Disclaimer: If I owned Gundam wing, It wouldn't be this popular, at all... but it is very popular, hence, I do not own Gundam Wing. Bandi and other peole own it.
AN: This chapter begins about a week after the last one. Umm... I dont have much to say, since it's a little early in the morning to be sugar high. Oh, an I can't update as much since my dad limited my internet/computer time to an hour or two a day. And I think I can get away without the summary now, it's getting annoying. Ummm.... that's about it. R&R please!
"speaking"
'thoughts'
More Than Meets The Eye
Chapter 7
"Relena! Miss Relena, come quick!" A servant burst into the room where the girls were working. "Miss Relena... It's Leia."
Immediately, Relena went into leader mode and stood up. "What happened?" She eyed the frantic brunette carefully.
"Leia, she collasped in the middle of the hall, her breathing is erratic and we can't find a pulse." All five occupying the room ran out after the servant. They fled down practically half the halls of the palace, looking for Leia.
When they arrived at the scene, the medics were already hoisting Leia onto the stretcher. Marimaia was hanging onto her uncle, and Dekim was whispering in her ear. Running up to the the stretcher, Relena caught a glimpse of her pale friend and servant.
"Can you tell me anything about her condition?" She asked the nearest doctor. Her was writing something on his notebook when he looked up at her.
"Miss Peacecraft, I'm sorry but all I can say is that it appears that she has been posioned quite severly. The blood cells are dying rather quickly and if she doesn't get to the hospital soon, she will not make it. Come and I'll explain when we have time." With that he rushed outside before she could stop him.
Relena stood there in a trance as her friends approached her cautiously. "Relena?" Midii touched her shoulder gently. Snapping back to relality she took charge again.
"Pagan," Something was wrong... Relena's voice seemed softer than usual, actually, the other girls could hear a sob being choked back. "Prepare the rides, I'm taking all who wants to come to the hospital."
"Yes Ma'am."
*~*~*~*~*
The ride there had been quiet. There had been a couple of glances to one from another, but no words were actually uttered. Marimaia was leaning on Dekim's arm, and he was soothing the child gently. The mood in the cars weren't exactly grief, but worry. They worried for Leia herself, for her life. And also for her friends and family. But mostly of all, they all worried for the daughter, Marimaia, who had been protected from this all her life to Leia's fullest capibility. She would be eight in a couple of months, and no one could get the possibilty of Leia not making it out of their heads.
At the hospital, Relena spoke quietly to the doctor. He said that her condition was bad, and though she was in intensive care, there was a slim possibility she would actually make it. Unfortunately, the blood was almost completely infected by the poison, and there was very little they could do. To sum it up, There was prctically no chance of her making it. He assured her they were trying all they could, but they don't really have a treatment for this kind of thing. They didn't even really know what kind of poison it was.
By the time she had joined the rest of the group, the boys were already there. She assumed Hilde had called Duo, and his ever faithful band of minions followed along. Though, Trowa was standing suspiciously close to Midii.
She quietly told everyone of her old friend and servant's condition, trying to keep it discreet as possible. She than sat down and waited for the outcome.
*~*~*~*~*
"Relena?" Dorothy shook her friend slightly. She had fallen asleep and it was nearly eight now. "Relena, the girls and me have to go. The guys are leaving now too... well, except Heero, don't ask me why though. I'll see you tommorrow. And I think you should let some of the servants go home too. If you're not in desk when we come by, we'll start without you." Relena nodded a bit and stood up.
Quietly, she rounded up the servants who wanted to go and let them out. Soom it was just Marimaia, Dekim, and Relena on the couches. Dorothy slipped out of the room and walked down the hall alone, the others having gone without her.
She noticed a dark fiigure slip in beside her. Glancing at him, she reconised the silouette to be Heero's. "What do you want Heero?"
There was a moments silence. "You should give Quatre a chance, he's not all that bad." Then he slipped away into the shadows of the pink tinted hallways.
"Hn, I'll keep that in mind."
*~*~*~*~*
By afternoon the next day, Dorothy slipped in the office to find Relena already there. Her eyes were shadowed and she didn't look up. Dorothy figured it was bad news. She walked over and picked up a stack of papers, with a weak 'hi'. Relena simply nodded.
