When I Hear You Sing
By Jillian Storm
(Disclaimer: Some cans once opened don't seem very easy to close. Still, if it's
snowing inches and inches and you happened to open a can of Southern
Sunshine and Enjoyment, who's to blame you for leaving the can open?
Returning to my endless series of cross series anime characters in an alternate
reality decorated by the lyrics of Catatonia's "Way Beyond Blue.")
Way Beyond Blue
While there's a show left to perform
Smooth down your hair, and put your make-up on
You'll face another night in too,
So close your mind, no-one will follow you
There in your eyes, I see, way beyond blue
"Sitting this one out, Miss 'Valentine'?"
Faye glanced up as Spike Spiegel slipping into the chair next to hers. He was
holding a rolled piece of music that certainly seemed as if it had seen better
days. Leaning forward in his seat, arms propped up on the row ahead of him,
Spike seemed uncommonly attentive to the business on stage. Earlier, Utena
had been trying to get enough people to move the piano onto the stage and now
she was again on the stage adjusting the instrument by turns and inches while
the pianist looked on.
Apparently not listening to Faye's absence of an answer, Spike whistled,
"Wherever did Saitou dig that relic up?"
"Not nervous are you, pal?" Faye said, letting a little rivalry slip into her voice.
She was used to being the underdog actor at the Road Rage and watching a
seasoned veteran sweat it a little amused her to no end.
"I just didn't think he'd seriously do something like this. Big production, big
lights, big noise, big headache." Spike groaned. "What the heck is Saitou doing
dragging us through all of this rigmarole? I thought we were supposed to be a
cutting edge, gritty independent theater? What are our regular patrons going to
think about a cheesy musical? I hate this."
"Uh, I thought Saitou said that we should think of it as more of a darkly hip and
modern vaudeville?" Faye laughed at his frustration.
"Of course, Julia is thrilled beyond belief. She hums to herself enough as it is.
And she does have a beautiful voice . . . but now she's wailing to whatever's on
the radio whenever and wherever."
Faye snickered, not trying to hide the laugh behind her hand any longer.
"I'd like to see you go through the audition, then!" Spike challenged, brows
furrowed.
Faye turned green, "I'm trying not to think about that too much. At least four
other gals have tried out on my song-I don't know if I should keep it or dump it
for something new so quickly . . . I . . ." she shared at mutually nauseated glance
with Spike and hurriedly added, "Let's change the subject."
Spike nodded, "Maybe if we simply sit back here and go last . . ."
"Oh look, it's Sano. This will be worth a few laughs." Faye slumped back into
seat, hoping that it might absorb her or at least have some pepto-bismol effect.
"Where's your brother been keeping himself?" Spike said, "As way of gossip
and distraction, of course."
"Your guess is almost as good as mine at this point." Faye shrugged, nuzzling
her shoulders deeper into the cushion, imagining that she was becoming
invisible. "Strange as it is, Sano's clammed up tighter than an oyster, as they
say. Did I tell you that Shin ate so much oyster last week? I kept telling him
that it wasn't good for him, but . . ."
"Did he ever latch onto Trowa's sister?" Spike asked, watching as Sano passed
the audition music on to the pianist, a young woman with dark hair that seemed
a shimmering blue in certain lights. "Damn, I'm glad not all of these are singing
roles."
"Trowa's sister . . . he hasn't mentioned her in a while. Wonder if she burned
him. Still, odd he didn't mention it. Oh look. Don't tell me . . . he's singing
'Sunset Boulevard' what a predictable lout. He just likes singing 'ass' see . . . just
like him."
"He did clip that with some relish," Spike laughed, leaning back and apparently
relaxing a bit more. " 'We do whatever pays the wages' . . . I can't believe we're
all jumping through the hoops like this. Did you hear that Saitou's hired a
choreographer? We have to pass that scrutiny as well . . ."
"Dancing's fun," Faye said somewhat distracted, and trying to look bored in
case she might convince herself to feel that way, "I thought we agreed not to talk
about this."
"Yeah."
