k2: Uhh…..just…read? Sorry for how lame it still turned out and I am really sorry if, umm…what happens later…well I tried!
111break111
Blind Valentine
Ch.4-What a Night
General…
Rated PG-13
111break111
Quatre, a great look of concern spread over his face, watched as Dorothy's arm was delicately wrapped in a clean bandage. He was happy to learn that her injury was only a shallow ricocheted, the bullet fragment only wedging slightly into the skins surface rather then imbedding into the arm. One or two field stitches once the bullet was removed and she was (almost) as good as knew.
"You'll want to have that looked at again tomorrow." The EM started when he was through. "And keep the arm in the sling until he says otherwise, alright?"
Dorothy looked at the sling she had been forced to don with great distaste, frowning.
"Alright?" He repeated,
"Right." Dorothy stated. Quatre didn't even need his empathy to know she would chuck it the first moment she got.
When the medics were through with her Dorothy stood up rather imperiously and walked away, a very small thanks falling off her lips. Quatre frowned as she approached, a little disappointed in her reaction.
"That was a just a touch inconsiderate, don't you think?"
"Maybe." Dorothy replied, "And maybe I don't' really care."
"Yeah" Quatre murmured, "I almost forgot who I was talking to."
Quatre turned, a swift movement, abrupt and to the point, that took Dorothy off guard. He turned before he even saw the look of pain that hit her with his words.
But he felt it. Quatre froze as he felt a myriad of emotions and he quickly pulled the thread of empathy away from her, a pain filling his chest. HE cursed himself for his words and turned back to her, but she wasn't even facing him anymore. She was walking towards Trowa and Relena.
"I have given orders to keep this quiet for now." Relena was saying, "the public doesn't need to know more then it already does. So far no one has recognized us for who we are and people think that the sniper was some gun crazy nutcase out on the town. IF we can just keep the investigation out of Milliard and Hiiro's ears for the time being we'll be in the clear."
"Fat chance." Trowa stated
"Trowa's right." Quatre replied, "Knowing Hiiro he'll already know about this. HE may not know of our involvement yet but once he learns where you went tonight…." Quatre trailed off.
"No one ever said I had to tell Hiiro, right?" Relena asked hopefully.
"This may have something to do with Christmas.' Dorothy stated.
"What do you mean?" Relena asked
"That assassin never managed to get his target." Quatre replied, "That means that whoever sent him is still after the target. This may be another attempt."
"So that would mean-."
"The target would be either me or Dorothy."
"You were with me when they got shot at." Trowa stated, "So that leaves you out."
"It's not the first time I've been targeted." Quatre murmured as he remembered a particular incident involving a building full of people blown up just to get to him. "And as of yet none of the attempts have been because I was a gundam pilot. Only a very few people know that truth and that's the way it will stay, for everyone's sake."
"I'm sure Dorothy has more enemies then she can care to count." Relena murmured, "But is there any in particular that would want you dead?"
"Oh, I can think of quite a few." Dorothy's eyes narrowed, "One is even related to me. I'll compile a list."
"In the meantime I think it best we leave." Quatre stated, "Civilians are starting to mill around. If no one has recognized us yet then they will soon with all the commotion over and curiosity starting."
Seeing as how they all agreed with this assumption they all began to get in the car, though when Trowa tried to get in back with Relena Dorothy stopped him, jerked her thumb up front where Quatre sat and got in the back herself. More then a little confused Trowa nodded and walked over to the front passenger side and upon getting in glanced at Quatre briefly. Quatre let out a small breath, rubbed the back of his head and turned the key in the ignition. Understanding, Trowa said nothing, savoring the silence for what it was. Or at least, what silence there was until Dorothy started talking.
"I want to show you something Relena." And her words were followed by movement in the backseat, a small grunt and then "Quatre, where is the lever, or button, or whatever that gets you into the tr-oh! Never mind." A quick 'thunk' and Dorothy grunted again.
Readjusting his rearview mirror Quatre was able to see just what Dorothy was up to, or more to the point, was able to see a full-faced view of her butt. Startled, Quatre pushed the mirror over, a strong blush appearing on his face.
Curious, Trowa moved the mirror himself to see what was going on and saw Dorothy's rear end sticking out as she dug around inside the trunk, her seat having been turned down in order for her to get to it.
"You might want to do that later, Dorothy, in case we get pulled over." Relena murmured.
Dorothy, ignoring Relena's comment, started crawling out with the bag of prizes and her stuffies.
"Quatre and I won all of these tonight." She stated and Trowa allowed Quatre to readjust the mirror back to road visibility as a squeal sounded from Relena.
"Oh! They are so adorable!"
"I know! But take a look at all of these!"
"This would be beautiful if it as real."
In front Quatre was more attuned to rolling his eyes, a gesture Trowa chose not to do.
"Who won what?" Relena asked
"I this and this, some of theses, and Quatre won all of these here-."
"How about this little cutie?"
"Quatre. It was the first prize of the night, Quatre gave her to me. I just love her little bow!"
Quatre felt himself smile. It sounded like Dorothy did have fun tonight, even though it began to end badly with his little slip of the tongue a little while ago.
He began to slow the car down as he came upon a red light and rubbed his head as the after effects of his empathy began to get to him. Every now and then he would get small headaches if he used his empathy in excess, he still wasn't use to full usage of it and he used it to irregularly to give him enough time to adjust.
"Quatre, you just ran a red light!"
Quatre looked at Trowa, startled by his soft pronouncement before replying, just as softly. "No I didn't."
"Quatre-."
"I saw the red light." Quatre interrupted.
Trowa, catching the note of trepidation in his friend's voice, slowly looked at Quatre.
"Explain."
"It didn't brake."
