Suffocation

Written By: Rage of BlackMist

Chapter Five: To Unravel

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing does not belong to me, but is the property of the Sotsu Agency, Sunrise and Fuji TV.

Author's Note: The mysterious Ralph is not an OC! Ralph, along with Chris, who has not been reintroduced into the story, are key characters in Blind Target. I'm extremely sorry to those who have not read them/it yet. In the next chapters ::hint hint:: more about Ralph and Chris, as well as this new 'threat' will be explained. Again, I apologize!

____________________________________________________________________________

Trowa Barton sat in utter shock as a man clad in midnight black dared to aim a gun towards his head, his smirk most evident and clear. His expression concealed hate and anger; his motives were explicit. Dark blue pools clear as a summer's sky sank into an ocean of nerves tarring the intruder's very being to shreds. His movements were reckless, almost uncogent, yet Trowa's guard was still held high.

He wanted to deride his sudden feelings, but willed himself not too. This intruder would so much as dare to threaten his relaxing evening by, mind you, trying to kill him. Ha! No such thing would ever happen. So Trowa continued to sit there, waiting for this intruder to make his truculent attack. Two long minutes passed without so much as a blink of an eye. Quatre's obnoxious, disreputable and unwelcomed guest followed his gaze over to Heero Yuy, who made no effort to act on his emotions either. With pure and trenchant annoyance, Ralph Fangal gibed at his adversaries.

Silently Wufei struggled and managed to catch the few words that escaped Ralph's dry lips. Whispered words such as fools, cravens, and un-chivalrous bastards had Wufei vowing pain for the man who had dared to utter them. Although, upon receiving warning looks from Quatre, whose plan did not include violence, stopped himself mid-thought. Damn, but did Wufei want to put justice to this Ralph guy who had dared called them such names, names that they, of all people, did not deserve to be called.

Duo, on the other hand, took Quatre's warning with a grain of salt. Plan?! As if there was time to wait and enforce it!!!// This guy meant serious business, business that Quatre, Heero and Wufei had not been notified of. So instead, he shot up from his seat, which was directly in front of their intruder, and rammed his upper body into Ralph's stomach, sending him flying ten feet back. A smirk formed on Duo's face as he paused to wipe his hands as if they were stained with dirt or something of that annoyance.

"Duo..." He heard his name trail off of Quatre's warning lips. Before he shrugged, he stole a glimpse at his light haired friend and caught his hidden smile. Than, he crept over to where Ralph lay up against the wall unconscious. Making sure he had not awakened from his slumber to impose any further difficulties Duo grabbed Ralph by the collar of his jacket and hailed him up into his chair, motioning for Trowa to fetch some strong rope. Trowa brought Duo the rope, having anticipated his motives. After tying Ralph properly to the chair, all five young men sat back down, Duo finding a different chair, and returned to their previous intention-- dinner.

Odd as it seemed, they didn't mind eating their evening meal with the unconscious man. In fact, they ignored him completely until they finished and each started to take his leave. Though, if an outsider was to stumble upon the five of them, plus one, he or she would probably gasp, which Rosy did while she attempted to bring the dessert tray to them. She didn't make it farther than the swinging doors, which she had emerged from, before she fainted.

Quatre brought a hand to his face, his palm enforcing pressure to his forehead as he called for one of his servants to guide Miss. Rosy to her room. Trowa ignored the sudden movement within the room much as Heero and Wufei did. Duo, on the other hand, thought it was rather enlightening to watch as the very young, very gorgeous, and very plump maid, whom he did not neglect to notice, was being lifted up and taken from the room. Hell, Duo's amusement really got the better of him. Surprisingly, Quatre and the others already anticipated that was going to happen.

Feeling the need to move or at the very least do something that required action, for he was becoming extremely restless, a feeling that he did not sit well with, Heero eased his way out of his chair and headed towards the window. The cool breeze that captured the trees, leaving them swaying in an elegant fashion caught his attention and he recalled what he had been thinking earlier. During dinner, just after settling down for the second time, he decided that he needed to do something useful. Perhaps gaining Lady Une's attention and asking if he could 'borrow' some files to look over might just fill that hunger of his.

