"Bridget?" Quatre called softly. She turned her head slightly in response.
Kat took a deep breath and shut the door behind him as he went farther into
the room. "Are you alright?" he asked when he was halfway in the room.
"Hmmm? Oh yes, Kat I'm fine. I'm just thinking right now," she said slowly.
"Really, about what?" Kat asked as he took another step into the room, wondering what kind of painkillers the doctor had given her.
"Oh, loads of things," Bridget said calmly. Kat stood beside her, putting his hand on the window.
"Such as what? About your home in your time? What Treize said?" he prompted. Bridget dropped her gaze and gave a slight nod. Kat watched as he let his hand trail down the window, tracing the cold glass and the stars till it hit sudden warmth. He took a breath as he looked to see his hand lying on top of Bridget's. He then raised his eyes to find them looking into Bridget's green ones.
"What if he's telling the truth?" She whispered. "What if my whole life up to this point has been a lie? My family? My heritage? What if none of it is true? Then how do I know who I am, Quatre? How can I possibly know who I am?" Kat stood still, unsure of what to say. Bridget had always seemed to know who she was, whom her family back in her old life was and it had given her strength. Now that knowledge was in question and Kat was witnessing that strength fading.
"Bridget," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "That's who you are."
"What is that supposed to mean?" She demanded, voice starting to rise. He squeezed her hand.
"I mean that no matter who your family really is you are still you. You are still Bridget-"She started to pull away from him then and he took her hand and brought her closer. "I'm being serious so listen. You are still funny, kind, determined..." he paused for a moment to take a breath before whispering. "And beautiful." Bridget blinked and lowered her gaze then.
"No I'm not," she said.
"Yes you are. I wouldn't say you where if you weren't," Kat said fiercely. He felt himself blush as she met his gaze again. "I don't believe in lying you know,"
"I know," Bridget said and enclosed her fingers around his. He stared at her hand in his and smiled softly.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Alright, I guess- they gave me some...morphine I think and it-?" She said
"Morphine? They gave you morphine?" Kat demanded. Bridget blinked in surprise.
"Ummmm, yeah," she said slowly as she watched him. Kat sighed and shook his head.
No wonder she's so calm. He thought to himself. "Well I'm going to let you get some sleep then," Kat said with a somewhat forced smile. Bridget pouted a bit.
"Sure leave me in the big room all alone," She teased. Kat smiled for real then and started to move away. "Kat, please don't go yet," He stopped short when he found her hand suddenly resting on his cheek. "It's just...there is so much I need to say...when you left-"
"Bridget lets wait till you're better to talk about this," he said after removing her hand from his face and patting it.
"Quatre-"
"No, Bridget you need to rest then we can talk, I promise," he said as he made his hasty retreat for the door. Kat tried to open the door as Bridget sat down on the floor. Much to his annoyance it wouldn't open. "Shit," He said as he continued to try to get the door to open.
"It usually works better if the door isn't locked," Bridget said from across the room. Kat looked to see her twisting her hair with an amused look on her face.
"How do you know the door is locked?" He asked.
"Because our friends have a sick sense of humor and I wouldn't put it past them to lock you in here with me when I'm high on painkillers, would you?"
"No," Kat said irritably, realization downing on him. "No wonder they told me EXACTLY where you were." Bridget nodded.
"I guess that means we get to talk now," she said, a triumphant look on her face. Kat shook his head.
"Nope, you get to go to sleep while I stand guard and wait for them to get bored and open the door," He corrected.
"Oh well that could take an awfully long time. Especially if Wufei is in on it...he NEVER gets bored," Bridget pointed out.
"Damnit," Kat whispered to himself, knowing she was right. "Well all the same you need to go to sleep, so-"
"No, we need to talk about this now. We may not get the chance again. What if you get called out on anther mission and leave me alone without a word again. Then we'll never get to talk and I don't want that, Quatre," Bridget said as she stood up. Kat glared at her as she walked over to him.
"Bridget, we had a mission I-"She silenced him with a hand near his mouth.
"I know that. I understand that's how you HAD to leave but I have something to tell you and it's veeeery important," Kat crossed his arms and nodded. She motioned him closer and stood on tiptoe, as if to tell him a secret. Suddenly Bridget kissed him softly. Kat's eyes widened. He pulled her away and held her at arms length.
"Bridget, what?"
"Oh, Quatre," Bridget said with a small smile playing on her face. "I don't know how much more blunt I have to be," She said giggled a bit.