"What are you boys talking about up there?" Relena asked coyly, poking her head up front.
"Nothing." Quatre replied, shoving her head back. "Guy stuff. Umm…gundam stuff."
"Gundam?"
Quatre pressed on the brake again, but he didn't slow down or stop or anything. HE looked at Trowa for a moment and Relena was able to catch the worry in his face.
"What's going on Quatre?" She asked, "And don't lie to me. Something wrong."
Quatre began flooring the break petal frantically. When still nothing happened he frowned grimly.
"The brakes…are out." He stated firmly.
"What?" Dorothy asked sharply.
"I can't believe I missed this!"
"It's fine, we'll just coast to a stop." Dorothy stated behind a false calm.
"I knew this was a bad idea." Trowa murmured, "Is it okay to say I told you so now?"
"Mow is not the time Trowa." Relena growled "And we won't be coasting to a stop anytime soon. The road is going to start declining soon if I remember correctly."
"The traffic is low tonight." Quatre mused, "That may be our only consolation."
"There's nowhere to turn." Trowa stated, "The car is starting to pick up speed."
"I know, I know!" Quatre said, "We're already going 40, if this keeps up we're not going to be able to coast to a stop, nor will I be able to control the vehicle!"
"Now isn't the time to panic, Quatre, we've al been in worse positions."
Quatre ignored Trowa, focusing on keeping the car from swerving out of bounds. IT may only be light traffic, but there were still other cars around.
Then Quatre spotted a gap opening between a set of buildings and, with a relieved smile, he turned onto the road just before he heard a sharp intake of breath.
"Quatre no!"
"What? What did I do?" Quatre asked, whipping his between looking at her and watching the road.
"This road leads to the lake!"
"Lake?"
"Yes! This is the shipping lane!"
"Oh, crap."
Quatre looked around frantically but there was no other place to turn and all the warehouses were locked for the night, their parking lots blocked off.
"We can't even turn around!" Relena stated
Trowa, not all that concerned, reach over and flipped the button for the convertibles top.
"Grab the toys!" Dorothy cried as the canopy began to roll backwards.
"Forget the toys!" Quatre cried in exasperation, but Dorothy was intent on keeping her nights mementos.
Trowa ignored them as he unfastened his seat belt and waited for the car to plunge into the water. He wasn't to worried; the only thing to be harmed from this whole night would be Dorothy's toys and Quatre's car. The only big loss would be the car. They all knew how to swim so as long as they all unbuckled….
Trowa quickly undid the fastening on Quatre's belt, something the blond wasn't expecting as it hit against his arm. Quatre ignored it and looked in his rearview mirror to see Dorothy and Relena stuffing the stuffies inside the bags Relena had bought with the clothes, keeping them close to them. The wind in the car was picking up as the top of the convertible kept rising; a slower process then normal due to wind resistance, and Quatre knew it was going to rip off soon. Already it was beginning to rattle around them and Quatre began to worry that when it ripped off it might hurt one of the girls.
But just as he was thinking about it he heard something snap and the top lurched backward, startling the two in the backseat. Both Trowa and Quatre looked back to see the top over Relena and Dorothy's head, but it hadn't broken all the way off.
"Quatre, we're going downhill now!" Relena shouted through the wind, "The dock is getting closer!"
"Quatre looked back at the front, seeing what she meant. What had been a relatively flat road was now a decline. A small one, but one nonetheless. It leveled out rather quickly, only being there for a specific purpose at that point in the road, but that short decline was enough to send the car speeding, swerving almost out of control, towards the water. Quatre fought with the wheel, trying hard to keep the car from hitting any buildings, and shouted over his shoulder.
"Get ready to jump out! And forget about the stupid bags!"
"No way!" Dorothy cried, "All our stuff is in them! Besides, I just bought this dress, I'm not about to loose it now!"
"The water will ruin it anyway!" Trowa shouted
"You think I wouldn't think to bring a plastic wrap for our dresses?" Relena shouted
"Get ready!" Quatre shouted again, his eyes glued to the waters edge, "And jump!"
Trowa launched himself from the convertible as it ran off the dock, followed closely by Relena who held two bags in her arms. Dorothy, holding bags herself, jumped out the other side of the car and splashed into the water, allowing herself to let go of the bags so they didn't tear apart when she hit the water. When she surfaced she looked around and spotted each of her bags floating near her. With a grim smile she grabbed at each one, managing to snatch them up before they began to sink.
"Well, that was refreshing." Relena sighed as she floated in the water, the two bags resting on her belly.
"Wait." Dorothy looked around the surface of the water, realizing they were short. "Where's Quatre?"
Trowa plunged into the water without another word, a surge of fear erupting inside him, gripping him like a vice. And at about the same time Quatre broke surface, gasping for air.
"Quatre!" Dorothy cried with relief. She swam towards him, the bags forgotten in the water, and grabbed him into a fierce hug. Trowa broke surface near to the two blonds and sunk back down in, his face barley leaving the waterline as he swam over to them.
"Quatre?" Trowa asked, breaking the moment of pleased confusion as Quatre adjusted to Dorothy's fierce embrace. "What happened?"
"I got caught." Quatre replied, "When you undid my seatbelt I never took my arm out of it. When I went to jump out my arm snagged and I slammed my head." Quatre rubbed a growing bruise on the side of his head for emphasis, "I was out of it for a second or two, but instinct took over."
"Good training."
"Good instincts."
"Now what?" Dorothy asked after briefly examining Quatre's bruise.
"Now, we go home." Quatre replied, "My place. I think it's closer."
"It is." Relena stated
"So, who else thought that was rather lively?" Dorothy asked as she grabbed the two bags still floating on the surface of the water.