*While there's a show left to perform*
"Thank you, Sagara." Hajime Saitou waved his hand in order to shoo the overly
eager rooster head from the stage. Sano was guaranteed a role with his solid
baritone; however, Saitou was moderately surprised at the boy's lack of
characteristic enthusiasm. Or rather, it was hard to describe whatever it was that
Sano seemed to be lacking. The boyish confidence still hovered in his smile, but
something Sano hadn't left at home followed him to the theater. Saitou made a
mental note and studied his written ones with some concern. Next to him,
Kenshin Himura seemed peacefully content.
"If anyone else is going to sing either 'Memory' or 'On My Own' or 'Sunrise
Sunset' get down here now." Saitou called out, "My patience is wearing thin."
Glancing up, a dangerously mocking gleam came to his eye, "Which of these is
your song Ms. Catalonia?"
"Oh none of those, Saitou dear," Dorothy's nose wrinkled and she tossed her
hair back with a playfully insulted air. "I simply have to escape this audition a
little earlier than I first suspect. Could you fit me in now?"
"Faye, which one of these is *your* song?" Saitou turned his head just a little
bit more to look at the other woman who seemed a bit out of breath from
hurrying down the aisle.
"Take a wild guess, Saitou." Faye's personality suddenly sparked with a new
confidence at the conflict. "I'm sure I'll surprise you."
"I'm sure you'll be fine, Miss Sagara." Kenshin smiled kindly, trying to balance
Saitou's intimidation tactics at auditions.
"I'm sure you will." Saitou said sternly, ignoring Kenshin and shuffling his
papers and reorganizing them again. "Alright, Ms. Catalonia, give Kozue your
music and we'll see what it is you're bringing to the fall show."
As taxing as that part of the audition was, Saitou noticed something when
Dorothy crossed the stage. She was an undeniably talented actor, both on and
off that elevated floor.
The song was a bit sassy, and Saitou was certain that he could not recognize it.
He wondered if the edginess of the song simply was Dorothy's interpretation of
the melody, "I will achieve my destiny, my stars' ascent a certainty-I know that I
could never fall from grace . . . I'm far too clever . . . "
"Well, that's certainly appropriate." Faye muttered, Kenshin glanced at her and
shook his head for her to be quiet. The tune slipped across chords and keys as
something contemporary might, Dorothy leading with her voice.
"Interesting." Saitou said simply, as Dorothy reclaimed her music from the
young sight-reader.
Without comment, Dorothy gathered the rest of her things and left.
"I have to follow that?" Faye grimaced. She could have sworn she heard
merciless laughter from the back seats of the auditorium.
*Smooth down your hair, and put your make-up on*
"Okay, that wasn't as painful as it could have been." Sano said, wide-eyed and
scrambling for nice things to say. However, when it came to his sister,
sympathy was in short supply. Affectionate riling was more acceptable.
"She really has . . . an interesting interpretation of what might have otherwise
been an overly familiar piece." Trowa Barton stepped forward, joining the
group that was relaxing in the very back of the auditorium. Sano had slipped
into Faye's old seat next to Spike as soon as his portion of the audition was
completed.
"That's the nicest way I've ever heard anyone say 'tone-deaf' before, Barton."
Spike grinned lopsidedly. "What are you still doing here, pal. Thought you
would have fled the scene hours ago. Didn't you audition first."
"Right, right." Trowa nodded, glancing from Spike's face and passing over
Nichol's to rest on Sanosuke. "I was chatting with Utena about the acoustics of
the piano and how she could stop fidgeting over the placement of the keyboard
in relation to the altitude of the ceiling and the displacement of the catwalks."
He almost smiled, "I didn't know she was so musically inclined, did you?"
The others shook their heads, except Nichol whose scowl was etching itself
more solidly into his face with each second Trowa remained. Trowa didn't
notice as he was still passing his attention between Spike and Sano.
Trowa continued, "Well, we'll have plenty of space for extras. I almost think
our stage manager is going to audition herself."
"That'd be something to see." Juri slipped up next to them as well, after
watching Faye mop herself up from the stage floor and safely move toward the
front seat where she swooned like a drowned swan.
"How'd your audition go?" Trowa asked.
"Honestly," Juri smiled, "I'm glad that I put back that sentimental copy of 'Hello,
Dolly' and focused on something else."
"I told you," Trowa said softly, "I heard that some new guy auditioned after I
left the first time."
