Chapter 4
Relena smiled as the familiar slums came into view. The girls standing on the stoops eyed her cautiously as she made her way towards her own stoop where she had stood only a few days before. Her uneasiness vanished into outrage when she spotted a girl standing in her place. She barely let her fingers brush the knife hidden on her belt. As she approached, the girl gave her an arrogant look.
"Well well well," commented Relena as she drew closer. "What have we here?" Her voice rang out like a gunshot and several windows opened and disheveled heads poked out to watch the sight below. Her friends were a few of them Cathy yelled down a greeting to her friend.
"Hey Lovely! Glad you're back!" Relena waved with a grim look on her face.
"Yeah me too, but I see you guys didn't take care of my place. You let a hussy have it! Unlike her, I'm sure I've got a lot more class." She turned back to the girl who gave her a cold look.
"You back from your vacation Lovely?" called down Noin. Relena smiled.
"Sorry Smartgirl just came to take care of some business." She didn't look away from the girl. "Get… off… my… stoop. That stoop is my place and with you on it, it makes me wonder, what are all my wonderful clients going to do? They'll be so confused after such unsatisfying sessions." Brittany glared at her again.
"You're gone, Lovely. I've got your place now, go back from where you came from." Relena's eyes narrowed. Relena turned and yelled up to someone.
"Hey, Outrageous!" She kept her eyes on Brittany. Natria yelled down to her.
"What ya' need Lovely?" A man's head poked out as well.
"Hey! Lovely! Hey guys! Lovely's back!" he yelled. The other men poked their heads out and saw she was. Catcalls and loud whistles showed their appreciation. Relena ignored them.
"Outrageous, do I have a reputation?"
"Sure as hell!" yelled Natria. Relena yelled again.
"Hey Candy!"
"Yeah Lovely?" yelled Hilde.
"Who has a waiting list the size of Japan on this side of town?"
"You Lovely!" Hilde sensed a fight and she couldn't wait to see it break out. It was obvious to everyone that Relena was one of the better fighters in the slums but it seemed Brittany didn't.
"Skank!"
"Yeah!" yelled Dorothy.
"Who has the most jobs here on this side of Japan?"
"You all the way!" Relena faced Brittany again with raised eyebrows.
"I'd say my place is still in tact." Brittany was losing her confidence quickly. "So, I suggest you get your miniscule ass off my stoop and find a different city to torture with what you call a public service." Brittany was furious and she flew forward with hot red manicured nails. Relena wasn't quite ready and stalled when reaching for her knife. The nails caught the skin and a little blood trickled down. I can cover it with make up, thought Relena for a second, before she was distracted once again. The knife was out in a flash. No one saw the slash, but trickle of blood sliding down Brittany's cheek showed of Relena's move. Everything was silent as everyone watched a drop of blood hit the cement. Brittany, in shock, slowly reached up and touched the deep cut and brought her hand back down to stare at the blood. Suddenly, she fainted. A cheer of victory went up for her. Relena twirled the knife skillfully and it was suddenly back in her belt.
"Make sure my place is still here and unoccupied. I've got a job to finish be back in a few days or so!" She waved and was gone. Cathy turned in the window and commented over to Natria.
"She was bleeding." Natria shrugged and returned to her job, as did the others.
Relena drove home, satisfied with the results of her reclaiming her place. She smiled, as she remained undefeated. Her legend was to live on. No one was going to take her from her throne. They were all equal, but it was unspoken when it came to who was leader. It was like a rule that had developed without anyone aware of it. Relena was in control and her advisors, all the others she trusted with her life. She sneered every time she remembered how she had ended up there. Studying college student who couldn't keep up with the studies and bills. Night job turned into a new way of big money. She smiled. She was better off than anyone might have thought, only because she worked to keep her reputation up. This job she had was a risk to leave for so long, but she decided she needed something new for once.
Finally, she reached the house and saw that the lights were on, but the other cars were gone. Heero was still up then. This was going to be bad. She shivered when she remembered his earlier attitude. Slowly, quietly, she made her way inside. He was in the kitchen, she could tell. Maybe if she went fast enough he wouldn't catch her. She got half way up the stairs before he called to her.
"Where did you go?"