"I think lively is putting it lightly." Quatre stated
Dorothy handed Quatre the two bags she had, slapped his hat back on his head, then dived under without another word. Quatre, realizing what she was doing, sighed in resignation and waited for her to surface again. When she returned, the last bag in her hand, she smiled charmingly at Quatre.
"Lightly. Yes, that is putting it lightly, but if you think about it, it was also rather fun, don't you think?"
"Fun!" Quatre balked
"Well, if you discount the fact that you got caught in your seat belt, of course."
"Dorothy, someone sabotaged my car! My car! My car."
"Quatre, it's just
a car."
"No it's not!" he cried. "It's more then just
a car! It's the car my father was going to give me for my sixteenth
birthday! It's a special car and someone tried to wreck it!"
"With us in it." Trowa stated flatly. He felt that both Quatre and Dorothy were far from looking at the point of the matter.
Both blonds ignored Trowa as they continued to argue, Dorothy slightly oblivious to the implications of Quatre's argument.
"I still think it was a rather fun ride."
Relena chose to abstain from the argument and swam towards the edge of the dock, Trowa following close behind where he then helped her up the side.
"Dorothy, I think you're just a little unstable in the head." Quatre stated.
"Like meets like." Dorothy replied, "It takes one to know one, Quatre."
"What?"
Dorothy smiled pleasantly, one of her special smiles she reserved for Quatre when she wanted him to feel ill at ease. Of course, as always, it worked.
"Never mind Quatre." She purred as she plucked the bags away from him and swam over to the dock.
Quatre, mystified, watched in confusion as she threw the bags over the side before swinging herself up, not bothering to wait for Trowa's assistance. Then Quatre allowed himself to sink back into the water, content to let himself drown.
"Quatre!" The sound of Trowa's voice carrying under the water brought Quatre to the surface again and he rolled his eyes at the piercing stare of his friend, kneeling on one knee, on the docks edge. "We've got company." Trowa stated as he gave Quatre a hand up, "There are a few night watchmen here on shore, they saw the crash and are on their way over."
Quatre glanced over at the row of warehouses and saw lights flashing around as men came barreling out. "They must have called the authorities." Quatre mused, "It's bad enough what happened at the carnival, I doubt Relena will be able to keep this one quiet. That's two attempts in one night with each one involving the vice foreign minister."
"As well as you and Dorothy Quatre." Relena stated.
Surprised Quatre turned to see both her and Dorothy standing near them, neither one looking all that happy with the developments. "Remember, there are several different ways to look at this scenario and they don't only involve me."
"I know but-."
"No buts." Trowa interrupted. "This is how we're going to do things Quatre. You are going to keep this-," And Trowa pulled on Quatre's sopping hat, pulling it over his eyes, "down and your collar up." Trowa turned to Relena then, pulling her hat down and lifting her jacket color up. "Same goes for you. Let me do all the talking and no one else has to know the exact situation. Yet."
Quatre, irritated, lifted the hat back out of his eyes and glared at Trowa. Trowa, however, was looking elsewhere as those on graveyard shift finally made it over to them.
"It might be wise, Dorothy, to pull your collar up as well." Trowa murmured as he went to meet the men.
Quatre noticed, for the first time that night, that Trowa wasn't wearing his hat and figured he must have lost it at some point during the night.
"Well, this isn't very fare." Relena stated as she shivered slightly in the cold air. "Who put him in charge?"
"Oh, I dunno." Dorothy replied with a grin. "It may be the fact that he is the least likely to be spotted amongst us as anyone of any importance. Not to mention he is the only one of us who has yet to be targeted."
"I thought we agreed I wasn't." Relena spoke up.
"Which time?" Quatre asked dryly.
"This is aggravating."
"Well, it was your idea Relena." Quatre stated, "Therefore this is all your fault."
Relena glared at Quatre who managed to keep a straight face, though Dorothy, on the other hand, found herself snickering.
"We have a ride." Trowa was suddenly next to them, startling the group. "Let's go."
"Gruff but to the point." Dorothy stated dryly, "How commanding."
Trowa led them to the group of men who were dispersing from each other, and focused on one man in particular.
"Hey, are you guys sure your all right?" The man asked them, "I can easily call someone about this."
"No, we're fine Mr. Shiverly." Trowa replied, "The car was old, broken down. The brakes went out, that's all."
Quatre bristled at the comment about his precious car but kept his mouth shut.
"So, where is it you need to go?"
"We were on our way to the Winner estates. We have a meeting with the young Mr. Winner."
"You do, do you? Well, how important. The young aristocrat getting off his high horses any?"
Quatre, startled, felt a hand suddenly reach out; grabbing his own and then Dorothy was speaking into his ear.
"Not everyone thinks your perfect Quatre. This is a good way to see how the general public views you."
Trowa, on the other hand, didn't have to worry about that.
"What kind of question is that?"
"Eh, just general thinking. I mean, he's still just a kid and he has all that money. He thinks awfully high of himself, giving it away like he does. What do you think he does with the rest of it all day?"
"He doesn't just give it away." Trowa replied, "He gives a most of it to charity, yes, but it also goes to help with the Earth restoration projects as well as help funding the Mars terraforming project. He's been supporting refugee's and those that are still suffering from the terrible losses."
"Yeah, that's a front."
When they reached the man's ride what they saw was a large truck able to hold passengers in the front and back. Trowa immediately made his way to the front passenger area as the man got in the front, so Quatre found himself in the back seat with the girls.
"Front." Trowa replied. Sure, Quatre was young and seemed a bit naiveté, but this man obviously had no clue what Quatre was really like.
"Yeah, sure." Mr. Shiverly responded with a wave of his hand. "The kid has to have an image counsel, right? Betcha anything the image is all fake, like every other political official out there, no doubt. I'm sure Miss Dorlian is no better, mind you. Both kids are probably as spoiled as any other snot nose their age, young Winner mostly. I mean, to become that powerful at such a young age…full owner of a multi billion dollar corporation and all."