Next to come in was Hilde. Her dark head poked in and she eyed the blonde at her desk. "Relena?" The two girls could hear a small sob and looked at her.
"She's gone." Dorothy stood up and walked over to her friend. Hilde followed suit and kneeled down beside her. They could see Relena's shoulders shake a little before she finally put down the pen she was holding and cried. "Leia's gone. She died this morning. Marimaia locked herself in her room and the only one that's been able to get in was her uncle. First Father, now Leia..." Hilde held her friend as she cried.
Meiran and Midii walked into the room at that moment. It took them a second to figure out what was wrong.
"Relena... I'm so sorry." Midii stepped up to her desk and stood infront of it. Meiran walked around and touched the young diplomat's shoulder.
Ever since Leia was found on the streets, she had been Relena's caretaker until she was ten. After that, they were good friends, though never as close as Hilde or the others, due to the age difference between the two. Leia had been like a mother to Relena, and they talked like a mother and daughter would. She had help Relena go through problems growing up, and was always there with advice. The friendship between the two had been strong until just recently.
After calming down, Relena went to discuss the funeral with the other girls. "Next week, I'll have everyone come. I have the money... I need a date. On Thursday, perfect." She went to the phone and booked everything. She walked off for some business, and kept busy that day. Dorothy and the girls were helpless and forced to just sit and wait.
*~*~*~*~*
Moments after she had left. The girls continued to work.
"This is all going to get to her soon." Midii noted. The others agreed.
"She needs some rest..." Hilde trailed off just as a servant walked in.
"Miss Relena?" She looked about before resting her eyes on the girls on the floor.
"She's out right now, would you like us to tell her something?" Meiran eyed the note in the woman's hand.
"No, I'll give it to her when she returns." That's when they heard the car door slamming. "I believe that is her right now. Thank you."
Curious to see what the note was, Meiran waited for the Foreign Vice Minister to walk in the room.
Which she did.
"Oh no, I can't believe this!" Relena sat down on the couch and threw the card out of the way. The other four picked up the letter, though it was Dorothy who read it out loud.
"Miss Relena Darlian Peacecraft,
The council has decided that another speech is required on Thursday, August 21. You will be broadcast throught out the Earth, and live members will be of the council, and their guests. Many are still doubting your pacifist ways and you are needed to explain some rather interesting parts of your proposition. Also, you will be questioned.
Your appearance is required. Might I add that there will be a ball afterwards. You may invite as many people as you want to the ball. There will be no tolerances, I expect you to be there.
Mr. Rolio De Devinski
Foriegn Minister of England"
Relena groaned. "What am I going to do?"
*~*~*~*~*
"Dorothy, would you please come here?" Violet Darlequin, Dorothy's foster mother, was standing in the kitchen when she called Dorothy in. "Dorothy, as you know, we are not your real parents, but as your guardians, we wish the best for you. You also know that your foster father and I are members of the diplomatic council. We want you to also be part of it one day too." She produced a card from behind her back. With the same emblem as Relena's. "I'd like you to come with your father and I to a ball next week."
Dorothy blinked. Then shrugged. "Relena invited me to go too, but I supposed I should go with you."
*~*~*~*~*
Hilde stepped out of the limosine and looked into the decorated ballroom. She then looked down at her gown and grinned. 'Once in a lifetime, I might as well enjoy it the best I can.'. She was about to walk up the stairs when she spotted long brown hair off to her side. When she turned to look, rough hands covered her eyes.
"Guess who?" Duo's cheery voice brightened her spirit a little bit, and she managed a small smile.
"Duo?" Hilde turned around to face him. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here with Quatre, baby, what's with the long face?" He looked down at her face with concerned eyes.
"That friend of Lena's, her funeral was today."
"So, why'd she come?" Duo's mouth formed a small "o" and his face was solemn too.
"Tell her I send my apologies, but right now I gotta catch up with the guys. I'll see you inside."
Relena had eventually decided that she needed to go to the ball, for the sake of the world. She had picked out gowns for everyone, except Dorothy who had her own. Hilde wore a pechy pink gown. It was sleeveless and the layers of clothing made it almost heavy. The designs were done with lace and embroideries covered practically the whole top layer. Lastly, she wore pearl earring to finishe the look.
