Disclaimer: I don't own GundamWing....that is all.....
Dedication: To Tira_Mearl_Festa, Taemyr, Zidane's Dagger, and Siena. And also to you; the reader and the reviewer.


~**~Chapter 3~**~

~*~It was a simple task for them, and they fucked up~*~


Relena frowned deeply as she towel dried her hair. She stared at her reflection and cocked her head to the side. Relena looked like her mother and her brother looked like their father. She shook her head and began to brush out the long sandy brown hair.

Tonight was the night. Relena, Noin, and her brother were going to Quartre Raberba Winner's banquet. Relena sighed heavily as she reached out to pick up her blowdryer and then switch it on. She ran it over her hair and closed her eyes.

' I wonder what will happen now. Mr. Benton was a little peeved at me for not getting Heero for him....Heero... ', she thought and her eyes snapped open.

Relena turned the blowdryer off and laid it down onto the little table in front of her. She bit her lip as she piled her hair on top of her head and then curled the long strands of hair that hung around her face and ears into soft ringettes and curls.

Relena looked at herself once in the mirror before getting off the chair and gliding over to the closet to pick out a dress. She pulled open the doors and frowned as her eyes scanned the assorted dresses hanging in front of her eyes. Relena's soft deep blue eyes came to rest upon a black dress.

Relena pulled it out and held it in front of her as she walked over to the full length mirror. It was a black spagetthi strap dress that had a long slit up the entire right leg. On the back of it, it revealed her entire back as it dropped down to the small of her back in a wide, large V. Thin, small straps criss-crossed over each other on the back.

A smile came onto Relena's lips as she stripped herself of the white thick robe to slip into the dress. She walked to her dresser and bent down to open the bottom drawer. Relena reached in and pulled out a black thong. She chuckled and slipped into it. Relena walked over to the mirror and spun around once.

The front of the dress spilled down onto her breasts in folds and Relena smiled, ' God will this be one fun night...with my brother watching my every move, I won't be able to do anything..... '

A loud knock at the door caused Relena to jump slightly, " Come in..... "

Milliardo opened the door and walked into the room. He stopped and looked at her, " You look like mother.... ", he said softly.

Relena smiled and walked over to him. She hugged him hard, " Milliardo...please.... "

" What? "

" Nothing....I just don't want to have to think about her now. I'm a little nervous with this having to go to this banquet. I don't know anybody and they don't know me...... "

Milliardo smiled lightly and reached out to gently tug playfully at one of her curls that hung by her eyes, " You'll know me and Noin....doesn't that count? "

" Yes....but I'll know no one my age...... "

Milliardo sighed, " Look, Relena...I know you don't want to go, but I think you'll find someone there who you'll be able to be with. I'm sure you'll have fun..... "

Relena frowned, " I hope so. Why'd you come here? "

Milliardo smiled lightly, " To tell you that everyone's waiting. And that we're leaving now....the limo is waiting.... "

Relena nodded, " Alright....I'll be with you in just a few minutes...I gotta do one last thing. "

Milliardo nodded and left the room. Relena sighed and made her way to her nightstand. She pulled open the drawer and reached inside to pull out a small gun and then shove it into her handbag. She turned and made her way towards the door. Relena took one look over her shoulder before closing the light and closing the door behind her.

********************************************************

Heero groaned lightly as Duo fixed his tie after he told him to just leave it. Trowa stood there, leaning against the window, with his arms crossed. Wufei looked at the ground, frowning deeply. Duo looked up at Heero and lifted an eyebrow.

" If you had asked for help with this, then it wouldn't be all tangled like this....but, no. You had to go and prove to us that you could do it by yourself, and look what happened? "

" Duo....can you just hurry up? Without complaining? ", Heero asked as he rolled his eyes.

Duo frowned, " Well, excuse me... "

Trowa cocked his head to the side, " Can you both stop complaining? We're suppose to be there in fifteen minutes and here you two are, complaining and keeping us from going.... "

Wufei lifted his head and nodded, " Yeah....hurry up. "

Heero scowled at Wufei, " Just shut up.... ", he muttered.

