He did love this girl, who now would never be his. He got angry for a minute,
and it was the unfortunate moment he chose to speak, "Are you peace's bitch?
Honestly. You have sacrificed a lot of things, people for peace. But to
sacrifice your life? You are placing this above your own personal needs. You'll
never grow to another level worrying about other people all the time, You need
time for you, It isn't right. You shouldn't be so dedicated to the ideals that
you forget what the ideals are. Peace is more than nobody having weapons and no
wars. Sometimes I swear you would never eat if Zechs and Noin didn't make you
sit down every now and again. Are you going to be happy? I'm worried about you.
This isn't something to do to a girl. I'm out of things to say now…"
They stood
there holding each other. Relena thought about what he had said. Peace was
important, but he was saying that she had forgotten what peace was. She never
had peace and quiet anymore or time to herself, but sacrifices needed… "Trowa.
I think you are right. I never stop to appreciate what I'm fighting so hard to
keep. I need more me time."
They stood
there waiting for the next one to speak. Snow began to fall, the sign of
winter. The season of rest. Relena started snickering. "Peace's bitch? Trowa
you have a way with words."
"I do. Yes,
I do. Should I go tell that sexist bastard to go to hell? I could kill him
too."
"No. I
think I need to confront him."
"If you
need me. I'll be here. If you need Heavyarms, She'll be here."
"You moved
your gundam? That's sweet."
*
President
of the colonies, Mr. Gustave Begnelowskivakawitch, was annoyed to have to be at
press conference with that weak woman Relena Peacecraft. Ohh, he loathed Women.
He was glad his token wife was always out. He couldn't stand her. He brushed
back his black hair and placed on his glasses. "Well, Ms. Peacecraft you called
the press conference so I believe you begin to speak?"
"Yes. I
first wish to explain to the press my current situation."
"Of
course." He sneered, Inferior woman, always explaining never acting.
Relena
launched into the explanation of recent events. How earth felt peace was
threatened by the new leader of the colonies refusal to talk to her. She
mentioned the blatant blackmail she endured and how she eventually gave in and
agreed to marry Quatre Winner, to help peace. "Now Mr. President. I have a
statement to make to you. I don't understand why you don't like women in power,
perhaps you are threatened buy them, but to threaten a peace I have fought all
of my adult life and most of my teen years for because you have emotional baggage
is inexcusable. I have sacrificed lots of things to peace, but I had a heart to
heart with myself and now I am no longer going to blindly protect this peace,
when I can't really say I am at peace myself. I am not Peace's slave. I won't
risk anything I have tried to create for myself to a movement. First things
first: I like Quatre Winner, but I'm not going to marry the guy. If you don't
like that deal with it. I am not the person who throws away her life to the
cause anymore. If you refuse to talk with me, you are being a petulant child
for not getting your way. You will deal with me, because I am going to be here
a long time."
She spun on
her heels and left the speechless president alone in a room of reporters. As he
glared off at her. He saw a tall boy about her age embracing her. Oh how he
loathed women. "No I am not gay! By gay I mean I don't like men! No am and not
a hermaphrodite!" he yelled at the reporters.
"You kicked
his ass 'Lena."
"Thanks."
Trowa and
Relena left the building. Quatre had almost had a heart attack when he saw the
speech on the news. Luckily Catherine knew CPR. Duo gave a whoop of joy at the
news and proceeded to dance a jig, at the mall, much to Hilde's chagrin. Zechs
and Noin simply smiled. Wufie applauded the protection of her honor with such
bravado. "That is a strong woman." Sally for once agreed and didn't give him a
dirty look.
* Epilogue*
"I can't
believe that they would do that!" Zechs cried as he read the note for the
fifteenth time.
"I found it
very believable. He after all hates public ceremonies. I expected it."
"Well, I
wish they would have told us, we could have been witnesses or something."
"If they
let anybody know then it wouldn't be eloping now, would it?"
"I
suppose."
"I wonder
where they are now…"
*Meanwhile…
"God,
Relena you're insatiable!"
"I am not!"
Trowa
smiled, "Not exactly a bad thing. Just tiring."
Author's Note. As it has been brought to my attention, my
epilogues are often useless and don't really contribute much to the story. I
put them in there to show that the characters are getting on with their lives,
and that they are generally happy, because I hate depressing endings.