Disclaimer: If I did own Gundam Wing, I would be rich right now; last time I checked, I wasn't.

Warnings: Mild language

A.N: Apparently some people weren't happy with the last chapter... I tried my best, heck, the first few chapters of Zero Soul wasn't even that long. Well, I hope that this chapter meets with more approval.
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My Ojousan
Chapter 4: Breakfast at Hilde's

By: veGie-kun


It was cold, terribly cold. A winter's night couldn't lay claim to the temperature dropping chills. It was a frigidness that came with loss and emptiness; the loss of purpose, friends, family, love, and the emptiness felt when one is all alone. There was also darkness; never ending black without a sign of life anywhere save for the huddled form of a young girl. Clothed in a sky blue dress, she laid on her side as still as a rock. Even with the absence of light, her figure was bright, like a lone star in the night sky.

//Alone...// Her mind stated. //That's what I'll always be.... alone.// She drew more into herself until she was a tight ball. //They've all abandoned me... Milliard, Noin, Father... and Heero... No one ever stays with me... they all just leave once their jobs are done... everyone...// A quiet, barely audible sob escaped the young girl followed by another. //Why?... Why do they always leave? Couldn't... couldn't they just... be with me for a little while longer?.... No... even if they did... it would only be forestalling the inevitable... I'd still be alone in the end...//

More sobs were released into the darkness and crystalline drops of tears slid down her cheek. It remained like that for what seemed a lifetime; her anguished heart crying into the stillness yet no one answered. //For the rest of my life this is how I'll be...//

As if trying to combat the loneliness, memories, happy ones, began to flood her psyche. Times where she spent sunny afternoons with her parents as an ignorant yet innocent child, to car rides with her dearest friend and faithful servant, Pagan. Like the pages of a photo album, they flipped through her consciousness and warmed her heart. Her most cherished memories though, were her moments with Heero Yuy... and yet those moments were also her most heart wrenching. Aboard Peacemillion when he made ready to take off in WingZERO, he'd given her hope and strength; however, his departure left her aching for his presence once more. There was also the time in AC 196 in which she spent time in his company as he personally protected her from the Century Discovery firm and the ambitions of Sogran, but then he was gone again. Every time she thought of him she was left with the feelings of contentment and longing.

Before her mind could retreat back into despair, a joyful laughter filled the space. Uncertainty crept in and the tears stopped along with the sobs. //... Who...?// A warm, pleasant sensation developed within her and, for the first time, her eyes opened and she stared at her surroundings; a radiant light, calm, serene, beautiful, and filling. It grew with every intake of breath, warding off the emptiness. Shifting onto one arm and reaching out with the other, she tried to touch the illuminating warmth as a blinding white hand appeared. A shining figure followed and the girl swore it had a smile upon its lips. It was calling for her and she desperately tried to grasp the hand into her own. //So close...// Her mind whispered as their fingertips brushed with one another.

//Help me...// She cried fearing it would soon disappear. In an instant the arm came lower and their hands finally locked. Contact made, the void vanished and the light engulfed them.

*****

"Unh," Relena moaned as tired eyes blinked away the last traces of sleep. With lethargic movements, she rubbed at her tired aquamarine orbs and slowly positioned herself upright. With still half closed lids, the young woman gazed at her environment and noticed the bright light from behind the closed curtains. "... It's morning," she whispered to herself in a tired voice.

"Yup!" came Duo's voice as he peeked his head through the doorframe, "It's about time you got up, 'Jousan! I've been waitin' all morning!"

Relena's voice left her as she stared at the jovial youth standing in the kitchen's doorframe. There was a big grin on his face and flour on his red shirt. "... What," she began a bit unsure, "what are you up to, Duo?"

"Huh?" his brows arched in confusion, then he looked down to study himself, noticing the mess he sustained. Rubbing the back of his head with his right hand he let out a good-natured laugh. "Oh, this... I was just... uh... experimenting with Hilde's cooking supplies..."