Meiran wore a similar gown, except it was a pale yellow, and there were small straps crossing at the back. Her hair was down and curled inward slightly. Her back was low and little red and black beads decorated it. Her eyes were lightly tinted white.
Midii wore a simpler purple dress. It was slit just below the her waist. She wore matching boots and earrings. Her hair was in a light ponytail and her eyes were lidded with more purple. Guess what her favourite colour was?
Dorothy was standing on top of the stairs waiting for them. She had a dark, dark blue gown that looked black in some places. Her hair was braided into a large braid which showed off small black rocks hanging from golden loops that some called earrings.
Relena's gown was white. The sleeves were short, but her gloves made up for it. Her hair was piled onto her haid and tucked into a neat, tight bun. a silver tiara graced her head and delicate, silver chains held pearls at the ends. A simple small chain hung onto her neck and held three pearls. As she stepped out of her limo, the crowd stopped and stared. The cameras stopped clicking for a moment before focusing only on her.
The group led her up the stairs quickly, where she was greeted by a round of politics. They guided her to the main stage, where she was suposed to make her speach to the crowd. After the whole questioning thing, they all went off on their own.
*~*~*~*~*
Walking through the halls, Dorothy kept and open but bored eye out for everything. Meiran and Wufei had found eachother, probably by accident, and were arguing as discreetly as they could. Hilde had run off to a corner with Duo, Midii and Trowa were talking elsewhere. Whereas Hilde and Duo expressed their relationship openly, Dorothy had a feeling that Midii and Trowa were going out too, though if they were, it was a secretive and discreet relationship.
Relena had dissappeared after her speech and questioning services, probably to think, and Dorothy doubted Heero had come at all. Quatre was there also, being the son and heir to Mr. Winner, and old friend of Relena's father and known for his pacifist outtakes on life.
Quatre stood on the balcony chatting with some people. Dorothy stood in the shadows, quietly cursing her dress for being so uncomfortable. She watched with solemn, watchful eyes as the politicians waltzed about without cares. She spied a child laughing and dancing with her small bear, her little ribbon covered dress swaying in the breeze. Dorothy allowed her eyes to close for a moment... but the child had chosen that same moment to jump onto the railing and fall into the ocean.
"HELP!" She spied an arm frantically trying to grab something. Without a second's hesitation, Dorothy ripped off some of her dress and raced towards the balcony's edge. Her dress was changed dramatically from a gown to a dress one would wear to preform at a skating rink.
Just as she was about to enter the water, she caught a glimpse of a second form diving the three feet into the water with her. Before she could make out the form, though, the water rushed forward and she was engulfed in it. Opening her eyes, she went up for a second's air and dove back down to find the little girl.
Dorothy could hear the echo of her heart pumping madly in her chest. Besides the sounds of the waves overhead, that was all she heard for the next while. Scanning the edge of the underwater cliff, she spotted pink, and swam quickly towards it. Just in an arm's reach, Dorothy glimpsed another hand wrapping itself around the little girl's waist.
Quatre! And he had something in his mouth... Dorothy shook her head, she had to get herself, the girl, and Quatre out before she ran out of breath. But Quatre reached into his pocket and handed something to her. It took a moment for her to realize it, but it was a mini scuba mouthpiece.
She took it and looked at him then the girl quizzically before he produced yet a third one and placed it into the youth's mouth. Dorothy also placed hers in her mouth and began to feel air filling her lungs as she breathed. Both Quatre and Dorothy wrapped an arm around the girl and used the cliff's side to pull themselves up.
As they finally emerged from the depts, they heard about half of the crowd's collective relieved breath.
Quatre pushed the girl up on a protruding rock and checked for a pulse, then a breath. Just as he pulled away, the young girl coughed, flinging the mouthpiece into the sea. Quatre merely raised an eyebrow, then lifted the girl up to her awaiting parents.
When he climbed up, Quatre was immediately swarmed by younger girls, and mesmerized adults. Dorothy had slipped away earlier. It took him nearly fifteen minutes to get his suit jacket and leave as well. He found her on another balcony a level up.