"And if he's not?" Quatre asked before anyone could stop him. Talking about him like that was one thing, but not Relena.
"Eh? Well, unless you got proof he ain't then-."
Quatre threw his hat off and glared at the man who, looking through his review mirror, dropped the key's he was about to stick in the ignition.
"This proof enough?" Quatre asked.
Clink. The keys said as they fell.
"Quatre I told you to leave that hat on." Trowa, strangely angry, shook his head and turned to Mr. Shiverly who was slowly turning to get a better look at Quatre; swallowing as he realized it defiantly was him.
"M-mr. Winner!"
"Is that how the public views me and Miss Relena?" Quatre asked softly, slightly hurt by the idea.
"N-no! I mean, uhh…."
"Please, the truth." Quatre replied, "Miss Relena doesn't deserve that sort of reputation, she has done nothing but good for the Earth since and during her involvement in the war. Me, on the other had, I've spent the last two years begging forgiveness for my sins, I would appreciate to know if I am succeeding or not."
"Uhh…your…sins?"
"Figure of speech." Trowa stated, "Let's just pretend this never happened, okay?"
"The other two with you-."
"Are no one." Trowa interrupted.
Dorothy, rather amused, felt things falling apart at Trowa's seems. She began to get an interesting idea though.
"I guess our cover is blown, don't you think Silvia?" She stated as she lowered the collar on her coat, nudging Relena in the ribs.
Catching on, Relena quickly nodded, still not speaking but highly amused by Dorothy's gall.
Trowa, seeing something in Dorothy's eye, remained silent himself, wondering what she was up to.
Mr. Shiverly, on the other hand, stared for a minute, placing her face; then went white.
"Dorothy…Catalonia? And Quatre…Winner? Together?"
"Ah, yes, our torrid love affair has been revealed."
"Dorothy, now isn't the time for jokes."
Dorothy grinned at Quatre.
"Jokes?" Mr. Shiverly asked, confused.
"It was just a blind date." Quatre responded, as if in an effort to assuage Mr. Shiverly's fears. "Neither one of us knew the other was here."
"Yes, my friend Silvia and Quatre's…bodyguard, we're in on the idea."
"Can we go now?" Trowa asked, "I need to get Mr. Winner home before he dies of pneumonia."
"Oh, uh…yes. Right."
"Keep quiet Quatre and no has to know that the worlds top leading pacifist and ambassador of peace is here with us." Dorothy hissed in Quatre's ear, "Nor do they have to know about the two attempted assassinations tonight."
"Sorry." Quatre murmured, realizing his mistake by getting angry. It was one thing just being the top ambassador and mister of peace, but she was also the leader of New Cinq and technically still a princess. He really made a bog goof this time.
In the end it took them awhile to get back to the outskirts of town where Quatre's estate resided, but when they managed to reach the rode leading up to it Mr. Shiverly turned to Trowa questioningly.
"You want me to drop you off at the gate or go all the way?"
"The gate!" Quatre said quickly.
"The gate it is."
Quatre felt something slump against his shoulder and when he turned to take a look he saw Relena, asleep, with her head relaxed against him. At first he smiled softly but then he felt a surge of negative emotions and he quickly looked at Dorothy, from whom they seemed to generate. Her hand was slightly fisted with her chin resting against the base while her elbow leaned casually against the armrest on the door. She was staring out the window, the light of the moon reflecting onto her pale skin making it appear ghostly and rather angelic, though he knew she was anything but.
IS she jealous? He thought to himself, as the negativity seemed to stir within her.
When Mr. Shiverly made it to the gate Trowa stepped out of the truck and headed directly for the gate controls, entering in a code sequence. Dorothy, on the other hand, nudged Relena sharply and tapped her forehead.
"Time to get up, Silvia." Dorothy stated coolly.
Relena moaned and slowly opened her eyes, a little confused as to where she was. "We…there yet?" She asked a little groggily.
"Yes. We are." Dorothy replied before she half pulled, half dragged Relena out of the truck. "And please remember that…." Dorothy's voice trailed off and Quatre turned to Mr. Shiverly.
"Sir, I would like to ask for your name and address so as I can send a form of compensation for your services tonight."
Surprised by Quatre's offer Mr. Shiverly turned to look at the young man. "No, no that's okay sir. No need for that."
"Oh, nonesence." Quatre replied, "You have been very good to us tonight and I would like to show my appreciation for that. After all, one good turn deserves another, that is the way I was raised by my father."
"That is a very kind offer Mr. Winner. And again, I am sorry for the misjudgment of you."
"No apologies necessary Mr. Shiverly. I quite understand. I have not been in the public eye so much since the attempted assassination last year."
At first Mr. Shiverly was confused, but then a slight memory came to him. "Oh, yes, that building that blew up! You were supposed to be speaking at a conference."
"Yes. All those people died because me. Only one of my sins that I mentioned before."
"But you had nothing to do with that."
"It doesn't matte, it was till my fault they died." Quatre smiled then. "About that information?"
"Oh, yes. Here have it with me. Just a moment."
"I would also like to send someone to fetch my car in the morning. It, uhh…has some sentimental value, is that okay?"
"Oh, yes. OF course. It will be no problem at all sir."
"Thank you."
Quatre received Mr. Shiverly's personal information and stepped out of the truck with a smile on his face. A false smile, however, as a few of his memories chose that moment to plague him.
"Quatre, are you okay?" Dorothy asked, sensing something wrong.
"Oh, I'm fine." Quatre replied, "Come on, we should hurry. Time isn't exactly my friend tonight."
