Disclaimer: No, i already told you... i do not own Gundam Wing or any of its amazingly cool characters. But I do own Lafeia Gartner and Adam Foster!
The italic paragraphs placed between two marks, signals that you are reading a flashback.
Oh and the song lyrics in bold italics belongs to the Counting Crows - Accidentally in Love.
A/N - As before, it would be greatly appreciated if you commented on this chapter, with ideas and what you think is bad/good etc. Thank you!
Calli Maxwell - Thanks. I think there is a bit more conversations in this, but i'm not sure. Thanks for the advice anyways.
Armygundamgirl - The UK isn't all that far away from Germany, Sprechen Sie deutsch? Sorry i have to take German in school lol. Thanks that would be great, just check them whenever you get the time and email me the errors or something.
Charliechaz - Yeah, sorry this chapter wasn't up as quickly as the last, i needed to edit a few things lol. Yay! I've got a number one fan... lol. Thanks for the review, it's greatly appreciated! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter three: An Unforgettable Party
"Hello? Catalonia speaking." A strong feminine voice answered the phone.
"Hi Dorothy, it is Quatre." Quatre replied politely. "How are you keeping? I am sorry I have not talked to you in a while; this whole Preventers thing is a lot more time consuming than I would have thought. In the past week all I've been doing is paperwork."
"I'm fine Quatre, although I have to say I've missed your company around here recently. Maybe we should catch up soon; I have so much to tell you. How about today? What are you doing today, Quatre?" He could here the tone of her voice get excited with the anticipation of meeting him again. He chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Actually that's why I was calling you…"
"Great, I'm free all day today; you could come over at anytime you want!"
"No. No Dorothy, I was calling to ask you to accompany me to a party."
"A party…" she said, thoughtfully.
"Yes. Relena Peacecraft is holding this party at her house, and well we were all asked to bring a guest and the first person I thought of was you. I know it's kind of late notice…" He was cut off half way through his sentence.
"You say it is Relena Peacecraft's party? I would love to go with you, Quatre. It will give us time to catch up on things. Thanks for inviting me."
"It would be an honour to attend any party with you on my arm, Dorothy." Dorothy laughed gently as he said this.
"Thanks Quatre, when and where should I meet you?"
"You could come over here at around five o'clock. That's when the other pilots have planned to meet their guests."
"Perfect. See you then, Quatre."
"See you." Once he heard the tone from the other receiver signalling that she had hung up, he too hung up his phone and walked over to his walk in closet to pick out his suit for tonight.
-8-
"Wufei, I'd love to go to the party with you!" Sally Po cried down the phone. Wufei breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God, that is over and done with. Wufei felt comfortable with Sally, which was a good thing, as he couldn't talk to many girls, not that he was shy, he just found that girls could often be too annoying for him to deal with.
"Good. I'll see you here, at the preventer's base, at seventeen hundred hours." He hung up the phone without saying goodbye; feeling it was a waste of time; he shoved the phone back into the pocket of his preventer's jacket and headed back down the main street to the preventers base with a bag full of groceries in his hand. It was his turn to fetch the shopping. That stupid Duo, he eats way too much food!
-8-
"Raven…" Trowa called out to the girl in front of him. The girl turned around and once she figured out who called her name, she smiled. The girl had shoulder length black hair that hung around her head in ringlets. She gazed kindly at him through deep chocolate brown eyes.
"Oh hello Trowa, How are you?" She leant over and kissed him lightly on the lips. She pulled away, smiling at him. Trowa who was startled by this kiss, was not smiling, his face remained as stoic and serious as ever, his dark olive green eyes where the only part of him that held the surprise he was feeling. Raven looked deeply into his eyes, knowing exactly where to look to read his emotions. How does she know? He wondered.
"I've always wanted to do that." She said, her gaze never faltering from the deep emotionless gaze that was returned to her from him.
"I've been fine…" Trowa started feeling somewhat nervous, "However I was hoping that you would attend a party with me, as my date." For the first time emotion broke through Trowa's monotonous voice. Raven's eyes lit up with astonishment, and she hesitated for a moment, doubting his words.
"Yes, Trowa, of course I will."
Trowa leant forward kissing her gently on the lips, but deepened the kiss quickly before pulling away.
"I've always wanted to do that." His voice was once again void of any emotion however; Raven could swear that she saw the trace of a smile dance across his lips, before he tore off in the other direction, leaving her feeling stunned.
-8-
"So do I still have to bring a guest to this party of Relena's or what?" Duo asked Hilde as she picked out his attire for the evening.
"Of course you do. Me." She answered getting frustrated at his lack of Tuxedos.
"Yeah I know that, but the invitation states that we 'must' bring partners, and I'm sure that goes for everyone, well with the exception of Heero, who she must have thought would be coming alone, right?"