The dress was drying, but it was still wet. And to prove that, it clung to her every curve. She turned as he entered, and his eyes lowered form her face to her chest, where he blushed immediately and looked away.
"I suppose I should start thinking better of you then?" Her arms hugged her chest, obscuring it from view. Upon seeing this, Quatre handed her his jacket to drape over herself.
"I suppose, but it's up to you." She smiled and accepted the coat, then looked out to the sea again, completely aware that Quatre didn't plan to leave, though not minding.
*~*~*~*~*
Relena moved away from the edge of the roof as she saw all three emerge from the sea. A breath she hadn't been aware she was holding escaped. She had been afraid that she was about to lose another close to her. Her sad eyes scanned the entire rooftop, and satisfied that no one was there with her, she closed the doors and began to sing.
"Sleep little baby,
Don't say a word,
Momma's gonna buy you,
a hummingbird.
And if that hummingbird don't sing,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A diamond ring."
She was perfectly aware that the slow, agonizing voice she sung the lullaby with could easily make the song seem haunted, but no one else would hear, she was sure.
"And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A looking glass.
And if that looking glass broke,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A cart and bull."
Leia used to sing this to both her and Marimaia when they were younger. Relena's feet began to move slowly to the song, and tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
"And if that cart and bull turns over,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A dog named Rover."
Undetected in the shadows was Heero Yuy. He had come up here to get away from all the young girls eyeing him, but had had no intention of getting stuck in a position like this.
"If that dog named Rover don't bark,"
He couldn't help it, the song was supposed to be comforting but instead was agonizing him. He could practically see the sorrow behind her voice. Slowly, he stepped out from his hiding spot, never being noticed, so continued towards Relena.
"Momma's gonna buy you,
A horse-drawn cart."
A strong firm hand wrapped itself around her, and another grasped her hand. Relena didn't quite care if it was real or not, drowning n misery as she was.
"And if that hosre-drawn cart turns around..."
They began to waltz, and Relena was reminded of her father. Whoever was holding her felt like they were comforting her, like her father had back before she turned colder...
"You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town..." She leaned into the body, letting her tears fall. She knew she was being careless and much too open, and it was dangerous to do this but she didn't care, she needed someone to hold her like her father, mother, and Leia had.
A hand tilted her head up. She didn't even look to see who it was. She simply wanted to enjoy the first kiss she had ever allowed herself. After all, it might help. She needed something new. Something... nice.
Her lips were soft. Her hair smelled nice. Her skin was soft. She felt so right. Nothing seemed to matter but Relena right then and there. 'French vanilla...' Too soon she stepped back, and without realizing, he reached out after her.
"... Heero?" Opening his eyes, he suddenly realized what he had done. Heero composed himself and looked away, but not before seeing a small blush creep up on her face as well.
"I'm sorry, I'm not myself lately." He could hear her footsteps walking away.
"It's nothing, I wasn't either. I suppose I'll see you downstairs later." Her heels clicked as they went down the steps, and before long Heero knew she was gone.
*~*~*~*~*
A while ago, Trowa and Midii and walked away from eachother, and now Midii walked around aimlessly. No sooner had she turned around did she spot him again. Automatically, she sucked in a little bit, and fixed her hair. She was checking herself in her compact before she caught herself in digust.
"What am I doing?" Just before the ball she had heard that Trowa was coming and spent a strangely large amout of time infront of Relena's mirror as well. What was happening to her?
"You're in love, that's what." Meiran had appeared behind her, glaring in what she assumed to be Wufei's direction. "Can you believe that guy? I dress in this for one night, and he accuses me to be a 'prancy little girl'. Hmph."
Midii laughed a little before turning back to the subject on hand. "What do you mean 'in love'? There's no one here for me to be 'in love' with." Meiran laughed back.
"You're a horrible liar. I've seen those looks you've given Trowa, and you're constantly fretting about your appearance when you know he's gonna be where you are. Like just now."
"Shut up, that doesn't mean anything." The truth was, though, Meiran was right. She was drowning, drowning in love and there was no one to help her out.
*~*~*~*~*
Well, how do you like that? There's only one more couple I have to work with, but I'm not sure how. Just like me to leave the hardest for last. Meiran and Wufei... Oh boy... I'm going to have a blast with this one. Oh well, R&R please!