"I had to take care of some business. That's all. I'm going to head up and go to bed." Suddenly, she remembered the cut on her cheek and wanted to get away as quickly as possible, but there was no luck in that area that night. Heero stepped out of the kitchen holding a mug of coffee. He took one glance at her face and his eyes narrowed considerably.
"What happened to your face?" he asked in a monotone voice. Relena smiled and shrugged.
"I accidentally ran into an open door." Better sounding like a fool then admitting the truth.
"A door doesn't make four claw marks all in a row. Who gave you those marks?" he asked a little more stiffly. Relena was becoming angry.
"You know, that's none of your business. Since when did you care?" she cried in annoyance. "I'm going to go up and soak in the tub the rest of the evening so just leave me alone!" Relena began to make her way back up the stairs, but Heero stopped her by reaching through the bars of the railing on the staircase and grabbing a passing ankle. Relena tripped and fell. It took Heero only a moment or two to vault over and land on the stairs and pinning her down. She was helpless and she sat there glaring up at Heero.
"Heero, I suggest you get off of me this instant before I do something so uncomfortable, you may not be able to survive it," she growled. When he didn't move, she spoke of doing something so foul to him that he tightened his grip in caution. Relena growled and tried to struggle once again, but he was too strong.
"Can I get a straight answer without getting a smart ass remark from you?" asked Heero. Relena sat there and refused to reply. She only shot daggers with her eyes. Heero was unfazed.
"Where did you get that scratch?"
"I got into a cat fight ok? Some bitch was trying for a position in my friend's job and I wasn't going to let her give it up right away. The little floozy got more than she expected." Relena smiled a little in remembrance of Brittany's shocked face. She came back to present when Heero's hands loosened to a light grip, but she didn't move. She didn't dare for fear of… fear of what?
"Come on let's get that cut cleaned up," stated Heero. Relena refused to move.
"It's a small scrape. Would you back off and stop acting like a mother hen." Heero's grip returned.
"Listen…"
"No you listen. I'm tired and want to go to bed. So if you don't mind, I'd like to get up and you leave me alone."
"You want me to leave you alone?" asked Heero in that low voice. Relena glared up at him.
"Yes," she said bluntly.
"You sure?" She was going to snap at him, but his hands slowly slipped down her sides, making her gasp. Her eyes clouded over into a dreamy haze. His hands massaged and rubbed and flexed on her sides and hips. She slowly rose up off the stairs and took his lips. Heero took this opportunity and began to kiss her as well, sending her mind spiraling. He believed he was in total control, but in reality neither could gain even a little. Relena gasped as Heero reached down to her jeans, rubbing lower and massaging. Relena only remembered giving pleasantries to others, and now, it was wonderful to have someone trying to please her instead. She sighed when Heero's hands brushed her legs. Then he brought them back up to slide past her chest and up her neck and to cup her cheeks. Relena was surprised when she felt a few tears run down her cheeks. Heero was shocked by this and pulled back abruptly.
"Relena?" he asked unsurely. Relena smiled a little and Heero relaxed again. He lowered himself back down to her to resume what they had left unfinished. Relena let him have full access to her and she was awed by his carefulness and consideration. She loved the feeling. Relena groaned. She didn't notice when Heero picked her up. He simply kissed her all the way up to her room and shut the door for the rest of the night.
Duo smiled as he stared around the bar and saw the indicated table that he had told… Hilde was her name… that he was going to meet her. He had literally fallen in love with her voice the moment he picked up the phone. He was curious of the caller for some strange reason. He saw a beautiful young woman sitting there, leaning over a glass of beer. He swallowed and signaled Trowa to follow him. Hilde had asked him if he had any friends that were quiet and would let others do the talking. He had immediately thought of Trowa and agreed to convince him to come with him. Sitting on the other end of the booth was another young woman. She had brown hair and beautiful eyes that shined in the dim lights of the hectic bar. The girl with brown hair turned and looked up as if she could tell the two men were staring at them. The other young woman turned as well and saw them. Her eyes were cool as she examined them closely. Duo blushed a little and walked over and Trowa followed.