"That is correct. She did think that he would turn up alone. However, what has that to do with you bringing another person apart from me? I'm your guest Duo." Duo could tell that she was losing her patience.
"Well you must have got an invitation too, right? So that means that we both 'must' bring other guests."
"No you idiot." Hilde said with a sigh. "Relena obviously knows about us, so she never gave me an invitation, so that we could go together. Get it now?"
"Ah right." Duo answered grinning foolishly.
"Duo where's that tux you wore last year to the preventers dance? You know the one with the navy pants and jacket, and that cute little bow tie."
"It's in there somewhere." Duo walked over to the closet, reached up to the top shelf and pulled down his tuxedo, which dropped into his arms. Hilde frowned at him.
"Duo! You do not fold tuxedos or any other type of formal wear!"
"And why not?" he asked, his face holding a look of puzzlement and bewilderment.
"Because, it gets creased if you do! Like it is now." She held the clothes up in the air to get a better full look at them. "Oh Duo…"
"Its okay babe, I'll just take them to the dude down the road and have him dry clean them or something."
"It's too late for that now Duo. I'll take them downstairs and get the creases out meanwhile, you get showered or something." She threw him a look of annoyance, but Duo walked closer to her, taking her into his arms and kissed her passionately. He pulled away, opening his eyes and smiled at her, she smiled back. I knew you couldn't stay mad at me for long, not with the kisses I give, he muttered to himself before grabbing a towel out of the closet and heading towards the shower, leaving Hilde standing in the centre of his room holding his clothes. Duo… she thought, the frown she had earlier finding its way back onto her face. She sighed intensely and sauntered out of the room to iron the creases carefully out of Duo's attire.
-8-
All the gundam pilots except Heero and their chosen guests stood in the front hall of the preventers building while Quatre explained the travel arrangements to them.
"So who's going to be travelling in the limo?" Duo asked, throwing Quatre a look that screamed 'it better be me'. Quatre chuckled at him and looked out of the main entrance to see if the limousine had arrived.
"All of us, except Heero and Lafeia. Heero decided that he would rather make his own way there. I'm guessing he's going to take his own car." Quatre told them.
"Why's he doing that?" Duo questioned.
"I guess he'd rather avoid the grand entrances, you know Heero, in fact you know him best out of all of us. You should know why."
"I'm a little closer to him than you guys but that doesn't mean I understand him anymore than you guys do." The others including Trowa, laughed at his comment.
Quatre glanced past the door as he heard the limo pull up at the driveway.
"Here's our ride." He ushered the others out and into the car and slowly glanced up to the window that exposed a view into Heero's room. He saw Heero who was standing at the window staring back at him, but he slowly moved away from the window and out of his sight. Quatre sighed and turned towards the limo and stepped inside to join the others.
-8-
Heero backed away from the window after seeing Quatre glance up at him. Quatre had earlier tried to convince him and Lafeia to ride in the limo with him and the other pilots, to Relena's party. However, he had decided it was best for both Lafeia and him if they did not show up with the crowd, as Relena would most likely come out to greet them. If they went alone, he could sneak them in the back entrance. After working as Relena's head bodyguard for a year, he knew the Peacecraft mansion all too well. He felt it would be best for both of them if they avoided Relena for as long as possible.
"Ahem." Lafeia cleared her throat to get his attention. He turned around to see her standing in front of him in a teal dress that perfectly matched the colour of her eyes, the dress flowed down her body gracefully enhancing her curves and clutching tightly yet gently at her waist. Heero gasped at the sight of her. She was beautiful. He was spellbound and besotted at her beauty that was radiated in her attire.
Knowing that her appearance pleased him, she smiled. Lafeia observed him in his tuxedo. He had on black pants, a dark green jacket that seemed to intensify the strength of his Prussian blue orbs and underneath a white shirt with a black bowtie, which was left undone. She moved closer to him knotting the bowtie into place.
Heero, at a loss for words took her in kissing her and portraying his feelings towards her in that single kiss.
"We should get going." He said monotonously, as he broke the kiss. Lafeia nodded her head in agreement, incapable of saying anything after their intense kiss that had left her lips tingling, stinging and yet longing for more. They left the room after Heero had securely locked it and headed out to where his car was parked.
"Are you okay?" Lafeia asked him as they entered the car, noticing that his face was slightly paler and he was a lot quieter than usual, which for Heero, was silent.
"Hn." Nodding his head slowly and not trusting himself to speak. Why am I so nervous? He thought, what is there to be nervous about? ...Relena…
"…Heero…" she called softly her voice seeming to echo in the room around him. He found himself looking down upon the young honey-blonde girl, not able to tear his eyes away from her gaze.