-Miae
AN: This chapter begins about a week after the last one. Umm... I dont have much to say, since it's a little early in the morning to be sugar high. Oh, an I can't update as much since my dad limited my internet/computer time to an hour or two a day. And I think I can get away without the summary now, it's getting annoying. Ummm.... that's about it. R&R please!
"speaking"
'thoughts'
More Than Meets The Eye
Chapter 7
"Relena! Miss Relena, come quick!" A servant burst into the room where the girls were working. "Miss Relena... It's Leia."
Immediately, Relena went into leader mode and stood up. "What happened?" She eyed the frantic brunette carefully.
"Leia, she collasped in the middle of the hall, her breathing is erratic and we can't find a pulse." All five occupying the room ran out after the servant. They fled down practically half the halls of the palace, looking for Leia.
When they arrived at the scene, the medics were already hoisting Leia onto the stretcher. Marimaia was hanging onto her uncle, and Dekim was whispering in her ear. Running up to the the stretcher, Relena caught a glimpse of her pale friend and servant.
"Can you tell me anything about her condition?" She asked the nearest doctor. Her was writing something on his notebook when he looked up at her.
"Miss Peacecraft, I'm sorry but all I can say is that it appears that she has been posioned quite severly. The blood cells are dying rather quickly and if she doesn't get to the hospital soon, she will not make it. Come and I'll explain when we have time." With that he rushed outside before she could stop him.
Relena stood there in a trance as her friends approached her cautiously. "Relena?" Midii touched her shoulder gently. Snapping back to relality she took charge again.
"Pagan," Something was wrong... Relena's voice seemed softer than usual, actually, the other girls could hear a sob being choked back. "Prepare the rides, I'm taking all who wants to come to the hospital."
"Yes Ma'am."
*~*~*~*~*
The ride there had been quiet. There had been a couple of glances to one from another, but no words were actually uttered. Marimaia was leaning on Dekim's arm, and he was soothing the child gently. The mood in the cars weren't exactly grief, but worry. They worried for Leia herself, for her life. And also for her friends and family. But mostly of all, they all worried for the daughter, Marimaia, who had been protected from this all her life to Leia's fullest capibility. She would be eight in a couple of months, and no one could get the possibilty of Leia not making it out of their heads.
At the hospital, Relena spoke quietly to the doctor. He said that her condition was bad, and though she was in intensive care, there was a slim possibility she would actually make it. Unfortunately, the blood was almost completely infected by the poison, and there was very little they could do. To sum it up, There was prctically no chance of her making it. He assured her they were trying all they could, but they don't really have a treatment for this kind of thing. They didn't even really know what kind of poison it was.
By the time she had joined the rest of the group, the boys were already there. She assumed Hilde had called Duo, and his ever faithful band of minions followed along. Though, Trowa was standing suspiciously close to Midii.
She quietly told everyone of her old friend and servant's condition, trying to keep it discreet as possible. She than sat down and waited for the outcome.
*~*~*~*~*
"Relena?" Dorothy shook her friend slightly. She had fallen asleep and it was nearly eight now. "Relena, the girls and me have to go. The guys are leaving now too... well, except Heero, don't ask me why though. I'll see you tommorrow. And I think you should let some of the servants go home too. If you're not in desk when we come by, we'll start without you." Relena nodded a bit and stood up.
Quietly, she rounded up the servants who wanted to go and let them out. Soom it was just Marimaia, Dekim, and Relena on the couches. Dorothy slipped out of the room and walked down the hall alone, the others having gone without her.
She noticed a dark fiigure slip in beside her. Glancing at him, she reconised the silouette to be Heero's. "What do you want Heero?"
There was a moments silence. "You should give Quatre a chance, he's not all that bad." Then he slipped away into the shadows of the pink tinted hallways.
"Hn, I'll keep that in mind."
*~*~*~*~*
By afternoon the next day, Dorothy slipped in the office to find Relena already there. Her eyes were shadowed and she didn't look up. Dorothy figured it was bad news. She walked over and picked up a stack of papers, with a weak 'hi'. Relena simply nodded.