A tiny smile crept upon Relena's face at the thought of Duo in the kitchen. "You?" she said with amusement lighting her ocean colored eyes, "Cook? Now that's something I have to see to believe." Unaware that she had his jacket on, the young girl got up and made for the kitchen. Upon entering the humble and quaint room, she was hit with the delicious smells of cooking batter, eggs, bacon, and toast. Her mouth began to water as she savored the pleasant aromas, while striding to the little table in the corner. "Mmmmm... It smells heavenly, Duo... when did you do all this?" she queried taking a seat in one of the wooden chairs.

"About thirty minutes ago, after I finished contacting Lady Une," he replied from the stove, flipping some of the pancakes onto a plate.

"You contacted Colonel Une?"

"Yep," Duo confirmed, moving to get some eggs from another frying pan along with some bacon.

"What did she have to say about the whole thing?"

"She told us to stay where we are until they discover who's behind all this. Although..." Duo continued with a thoughtful expression, "the strangest thing was she already knew what was going on before I even told her. When I asked how she found out, she said Trowa called and informed her. Now, how do you suppose Trowa knew that my shop was bombed and that you were the target?"

"Well," the young girl began as she poured herself some orange juice from the nearby pitcher, "from what I've heard, Trowa can be a pretty resourceful guy."

"Where did you hear that from?"

"Oh," Relena looked from her cup, "from the reports submitted by Colonel Une and Sally Po. They also like to reminisce about old times and such."

"I guess I have to agree with you on that one," Duo replied, setting down the heaping mass of food, "he was always good with information and finding out about things before we did."

Not getting a response, the former pilot looked up to the girl in front of him and noticed her bewildered expression. "You're not going to eat all that, are you?" she asked in disbelief, staring with wide eyes at the well-stacked plate.

"Huh?" he blinked with large, round eyes, "Me? Oh, no. I'm not going to eat all that; you are."

The young diplomat's brain had a hard time processing that last statement. "What?! I'm not going to eat all this food, Duo! I can't!"

"Well, you're going to; all of it," the youth retorted sternly. "When I carried you onto the couch last night, I noticed you were kinda underweight... Have you been eating well at all, Relena?" The diplomat across from him averted her gaze to the corner of the table and remained silent. "C'mon, Relena," Duo urged, "What have you been doing to yourself?"

"Nothing..." she finally replied, "nothing that's not out of the norm..."

"What do you mean by that?" he blurted. "Please, Relena, have you even been taking care of yourself?"

"What does it matter anyway?" she queried with pleading eyes. "What does it matter if I'm eating well or not? I'm still alive, aren't I?"

That last sentence stung the young man, sending bolts of pain up his spine and piercing his heart with sharp, cold tinges. //You... you sound as if you want to die... Is this true, 'Jousan? Do you really want to die?// "It," he began with furrowed eyebrows, "is not enough to just live, Relena."

"Maybe not for you," she whispered with closed lids, "but it's enough for me... it's all I can do..." After giving off a soft sigh, she opened her eyes and was met with a fork load of pancakes.

"Eat," the youth stated, almost ordered, "Please?... For me?" His blue-violet gaze was so much like those of children, pleading with all the sincerity of the world. The look melted her heart and made her want to cry. Relena gave a half smile and opened her mouth. "Now that's better," Duo commented as he slid the fork in, grinning at the pleased look Relena gave as she chewed the warm morsel of food. "Good?"

"Mmmm," she agreed, swallowing the piece with much gusto. "You're not that bad a cook, Duo. Since when did you become such a chef?"

The young man adorned a thoughtful expression, loading up another fork with eggs this time. "To tell you the truth," he hesitated as he lifted the food heavy utensil to the awaiting mouth, "I really didn't get started until after Hilde met Anthony." He glanced up at the munching girl with the inquiring face and chuckled. //She's so cute when her cheeks puff out like that.//

"Mmmrf," Relena retorted with an annoyed look.

"Sorry," he apologized, "Well, ya see, Hilde usually did all the cooking around here so I never really had to bother and learn the art. Did I ever tell you what a wonderful cook Hilde is?" Relena shook her head. "In my book, she's number one. Hahaha," he laughed as he remembered the good old days when it was just he and the German girl. Thinking about those times again, a small frown graced his features. He missed her. The best friend he ever had and she wasn't going to be around him as much anymore.