"Yeah," Sano spoke up, and took a look around before continuing in a hushed
voice, "Some bloke who sings jingles for commercials. Had a great voice-for a
tenor." Sano winked. "As far as acting skills, I dunno." He leaned back and
crossed his arms behind his head.
"His name is Saionji Kyoichi." Nichol spoke up for the first time since Trowa
had appeared. "And he's a superior tenor, which sounds as if we'll have to
endure his more endearing personality flaws for the rest of the season. Unless
we can convince Saitou that talent isn't a priority in this audition."
"Speaking of talent, listen." Juri interrupted, intently focused on the stage.
"That's interesting," Sano mused, "Didn't know Shiori had such a set of lungs
on her."
"Carries well." Spike commented, over Nichol's less friendly, "She's loud."
"Whatever you think," Sano chuckled, "She certainly sings 'Memory' better than
my sister!"
*You'll face another night in too*
"I wasn't expecting you."
"It's alright if I visit, isn't it?" Trowa hesitated, a bit set off by Catherine's less
than presentable appearance. 'You look like you could use some company. Is
this a bad time?"
"Stop shuffling, come on in." Catherine said weakly, her eyes drooping to study
the carpet and the appraised the sloppy half-unpacked apartment.
"Looks . . . like you've made some progress." Trowa nodded, clearing a space
so he could sit on Catherine's couch. She immediately sank next to him and put
her head on his shoulder. Responding, Trowa apologized, "I should have helped
you move, but I have fewer obligations now-could I lend a hand with anything?"
Catherine mumbled something incoherent into his shirt.
"Maybe later." Trowa said, no longer interested in what he was saying as his
confusion compounded.
"I said, it's about time you've come to see the place." Catherine nuzzled herself
under Trowa's arm and sighed deeply.
"I wasn't certain, you were so concerned about Duo just happening to visit you
that I thought maybe I should stay away as well."
"Never mind that, how was work?" Catherine asked.
Trowa balanced his long legs against the table in front of the couch and laughed
a bit, the deep volume of the sound vibrating against Catherine's ear. "Beyond
interesting. Saitou's given the green light to one of Kenshin Himura's semi-
musicals. The audition is a longer process this time, and today I got to hear
more renditions of 'Music of the Night'-let's just say I won't be going to see
Phantom any time soon."
Catherine laughed silently.
"Are you okay, sis?" Trowa asked, ducking his chin and trying to see her
expression through all of her curls.
"All things considered?" Catherine said dryly. "I'm just fine."
Trowa nodded, quietly examining the disarray around him that was so unlike the
meticulously detailed and maternal girl he'd grown up with. So much had
changed in such a short time. The Glass House had fallen. Catherine and Duo
had finalized their divorce. And Heero . . .
"Have you had dinner?" Catherine said suddenly, sitting up straighter so that
their eyes could meet. She let her fingers run across his stomach, playing with
the folds of his button down shirt. "I was making soup earlier. I'm sure it's still
sitting on the stove."
"That sounds good." Trowa smiled at the familiar comfort of her inquiry.
"What would I do without you?"
"What, indeed." Catherine let out a tired breath, before mirroring his grin. "I'll
go get some bowls and spoons and . . ."
Catherine managed to pull herself away from the couch and veering around
several towers of unpacked brown boxes, headed toward the already well-lit
room that passed as the kitchen. Trowa watched her, wondering at how thin she
was and then chastising himself realized how thin he was. Not that they were
related, but stress seemed to have identical reactions in their bodies.
"Hey, sis," Trowa called after her, "I was meaning to ask you, how did it go
with Sano last week?"
Filling the space before her answer, something sounding like a plastic bowl
bounced against the floor along with a cry of "Oh how clumsy of me." Then
Catherine was again in the doorway, standing in the middle of it, without props
and an unreadable expression. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, you did go to dinner with him?" Trowa lightly teased, "I was there when
you left together, remember?"
"Oh, that." Catherine said after a moment. "It was nice."
"Nice?" Trowa said with more than a little disbelief. "I'd imagine it was either
great or downright awful. I was sure you'd have some story for me."
"It's was nothing much," Catherine disappeared into the kitchen again. "It was
nice to get out and do something besides feeding other people."
