1 o'clock by: Transcendent.
"I cannot love as I have loved, And yet I know not why;
It is the one great woe of life To feel all feeling die."
A.N.: Yeah, been a while again. But this thing is fucking 12 pages. IT'S FUCKING HUGE! Don't expect chapters this long ever again because I have no clue what was going through my mind when I decided to write a 12 page chapter. Anyways, enjoy...God I hate Quickedit.
Dedication: FairDrea, my wife, because I literally tortured her poor mind and eyes with something. BIG HUG I love you and I'm sorry! I hope I made it all better for you :) Also, to Mirror's Image for reading the whole fucking thing (as did Drea!). Love you all lol
Chapter Eight: Empty Words
The vision of her golden hair framing her heart shaped face only made him angrier. Her presence was one he despised beyond belief. Perhaps it was her personality; she was forever covering up her insecurities. She fought to maintain her smiles to conceal her true pain. Aino Minako was an enigma trapped in a maze where she was the only one who knew how to get out. He hated puzzles, as easy as they were to solve…some just were impossible and so was Minako. Her angelic features, although grim at times, only protruded a lie. She was a murderer behind that mask of deceit.
Naturally, all accusations of being a killer, much like her father, would only push her further into her own lie. Minako knew what she had become but she wanted to believe the opposite and stay ignorant of her trickery. So the more she denied it, the more she believed it. The more she believed the deaths of Relena Darlian, Tsukino Usagi, and Iria Winner weren't her fault, the more dead ends he would find himself at. It'd be hard, after all of her confident denials, to find her guilty of something so vile. Even though she might be guilty, her blameless façade might have others believing differently.
That was the cunning of her smiles and beauty. They held an image of innocence so desired that it left people with visions of a goddess. But people had to realize that even goddesses made mistakes that, eventually, could affect others. That was what Minako was doing, even if she didn't want to admit it. She had helped him before, maybe not killing, but she helped him remain "that killer" and not "Aino Kin". Maybe it was for her own safety and reputation that the killer she had been hunting down for so many months remain anonymous due to their unique relationship.
Conceivably, she had nothing to do with these murders. She was just the helpless daughter of the killer, the woman who just happened to be connected to each woman by appearance. But no one knew she was the daughter. The ones who knew were too smart, too intelligent, and too astute to alert the press. For some reason, he felt Minako had purposely let these few know. They would keep her secret behind locked doors, their faces, and pretend the link was invisible. But could he do that? He had always followed through with his missions, killing brutally if required. His mission, this time, was to put the infamous killer Yokio somewhere unpleasant. Be it jail, prison, an asylum, or hell, Heero Yuy would get him there. He would do it no matter the cost. No matter how many people he hurt physically or emotionally, he would get his job done.
In his eyes, Minako was just as dangerous as her father. Perhaps she was following in his footsteps, but taking an alternative route. She was pulling so many people into her deceit and they were all wandering around helplessly. She would lead them down dead ends and mazes in the maze she had created, giggling at their despair. Heero didn't know what she planned on doing with them in the end, but he pictured many more people ending up like Relena, a woman he was supposed to be protecting right now but couldn't because of Minako. He had failed a mission because of her.
He figured that if he proved that Minako was guilty of those three fatalities, at least, he could sleep easy at night. It wasn't his fault…it was not. Even if that seemed like denial, the same denial Minako put herself through, Heero was not totally responsible for Relena's death. She was the one who got herself into it; she had begged for years to be given some sort of break, freedom for a night. It wasn't his fault that when she got the freedom, despite the bodyguards around her, she got herself killed by a notorious murderer. Even though she was put under his care and even though he knew he was wrong in letting her go out, it couldn't possibly be his fault.
But somehow, the guilt inside him was a little too much for his own comfort level. That's why he took on this second task, partially to avenge Relena's death and partially to avenge his own failure. He would kill what had killed his perfection. In this case, it was two people, Aino Minako, Chief Coroner, and her father Aino Kin, serial killer. The worst part about this revenge deal was that Heero didn't feel it was the right move. He could kill her and sleep easy knowing his perfection had been saved but fall down another void of emotions called "guilt" and "remorse" because he could have, potentially, killed someone innocent. That fact alone could make him like "Yokio" … and he hated Yokio more than he hated Minako.
He watched the blinking light of her answering machine from the shadows of her room. As much as he wanted to just listen to the messages by himself, the evidence could be proven faulty in court if he decided not to kill her. Besides, Heero was cautious and that was the soul purpose as to why he had been hiding in her abandoned apartment for three hours, waiting for her to check the damn machine herself. The messages had evidence…he had to get the evidence. He had to know if she was a ruthless monster just like her father.
The click of heels in the hallway stopped in front of the door. Heero pulled up his gun, ready for anyone and anything, particularly Minako and her whimsical self. Always trying to hide her emotions and covering her knowledge with confusion, had gotten her no where but here, soon to face the bullet loaded in his gun. Her figure, clad in tight jeans and a white sweater, entered the living room, kicking off her high heeled shoes and trotting to her answering machine. He knew she would come to check her messages manually eventually.
He was slightly disturbed by her ignorance to his presence, though. If she was such a slick and mysterious woman, wouldn't she feel him or see him? What would've happen if it was Aino Kin in her room and not Heero? She would've been dead already, lying on her living room floor in cold blood. Slightly angered, he watched her closer, watching for signs of acknowledgement, hoping she had already noticed him. Even if she was Yokio's accomplice, there wasn't any reason beyond the fact that he wouldn't and couldn't kill her. All the other girls had similar qualities to hers; he could just as easily pick her as a target and forget the camaraderie and affiliation.
Disgusted, Heero wondered…wasn't he planning, much like Aino Kin might've in his position, to kill Minako? Sneaking into her house with means to kill her, a gun, and a motive, revenge, could have just as easily slipped into Yokio's mind, too. Of course, the motives could possibly be different. But what had he, just a week ago, interrupted in this very same room? What had he overheard? She hadn't followed through with something for him. Maybe it was evidence that would've pointed the police and FBI to Aino Kin. What a shame, Heero thought, a merciless killer was scared, a disgrace.
Heero knew, though, that his reason for killing Minako was much more legit; Minako was the cause of so much grief, so many deaths and he knew if she was dead, it'd all end. He didn't know for sure but it was instinct. Aino Kin was playing a game where he wanted to control his pawns. But possibly, was there another way to end this game other than killing a fallen angel? The only way around that would be to kill Aino Kin himself but Heero had grown to respecting the man despite the cowardice. He had been smart and skilled enough to kill seven women with no accusation, not even a thought to his innocence. No one had ever suspected a thing from this supposedly rich, handsome, and elegant man. Heero Yuy respected his deception but all it was were lowly acts of pure idiocy and for that he would have to be punished.
He turned to watch Minako push hair out of her vision as she pressed the "play back" button on the machine. She placed her coat gently to the side, ignoring the jacket hooks in the hallway. Listening intently, Heero watched her sit down at the counter and take out a glass from the cabinet and a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. "You have three new messages. First message received on December 20th at four forty three in the morning." The automated voice was cut off as another voice replaced it.
The voice sounded, at first, a bit murky. Low, uneven tones belonging to an older male, Heero calculated. "Hey, baby, it's your loving and caring father. I just was calling to check up on you but was surprised to be answered by this fucking machine. Where the fuck did you go off to, m'dear? We have unfinished business."
His eyes shifted from the machine to Minako who quickly downed the contents of her newly filled glass. Heero watched her body language for a sign of discomfort, a sign that would show him she was uninvolved or that she was, indeed, a killer just like him. But he got no such response as she picked up the wine bottle and filled her glass once more. The red liquid of the wine was as dark as the blood Heero remembered seeing at Relena and Usagi's death sites. How could she drink something that resembled blood so easily? She couldn't possibly be that armored—as shielded—as him. There couldn't be someone as callous as Heero Yuy.
"I'm sure you've already figured it all out, darling, but if you haven't I won't ruin it for that pretty little, blonde head of yours," the voice of her father continued, gaining volume and humor in his silky, English voice. Kin chuckled a bit before continuing again, "I'm sure many things went through your head when you saw Usagi's naked, dead body. How could I do such a horrible thing? Well I'll tell you right now: it wasn't hard! It's time for me to hit the sack. I hope to see you soon, m'precious."
Heero shook his head, shaking all of his doubts far away from his rational reasoning. Aino Minako would have to die and that was the end of the story. With evidence such as that, how could one not interpret it as a killer wanting his accomplice to meet somewhere for another kill? Aino Kin had been civil while speaking and very open as if he talked to her every day about such horrid things. Although he knew that Usagi's murder had been done alone, or so Minako had suggested, but there would always be the possibility of an accomplice. No stone would be left unturned, Heero thought. Every break would have to be looked at carefully and only ruled out if the idea was utterly absurd. The prospect that Minako was Kin's collaborator could be likely and thus shouldn't be ruled out.
Minako took another sip of her red wine, sighing deeply and closing her eyes. Heero briefly wondered what she was thinking about. Was she sick of killing people? Was she tired of seeing all of the blood? What about the screams and their faces just as they died? Those same faces haunted him in nightmares but that was because he was a very guilty man. But the people he killed weren't innocent like Relena, Tsukino Usagi, and Iria.
In a flash, Heero made up his mind. He rushed from his hiding spot, leaping to stand behind the blonde beauty. In seconds, his gun was pressed against the back of her head. The funny thing was that she wasn't surprised; Heero never saw her tense. Heero fought the urge to gun her down right then and there but he wanted answers and he wanted to torture her.
"You're a murderer," he accused, coldly. She didn't dare turn around but shrugged as she took another sip of her wine, the last drop left. He watched her set the glass back down and tuck strands of hair behind her ear. Heero couldn't help but notice the large crystal, sparkling diamonds decorating her delicate ear or the gold band on the index finger she had used.
