By Kuroi Tenshi
Part 12
The sun's ray filtered into the small conference room the committee had reserved for the afternoon. The people around the table nodded their approval and the girl tasked to take notes scribbled furiously on her notebook. They had about another week and a half before the big day. The meeting that afternoon had gone smoothly, much to Relena's relief.
The past three meetings hadn't gone as so. Girls and boys, though more than ecstatic to have the first annual welcome back dance coed, couldn't agree much on anything. The boys argued the girls' ideas were too girly and the females declared said counterparts lacking taste. The conference room was an open battlefield between the sexes with razor-sharp tongue as their weapon of choice.
She couldn't be any more relieved when they finally agreed on a theme. Though a bit clichéd, they agreed to have a masked ball. It was a bit extravagant for a simple back to school dance, but both parties wanted it to be the best. They wanted the first coed dance to be something no one would forget in the next ten, perhaps twenty, years. Though differing in tastes and opinion (proven by the insults hurled days before), it held true for both that dressing up in costumes and playing a part was something everyone enjoyed.
"The perfect venue for the ball would be on SKA's garden. I'm sure your academy has a wonderful garden, but you see, our garden was designed like a palace's," Paolo declared. "Your manicured lawns may be cute for a girl's academy, but the trees, shrubbery and overall garden of our school is to boasted of."
Relena, who was yet to get used to seeing the normally quiet and reserved Melissa half-stand up from where she was seated and hurl insults, was startled at the sudden movement next to her. She placed a hand on the girl's arms and gently pulled her back to her seat. Melissa grumbled, but sat down, but not before throwing Paolo a death glare.
Aaaand we're back for Round Four of Committee Death Match! Ladies and gentlemen, who do you think will come out victorious this time? Will the bared fangs and mighty paws be any match against the sharp tongues and lethal claws this time? Stay tuned and keep your eyes open while Round Four begins!
"Let's not let our tempers get the better of us," Relena said with a small smile, hoping to soothe the fiery tempers flaring around her. "We're a bit rushed, don't you think? We barely have enough time to make preparations. The last thing we need is to give in to the desire of throttling the other. Let's all wait until the ball for that when we're in our costumes, therefore lessening the risk of being found out."
The other fifteen with her chuckled at her attempt to jest. She was right. The ball was fast approaching.
They would get their chance then.
"But I'm right, aren't I? SKA's garden would make a better venue for the ball."
By now, Relena was convinced that the only reason Paolo was placed on earth at the same time she was living, was because he was to serve as her source of perpetual ire. There was only a certain amount of bad air a person could take. A single second with Paolo de Jules was enough to last anyone a lifetime.
Keeping her open expression and inwardly struggling to overcome the urge to throw him out of the room, she turned to him. "I'm sure the gardens of SKA are something to be proud of," she started, I should know. I spent most of my free time there myself, she thought, "but CHA's garden can also be a magical place to hold the ball."
"Of course you'll say that, you're the head of the committee representing CHA, aren't you?" Paolo sneered.
Relena scowled mentally, but on the outside she didn't even do so much as twitch any muscle. Where did Milliardo keep his shotgun again, I wonder. "It's not that, Paolo, but—"
"Let's have the ball on SKA's garden and be done with it," Dorothy interrupted. "It's obvious these...boys…have no intention of being courteous enough that they'd have women traveling all the way to their domain. It's simply too much to expect anything positive form them. Let them have their way and be over it."
The members of the affronted gender frowned. Relena had to hide her smile. Though the guys knew Dorothy was obviously baiting them, their male ego wouldn't let her have her way.
"I suppose your small ground with a few trees here and there will do," Paolo finally said, though with much disdain. "What do you think, Quatre?"
The blond, who was Relena's counterpart on the boy's side, nodded. He had remained quiet for most of the time, stepping in only when things got out of hand. He was confident Relena could handle being the lead. "CHA's gardens are wonderful, I've had the pleasure of seeing that for myself. I'm sure it would serve our purpose well."
Relena gave him a smile. She knew she could count on Quatre. Dorothy spoke up. "Now that we've got that over with, let's have snacks and all be on our way. I'm sure most of you are dying to crawl back to your majestic garden," she said with a smile, looking directly at Paolo.
The receiver stiffened before nodding. "Yes, snacks should be great then we'd all be on our way." The members stood up and moved toward the door, which led to a smaller room with tables and snacks waiting for them.
Relena fell into step next to the blond committee head. She took a deep breath and smiled. "Hey," she said. "We haven't had the chance to talk much since the meetings began. What's up?"
"Nothing much, piles of schoolwork and stuff. You?"
She played with the end of the thin plait on the side of her head. "Squashed beneath schoolwork, as expected. How's Trowa? The others?" She suddenly found her light brown leather shoes interesting. Oh, she never noticed there was a dash of dirt that collected across her right shoe. Must've been from the time she almost tripped by the botanical garden two days ago. Interesting.
