~*~*~ Gundam 07: Cosmic Darkness ~*~*~
By: Rogue Angel Barton
I don't own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon. Here's the real fun.
No wait... this isn't the official chapter 20! This is kinda like the Prologue for the chapter!
AND MY EDITORS ROCK!
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Ten feet of snow covered the Winner grounds. However the roads were clear for cars, and tracks made by animals and people covered the white and spotless ground. The smell of January was in the air as the Winner mansion was buzzing with restlessness and excitement.
The servants ran up and down the long and wide corridors. The cars were being washed and polished. The windows were all being cleaned and shined. A new coat of paint was being added to places that seemed the a little old.
The ballroom was polished and decorated beyond description. Everywhere you looked, beautiful vases filled with fresh flowers stood. Long tables covered with royal purple silk tablecloths were on the sides of the ballroom. The servants were cleaning ever corner of the Winner mansion.
Duo groaned as he was ushered out the kitchen, with three plates of food in his hands. He pouted as he headed for the garden, the only place where he might be saved from the insanity for the day. As he passed the living room, he saw Quatre making calls to all the high society guests.
Deciding to find Trowa, he quickly balanced his plates and headed for the library. Duo laughed at the sight that greeted him. Trowa, the great and silent Trowa Barton... was being pushed out by five impatient servants. With one last shove from all 5 of the male servants pushed Trowa out the library and he landed ungracefully on his ass.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
"Shut up Duo." Trowa growled as he glared at the braided pilot.
Duo, never hearing that tone in Trowa's voice before, managed to control his laughter to a muffled chuckle. Trowa shrugged and walked calmly to the braided pilot. Duo stopped and looked at Trowa, his violet eyes suddenly serious.
"This is killing us."
With a quick nod, Trowa walked on. Everyone had been up since 6 in the morning, and now it was about 10. Hotaru and Heero were still sleeping contently while the rest of them tried to make the mansion beautiful and spotless. Quatre was driving them insane, they had no where to go, and Wufei had been screaming all morning!!! Setsuna and Milliardo were off doing whatever Quatre told them to.
Duo's stomach growled as he shoved a piece of toast in his mouth. Trowa watched him with a slight look of disgust before continuing on to his destination. Suddenly, the kind blond ran up to the two of them. Trowa tried to calm his friend as he attempted to breathe.
"Calm down Quatre..."
"Trowa... I need you... or someone... to wake up Hotaru... and get her... and Duo... out the house.... in an hour. The servants have stopped working for an hour to eat. They hid all the stuff."
Trowa gave a curt nod before turning around and mentioning for Duo to follow him. Duo quickly inhaled all the rest of the food and gave the plates to Quatre before running to catch up with the taller man. Quatre looked at the plates before sighing and quickly running to make sure Wufei had the garden ready.
Sunlight streamed through the cracks of the drawn dark blue silk curtains. Eight strips of light from four huge windows lit up the dark blue carpet. Four of these cracks fell softly on the dark blue velvet material of the bed sheets. Then as the sun slowly rose in the air more, these cracks slanted so that they now fell on the closed lids of the couple on the bed.
The smaller figure, upon feeling the rays of light on her pale skin, quickly turned to her left more, so that her small, porcelain face now hid itself in the chest of the other. The light gently played on the dark brown lashed of her lover as his forehead furrowed with annoyance. He turned to his right and laid on his side, both arms wrapped protectively around the waist of his sleeping tenshi.
The sun however was not pleased by this. Today was the big day of his opposite's daughter, and it was important for the slumbering couple to awaken, although he hated to do it. The mighty sun god Helios made the sun shine down upon them even brighter and hotter than before, melting the first layer of the winter snow before one stirred.
Sleeping lids opened a crack, revealing sleepy violet eyes. Her small mouth formed into a small 'O' as she expressed her drowsiness. Her hands felt the warm and soft skin of the other under her hands and her lips formed a small smile. Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, she dared to look upon his face.
The ever-present scowl was absent as his ruby red lips formed a small smile of contentment. His face was relaxed as he snuggled closer to her. The girl's smile widened as she felt his chest press into her more, melting into each other perfectly. With a small, delicate and pale hand, she gently stroked his cheek lovingly.
His smile widened as she did so. Unable to resist the urge that overcame her every time she awoke in his arms, she gently brushed his bangs away from his face with the back of her hand. Her senses came alive once she felt the soft and silky strands. At this point, his mind was telling him of her awakening.
