Chapter 02 - Competition

Place: Trowa Barton's Residence

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Gathered around a small cedar table sat three adolescent boys, frustrated from attempting to set up new guidelines for Registered Mobile Suit Tournament (RMST for short). At first, a few months ago, the Gundam pilots had simply began fighting with their personal mobile suits to fill their time, now the war was over. But soon a crowd had gathered, and other pilots had wanted to join in the non-lethal competition. Officials from the surrounding area said the boys were allowed to compete and administer over the regulated, friendly contest amongst other pilots. They sat there now, holding freshly poured tea (a new recipe by Catherine herself), waiting for the remaining pilot to arrive for the meeting.

"Where the hell is Quatre?" the braided youth asked simply, his forehead furrowed in impatience. From the kitchen, Trowa could be heard, helping Catherine remove of the dishes from the late night dinner. A plate fell to the floor, and Catherine was giggling maniacally. Apparently, clattering dishes were very funny.

Wufei grunted softly, readjusting himself on the chesterfield. "He probably is still trying to get that short leash of Dorothy's off from around his neck."

Duo smiled at the comment. "Well that sounds like Quatre; whapoosh!" he said, wagging his finger like a whip. He set down the teacup on the table, making sure to avoid the coaster and purposefully leaving a ring. "So Heero, anything to report?"

For a moment, Heero's blue eyes snapped open, as if startled. Duo looked curiously at him. "What's up? Relena-senses tingling? Do you need a place to hide?" he asked sneeringly, causing a soft laughter to arise from Wufei.

"Hn," was all Heero said, for it was all he ever said. In fact, he had not seen Relena, even within the past week. Very strange.

There were a few times when he though he had smelled the faint lilac scent of her perfume, floating across the crowds to him, but, no matter how long he searched, he couldn't find any trace of Relena. Heero had simply shrugged this off as his imagination, even though he never believed he had one.

"Uh, earth to Heero," Duo said, waving his hand furiously in front of Heero's vacant eyes. "What is the status of the RMST in the Western Hemisphere?"

Heero shook his head, trying to rid the memory of the lilacs from his mind. He responded casually, "The battles held in the Americas have been going on smoothly; no casualties or excessive property damage. The political powers have agreed to allow RMST to continue, but only on battlegrounds that are being built as we speak." He paused, sighting through the large bay window the blond youth running up to the house. "Quatre's here," was all he said, gesturing at the front door.

The door burst open, revealing a tired, shaky Quatre. He leaned against the door, momentarily stunned. He said breathlessly, "Did I miss anything? Sorry I'm late." His blond hair hung tiredly in his face, clouding his vision. A faint glisten of sweat covered his brow, which he wiped quickly off with the back of his sleeve.

"What kept you?" asked Trowa, although he already knew the answer. Quatre had been late for these meetings before.

"Dorothy had wanted to eat out tonight, but we ran a little late returning home." This was only a half-truth. Dorothy had attempted to be pleasant and cook a formal dinner at her place, but she accidentally left the roast in too long and set the kitchen on fire. After hastily extinguishing the small blaze, she quickly suggested that they go to Denny's or McDonalds, somewhere more 'user-friendly' and less likely to burst into flames.

Duo frowned. "Why do you date her if she just bosses you around? Me or Heero could do that for you."

"Leave me out of this, Maxwell," Heero growled threateningly, glaring at the braided youth.

Wufei stood up impatiently. "Could we just continue with the meeting?"

"No," Duo said, sticking his tongue out at Wufei, "this is more fun." Catherine had entered into the room, carrying a plateful of fresh cookies. Her hair fell loosely in her face, and she was in casual clothes instead of her usual costume. She looked tired, with faint shadows beneath her eyes, but she still held a cheerful smile on her face. She carefully set them onto the cedar table, and set Duo's teacup onto the coaster and wiped of the ring it left.

"Well what about you, Duo?" Quatre responded, knowing full and well it was a pathetic attempt at a comeback.

Duo shook his head violently, his braid nearly snapping Wufei in the face. Wufei's first instinct was to retaliate with his katana, but instead he thought of how nice it would be to cut the braid right off, including Mr. Maxwell's head. He smiled to himself at the thought. "Hilde never orders me around; she's a real sweet girl." He sighed contentedly, leaning back onto the couch. "She does all my chores without asking whether I need the help; I haven't had to wash my own clothes in months. She's amazing."

Trowa tapped his foot impatiently. "Are we finished? Can we start the meeting already?" The others murmured in agreement.

At that moment, the telephone in the kitchen rang, and Catherine sprung up at the chance to leave the boys to their business. She took it off the receiver, cradling it gently beneath her chin. "Hello, Barton residence; how may I help you?"

A familiar voice greeted her on the other end, and Catherine smiled to herself; the first genuine smile that night. "Sure I'll help you, Hilde. What do you need done?" A pause, then she continued, "Meet at Dorothy's house? Sure. Midnight exactly?" she asked, peering at her wristwatch. "Yeah, I can make it; no. I don't need a ride. I'll see you then Hilde, its good to hear from you! Buh-bye," she finished, hanging the phone quietly up.

She grabbed her coat, and moved towards the door. "I'm going out Trowa, I'll won't be back tonight." She waited for a response, but, hearing none, left the house dejectedly. "Glad you'll miss me," she muttered to herself, pulling the collar of her coat up closely to her face, trying to block out the chilly wind.