Heero had completely forgotten to second guess her until her hand eased back onto the countertop. She could have easily turned to grip his gun and pull it away from her exposed head. But he wasn't even thinking about it! This enraged him; he was thinking about her damn jewelry instead. The emotion, though, dispatched when he heard her voice.
"I could say the same about you if you kill me." It was true, a rightful retort but only if she wasn't a murderer. Only if Minako hadn't killed anyone could that statement actually be proven correct. So far, the odds were dangerously against her. Why did she deny it? She couldn't be innocent…Minako was a danger to society and a danger to his perfection.
The answering machine continued playing in the background, the automated voice oblivious to the happenings in the room. "Next new message left today at eleven fifty nine in the morning."
This time, replacing the voice of the female recording was the voice of a soft, worried man. "Hey Minako, it's Chiba Mamoru, it's been a while since we've talked. I've been thinking a lot since my wife died and I'd like to know what you think happened. I'd be honored if you'd meet me at my office at six tonight to talk over dinner at jinkusu-za, the place Makoto owns. I hope to see you there, if not don't worry, my assistant will be accompanying me."
Heero restrained a snort and dug the gun into her hair. The muzzle roughly impacted the back of her head and he could picture her sneering. Who the fuck would want to hear the opinion of a murderer? Minako signed heavily and calmly, despite his rude and forceful behavior, and answered the question on his mind as if she knew how his brain operated.
"That was Usagi's husband—she chose not to take his last name. He must be lonely without her but then again, so am I and we haven't gone out together since we were 18." What did he hear in her voice? Sorrow, angst…uncertainty. She turned the machine off and leaned over the counter a bit. Heero never let the gun leave the back of her head. "If you came here to kill me, go ahead. I'm not stopping you and no one else is either. I haven't killed anyone but in a way…I suppose I have and I'm sorry. I never wanted him to kill anyone and I never will. Believe what you want, Heero Yuy."
Why would she fight in her own defense if she, herself, thinks she's guilty? Why should she say sorry to him? What about the families of those girls, the kids, the parents, the grandparents, brothers, sisters, and friends that had been left behind? He disregarded the fact that she hadn't seen his face but knew who was behind her. He had too many other, more important things to think about. He had disregarded those same questions when it came down to his own past but this was different. This was Aino Minako. Suddenly, he remembered there was one last message. "Play the last one."
Minako sighed and pressed the button again. She folded her arms around her torso and waited patiently. What was she thinking about? Heero regretted standing behind her; he couldn't read her eyes from the back of her head and he certainly couldn't read her face, either. Since when had he become so reckless? Then again, he knew he didn't want to see her face; even the smallest, deliberate smile could persuade him a way he didn't want to be. At least this way, he wouldn't see her face if he shot her and he could pick up things from her voice, a much easier method in picking out the lies from the truth.
"Last new message sent today at one fifteen in the afternoon."
The same, demanding voice from the first message hollered from the box. "WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU, MINAKO? STOP HIDING, YOU FUCKING WHORE, BECAUSE I WILL FIND YOU, PATHETIC BITCH. YOU'RE A SAD EXCUSE FOR A DAUGHTER; I CAN'T WAIT TO KILL YOU."
The arm holding the gun to the back of her head fell to his side. If Kin was her partner, he wouldn't be angry with her for not responding to his calls. He would know where she was at all times and she would know where he was. In his mind, Heero could remember her frightened face the day he had first saw her. He remembered her grief stricken features when she had looked at Usagi's body. Minako had been suckered into helping him; she wasn't doing it for her own gain. Aino Minako was scared of her father and Aino knew it.
All this time, Heero had been focusing his accusations at the wrong person. He had been wrong. Aino Kin had been killing those girls to scare Minako and to make her do his biddings. Kin was a sick motherfucker; all he wanted was to see his daughter cry. He wanted to see her in pain and in grief. Most of all, he wanted to see Minako be driven nuts knowing that she'd never be "next". Kin wanted to push her over the edge.
Heero cursed at himself and his ignorance. How could he not have seen it? That's why all of the girls looked just like Minako. It was like looking into a fucking mirror for her, it was a never ending nightmare that would someday, Kin hoped, destroy her from the inside. Kin was just a damn genius with an eye for tearing people apart. He was psychotic and that disgruntled Heero even more. Even if Kin's pattern was obviously pointing at Minako, it wasn't likely he would actually murder her, at least not in the physical sense. Kin was trying to mentally kill her but, by all means, that didn't mean he wouldn't change his mind. His previous message professed that he would and could brutally slaughter her like he had the other girls.
Perhaps Minako's denial all along had been about her being the next victim. Maybe all she wanted was to be his next and last victim. She had said that it was her fault since her father was trying to disrupt her and it was true. Possibly, Heero had actually been right. All he had to do was kill her and the game would be over. Aino Kin would have nothing left to torture if Minako was dead but his own silly persona. They were all pawns in his chess game but Heero had the chance to be the guy who beat the master.
But he couldn't take it. It would be like killing Relena Peacecraft; he would be failing a mission he had assigned himself. Heero had vowed to keep Relena safe from fruity, fatuous, mental, belligerent, idiotic, aberrant bastards like Kin and he had failed miserably. Like he had thought before, this was the second chance to prove his worth.
"I need a ride," she said, almost weakly. Minako had finally turned around, leaning her back on the counter. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot, most likely from being sleep deprived, and she had a small smile on her docile face. Fatigued or not, Minako looked exactly the same from the first time he had met her: she had an air of feisty buoyancy that could scare people away much like his insolent stare could.
He watched Minako search his face for a moment before moving to put her shoes back on. She lifted her coat from the counter as he shifted the gun back into its holder at his waist. He wondered if she had read his face like he read hers. Could she possibly be able to see his emotions? He ruled it out just as fast as it had come to mind as he opened the door for her.
He couldn't subside the feeling that Minako was in danger. Before he left, Heero pulled out his gun and shot the tape in the answering machine. No one else should be given the privilege of hearing that tape and accusing Minako of something she couldn't have possibly done. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction. If anyone would be given the chance to kill, harm, mane, harass, or stalk Aino Minako, it would be him. Anyone else would have to face the gun that would be doing the killing and injuring. God bless those poor, pathetically moronic souls.
Together, they walked for the second time down the hall and into the elevator but, this time, in total silence. Heero spent his time, during this still duration, studying the crafty woman. Her small, high-heeled feet touched down in long, powerful, and full strides that accommodated her long, slender, and toned legs clad in expensive, blue jeans that snuggly fit the curves of her legs, wide hips, and enticingly plump ass. Somehow her walk was full of confidence and reminded him of a general; it was powerful, long, carried importance, and screamed to be watched. Her hips curved into a flat stomach, most likely rippled with slight muscles, and sloped into the perfect, pert breasts. Her shoulders were narrow and her arms and neck were slender, fitting the heart shaped face she adorned exquisitely with light make-up.
Somehow, her body seemed fitting to her personality. Minako was loud and demanded attention much like the curves of her hips and ample breasts. She was loyally stubborn and opinioned just as her gaze was faithful to her emotions. Her wit was only matched to the brightness of her hair and her double personas were like the contrast of her light skin to her dark blue orbs. But perhaps, Heero thought, that was only one side to her. She could be equally cheery and gloomy and it led one to question; which was really her?
As the doors to the elevator whined shut, Heero watched Minako lean in the corner of the small compartment and close her eyes. On her face was painted, as clearly as stars to the sky, a chain of emotions. Emotions in which she intended to show Heero; they were simple things like stress and worry but every now and then, he could see the corners of her lips twitch downward. Minako was doubtful of herself and her actions and no matter how confident her steps were, she was just an ordinary person.
A loud ping reminded the opposites of their arrival on the parking level. The doors slid open and Heero stepped out of the elevator, placing his hands momentarily in his pockets as he led Minako to his black Porsche for the second time. From his pocket, he took out his keys and pressed both buttons to disable the alarm and unlock the doors. The tapping of her heels on the concrete was constant and in rhythm with his own steps; they reached their sides at the same time.
Minako stepped into the feline-like vehicle with ease and shut her door. She rearranged herself, tucking her hair behind her and placing a purse Heero hadn't noticed before in her lap, before fastening her seatbelt. "I hope I'm not inconveniencing you, Mr. Yuy." Her tones were even, calm, and somewhat soft. Heero didn't see her look at him, either.
It wasn't directed at him, really, obviously, so he decided not to answer. She was only trying to be polite and possibly trying to break the composed silence. Heero pulled his seatbelt over himself and jammed it into its base with a reasonable click. With the same fluid motion, he inserted his key into the ignition, stepping on the clutch while turning the key. He looked backwards quickly to check for any other cars or pedestrians before backing out of the parking stall and replacing the clutch to first.
Swiftly, he made his way out onto the busy streets of Tokyo and managed to miss most of the red lights by speeding past all the cars going slower than he was. To his side, Minako leaned back in the seat and sighed, watching many passing buildings out the window. She seemed to be thinking, deeply, about something rather important and Heero had to clue as to what. Somehow, Heero felt like he had no answers from her. All he knew from his excursion was that she was somewhat innocent and somehow in danger. One thing still threatened his mind.
"What are you going to do about him?" he asked, gruffly, while shifting into fifth gear. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched her reallocate in her seat again to look at him with steady blues. Her lips pursed for a moment while she thought.
Slowly, she shrugged and leaned back in the chair again. "I'm not sure. He…is my father, after all. He has a few battles he has to fight, with himself that is, and I guess I'm just one of the many wars he has created to focus on something besides himself." Her eyes returned to look out the passenger window. She rested her head on the glass and inhaled more air, letting it out loudly. "I wish I could just kill him. I should, really. He deserves it."