Next to come in was Hilde. Her dark head poked in and she eyed the blonde at her desk. "Relena?" The two girls could hear a small sob and looked at her.
"She's gone." Dorothy stood up and walked over to her friend. Hilde followed suit and kneeled down beside her. They could see Relena's shoulders shake a little before she finally put down the pen she was holding and cried. "Leia's gone. She died this morning. Marimaia locked herself in her room and the only one that's been able to get in was her uncle. First Father, now Leia..." Hilde held her friend as she cried.
Meiran and Midii walked into the room at that moment. It took them a second to figure out what was wrong.
"Relena... I'm so sorry." Midii stepped up to her desk and stood infront of it. Meiran walked around and touched the young diplomat's shoulder.
Ever since Leia was found on the streets, she had been Relena's caretaker until she was ten. After that, they were good friends, though never as close as Hilde or the others, due to the age difference between the two. Leia had been like a mother to Relena, and they talked like a mother and daughter would. She had help Relena go through problems growing up, and was always there with advice. The friendship between the two had been strong until just recently.
After calming down, Relena went to discuss the funeral with the other girls. "Next week, I'll have everyone come. I have the money... I need a date. On Thursday, perfect." She went to the phone and booked everything. She walked off for some business, and kept busy that day. Dorothy and the girls were helpless and forced to just sit and wait.
*~*~*~*~*
Moments after she had left. The girls continued to work.
"This is all going to get to her soon." Midii noted. The others agreed.
"She needs some rest..." Hilde trailed off just as a servant walked in.
"Miss Relena?" She looked about before resting her eyes on the girls on the floor.
"She's out right now, would you like us to tell her something?" Meiran eyed the note in the woman's hand.
"No, I'll give it to her when she returns." That's when they heard the car door slamming. "I believe that is her right now. Thank you."
Curious to see what the note was, Meiran waited for the Foreign Vice Minister to walk in the room.
Which she did.
"Oh no, I can't believe this!" Relena sat down on the couch and threw the card out of the way. The other four picked up the letter, though it was Dorothy who read it out loud.
"Miss Relena Darlian Peacecraft,
The council has decided that another speech is required on Thursday, August 21. You will be broadcast throught out the Earth, and live members will be of the council, and their guests. Many are still doubting your pacifist ways and you are needed to explain some rather interesting parts of your proposition. Also, you will be questioned.
Your appearance is required. Might I add that there will be a ball afterwards. You may invite as many people as you want to the ball. There will be no tolerances, I expect you to be there.
Mr. Rolio De Devinski
Foriegn Minister of England"
Relena groaned. "What am I going to do?"
*~*~*~*~*
"Dorothy, would you please come here?" Violet Darlequin, Dorothy's foster mother, was standing in the kitchen when she called Dorothy in. "Dorothy, as you know, we are not your real parents, but as your guardians, we wish the best for you. You also know that your foster father and I are members of the diplomatic council. We want you to also be part of it one day too." She produced a card from behind her back. With the same emblem as Relena's. "I'd like you to come with your father and I to a ball next week."
Dorothy blinked. Then shrugged. "Relena invited me to go too, but I supposed I should go with you."
*~*~*~*~*
Hilde stepped out of the limosine and looked into the decorated ballroom. She then looked down at her gown and grinned. 'Once in a lifetime, I might as well enjoy it the best I can.'. She was about to walk up the stairs when she spotted long brown hair off to her side. When she turned to look, rough hands covered her eyes.
"Guess who?" Duo's cheery voice brightened her spirit a little bit, and she managed a small smile.
"Duo?" Hilde turned around to face him. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here with Quatre, baby, what's with the long face?" He looked down at her face with concerned eyes.
"That friend of Lena's, her funeral was today."
"So, why'd she come?" Duo's mouth formed a small "o" and his face was solemn too.
"Tell her I send my apologies, but right now I gotta catch up with the guys. I'll see you inside."
Relena had eventually decided that she needed to go to the ball, for the sake of the world. She had picked out gowns for everyone, except Dorothy who had her own. Hilde wore a pechy pink gown. It was sleeveless and the layers of clothing made it almost heavy. The designs were done with lace and embroideries covered practically the whole top layer. Lastly, she wore pearl earring to finishe the look.