"Bridget, you don't know what your saying, what you're doing-"
"I do so," Bridget said indignantly.
"No, no you don't. You've been through a traumatic experience and are under the influence of your medication. You don't know what you're saying," Kat said, trying to get away from the door while keeping her away.
"How dare you say that!" she cried out suddenly, tearing herself from his grasp. "I know what's in my mind and heart, Quatre. No matter what happens I will always know what is in my heart," Kat stared at her.
"And what is that?" he asked, holding his breath as he waited for the answer.
"You," Bridget said and closed the space between them. "You are in my heart," She whispered, running a hand through his hair. Kat shut his eyes, trying to think.
"You're sick.... I refuse to take advantage of you," He whispered as her hand trailed down to his cheek.
"You aren't," She assured. "You're my guardian, Quatre, my protective solder. You never could harm me," He opened his eyes and looked at her intently.
"I don't want you to get hurt..."
"You'll never let me get hurt, you said that to me the first time we met," He took her hand and studied it. Suddenly he kissed it softly.
"You're right," He said as he pulled her closer. "I never will."
Sally hurried down the hall to the room where Bridget was staying. She opened it quickly to find Kat sitting against the wall with Bridget asleep in his arms.
"Quatre I am so sorry-"
"Shh, she's asleep. It's all right Sally, we're both fine. Though I can't say the same for anyone who I find in the observation room," Kat said softly as he slowly got up.
"Are you leaving?" Bridget asked softly.
"Yes, it's time for you to go to bed. I'll be here when you wake up though," Kat said gently, marveling at how quickly the morphine was taking effect.
"Promise?" Bridget asked.
"With all my heart," he whispered and helped her into her bed in the corner near the window. Bridget nodded as he kissed her forehead softly. "Goodnight," He said and started for the door.
"Night! Night, Sally!" Bridget called as she curled up.
"Night, Bridget," Sally answered with a smile as she moved to let Kat pass by her. She shut the door and relocked it. "Was it bad?" She asked with a worried look.
"No, not at all I just wish I would have had some say in the whole thing," Kat said with a smile. Sally nodded.
"Maggie and Trowa were locked in a storage room, trust me Quatre, it could have been worse. However they worked things out and that's how Trowa found out Maggie's ankle is broken," Kat stopped and shook his head.
"They never should have come,"
"Well what were they supposed to do, Quatre? Let you all die? Don't you boys understand how much you're cared about?" Sally demanded. Kat blinked at her as she took some calming breaths.
"I'm sorry, Sally. I just-"
"No, it's alright, Quatre. It was wrong of me to say that. I know that you all understand. I have some work to do. I'll see you later," Sally said brusquely as she went into an office. Kat took a left and opened the door to the observation room.
"Did you enjoy the show?" he asked only to find the room empty. Kat sighed and plopped into a chair. He then put his feet up and shut his eyes.
"Well, mission accomplished, huh babe?" Duo asked as he put an arm around Julie's shoulders. His grin quickly vanished when she ducked underneath it and stood glaring at him.
"You left me, Duo."
"Now, baby, I can explain-"
"Oh no you can't. Duo, you have to listen now, ok? Can you do that? Can you listen to me talk now?" Julie demanded, hands on her hips. Duo nodded.
"Sure, Julie," He said and sat down in a chair quickly. Julie nodded as soon as she was sure she had his attention.
"Duo, what do you think of me?" She asked. Duo raised his eyebrows at her. "Now be careful when you answer," she warned. Duo shut his mouth and studied her. His eyes ran up and down her frame, almost as if he was memorizing her. Slowly he stood and took a step toward her.
"To risk sounding like a sappy song or whatever," he said, looking her straight in the eye, "I think I love you." Julie blinked at him and was about to speak when he put up a hand to silence her. "That's why I didn't tell you. I was afraid, Julie. I could never stand to see you get hurt. I'd die first. I knew if I told you then you would come after me because you're a wonderful person and you're just as protective as I am. So to protect you I didn't tell you and it tore me up, it really did. When Oz captured me all I could think of was that you were back at home safe and the fact that I was captured didn't matter that much anymore. Do you understand what I mean? I just want you to be safe forever. So many people I care about have died, Julie. I couldn't bear to lose you, too."