Heero took the last turn, thinking about her words and the whole situation. He wanted to believe her story, her innocence, but it couldn't be real. Why would her father do such a horrible thing? Why would he kill others to simply hurt his daughter? The idea was nearly unpalatable and almost implausible. Heero would have to keep an eye on her for two reasons. One, to make sure her father doesn't kill her and two, to make sure she wasn't lying…
Sally Po sank into the depths of the big hotel bed, still lost in her man and his tender kisses. She was addicted to his calm certainty. He was rough around the edges but still a diamond in her eyes; she would hold onto him until the day she died. No matter what would separate them, Sally knew that he would come back to her. Nothing could keep him from her, not even a blue haired doctor whom he valued above almost all else…besides her. It wasn't a problem though; she wasn't even half the woman Sally was.
He finally stopped kissing her and stroked back her tumbled brunette locks. His dark chocolate eyes looked questioningly into her hers and she smiled. She desired his every being. She had missed his scent, cinnamon and vanilla, his lustful, intense gaze, and most of all his stern grip and devoted hands. This man made her feel like she was dreaming each and every time she saw him, breathed in his scent, and every time their eyes or lips locked. Her bed was heaven in his arms and she'd die ten times to be anywhere with him at any given time. He was her everything.
They were in a world of their own where only they existed together. His hands reached to the buttons on her blouse, slowly and carefully moving the material from the button to reveal the milky skin of her breasts hidden behind a white bra. His lips melded onto hers as his calloused hands brushed her sides, journeying to her back to unclasp the once dutiful material.
Even though she was a harsh woman, always commanding and expecting the best, her lover had a way of melting everything she had once known into a puddle underneath her. She felt bare in front of him, lost in his russet gaze. Some would say Sally was at a point where she was obsessed with him, addicted to his every word. But Sally only saw her love and their future together.
His warm hands brushed over her breasts to massage the muscles of her stomach and stroke her hips softly. He searched for the zipper to her skirt as he leaned upwards to seal her mouth for a moment before going back to her skirt. Every time their lips met and their eyes locked she felt unbelievably calm. She didn't know how he felt about her but she hoped and prayed to the Gods that he loved her as much as she loved him; even half would make her happy. If he didn't love her, though, he was very good at making her believe he did. All of the moments in bed and out of bed they shared had to be real.
He unzipped, slowly as he did with her blouse, and then pulled the skirt from her body down her legs. Tossing it to the side, his hands roamed her legs, kissing each lovingly from hip to toes, hands stroking her inner and outer thighs. Finally, his hands latched to band to her panties and pulled. Once the nuisance of the last piece of cloth keeping him from her was tossed to the side, he hungrily kissing first her throat and then her breasts until it felt their bodies were permanently one.
He put his hands under her, lifting her body to his mouth, drinking her in until she trembled, moaned, and gasped for mercy. She felt as if she was in heaven with the man she loved desperately. Sally was in love with this man and she would never give him up.
Her hand touched his lips and then his soft cheek. She cradled his head in her hand for a moment before moving to expertly yanking his tie off and unbuttoning his formal, white shirt. Her lips touched his neck, dropping down to his collarbone while her hands slowly pushed his shirt from his shoulders. His hands found her back, softly massaging. She loved this man like no other woman could. Steady hands unbuckled his belt and pushed his pants and briefs from his body. Hands roamed from chiseled chest to muscled thighs. They kissed, fiercer than before, with equal passion and lust. And only then did he enter her.
He was a hard lover, demanding more from her than she had ever known she had to offer. Sally's long, powerful legs wrapped tightly around him, reaching for the almost unattainable peak of desire again and again; she wanted him so much and every time they were in each other's embrace Sally wanted to stay there. No matter how much he confused her she would always love him the same.
A long time afterward, they finally lay silent and spent, tremors like aftershocks rippling through their bodies. Bodies entwined, he nuzzled his face in her hair, smelling its sweet scent of lavender. Her hands were locked into his sleek, jet black hair now undone and falling into his face to obscure his handsome features. Sally was a lucky woman.
But what if he was lying about his feelings for her? What if he was this very same way with his "other girl"? She had permitted him to stay with her as long as nothing happened and that he absolutely swore he didn't love her. But she still knew that he had something for her, something akin to love, because he had come back to her after leaving. Last time he had left Sally, she was the one who had wanted them together again…
Lovingly, he looked into her eyes and smiled as the phone rang steadily. She grabbed onto his hands as she sat up, not wanting him to answer it. He shook his head and picked it up anyways. Why did he always have to do the things she didn't want him to? Why must he debate with everything she said…ask her questions he couldn't answer…?
She sat, pulling fabricated hotel covers over her body. Sally leaned back on the headboard and sighed, loudly. Her heart was beating fast but not because of her excitement. She was scared she was wrong about his feelings.
On the other line, a quiet voice asked, "Wufei, is that you?" The woman sounded surprised, as if they hadn't expected an answer.
Sally watched him slide away from her to the edge of the bed, his back facing her. She curled up more, rocking back and forth. The only thought running through her mind was about the other woman.
"Ami…how did you get this number?" he restrained his voice from shaking. Wufei was nervous. He had a woman in bed, one he did care for, and the other woman he felt deeply connected with on the phone. Anything could go wrong…
He heard the doctor on the other side of the phone take a deep breath. "Hypothetically…what if I were," she paused briefly, "pregnant?"
Wufei's back stiffened and his eyes widened. In his ear he could hear a faint ringing before he remembered to breathe. His hand went to his forehead and he closed his eyes for a second. "You can't be." Another breath, he continued, "it's not possible, Ami."
She frowned and held back tears. "Hypothetically, Wufei; I'm just asking. What would you do if…you know, I was? What if the condom had broken…and –"
"Ami, no. I don't want to hear another silly notion like that from you ever again. We're always cautious! I know we are." His rough tone only made Ami disheartened but also more aggressive.
"Wufei listen to me. I'm not saying I am…" Before she spoke again she paused and took another deep breath to sustain confidence. "I'm just asking what you would do! Would you be a good father to our child? Would you support us and love him with all of your heart?"
He slouched, shaking his head. Ami could not be pregnant; they were too careful. He always bought the best, most reliable condoms and they would always check to make sure it hadn't torn or if he had leaked into her. Even if they had the smallest doubt, Wufei would take her to a pharmacy and have her take one of those "morning-after-pills" people praised so highly. She couldn't be pregnant…
But what if she was? Wufei didn't want a child. He wasn't fond of kids at all. In fact, he hated children. They were obnoxious, unaware, and arrogant. Children always thought they were better, stronger, faster, tougher, and smarter than adults…and it was almost always false. He couldn't handle a little two year old girl asking him what the fuck sex was. He was never going to have children. Even if he did, it wouldn't be with Ami. Hell, if he could find a woman he would enjoy having a child with…
Before he could answer, Sally came up behind him, putting her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek greedily before asking, "What's wrong, honey?" Her voice sounded half jealous that he had turned away from her and half lustful; she was still horny and she wanted her turn. Too bad, she'd have to wait.
On the other line, however, Ami had heard differently. She had always had a feeling she wasn't his only desire but knowing the truth hurt more than assuming. "I understand," she whispered. She forgot the possibility that he couldn't hear her. "Wufei Chang, I hope you rot in hell."
She slammed the phone down, raw emotion obscuring her features. Her hands went to her mouth and she tried to suppress her sobs. She had expected it, hadn't she? Isn't that why she had called? Ami knew, deep down, that Wufei was seeing someone else. All the nights far away and all the nights he didn't call when he was near. Her heart missed beats all the same, though.
Muscular arms wrapped around Ami's upper body, pulling her into a warm embrace. She turned, burying her head into an open shoulder. Her voice was weak but she managed to say, in between sobs, that she had been right. "Thank you for the number."
Duo stood, his hand petting her soft hair, sighing. His heart ached for her and he felt compelled to cry with her. He wanted to share her pain to perhaps ease it for her. But there wasn't much he could do now but keep her in his arms and tell her she would be alright. Ami was strong and what he said was true…but it would take a lot to weasel into her heart again.
"Duo, where's Minako?" her anxiety and request surprised him. Even through her grief she managed to worry about her friends. It made him smile but the fact that Heero had told him he was going to kill her made him want to shrivel into a corner and die. Minako's death would send Ami's heart into a million more pieces.
So he had to lie. "Uhh…I don't know." He grinned briefly, running his thumbs across her tears to dry her cheeks. "Want me to go find her?" Even if he looked though, he didn't think he would find her…but perhaps the thought would make her smile despite her tears.
She nodded, pulling away from him to sit down at her desk. Her head fell into her hands and she tried stifling more tears. "That would be wonderful. Besides, I kind of feel like being alone for a few minutes…"
"No problem, babe." He winced at his own words. What was he doing calling her 'babe' in her emotional state? Even though the word didn't seem to affect her yet…he didn't know what was going on inside her head. "I'll be back in a few."
Ignoring any hints she had sent him, he walked over to her and hugged her briefly. He whispered in her ear, "You'll be fine, Ami. I know you're strong and I know you'll get over this." He kissed the back of her head and picked up his car keys. "I promise."
Duo left, leaving Ami to herself. He wished he didn't have to. At the same time, he wanted to respect her request. He still worried, though. Being a doctor, he was sure as hell she had access to all sorts of pills that could lead her to death. He couldn't let her do that. At the same time, however, he knew Ami was too smart to do that.