"Why did you have us dropped off at the gate anyway?" Relena asked with a frown, looking despairingly at the distance from gate to door.
"Simple." Quatre stated as he walked through the open gate "Rashid, Abdul, and Adua are here. I want to try and sneak in without having to face them."
"Sneak?" Dorothy asked, amused
"If they find out what happened tonight I am going to be in a lot of trouble? I'm just glad Ahmad isn't here as well. Then, it would four against one."
It took them ten minutes to get to the estate but when they did Quatre groaned when he saw a few lights on. "Anyone think it would be safe to assume the maid is still up?" Quatre asked softly.
"Yes, of course." Dorothy replied, "Plus three angry men, I am sure."
"Great." He looked at his three comrades, then at the door and back to them. "Umm…anyone want to go in first?" He asked innocently
No response prompted a resigned sigh before he entered the mansion where he was immediately set upon by two maids fussing over the lateness of the hour. Not realizing Quatre had others with him at the time they drug him into the den where three obviously angry men sat waiting for him.
"Master Quatre, where have you been?" Rashid demanded as he stood. Adua and Abdul remained where they were, looking from Quatre to Rashid, and back again.
"I told you I'd be gone for the night." Quatre stated
"You're an hour late. You're never late. For anything. We received a call, about a half hour ago, from Miss Noin. She said that Miss Dorlian, of all people, had duped you into a blind date. With that woman no less.
Quatre bristled at the comment, knowing exactly what he meant. "Don't you ever talk about her like that." Quatre hissed as Trowa, Dorothy, and Relena finally managed to get inside. The two maids, after living the den to get a fresh towel and tea, had spotted them coming in and began fussing. Trowa just suggested they take care of Quatre and Dorothy's…things and that they'd be in with Quatre.
"You can fuss over us then."
But when they entered the den, however, they caught what Quatre said and Rashids reply.
"Master Quatre, I cannot begin to believe how you can even stand to be in the same meeting room, with her, let alone allow yourself to spend an entire night with her! She purposefully stabbed you! She tried to kill you!"
"I said not to mention that again!" Quatre shouted
"I apologize, but that is the truth. She is dangerous-."
"Rashid, if I were you I would really stop talking now! Before I am forced to regret any action taken,"
Rashid, startled by Quatre's conviction, stood his ground, but remained silent.
"Dorothy is a changing person," Quatre continued, "She has conflicts inside her that I understand. If anything I appreciate her more to know about those flaws rather then seeing her as the rest of the world does. I will not judge her unfairly and I take in all of who she is. No one, and I mean no one, Rashid, will tell me to stay away from her. You understand that?"
In a strained voice Rashid managed a reply. "Yes, Master Quatre."
"So…what happened?" Abdul asked, quickly changing the subject. "What took you so long to get home? And why, on earth, are you soaked to the bone?"
"That Noin woman said Miss Dorlains brother and boyfriend are on their way over to pick her up." Adua added
"Boyfriend?" Relena asked quickly, catching everyone by surprise as they noticed, for the first time, that the other three were in the room. "You mean…Hiiro?"
"Well, she never said boyfriend." Adua corrected, "But Mr. Yui is on the way."
Quatre looked directly at Dorothy, worried that she had over heard Rashid. She was staring right at Quatre, an unreadable expression on her face, and Quatre did not wish to pry into her feelings.
"So, why is it that you are all soaked?" Abdul pressed
Quatre looked back at the three Maganac quickly, afraid to tell them just what it was that happened.
"Is it the reason you're late?" Adua asked
"They'll find out sooner or later Quatre." Relena replied, "I can't keep this a secret you know, there were to many witnesses."
"Witnesses?" Rashid asked quickly
"Keep what a secret?"
"Umm…well, you see…" Quatre began, "There was a sort of…accident tonight. Two actually."
"What kind of accident?"
"Well, do you remember last Christmas?"
"When you were stabbed?" Abdul asked quickly.
"The assassin you mean?" Rashid prompted
"Yes. Well, there was a shooter at the carnival we were at-."
"Carnival! You said you were going to dinner at Chez Bouquet!"
"And we did!" Quatre replied quickly, "For about five minutes. Relena wanted to go to the Carnival."
"She's more dangerous then Catalonia." Abdul whispered to Adua who had to cough to hide a laugh.
"Who was the shooter after?" Rashid asked
"We're…not sure." Quatre replied
"One of you three, though, right?"
"Not me." Relena stated, "I was with Trowa at the time. Quatre and Dorothy were alone."
"Oh, great. So the assassins are either after Master Quatre or-."
"Rashid."
"Sorry Master Quatre."
"My car is in the lake." Quatre stated with a leveled breath, "The brakes went out. We think they were toyed with. Could one of you please pick it up ion the morning and take a look at it? Mr. Shiverly, the man who gave us a lift here, will be waiting for you."
"So that's why you're all wet!" One of the maids said as she returned with fresh towels. Acting on her own accord she abruptly placed the towels over the four teens and began fussing over Quatre again. "Oh, master Quatre, look at you. You're going to catch your death of cold! And your friends aren't fairing any better!"
"Thank you Jessica." Quatre said as he rubbed at his slightly damp hair. "But it's isn't' all that bad."
"Master Quatre, you fell in a lake while it was 42 degrees out there."
"Teas ready!" The other maid announced as she entered, happily passing cups around, each one filled with warm tea. When she was done she directed her attention to Rashid."
"Have you told him yet?"
"Told me what" Quatre asked
"It's nothing." Rashid replied, looking sternly at the girl while Adua slowly pushed a briefcase beneath the couch. A movement Quatre did not notice.
"Thank you, Amy." Rashid stated pointedly.
"Uh, yeah!" Amy replied, rubbing her head, before she walked off with Jessica in tow.