"And . . ." Trowa prompted. Trying to decipher her true expression through the
walls.
"And nothing . . . like I said."
*So close your mind, no one will follow you*
"Are those the final casting lists?"
"Yes, Miss Catalonia." Saitou took another thumbtack and finished placing the
sheets of paper on the cork announcement board in the Road Rage foyer.
"You're back soon, I thought you had business to attend to."
"I've taken care of that, for now." Dorothy said, "Since I was in the
neighborhood I thought I'd stop and see who's who this time around."
"Nosy, aren't you?"
"What do you expect?" Dorothy laughed politely, "And so intriguing, having us
audition before letting us see Himura's script."
"We want the best people possible in every role." Saitou dismissed her
underlying protest.
"Well, I like seeing my name at the top of the list." Dorothy purred, "I can rest
easy then knowing my talents are being put to good use."
"Rest assured, madam, we would do nothing less." The tone of Saitou's voice
just as playful. "It was rather obvious who we wanted to do what. Himura and I
agreed rather unanimously."
"What's this?" Dorothy said with put on surprise, "Faye Valentine has been
reassigned as the stage manager?"
"This is the theater," answered Saitou, crossing the foyer to retrieve his hat and
coat. "The best members can cover a variety of tasks."
"You'll make me lighting director next." Dorothy said still perusing the list, her
eyebrow raised.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Saitou tipped his hat, "Good day."
"Good day." Dorothy echoed. She continued to look at the list for several
moments before calling out, "I can wait as long as you can. Why don't you
come out and look?"
"I was waiting for Saitou to leave."
"I'm sure." Dorothy turned sideways to better see Shiori as she came from the
near hall. The plain girl holding her head high and meeting Dorothy's gaze
directly. Dorothy fought outwardly expressing her amusement as the child still
felt that she needed to prove herself. Even though the hierarchy had long ago
been determined.
Shiori stood watching the list for some time, as if the names might disappear or
change if she blinked.
Dorothy's voice filled the quiet foyer, "Don't worry, you are there. Right below
myself."
*There in your eyes, I see, way beyond blue*
By Jillian Storm
(Disclaimer: Some cans once opened don't seem very easy to close. Still, if it's
snowing inches and inches and you happened to open a can of Southern
Sunshine and Enjoyment, who's to blame you for leaving the can open?
Returning to my endless series of cross series anime characters in an alternate
reality decorated by the lyrics of Catatonia's "Way Beyond Blue.")
Way Beyond Blue
While there's a show left to perform
Smooth down your hair, and put your make-up on
You'll face another night in too,
So close your mind, no-one will follow you
There in your eyes, I see, way beyond blue
"Sitting this one out, Miss 'Valentine'?"
Faye glanced up as Spike Spiegel slipping into the chair next to hers. He was
holding a rolled piece of music that certainly seemed as if it had seen better
days. Leaning forward in his seat, arms propped up on the row ahead of him,
Spike seemed uncommonly attentive to the business on stage. Earlier, Utena
had been trying to get enough people to move the piano onto the stage and now
she was again on the stage adjusting the instrument by turns and inches while
the pianist looked on.
Apparently not listening to Faye's absence of an answer, Spike whistled,
"Wherever did Saitou dig that relic up?"
"Not nervous are you, pal?" Faye said, letting a little rivalry slip into her voice.
She was used to being the underdog actor at the Road Rage and watching a
seasoned veteran sweat it a little amused her to no end.
"I just didn't think he'd seriously do something like this. Big production, big
lights, big noise, big headache." Spike groaned. "What the heck is Saitou doing
dragging us through all of this rigmarole? I thought we were supposed to be a
cutting edge, gritty independent theater? What are our regular patrons going to
think about a cheesy musical? I hate this."
"Uh, I thought Saitou said that we should think of it as more of a darkly hip and
modern vaudeville?" Faye laughed at his frustration.
"Of course, Julia is thrilled beyond belief. She hums to herself enough as it is.
And she does have a beautiful voice . . . but now she's wailing to whatever's on
the radio whenever and wherever."
Faye snickered, not trying to hide the laugh behind her hand any longer.
"I'd like to see you go through the audition, then!" Spike challenged, brows
furrowed.