Meiran wore a similar gown, except it was a pale yellow, and there were small straps crossing at the back. Her hair was down and curled inward slightly. Her back was low and little red and black beads decorated it. Her eyes were lightly tinted white.
Midii wore a simpler purple dress. It was slit just below the her waist. She wore matching boots and earrings. Her hair was in a light ponytail and her eyes were lidded with more purple. Guess what her favourite colour was?
Dorothy was standing on top of the stairs waiting for them. She had a dark, dark blue gown that looked black in some places. Her hair was braided into a large braid which showed off small black rocks hanging from golden loops that some called earrings.
Relena's gown was white. The sleeves were short, but her gloves made up for it. Her hair was piled onto her haid and tucked into a neat, tight bun. a silver tiara graced her head and delicate, silver chains held pearls at the ends. A simple small chain hung onto her neck and held three pearls. As she stepped out of her limo, the crowd stopped and stared. The cameras stopped clicking for a moment before focusing only on her.
The group led her up the stairs quickly, where she was greeted by a round of politics. They guided her to the main stage, where she was suposed to make her speach to the crowd. After the whole questioning thing, they all went off on their own.
*~*~*~*~*
Walking through the halls, Dorothy kept and open but bored eye out for everything. Meiran and Wufei had found eachother, probably by accident, and were arguing as discreetly as they could. Hilde had run off to a corner with Duo, Midii and Trowa were talking elsewhere. Whereas Hilde and Duo expressed their relationship openly, Dorothy had a feeling that Midii and Trowa were going out too, though if they were, it was a secretive and discreet relationship.
Relena had dissappeared after her speech and questioning services, probably to think, and Dorothy doubted Heero had come at all. Quatre was there also, being the son and heir to Mr. Winner, and old friend of Relena's father and known for his pacifist outtakes on life.
Quatre stood on the balcony chatting with some people. Dorothy stood in the shadows, quietly cursing her dress for being so uncomfortable. She watched with solemn, watchful eyes as the politicians waltzed about without cares. She spied a child laughing and dancing with her small bear, her little ribbon covered dress swaying in the breeze. Dorothy allowed her eyes to close for a moment... but the child had chosen that same moment to jump onto the railing and fall into the ocean.
"HELP!" She spied an arm frantically trying to grab something. Without a second's hesitation, Dorothy ripped off some of her dress and raced towards the balcony's edge. Her dress was changed dramatically from a gown to a dress one would wear to preform at a skating rink.
Just as she was about to enter the water, she caught a glimpse of a second form diving the three feet into the water with her. Before she could make out the form, though, the water rushed forward and she was engulfed in it. Opening her eyes, she went up for a second's air and dove back down to find the little girl.
Dorothy could hear the echo of her heart pumping madly in her chest. Besides the sounds of the waves overhead, that was all she heard for the next while. Scanning the edge of the underwater cliff, she spotted pink, and swam quickly towards it. Just in an arm's reach, Dorothy glimpsed another hand wrapping itself around the little girl's waist.
Quatre! And he had something in his mouth... Dorothy shook her head, she had to get herself, the girl, and Quatre out before she ran out of breath. But Quatre reached into his pocket and handed something to her. It took a moment for her to realize it, but it was a mini scuba mouthpiece.
She took it and looked at him then the girl quizzically before he produced yet a third one and placed it into the youth's mouth. Dorothy also placed hers in her mouth and began to feel air filling her lungs as she breathed. Both Quatre and Dorothy wrapped an arm around the girl and used the cliff's side to pull themselves up.
As they finally emerged from the depts, they heard about half of the crowd's collective relieved breath.
Quatre pushed the girl up on a protruding rock and checked for a pulse, then a breath. Just as he pulled away, the young girl coughed, flinging the mouthpiece into the sea. Quatre merely raised an eyebrow, then lifted the girl up to her awaiting parents.
When he climbed up, Quatre was immediately swarmed by younger girls, and mesmerized adults. Dorothy had slipped away earlier. It took him nearly fifteen minutes to get his suit jacket and leave as well. He found her on another balcony a level up.
The dress was drying, but it was still wet. And to prove that, it clung to her every curve. She turned as he entered, and his eyes lowered form her face to her chest, where he blushed immediately and looked away.