Wufei mumbled something about him being pathetic and weak. Heero growled under his breath and Duo placed a hand on his shoulder. Heero looked at him with a glare.

Duo frowned, " Forget about him, Heero. We have a banquet to go to, and you're not going to ruin it for Quartre... "

Heero sighed through clenched teeth, " Fine! But don't tell me. Tell him. "

" Whatever you say, Heero.... "

Trowa watched Heero as he walked over to the mirror and raked a hand through his dark brown hair. Heero found Trowa watching him in the mirror and he frowned, " What? "

Trowa shrugged lightly and walked over to him, " Nothing. I was just thinking about that girl who was here earlier. She....was weird.... "

Heero snorted and then nodded, " All women are weird.... "

Duo looked over at Heero, " Most of them are...but Hilde isn't...", he replied grinning from ear to ear.

Heero shook his head as he rolled his eyes. He turned around and looked at Trowa then at Duo, " Let's go...Quartre's expecting us. Remember? "

Duo and Trowa nodded. They looked over at Wufei and then looked at Heero. Heero shrugged and crossed the room to open the door. Duo sighed heavily and walked out of the room with Trowa and Wufeo not far behind. Heero stayed back to lock the door.

Heero chased after the other guys and then frowned deeply, ' What am I going to do? J is dead....I don't know wo my family is. I don't know if they're alive, or dead..... '

Duo looked over his shoulder at Heero and saw the look of confusion on his face. Duo slowed down just a bit until he was walking beside Heero. Heero looked over and frowned, " What? "

Duo shrugged, " I don't know. You ask me...you're the one carrying the look on your face. It's like someone died or something. Who died? "

Heero sighed and shook his head, " No one. I'm just....thinking, that's all.... "

" About who? What? "

Heero shrugged, " Nevermind.... "

Duo lifted an eyebrow, " It's about her? Isn't it? ", he replied softly.

Heero glanced over at him, " .....No..... "

" Alright....if you say so..... "

Trowa stopped in front of the limousine. He looked at Heero then at Duo as Wufei brushed past him to climb into the car. Heero heard Duo sigh as he climbed in after him. After they were in the car, Trowa looked at Heero and grazed a finger over his lip.

" Heero....what happened between you and that girl, earlier in the hallway? ", Trowa asked him.

Heero looked at the ground and shrugged, " I don't know..... "

Duo lifted an eyebrow, " You do so! "

" No, I don't..... "

Duo waved a hand through the air, " Whatever, Heero. Just come out with it. What was exchanged between you? "

Heero sighed and remained silent. Duo frowned, leaned forward, and rested a hand on Heero's shoulder. Heero slapped it away and sat back in the leather seat, " Just leave me alone. Don't talk to me at all tonight. I have somethings that I need to take care of.... "

" Like what? ", Wufei spoke up from across him.

Heero narrowed his eyes, " Just...things. "

" That helps... ", Duo muttered as he rubbed at his wrist and leaned back against the seat.

Heero snorted, " Duo. Just don't bother me tonight. None of you..... "

Trowa scratched his head, " Why, Heero? "

" None of your business, Trowa. It's something personal.....that's why. "

They all shut up after that, riding in silence to the Winner residence, Wufei and Heero looking out the window, and Duo and Trowa deep in their own thoughts.

*********************************************************

Quartre Raberba Winner sighed lightly as he walked down the quiet hall filled with pictures of his entire family, including his twenty-nine sisters. Quartre could hear the sounds of the servants shuffling around from the end of the hall and he frowned lightly. Sounds of approaching footsteps caused Quartre to stop.

" It's alright, Master Quartre...it's only me. ", the deep baritone voice called out from behind.

Quartre smiled gently and turned to face Rashid, " Hello, Rashid. What brings you here? "

Rashid shrugged lightly and walked up beside him, " Nothing. You've just been missing for the past hour or so and we started to worry. Is there something on your mind that you'd like to talk about? "

Quartre reached up and scratched the back of his neck, " Rashid? You remember the accident? "

Rashid nodded and raked a hand through his short black hair, " Yes, why, Master Quartre? "

" I was just remembering. ", Quartre replied softly as he bowed his head.