Slowly one of his closed lids began to open. Seeing only a fuzzy image, he closed it once more. With a small yawn, he opened both eyes and blinked a few times to clear the fuzzy image. The first thing that he saw was her, smiling at him with such love and joy. He was amazed each morning how he was blessed to see her as the first thing he always saw. Her dark hair fell neatly to the pillow in waves of silky black. Unable to resist the urge, he pulled her close and buried his face in her hair and shoulder, taking in her sweet smell of lavender and spring.
His response was a light and melodious giggle that came from her. His smile widened and he felt his heart lift at that sound, so beautiful... just like her.
"Heero..."
He drew back upon hearing his name sound so sweetly as it rolled off her tongue with such ease and perfection. His intense Prussian eyes held her violet ones as their gazes met. Slowly but surely, Heero leaned down towards her. Closing her eyes, she felt her heart begin to pound at a faster pace. Then, as their lips met, their hearts exploded with indescribable joy. Heero gently caressed her lips with his, never pressuring her to do anything she did not want to.
Suddenly knocking on the door disturbed their tranquility. Heero slowly broke away, his Prussian eyes burning with a disappointed fire. Hotaru giggled as she pecked him on the lips, promising that they would continue later. Finding his voice once more after the kiss, Heero growled as the knocking came once again.
"We're up."
Heero couldn't help but allow the disappointment to sneak through in his low and deep voice. Hotaru giggled once more and kissed him on the cheek. Another, more annoying knock made Heero growl with anger.
"We're up!" He yelled.
"WHATEVER YOU TWO CRAZY KIDS SAY!!!"
Joyous laughter followed the statement as Heero groaned. He'd have to kill the braided one later. Hotaru slowly started to get up and get ready for the day. A muscular arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back to the bed before she knew it. She mock glared at him, but it faded when she saw his lopsided smile.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Hotaru shuddered at his husky and lust-filled voice. Suddenly, Heero sat up and pressed his chest to her back as he began kissing her neck, slowly working his way up.
"Heero, we have to get up."
Her response was a moan as he made his way to her cheek.
"Heero, they're going to get worried."
"Who cares?"
Hotaru felt a tingle go down her spine as Heero began nibbling on her earlobe, her one weak spot.
"Heero Yuy..."
With a groan of disappointment, Heero let her go and lay back down on the bed. Lying against the pillows, he was in a sitting position with his hands behind his head. Heero watched as with one smooth movement, Hotaru removed her black silk night gown and walk into the bathroom.
Heero sighed as he closed his eyes. He was happy, really he was. However he was a man, and his instincts were taking over. Heero and Hotaru had never.... well... gone further than kissing. He was happy to have her, however by now he wanted more. The Perfect Soldier quickly shook his head to clear his thoughts, he was content with just being never her, and he would never do anything she didn't want him to do.
Her sweet singing made its way to him as he lay there, just thinking. The water was turned on as Heero smiled. He remembered what today was, yes, a special day indeed. A mysterious smile formed on his lips. He would have some fun today. Just then the shower stopped. Heero smiled, everything was going according to plan. And if luck would have it, Hotaru would be happy by that night.
"Heero, get up."
Heero opened on eye, then the other one snapped open as both widened. He would forever be amazed by her beauty. A pair of baggy black cargo pants, and a silver spaghetti strap tank top made her look so... yummy.
Hotaru rolled her eyes and walked over to Heero's closet. Grabbing a black sleeveless shirt and baggy camouflage cargoes, he tossed them on the bed. Heero grabbed the stuff and groaned before disappearing in the bathroom.
Hotaru hummed as she went through her stuff to find something to wear with the outfit. Making sure that Heero wasn't there, she pulled out the dark blue jewelry box. Opening it, she slowly fingered the necklace. She had never worn it; it was too... delicate in her line of work. She slowly picked up the necklace, and unclasped the back. Slowly and almost hesitantly, he slipped the simple chain around her neck. Clasping it in place, Hotaru let it fall. As the chain hit her pale and reagent neck, she felt an energy coursing through her.
It was as light as a feather, and more beautiful. Hotaru stared at it in her mirror, as if in a trance. Her eyes became glassy as she bit her lower lip. A memory of her forgotten past came once more to haunt her.
~*~*~ The Forgotten Past coming to haunt our favorite Scout (AKA ma flashback!) ~*~*~
Selene watched with amusement as her friends danced with their boyfriends. She sighed; she didn't have a boyfriend really. Orion was more like her best friend. She couldn't help but wish he were more.