"And you think I could bear to lose you? Duo, I've lost people I love, too. The thought that you had gone on some suicide mission was almost too much for me. I was so scared I would never get to see you again. It's true I went after you and I would do the same thing again. Don't you get that I love you too AND you're a lot more important then you think. Duo, I think you guys are going to save Earth and the Colonies," Julie said, hands on his face. "You need to be more careful so you can do that and so we can be together at the end of all this," Julie said in a soft voice. Duo shut his eyes, wondering what he had done so right in his life to find a girl like the one standing before him, and what had ever possessed him to almost lose her so completely.
"I don't deserve you," He whispered.
"Damn right you don't, especially after that stunt," Julie said as she turned away.
"Julie, I can't say I'm sorry because I may have to do this again some day, but I can tell you this. Now YOU have to pay attention. I will always come back to you. No matter what happens. I'm not stupid enough to not come back. You believe me don't you?" He asked. Julie looked at him, searching his eyes for a few seconds before grinning.
"Of course I do. You're Duo Maxwell, you may run and hide but you'll never tell a lie," She said.
"Damn right, and especially not to you," He said and pulled her into a hug. "Never ever to you," He whispered into her hair. Suddenly he pulled away from her. "Julie, I have to ask you some questions, and they are going to sound really strange but just stay with me here, ok?" Julie nodded and crossed her arms. Duo took a deep breath. "If you could say anyone from here, in this time or whatever, who would you say Bridget looks like?"
"Bridget?" Julie asked. Due nodded and she looked thoughtful. "Someone from here? Well I guess I'd have to say Relena- well, you know, if Pidge had longer hair, blue eyes and didn't wear glasses," Julie said with a laugh.
"What do you mean long hair? Bridget's hair is the same length as Relena's now that I think about it, and what about glasses?" Duo asked.
"Bridget and I both wore glasses in our time but we didn't have them when we got here. Duo, Pidge's hair only comes to her shoulders and that's only when I beg her not to cut it," Julie said with a smirk.
"No, her hair is long. Think about it, and why is it that you can see without your glasses?" he asked.
"I don't know," Julie said. "We never really thought about it. I was just glad I COULD see." Duo nodded.
"Julie, this is going to sound horrible, but how do YOU look?" He asked.
"You know how I look," Julie said with a laugh.
"Yes I know how you look HERE, but I don't know how you looked THERE. So tell me,"
"Fine. I have long hair-"
"More descriptive than that," Duo cut in. Julie rolled her eyes a bit before starting again.
"It's long and curly and it used to be brown but I dye it red. You should know that though, Duo, I needed to re-dye it before we left," Julie said matter-of-factly.
"No, Julie. I thought you were a true redhead. Your roots aren't showing at all here and it's not a brownish sort of red ether," Julie frowned at him. "Don't believe me, go into the bathroom and check the mirror," Duo said as he pointed. She walked into the bathroom and turned on the light
"What the hell is he going on about?" Julie muttered to herself as she looked up. Her jaw dropped. Sure enough her hair was a vibrant red color and much curlier then it had ever been back home. "H-how?" She demanded as she walked back over to Duo.
"I'm not sure, babe. I have an idea though. First, tell me what Maggie looks like, no don't try and think of how she looks here but how she looked there," Julie took a deep breath and shut her eyes.
"She's only a little bit taller then Bridget, who is 5'3-"
"Can't be, I mean here Bridget is taller then 5'3 and Maggie is shorter then she is, only by a few inches though. Go on though," Duo said, making mental notes. "She has hair that is a little longer then B's, and lighter and blue eyes. How else am I wrong with the 'here Maggie'?" Julie asked as she opened her eyes.
"She has longer hair here and it's darker," Duo said with a thoughtful frown. "The blue eyes are the same though,"
"How can that be though? I mean we're the same people," Julie said as she sat down. Duo stood thinking then he nodded.
"When we were captured and Bridget came bustin' in on Trieze he told her something which I think I need to tell you now. He said that all of you originally came from here. He said that you and Maggie where daughters of predominate men who were sent with Bridget to protect her," Duo said as he walked over to her.
"Why would we be sent to protect Pidge, and why was she sent away in this first place?" Julie asked. Duo grinned at her.
"That's the real kicker. You see our dear Bridget is none other then Relena's long lost twin who was sent away because of assassination of their parents. At first I didn't see it, but how could I have? I mean they were never really in the same room together and when we had the pool party Relena had on that damn hat and sunglasses the whole time. I mean I thought Bridget looked like someone I knew but I never would have thought she was a Peacecraft, let alone Relena's sister," Duo took a breath to see Julie sitting with her mouth open. "Hey you ok?" He asked.