"I think it's safe to go to bed now anyway Amy." Jessica said as they left, "Master Quatre doesn't look like he's going to drop dead."
"Right."
"Amy and Jess are right." Abdul announced, "And I hate it when they are, but it's real late and we gotta go to bed too. After al, Master Quatre's safe, I'm sure you can handle the rest Rashid."
"Fine with me." The old man stated, still staring at Quatre.
Quatre watched as Adua and Abdul left the room then looked directly at Rashid. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything. Tell me from the beginning what happened. I will look into things then."
"Yeah, you and a couple hundred Preventers if Hiiro and Zech's have anything to say about it. Can't you wait till then? I'm tired."
Rashid seemed to contemplate his answer for a moment then finally nodded. "So long as we can keep this little tragedy a secret from your sister until it is settled. Do we have deal?"
"Rashid, I wouldn't be that stupid as to tell her."
Rashid smiled and slapped Quatre on the back, a hearty laugh escaping him. "Yes, yes, you would be the last one to tell her. That sister of yours is one insane young lady."
Quatre walked over to the couch and plopped down, dog-tired and still rather cold. He sipped more of his tea and looked up at Rashid expectantly. "Aren't you going to bed?"
Rashid glanced at Dorothy for a moment and then looked directly at Quatre. "You sure that is a good idea?"
"Trowa's here." Was all Quatre said, as if that would be enough?
Rashid nodded and walked out of the room towards his own guest quarters.
There was an awkward silence after that where everyone just stood, or sat, where they were. Then Relena broke the silence.
"Um, Quatre. Were is the, umm…powder room?" She quickly nudged Trowa as she stressed powder room and he looked at her quizzically for a moment as Quatre began talking.
"Oh, go through that door there." Quatre stated as Relena nudged Trowa again. "Then turn at the first left and it's the third door down.
"I'll…take you?" Trowa asked
"Oh, will you? Why thank you Trowa." Relena stated as she dragged him off.
"Well, if that wasn't a little obvious." Dorothy stated
"What was obvious?" Quatre asked, genuinely confused.
Dorothy laughed and shook her head. "Never mind Quatre."
Never mind what? Quatre thought glumly, and then he realized what she was talking about. I owe Relena so much for this night. Quatre thought to himself darkly. He wondered, then, if Duo would like to help him with a plan or two of vengeance, but not just for Relena, for his best friend also.
He looked up to see Dorothy standing before the fire, warming herself up and drying herself off. The red and orange flames reflected off her similarly to the moonlight and Quatre felt his heart leap, his belly flip-flop. He found himself wondering just what to do now, now that they were alone again and the night was almost to an end.
Talk to her! His mind screamed. And then Quatre knew what to do.
"Dorothy. Could you, um, come her for a moment?"
She turned to look at him, a little crinkle of confusion marring her delicate brow. Curious, however, she walked over to Quatre and sat down next to him.
"What is it?"
"I think we should…talk. About tonight I mean."
"Really?" She asked, "Are you asking if I enjoyed myself? If so then I would have to say yes, especially the car ride at the end. I found that to be the most enjoyable, didn't you?"
Quatre stared at her for a moment, unsure how to reply, as she smirked a little wickedly.
"I know what your thinking." She stated, "Your wondering if I am sane or not. If I have all my wits about me."
"No!" Quatre shook his head emphatically, "I would never think that!"
"Don't worry Quatre, I get that a lot. Even I myself think about it. I mean, after all. What have I ever done to prove otherwise? For half my life I was obsessed with war and the consequences of those actions. To watch someone die beautifully was all I thought about. My own Grandfather was a splendid display of such beauty, dying in an explosion of belief. I even hid my true feelings from the world considering the matter, hiding inside a wall of indifference. I didn't…I didn't want to allow myself to get close to anyone, so my façade became a sort of morbid reality for me.
Quatre stared at her, bewildered. He wasn't sure how to talk to her about this, about what was on his mind. He cared for her in a way he had never cared for anyone, yet she scared him so badly! But one thing he did know was that if she continued to live in the past she would never get on with her future.
And then Quatre found his hand reaching out to her, lying across her shoulder in a comforting fashion.
"Please, Dorothy." He whispered, "Don't. Don't do that to yourself. What's in the past is in the past. It's not good to dwell on those things. You may never see the future you were meant to if all you think about is that past."
Dorothy, startled by his kindness, turned to look at him with wide blue gray eyes. She found herself studying him, trying to understand him.
"I don't…understand." She murmured, "I don't' understand you in the least. How can you be so gentle Quatre? So forgiving, understanding? To me of all people, Quatre. I mean, I stabbed you. That big man was right, I tried to kill you. And yet…you don't even seem to care about that. I could do it again, just as easily, and you don't seem afraid." Dorothy turned away from him. "I just…don't understand you."
Quatre thought about that for a moment then spoke again. "I never said I wasn't afraid."
Dorothy looked at him quickly. "What?"
"I'm scared to death of you Dorothy. When I see you, during staff meetings almost everyday, I get these feelings. I don't know how to explain them but they're there nonetheless. And then I get this predatory feeling coming from you. You scare me, I won't deny that. But at the same time…I can't imagine not having you around to scare me."
"You're insane." Dorothy replied, "Absolutely insane!"
"Then maybe…we both are." Quatre replied. "Or maybe we're the only sane ones in the world. The world is full of possibilities Dorothy; make of it what you will. It's your decision." There was a long moment of silence before speech was once again tried, "Dorothy, you asked me a question once. It was last Christmas actually; you asked what I thought about love. I told you I wouldn't know, told you I had no experience. Do you remember what you told me next?"
She blushed and turned her face from him.
"Yes, I remember. I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry."