She had watched Elizabeth Rachel Une, preferred to be called Elizabeth by Mamoru and Madame Une to Minako, deliberately send drink after drink to him. Really, she wanted to gag because it was so obvious Madame Une was practically in love with Mamoru while he hadn't a feeling for her. Minako smiled to herself at the situation. It was rather hilarious to watch Une flirt with him while he was piss drunk. In other words, the only thing Une would find herself in…was a car ride home.
But, on the other hand, she could possibly get him into bed. That, too, was a funny prospect. Did Une really think that drinking him up for a night and jumping in his pants would start a relationship with a man who had just lost his wife? Mamoru loved Usagi too much to fall in love right after her murder. Was Une blind to that fact or was she being ignorant?
Minako rested her head on her hand, taking a small sip of wine before smiling at Une. "What drink are you going to send him, now? I think he's had just about everything."
Une's excuse was that he just had to try every drink in the restaurant. Mamoru had refused, at first, but when she had the first few drinks sent…he couldn't get himself to stop. It made her wonder if Mamoru had an alcohol problem and if Usagi had ever known about it.
"Minako, you can leave now," Une bellowed, drunk as well. "I don't think my Mamoru has any other use for you but to look at. But he's only looking at me now." With a wink, Une raised her drink to her idiocy and gulped down the tequila.
Minako laughed not only at how stupidly Une was talking but also because of the irony of the situation; Mamoru STILL wasn't looking at her. "Whatever makes you happiest, Madame. I was just about to excuse myself…"
Grabbing her coat and taking the last sip of wine, she smiled at Mamoru and hugged him. She ignored the glares from Une. It was as if she was literally asking Minako to drape herself on Mamoru and see if he would take her; her glare was challenging her. Minako knew better than to fool with drunken people. "It was nice seeing you again, Mamoru. Call me when you want to go out again."
He nodded, making Minako wonder if he was coherent or just twitching. She shrugged it off, walking away anyways. She smiled; she was more than happy to leave the two alone. Most of all, Minako wanted to get home to Ami to fill her in. Her father's messages, Heero trying to kill her, dinner with Mamoru, Une being a cumwhoreslut, and…
Minako's mouth hung open as she passed by a figure in the shadows of jinkusu-za. His slightly ruffled, wavy blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and almost ageless debonair made her shiver. That man couldn't possibly be her father…he would not and could not go to the same restaurant as her. How could he find out she would be here? Even if he did listen to her messages, he couldn't have possibly known she was going to show up.
No, her father wasn't that stupid. He would never show up at the same place as her just to kill her off. Not with the thirty or so people dining and nearly twenty more in the kitchen. He was smarter than that. Kin wouldn't want witnesses …
In the background, Minako heard Mamoru shout, incoherently, "My man! Join us!" followed by short giggle from Une. She rolled her eyes and continued her way out the doors. The two could make a good couple…if they could forever remain drunk. She didn't turn back, though, to see who he had been shouting at.
Reassuring herself, Minako left the restaurant. The midnight breeze felt wonderful and made the memory of the restaurant only seem that much more stuffy and harrowing. The breath of fresh air pushed her fears of her father away and reminded her of the long walk home. She couldn't help but wonder if she should call someone…or if she shouldn't have asked Heero for a ride.
A honk next to her shot her in the air. She placed a hand over her heart when she reached the ground again. Minako looked over to see a red Viper. Did he think she was some kind of prostitute? She growled, thinking of kicking the car, punching the driver, and running for her life.
"Duo Maxwell, at your service," the driver purred much like the car. "You're Aino Minako, am I right?" He lifted his dark sunglasses to reveal deep indigo eyes, mirrors to his soul; an open man. But she recognized his name and chestnut braid before anything else processed in her brain.
She nodded reluctantly. Minako wondered if Heero had sent him after her. In her mind, she played back what Ami had told her about this Duo fellow. He was humorous, she had said, while being rude, hasty, and very infuriating. Ami must have been in a bad mood because Heero wouldn't tolerate these things, she didn't think. But perhaps opposites attracted. She laughed in her head. "You're Heero's partner." It was a statement, not a question.
He smiled, widely, much like she did in times of hiding something else. She smiled back, equally as bright and equally as fake. That only seemed to update his while he reached over and opened his car door for her. Minako ignored it and kept walking. Duo steadily followed for a minute or two. What a persistent bastard, Minako thought.
"Com'on, babe!" he shouted, stopping his car. "You've got a beautiful, blue eyed doctor waiting up for you, crying her heart out over Wufei. She's worried about you; she asked me to find you despite her own unhappiness."
Hold up…what did he say? Crying her heart out over WUFEI? What had that jackass done now? Hadn't he hurt Ami enough to get on with his fucking life? Ami had been there for Minako ever since the beginning and so Minako felt more than obligated to comfort Ami in her time of need. Without a second thought, Minako stepped into the car. "How'd you find me and what happened with Wufei?"
Duo stepped on the gas as soon as Minako sat in the adjacent seat. "Heero," he answered then continued after shifting and turning the radio on, "and Wufei was seeing another woman. That God damn bastard! I thought I knew Wufei better than that…I really thought he was a better man than that…"
His rantings were cut short by the radio. A woman, nearly screaming, started her news segment. "Not just five minutes ago, Yokio struck again at a popular, local restaurant, jinkusu-za! He killed all but half of the occupants, mostly waiters and chefs located in the kitchens. Twenty of them have been identified as…" Minako took a big breath as Duo reached for the radio and turned the volume up. He pulled over as the names poured out of the woman.
"Awano O-Yone, sisters Jennifer and Tiffany Chang, Daono Kimi, Fuyuno Jun'ko, Joben Gough, restaurant owner Kino Makoto…"
Time literally stopped for Minako. That was Makoto's restaurant…Kin had killed her…Makoto was dead and Minako had been there…
"…tourists Takuro Lavernhe from France, Brian Maley from the United States, Lee Young Yuu from Korea, brothers Jake and Nicolas McPhearson from the United States, and Jiro Motesgue from Italy, waiter Mareno Kano, Osaka Naru, Numilu Parker, foreigners Michael and Catherine Raymond, Shino Shinzaburo, and Elizabeth Une. Chiba Mamoru and Aino Kin are here by my side, willing to comment on their near death experiences…"
Minako breathing came in short gasps and she reached and turned the radio off. She covered her eyes with her hands to block the tears. "He was there…he was right there! I saw him, God damnit! I fucking saw him! Why didn't I stop him? Why the fuck did I deny he was there? He's crazy…he's fucking insane! Twenty fucking people! All innocent! Not to mention the son of a bitch is still there…near death experiences my fucking ass!" She turned to Duo. "I want to kill him. Drive me there and give me your gun, Duo. I can't live another day knowing he's my father! He's killed TWENTY SEVEN PEOPLE, DUO! ALL BECAUSE OF ME!"
A.N.: If I get hatemail from this I'm NOT going to restrain myself. A whole range of things have been happening these two months to keep me from updating but think of it this way: this is actually near 13 pages in Times New Romance size 12 font. That's basically two chapters (one for each month I didn't post) rolled into one. You like that, yeah? Not to mention the surprising smut scene! It was tasteful, though... right, Drea?
With ...a tired yawn,
Transcendent, the almost-mighty.
SVZ: How the hell are you always the first to review? I look at other people's review pages and you're always first. Are you a superhero? Anyways! I have put in your Duo/Ami scene and therefore you owe me a fic KTHX! Anyways...I didn't make Kin kill her. The story writes itself, I'm just here to cleverly type it up in a presentable way. Darlin, I can be anythin when I want to be :D mwuahaha.
Jewels15: Isn't it funny that when people say soon it takes like two months? Yeah, I'm weird like that, sorry. I hope you liked it :)
Airlady: Hmm, a new reviewer, eh? Thanks!
Wisful Thinking2: HI LOVELY! Quatre will not be fucking anyone in this story, I don't think...I'm glad you read the disclaimer though lol But I also killed Relena? So far...after this chapter...It's three GW characters to two SM ones. By the way, Heero will get this turn....another day and perhaps a another story? ;)
AznxAngel: You know what? I had the hardest time typing your sn just now. Anyways, I have a problem with "heal" and "heel". I almost did it in this chapter, too. I'm a retard. I think I'm growing soft because I put in another "fluff" in here, if you want to call it that. But eh...I'm still mean enough to kill twenty people.
frosty: I hope your waiting wasn't in vain. A lot of people have been saying this thing is creepy and shit...is it REALLY that scary/chilling/dark/etc?
SilverCaladan: skips then decides she needs to say something You do realize I'm going back on my word? You were supposed to post something before I updated. Good thing I know you're actively writing something at the moment or there would be hell to pay. I want another long review, though. Give me insight!
datajana: I will continue to email you, too! Thanks for you review.
ShadowStar21: .... skips
FairDrea: For all those reviews I gave you tasteful smut, yeah? There will be more to come, too! Cannot displease engaged wife! Anyways, I'm really glad you like this (despite the fact that you've never watched GW). And yes, you did get a dedication AND SOME SMUT! :)
Black Aura-Sama: Hi dearest! This chapter shouldn't make you scared! Well.....since you probably have already read it: it didn't make you scared! JIRO MOTESGUE WILL LIVE ON FOREVER! :D I've seen plenty of Trowa/Minako stories; maybe you're not looking hard enough nudge nudge Ami wasn't married to Wufei!
Inverse-chan: Heh, thanks! I've actually been reading your story Catch me in the darkness and enjoying it. I just don't always review becaues I'm a loser. But hey, Wufei and Ami are not going to be together. Horray? lol
Mirror's Image: Me lovely JUJU! You didn't flame or review two more times. No chapter guide for you. Bad JuJu BAD! Why the hell did you go on hiatus anyways? :O
1 O'CLOCK IS ONE YEAR OLD!
Kind of sad considering it only has eight chapters.