"Yeah, I mean, I never really felt like I belonged with my family there, you know, but oh my God, it's too funny. I can't believe Pidge is part of a Pacifist family like that," Duo snorted a bit.
"Yeah, well look at Zechs."
"Duo," Heero's voice came from the door. "We need to discus our next move," Duo nodded and looked at Julie. "Yes she can stay, since you told her everything anyway,"
"You should be more nice to me, Heero. I'm the best friend of your future sister-in-law," Julie said sweetly. Heero stopped short as Duo snickered. He glared at her as Quatre pushed Heero into a chair. He smiled at Julie and winked. Trowa came in grumbling as Wufei shut the door behind him.
"Stop whining, Barton. You'll see her later I'm sure. Or she'll come hunt you down ether way you'll see her later," Wufei said as he crossed his arms and leaned against the door. Suddenly his dark eyes landed on Julie. "Why is the red haired onna here?" He demanded.
"Because she already knows everything," Heero said steely.
"She has a right to," Duo said. "They all do, I mean if it's true-"
"It is true," Heero said.
"What?" Julie asked.
"How would you know?" Wufei demanded. Trowa and Duo simply nodded, already knowing it was.
"Heero-"Kat began only to be cut off.
"But that isn't the most important thing right now. What we have to figure out is how to get a princess of the Sanc Kingdom treated in the safest manner for her. That means that she can't return with us," Heero stated.
"What do you mean, not return with us?" Julie demanded.
"It's too risky for her. There is a medical colony near here where the doctor who treated Bridget is from. I say we have Sally ask that Bridget be treated there and then will be picked up by Sally when she is better. However, we have to make this decision fast because we are approaching quickly and none of us can go with her," Heero said and waited for the explosion. He didn't have to wait long.
"Heero we can't leave her alone there!" Kat cried as he stood up.
"He's right," Wufei said. "If she's as important as she seems to be then we have to guard her,"
"Also Pidge is like, no she IS my sister. Maybe not by blood or anything like that but she is my sister all the same. I don't care what you think Heero Yuy you are NOT sending my sister to some colony all alone. Besides that if this is all true then Maggie and I are supposed to protect her," Julie pointed out.
"Yes but none of us can protect her while we are wanted by Oz," Trowa said suddenly.
"Trowa," Kat said softly.
"Quatre, I'm sorry but I see Heero's point. Oz wants the girls and us. If it's just Bridget herself then it will cause less attraction. Sally said the doctor already thinks that Bridget is just a friend of Sally's who was injured doing Gorilla work. She won't let anything happen to a patient so the safest place for her to get better would probably be there. Maggie's ankle is broken but she can move if we need her too, Bridget be in worse shape then that no matter what she has told you. We have to make sure she's safe," Trowa said evenly, though he knew Maggie was going to be extremely angry with him when she found out he had backed Heero on this decision. Heero nodded.
"We need to decide now," He said. "I say we leave her behind, for now,"
"I say the same," Trowa said, not looking up.
"Fine, but if she gets hurt I will personally tell Relena who's idea this was," Duo said with a sigh.
"Agree," Wufei said with a bit of a growl. Julie looked around and put her arms up in the air.
"Fine Yuy but you're the one telling Maggie what happened and if anything happens to her I will kill you myself,"
"Noted," Heero said and looked to Kat.
"I can't leave her," Kat said. "I promised,"
"Kat, we need to protect her right now and if you stay with her it will just draw more attention. Bridget is smart; she'll be able to look after herself. You have to trust her," Trowa said. Kat nodded.
"I know, it's just that I promised..." His voice trailed off as he lowered his head in defeat. Heero nodded and got up.
"I'm going to tell Sally, and when Maggie wakes up I will tell her," He said and slipped past a glowering Wufei and through the door.
Bridget groaned as she opened her eyes.
"Kat?" She whispered.
"I'm sorry," A female voice said. Bridget frowned and turned her attention toward its owner. A fairly tall woman with chin-length curly blind hair and blue eyes was checking her pulse. "I'm your doctor from the other night," She continued. "You are in a neutral zone so you can relax," She said with a kind smile. Bridget stared up at her, mind working over time.
"Where is everyone?" She asked.
"Sally had to move on but she thought you would be safer here," The doctor said. Bridget squinted; she seemed like someone Bridget ought to know. Suddenly it hit her.
Quatre you may not have been here when I woke up but I think you have left me with the best person other then yourself to protect me. Bridget thought, a smile starting to play on her face.
"Doctor, thank you for continuing to care for me, could I please know your name?"