Trowa examined the two young women that were sitting there to greet them. The one with the dark hair was smiling cheerfully. She wore a short shirt that was nearly see-through and shorts that rose way above the line of being improper. The other wore a brassiere looking top that was hot red and she wore shorts as well that were rag tag in patches all over. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and the both looked like any man's dream.
"You must be Duo," said the girl with the dark hair. She stood up and stuck out her hand for him to shake. Duo only stared for a moment and placed his hand in hers as well.
"It's nice to meet you, Hilde. Glad we got to talk on the phone." Hilde smiled.
"I'd like to introduce you to Cathy. She's my friend from back home." Cathy nodded coolly, not extending a hand. She didn't know if she could trust these men at all. The other one with brown hair seemed rather… cold and distant. Well, if he was going to be like that, then why should she make the effort? Her heart rushed at the eye contact they made and she quickly averted her eyes to the dance floor of the bar. Hilde invited the others to sit down.
"So, how did you and Relena come to know each other." Hilde shrugged.
"We met her a few years back when we were all trying to go for college, it turns out that business didn't quite turn out, so we quit school and tried to start our own lives the way we wanted," answered Cathy for Hilde. Trowa seemed to glare at the part where they all quit college.
"Too bad Relena dropped though, she was great at being the accountant. She handles all the cash flow in our business. Man, she has those numbers down as if they were her own invention." Duo smiled at the wording Hilde used. She was a warm-hearted person. One could tell just by looking at her.
"So, what do you do for business?" asked Trowa disinterestedly. Hilde and Cathy had been informed of the situation that Relena was in and they had debated on what they should say if the subject should come up. Well, it did and amazingly, both had forgotten what it was they were going to say. Hilde sputtered out an answer.
"We are with social services." Hilde shot Cathy a nervous look. At least it was somewhat true. Duo seemed satisfied with that answer and he momentarily returned his attention to his glass.
"I take it that you know who Jessie is then, right?" Cathy replied this time.
"Actually, Relena, being that she was in the states for so long, never got to introduce us to her cousin." Cathy didn't like lying, but if it meant to cover for Relena, then sure, she'd do it with no hesitation whatsoever. Trowa's cold eyes landed on Cathy and she shivered involuntarily.
"Hilde, may I ask you to dance?" said Duo with an air of being in a fancy restaurant and asking a lady to dance with him. Hilde gave him an odd look. Maybe one of wonder, it was best described. Hilde only nodded and held out her hand for Duo to grip. Slowly, they made their way to the dark dance floor where the heat of movement was mixed with the fast rhythmic music. Now, Cathy and Trowa were left alone only to sit quietly in an uncomfortable silence. She felt as if she was going to be smothered by it. She hated it when she met a dead personality guy. It wasn't any fun.
"What kind of social service are you involved in?" asked Trowa suddenly. It caught Cathy off guard. Her mind quickly began to brainstorm for an idea. Finally, she blurted out that she was part of the police force. He didn't believe her. It was written all over his face. The way his jaw tightened. How his eyes became even more distant. How his head lowered dangerously so that she couldn't see his facial expression in the next instant.
"I don't know anything about you. What do you do for a living?" asked Cathy with as much interest as she could muster. Why had she let Hilde talk her into this? Why? She knew she would have to lie for Relena. The moment Hilde said that she was going to meet a friend of Relena's latest client; she knew that this was going to happen. Trowa didn't seem to answer right away.
"I'm involved with social services as well." Cathy stiffened slightly, but managed to force a smile.
"That's interesting, I haven't seen you before." Trowa's eyes narrowed and that cold sense of dread returned to Cathy.
"That's funny, the same here." His whole body language was screaming that his statement was used as sarcasm and insinuating something else.
"Hey, are you saying that I do not belong to the police force? Because I can tell you right now buddy, I have a pair of handcuffs at home just in case." Cathy forced herself not to laugh at the second thought of what she had just said. Yes, it was true, she had a pair of handcuffs, but it was not for arresting anyone, at least not for any longer than an hour or two.
"I didn't say anything. I just said that I hadn't seen you in the police force before." Cathy turned her nose up.
"Listen, I don't have to sit here and have my credibility smashed by someone. If you have a problem with me, just say it straight out." Cathy hated being scrutinized and then treated, as if nothing was wrong, especially when she knew something was up. She began to stand up and look for Hilde but Trowa's voice stopped her.