"It's okay, Duo," Relena spoke up, snapping the former pilot from his reverie, "I know that you still miss her, but really, nothing's going to change. She'll always be there for you." The young diplomat was about to say something more when Duo suddenly plopped the fork back into her mouth with a grin.

"Don't think you can talk your way out of eating breakfast," he replied as he loaded up another round of pancake.

*****

The room was encased in darkness save for the shaft of light peeking through a tiny break in the curtains. It was a small office, lavishly furnished with all sorts of eye-pleasing materials. A large, mahogany colored desk was centered in front of the curtains and next to it was one of those potted, leafy vegetations that seemed to be custom made for offices. Everything was quiet... a bit too quiet for a normal person's taste, quite eerie. The only exception was the rhythmic, metronomic swirling of the ceiling fan. In the stillness existed only the soft but forceful footsteps treading their way on the plush carpet; its movements were random, ceaseless, and nervous. The figure's shadow distorted the beam of light every time it passed by, over and over again.

*knock* *knock*

The figure stopped in its pacing. "Come in," he stated in a low tenor voice, not bothering to leave his post. "What's the situation?"

The suit-clad form cleared his throat and straightened his body. "Sir, it seems that no remains of the bodies were found. After the fire died down, we checked the area again and discovered that the authorities had nothing."

"Do you suppose someone got to their bodies before the police?" came the shaky question.

"I don't believe that is the case, sir," the firm, low voice responded. "No one could have gotten into the building while that fire was still burning. And when we inspected the area around the building, we discovered some shattered glass along its east side."

"What's that got to do with anything? They were most likely destroyed when the bomb went off." Even as he said those words, his tone contained much doubt and uncertainty.

"Sir," the man began a bit firmer this time, "many of those glass shards had blood on them. And they seemed to trail off in a certain direction. The most likely case is that the two managed to escape before the bomb went off. If so, then they know the girl's in danger and are probably in hiding."

"Hiding?"

"That is correct, sir," he replied in monotone. "Rats often run and hide once they've been flushed out. It might take some time, but we'll find them sooner or later."

"How long?"

"... That is what we are uncertain of, sir," the young man replied in low tones.

"Uncertain? Uncertain!?" That statement made the jittery man fume with unbridled rage. He picked up a book from the nearby desk and threw it at the calm figure. With little effort, the youth tilted his head and dodged the thick volume projectile. Turning his head to look at where the novel landed across the room, he slowly set his gaze back at the raging man. A sly and dangerous grin spread across his lightly tanned face, and his dark blue eyes sparkled with an almost evil gleam.

"That wasn't wise, sir," he stated coolly. "Just because I work for you now doesn't mean I'll work for you forever. Be sure to know who you make an enemy of or you might just regret it later on."

The older man, visibly shaken by that threat, backed away a few steps until he bumped into the rim of his expensive desk. With the support of the furniture, he began to steady himself and calm down. Straightening his tie and adjusting his suit jacket, he cleared his throat and looked back at his underling. "Dismissed."

Nodding once in understanding, the youth left the room as silently as he had entered. Once gone, silence enveloped the room and the man resigned himself to slump into one of the chairs in front of the desk. His forehead was lightly glossed over with nervous sweat and his breathing was shallow and slow. There was something about that young man that frightened him; at times he was almost consumed with an urge to just bolt it out of the room. Those cold, dark blue eyes held death in them and something told the man that the boy could care less that he killed as long as the job was done. He was absolutely terrified.

*****

"Duo, I can't eat anymore!" Relena protested as a fork full of eggs hovered in front of her face. "I'm serious! I'm really full!" She swiveled her head to the side to avoid the utensil as Duo moved it closer.

"C'mon, Relena," Duo urged on, "three more and you're finished."

"Three more and I'll explode," she retorted with a 'Heero Yuy' death glare.