"Oh, of course. I'm sorry; I'm a bit frazzled with just getting back and all. My name is Iria Winner."
"Hmmm? Oh yes, Kat I'm fine. I'm just thinking right now," she said slowly.
"Really, about what?" Kat asked as he took another step into the room, wondering what kind of painkillers the doctor had given her.
"Oh, loads of things," Bridget said calmly. Kat stood beside her, putting his hand on the window.
"Such as what? About your home in your time? What Treize said?" he prompted. Bridget dropped her gaze and gave a slight nod. Kat watched as he let his hand trail down the window, tracing the cold glass and the stars till it hit sudden warmth. He took a breath as he looked to see his hand lying on top of Bridget's. He then raised his eyes to find them looking into Bridget's green ones.
"What if he's telling the truth?" She whispered. "What if my whole life up to this point has been a lie? My family? My heritage? What if none of it is true? Then how do I know who I am, Quatre? How can I possibly know who I am?" Kat stood still, unsure of what to say. Bridget had always seemed to know who she was, whom her family back in her old life was and it had given her strength. Now that knowledge was in question and Kat was witnessing that strength fading.
"Bridget," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "That's who you are."
"What is that supposed to mean?" She demanded, voice starting to rise. He squeezed her hand.
"I mean that no matter who your family really is you are still you. You are still Bridget-"She started to pull away from him then and he took her hand and brought her closer. "I'm being serious so listen. You are still funny, kind, determined..." he paused for a moment to take a breath before whispering. "And beautiful." Bridget blinked and lowered her gaze then.
"No I'm not," she said.
"Yes you are. I wouldn't say you where if you weren't," Kat said fiercely. He felt himself blush as she met his gaze again. "I don't believe in lying you know,"
"I know," Bridget said and enclosed her fingers around his. He stared at her hand in his and smiled softly.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Alright, I guess- they gave me some...morphine I think and it-?" She said
"Morphine? They gave you morphine?" Kat demanded. Bridget blinked in surprise.
"Ummmm, yeah," she said slowly as she watched him. Kat sighed and shook his head.
No wonder she's so calm. He thought to himself. "Well I'm going to let you get some sleep then," Kat said with a somewhat forced smile. Bridget pouted a bit.
"Sure leave me in the big room all alone," She teased. Kat smiled for real then and started to move away. "Kat, please don't go yet," He stopped short when he found her hand suddenly resting on his cheek. "It's just...there is so much I need to say...when you left-"
"Bridget lets wait till you're better to talk about this," he said after removing her hand from his face and patting it.
"Quatre-"
"No, Bridget you need to rest then we can talk, I promise," he said as he made his hasty retreat for the door. Kat tried to open the door as Bridget sat down on the floor. Much to his annoyance it wouldn't open. "Shit," He said as he continued to try to get the door to open.
"It usually works better if the door isn't locked," Bridget said from across the room. Kat looked to see her twisting her hair with an amused look on her face.
"How do you know the door is locked?" He asked.
"Because our friends have a sick sense of humor and I wouldn't put it past them to lock you in here with me when I'm high on painkillers, would you?"
"No," Kat said irritably, realization downing on him. "No wonder they told me EXACTLY where you were." Bridget nodded.
"I guess that means we get to talk now," she said, a triumphant look on her face. Kat shook his head.
"Nope, you get to go to sleep while I stand guard and wait for them to get bored and open the door," He corrected.
"Oh well that could take an awfully long time. Especially if Wufei is in on it...he NEVER gets bored," Bridget pointed out.
"Damnit," Kat whispered to himself, knowing she was right. "Well all the same you need to go to sleep, so-"
"No, we need to talk about this now. We may not get the chance again. What if you get called out on anther mission and leave me alone without a word again. Then we'll never get to talk and I don't want that, Quatre," Bridget said as she stood up. Kat glared at her as she walked over to him.
"Bridget, we had a mission I-"She silenced him with a hand near his mouth.
"I know that. I understand that's how you HAD to leave but I have something to tell you and it's veeeery important," Kat crossed his arms and nodded. She motioned him closer and stood on tiptoe, as if to tell him a secret. Suddenly Bridget kissed him softly. Kat's eyes widened. He pulled her away and held her at arms length.
"Bridget, what?"
"Oh, Quatre," Bridget said with a small smile playing on her face. "I don't know how much more blunt I have to be," She said giggled a bit.
"Bridget, you don't know what your saying, what you're doing-"
"I do so," Bridget said indignantly.