"Who are you two trying to kid?" whispered Trowa. Cathy spun around and her eyes showed that they had been found out. Her smile, the way she held herself high, all told him that he had hit his mark. He felt a bit of the 'I knew it!' feeling. He smiled a little.
"Who are you all really? Who is Relena? She does not look like Jessie and they are definitely not related." Cathy smiled.
"Boy, aren't we bright," she muttered. "Listen, I'm sure you want to be here as much I do, which is none. If I'm guessing right, your friend over there," she nodded towards Duo, who was dancing in his own little world with Hilde. "He dragged you along as was I. Am I right?" Trowa only gave a slight grunt. Cathy smiled.
"Hey, I'm heading out. Tell Candy, I'm heading out, I'm sure I can find some acquaintance to take me home. Sorry tonight wasn't so great. I'll see you 'round." Cathy turned and headed for the door. Trowa's eyes remained on her as she made her way through the crowd. Suddenly a man shouted out a name and she stopped and waved. The man that had yelled out to her stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist and they began to walk out together. Trowa's eyes narrowed as he saw the other man's arm slyly make its way around Cathy's side and his hand conveniently landed almost on her rear. She didn't seem to mind at all. She listened to what the man was whispering into her ear and laughed a little. She wasn't enjoying herself at all, and even looked hesitant in going with the man, but she looked as if it was a chore she didn't want to do, but was required.
She had come as close as possible to admitting that she had lied. Trowa saw that instantly. From her actions and attitude, he could tell that she didn't like lying either and did not like the idea of meeting a stranger like that. She seemed almost afraid that he was going to jump her, or she was anticipating something, but she seemed relieved when she made her way out. That relief was gone as she was greeted by that other man. Trowa saw it all click into place. His eyes shot back to Hilde. The way she moved, her attitude, the way she dressed, her extra little name, what Relena had mentioned earlier on the phone, about all of them being sluts, it clicked, but why was Relena over at Heero and Jessie's? Trowa shook his head in confusion. Cathy had practically told him straight out who and what she was and seemed to want to make him realize this.
Finally, after it seemed hours, Duo and Hilde made their way over to the table. Hilde looked around in surprise.
"Where's Cathy? She didn't go home did she?"
"Actually, yes, she did. She left with some guy. I guess she must have known him before. A look of knowing passed over Hilde's face and Trowa's earlier assumptions were proven.
"Hey, Duo, I'm bushed and I think I'll head out. I'll talk to you later."
"Actually, I'm really sorry, but I have to get going too. If Cathy left so early, I guess I better be getting along tonight too." Duo looked disappointed, but didn't stop Hilde from getting ready to leave. Hilde gathered up her purse and when she turned around to leave, Duo was standing there.
"Can I take you home? It is late and…" Hilde smiled sweetly.
"Usually, I would let a guy take me home, but I guess tonight isn't such a great idea. I have to be going now…" Hilde moved to go around him, but Duo stopped her once again.
"Would I be able to call you? We could do this again sometime." Hilde smiled, a look of sadness in her eyes.
"We'll have to see. Everything is kind of… complicated."
"But…" Duo's eyes seemed to drill into hers, but Hilde resisted the force that was making her want to tell him yes. She shook off the strange feeling.
"I have to go. I hope we do get to go out sometime, but right now… it's too confusing. Goodnight Trowa, it was nice meeting you. I'm sorry Cathy skipped out like that; I'll talk to her later." She quickly made her exit. Duo stared after her and sighed when he turned around. His eyes caught the gleam of amusement in Trowa's own eyes.
"What's so funny?" he asked in annoyance. Trowa only looked down at his glass.
"I suggest you don't get too close to her." Duo glared at him.
"Why?" he snapped.
"Because she's a prostitute." Duo stared at Trowa and his eyes grew hard with contempt. Trowa saw it and only smiled. He got up and reached for his jacket.
"Just think about that for a while. It'll all fit sooner or later. My suggestion is prove it to yourself. Her name is Candy on the street." Duo shot a death look at his friend.
"How would you know?"
"Cathy told me her name was Candy." Duo seemed to swing his gaze back to the door that Hilde had just left through.