"Penny for you thoughts Sele."
Selene turned around to see Orion, hiding in the shadows as usual. She shook her head and looked at her friends once more. She felt Orion placing his hands on her bare shoulder. Damn it, that one touched and she was ready to melt.
"Sele what's wrong?"
"They're all so happy together..."
Orion looked at where Selene was looking. Realization hit him once he realized that his friends were dancing together. Couples...
"Do you wish you were them?"
He watched as Selene hesitantly nodded. He looked away, it was true, and she did want something more. Not that he blamed her. Suddenly his eyes flamed. Of course, that was it.
"Do you have someone on your mind Princess?"
Selene was taken aback by his sudden cold and chilling voice. She nodded numbly, not trusting her voice.
"I see."
His voice was dull, hallow, meaningless. Orion stepped back from her. That was it, he finally knew it. They were to wed, and yet she fancied another. In his mind he knew what he must do.
"I have to find Edymion."
With that he walked away. He didn't see Selene's pained and disappointed face. Yes, Orion Polaris Jr. was not an unreasonable guy. He looked back at Selene and sighed. So be it, if she wishes, he shall free her from their parents' contract. They were best friends after all. For some reason, he felt something in his heart at the thought.
~*~*~ END! YES I KNOW STRANGE! ALL SHALL BE REVEALED IN DUE TIME ~*~*~
Hotaru shook her head as the flashback ended. She fingered the delicate looking necklace once more. Suddenly, as if it burned her, she quickly unclasped it, put it into the box, and threw it into her drawer.
Hotaru suddenly stiffened, the air in the room had changed, and it was now dark with a kind of anger. She suddenly gasped, she felt it...
Hotaru slowly turned around... ever so slowly. She winced inwardly. Heero was sitting on the bed, hunched toward slightly, his eyes completely blank of any emotion. Hotaru gulped and felt her heart plummet. Heero saw what she did....
"Come on, the guys' must be getting perverted by now." Heero said in his old monotone.
Hotaru felt her blood stop and her insides freeze. Heero hasn't used that monotone with her since when he just met her. How was she going to make up for this one? Hotaru sighed as she followed Heero out their room.
"Morning Hotaru!"
Hotaru looked up and smiled at Duo as he kissed her cheek. Quatre said good morning as well and hugged Hotaru. Wufei mumbled a 'Good morning' instead of the usual death glare. Trowa smiled at her, actually smiled.
Hotaru was really puzzled. Why was everyone acting so nice to her?! Well, they were nice, except Wufei, but this was ridiculous!
"Hurry up Hotaru! Me n Wu-man are taking you out today!"
Hotaru suddenly looked at Duo and then Wufei. Wufei had started to rise, but stopped and sat back down. Okay, something was definitely wrong. Wufei would never hang out with Duo and her on the same day. Much less alone with them!
"Well Hotaru, the others and I have some business to take care of today so we thought Duo, Wufei and you could spend the day together." Said Quatre quietly picking up on her confusion.
Hotaru simply nodded, still hesitant but started eating her breakfast. Heero watched her from across the table and sighed, today was supposed to be so special.
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"You know what today is right?" Asked a deep voice to the person to them.
"Of course." Came the quick reply.
"The two of you, prepare the others." Said a low and menacing third voice. The two bowed before disappearing.
Duo grabbed Hotaru and Wufei and raced out the house. Hotaru sighed and allowed herself to be pulled by the maniac. Wufei was cursing besides her. Hotaru giggled as Duo pushed the mumbling Wufei into the back of the black Porsche. Hotaru sighed and got into the passenger's seat.
"Alright you guys, be back by seven okay?"
Duo grinned and nodded before stomping on the accelerator. Hotaru hung on for her life as the car blasted out of the driveway.
Quatre watched his disappearing car and sighed. Maybe the car will come back in one piece this time.
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Hotaru grabbed onto her seat as Duo took a sharp right, the car tires screeching. Through all her panic, she could hear Wufei praying in the back seat. She didn't blame him though.
"AHHHH DUO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Hotaru screamed as Duo swerved into the left side of the road and barely dodged an oncoming car. Wufei let out another string of colorful words, cursing anything from Duo's braid to Deathscythe to modern mankind.
"COME ON GUYS LOOSEN UP!" Screamed Duo while laughing.
Hotaru and Wufei looked at each other before Hotaru finally lost it.