"No, no you don't. You've been through a traumatic experience and are under the influence of your medication. You don't know what you're saying," Kat said, trying to get away from the door while keeping her away.
"How dare you say that!" she cried out suddenly, tearing herself from his grasp. "I know what's in my mind and heart, Quatre. No matter what happens I will always know what is in my heart," Kat stared at her.
"And what is that?" he asked, holding his breath as he waited for the answer.
"You," Bridget said and closed the space between them. "You are in my heart," She whispered, running a hand through his hair. Kat shut his eyes, trying to think.
"You're sick.... I refuse to take advantage of you," He whispered as her hand trailed down to his cheek.
"You aren't," She assured. "You're my guardian, Quatre, my protective solder. You never could harm me," He opened his eyes and looked at her intently.
"I don't want you to get hurt..."
"You'll never let me get hurt, you said that to me the first time we met," He took her hand and studied it. Suddenly he kissed it softly.
"You're right," He said as he pulled her closer. "I never will."
Sally hurried down the hall to the room where Bridget was staying. She opened it quickly to find Kat sitting against the wall with Bridget asleep in his arms.
"Quatre I am so sorry-"
"Shh, she's asleep. It's all right Sally, we're both fine. Though I can't say the same for anyone who I find in the observation room," Kat said softly as he slowly got up.
"Are you leaving?" Bridget asked softly.
"Yes, it's time for you to go to bed. I'll be here when you wake up though," Kat said gently, marveling at how quickly the morphine was taking effect.
"Promise?" Bridget asked.
"With all my heart," he whispered and helped her into her bed in the corner near the window. Bridget nodded as he kissed her forehead softly. "Goodnight," He said and started for the door.
"Night! Night, Sally!" Bridget called as she curled up.
"Night, Bridget," Sally answered with a smile as she moved to let Kat pass by her. She shut the door and relocked it. "Was it bad?" She asked with a worried look.
"No, not at all I just wish I would have had some say in the whole thing," Kat said with a smile. Sally nodded.
"Maggie and Trowa were locked in a storage room, trust me Quatre, it could have been worse. However they worked things out and that's how Trowa found out Maggie's ankle is broken," Kat stopped and shook his head.
"They never should have come,"
"Well what were they supposed to do, Quatre? Let you all die? Don't you boys understand how much you're cared about?" Sally demanded. Kat blinked at her as she took some calming breaths.
"I'm sorry, Sally. I just-"
"No, it's alright, Quatre. It was wrong of me to say that. I know that you all understand. I have some work to do. I'll see you later," Sally said brusquely as she went into an office. Kat took a left and opened the door to the observation room.
"Did you enjoy the show?" he asked only to find the room empty. Kat sighed and plopped into a chair. He then put his feet up and shut his eyes.
"Well, mission accomplished, huh babe?" Duo asked as he put an arm around Julie's shoulders. His grin quickly vanished when she ducked underneath it and stood glaring at him.
"You left me, Duo."
"Now, baby, I can explain-"
"Oh no you can't. Duo, you have to listen now, ok? Can you do that? Can you listen to me talk now?" Julie demanded, hands on her hips. Duo nodded.
"Sure, Julie," He said and sat down in a chair quickly. Julie nodded as soon as she was sure she had his attention.
"Duo, what do you think of me?" She asked. Duo raised his eyebrows at her. "Now be careful when you answer," she warned. Duo shut his mouth and studied her. His eyes ran up and down her frame, almost as if he was memorizing her. Slowly he stood and took a step toward her.
"To risk sounding like a sappy song or whatever," he said, looking her straight in the eye, "I think I love you." Julie blinked at him and was about to speak when he put up a hand to silence her. "That's why I didn't tell you. I was afraid, Julie. I could never stand to see you get hurt. I'd die first. I knew if I told you then you would come after me because you're a wonderful person and you're just as protective as I am. So to protect you I didn't tell you and it tore me up, it really did. When Oz captured me all I could think of was that you were back at home safe and the fact that I was captured didn't matter that much anymore. Do you understand what I mean? I just want you to be safe forever. So many people I care about have died, Julie. I couldn't bear to lose you, too."
"And you think I could bear to lose you? Duo, I've lost people I love, too. The thought that you had gone on some suicide mission was almost too much for me. I was so scared I would never get to see you again. It's true I went after you and I would do the same thing again. Don't you get that I love you too AND you're a lot more important then you think. Duo, I think you guys are going to save Earth and the Colonies," Julie said, hands on his face. "You need to be more careful so you can do that and so we can be together at the end of all this," Julie said in a soft voice. Duo shut his eyes, wondering what he had done so right in his life to find a girl like the one standing before him, and what had ever possessed him to almost lose her so completely.