" Oh. Remembering what? "

" Who was involved. I was remembering the one who we all loved, and then had to let go.... "

Rashid frowned lightly, " Master Quartre. You shouldn't be sad for her. I'm sure that she's in a better place now. "

Quartre frowned as he ran a hand through his pale blonde hair, " Rashid....why do you think Jaina did what she did? "

" To save you and the others, Master Quartre..... "

Quartre sighed heavily and Rashid placed a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder, " Don't let it bother you, Master Quartre....you have a banquet to host, remember? Everyone will be arriving in the next ten minutes... "

" I know, Rashid. ", Quartre replied as he reached up and squeezed Rashid's hand gently.

Rashid smiled lightly as he led Quartre back into the dining hall where all the servants and maids were quickly checking over the table stacked with food and drinks. Quartre looked up at Rashid and wrinkled his nose, " Who's coming again? The other pilots, and the Peacecrafts? "

Rashid nodded, " Yes. Dorothy Catalonia and Lucrezia Noin as well..... ", he reminded him lightly.

Quartre suddenly chuckled, " I wonder if Heero and Relena will get along. I mean...they're both single, right? And I'm sure they'll get along.... "

Rashid lifted an eyebrow, " Yeah....like a fly and flypaper... "

" Rashid! ", Quartre exclaimed as he fully turned to face the older man. " Why'd you say that? What made you say it? "

Rashid laughed loudly, " Master Quartre. I'm sure you know about Heero not being the one to be...er, the social type. And besides....Miss Relena will not go for someone as egotistical as him.... "

" Hm....you're probably right. But I'm sure that she can change him, if he's so....egotistical... ", Quartre mumbled.

Rashid looked over Quartre's shoulder to watch as Abdul waved his arms frantically in the air. Rashid cursed lightly under his breath and gave Quartre's shoulder a light pat, " Master Quartre....Abdul's waving his arms at me. I think he needs me for something...I'll be back when the guests arrive... "

Quartre nodded and watched Rashid as he jogged across the large dining hall towards Abdul. He shook his head and smiled lightly. The image of Jaina's smiling face popped into his mind and he sighed heavily as he heard the chime of the doorbell echoing throughout the entire mansion.

' Well....here we go....a night of possible destruction.... ', Quartre thought as he made his way towards the front doors with a smile on his face.

**********************************************

Marquise Weridge placed his lower lip between his teeth and nibbled lightly as he read the report in his hands. It was from the Earth's Sphere Alliance and it wasn't a very pleasant report at that....

' Dated for March 23rd at approximately noon. The possible date for the executions of ALL Peacecrafts...... '

Marquise groaned lightly as he let the report drop to his desk. His only grandchildren were going to be executed and there was not a thing he could do about it either. Marquise knew that it just wasn't the Earth's Sphere Alliance behind this little plot, but it was the Benton Foundation as well.

Marquise slammed his wrinkled hands down on the desk and cursed loudly, " Why, I'm going to get that son of a bitch...I swear it. He's trying to take what's left of my family from me....and why? Because of this damn Heero Yuy character.... "

There was a knock at the door and Janice's redhead popped in. Her violet eyes found Marquise's blue ones and she smiled briefly, " Mr. Benton on line....3, Mr. Weridge.... "

Marquise smiled lightly and nodded, " Thank you Janice.... "

Janice nodded and disappeared from the room. Marquise cleared his throat and then lifted the receiver to his ear. He reached out and pressed the number three button. Anger flared through his veins as he listened onto Daniel Benton yelling at someone in the background.

" Hello? Benton? ", Marquise yelled.

" Hello, Marquise... ", Daniel replied with a sarcastic tone. " How have you been doing these days? "

Maruqise growled through clenched teeth, " Dammnit, Benton! My only grandchildren...how could you? "

" How could I what? "

" Send them off for possible execution? Relena's only eighteen and Milliardo's only twenty-two. How could you be so heartless, Benton? They haven't even lived their lives to the limit yet! ", Marquise spat venomiously.

" They both crossed some lines with me AND the Earth's Sphere Alliance, Weridge. They deserve to die... ", Daniel retorted.