Relena smiled as the familiar slums came into view. The girls standing on the stoops eyed her cautiously as she made her way towards her own stoop where she had stood only a few days before. Her uneasiness vanished into outrage when she spotted a girl standing in her place. She barely let her fingers brush the knife hidden on her belt. As she approached, the girl gave her an arrogant look.
"Well well well," commented Relena as she drew closer. "What have we here?" Her voice rang out like a gunshot and several windows opened and disheveled heads poked out to watch the sight below. Her friends were a few of them Cathy yelled down a greeting to her friend.
"Hey Lovely! Glad you're back!" Relena waved with a grim look on her face.
"Yeah me too, but I see you guys didn't take care of my place. You let a hussy have it! Unlike her, I'm sure I've got a lot more class." She turned back to the girl who gave her a cold look.
"You back from your vacation Lovely?" called down Noin. Relena smiled.
"Sorry Smartgirl just came to take care of some business." She didn't look away from the girl. "Get… off… my… stoop. That stoop is my place and with you on it, it makes me wonder, what are all my wonderful clients going to do? They'll be so confused after such unsatisfying sessions." Brittany glared at her again.
"You're gone, Lovely. I've got your place now, go back from where you came from." Relena's eyes narrowed. Relena turned and yelled up to someone.
"Hey, Outrageous!" She kept her eyes on Brittany. Natria yelled down to her.
"What ya' need Lovely?" A man's head poked out as well.
"Hey! Lovely! Hey guys! Lovely's back!" he yelled. The other men poked their heads out and saw she was. Catcalls and loud whistles showed their appreciation. Relena ignored them.
"Outrageous, do I have a reputation?"
"Sure as hell!" yelled Natria. Relena yelled again.
"Hey Candy!"
"Yeah Lovely?" yelled Hilde.
"Who has a waiting list the size of Japan on this side of town?"
"You Lovely!" Hilde sensed a fight and she couldn't wait to see it break out. It was obvious to everyone that Relena was one of the better fighters in the slums but it seemed Brittany didn't.
"Skank!"
"Yeah!" yelled Dorothy.
"Who has the most jobs here on this side of Japan?"
"You all the way!" Relena faced Brittany again with raised eyebrows.
"I'd say my place is still in tact." Brittany was losing her confidence quickly. "So, I suggest you get your miniscule ass off my stoop and find a different city to torture with what you call a public service." Brittany was furious and she flew forward with hot red manicured nails. Relena wasn't quite ready and stalled when reaching for her knife. The nails caught the skin and a little blood trickled down. I can cover it with make up, thought Relena for a second, before she was distracted once again. The knife was out in a flash. No one saw the slash, but trickle of blood sliding down Brittany's cheek showed of Relena's move. Everything was silent as everyone watched a drop of blood hit the cement. Brittany, in shock, slowly reached up and touched the deep cut and brought her hand back down to stare at the blood. Suddenly, she fainted. A cheer of victory went up for her. Relena twirled the knife skillfully and it was suddenly back in her belt.
"Make sure my place is still here and unoccupied. I've got a job to finish be back in a few days or so!" She waved and was gone. Cathy turned in the window and commented over to Natria.
"She was bleeding." Natria shrugged and returned to her job, as did the others.
Relena drove home, satisfied with the results of her reclaiming her place. She smiled, as she remained undefeated. Her legend was to live on. No one was going to take her from her throne. They were all equal, but it was unspoken when it came to who was leader. It was like a rule that had developed without anyone aware of it. Relena was in control and her advisors, all the others she trusted with her life. She sneered every time she remembered how she had ended up there. Studying college student who couldn't keep up with the studies and bills. Night job turned into a new way of big money. She smiled. She was better off than anyone might have thought, only because she worked to keep her reputation up. This job she had was a risk to leave for so long, but she decided she needed something new for once.
Finally, she reached the house and saw that the lights were on, but the other cars were gone. Heero was still up then. This was going to be bad. She shivered when she remembered his earlier attitude. Slowly, quietly, she made her way inside. He was in the kitchen, she could tell. Maybe if she went fast enough he wouldn't catch her. She got half way up the stairs before he called to her.
"Where did you go?"