"I don't deserve you," He whispered.
"Damn right you don't, especially after that stunt," Julie said as she turned away.
"Julie, I can't say I'm sorry because I may have to do this again some day, but I can tell you this. Now YOU have to pay attention. I will always come back to you. No matter what happens. I'm not stupid enough to not come back. You believe me don't you?" He asked. Julie looked at him, searching his eyes for a few seconds before grinning.
"Of course I do. You're Duo Maxwell, you may run and hide but you'll never tell a lie," She said.
"Damn right, and especially not to you," He said and pulled her into a hug. "Never ever to you," He whispered into her hair. Suddenly he pulled away from her. "Julie, I have to ask you some questions, and they are going to sound really strange but just stay with me here, ok?" Julie nodded and crossed her arms. Duo took a deep breath. "If you could say anyone from here, in this time or whatever, who would you say Bridget looks like?"
"Bridget?" Julie asked. Due nodded and she looked thoughtful. "Someone from here? Well I guess I'd have to say Relena- well, you know, if Pidge had longer hair, blue eyes and didn't wear glasses," Julie said with a laugh.
"What do you mean long hair? Bridget's hair is the same length as Relena's now that I think about it, and what about glasses?" Duo asked.
"Bridget and I both wore glasses in our time but we didn't have them when we got here. Duo, Pidge's hair only comes to her shoulders and that's only when I beg her not to cut it," Julie said with a smirk.
"No, her hair is long. Think about it, and why is it that you can see without your glasses?" he asked.
"I don't know," Julie said. "We never really thought about it. I was just glad I COULD see." Duo nodded.
"Julie, this is going to sound horrible, but how do YOU look?" He asked.
"You know how I look," Julie said with a laugh.
"Yes I know how you look HERE, but I don't know how you looked THERE. So tell me,"
"Fine. I have long hair-"
"More descriptive than that," Duo cut in. Julie rolled her eyes a bit before starting again.
"It's long and curly and it used to be brown but I dye it red. You should know that though, Duo, I needed to re-dye it before we left," Julie said matter-of-factly.
"No, Julie. I thought you were a true redhead. Your roots aren't showing at all here and it's not a brownish sort of red ether," Julie frowned at him. "Don't believe me, go into the bathroom and check the mirror," Duo said as he pointed. She walked into the bathroom and turned on the light
"What the hell is he going on about?" Julie muttered to herself as she looked up. Her jaw dropped. Sure enough her hair was a vibrant red color and much curlier then it had ever been back home. "H-how?" She demanded as she walked back over to Duo.
"I'm not sure, babe. I have an idea though. First, tell me what Maggie looks like, no don't try and think of how she looks here but how she looked there," Julie took a deep breath and shut her eyes.
"She's only a little bit taller then Bridget, who is 5'3-"
"Can't be, I mean here Bridget is taller then 5'3 and Maggie is shorter then she is, only by a few inches though. Go on though," Duo said, making mental notes. "She has hair that is a little longer then B's, and lighter and blue eyes. How else am I wrong with the 'here Maggie'?" Julie asked as she opened her eyes.
"She has longer hair here and it's darker," Duo said with a thoughtful frown. "The blue eyes are the same though,"
"How can that be though? I mean we're the same people," Julie said as she sat down. Duo stood thinking then he nodded.
"When we were captured and Bridget came bustin' in on Trieze he told her something which I think I need to tell you now. He said that all of you originally came from here. He said that you and Maggie where daughters of predominate men who were sent with Bridget to protect her," Duo said as he walked over to her.
"Why would we be sent to protect Pidge, and why was she sent away in this first place?" Julie asked. Duo grinned at her.
"That's the real kicker. You see our dear Bridget is none other then Relena's long lost twin who was sent away because of assassination of their parents. At first I didn't see it, but how could I have? I mean they were never really in the same room together and when we had the pool party Relena had on that damn hat and sunglasses the whole time. I mean I thought Bridget looked like someone I knew but I never would have thought she was a Peacecraft, let alone Relena's sister," Duo took a breath to see Julie sitting with her mouth open. "Hey you ok?" He asked.
"Yeah, I mean, I never really felt like I belonged with my family there, you know, but oh my God, it's too funny. I can't believe Pidge is part of a Pacifist family like that," Duo snorted a bit.