Marquise snorted in disgust, " And why's that, Benton? Because they wouldn't bring this Heero Yuy to you? "

" You stay away from that subject, Weridge.... "

Marquise lifted a gray brow, " And why is that? Because the Peacecrafts didn't bow down to your wishes, Benton? Because they didn't co-operate? "

Daniel growled loudly, " I'm warning you, Weridge! Don't piss around with that area. It's none of your concern. "

" Whatever, Benton. Why'd you do it? Is it because you can't handle the fact that you're getting fucked around by a bunch of ' kids '? "

" No! I'm just pissed cause they didn't do as I had asked. It was a simple task for them, and they fucked up. "

" So where does the Earth's Sphere Alliance come in? "

" It comes in when we execute the Queen of the world.... "

Marquise growled this time, " Dammnit, Benton! You can't go and execute the Queen of the world....they won't let you. Not over some stupid thing about her not being able to bring you Heero Yuy! "

" The Earth's Sphere Alliance is letting me do it. I am thankful to them....it's them who are deciding her fate. If you want your grandchildren to stay alive, then I suggest you go and rant to them, old man. "

" But why, Benton? You were never so cold, and ruthless! Whatever happened? "

Daniel Benton was silent for a few minutes before he spoke, " The child of fate was brought into this world.... "

Click.

Marquise pulled the receiver from his ear and stared at it. Before putting it down on it's hook he shook his head, " Child of fate? Who the hell could that be? It couldn't Heero Yuy.....could it? "

*****************************************************

Relena bit her lip lightly as she stepped out of the car with Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft and her brother. The three of them quickly made their ways up the stairs after bidding a farewell to Sandra. Noin looked over at Relena and flashed her a smile.

Relena looked up at her brother and then at her sister-in-law. She smiled and reached out to take a hold of her hand. Noin gave Relena's hand a gently squeeze as she leaned in towards her, placing her mouth close to Relena's ear.

" Don't go and get any ideas about leaving early tonight, Relena. Your brother's going to be watching you like a hawk.... "

Relena giggled and nodded, " Oh...I wouldn't even dare.... ", she whispered back.

Milliardo rolled his eyes and grinned, " Come on now, ladies...why would I do that to my poor little baby sister? "

Noin stood up and looked at him, lifting a dark brow, " You're just pulling our legs, Milliardo. There's no way that you're going to not watch your baby sister for the entire night...that's just....so....unprotective of you. ", her tone oozed with sarcasm.

Milliardo winced lightly and gave her arm a hard squeeze, " Now, now, now, Noin....why watch her, when I can watch....you? ", he replied as he lowered his mouth to her cheek.

Relena giggled again and then slipped her hand from Noin's. She hurried up the stairs so her brother and sister-in-law could be alone for awhile. Relena watched as someone with pale blonde hair shook hands with men and kissed the gloved hands of the ladies. Relena slowly walked up to him and found herself staring into a pair of Aqua eyes.

" Hello, Quartre. Long time no see.... ", Relena muttered under her breath as Quartre reached out to gently grasp her hand and then bring it to his lips.

Quartre nodded, " Yes. You've grown..... "

Relena blushed a light rose, " So have you. When you're done greet your guests, perhaps we could walk and have a talk? ", she suggested lightly.

Quartre bowed slightly, " Of course, your Highness.... ", he joked lightly.

Relena smiled and chuckled, " Always the playful one, huh? "

Quartre stood up smiling, " I could take that walk with you now, if you want? I mean...everyone is here, and your brother and sister-in-law are coming right now... "

Relena nodded and walked into the grand hall. A large and long crystal chandalier hung from the ceiling coming down to the ground almose. Relena walked past it and Quartre walked after her with his hands clasped behind his back. He didn't know what to say. Relena reminded him so much of Jaina Konoko and her ways with peace.