Duo contemplated those words then stared at the food before him. Giving off a loud sigh, he placed the fork down, deciding that his health was a bit more important than leftover breakfast. "Okay, okay, I won't force you to eat anymore if you don't want to."

Relena was very much relieved and began to relax a bit more in her chair. "Aren't you going to eat any?"

"Nah, I already stuffed myself with the leftover Chinese I found in Hilde's fridge," he replied, leaning back on the wooden chair.

The girl was perplexed at that sudden information. "If there were leftovers, then why did you even bother cooking in the first place?"

"Hm? Oh, I just thought you'd appreciate a warm meal much better than cold leftovers."

"... Uh... thanks for the thought, Duo," Relena stammered. //He did all that cooking just for me... He's much nicer than I give him credit for sometimes...// The thought took her by surprise but before it could take root, her years a diplomat took over and she was left distressed. "Oh, no! I almost forgot! I have a meeting to attend this morning!" Her eyes frantically wandered around the room, searching for something that could instantly take her to that room full of stuffy politicians and diplomats.

"Calm down, Relena," the youth assured her, "there's nothing you can do about it now. The conference started over an hour and a half ago, a little before I woke up. I'm pretty sure that it's over by now."

"What!?" Somehow, the young woman wasn't able to comprehend that sentence. In all her years as Vice Foreign Minister, she had never once missed a meeting of such import. "Why didn't you wake me up?"

//Is this even real? How can she be thinking about that when her life's being threatened? This girl can't be human!... *sigh* I almost forgot how much alike she and Heero are. They've both got one track minds... kinda funny when you think about it... they're almost like the same person, just different genders.// "Ojousan, you know that it's impossible for you to be seen right now. I can't allow you to endanger yourself like that. I know how much those meetings mean to you but you could get killed! You're life is way too important to be thrown away like that!"

"But what's going to happen if I'm not there!?"

"The conference, colonies, and the rest of the world can survive without you for a day or two," Duo exclaimed with a serious expression and tone, there was nothing joking about it. "Besides, I already called the building and informed them that you had the stomach flu. That'll give you at least four to seven days away from the negotiation talks."

"But I have to know what's going on so I'll know what to do to handle the situation should it arise again." A pleading look crossed her aquamarine orbs.

Duo smiled sympathetically at her. //Oi, she'll never change... not for as long as I live.// It warmed his heart to see her like this, always caring for others while her own life was in danger. "Again, don't worry about it. I checked with Lady Une and she told me that the room those guys are in are monitored by at least two surveillance cameras. You can check the videos once this whole fiasco ends."

Relief settled in and the young diplomat calmed down just a bit. "So... what'll we do till then?"

"Dunno, but the first thing we have to do is wait for Trowa."

"Trowa?"

"Yup, he's coming over with info and orders form Une as well as some supplies."

"Hmmm..." She got up to clear the dishes but stumbled as her hip hit the tabletop, exciting a bruise that was healing up till that point. The dishes made a loud clang as they hit the wooden furniture and her hands grasped its sides in order to steady herself. Instinctively her right hand moved to cover the injury, putting pressure on it.

"Don't move, 'Jousan!" Duo hastily ordered. "Kuso! I can't believe I forgot about your wounds. Here," he said reaching over to clasp her hand to lead her into the living room. They made it over to the couch and the youth motioned for her to sit down while he went back into the kitchen to retrieve the first aid kit. A moment later he was back on the couch, taking out some cream and bandages. //I should've patched her up as soon as she had awakened. Baka! You're always screwing things up.//

"Give me your left arm," he instructed. She did as he told her and winced, apparently her hunger that morning made her oblivious to the pain her body felt. Really, it wasn't all that bad when she was eating and had only appeared once her stomach was full. "Oi..." Duo breathed out when he was finally able to take full notice of her scab ridden arm, a few were beginning to bleed again. Contrary to what he had believed last night, she hadn't escaped all that unscathed. //I'm so sorry... I should have protected you much better than this... If it had been Heero, he would have never let this happen to you.//

Duo spent the entire time in silence, ashamed to utter a single word. On her part, Relena could sense that something wasn't right with the young man yet chose not to say anything. She understood the look he had on his face and felt it was best that he be left to ponder in his own thoughts. Everybody needs to have time to themselves, right? "There you go," the young man beamed after applying a last bandage on her knee. "Ya know," he started taking in her full appearance, "maybe you should change out of that dress."