Sensing his four companions restlessness, the young handsome blonde man question out loud. "Should we just leave him here?" Quatre asked Heero before he slipped pass the doors, shrugging in response, not giving a fig what they did with him. Ralph Fangal was no concern of his and if he had it his way, the guy wouldn't be breathing right now. Quatre gave silent disapproval at Heero's intentions, which by far were none too pleasurable and guided his question towards his other peers. "On second thought, I'll ask Trowa instead." He muttered beneath his breath. Muttering was becoming a welcomed habit of his, why the hell it was, was something he had yet to comprehend.

Trowa, who raised a brow at his inquiry, also eased himself from his current spot at the table and reflected Heero's actions. "Have Rashid take him to L4 Preventor HQ. They can have the pleasure of dealing with him." He casually tossed back, taking his leave. Quatre let a silent chuckle escape his lips as he called for Rashid, for the second time that evening. Seemed that of the late, Quatre was depending and relying more upon Rashid and his men. Despite Quatre always having them around for assistance, he just thought it a bother too always has to ask them to help out. After all, did he not give them his word he would not need any further assistance from them if they did not feel the need to give it?

Oh well..... One last favor, as Quatre so called it, wouldn't hurt them.

Minutes later....

"What an interesting evening." Quatre mused while heading towards his study where, no doubt, his comrades had retired to. "Might as well get this discussion done and over with." As he neared the study, faint words reached his ears. Being the ever so sly type of guy, Quatre acted as if nothing was amiss, despite the sudden information that was given to him freely.

"Fangal failed. Mission incomplete." A voice explained, most definitely annoyed. It seemed that a one sided conversation is what he was listening to, not much conclusion given.

"Right." The voice answered. "No, yes, no... no." It spoke again, even more pestered. "I have my orders, sir."

"Order's?" Quatre replied mentally in his head slowing his pace. "What order's?" He asked himself.

His second non-noticed intruder sighed deeply giving away its hiding place and sex. "Of course, I'll get right on it. Mission accepted." The voice, Quatre defining it as a young woman's, ended. In one swift movement, she gracefully fled through shadows and disappeared down the hall. His first intention was to follow her but for all his money she could have men awaiting her.

"Next time!" Quatre vowed to himself rounding the corner flying into Duo who gave him a side ways glimpse along with raised brows.

"Next time what?" Duo asked, looking left to right thinking that Quatre was speaking to someone else and not to himself. Though he figured that his dear blond friend had to have been talking to himself, not a soul was in sight. "You feelin' all right, Quatre buddy?"

"What? Oh yes, just talking to, er, myself." Quatre called back. He passed Duo, stepping into the study where Heero stood, engaged in conversation near a window, while Trowa and Wufei sat quietly chatting amongst themselves on two sofa's. Heero sensed Quatre and Duo's entrance and terminated his call; Trowa and Wufei turning to look up at the two former Gundam Pilots in Heero's heed.

"What do you know?" Trowa asked, standing up and walking over to a cart filled with drinks. He poured himself a shot of brandy, downing it with no haste.

"I was freely given information, though the lot of it comes to no use. A women, if you must know," glancing at Wufei "was providing a one sided conversation with her adviser. Something about orders and a new mission. Both irrelevant with out the right meanings behind them."

"Any notion on who might be controlling..."

Wufei cut in. "Controlling? Why the for-sure-ness?" He eyed the source of the obscene remark, wondering why Trowa took it upon himself to concluded that that spy number two was being controlled.

Trowa shot him a skeptical glare and gave his answer. "Ralph does not vent like that. I should know, he used to vent out at me more times than I could count." He tore his eyes away from where the window was inched into the wall. "Don't you remember?" Silence filtered the air, minutes passing by.

"Yes." Come Heero's prolonged reply. Nothing further had to be said. "The Preventor's are taking care of it now. Results will be sent in tomorrow morning, Sally Po confirmed it." Heero's comment alerted Wufei's attention, alarming him to straighten his composure. Wufei's heated gaze subsided minutes later.