"I cannot love as I have loved, And yet I know not why;
It is the one great woe of life To feel all feeling die."
A.N.: Yeah, been a while again. But this thing is fucking 12 pages. IT'S FUCKING HUGE! Don't expect chapters this long ever again because I have no clue what was going through my mind when I decided to write a 12 page chapter. Anyways, enjoy...God I hate Quickedit.
Dedication: FairDrea, my wife, because I literally tortured her poor mind and eyes with something. BIG HUG I love you and I'm sorry! I hope I made it all better for you :) Also, to Mirror's Image for reading the whole fucking thing (as did Drea!). Love you all lol
ALL STANDARD DISCLAIMERS APPLY. FUCKING IS NOT MAKING LOVE KTHX.
Chapter Eight: Empty Words
The vision of her golden hair framing her heart shaped face only made him angrier. Her presence was one he despised beyond belief. Perhaps it was her personality; she was forever covering up her insecurities. She fought to maintain her smiles to conceal her true pain. Aino Minako was an enigma trapped in a maze where she was the only one who knew how to get out. He hated puzzles, as easy as they were to solve…some just were impossible and so was Minako. Her angelic features, although grim at times, only protruded a lie. She was a murderer behind that mask of deceit.
Naturally, all accusations of being a killer, much like her father, would only push her further into her own lie. Minako knew what she had become but she wanted to believe the opposite and stay ignorant of her trickery. So the more she denied it, the more she believed it. The more she believed the deaths of Relena Darlian, Tsukino Usagi, and Iria Winner weren't her fault, the more dead ends he would find himself at. It'd be hard, after all of her confident denials, to find her guilty of something so vile. Even though she might be guilty, her blameless façade might have others believing differently.
That was the cunning of her smiles and beauty. They held an image of innocence so desired that it left people with visions of a goddess. But people had to realize that even goddesses made mistakes that, eventually, could affect others. That was what Minako was doing, even if she didn't want to admit it. She had helped him before, maybe not killing, but she helped him remain "that killer" and not "Aino Kin". Maybe it was for her own safety and reputation that the killer she had been hunting down for so many months remain anonymous due to their unique relationship.
Conceivably, she had nothing to do with these murders. She was just the helpless daughter of the killer, the woman who just happened to be connected to each woman by appearance. But no one knew she was the daughter. The ones who knew were too smart, too intelligent, and too astute to alert the press. For some reason, he felt Minako had purposely let these few know. They would keep her secret behind locked doors, their faces, and pretend the link was invisible. But could he do that? He had always followed through with his missions, killing brutally if required. His mission, this time, was to put the infamous killer Yokio somewhere unpleasant. Be it jail, prison, an asylum, or hell, Heero Yuy would get him there. He would do it no matter the cost. No matter how many people he hurt physically or emotionally, he would get his job done.
In his eyes, Minako was just as dangerous as her father. Perhaps she was following in his footsteps, but taking an alternative route. She was pulling so many people into her deceit and they were all wandering around helplessly. She would lead them down dead ends and mazes in the maze she had created, giggling at their despair. Heero didn't know what she planned on doing with them in the end, but he pictured many more people ending up like Relena, a woman he was supposed to be protecting right now but couldn't because of Minako. He had failed a mission because of her.
He figured that if he proved that Minako was guilty of those three fatalities, at least, he could sleep easy at night. It wasn't his fault…it was not. Even if that seemed like denial, the same denial Minako put herself through, Heero was not totally responsible for Relena's death. She was the one who got herself into it; she had begged for years to be given some sort of break, freedom for a night. It wasn't his fault that when she got the freedom, despite the bodyguards around her, she got herself killed by a notorious murderer. Even though she was put under his care and even though he knew he was wrong in letting her go out, it couldn't possibly be his fault.
But somehow, the guilt inside him was a little too much for his own comfort level. That's why he took on this second task, partially to avenge Relena's death and partially to avenge his own failure. He would kill what had killed his perfection. In this case, it was two people, Aino Minako, Chief Coroner, and her father Aino Kin, serial killer. The worst part about this revenge deal was that Heero didn't feel it was the right move. He could kill her and sleep easy knowing his perfection had been saved but fall down another void of emotions called "guilt" and "remorse" because he could have, potentially, killed someone innocent. That fact alone could make him like "Yokio" … and he hated Yokio more than he hated Minako.
He watched the blinking light of her answering machine from the shadows of her room. As much as he wanted to just listen to the messages by himself, the evidence could be proven faulty in court if he decided not to kill her. Besides, Heero was cautious and that was the soul purpose as to why he had been hiding in her abandoned apartment for three hours, waiting for her to check the damn machine herself. The messages had evidence…he had to get the evidence. He had to know if she was a ruthless monster just like her father.
The click of heels in the hallway stopped in front of the door. Heero pulled up his gun, ready for anyone and anything, particularly Minako and her whimsical self. Always trying to hide her emotions and covering her knowledge with confusion, had gotten her no where but here, soon to face the bullet loaded in his gun. Her figure, clad in tight jeans and a white sweater, entered the living room, kicking off her high heeled shoes and trotting to her answering machine. He knew she would come to check her messages manually eventually.
He was slightly disturbed by her ignorance to his presence, though. If she was such a slick and mysterious woman, wouldn't she feel him or see him? What would've happen if it was Aino Kin in her room and not Heero? She would've been dead already, lying on her living room floor in cold blood. Slightly angered, he watched her closer, watching for signs of acknowledgement, hoping she had already noticed him. Even if she was Yokio's accomplice, there wasn't any reason beyond the fact that he wouldn't and couldn't kill her. All the other girls had similar qualities to hers; he could just as easily pick her as a target and forget the camaraderie and affiliation.
Disgusted, Heero wondered…wasn't he planning, much like Aino Kin might've in his position, to kill Minako? Sneaking into her house with means to kill her, a gun, and a motive, revenge, could have just as easily slipped into Yokio's mind, too. Of course, the motives could possibly be different. But what had he, just a week ago, interrupted in this very same room? What had he overheard? She hadn't followed through with something for him. Maybe it was evidence that would've pointed the police and FBI to Aino Kin. What a shame, Heero thought, a merciless killer was scared, a disgrace.
Heero knew, though, that his reason for killing Minako was much more legit; Minako was the cause of so much grief, so many deaths and he knew if she was dead, it'd all end. He didn't know for sure but it was instinct. Aino Kin was playing a game where he wanted to control his pawns. But possibly, was there another way to end this game other than killing a fallen angel? The only way around that would be to kill Aino Kin himself but Heero had grown to respecting the man despite the cowardice. He had been smart and skilled enough to kill seven women with no accusation, not even a thought to his innocence. No one had ever suspected a thing from this supposedly rich, handsome, and elegant man. Heero Yuy respected his deception but all it was were lowly acts of pure idiocy and for that he would have to be punished.
He turned to watch Minako push hair out of her vision as she pressed the "play back" button on the machine. She placed her coat gently to the side, ignoring the jacket hooks in the hallway. Listening intently, Heero watched her sit down at the counter and take out a glass from the cabinet and a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. "You have three new messages. First message received on December 20th at four forty three in the morning." The automated voice was cut off as another voice replaced it.
The voice sounded, at first, a bit murky. Low, uneven tones belonging to an older male, Heero calculated. "Hey, baby, it's your loving and caring father. I just was calling to check up on you but was surprised to be answered by this fucking machine. Where the fuck did you go off to, m'dear? We have unfinished business."
His eyes shifted from the machine to Minako who quickly downed the contents of her newly filled glass. Heero watched her body language for a sign of discomfort, a sign that would show him she was uninvolved or that she was, indeed, a killer just like him. But he got no such response as she picked up the wine bottle and filled her glass once more. The red liquid of the wine was as dark as the blood Heero remembered seeing at Relena and Usagi's death sites. How could she drink something that resembled blood so easily? She couldn't possibly be that armored—as shielded—as him. There couldn't be someone as callous as Heero Yuy.
"I'm sure you've already figured it all out, darling, but if you haven't I won't ruin it for that pretty little, blonde head of yours," the voice of her father continued, gaining volume and humor in his silky, English voice. Kin chuckled a bit before continuing again, "I'm sure many things went through your head when you saw Usagi's naked, dead body. How could I do such a horrible thing? Well I'll tell you right now: it wasn't hard! It's time for me to hit the sack. I hope to see you soon, m'precious."
Heero shook his head, shaking all of his doubts far away from his rational reasoning. Aino Minako would have to die and that was the end of the story. With evidence such as that, how could one not interpret it as a killer wanting his accomplice to meet somewhere for another kill? Aino Kin had been civil while speaking and very open as if he talked to her every day about such horrid things. Although he knew that Usagi's murder had been done alone, or so Minako had suggested, but there would always be the possibility of an accomplice. No stone would be left unturned, Heero thought. Every break would have to be looked at carefully and only ruled out if the idea was utterly absurd. The prospect that Minako was Kin's collaborator could be likely and thus shouldn't be ruled out.
Minako took another sip of her red wine, sighing deeply and closing her eyes. Heero briefly wondered what she was thinking about. Was she sick of killing people? Was she tired of seeing all of the blood? What about the screams and their faces just as they died? Those same faces haunted him in nightmares but that was because he was a very guilty man. But the people he killed weren't innocent like Relena, Tsukino Usagi, and Iria.
In a flash, Heero made up his mind. He rushed from his hiding spot, leaping to stand behind the blonde beauty. In seconds, his gun was pressed against the back of her head. The funny thing was that she wasn't surprised; Heero never saw her tense. Heero fought the urge to gun her down right then and there but he wanted answers and he wanted to torture her.