Faye turned green, "I'm trying not to think about that too much. At least four
other gals have tried out on my song-I don't know if I should keep it or dump it
for something new so quickly . . . I . . ." she shared at mutually nauseated glance
with Spike and hurriedly added, "Let's change the subject."
Spike nodded, "Maybe if we simply sit back here and go last . . ."
"Oh look, it's Sano. This will be worth a few laughs." Faye slumped back into
seat, hoping that it might absorb her or at least have some pepto-bismol effect.
"Where's your brother been keeping himself?" Spike said, "As way of gossip
and distraction, of course."
"Your guess is almost as good as mine at this point." Faye shrugged, nuzzling
her shoulders deeper into the cushion, imagining that she was becoming
invisible. "Strange as it is, Sano's clammed up tighter than an oyster, as they
say. Did I tell you that Shin ate so much oyster last week? I kept telling him
that it wasn't good for him, but . . ."
"Did he ever latch onto Trowa's sister?" Spike asked, watching as Sano passed
the audition music on to the pianist, a young woman with dark hair that seemed
a shimmering blue in certain lights. "Damn, I'm glad not all of these are singing
roles."
"Trowa's sister . . . he hasn't mentioned her in a while. Wonder if she burned
him. Still, odd he didn't mention it. Oh look. Don't tell me . . . he's singing
'Sunset Boulevard' what a predictable lout. He just likes singing 'ass' see . . . just
like him."
"He did clip that with some relish," Spike laughed, leaning back and apparently
relaxing a bit more. " 'We do whatever pays the wages' . . . I can't believe we're
all jumping through the hoops like this. Did you hear that Saitou's hired a
choreographer? We have to pass that scrutiny as well . . ."
"Dancing's fun," Faye said somewhat distracted, and trying to look bored in
case she might convince herself to feel that way, "I thought we agreed not to talk
about this."
"Yeah."
*While there's a show left to perform*
"Thank you, Sagara." Hajime Saitou waved his hand in order to shoo the overly
eager rooster head from the stage. Sano was guaranteed a role with his solid
baritone; however, Saitou was moderately surprised at the boy's lack of
characteristic enthusiasm. Or rather, it was hard to describe whatever it was that
Sano seemed to be lacking. The boyish confidence still hovered in his smile, but
something Sano hadn't left at home followed him to the theater. Saitou made a
mental note and studied his written ones with some concern. Next to him,
Kenshin Himura seemed peacefully content.
"If anyone else is going to sing either 'Memory' or 'On My Own' or 'Sunrise
Sunset' get down here now." Saitou called out, "My patience is wearing thin."
Glancing up, a dangerously mocking gleam came to his eye, "Which of these is
your song Ms. Catalonia?"
"Oh none of those, Saitou dear," Dorothy's nose wrinkled and she tossed her
hair back with a playfully insulted air. "I simply have to escape this audition a
little earlier than I first suspect. Could you fit me in now?"
"Faye, which one of these is *your* song?" Saitou turned his head just a little
bit more to look at the other woman who seemed a bit out of breath from
hurrying down the aisle.
"Take a wild guess, Saitou." Faye's personality suddenly sparked with a new
confidence at the conflict. "I'm sure I'll surprise you."
"I'm sure you'll be fine, Miss Sagara." Kenshin smiled kindly, trying to balance
Saitou's intimidation tactics at auditions.
"I'm sure you will." Saitou said sternly, ignoring Kenshin and shuffling his
papers and reorganizing them again. "Alright, Ms. Catalonia, give Kozue your
music and we'll see what it is you're bringing to the fall show."
As taxing as that part of the audition was, Saitou noticed something when
Dorothy crossed the stage. She was an undeniably talented actor, both on and
off that elevated floor.
The song was a bit sassy, and Saitou was certain that he could not recognize it.
He wondered if the edginess of the song simply was Dorothy's interpretation of
the melody, "I will achieve my destiny, my stars' ascent a certainty-I know that I
could never fall from grace . . . I'm far too clever . . . "
"Well, that's certainly appropriate." Faye muttered, Kenshin glanced at her and
shook his head for her to be quiet. The tune slipped across chords and keys as
something contemporary might, Dorothy leading with her voice.
