A.N. In this chapter there is the slightest, slightest implication of affection between Trowa and Quatre. But trust me, that's all the farther it'll go.

Chapter Six: Preparing for the Ball

Heero had settled Kai downstairs on the living room couch and was in the kitchen preparing her a meal of what was left in the fridge. He searched through the entire kitchen, but failed to produce any kind of edible substance.

"Now I know what Duo felt like," Heero said to himself.

He scratched the back of his head trying to think of any other place where food might be.

"Heero? Is everything alright in there?" came a quiet voice.

"Of course, Kai," Heero lied through his teeth. 'What the hell am I going to do?'

The Perfect Soldier walked into the living room, still in his sleep clothes, with a slightly puzzled expression on his lovely face.

"What's the matter?" Kai looked concerned.

"Would you rather have cake mix or pickles?" Heero explained with his usual emotionless voice.

At first Kai just stared at him, but after an annoying silence, Heero heard surprising noise.

Kai was laughing...at him!

"Huh?" Heero paused.

"It's..." Kai couldn't stop laughing, "it's you! Hahahahahahaha!"

Heero was left out of her little amusement and confused.

Kai lowered her hilarity but then started again...and this time louder.

He couldn't take it any longer. What was so damn funny?

"Kai! Kai! Could you maybe let me in on this?" he bent down to her eye level hoping to get some sense into her.

"Oh Heero..." she'd stopped laughing but had the biggest grin on her face, "it's just that you're always so cold and expressionless. And when you say some things, they just sound so funny. Cake mix or pickles?" Kai imitated his blank appearance.

At first Heero was agitated but after hearing her laughter revive his mood lightened. He even laughed a little himself, which really surprised Kai.

"Heero...you're laughing?" she looked at him with a curious face.

"You're not the only one who's human, Kai," he replied with a smile.

Kai of course started in again and this time Heero joined, full heartedly.

Trowa adjusted his black tuxedo tie in Quatre's full-length mirror. He looked quite pleased with his appearance, and who could argue? His tall, slender, broad build was both pleasing to the women and even some men. Of course, Trowa always carried this knowledge with a casual demeanor; never arrogant or self absorbed.

Quatre walked into the room and gave Trowa a warm greeting smile.

"Are you ready?"

"Of course."

There was a small uncomfortable silence between them. Quatre desperately tried to start a conversation.

"So, do you think Heero will show?"

Trowa still adjusting his tuxedo, answered, "Heero has never backed out from any situation or invitation. And if he does, I'm sure he has a good reason."

"Of course," Quatre assured himself. He had a sheepish grin on his face.

There was another silence, but this one was not uncomfortable.

Trowa had finished the details of his tuxedo yet stayed in front of the mirror looking at Quatre from the mirror's reflection. The quiet Arab did the same and smiled at him.

"You look good, Trowa."

"Thank you, Quatre."

The two stayed that way for a time until Trowa turned around, facing the blushing Quatre. They were only a foot apart and entranced with each other.

"Let's go, Quatre," Trowa's voice was barely audible and his staring eyes were soft and intent.

Quatre nodded. He still had a tiny shade of pink painted on his cheeks.

The two headed downstairs without a word exchanged, but even though silence always overtook them, an endearing conversation was taking place.

Miss Une, the head Preventer of the agency, impatiently drummed her fingers on her wide mahogany desk. She hated it when people weren't on time. Punctuality was a must have on her list. If a comrade was late, it lowered her respect towards that comrade because unpunctuality did not show respect towards her.

Well she might as well give up on Heero. He was supposed to attend a meeting at headquarters but never made it or even called in to explain his detainment. Anyway, the ball would start in a couple of hours and getting ready is going to take longer than expected.

Une sat for a few more moments debating whether or not she'd ought to wait for Heero or leave.

The building was completely still and silent. The only noise that interrupted this silence was Une's tiny desk clock, tick ticking away every second.

She couldn't take it anymore. Heero'd better have an explanation this evening if he even attends. Oh well, stressing over something as simple as Heero being reckless and late isn't worth it.

Une quickly gathered her papers and neatly filed them into her briefcase. Her secretary had left hours before so there wouldn't be anyone to bother as she left. For some odd reason, Une had been on prickles and needles that day. Snapping right and left at people. Even Sally and Wufei asked what was wrong. But Une herself didn't know what was wrong. Maybe the fact that Noin and Zechs would soon be leaving the Preventers scared her. But it's only temporary. Every bride and groom needs a honeymoon, even if it is for 4 days. But even then, Une still felt insecure. Hopefully the entertainment of the ball would help her forget the stress. Hopefully...

As she walked down the building's long hall, Une stopped in mid-stride to glance at a certain room. On the open door's front face had a decorated inscription dedicated to the earth's late profound leader, Treize Khushrenada.

Une sighed in the remembrance of his Excellency and continued to walk down the hall, but something had caught her tired eye. As silly, and obvious as it was, the door was open and who knows for how long!

Une worried whether something had been gone wrong where emergency files had to be reviewed for certain cases, but to her knowledge nothing needed reviewing. Had something been stolen?

His Excellency's Preventer office was where old, concealed documents were kept. For instance, transcripts of private interviews and meetings; speeches of the old Romefellar's leaders; and even confidential propositions.

Une set her briefcase outside the room's lintel and slowly crept inside, avoiding the light switch. She kept her eyes peeled just in case she wasn't alone. Everything seemed to be in order. The locks were locked; the cabinets closed; and the desk untouched.

Une walked toward the large chair resting behind the desk. She slid her fingers on the slick, shiny cherry wood desk and gazed at the frame with Treize's picture in it. As usual, he wore his blue jacket and cape that hung on only one side of his broad shoulder. He looked majestic and royal with his all knowing blue eyes and unforgettable profile. But he'd always been more than just a handsome face. He'd helped change the world and its relations with space. Yes, he had been hard on her at times, but it was because she failed him in some way, and to make her be the best she could be, he'd been harsh.

'Oh, your Excellency...just look at us now. The earth and space are finally at peace. And I know you must be also. Rest in peace, my dear...'

The hardest mission in Une's entire career was letting go of Treize. She'd never have him again...but she was needed on earth and knew she was still helping his Excellency...somehow.

A.N: I still haven't finished Chapter Seven. I restarted doing this fic awhile ago, if you like it, please be patient for the next chapter.

Thank you for reading! Comments are always welcome.