"I had to take care of some business. That's all. I'm going to head up and go to bed." Suddenly, she remembered the cut on her cheek and wanted to get away as quickly as possible, but there was no luck in that area that night. Heero stepped out of the kitchen holding a mug of coffee. He took one glance at her face and his eyes narrowed considerably.
"What happened to your face?" he asked in a monotone voice. Relena smiled and shrugged.
"I accidentally ran into an open door." Better sounding like a fool then admitting the truth.
"A door doesn't make four claw marks all in a row. Who gave you those marks?" he asked a little more stiffly. Relena was becoming angry.
"You know, that's none of your business. Since when did you care?" she cried in annoyance. "I'm going to go up and soak in the tub the rest of the evening so just leave me alone!" Relena began to make her way back up the stairs, but Heero stopped her by reaching through the bars of the railing on the staircase and grabbing a passing ankle. Relena tripped and fell. It took Heero only a moment or two to vault over and land on the stairs and pinning her down. She was helpless and she sat there glaring up at Heero.
"Heero, I suggest you get off of me this instant before I do something so uncomfortable, you may not be able to survive it," she growled. When he didn't move, she spoke of doing something so foul to him that he tightened his grip in caution. Relena growled and tried to struggle once again, but he was too strong.
"Can I get a straight answer without getting a smart ass remark from you?" asked Heero. Relena sat there and refused to reply. She only shot daggers with her eyes. Heero was unfazed.
"Where did you get that scratch?"
"I got into a cat fight ok? Some bitch was trying for a position in my friend's job and I wasn't going to let her give it up right away. The little floozy got more than she expected." Relena smiled a little in remembrance of Brittany's shocked face. She came back to present when Heero's hands loosened to a light grip, but she didn't move. She didn't dare for fear of… fear of what?
"Come on let's get that cut cleaned up," stated Heero. Relena refused to move.
"It's a small scrape. Would you back off and stop acting like a mother hen." Heero's grip returned.
"Listen…"
"No you listen. I'm tired and want to go to bed. So if you don't mind, I'd like to get up and you leave me alone."
"You want me to leave you alone?" asked Heero in that low voice. Relena glared up at him.
"Yes," she said bluntly.
"You sure?" She was going to snap at him, but his hands slowly slipped down her sides, making her gasp. Her eyes clouded over into a dreamy haze. His hands massaged and rubbed and flexed on her sides and hips. She slowly rose up off the stairs and took his lips. Heero took this opportunity and began to kiss her as well, sending her mind spiraling. He believed he was in total control, but in reality neither could gain even a little. Relena gasped as Heero reached down to her jeans, rubbing lower and massaging. Relena only remembered giving pleasantries to others, and now, it was wonderful to have someone trying to please her instead. She sighed when Heero's hands brushed her legs. Then he brought them back up to slide past her chest and up her neck and to cup her cheeks. Relena was surprised when she felt a few tears run down her cheeks. Heero was shocked by this and pulled back abruptly.
"Relena?" he asked unsurely. Relena smiled a little and Heero relaxed again. He lowered himself back down to her to resume what they had left unfinished. Relena let him have full access to her and she was awed by his carefulness and consideration. She loved the feeling. Relena groaned. She didn't notice when Heero picked her up. He simply kissed her all the way up to her room and shut the door for the rest of the night.
Duo smiled as he stared around the bar and saw the indicated table that he had told… Hilde was her name… that he was going to meet her. He had literally fallen in love with her voice the moment he picked up the phone. He was curious of the caller for some strange reason. He saw a beautiful young woman sitting there, leaning over a glass of beer. He swallowed and signaled Trowa to follow him. Hilde had asked him if he had any friends that were quiet and would let others do the talking. He had immediately thought of Trowa and agreed to convince him to come with him. Sitting on the other end of the booth was another young woman. She had brown hair and beautiful eyes that shined in the dim lights of the hectic bar. The girl with brown hair turned and looked up as if she could tell the two men were staring at them. The other young woman turned as well and saw them. Her eyes were cool as she examined them closely. Duo blushed a little and walked over and Trowa followed.