Quatre glanced at her. He knew whom she meant with "the others". "Trowa's fine. We're working on our musical piece for the competition next month. Duo's still swimming like a fish and Wufei's struggling with the desire to blow up the Chem Lab—got an A- on Chem again."
"Oh," she replied lifelessly. "He really should take up a hobby." She mentally took a deep breath and puffed her chest. You can do this, Rel… "How's—"
"Surly as ever," Quatre answered even before she finished. "Duo's been on his case since…well, since that night."
Relena decided to have mercy on the blond next to her. He looked absolutely uncomfortable. She deserved this. She had no business lying to Heero then expecting him to be okay with it. This was Heero, for crying out loud! She'd have to approach him on her knees before he even considers sharing the same oxygen with her.
Mental note: scout for lost kneepads.
"I can't wait for the ball," she replied instead, rather than ask him more for details, which had been her intention. "We still have a long way to go, but I'm confident that if we can just resist the urge for murder, we can pull it off."
"Paolo's a real pain, but you can count on him," Quatre smiled. He grabbed a can of soda and handed it to her before grabbing another for himself. "So, tell me, Lena, what're you going as for the ball?"
She smiled and shrugged. "It's a well-guarded secret. What about you?"
He blushed and looked away. "Trowa said he wants to go as an animal trainer. I'm going as a lion." His cheeks were flaming now, as well as his face. "Don't tell anyone. It's supposed to be a surprise."
She raised an eyebrow. Trowa as the trainer who tamed the lion? She couldn't help the grin from her face and pinched his cheeks. "Aww, you guys are so sweet," she gushed. They sat on the table facing the windows already occupied by Dorothy and several other girls.
"Let me guess the topic of your conversation," Dorothy commented dryly. "Lover Boy Barton and Icicle Prince Yuy."
Relena's face fell with the mention of Heero. Just when the gnawing jealousy was almost squished! Why did Dorothy have to bring him up? "Just Lover Boy Barton," she replied with a sigh. She sipped her soda quietly, paying little attention to the conversations around her.
Quatre patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. Duo's trying to talk some sense into him. He still hasn't recovered from the shock, but I'm sure he'll come around. It's just a taking a bit long since it's Heero we're talking about."
She gave him a weak smile. "You're right. I still have another ten years ahead of me until I can start expecting him to consider listening to my explanation."
Dorothy waved her hand in the air dismissively. "Change topic, please. I beg of you! I've been hearing nothing but Heero since she got back. If this doesn't stop soon, I'll be forced to march to SKA and demand the man to marry Rel just so she can stop!"
Relena's cheeks flamed. Had she that been difficult to live with? She admit she's been sulking and talking about Heero and his reaction to her a lot, but was it that bad?
Quatre squeezed the hand on the table and gave her a smile that was supposed to be encouraging. "Don't worry, things will work out soon enough."
She nodded and forced herself to return the smile. He was right. Heero couldn't hate her forever, could he? She has to keep her head high and continue hoping he'd absolve her of her sins soon. She didn't know how much longer she could endure the pain of being hated by the one you have deep feelings for, but she would keep hoping it would be soon.
Around her, Dorothy had gotten the people at the table with her discussing the preparations for the ball. They still had to hire a band and do decorations. "I think more flowers are in order."
"We can sent up the buffet table at one side, the tables at the sides and the band here," Steve said, scribbling on the paper napkin, indicating where things ought to be, "and the center will serve as the dance floor."
"Gazebos are already scattered around so people can go there if they want a bit of privacy," Cherise added, smiling excitedly. "Aw, this is going to be so beautiful!"
"It's going to be magical," Relena said softly, smiling at the way both genders were able to work on the plan without any negative exchange. She happened to glance up form the sketch Steve had drawn and noticed Paolo looking at her. When he saw he had been caught, he smiled and turned to his friends.
She frowned. Why was he looking at her? It wasn't the first time she caught him staring. God, don't tell me he's interested. Please! As if James wasn't bad enough, now she has to deal with another bag of hot air?
"We should probably get going," Quatre said. "It's already five and I'm sure there are a lot of us with tons of homework we should get a head start on, just as I'm sure the girls have as well."
Dorothy nodded and stood up. "You're right. I'll accompany our dear leader escort you guys out," she volunteered. "Rel?"
Relena nodded, though a bit distractedly. "Yeah. The van's been waiting for half an hour now." As the male students filed out of the room with Dorothy and Quatre leading the way, Paolo fell into step next to her. She inwardly sighed and prayed for patience. "Yes, Mister de Jules?"
"No need to be all formal, Relena," Paolo grinned, showing perfect teeth. "Call me Paolo."
I'd rather not, thank you very much. "Well, Mr. de Jules, what can I do for you?"
"You're just like him."
She blinked. Huh? What's this guy on?
"I've been studying you for quite a while now, Relena," he replied, still with that infuriating lazy smile of his.
What? Am I specimen to be put under such scrutiny then? I'm feeling a very strong desire to locate Milli's shotgun. "And why exactly have you been doing that, if I may be so bold to ask?"