"LOOSEN UP?! WE'RE ABOUT TO DIE BECAUSE OF YOU BRAIDED BAKA HOW CAN WE LOSSEN UP?! I CAN PRACTICALLY SEE MY LIFE FLASHING BEFORE MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Duo rolled his eyes at the pale girl next to him.
"Geez loosen up you two, seriously! I know what I'm- AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
The three of them shrieked as they realized that Duo was in the direct path of a semi. Duo gripped the steering wheel and turned to the right hard. A loud horn smothered their cries as they sped past the two-ton truck.
As luck would have it, they turned into the parking lot of the mall and ended up perfectly in a parking space.
The three sat there, breathing very hard, their eyes wide open.
"That wasn't so bad eh guys?"
Hotaru and Wufei glared at Duo before both hitting him for the comment. Duo pouted and got out the car. Hotaru and Wufei looked at each other again.
"At least we're still alive." Hotaru said after a few seconds.
"MAXWELL YOU ARE NEVER DRIVING AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!" Scream an enraged Wufei at Duo.
Hotaru sighed and rolled her eyes, it was going to be a long day.
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Quatre growled in frustration. Nothing was going the right way!!! The flower arrangements were all wrong and the colors didn't match at all!
The blond ran a hand through his short blond hair and asked a maid whether all the guests had been invited. The maid nodded and quickly left to check up on the chefs. Quatre sighed and collapsed in a chair nearby.
******
Wufei paled once he realized where Hotaru was dragging Duo and him.
"ONNA! NO WAY!!!"
Hotaru glared at Wufei as he continued to struggle. Even Duo was running away, but Hotaru grabbed him by the braid. Duo screamed in pain, and reluctance. Hotaru sighed.
"Guys, I don't know why men are so difficult about this!"
Wufei and Duo stared at her as if she grew another head. Hotaru sighed again in exasperation.
"Guys it's just-" Hotaru started.
"No onna don't even say the name!" Interrupted Wufei who was frantic.
"Victoria's Secret..." Finished Hotaru unfazed by Wufei's complaint.
"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Screamed Duo and Wufei as they sank to their knees and held their heads at if in great pain.
Everyone watched the two men who seemed to be in a permanent state of shock lying on the floor as they were dragged in by the collar of their shirts by a frail looking girl.
$$$$$$
Setsuna growled once she realized that the color was all wrong! Setsuna buried her face in her hands in frustration.
"Setsuna... calm down, we'll find the right one eventually."
Setsuna looked up at Milliardo and glared at him. She sighed when he massaged her aching shoulders. Setsuna waved her hand at the dress that another sales agent showed her. Milliardo sat in the chair next to her and yawned. Setsuna glared at her and sighed once again as the parade of dresses started once again.
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Hotaru smiled at Duo and Wufei as they happily ran out of Victoria's Secret. However, Wufei was carrying two bags as he looked at them distastefully.
"Come on Wu-man! It's not that bad!" Cried Duo as he laughed and teased Wufei. Wufei simply glared at him and cursed under his breath.
"Duo, since you're so kind to Wufei, you can carry the next few bags!" Hotaru said as she smiled innocently. Wufei smirked while Duo's mouth fell open.
Hotaru smiled even more as they prepared to enter the Gap. Five seconds later, she came out in a new black tank top, dark brown leather pants and a new dark blue jacket. Then they crossed the whole mall and entered Aeropostale. An hour later, Duo and Wufei were each weighed down with three more bags each as Hotaru wore a pair of form fitting gray sweatpants with an orange stripe going down either side.
"Maxwell, Yuy owes us." Wufei said, as they appeared out of Banana Republic with 2 new bags each.
Duo only nodded as they went into a shoe store only to resurface half an hour later with five new pairs of shoes. Wufei suggested that they drop the things off in the car, which Hotaru gladly accepted. As they loaded up the trunk, Duo looked at Wufei and sighed.
"Today's gonna be a long day..."
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Heero put the last finishing touches and walked away. Looking at his masterpiece, he couldn't help but smile. Anything for Hotaru...
Heero frowned and watched as Quatre fussed over the decorations. That morning he would have said his Hotaru... but then he saw her throw the necklace into the drawer.
Running a hand through his messy brown hair, he turned around and quickly walked out the room and into the garden. Once he reached the balcony outside, a leaned against the white marble railing.
Didn't she like the necklace? She loved it so much when he gave it to her... but she never wore it once... She said it was too precious.
'Lies? Can she be lying to me?' Heero screamed in his mind as he paced back and forth like a caged animal.