"No, it's alright Dorothy. And, truthfully, that was actually my first kiss."
Startled, Dorothy looked at him, her eyes meeting his. She was incredulous of the fact; she found it extremely hard to believe. "You're kidding me!"
"No." Quatre replied, "I never really got out much before the war unless I was trying to run away. In fact, the only other girl I really knew besides my sisters was the girl my father engaged me to."
"You're engaged?" Dorothy asked.
"No." Quatre shook his head; "I broke it off a while ago. She wasn't really happy about it, but I told her I wanted someone my own age. She was older than me."
"So am I."
"By only one year though." Quatre assured her, "She was 7 or 8 years older."
"Oh." She bit her lip for a moment, "You seriously mean you've never kissed anyone before?"
"Not a one."
"Not even Trowa?"
Now it was Quatre's turn to be startled. "Where did that come from?" Quatre asked
"It's not very hard to see." Dorothy murmured, "Anyone could tell from the way you two act at times. I saw it the day you and I had the duel on the Libra. He refused your request to leave him, would have refused it even if I had been to far gone to get out on my own."
Quatre blushed, "That's…complicated." Quatre replied, "And no, not even from him."
"Well, I'm sorry if you think I ruined your first kiss." Dorothy seemed to be straining for some reason for Quatre to be mad at her, to not want her. He wasn't about to let her get away with it, even if she tried to say he was completely gay! (which obviously wasn't the case right now)
"I don't think that at all." Quatre pressed, "What I'm trying to say is, well…. You see Dorothy, that night…I was conflicted."
Quatre let a breath out, trying no to get frustrated. He couldn't understand why it was so hard to let her know that he did like her, a lot!
"The thing is Dorothy, I don't' hate you. And the way you scare me isn't what you think. I thought about what you said. That night during Relena's party. I thought about it and I understand what you meant. At least…now I do anyway. Just take what you want."
"And what is it you want Quatre?"
Actions speak louder then words. A voice in his head, clear and precise, prompted the next rush of movement from Quatre. Before he knew what he was doing Quatre had grabbed Dorothy by the shoulders. Before Dorothy even had time to react he was pressing his mouth against hers and Dorothy, startled, could only stare as Quatre moved his hands from her shoulders to wrap around her. But they didn't just wrap around, they wandered around as well. She felt as his right hand began wrapping around her hair, playing with it as it made it's way to her head. His left hand, however, roamed her back, massaging her misgivings away and Dorothy relaxed his arms, opening her mouth just a little, inviting Quatre in.
Being new to this Quatre didn't notice until Dorothy's tongue lightly touched his lips. Understanding Quatre complied to he request and he began to taste, in full, what Dorothy had to offer, the experience she was willing to share.
Heaven reached Dorothy and she wrapped her own arms around Quatre's neck, leaning back, pulling Quatre with her, until her back reached the couch cushions. Quatre was too wrapped up in the kiss to really notice what she was doing and continued to allow her to teach him, accepting his role as the pupil.
And then they broke, Quatre was to unused to kissing to go on a straight single kiss for as long as she could, and Dorothy relaxed her head into the couch while Quatre kissed at her, caressing his lips against her face, her neck, wanting to taste more of her and thriving on everything he touched.
"Oh, Quatre." Dorothy moaned, her thoughts still conflicting with her emotions, "I still don't understand you. How can you not hate me."
"Don't ask me that." Quatre replied through his kisses, "Don't try and find a reason for me to. It wont' work Dorothy."
He reached her lips again and captured them, wanting to keep her words out of this. He locked her inside his mouth and felt heat rise within him, wanting something so badly yet not understanding where this passion was leading him. His hand continued to remain in polite places, not quite ready to make a move anywhere else, but Dorothy, however, was more then ready. She had been ready for a long time and she wanted, so badly, to have Quatre taste every inch of her. Slowly, casually, Dorothy's own left hand began to move away from his neck. It moved so delicately that Quatre wasn't aware of it until it made its way to it's destination. Dorothy had moved her hand to his waste and slowly moved his shirt, wanting to feel his bare skin. She rubbed along his back and side, then slowly reached down along the skin until it reach his jeans and she slowly slipped her hand inside, a motion that caught Quatre by surprise. He yelped, startled, and jumped off her, wide eyed. He saw how unkempt she was and quickly flushed with embarrassment.
Dorothy, on the other hand, smiled seductively as she lay on the couch; still hot with the passion he had started.
"I'm sorry." Quatre murmured, "I shouldn't have kissed you like that."
"I responded didn't I?" She asked with a welcoming nod. "I allowed you to work over me, let you kiss me in a way you've never experienced before.
Quatre's embarrassment eased a little and he smiled softly
"I think it's a little obvious what we both want." She continued, catching Quatre off guard. Her hands wandered down her own body until they reached midsection and Quatre flushed hotly. Her right hand made a little walking motion and she circled around the clasp on her pants. Quatre's eyes widened as she began to flick at it and he quickly rushed to her, grabbing her hands and holding them up.
"No." Quatre stated, "I don't want that."
Dorothy was a little put out and she sat up, running a hand through her hair.
"Then what do you want?" She asked glumly.
Quatre sat down next to Dorothy and rubbed the back of her neck. "I want you." He replied, "But not in that way. You see, I really like you Dorothy. I've been trying to figure out how to tell you all night. I like you, it scares me but I really like you. I can't imagine not having you around and I…I'm really glad that you wanted to merge companies with me. That way I will be able to see more of you more often."
"Really?" Dorothy asked, "You just…like me?"
"Yes. It was hard for me because what I feel for you is far different then the connection I had with Trowa. I didn't understand what was real, what wasn't. Now I do. I want to spend time with you, I don't want to have this barrier between us."