"Does your father have another son other than the one known as Milliardo, Relena?"
That's it! Forget the shotgun! It's too humane for this asshole! I'll castrate him with a rusted spoon and throw his genitals to the hungry dogs that prowl the school with the security. "I beg your pardon?"
"You seem to resemble very closely someone I've had the pleasure of seeing just weeks before. Even the way you talk is similar, not to mention the same blonde hair and beautiful violet eyes."
Relena only stared at him in horror. None of the other boys recognized her! Why did it have to be Paolo, of all people?
"Do you know anyone by the name of Reynald Dorian?" he asked. "You see, even the initials are the same. The names sounds almost the same too, with Reynald a syllable short."
She shook her head and sighed almost impatiently. "Is that all, sir? I'll have to say I'm a bit irked that you'd suggest something as my father having another child. But have you ever heard of the word coincidence? I'm not the only one with blonde hair and violet eyes, de Jules. And I don't claim to be the only one either. So it follows that there's a very big possibility that this Reynald you're talking about isn't my brother."
"Or it could be you. What do you think of that, Lena?"
"I think you've had a little too much sugar, Mr. de Jules," she replied frostily. She hastened her steps and walked ahead of him, only to pause for a second or two. "I believe I've heard about this Reynald from Quatre before. I wasn't aware you knew him as well."
"Rey doesn't know me—which was such a lost to him as he left without having the pleasure of meeting me—but I know enough about him."
"And what would those be?" she asked with an air of nonchalance, but she was dying to know. The guy was creepy. Who knows what perversity he associated with her male counterpart?
"I know that he's beautiful. And that he's gay."
Was I that girly? Relena wondered briefly. "I see," she replied. "However I fail to realize how this is related to me. So I look like him a bit. But he's a guy and I'm a girl. Do you follow what I'm saying?"
Paolo nodded. "Of course." They reached the door and she could see the others already climbing the school van designated to drop and fetch SKA's students. "It's just that you remind me so much of my little darling," the Frenchman said, brushing stray bangs out of Relena's eyes.
She stiffened. "Goodbye, Mr. de Jules."
"For today, Relena, goodbye for today." With that, he walked to the waiting van and climbed in after Quatre. Dorothy stepped back as the vehicle started to back up and waved as it pulled off the driveway.
The blonde young woman with braids stared at the moving car, wishing it would explode with only Paolo inside. Her friend glanced at her and sighed. "Should I call Milliardo and have him do the deed for you?"
She sighed and shook her head. "No, it's okay. I just didn't realize Paolo was bi. And he seems to have liked Rey back in SKA. And guess what? He's found a substitute now that Rey's gone."
"Well, at least commend him for going for the original," Dorothy smirked. They walked back inside, nodding and greeting the people they come across with.
"Dorothy, what do you think should I do at the ball?" she asked after a moment of silence. "I mean, what will I say to him when I see him? Should I wave? Should I hide?"
The girl with forked eyebrows didn't have to wonder who "he" was. "Actually, you may not have to do anything," her friend replied lowly. "Someone told me that Heero might not even attend the ball."
Relena stopped on her tracks. "What? Why?" Her shoulders sagged. "It's because of me, isn't it? No, Dorothy, don't answer that. Please."
The one directed to shrugged. "I wasn't going to. Really." When she met Relena's unconvinced eyes, she sighed. "You wound me, Relena. You should know I'm not the type."
"I know you well enough," was the weak response. An audible sigh. "Does he hate me that much?"
"Do you really want to find out?"
Relena turned to Dorothy. "What do you mean?" She loved Dorothy, as she was a dear friend, but sometimes, she could be a bit scary. "What do you have up your sleeve this time?"
She shrugged. "I just thought I'd let you have a peek into Heero's private world, now that you're no longer in the same school with him. You might even know whether or not hurling yourself down the tower is in order or not."
Relena hesitated. Dorothy's parents were part of an army's intelligence. She knew her sources and methods were reliable. But she wasn't sure she wanted to invade Heero's privacy. She's already done too much damage as is. And what about the things she might find out?
"How?"
"My room after dinner. And please, for both our sake, don't bring Hilde with you. I like her and all, but Hilde can be too much at times. This is one of them. She'll want to abuse my device too much if she finds out."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain later. Right now, I have to set everything up. And do my math homework," she made a face. "See you at dinner. And after."
Relena watched Dorothy walk away, the girl's long light yellow hair cascading behind her. She closed her eyes briefly and prayed for strength. She was willing to go with whatever evil plan Dorothy hatched to be privy to Heero's thoughts. She just wished she would come out alive after this.
Oh, Heero. The things I do for you.
Tbc
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Not exactly long, is it? _ I know it can be a bit anti-climatic after the long wait but…bear with me, neh? My brain's still recovering from too much stress and my writing's a bit rusty. But I promise to do better next part.
Disclaimers: GW still doesn't belong to me. Sue at your own risk. I fancy myself an arsonist now that I'm close to losing it with my professor. It's your house.