Trowa examined the two young women that were sitting there to greet them. The one with the dark hair was smiling cheerfully. She wore a short shirt that was nearly see-through and shorts that rose way above the line of being improper. The other wore a brassiere looking top that was hot red and she wore shorts as well that were rag tag in patches all over. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and the both looked like any man's dream.
"You must be Duo," said the girl with the dark hair. She stood up and stuck out her hand for him to shake. Duo only stared for a moment and placed his hand in hers as well.
"It's nice to meet you, Hilde. Glad we got to talk on the phone." Hilde smiled.
"I'd like to introduce you to Cathy. She's my friend from back home." Cathy nodded coolly, not extending a hand. She didn't know if she could trust these men at all. The other one with brown hair seemed rather… cold and distant. Well, if he was going to be like that, then why should she make the effort? Her heart rushed at the eye contact they made and she quickly averted her eyes to the dance floor of the bar. Hilde invited the others to sit down.
"So, how did you and Relena come to know each other." Hilde shrugged.
"We met her a few years back when we were all trying to go for college, it turns out that business didn't quite turn out, so we quit school and tried to start our own lives the way we wanted," answered Cathy for Hilde. Trowa seemed to glare at the part where they all quit college.
"Too bad Relena dropped though, she was great at being the accountant. She handles all the cash flow in our business. Man, she has those numbers down as if they were her own invention." Duo smiled at the wording Hilde used. She was a warm-hearted person. One could tell just by looking at her.
"So, what do you do for business?" asked Trowa disinterestedly. Hilde and Cathy had been informed of the situation that Relena was in and they had debated on what they should say if the subject should come up. Well, it did and amazingly, both had forgotten what it was they were going to say. Hilde sputtered out an answer.
"We are with social services." Hilde shot Cathy a nervous look. At least it was somewhat true. Duo seemed satisfied with that answer and he momentarily returned his attention to his glass.
"I take it that you know who Jessie is then, right?" Cathy replied this time.
"Actually, Relena, being that she was in the states for so long, never got to introduce us to her cousin." Cathy didn't like lying, but if it meant to cover for Relena, then sure, she'd do it with no hesitation whatsoever. Trowa's cold eyes landed on Cathy and she shivered involuntarily.
"Hilde, may I ask you to dance?" said Duo with an air of being in a fancy restaurant and asking a lady to dance with him. Hilde gave him an odd look. Maybe one of wonder, it was best described. Hilde only nodded and held out her hand for Duo to grip. Slowly, they made their way to the dark dance floor where the heat of movement was mixed with the fast rhythmic music. Now, Cathy and Trowa were left alone only to sit quietly in an uncomfortable silence. She felt as if she was going to be smothered by it. She hated it when she met a dead personality guy. It wasn't any fun.
"What kind of social service are you involved in?" asked Trowa suddenly. It caught Cathy off guard. Her mind quickly began to brainstorm for an idea. Finally, she blurted out that she was part of the police force. He didn't believe her. It was written all over his face. The way his jaw tightened. How his eyes became even more distant. How his head lowered dangerously so that she couldn't see his facial expression in the next instant.
"I don't know anything about you. What do you do for a living?" asked Cathy with as much interest as she could muster. Why had she let Hilde talk her into this? Why? She knew she would have to lie for Relena. The moment Hilde said that she was going to meet a friend of Relena's latest client; she knew that this was going to happen. Trowa didn't seem to answer right away.
"I'm involved with social services as well." Cathy stiffened slightly, but managed to force a smile.
"That's interesting, I haven't seen you before." Trowa's eyes narrowed and that cold sense of dread returned to Cathy.
"That's funny, the same here." His whole body language was screaming that his statement was used as sarcasm and insinuating something else.
"Hey, are you saying that I do not belong to the police force? Because I can tell you right now buddy, I have a pair of handcuffs at home just in case." Cathy forced herself not to laugh at the second thought of what she had just said. Yes, it was true, she had a pair of handcuffs, but it was not for arresting anyone, at least not for any longer than an hour or two.
"I didn't say anything. I just said that I hadn't seen you in the police force before." Cathy turned her nose up.
"Listen, I don't have to sit here and have my credibility smashed by someone. If you have a problem with me, just say it straight out." Cathy hated being scrutinized and then treated, as if nothing was wrong, especially when she knew something was up. She began to stand up and look for Hilde but Trowa's voice stopped her.