"You're a murderer," he accused, coldly. She didn't dare turn around but shrugged as she took another sip of her wine, the last drop left. He watched her set the glass back down and tuck strands of hair behind her ear. Heero couldn't help but notice the large crystal, sparkling diamonds decorating her delicate ear or the gold band on the index finger she had used.
Heero had completely forgotten to second guess her until her hand eased back onto the countertop. She could have easily turned to grip his gun and pull it away from her exposed head. But he wasn't even thinking about it! This enraged him; he was thinking about her damn jewelry instead. The emotion, though, dispatched when he heard her voice.
"I could say the same about you if you kill me." It was true, a rightful retort but only if she wasn't a murderer. Only if Minako hadn't killed anyone could that statement actually be proven correct. So far, the odds were dangerously against her. Why did she deny it? She couldn't be innocent…Minako was a danger to society and a danger to his perfection.
The answering machine continued playing in the background, the automated voice oblivious to the happenings in the room. "Next new message left today at eleven fifty nine in the morning."
This time, replacing the voice of the female recording was the voice of a soft, worried man. "Hey Minako, it's Chiba Mamoru, it's been a while since we've talked. I've been thinking a lot since my wife died and I'd like to know what you think happened. I'd be honored if you'd meet me at my office at six tonight to talk over dinner at jinkusu-za, the place Makoto owns. I hope to see you there, if not don't worry, my assistant will be accompanying me."
Heero restrained a snort and dug the gun into her hair. The muzzle roughly impacted the back of her head and he could picture her sneering. Who the fuck would want to hear the opinion of a murderer? Minako signed heavily and calmly, despite his rude and forceful behavior, and answered the question on his mind as if she knew how his brain operated.
"That was Usagi's husband—she chose not to take his last name. He must be lonely without her but then again, so am I and we haven't gone out together since we were 18." What did he hear in her voice? Sorrow, angst…uncertainty. She turned the machine off and leaned over the counter a bit. Heero never let the gun leave the back of her head. "If you came here to kill me, go ahead. I'm not stopping you and no one else is either. I haven't killed anyone but in a way…I suppose I have and I'm sorry. I never wanted him to kill anyone and I never will. Believe what you want, Heero Yuy."
Why would she fight in her own defense if she, herself, thinks she's guilty? Why should she say sorry to him? What about the families of those girls, the kids, the parents, the grandparents, brothers, sisters, and friends that had been left behind? He disregarded the fact that she hadn't seen his face but knew who was behind her. He had too many other, more important things to think about. He had disregarded those same questions when it came down to his own past but this was different. This was Aino Minako. Suddenly, he remembered there was one last message. "Play the last one."
Minako sighed and pressed the button again. She folded her arms around her torso and waited patiently. What was she thinking about? Heero regretted standing behind her; he couldn't read her eyes from the back of her head and he certainly couldn't read her face, either. Since when had he become so reckless? Then again, he knew he didn't want to see her face; even the smallest, deliberate smile could persuade him a way he didn't want to be. At least this way, he wouldn't see her face if he shot her and he could pick up things from her voice, a much easier method in picking out the lies from the truth.
"Last new message sent today at one fifteen in the afternoon."
The same, demanding voice from the first message hollered from the box. "WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU, MINAKO? STOP HIDING, YOU FUCKING WHORE, BECAUSE I WILL FIND YOU, PATHETIC BITCH. YOU'RE A SAD EXCUSE FOR A DAUGHTER; I CAN'T WAIT TO KILL YOU."
The arm holding the gun to the back of her head fell to his side. If Kin was her partner, he wouldn't be angry with her for not responding to his calls. He would know where she was at all times and she would know where he was. In his mind, Heero could remember her frightened face the day he had first saw her. He remembered her grief stricken features when she had looked at Usagi's body. Minako had been suckered into helping him; she wasn't doing it for her own gain. Aino Minako was scared of her father and Aino knew it.
All this time, Heero had been focusing his accusations at the wrong person. He had been wrong. Aino Kin had been killing those girls to scare Minako and to make her do his biddings. Kin was a sick motherfucker; all he wanted was to see his daughter cry. He wanted to see her in pain and in grief. Most of all, he wanted to see Minako be driven nuts knowing that she'd never be "next". Kin wanted to push her over the edge.
Heero cursed at himself and his ignorance. How could he not have seen it? That's why all of the girls looked just like Minako. It was like looking into a fucking mirror for her, it was a never ending nightmare that would someday, Kin hoped, destroy her from the inside. Kin was just a damn genius with an eye for tearing people apart. He was psychotic and that disgruntled Heero even more. Even if Kin's pattern was obviously pointing at Minako, it wasn't likely he would actually murder her, at least not in the physical sense. Kin was trying to mentally kill her but, by all means, that didn't mean he wouldn't change his mind. His previous message professed that he would and could brutally slaughter her like he had the other girls.
Perhaps Minako's denial all along had been about her being the next victim. Maybe all she wanted was to be his next and last victim. She had said that it was her fault since her father was trying to disrupt her and it was true. Possibly, Heero had actually been right. All he had to do was kill her and the game would be over. Aino Kin would have nothing left to torture if Minako was dead but his own silly persona. They were all pawns in his chess game but Heero had the chance to be the guy who beat the master.
But he couldn't take it. It would be like killing Relena Peacecraft; he would be failing a mission he had assigned himself. Heero had vowed to keep Relena safe from fruity, fatuous, mental, belligerent, idiotic, aberrant bastards like Kin and he had failed miserably. Like he had thought before, this was the second chance to prove his worth.
"I need a ride," she said, almost weakly. Minako had finally turned around, leaning her back on the counter. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot, most likely from being sleep deprived, and she had a small smile on her docile face. Fatigued or not, Minako looked exactly the same from the first time he had met her: she had an air of feisty buoyancy that could scare people away much like his insolent stare could.
He watched Minako search his face for a moment before moving to put her shoes back on. She lifted her coat from the counter as he shifted the gun back into its holder at his waist. He wondered if she had read his face like he read hers. Could she possibly be able to see his emotions? He ruled it out just as fast as it had come to mind as he opened the door for her.
He couldn't subside the feeling that Minako was in danger. Before he left, Heero pulled out his gun and shot the tape in the answering machine. No one else should be given the privilege of hearing that tape and accusing Minako of something she couldn't have possibly done. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction. If anyone would be given the chance to kill, harm, mane, harass, or stalk Aino Minako, it would be him. Anyone else would have to face the gun that would be doing the killing and injuring. God bless those poor, pathetically moronic souls.
Together, they walked for the second time down the hall and into the elevator but, this time, in total silence. Heero spent his time, during this still duration, studying the crafty woman. Her small, high-heeled feet touched down in long, powerful, and full strides that accommodated her long, slender, and toned legs clad in expensive, blue jeans that snuggly fit the curves of her legs, wide hips, and enticingly plump ass. Somehow her walk was full of confidence and reminded him of a general; it was powerful, long, carried importance, and screamed to be watched. Her hips curved into a flat stomach, most likely rippled with slight muscles, and sloped into the perfect, pert breasts. Her shoulders were narrow and her arms and neck were slender, fitting the heart shaped face she adorned exquisitely with light make-up.
Somehow, her body seemed fitting to her personality. Minako was loud and demanded attention much like the curves of her hips and ample breasts. She was loyally stubborn and opinioned just as her gaze was faithful to her emotions. Her wit was only matched to the brightness of her hair and her double personas were like the contrast of her light skin to her dark blue orbs. But perhaps, Heero thought, that was only one side to her. She could be equally cheery and gloomy and it led one to question; which was really her?
As the doors to the elevator whined shut, Heero watched Minako lean in the corner of the small compartment and close her eyes. On her face was painted, as clearly as stars to the sky, a chain of emotions. Emotions in which she intended to show Heero; they were simple things like stress and worry but every now and then, he could see the corners of her lips twitch downward. Minako was doubtful of herself and her actions and no matter how confident her steps were, she was just an ordinary person.
A loud ping reminded the opposites of their arrival on the parking level. The doors slid open and Heero stepped out of the elevator, placing his hands momentarily in his pockets as he led Minako to his black Porsche for the second time. From his pocket, he took out his keys and pressed both buttons to disable the alarm and unlock the doors. The tapping of her heels on the concrete was constant and in rhythm with his own steps; they reached their sides at the same time.
Minako stepped into the feline-like vehicle with ease and shut her door. She rearranged herself, tucking her hair behind her and placing a purse Heero hadn't noticed before in her lap, before fastening her seatbelt. "I hope I'm not inconveniencing you, Mr. Yuy." Her tones were even, calm, and somewhat soft. Heero didn't see her look at him, either.
It wasn't directed at him, really, obviously, so he decided not to answer. She was only trying to be polite and possibly trying to break the composed silence. Heero pulled his seatbelt over himself and jammed it into its base with a reasonable click. With the same fluid motion, he inserted his key into the ignition, stepping on the clutch while turning the key. He looked backwards quickly to check for any other cars or pedestrians before backing out of the parking stall and replacing the clutch to first.
Swiftly, he made his way out onto the busy streets of Tokyo and managed to miss most of the red lights by speeding past all the cars going slower than he was. To his side, Minako leaned back in the seat and sighed, watching many passing buildings out the window. She seemed to be thinking, deeply, about something rather important and Heero had to clue as to what. Somehow, Heero felt like he had no answers from her. All he knew from his excursion was that she was somewhat innocent and somehow in danger. One thing still threatened his mind.
"What are you going to do about him?" he asked, gruffly, while shifting into fifth gear. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched her reallocate in her seat again to look at him with steady blues. Her lips pursed for a moment while she thought.