"… I love you…" She looked up at him delicately, waiting for his reaction, her cerulean blue eyes shimmering in the light and softening in his eyes. He was released from her gaze as he glanced around her room cautiously. He knew there was nobody there but he could not help sensing a strange forbidding presence concealed from his eyes.
His eyes darkened as he stepped back, away from her. "…Relena…" he looked at her apologetically, his eyes begging for some form of forgiveness.
Relena closed her eyes, the feelings of rejection too overwhelming for her. A few minutes later, she opened her eyes again and was startled to realise that Heero was no longer in the room; she glanced around hoping that her eyes where deceiving her and focused on something unusual, the window was open and her curtains were fluttering in the gentle breeze that emerged from the outside. She ran towards the window and leaning forward carelessly, called out to him.
"…Heero…" he heard her calling him as he walked down the cold, empty streets, Echoing of the brick walls surrounding him. He felt a twinge of regret towards his actions.
"I'm sorry Relena…" he whispered as he slipped into the shadows, allowing them to swallow him whole, hiding him from the world and letting him become one with the darkness around him.
"Heero," Lafeia's voice sprung him from his thoughts, bringing him back, once again to reality, the wrath of the reality he knew he wasn't ready to face. That reality being Relena. "Are you sure you're okay?" He shook his head trying to rid himself of the thoughts and memories.
"Yeah." He said looking at Lafeia reassuringly. Even though Lafeia didn't fully believe him, she felt it was safest to leave him be. Heero pushed the keys into the keyhole and started the engine, driving off into the night and leaving the preventers base behind him.
-8-
"Quatre!" her voice rang out to him, attracting him to her small, delicate form, which was moving hastily towards him as he emerged from the limo.
"Relena, it's great to see you again, Happy Birthday." He said stepping forward to embrace her warmly as the others left the car and came into view.
"Relena!" Hilde cried upon escaping the limo, "Happy Birthday," she looked her best friend up and down, and noted that she was wearing a light pink gown that hung onto her every curve, falling of neatly at her shoulders, and passing down her legs stopping just below her knees. "You look so pretty!" she hugged her tightly and then turned to Duo, linking arms with him and taking the parcel out of his other hand and thrusting it at Relena with a wide grin, resembling one of Duo's, plastered upon her face.
"Thanks." Relena stated as she took the parcel out of Hilde's grasp. The others gathered around her greeting her individually and introducing her to their guests.
"Where's Heero?" Relena asked missing his presence amongst the crowd of friends.
"Umm… he'll be here shortly. Don't worry." Duo reassured her, "Now, have you any food anywhere? I'm famished!" Everyone laughed at him as Relena played hostess and escorted her friends inside.
Once inside, Relena lead her guests into the sitting room, which she regularly used for entertaining. Sitting on one couch was Milliardo Peacecraft and his newly wedded wife, Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft. Milliardo, formerly known as Zechs was sitting close to Lucrezia, or as she preferred to be called; Noin, their hands were tenderly linked together as they conversed with each other quietly. As soon as the others were escorted into the room, they stopped talking and looked up, smiling.
"Long time no see." Called Noin as they stood in the doorway.
"Yeah how long has it been? Six months?" Duo questioned.
"Something like that." Milliardo added.
"Oh, how was the wedding?" Hilde asked enthusiastically, none of the pilots had been invited since Milliardo and Noin had decided to go with a small private wedding, as they wanted to avoid too much attention.
Noin began explaining their wedding in great detail, with Milliardo filling in some blank gaps, as the pilots and their guests surrounded them on other couches listening intently on what they had to say. Relena however went back outside to greet other guests and escort them into another hall, the main ballroom, where the rest of her guests had assembled.
When Relena came back, Noin had finished describing her wedding to everyone and they where now back to talking about the minor details on everyone's day to day life.
"Hi. Would you all mind coming with me, so that we can gather in the ballroom?"
"Ballroom?" gasped Raven, Trowa's guest, in great admiration, "You have a ballroom? That's amazing." Trowa put his hand around her waist and smiling slightly to Relena, followed her. The others followed suit. Rising from their seats and walking to the ballroom.
Now the only person not here is Heero. Relena sighed.
-8-
Heero's car pulled up in the driveway noiselessly, and much to Heero's relief, no one, not even Relena, came out to greet them. Heero assisted Lafeia out of the car by offering her his hand. She accepted his gesture and took his hand, letting him pull her out of the car with quite a bit of force, a little more than he had intended.
"Sorry." He said to her, his voice husky yet sincere. She looked up at him, her lips where mere inches from his and he had to fight back the urge to kiss her there and then.