"Interesting." Saitou said simply, as Dorothy reclaimed her music from the
young sight-reader.
Without comment, Dorothy gathered the rest of her things and left.
"I have to follow that?" Faye grimaced. She could have sworn she heard
merciless laughter from the back seats of the auditorium.
*Smooth down your hair, and put your make-up on*
"Okay, that wasn't as painful as it could have been." Sano said, wide-eyed and
scrambling for nice things to say. However, when it came to his sister,
sympathy was in short supply. Affectionate riling was more acceptable.
"She really has . . . an interesting interpretation of what might have otherwise
been an overly familiar piece." Trowa Barton stepped forward, joining the
group that was relaxing in the very back of the auditorium. Sano had slipped
into Faye's old seat next to Spike as soon as his portion of the audition was
completed.
"That's the nicest way I've ever heard anyone say 'tone-deaf' before, Barton."
Spike grinned lopsidedly. "What are you still doing here, pal. Thought you
would have fled the scene hours ago. Didn't you audition first."
"Right, right." Trowa nodded, glancing from Spike's face and passing over
Nichol's to rest on Sanosuke. "I was chatting with Utena about the acoustics of
the piano and how she could stop fidgeting over the placement of the keyboard
in relation to the altitude of the ceiling and the displacement of the catwalks."
He almost smiled, "I didn't know she was so musically inclined, did you?"
The others shook their heads, except Nichol whose scowl was etching itself
more solidly into his face with each second Trowa remained. Trowa didn't
notice as he was still passing his attention between Spike and Sano.
Trowa continued, "Well, we'll have plenty of space for extras. I almost think
our stage manager is going to audition herself."
"That'd be something to see." Juri slipped up next to them as well, after
watching Faye mop herself up from the stage floor and safely move toward the
front seat where she swooned like a drowned swan.
"How'd your audition go?" Trowa asked.
"Honestly," Juri smiled, "I'm glad that I put back that sentimental copy of 'Hello,
Dolly' and focused on something else."
"I told you," Trowa said softly, "I heard that some new guy auditioned after I
left the first time."
"Yeah," Sano spoke up, and took a look around before continuing in a hushed
voice, "Some bloke who sings jingles for commercials. Had a great voice-for a
tenor." Sano winked. "As far as acting skills, I dunno." He leaned back and
crossed his arms behind his head.
"His name is Saionji Kyoichi." Nichol spoke up for the first time since Trowa
had appeared. "And he's a superior tenor, which sounds as if we'll have to
endure his more endearing personality flaws for the rest of the season. Unless
we can convince Saitou that talent isn't a priority in this audition."
"Speaking of talent, listen." Juri interrupted, intently focused on the stage.
"That's interesting," Sano mused, "Didn't know Shiori had such a set of lungs
on her."
"Carries well." Spike commented, over Nichol's less friendly, "She's loud."
"Whatever you think," Sano chuckled, "She certainly sings 'Memory' better than
my sister!"
*You'll face another night in too*
"I wasn't expecting you."
"It's alright if I visit, isn't it?" Trowa hesitated, a bit set off by Catherine's less
than presentable appearance. 'You look like you could use some company. Is
this a bad time?"
"Stop shuffling, come on in." Catherine said weakly, her eyes drooping to study
the carpet and the appraised the sloppy half-unpacked apartment.
"Looks . . . like you've made some progress." Trowa nodded, clearing a space
so he could sit on Catherine's couch. She immediately sank next to him and put
her head on his shoulder. Responding, Trowa apologized, "I should have helped
you move, but I have fewer obligations now-could I lend a hand with anything?"
Catherine mumbled something incoherent into his shirt.
"Maybe later." Trowa said, no longer interested in what he was saying as his
confusion compounded.
"I said, it's about time you've come to see the place." Catherine nuzzled herself
under Trowa's arm and sighed deeply.
"I wasn't certain, you were so concerned about Duo just happening to visit you
that I thought maybe I should stay away as well."
"Never mind that, how was work?" Catherine asked.