Slowly, she shrugged and leaned back in the chair again. "I'm not sure. He…is my father, after all. He has a few battles he has to fight, with himself that is, and I guess I'm just one of the many wars he has created to focus on something besides himself." Her eyes returned to look out the passenger window. She rested her head on the glass and inhaled more air, letting it out loudly. "I wish I could just kill him. I should, really. He deserves it."
Heero took the last turn, thinking about her words and the whole situation. He wanted to believe her story, her innocence, but it couldn't be real. Why would her father do such a horrible thing? Why would he kill others to simply hurt his daughter? The idea was nearly unpalatable and almost implausible. Heero would have to keep an eye on her for two reasons. One, to make sure her father doesn't kill her and two, to make sure she wasn't lying…
Sally Po sank into the depths of the big hotel bed, still lost in her man and his tender kisses. She was addicted to his calm certainty. He was rough around the edges but still a diamond in her eyes; she would hold onto him until the day she died. No matter what would separate them, Sally knew that he would come back to her. Nothing could keep him from her, not even a blue haired doctor whom he valued above almost all else…besides her. It wasn't a problem though; she wasn't even half the woman Sally was.
He finally stopped kissing her and stroked back her tumbled brunette locks. His dark chocolate eyes looked questioningly into her hers and she smiled. She desired his every being. She had missed his scent, cinnamon and vanilla, his lustful, intense gaze, and most of all his stern grip and devoted hands. This man made her feel like she was dreaming each and every time she saw him, breathed in his scent, and every time their eyes or lips locked. Her bed was heaven in his arms and she'd die ten times to be anywhere with him at any given time. He was her everything.
They were in a world of their own where only they existed together. His hands reached to the buttons on her blouse, slowly and carefully moving the material from the button to reveal the milky skin of her breasts hidden behind a white bra. His lips melded onto hers as his calloused hands brushed her sides, journeying to her back to unclasp the once dutiful material.
Even though she was a harsh woman, always commanding and expecting the best, her lover had a way of melting everything she had once known into a puddle underneath her. She felt bare in front of him, lost in his russet gaze. Some would say Sally was at a point where she was obsessed with him, addicted to his every word. But Sally only saw her love and their future together.
His warm hands brushed over her breasts to massage the muscles of her stomach and stroke her hips softly. He searched for the zipper to her skirt as he leaned upwards to seal her mouth for a moment before going back to her skirt. Every time their lips met and their eyes locked she felt unbelievably calm. She didn't know how he felt about her but she hoped and prayed to the Gods that he loved her as much as she loved him; even half would make her happy. If he didn't love her, though, he was very good at making her believe he did. All of the moments in bed and out of bed they shared had to be real.
He unzipped, slowly as he did with her blouse, and then pulled the skirt from her body down her legs. Tossing it to the side, his hands roamed her legs, kissing each lovingly from hip to toes, hands stroking her inner and outer thighs. Finally, his hands latched to band to her panties and pulled. Once the nuisance of the last piece of cloth keeping him from her was tossed to the side, he hungrily kissing first her throat and then her breasts until it felt their bodies were permanently one.
He put his hands under her, lifting her body to his mouth, drinking her in until she trembled, moaned, and gasped for mercy. She felt as if she was in heaven with the man she loved desperately. Sally was in love with this man and she would never give him up.
Her hand touched his lips and then his soft cheek. She cradled his head in her hand for a moment before moving to expertly yanking his tie off and unbuttoning his formal, white shirt. Her lips touched his neck, dropping down to his collarbone while her hands slowly pushed his shirt from his shoulders. His hands found her back, softly massaging. She loved this man like no other woman could. Steady hands unbuckled his belt and pushed his pants and briefs from his body. Hands roamed from chiseled chest to muscled thighs. They kissed, fiercer than before, with equal passion and lust. And only then did he enter her.
He was a hard lover, demanding more from her than she had ever known she had to offer. Sally's long, powerful legs wrapped tightly around him, reaching for the almost unattainable peak of desire again and again; she wanted him so much and every time they were in each other's embrace Sally wanted to stay there. No matter how much he confused her she would always love him the same.
A long time afterward, they finally lay silent and spent, tremors like aftershocks rippling through their bodies. Bodies entwined, he nuzzled his face in her hair, smelling its sweet scent of lavender. Her hands were locked into his sleek, jet black hair now undone and falling into his face to obscure his handsome features. Sally was a lucky woman.
But what if he was lying about his feelings for her? What if he was this very same way with his "other girl"? She had permitted him to stay with her as long as nothing happened and that he absolutely swore he didn't love her. But she still knew that he had something for her, something akin to love, because he had come back to her after leaving. Last time he had left Sally, she was the one who had wanted them together again…
Lovingly, he looked into her eyes and smiled as the phone rang steadily. She grabbed onto his hands as she sat up, not wanting him to answer it. He shook his head and picked it up anyways. Why did he always have to do the things she didn't want him to? Why must he debate with everything she said…ask her questions he couldn't answer…?
She sat, pulling fabricated hotel covers over her body. Sally leaned back on the headboard and sighed, loudly. Her heart was beating fast but not because of her excitement. She was scared she was wrong about his feelings.
On the other line, a quiet voice asked, "Wufei, is that you?" The woman sounded surprised, as if they hadn't expected an answer.
Sally watched him slide away from her to the edge of the bed, his back facing her. She curled up more, rocking back and forth. The only thought running through her mind was about the other woman.
"Ami…how did you get this number?" he restrained his voice from shaking. Wufei was nervous. He had a woman in bed, one he did care for, and the other woman he felt deeply connected with on the phone. Anything could go wrong…
He heard the doctor on the other side of the phone take a deep breath. "Hypothetically…what if I were," she paused briefly, "pregnant?"
Wufei's back stiffened and his eyes widened. In his ear he could hear a faint ringing before he remembered to breathe. His hand went to his forehead and he closed his eyes for a second. "You can't be." Another breath, he continued, "it's not possible, Ami."
She frowned and held back tears. "Hypothetically, Wufei; I'm just asking. What would you do if…you know, I was? What if the condom had broken…and –"
"Ami, no. I don't want to hear another silly notion like that from you ever again. We're always cautious! I know we are." His rough tone only made Ami disheartened but also more aggressive.
"Wufei listen to me. I'm not saying I am…" Before she spoke again she paused and took another deep breath to sustain confidence. "I'm just asking what you would do! Would you be a good father to our child? Would you support us and love him with all of your heart?"
He slouched, shaking his head. Ami could not be pregnant; they were too careful. He always bought the best, most reliable condoms and they would always check to make sure it hadn't torn or if he had leaked into her. Even if they had the smallest doubt, Wufei would take her to a pharmacy and have her take one of those "morning-after-pills" people praised so highly. She couldn't be pregnant…
But what if she was? Wufei didn't want a child. He wasn't fond of kids at all. In fact, he hated children. They were obnoxious, unaware, and arrogant. Children always thought they were better, stronger, faster, tougher, and smarter than adults…and it was almost always false. He couldn't handle a little two year old girl asking him what the fuck sex was. He was never going to have children. Even if he did, it wouldn't be with Ami. Hell, if he could find a woman he would enjoy having a child with…
Before he could answer, Sally came up behind him, putting her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek greedily before asking, "What's wrong, honey?" Her voice sounded half jealous that he had turned away from her and half lustful; she was still horny and she wanted her turn. Too bad, she'd have to wait.
On the other line, however, Ami had heard differently. She had always had a feeling she wasn't his only desire but knowing the truth hurt more than assuming. "I understand," she whispered. She forgot the possibility that he couldn't hear her. "Wufei Chang, I hope you rot in hell."
She slammed the phone down, raw emotion obscuring her features. Her hands went to her mouth and she tried to suppress her sobs. She had expected it, hadn't she? Isn't that why she had called? Ami knew, deep down, that Wufei was seeing someone else. All the nights far away and all the nights he didn't call when he was near. Her heart missed beats all the same, though.
Muscular arms wrapped around Ami's upper body, pulling her into a warm embrace. She turned, burying her head into an open shoulder. Her voice was weak but she managed to say, in between sobs, that she had been right. "Thank you for the number."
Duo stood, his hand petting her soft hair, sighing. His heart ached for her and he felt compelled to cry with her. He wanted to share her pain to perhaps ease it for her. But there wasn't much he could do now but keep her in his arms and tell her she would be alright. Ami was strong and what he said was true…but it would take a lot to weasel into her heart again.
"Duo, where's Minako?" her anxiety and request surprised him. Even through her grief she managed to worry about her friends. It made him smile but the fact that Heero had told him he was going to kill her made him want to shrivel into a corner and die. Minako's death would send Ami's heart into a million more pieces.
So he had to lie. "Uhh…I don't know." He grinned briefly, running his thumbs across her tears to dry her cheeks. "Want me to go find her?" Even if he looked though, he didn't think he would find her…but perhaps the thought would make her smile despite her tears.
She nodded, pulling away from him to sit down at her desk. Her head fell into her hands and she tried stifling more tears. "That would be wonderful. Besides, I kind of feel like being alone for a few minutes…"
"No problem, babe." He winced at his own words. What was he doing calling her 'babe' in her emotional state? Even though the word didn't seem to affect her yet…he didn't know what was going on inside her head. "I'll be back in a few."
Ignoring any hints she had sent him, he walked over to her and hugged her briefly. He whispered in her ear, "You'll be fine, Ami. I know you're strong and I know you'll get over this." He kissed the back of her head and picked up his car keys. "I promise."
Duo left, leaving Ami to herself. He wished he didn't have to. At the same time, he wanted to respect her request. He still worried, though. Being a doctor, he was sure as hell she had access to all sorts of pills that could lead her to death. He couldn't let her do that. At the same time, however, he knew Ami was too smart to do that.