"Yeah, well look at Zechs."
"Duo," Heero's voice came from the door. "We need to discus our next move," Duo nodded and looked at Julie. "Yes she can stay, since you told her everything anyway,"
"You should be more nice to me, Heero. I'm the best friend of your future sister-in-law," Julie said sweetly. Heero stopped short as Duo snickered. He glared at her as Quatre pushed Heero into a chair. He smiled at Julie and winked. Trowa came in grumbling as Wufei shut the door behind him.
"Stop whining, Barton. You'll see her later I'm sure. Or she'll come hunt you down ether way you'll see her later," Wufei said as he crossed his arms and leaned against the door. Suddenly his dark eyes landed on Julie. "Why is the red haired onna here?" He demanded.
"Because she already knows everything," Heero said steely.
"She has a right to," Duo said. "They all do, I mean if it's true-"
"It is true," Heero said.
"What?" Julie asked.
"How would you know?" Wufei demanded. Trowa and Duo simply nodded, already knowing it was.
"Heero-"Kat began only to be cut off.
"But that isn't the most important thing right now. What we have to figure out is how to get a princess of the Sanc Kingdom treated in the safest manner for her. That means that she can't return with us," Heero stated.
"What do you mean, not return with us?" Julie demanded.
"It's too risky for her. There is a medical colony near here where the doctor who treated Bridget is from. I say we have Sally ask that Bridget be treated there and then will be picked up by Sally when she is better. However, we have to make this decision fast because we are approaching quickly and none of us can go with her," Heero said and waited for the explosion. He didn't have to wait long.
"Heero we can't leave her alone there!" Kat cried as he stood up.
"He's right," Wufei said. "If she's as important as she seems to be then we have to guard her,"
"Also Pidge is like, no she IS my sister. Maybe not by blood or anything like that but she is my sister all the same. I don't care what you think Heero Yuy you are NOT sending my sister to some colony all alone. Besides that if this is all true then Maggie and I are supposed to protect her," Julie pointed out.
"Yes but none of us can protect her while we are wanted by Oz," Trowa said suddenly.
"Trowa," Kat said softly.
"Quatre, I'm sorry but I see Heero's point. Oz wants the girls and us. If it's just Bridget herself then it will cause less attraction. Sally said the doctor already thinks that Bridget is just a friend of Sally's who was injured doing Gorilla work. She won't let anything happen to a patient so the safest place for her to get better would probably be there. Maggie's ankle is broken but she can move if we need her too, Bridget be in worse shape then that no matter what she has told you. We have to make sure she's safe," Trowa said evenly, though he knew Maggie was going to be extremely angry with him when she found out he had backed Heero on this decision. Heero nodded.
"We need to decide now," He said. "I say we leave her behind, for now,"
"I say the same," Trowa said, not looking up.
"Fine, but if she gets hurt I will personally tell Relena who's idea this was," Duo said with a sigh.
"Agree," Wufei said with a bit of a growl. Julie looked around and put her arms up in the air.
"Fine Yuy but you're the one telling Maggie what happened and if anything happens to her I will kill you myself,"
"Noted," Heero said and looked to Kat.
"I can't leave her," Kat said. "I promised,"
"Kat, we need to protect her right now and if you stay with her it will just draw more attention. Bridget is smart; she'll be able to look after herself. You have to trust her," Trowa said. Kat nodded.
"I know, it's just that I promised..." His voice trailed off as he lowered his head in defeat. Heero nodded and got up.
"I'm going to tell Sally, and when Maggie wakes up I will tell her," He said and slipped past a glowering Wufei and through the door.
Bridget groaned as she opened her eyes.
"Kat?" She whispered.
"I'm sorry," A female voice said. Bridget frowned and turned her attention toward its owner. A fairly tall woman with chin-length curly blind hair and blue eyes was checking her pulse. "I'm your doctor from the other night," She continued. "You are in a neutral zone so you can relax," She said with a kind smile. Bridget stared up at her, mind working over time.
"Where is everyone?" She asked.
"Sally had to move on but she thought you would be safer here," The doctor said. Bridget squinted; she seemed like someone Bridget ought to know. Suddenly it hit her.
Quatre you may not have been here when I woke up but I think you have left me with the best person other then yourself to protect me. Bridget thought, a smile starting to play on her face.
"Doctor, thank you for continuing to care for me, could I please know your name?"
"Oh, of course. I'm sorry; I'm a bit frazzled with just getting back and all. My name is Iria Winner."