Trowa balanced his long legs against the table in front of the couch and laughed
a bit, the deep volume of the sound vibrating against Catherine's ear. "Beyond
interesting. Saitou's given the green light to one of Kenshin Himura's semi-
musicals. The audition is a longer process this time, and today I got to hear
more renditions of 'Music of the Night'-let's just say I won't be going to see
Phantom any time soon."
Catherine laughed silently.
"Are you okay, sis?" Trowa asked, ducking his chin and trying to see her
expression through all of her curls.
"All things considered?" Catherine said dryly. "I'm just fine."
Trowa nodded, quietly examining the disarray around him that was so unlike the
meticulously detailed and maternal girl he'd grown up with. So much had
changed in such a short time. The Glass House had fallen. Catherine and Duo
had finalized their divorce. And Heero . . .
"Have you had dinner?" Catherine said suddenly, sitting up straighter so that
their eyes could meet. She let her fingers run across his stomach, playing with
the folds of his button down shirt. "I was making soup earlier. I'm sure it's still
sitting on the stove."
"That sounds good." Trowa smiled at the familiar comfort of her inquiry.
"What would I do without you?"
"What, indeed." Catherine let out a tired breath, before mirroring his grin. "I'll
go get some bowls and spoons and . . ."
Catherine managed to pull herself away from the couch and veering around
several towers of unpacked brown boxes, headed toward the already well-lit
room that passed as the kitchen. Trowa watched her, wondering at how thin she
was and then chastising himself realized how thin he was. Not that they were
related, but stress seemed to have identical reactions in their bodies.
"Hey, sis," Trowa called after her, "I was meaning to ask you, how did it go
with Sano last week?"
Filling the space before her answer, something sounding like a plastic bowl
bounced against the floor along with a cry of "Oh how clumsy of me." Then
Catherine was again in the doorway, standing in the middle of it, without props
and an unreadable expression. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, you did go to dinner with him?" Trowa lightly teased, "I was there when
you left together, remember?"
"Oh, that." Catherine said after a moment. "It was nice."
"Nice?" Trowa said with more than a little disbelief. "I'd imagine it was either
great or downright awful. I was sure you'd have some story for me."
"It's was nothing much," Catherine disappeared into the kitchen again. "It was
nice to get out and do something besides feeding other people."
"And . . ." Trowa prompted. Trying to decipher her true expression through the
walls.
"And nothing . . . like I said."
*So close your mind, no one will follow you*
"Are those the final casting lists?"
"Yes, Miss Catalonia." Saitou took another thumbtack and finished placing the
sheets of paper on the cork announcement board in the Road Rage foyer.
"You're back soon, I thought you had business to attend to."
"I've taken care of that, for now." Dorothy said, "Since I was in the
neighborhood I thought I'd stop and see who's who this time around."
"Nosy, aren't you?"
"What do you expect?" Dorothy laughed politely, "And so intriguing, having us
audition before letting us see Himura's script."
"We want the best people possible in every role." Saitou dismissed her
underlying protest.
"Well, I like seeing my name at the top of the list." Dorothy purred, "I can rest
easy then knowing my talents are being put to good use."
"Rest assured, madam, we would do nothing less." The tone of Saitou's voice
just as playful. "It was rather obvious who we wanted to do what. Himura and I
agreed rather unanimously."
"What's this?" Dorothy said with put on surprise, "Faye Valentine has been
reassigned as the stage manager?"
"This is the theater," answered Saitou, crossing the foyer to retrieve his hat and
coat. "The best members can cover a variety of tasks."
"You'll make me lighting director next." Dorothy said still perusing the list, her
eyebrow raised.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Saitou tipped his hat, "Good day."
"Good day." Dorothy echoed. She continued to look at the list for several
moments before calling out, "I can wait as long as you can. Why don't you
come out and look?"
"I was waiting for Saitou to leave."
"I'm sure." Dorothy turned sideways to better see Shiori as she came from the
near hall. The plain girl holding her head high and meeting Dorothy's gaze
directly. Dorothy fought outwardly expressing her amusement as the child still
felt that she needed to prove herself. Even though the hierarchy had long ago
been determined.
Shiori stood watching the list for some time, as if the names might disappear or
change if she blinked.
Dorothy's voice filled the quiet foyer, "Don't worry, you are there. Right below
myself."
*There in your eyes, I see, way beyond blue*