"She's here?" Wufei asked, not really to himself nor any one particular for that matter. "This is getting more interesting by the minute."

"Enough." Quatre added in. Frustration consumed his very being. "This is supposed to be what Miss. Relena calls, a reunion. Let's not..." His train of thought was disregarded when a new one centered in his mind foretelling the truth that had yet to surface. "Oh hell." He muttered under breath. "What am I talking about?! Whenever we five get together, it isn't exactly for a reunion." Duo laughed at that one; more for the truth behind it rather than at Quatre's sad attempt at trying to make a joke to lighten the mood.

At any rate, Duo found himself fighting his inner battles regarding laughing or not, which he really did try not to for fear of the physical pain that might follow. Knowing Heero and his slightly agitated moods, anything Duo would say, rather it be for the better or worse, would probably result with Heero giving him a deadly look and warning. So, he converted his previous thoughts to those more on the serious side, even if his expression still held a hint of trouble. "You're right. I'm just thankful that no one got hurt." Duo eyed Quatre. "Sorry about acting on instinct. I was hungry." He'd grinned from ear to ear. Wufei shook is head, Quatre smiled. "What?" His shoulders went up in defense.

"Lady Une has some files that I want to check out." Heero tossed over his shoulder while he closed the two adjoining doors to the study. Minutes later, the four of them still attained in the room could hear the faint sound of a vehicle coming to life, the engine crying out with renewed energy. Heero seemed to be in a hurry from what Wufei summed up, therefore merely shrugging it off as eagerness. It was either shrug it off or accuse Heero of knowing more of the matter at hand. Hopefully he was right with his accusation, if not then things would start to get a little more sticky. And did Wufei pray for the latter.

The clock alerted the young men the early evening hour with the eigth stroke and went silent just before reaching the ninth. A yawn escaped Duo's lips, mumbling about business and Hilde... This brought a new conversation topic to the young blonde's eyes, who really couldn't resist, with now being the prefect time and all, to bring up the subject about HighTech Inc., for starters....

"How's the business coming along, Duo?" Quatre asked, hoping that Duo wouldn't ride it off with a one word response. He could sense that his brown haired friend was hesitant in that certain subject, just as Hilde had been earlier that week- he figured that it had to do with more personal reasons. Funny, but Quatre had some questions that he wanted answers to, questions that had to do with the business, Hilde, and the relationship between them.

"Good I suppose, not much I can really say." Duo managed to say, in a neutral voice rather than in an enthusiastic tone. "After the landing of the Aderrin account, things couldn't be better." Or could they.... His mood had yet to lighten, though Trowa and Wufei expected that it would soon. If Maxwell was true to his words, he liked nothing more than to boost about his company and how rather 'large' it was becoming.

"That's great to hear." Qautre replied, adding "Hilde said as much. In fact, she seemed in high spirits when I had lunch with her...." Quatre didn't realize what he was saying before his mistake caught up with him. Oh how he longed to take back those few words that escaped his lips, but it was too late. He had said them, and now he prayed that Duo wouldn't read too much into them. Damnit, luck definitely wasn't on his side to today.

More or less, before he gave his reason, Quatre stole a quick glance at Trowa and Wufei who gave him a partial smile of sympathy then fled they too, fled the room. They looked like two dogs with their tails tucked between their legs and he knew they didn't want to get involved in this particular conversation.

Duo on the other hand was now extremely anxious about the new topic and waited patiently for Quatre to explain himself. The look in Duo's eyes confirmed him to be very annoyed as was his question once it circled Quatre. "You and Hilde had lunch together?" His tone was high strung, a little too sneering for blonde gentleman.

"Yes, though Brett Madison, CEO of AJ Squared, was, you could say, a chaperone." Nicely put Quatre mused, while pouring himself a shot of brandy and downing just as Trowa had before. "It was more of a business meeting rather than a social gathering, I can assure you that much."