'Damn it! Damn her. What did she do to me? What is wrong with this?! I thought we were happy, or is it just another illusion? Another illusion in my god damn life?' Heero sat down on the floor and his fists clenched together.
'Today was supposed to be perfect. Today was supposed to be special. I was supposed to show her how much we all care about her... how much I care about her...' Despair clawed away at his once more. The pain of the past flooding back.
'Why can't we just be happy like everyone else? Why do we always have to have these things come in the way? Can't we just be happy and content... can't I just feel and love her...?'
With glassy eyes, Heero looked at the huge ballroom. Everything was perfect, nothing out of place... nothing except his heart. With a sigh Heero stood up and began pacing again. Okay, he'll make the night special like he said, but only because it's Hotaru.
As he walked inside, a pair of ravens watched him from a tree nearby; their black soulless eyes filled with mischief and triumph.
Hotaru jumped out the car and kissed the ground. Duo had driven the way home. Thank God she was still in one piece! Wufei quickly ran out the car as well and was embracing the cement. Duo looked at the two and sighed.
"I'm not that bad am I?" Duo said in a whiny voice.
Hotaru and Wufei looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Duo hmphed and grabbed the things from the trunk. He turned to Hotaru and Wufei, suddenly serious.
"Dress in something nice. Quatre's holding a grand ball tonight."
With that the braided one turned around and walked into the mansion. Hotaru looked at Wufei puzzled as she grabbed her messenger bag.
"Why didn't Quatre tell me?" Hotaru asked sharply as her eyebrows furrowed in dismay.
"I'm sure he just forgot." Wufei said shrugging and taking the rest of the bags.
Hotaru simply nodded and walked up the stairs and opened the door with her key. Her eyes darkened with puzzlement as she realized that the mansion was completely quiet... not only quiet but also deserted. No one was around at all.
Hotaru simply shrugged and hurried upstairs. The ball must have already started! No wonder Quatre wanted them back by seven. Hotaru scrambled into her room once she realized it was ten minutes to seven.
Hotaru turned on the lights and shot into the bathroom. Taking a twenty-minute shower, she hopped out the shower and was about to search her closet when she saw something on the bed. Still in her towel, she walked over to it and took the rose on top. She smiled and smelled the beautiful white rose before she noticed a note dangled from a string. She quickly read the neat and cursive handwriting.
'Hotaru,
I knew you'd want a dress for tonight. I hope this suite you, Setsuna picked it out. Hurry down stairs.
Heero'
Hotaru smiled at the thought of Heero's thoughtfulness. She lifted off the top and gasped. It was beautiful.
Quickly putting it on, Hotaru swept her ebony hair up into a bun with two wisps in front framing her petite and pale face. She slowly walked to the dresser and opened a drawer. Biting her bottom lip, she took out the dark blue jewelry box. A second later, she took out the necklace. Her eyes held a glassy look as she slipped it on.
Hotaru broke away from her trance once a knocking came from the door. She took her dark red silk wrap and slowly put it on. She hurried to open the door.
Wufei and Duo's eyes widened once they saw Hotaru. See was... drop... dead... gorgeous! Their jaws practically hit the floor. Hotaru giggled at them. The boys looked pretty good. Duo was dressed in a dark red suit, dark red dress shirt and a light red silk tie. His face held the usual grin, but his eyes shone with a kind of new mischief.
Wufei looked pretty good as well. He wore a simple white suit, with a white dress shirt and a black tie. What was up with the color schemes? Hotaru shrugged and followed the guys down the stairs.
They headed towards the ballroom. Hotaru looked around again and became nervous. Okay... the whole house was silent... no one around... not even a guest or servant... what was going on?!
"Okay you two, what's going on?" Hotaru said, her voice suddenly serious.
"Come on babe! Nothing's going on! The party must have started without us!" Duo yelled happily and opened the door for Hotaru. Wufei opened the other door for her. Hotaru smiled her thanks at them before entering the ballroom.
Hotaru walked into the pitch-dark room when suddenly....
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THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm being dead serious. No more until next chapter. THANKS SO MUCH TO MY BRILLIANT EDITORS ONCE MORE!!! YOU GUYS ARE SO TOTALLY AWESOME!
And don't worry, next chapter really starts getting fun. This is just the um... Prologue to the 20th chapter technically. Aite, laterz! Review too!
Oh yeah, with all the names of the stores, I um... well I'm just using them in my fic for the purpose of Hotaru's shopping spree. Okay whatever, you guys know the rest.