She had watched Elizabeth Rachel Une, preferred to be called Elizabeth by Mamoru and Madame Une to Minako, deliberately send drink after drink to him. Really, she wanted to gag because it was so obvious Madame Une was practically in love with Mamoru while he hadn't a feeling for her. Minako smiled to herself at the situation. It was rather hilarious to watch Une flirt with him while he was piss drunk. In other words, the only thing Une would find herself in…was a car ride home.
But, on the other hand, she could possibly get him into bed. That, too, was a funny prospect. Did Une really think that drinking him up for a night and jumping in his pants would start a relationship with a man who had just lost his wife? Mamoru loved Usagi too much to fall in love right after her murder. Was Une blind to that fact or was she being ignorant?
Minako rested her head on her hand, taking a small sip of wine before smiling at Une. "What drink are you going to send him, now? I think he's had just about everything."
Une's excuse was that he just had to try every drink in the restaurant. Mamoru had refused, at first, but when she had the first few drinks sent…he couldn't get himself to stop. It made her wonder if Mamoru had an alcohol problem and if Usagi had ever known about it.
"Minako, you can leave now," Une bellowed, drunk as well. "I don't think my Mamoru has any other use for you but to look at. But he's only looking at me now." With a wink, Une raised her drink to her idiocy and gulped down the tequila.
Minako laughed not only at how stupidly Une was talking but also because of the irony of the situation; Mamoru STILL wasn't looking at her. "Whatever makes you happiest, Madame. I was just about to excuse myself…"
Grabbing her coat and taking the last sip of wine, she smiled at Mamoru and hugged him. She ignored the glares from Une. It was as if she was literally asking Minako to drape herself on Mamoru and see if he would take her; her glare was challenging her. Minako knew better than to fool with drunken people. "It was nice seeing you again, Mamoru. Call me when you want to go out again."
He nodded, making Minako wonder if he was coherent or just twitching. She shrugged it off, walking away anyways. She smiled; she was more than happy to leave the two alone. Most of all, Minako wanted to get home to Ami to fill her in. Her father's messages, Heero trying to kill her, dinner with Mamoru, Une being a cumwhoreslut, and…
Minako's mouth hung open as she passed by a figure in the shadows of jinkusu-za. His slightly ruffled, wavy blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and almost ageless debonair made her shiver. That man couldn't possibly be her father…he would not and could not go to the same restaurant as her. How could he find out she would be here? Even if he did listen to her messages, he couldn't have possibly known she was going to show up.
No, her father wasn't that stupid. He would never show up at the same place as her just to kill her off. Not with the thirty or so people dining and nearly twenty more in the kitchen. He was smarter than that. Kin wouldn't want witnesses …
In the background, Minako heard Mamoru shout, incoherently, "My man! Join us!" followed by short giggle from Une. She rolled her eyes and continued her way out the doors. The two could make a good couple…if they could forever remain drunk. She didn't turn back, though, to see who he had been shouting at.
Reassuring herself, Minako left the restaurant. The midnight breeze felt wonderful and made the memory of the restaurant only seem that much more stuffy and harrowing. The breath of fresh air pushed her fears of her father away and reminded her of the long walk home. She couldn't help but wonder if she should call someone…or if she shouldn't have asked Heero for a ride.
A honk next to her shot her in the air. She placed a hand over her heart when she reached the ground again. Minako looked over to see a red Viper. Did he think she was some kind of prostitute? She growled, thinking of kicking the car, punching the driver, and running for her life.
"Duo Maxwell, at your service," the driver purred much like the car. "You're Aino Minako, am I right?" He lifted his dark sunglasses to reveal deep indigo eyes, mirrors to his soul; an open man. But she recognized his name and chestnut braid before anything else processed in her brain.
She nodded reluctantly. Minako wondered if Heero had sent him after her. In her mind, she played back what Ami had told her about this Duo fellow. He was humorous, she had said, while being rude, hasty, and very infuriating. Ami must have been in a bad mood because Heero wouldn't tolerate these things, she didn't think. But perhaps opposites attracted. She laughed in her head. "You're Heero's partner." It was a statement, not a question.
He smiled, widely, much like she did in times of hiding something else. She smiled back, equally as bright and equally as fake. That only seemed to update his while he reached over and opened his car door for her. Minako ignored it and kept walking. Duo steadily followed for a minute or two. What a persistent bastard, Minako thought.
"Com'on, babe!" he shouted, stopping his car. "You've got a beautiful, blue eyed doctor waiting up for you, crying her heart out over Wufei. She's worried about you; she asked me to find you despite her own unhappiness."
Hold up…what did he say? Crying her heart out over WUFEI? What had that jackass done now? Hadn't he hurt Ami enough to get on with his fucking life? Ami had been there for Minako ever since the beginning and so Minako felt more than obligated to comfort Ami in her time of need. Without a second thought, Minako stepped into the car. "How'd you find me and what happened with Wufei?"
Duo stepped on the gas as soon as Minako sat in the adjacent seat. "Heero," he answered then continued after shifting and turning the radio on, "and Wufei was seeing another woman. That God damn bastard! I thought I knew Wufei better than that…I really thought he was a better man than that…"
His rantings were cut short by the radio. A woman, nearly screaming, started her news segment. "Not just five minutes ago, Yokio struck again at a popular, local restaurant, jinkusu-za! He killed all but half of the occupants, mostly waiters and chefs located in the kitchens. Twenty of them have been identified as…" Minako took a big breath as Duo reached for the radio and turned the volume up. He pulled over as the names poured out of the woman.
"Awano O-Yone, sisters Jennifer and Tiffany Chang, Daono Kimi, Fuyuno Jun'ko, Joben Gough, restaurant owner Kino Makoto…"
Time literally stopped for Minako. That was Makoto's restaurant…Kin had killed her…Makoto was dead and Minako had been there…
"…tourists Takuro Lavernhe from France, Brian Maley from the United States, Lee Young Yuu from Korea, brothers Jake and Nicolas McPhearson from the United States, and Jiro Motesgue from Italy, waiter Mareno Kano, Osaka Naru, Numilu Parker, foreigners Michael and Catherine Raymond, Shino Shinzaburo, and Elizabeth Une. Chiba Mamoru and Aino Kin are here by my side, willing to comment on their near death experiences…"
Minako breathing came in short gasps and she reached and turned the radio off. She covered her eyes with her hands to block the tears. "He was there…he was right there! I saw him, God damnit! I fucking saw him! Why didn't I stop him? Why the fuck did I deny he was there? He's crazy…he's fucking insane! Twenty fucking people! All innocent! Not to mention the son of a bitch is still there…near death experiences my fucking ass!" She turned to Duo. "I want to kill him. Drive me there and give me your gun, Duo. I can't live another day knowing he's my father! He's killed TWENTY SEVEN PEOPLE, DUO! ALL BECAUSE OF ME!"
A.N.: If I get hatemail from this I'm NOT going to restrain myself. A whole range of things have been happening these two months to keep me from updating but think of it this way: this is actually near 13 pages in Times New Romance size 12 font. That's basically two chapters (one for each month I didn't post) rolled into one. You like that, yeah? Not to mention the surprising smut scene! It was tasteful, though... right, Drea?
With ...a tired yawn,
Transcendent, the almost-mighty.
SVZ: How the hell are you always the first to review? I look at other people's review pages and you're always first. Are you a superhero? Anyways! I have put in your Duo/Ami scene and therefore you owe me a fic KTHX! Anyways...I didn't make Kin kill her. The story writes itself, I'm just here to cleverly type it up in a presentable way. Darlin, I can be anythin when I want to be :D mwuahaha.
Jewels15: Isn't it funny that when people say soon it takes like two months? Yeah, I'm weird like that, sorry. I hope you liked it :)
Airlady: Hmm, a new reviewer, eh? Thanks!
Wisful Thinking2: HI LOVELY! Quatre will not be fucking anyone in this story, I don't think...I'm glad you read the disclaimer though lol But I also killed Relena? So far...after this chapter...It's three GW characters to two SM ones. By the way, Heero will get this turn....another day and perhaps a another story? ;)
AznxAngel: You know what? I had the hardest time typing your sn just now. Anyways, I have a problem with "heal" and "heel". I almost did it in this chapter, too. I'm a retard. I think I'm growing soft because I put in another "fluff" in here, if you want to call it that. But eh...I'm still mean enough to kill twenty people.
frosty: I hope your waiting wasn't in vain. A lot of people have been saying this thing is creepy and shit...is it REALLY that scary/chilling/dark/etc?
SilverCaladan: skips then decides she needs to say something You do realize I'm going back on my word? You were supposed to post something before I updated. Good thing I know you're actively writing something at the moment or there would be hell to pay. I want another long review, though. Give me insight!
datajana: I will continue to email you, too! Thanks for you review.
ShadowStar21: .... skips
FairDrea: For all those reviews I gave you tasteful smut, yeah? There will be more to come, too! Cannot displease engaged wife! Anyways, I'm really glad you like this (despite the fact that you've never watched GW). And yes, you did get a dedication AND SOME SMUT! :)
Black Aura-Sama: Hi dearest! This chapter shouldn't make you scared! Well.....since you probably have already read it: it didn't make you scared! JIRO MOTESGUE WILL LIVE ON FOREVER! :D I've seen plenty of Trowa/Minako stories; maybe you're not looking hard enough nudge nudge Ami wasn't married to Wufei!
Inverse-chan: Heh, thanks! I've actually been reading your story Catch me in the darkness and enjoying it. I just don't always review becaues I'm a loser. But hey, Wufei and Ami are not going to be together. Horray? lol
Mirror's Image: Me lovely JUJU! You didn't flame or review two more times. No chapter guide for you. Bad JuJu BAD! Why the hell did you go on hiatus anyways? :O
Kind of sad considering it only has eight chapters.