Duo figured that Quatre was a little uneasy with this certain change in topic. Hell, Duo sighed. He probably wanted the download on what was happening between Hilde and himself. Then why do I feel so damn jealous and cheated...?

"Sorry for the tone." Duo offered. "I didn't expect Hilde to be... that is I mean... I thought she wanted some time..." Was Duo actually stuttering just now?

"No need for an explanation. And yes, I am aware of the current situation. She felt the need to confide in me and I let her." Quatre came to stand directly behind Duo, putting a hand on his friends shoulder to assure Duo that he took no offense. "She seems to be on top of things, really she does. Looks to me like she gained some color in her cheeks, perhaps sought a little freedom as well."

"Does she still look as beautiful as before?" Duo whispered, stepping away from Quatre and walking over towards the large bay window that had previously held Heero's attention. He knew he was risking it, asking such a personal question of a friend. In away he felt bad about having to seek answers about her from Quatre. It didn't sit well him at all.

"Of course, in fact she's even more beautiful. Her hair seems to be getting longer and from what I've noticed she has been shopping. If I had to conclude a report about her I would say she's basically having the time of her life." A smile appeared on Quatre's face, a frown appeared on Duo's.

Anger filled in his chest at his friend's simple words causing him to open his mouth in nothing but raw rage. "But like you mentioned, Quatre" he cleared his throat and walked over to the doors, grasping the handle in the wake, "that was only if you had to conclude, which" he opened the door and walked out "you most certainly do not."

Quatre stood in utter shock, though he again took no offense. What's going on between those two? He mused.

Apparently absolutely nothing. Duo's own words stung him greatly. Hilde didn't leave because of work and the stress involved. He had come to believe that little theory since the moment he watched her board the shuttle. Apparently Hilde left because she needed space. And because she needed time to breathe her own fresh air, away from me.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hilde stood at the edge of a cliff, thoughts running wild in her mind as she grasped the railing with her free hand. Jake, propped up on her hip, drooled and squealed with delight, eyeing two huge butterflies that swarmed around him. Their colors consisted of bright hughes and reds with black as an outer lining. Despite Jake thinking them to be the most interesting creatures on earth, his attention was centered on something else entirely. He watched as the pretty blonde lady staying with them walked over to a grumpy looking man whom she indulged herself in a conversation with.

Relena, who seemed to be very annoyed, sighed in frustration, no doubt upset with a certain someone, not something. That someone being the man who stood directly in front her with his arms folded across his chest, his expression grim.

So she knew that sooner or later she'd be caught red-handed and that her little vacation would come to an end. She also knew that the man in front of her would never admit he was happy to see her, even if she knew he was, if so slightly.

At any rate, she considered the possible escape routes. Slowly she backed up, taking tiny steps at first then flinging around to flee. While trying with no haste, Relena didn't get very far before a hand grasped her arm to steady and hold her in place. A gasp escaped her perfectly parted lips, ready to supply an explanation. This had to be the worst timing ever in history for her to be caught. If Hilde even so much as glance's Relena's way, she'd panic and flee. Which had it's both ups and downs, excluding the fact that Hilde was Relena's ride home after all. But that didn't really matter anymore, now that her unwelcomed guest had arrived.

Heero's eyes narrowed into slits as he pulled Relena close. A little too close for comfort. A shaky laugh hung in the air, while she tried to pull free from his grasp. She reevaluated her plan than gave Heero one of her heart-throbing smiles.

It didn't work! She was still in his reach and she was still in for it. Big time!

"An explanation is in order." Heero charged while placing his other hand on her free arm clasping it too. She wasn't going anywhere, that's for sure. His eyes softened just a tad, though in spite of everything they still held an annoyed look.

"I ah... decided to extend my vacation." She said lamely. One of his eye brows went up in 'a yeah-whatever' expression. "Heero, I really didn't lie to you, even though I know you're thinking that right now."

He still held his eye brow raised but his clenched on her lighten. For the time being that is...

"I went to my mother's and decided that I needed to seek refuge at Hilde's. I too, am entitled to a little solitude once and a while." Heero finally released both her arms and she crossed them in front of her chest. For some odd reason, she felt as if she was in questioning or something.