Confused, Dorothy smiled. She didn't understand exactly what Quatre was saying, but it sounded positive. "I like you too Quatre. And I want you."
"Uhh…that'll have to wait." Quatre stated, reaching his hand into his pocket.
"Ah, an old fashion type of guy. How romantic." She added dryly.
"To show you just how much I mean it I want o give you the ring you made me win today."
"I didn't' make you do anything." Dorothy replied.
"And yet I kept on trying anyway." Quatre smiled as he pulled the little plastic ring out. "I want to use it as a symbol Dorothy, that between you and I. But first, I need to share a secret with you. An important secret, but one I dot' want to keep from you. And the trust is what this ring will signify."
"Yes?" She asked, highly interested
"It's a sort of…trump card that I use when I feel it's necessary. You see, Dorothy, I have this…ability."
"An ability." Dorothy repeated. "What kind of ability?"
"I can…read…and sense…your emotions."
"My what?"
"It's called empathy Dorothy. It's one of the abilities those born in space develop. It's been dormant in my family for a long time and it awoke in me. It links me, Dorothy, to space. The Spaceheart.
Dorothy stared at Quatre for a moment, confused. "The…Spaceheart?"
"Yes." Quatre replied, "I don't understand everything, almost all records of its occurrences have been destroyed in some form or another. All I know is that I am one. I at first thought Hiiro was one at the end of the war but not anymore. He's different. Similar, but a little unnatural at it. He has no abilities, nothing to justify my claim.
"A Spaceheart." Dorothy murmured, "I've heard stories. 'The soul of the Universe' they are sometimes called. Amazing. I thought it was only a myth."
"So did I." Quatre replied, a little embarrassed at Dorothy's title. "I never told anyone before. Well, except Trowa of course. It's actually kind of the reason Trowa and I had such a deep connection, why the others I had also had a connection with each other. Trowa seems to think that if I hadn't been there that they never would have teamed together in the end, that I brought us all together as a team. None of them know, however, and only two other people do know. Rashid and Iria, my sister. Iria has known for a long time, even before I did. Rashid seemed to figure it out over time. And now you know."
"Quatre." Dorothy's eyes sparkled with tears, "I'm honored you would entrust me with this secret."
"I felt it was important that you know. Especially if we are to see each other again casually. I don't like to intrude on others feelings, but when someone feels something strongly I can sense it. Mostly if I want to feel something I would have to delve in, place a thread of my gift on them in order to feel things, but I am strongly against that. And then there are other times when a person has such strong emotions that I can't help but register them. I don't mean to, it just happens."
"Quatre, say no more." Dorothy stated, "I'm just so happy your willing to share this with me and what it means that you are."
Smiling, Quatre placed the little plastic ring on her pinky finger. Dorothy examined the ring for a second, then lowered her hand and examined Quatre's face with a smile. Quatre wanted to reach out and caress her, but he knew if he did he'd want to pull her in for another kiss, one that he didn't think he would ever break away from. He found that to be a rather bad idea under the circumstances. So they just sat there for a moment, staring deeply into each other's eyes.
"You two together yet?" Relena asked bluntly as she came back in, startling the two on the couch. "I'm tired of hiding in that bathroom by myself."
"What happened to Trowa?" Quatre asked.
"He went to bed."
"Oh."
"So?"
"I guess you could say we did." Quatre replied
Relena, frowning, walked up to them and looked at them closely. After a moment she grinned and stepped back. "Finally!"
"By the way Relena, your not a very good matchmaker." Dorothy stated.
"And why would she be?"
Relena whirled around at the sound of her brothers voice and the three of them saw both Zech's and Hiiro standing at the den's door, neither one having bothered with the doorbell.
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k2: Okay, I am thoroughly embarrassed. I am so not used to doing those kind of scenes. Did you guys find anything wrong with it Sorry for any OOCness that appeared, I tried to keep things as in character as possible. I sure hope it worked.
MK: Man, when you revise, something, you revise it! I mean, look at this thing!
K2: Yeah, tell me about it.
MK: Care to explain the whole conversation at the end for those catching this thing for the first time?
K2: Watch the show. Quatre says it at the end. There are actually two versions, one is the Japanese, the other dubbed. Not sure which is which, and one of them might be a little wrong.
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Version one:
Quatre: Heero, I see now. He's the soul of the universe
Version two:
Quatre: I understand now... the space heart is him...
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As you can see I am a little confused. I found both versions in a script, but can't find the script for the top version. The site closed down. The other one, however, can be found at as well as a lot of other information, scripts, and summaries and stuff.
So yeah.
MK: And even if the first one is wrong, and it was spaceheart there also, the term Soul of the Universe is alive in gundam wing.
K2: It was listed as another titled.
MK: There are also some other things, in the show, that show Quatre as a special person.
K2: Those are as follows:
1: the time Quatre felt Hiiro's physical pain when he self-destructed.
2: His connection with Trowa and the others. He seemed to feel the same way with them as Trowa but only Trowa responded, they didn't. At least…not until later anyway.
3: Quatre's feelings for Trowa were accentuated by the empathy he felt towards Trowa, being knew to his powers with no real clue he had them at the time he was feeling things he didn't understand completely due to his naivety of the world around him.
4: There is also the part where Hiiro and Quatre were left alone in space, when Hiiro tried Zero fort the first time. Quatre felt what was in his heart; a golden aura seemed to surround Quatre's hand or something.
5: It is also documented that it is a rendition of the Newtype theory. Therefore I theorize that it's a mutation of the new type gene. You see, Gundam Wing is a whole different universe. Supposedly, but I say it's the same. I have thought long and hard on this, for a long time too. All will be explained thoroughly in Gundam Wing Generations so read that for more info. And with that said….
MK: Sayonara minna-san!
K2: Till next time!