Relena suddenly stopped and looked behind her, " Why are you dwaddling? "

Quartre blinked and walked up to her side, " Wha -? Oh...I'm sorry, Relena. I was just thinking of Jaina.... "

Relena nodded and linked an arm through his, " Oh, that's perfectly alright. So...would you mind explaining who's here? I don't know anyone...except for you and my family... "

Quartre nodded and gently patted her hand, " Yes, of course. Well...to your right, we have the Ambassador Konoko...Jaina's grandfather. He was honored to be invited. Um...to your left, we have some very good friends of mine who come from all over the world.... "

Relena looked to her left and squinted her eyes as she watched the four men talking. One looked familiar. Black hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Relena frowned and then gasped, " Wufei!! "

Quartre lifted an eyebrow, " What? You know him? "

Relena shrugged, " Only somewhat...I met him this afternoon. "

" How so? "

Relena smirked, " Through a friend by the name of Heero Yuy... "

Quartre's mouth fell open, " I..I don't know what to say, Relena.... "

" You don't have to say anything. I already know what you're around to say....and I can't tell you how I found out his code name...."

" Why not? "

" It's a personal and confidential thing.....between me and my brother.... "

Quartre nodded as he scratched his head lightly, " I see.....so have things been going for you, since I last talked to you I mean... "

Relena suddenly sighed heavily. Quartre glanced at her from the corner of his eye, " That bad huh? "

Relena looked down at the ground and shrugged lightly, " I don't know how to explain the turn of events that have happened in the past....seven hours..... "

" Oh....then if you don't want to, then you don't have to. ", Quartre assured her gently.

" Thank you... "

" For what? "

" Caring...understanding, being there for me... ", Relena whispered softly.

Quartre shrugged lightly, " Hey, that's what friends are for, Relena..... "

" You're right... "

Quartre suddenly smiled, " Now. How about we go and meet them. "

Relena's head shot up and she looked at him, " S-see who? "

" Wufei and the gang.... "

" Uh.... "

" You don't want to, or something? "

Relena shook her head, " I don't know. Wufei and I had a pretty bad start.... "

" Oh, how so? "

Relena shook her head again, " It's nothing big... "

" Well then, if it's not that big, then I'm sure you can come with me to say hi or something.... "

Relena swallowed thickly. She was numb with some emotion that she couldn't describe. Relena couldn't lift her feet to turn and run. She just stood there looking up into Quartre's friendly and open face...throwing nervous glances over at the four men standing by the far wall of the mansion's dining room.....

**********************************************

Duo threw his head back and laughed at something that Heero had said. Heero just stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, glaring at the ground. Trowa chuckled lightly, " Heero...don't be so down...you're going to ruin this party for us.... "

" This is no party..... ", Heero muttered.

" Heero doesn't know how to party, Trowa.... ", Duo joked as he took a long sip of his red wine.

Wufei snorted and scratched the back of his neck. Heero looked over at him and frowned, " I'm going to go find a bathroom. I'll be back in a few minutes.... "

Duo nodded and took another sip of his wine, " Whatever you say, Heero. Just hurry back will ya? A gang of suspicious looking men just walked into the house.... ", he nodded his head to the direction of the door where a gang of eight men dressed in identical black tuxes stood.

Heero nodded and brushed past Trowa to disappear up the stairs. Trowa walked over to Duo and glanced at the men, " Who do you think they are? "

Duo shrugged, " I don't know. Quartre's new bodyguards? "

Wufei snorted again and turned around to look at them, instead his black, beady eyes met a familiar girl's blue ones. He growled and looked over at Duo over his shoulder, " Looks like we have a guest, boys.... "

" Huh? ", Duo muttered under his breath as he looked around the large room, his eyes scanning guest per guest.

" Where? ", Trowa asked lightly.

Wufei rolled his eyes and whirled around to face the to men, " The chick who has the apparent hots for Heero... "

" Relena?! ", Duo nearly cried out.

Wufei nodded and Trowa lifted an eyebrow, " Interesting... ", Trowa muttered as he looked over at Duo.

Duo looked at Trowa and read what Trowa wanted to say outloud but didn't dare, because of Wufei's encounter with her, " Alright....alright, Trowa. ", Duo muttered as he took a step forward,

Wufei stepped in his path and crossed his arms over his chest, " Where do you think you're going? "

" To go and talk to her. To apologize for you're bitching that you gave her this afternoon... ", Duo stated simply.