Slowly she glanced up and met his eyes daringly. "Perhaps I should be the one who should be shocked, even though I'm not."

"Why is that?" Heero asked in a mild-tone. Emotionless as always.

"Well, after all, you are here are you not?!" It was a question yet it wasn't. Or really, she didn't mean for it to be. Heck, she didn't know where their conversation was headed, all she wanted was to be off the hook. Hopefully Heero will give in. Hopefully!

Seeing as Heero's back faced Hilde, she really had no idea who Relena had engaged in conversation with, until she spoke up in greeting and Heero turned around. She was stunned speechless when she actually got a better look of him, who stood directly in front of her. She almost fainted, but Jake kept her from doing so. A cry was slowly building up in her throat just waiting to explode but she couldn't, wouldn't dare let that happen. Not now, not ever will she show her fear of Heero being here. That would bluntly show her weakness.

"Heero..." She huffed out loud, smiling slightly. "This most definitely is a surprise. How very good it is to see you." Hilde managed as she bounced Jake on her hip totally forgetting that he was there until Heero gave a weak smile and glanced down at him. Once more that eye brow of his shot up in question but did not bother to voice it. If Hilde had something to say, she'd say it. He was in no place to ask about the kid.

Hilde smiled yet again and looked behind Heero, giving Relena a 'what-the-hell-is-he-doing-here' look. She merely shrugged while stepping up to Heero, coming to stand on his left side. Relena really couldn't tell if Heero was interested in why Hilde held a baby boy or if he cared at all. Frankly, she hoped that Heero wasn't really interested, she didn't want to have to explain to him again, even though the first time wasn't really an explanation.

Instead, Hilde eased the tension that begun to form by inviting Heero back to the house for some cake. He welcomed the invite and locked his left arm around Relena's waist, more in the form of possessiveness rather than safety. Surprisingly, at this time of hour, it being close to nine thirty and all, quite a lot of young men where hanging about. Probably no doubt waiting to get their chance at charming Relena and Hilde.

A jealous and angry look smeared on his face at the thought of another man approaching Relena. Damnit, but it infuriated him to no end.

As the couple followed Hilde and Jake, Relena told Heero very quietly to be on his best behavior. She knew he would but still, there was no harm in warning him ahead of time, was there? Of course not, why would there be? After all, it's not like Heero to say anything offensive. Hell, he probably wouldn't say anything at all, and for some reason that didn't bring a smile to Relena's lips.

***

It was around nine fifty when the four of them finally reached Hilde's house, or as she called it and in reality it was, L4's HighTech Inc. office. Relena, Heero and Hilde sought out the kitchen while Jake took to his crib, thumb finding it's way in his mouth, eyes shutting very slowly until he was finally out like a light. Finally, Heero would receive the other end of the story- Hilde's kid, Jake.

"Let me explain..." Hilde said in a rushed tone, sighing as she took her seat across from where Heero stood looking out the window. Relena was off gathering her belongings, for she and Heero had the 'talk' about her coming back with him. Though he never mentioned where 'back' was, she still did as she was told, nothing new for she always took orders from him. Orders that she really didn't mind agreeing to.

He turned slightly, as if waiting for her to continue, though she never did. Hilde just sat there, waiting for the rights words to surface but none did. Instead, it was Jake's screaming that brought her back to life while she ran down the hall towards his room, flinging the door open.

Shadow's hid most of the room, including Jake's crib and Hilde had a sudden doubt, almost fearful, but not quite sure why. Obviously Jake was fine; he wasn't making any noise though she still had the feeling that something was wrong. She figured it was just a mother's feeling towards her baby, so she quietly pulled the door closed, sparing an inch of a crack like she always did.

As Hilde made her way back towards the kitchen where she left Heero who waited for an answer from her. She finally knew what she was going to say to him, he who would no doubt somehow manage to explain to Duo and then..... And then she'd be screwed! She thought about coming up with a lie to tell him but Relena wouldn't approve, nonetheless she wouldn't approve either. Damn, but she was cornered.