"Who are you two trying to kid?" whispered Trowa. Cathy spun around and her eyes showed that they had been found out. Her smile, the way she held herself high, all told him that he had hit his mark. He felt a bit of the 'I knew it!' feeling. He smiled a little.
"Who are you all really? Who is Relena? She does not look like Jessie and they are definitely not related." Cathy smiled.
"Boy, aren't we bright," she muttered. "Listen, I'm sure you want to be here as much I do, which is none. If I'm guessing right, your friend over there," she nodded towards Duo, who was dancing in his own little world with Hilde. "He dragged you along as was I. Am I right?" Trowa only gave a slight grunt. Cathy smiled.
"Hey, I'm heading out. Tell Candy, I'm heading out, I'm sure I can find some acquaintance to take me home. Sorry tonight wasn't so great. I'll see you 'round." Cathy turned and headed for the door. Trowa's eyes remained on her as she made her way through the crowd. Suddenly a man shouted out a name and she stopped and waved. The man that had yelled out to her stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist and they began to walk out together. Trowa's eyes narrowed as he saw the other man's arm slyly make its way around Cathy's side and his hand conveniently landed almost on her rear. She didn't seem to mind at all. She listened to what the man was whispering into her ear and laughed a little. She wasn't enjoying herself at all, and even looked hesitant in going with the man, but she looked as if it was a chore she didn't want to do, but was required.
She had come as close as possible to admitting that she had lied. Trowa saw that instantly. From her actions and attitude, he could tell that she didn't like lying either and did not like the idea of meeting a stranger like that. She seemed almost afraid that he was going to jump her, or she was anticipating something, but she seemed relieved when she made her way out. That relief was gone as she was greeted by that other man. Trowa saw it all click into place. His eyes shot back to Hilde. The way she moved, her attitude, the way she dressed, her extra little name, what Relena had mentioned earlier on the phone, about all of them being sluts, it clicked, but why was Relena over at Heero and Jessie's? Trowa shook his head in confusion. Cathy had practically told him straight out who and what she was and seemed to want to make him realize this.
Finally, after it seemed hours, Duo and Hilde made their way over to the table. Hilde looked around in surprise.
"Where's Cathy? She didn't go home did she?"
"Actually, yes, she did. She left with some guy. I guess she must have known him before. A look of knowing passed over Hilde's face and Trowa's earlier assumptions were proven.
"Hey, Duo, I'm bushed and I think I'll head out. I'll talk to you later."
"Actually, I'm really sorry, but I have to get going too. If Cathy left so early, I guess I better be getting along tonight too." Duo looked disappointed, but didn't stop Hilde from getting ready to leave. Hilde gathered up her purse and when she turned around to leave, Duo was standing there.
"Can I take you home? It is late and…" Hilde smiled sweetly.
"Usually, I would let a guy take me home, but I guess tonight isn't such a great idea. I have to be going now…" Hilde moved to go around him, but Duo stopped her once again.
"Would I be able to call you? We could do this again sometime." Hilde smiled, a look of sadness in her eyes.
"We'll have to see. Everything is kind of… complicated."
"But…" Duo's eyes seemed to drill into hers, but Hilde resisted the force that was making her want to tell him yes. She shook off the strange feeling.
"I have to go. I hope we do get to go out sometime, but right now… it's too confusing. Goodnight Trowa, it was nice meeting you. I'm sorry Cathy skipped out like that; I'll talk to her later." She quickly made her exit. Duo stared after her and sighed when he turned around. His eyes caught the gleam of amusement in Trowa's own eyes.
"What's so funny?" he asked in annoyance. Trowa only looked down at his glass.
"I suggest you don't get too close to her." Duo glared at him.
"Why?" he snapped.
"Because she's a prostitute." Duo stared at Trowa and his eyes grew hard with contempt. Trowa saw it and only smiled. He got up and reached for his jacket.
"Just think about that for a while. It'll all fit sooner or later. My suggestion is prove it to yourself. Her name is Candy on the street." Duo shot a death look at his friend.
"How would you know?"
"Cathy told me her name was Candy." Duo seemed to swing his gaze back to the door that Hilde had just left through.