"I suppose I should start thinking better of you then?" Her arms hugged her chest, obscuring it from view. Upon seeing this, Quatre handed her his jacket to drape over herself.
"I suppose, but it's up to you." She smiled and accepted the coat, then looked out to the sea again, completely aware that Quatre didn't plan to leave, though not minding.
*~*~*~*~*
Relena moved away from the edge of the roof as she saw all three emerge from the sea. A breath she hadn't been aware she was holding escaped. She had been afraid that she was about to lose another close to her. Her sad eyes scanned the entire rooftop, and satisfied that no one was there with her, she closed the doors and began to sing.
"Sleep little baby,
Don't say a word,
Momma's gonna buy you,
a hummingbird.
And if that hummingbird don't sing,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A diamond ring."
She was perfectly aware that the slow, agonizing voice she sung the lullaby with could easily make the song seem haunted, but no one else would hear, she was sure.
"And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A looking glass.
And if that looking glass broke,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A cart and bull."
Leia used to sing this to both her and Marimaia when they were younger. Relena's feet began to move slowly to the song, and tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
"And if that cart and bull turns over,
Momma's gonna buy you,
A dog named Rover."
Undetected in the shadows was Heero Yuy. He had come up here to get away from all the young girls eyeing him, but had had no intention of getting stuck in a position like this.
"If that dog named Rover don't bark,"
He couldn't help it, the song was supposed to be comforting but instead was agonizing him. He could practically see the sorrow behind her voice. Slowly, he stepped out from his hiding spot, never being noticed, so continued towards Relena.
"Momma's gonna buy you,
A horse-drawn cart."
A strong firm hand wrapped itself around her, and another grasped her hand. Relena didn't quite care if it was real or not, drowning n misery as she was.
"And if that hosre-drawn cart turns around..."
They began to waltz, and Relena was reminded of her father. Whoever was holding her felt like they were comforting her, like her father had back before she turned colder...
"You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town..." She leaned into the body, letting her tears fall. She knew she was being careless and much too open, and it was dangerous to do this but she didn't care, she needed someone to hold her like her father, mother, and Leia had.
A hand tilted her head up. She didn't even look to see who it was. She simply wanted to enjoy the first kiss she had ever allowed herself. After all, it might help. She needed something new. Something... nice.
Her lips were soft. Her hair smelled nice. Her skin was soft. She felt so right. Nothing seemed to matter but Relena right then and there. 'French vanilla...' Too soon she stepped back, and without realizing, he reached out after her.
"... Heero?" Opening his eyes, he suddenly realized what he had done. Heero composed himself and looked away, but not before seeing a small blush creep up on her face as well.
"I'm sorry, I'm not myself lately." He could hear her footsteps walking away.
"It's nothing, I wasn't either. I suppose I'll see you downstairs later." Her heels clicked as they went down the steps, and before long Heero knew she was gone.
*~*~*~*~*
A while ago, Trowa and Midii and walked away from eachother, and now Midii walked around aimlessly. No sooner had she turned around did she spot him again. Automatically, she sucked in a little bit, and fixed her hair. She was checking herself in her compact before she caught herself in digust.
"What am I doing?" Just before the ball she had heard that Trowa was coming and spent a strangely large amout of time infront of Relena's mirror as well. What was happening to her?
"You're in love, that's what." Meiran had appeared behind her, glaring in what she assumed to be Wufei's direction. "Can you believe that guy? I dress in this for one night, and he accuses me to be a 'prancy little girl'. Hmph."
Midii laughed a little before turning back to the subject on hand. "What do you mean 'in love'? There's no one here for me to be 'in love' with." Meiran laughed back.
"You're a horrible liar. I've seen those looks you've given Trowa, and you're constantly fretting about your appearance when you know he's gonna be where you are. Like just now."
"Shut up, that doesn't mean anything." The truth was, though, Meiran was right. She was drowning, drowning in love and there was no one to help her out.
*~*~*~*~*
Well, how do you like that? There's only one more couple I have to work with, but I'm not sure how. Just like me to leave the hardest for last. Meiran and Wufei... Oh boy... I'm going to have a blast with this one. Oh well, R&R please!
-Miae