As Hilde walked back into the kitchen, she wished, more than anything she wasn't there. Of course, any sane human being who witnessed what she had just walked in on would probably be wanting to crawl into a hole just about now. There, in the middle of her kitchen, her very own kitchen, stood Heero and Relena, who obviously didn't bother to even glance her way to acknowledge that she was even present. Damn them both, not even when she cleared her throat, for the third time, did they bother to unlock themselves from each other.

She was just about to tell them exactly what she felt when the phone rang instead, saving Heero and Relena a tongue lashing that they most definitely deserved. Lucky them, she thought as she garbed the phone that hung on the wall to her right.

"Heero there?" Came the reply of a similar voice, though Hilde couldn't quite claim it to be anyone's she knows. Though it does sound a little too familiar... More thoughts came to her mind as she thought up a reply that didn't show her annoyed tone.

"He's busy at the moment, may I ask who's calling?" Hilde replied sweetly enough. This guy on the other end was kind of pushy, Hilde did not like pushy people.

"Sure, but then again I thought you'd already know who I am." He responded back, revealing more emotion in his voice than before. Hilde could have sworn, if she had heard correctly.... "Come now, surely you know it's me... minx!"

An icy chill ran down her spine, a breeze lifting her hair, the kitchen door ajar...

She froze, dead in her tracks, the air being taken from her in the process... "Duo...?!" Was all she managed to say as she flung around and felt the night's cool breeze hit her soft skin. She had heard correctly all right. Not only did she hear correctly, but her guess had been correct as well.

No more than five feet away from her stood the very man that caused her many sleepless nights and heartache to match.

No more than five feet away stood the man that haunted her very dreams....

"Duo..." Her eyes closed, her soft ivory skin paled. This can't be real...

"Minx..." He whispered into her soft dark hair while he took her still and solid body into his opening arms. His eyes soften after he felt her soft skin mesh with his.

It seemed like eternity sense the last time the two of them have seen each other; more so even. All the lonely nights sitting up watching TV or movies trying to waste the time like they had before, when they were together- when things were normal.

At any rate, the endless continuations of TV shows and movies didn't last very long. They seemed to become more wearying due to the fact that their better half wasn't sitting right there beside them to laugh with.

In spite of everything, what sadden them more was that those nights had always been 'their alone time.' When they'd come home from work tired and completely stressed out from the chaotic workday, just looking for a nice and quiet evening in each others company. Perhaps even a nice dinner they'd enjoy as an added bonus.

Again in spite of everything, all those treasured nights became lost to them even before Hilde had left. For some reason still unknown, they just didn't seem to act like themselves as time grew on. Even their employee's noticed it, hell even their closest friends too!!!

Now, the endless cold and dull night's washed over Duo's eyes, his features displaying the sorrow of those nights remembered as he held her fragile beautiful frame in his warms arms. Then, just in a flicker of an instance, anger flooded into Duo's violet orbs, realizing that all this time that they have spent apart she was doing perfectly well, probably even better so with out him.

Duo obviously did not fully see the hidden pain and misery Hilde with holds inside her just like he himself has, but only saw the fake colors and happiness that fills the kitchen. The lights even seemed revived with energy he himself lost. The child drawn paintings of lines, circles, squares- merely any shape in particular- covered mostly all of the tables surface, save three spots where coffee mugs had once laid.

Duo could tell by warmth of the kitchen that everything he conjured up, believing to be true, was not... He felt like his heart was in the process of being ripped out of his chest, his eyes stinging, the air in this lungs decreasing.. Slowly...him falling... Soooo weak...

Hilde stilled while Duo embrace her cold body. She can not believe what her eyes are viewing. It is all just a dream, nothing more. She somehow must of fell asleep while Heero, Relena and she were talking at the table and this is an illusion here before her. Yes, that's it. She is dreaming. What other explanation could she sum up? Why else would Duo be here if otherwise?..... Right???!!!!?/////

_____________________________________________________

TBC

Please Review if you want the next chapter....