"But I have nothing else to wear."

"You can wear Hilde's old clothes. I don't think she'll mind you borrowing a few of them for awhile considering the situation," he explained. She nodded and headed in the direction pointed out to her.

*knock* *knock*

The sound came from the back door of the kitchen. //That's Trowa.// Thought the mechanic as he left his seat to let in his awaited guest. He turned the knob slowly just in case the person behind the barrier wasn't who he thought it was. Luckily for him, he met a stoic face and motionless green eyes. "What took ya so long?"

*****

"So, Trowa," Duo piped up from the couch, "how long do we have to stay here?"

The stoic young man looked up from his seat on the cushioned chair opposite the former Deathscythe Hell pilot, little could be detected on his face. "Until your new contact arrives. He'll tell you what to do from here on." Was all he said before returning to stare at the coffee table and the bandages sprawled on it. Moments passed and the silence became something like a burden on the usually talkative mechanic. It went on for a few more minutes before the taller youth decided to say something. "... How badly were the two of you injured last night."

Duo sighed with relief and contentment at the prospect of not having to keep quiet. "Is wasn't anything serious. Relena only sustained a few scratches and bruises."

"And you?"

"Me? Well, besides a couple of cuts here and there, plus a few singed hairs, I'm okay. Although I was worried my hair would catch on fire." Taking a look at his bandaged arm he continued, "It could've been worse ya know.... Relena and I could have died in that bombing..." There was a long moment of silence before Duo spoke up again. "Are you sure about our enemies?"

".... Yes. Relena's constant struggle for more pacifist means of negotiation has made her many foes."

"Kuso! She could've died!" Duo seethed in anger. "... She could've died.... and all because some ignorant politician doesn't like the fact that she's not agreeing with him..."

"Lady Une has assured me that as soon as they can confirm their suspicions, they'll arrest the man," Trowa stated with an unbelievably stoic face, but that wasn't anything new. "Although... if it is him, we could have some problems with his nation possibly going to war..."

"Oh yeah," the shorter youth chirped up, "thanks again for all the supplies. I really didn't want to eat Hilde out of house and home, but tell me something," he leaned forward so that his forearms rested on his knees, "how did you manage to get here without being spotted?"

"... I blend well with the shadows," Trowa replied as coolly as ever.

"Now that's an understatement!" Duo remarked with a grin. "Uh... so who is this informant and when is he suppose to arrive?"

"Tonight, and his identity is to remain confidential until then."

"Fine then, I guess I'll just have to wait." He looked down at his watch and frowned. //Geez, I can't wait that long! I'll die of boredom! Someone just shoot me now... Hmmmm I wonder what Relena would want to do tonight? Maybe we could watch a video until the guy shows up... I like that idea.//

Just at that moment Relena reappeared wearing some of the German girl's old clothes; a dark blue sweatshirt and light blue jeans. Being about the same size, Relena filled into the garment quite well. She seemed content to be wearing such comfortable clothing and it suited her well. Relena had accepted her little 'vacation' away from work a few minutes ago, realizing that there were really no other options left for her to take. "So, what's up?" she asked only to be met by a mischievous grin from the braided youth.


-to be continued-
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I know, I know. This wasn't much of a chapter but they usually get better once you write a couple more chapters for the book. Alright, I think that I should do some explaining for this fic. First of all, I'm trying to follow the Endless Waltz storyline as close as possible. That means that Noin and Zechs are still on Mars working on the Terraformation project and Relena doesn't know about it. Also, if you're wondering, the Century Discovery firm and General Sogran are from the Gundam Wing official manga, Blind Target. Along with that, before Hilde met her husband, she and Duo use to live together, but moved out once she started seeing the guy. Okay, I am striving to make this fic less than 10 chapter long and by the looks of it, that might actually happen.