Wufei sighed and moved to the side to let him pass. Duo hummed quietly as he walked up to the pair. Quartre looked at him and smiled, " Duo! How have you been? "

Duo shrugged lightly and took a sip from his glass again, " I've been alright. What about you? "

" The same. Have you met, Relena Peacecraft? ", Quartre asked lightly as he glanced at her.

Relena smiled at Quartre then at Duo, " Yes. We've already met.... "

Duo smiled and nodded, " Yes...quite a...er, performance you gave us there this afternoon, Relena.... ", he commented.

Quartre lifted an eyebrow, " Excuse me? Have I missed something? "

Relena and Duo both shook their heads. Relena smirked, " Quartre? Would you mind...if Duo and I went for a walk. I have to talk to him, in private.... "

Quartre slipped his arm from hers and nodded, hesitant at first, " Of course.... "

Duo sighed lightly and watched as Quartre crossed the dining hall to greet some guests that he had missed, " So...why are you here? ", he asked lightly.

Relena looked at the ground, " I was invited. What about you? "

" Me and the others have known Quartre for about five years now....so he invited us as well. "

" Oh.... "

" Relena? Out in the hallway this afternoon...what happened between you and Heero? "

Relena shrugged lightly, " Nothing really...why? "

Duo shrugged, " I don't know. I was just a little curious. So how have you been for the past five hours? "

Relena chuckled, " Fine...you? "

" Same...who are you here with? "

" My brother, Milliardo Peacecraft.... "

Duo's eyebrows went up in surprise, " That's right! You said that you were Relena Peacecraft....wow. TheQueen of the world is standing beside me and she's talking to me....I'm honored, your Highness... ", he joked.

Relena chuckled again and gently swatted him in the arm, " Duo! You don't have to act like that around me... "

" I know... "

" Where's Heero? Did he come with you? ", Relena suddenly asked as she looked over his shoulder to where Trowa and Wufei once were standing.

Duo nodded, " He's here. He's just busy at the moment.... "

" Oh..... "

Rashid slowly made his way towards them and bowed slightly before Relena, " Miss Relena...how are you this night? "

Relena flashed him a smiled and shrugged, " I'm alright, Rashid...how about you? "

Rashid stood up straight and grinned, " I'm alright. I'm just getting tired... "

" Oh...why don't you rest? ", Relena suggeste.

Rashid shrugged and looked at the ground. Duo studied Relena's face closely. Relena cocked her head to the side and then wrinkled her nose, " Rashid? Is something wrong? "

Rashid looked up and Relena was surprised to see that tears glazed his dark eyes, " I...I'm sorry, Miss Relena. I should be going.... "

Relena outstretched a hand to him, but he was already gone. Duo bit his lip and gently reached out to grasp her shockingly ice cold hand in his warm one, " Relena.... "

Relena looked at him, " Y-you see that? "

" See what? "

" The...nevermind.... ", she muttered as she gave his hand a squeeze. " It was nothing.... "

Duo nodded. He had seen the sudden glaze of tears. But why would they be there? Was it because Jaina was now gone? Duo shook his head and then blinked as he watched Quartre fly up the stairs. Trowa rushed over and looked at Relena once. He flashed her a brief smile before looking at Duo.

" Duo...we have a little bit of a problem.... ", Trowa whispered.

" What now? Heero break the seat for the toilet? "

Trowa shook his head and looked him in the eye, " This is serious. Heero hasn't come downstairs yet. He's been up there for a whole fifteen minutes, which is not like him at all.... "

Duo blinked and nodded, " You're right, Trowa. "

" I know I'm right.... "

Relena looked at the two men frowning, " What's wrong with Heero now? "

Trowa looked up at her, " Nothing. We have it under control..... "

Relena shook her head, " No you don't..... "

Duo looked at Trowa and then at Relena, " Hey, Relena...don't get all worked up now. Heero's going to come down anytime soon.... "

Relena slipped her hand from Duo's and gave him a smile, " I'll be right back, alright? "

" Where are you going? ", Duo and Trowa asked in unison.

" To the little girl's room.... ", she replied simply over her shoulder as she began to run in her high heels towards the stairs.

Duo and Trowa watched her and then looked at each other. Duo shook his head, " This isn't good.... "