The wind blew harshly as it combed through Heero's hair and caressed his face with icy fingers. However, Heero noticed that it seemed to dance like magic in Lafeia's hair as he caught a few wisps of her silky hair fly across his face. Under the moonlight, her ebony hair appeared to shine more vibrantly with a soft silvery glow penetrating from the edges almost like a halo he noted. Her gaze caught his and her eyes sparkled like a star in the sky's endless sea as she smiled at him clumsily, having just stumbled out of his car. He smiled back at her and wrapping his arm around her waist escorting her up the moonlit path. He led Lafeia up to one of the back doors and stopped outside it.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked her concern taking over his normally so serious face.
"Ready for what?" she laughed quietly.
"For meeting Relena, I have a feeling she's not going to warm up to you very easily." A frown crossed his face at the thought, he really just wanted Relena to accept Lafeia so they could both get past what happened last year and move on in their lives.
"I'm as ready as you are." She hesitated, "Actually I take that back, I'm definitely more ready than you are." She squeezed his arm and Heero could no longer fight back his urge to kiss her. He gently took her lips in his and pulled her up close to him, his hands resting around her back as she tensed up in surprise then relaxed again in his arms.
They pulled away after a time and with another nervous glance at his girlfriend, he led her in the back door where they were greeted by a guard who was stationed on the other side. Lafeia gripped Heero's arm tightly at the sight of him.
"Heero!" the guard said, jumping form his position in surprise. "Haven't seen you round here in a while!"
"Hn. I have been reassigned." Heero answered his ex co-worker, and then trying to get off the subject of his work, for he knew the other would further question him on his recent occupation man, he asked, "Where is Relena holding the party? Main ballroom I guess?"
"Yeah. Go on up." The guard answered and as the couple headed down the elegant corridor, he returned to his station.
Relena looked out of the window, of a guest room she had been rearranging for a couple she knew, to see Heero and a girl walking up to the back door.
Watching with squinting eyes, Relena watched as Heero smiled slightly at her. Next thing Relena knew was that she saw them kissing. In the beginning, it was an innocent, gentle kiss, but then it turned a passionate, hungry kiss.
Eyes wide, Relena jumped away from the window, as if it had caught fire. Was I dreaming, or was that Heero kissing some girl? Wondered Relena questioning what her eyes had just seen. She glanced back out the window and found that no one was there. Maybe my imagination is just working over-time. No more wine for me.
-8-
Heero escorted Lafeia to the entrance to the ballroom, he sighed deeply. Let's hope this works out. He opened the door motioned for Lafeia to walk in, once he too had walked into the room he charmingly took her arm, and glanced around the room.
As Lafeia walked into the room everyone stopped talking, the room became silent as all eyes turned towards the graceful form that had just walked through the door and the man on her arm. Lafeia blushed slightly, feeling the glares of wonderment upon her.
All in the room observed the beauty of the young girl and her stunning dress that seemed to slide like silk on her skin. The young man beside her was the object of more than a few wistful sighs and glances, his handsome figure walking slowly in his perfectly tailored suit.
"Who are they?" asked a young woman staring at the newly arrived couple.
"I don't know, but that girl sure is lucky, her dress is beautiful and her partner, oh my…" answered her friend.
"He's so gorgeous…"
"So is she, I wouldn't have minded accompanying her to this dance." Another man joined in the conversation.
"I wonder if she'll care to dance with me later…" added another man, stealing a glance at Lafeia and watching her hopefully.
"Err… guys? Since when has Heero and Lafeia been a couple?" Quatre asked eyeing the couple suspiciously.
"I haven't a clue Q-man!" Duo said shoving his guilt for lying to them, aside. Hilde tightened her grip on his hand until her knuckles turned white, showing him that she disapproved of his lying to them.
"Ouch!" Duo complained a little too loud as his comrades all turned to face him. "Sorry." He said as they all turned their attention back to Heero.
"Are they actually an item?" Quatre asked questioning his earlier comment. He frowned at the thought of Heero being emotionally involved with anyone. Maybe they are just good friends, he watched Heero as he looked down at her, and was astonished by the emotion that could be found in his eyes, or maybe not… Heero's eyes could never lie. He chuckled to himself.
"That's what it looks like." Answered Dorothy who was sitting to the right of him, her hand carefully intertwined with his underneath the table. As she gazed up at him, he took in her overwhelming beauty, he examined her thoroughly and noticed the way her platinum blonde hair fell past her shoulders neatly and the way her crystal blue eyes contained a well-known, mischievous, spark in them, which he had always loved. He smiled at her, and turned back to notice Heero and Lafeia had joined them at the table.
Trowa looked at his friends. Come on, they should have picked up on the vibes between them a lot sooner than this, Quatre's supposed to be good at that. I knew this was coming; by the way, they looked at each other, their body language. However, they where very good at concealing their relationship from us, had I not known Heero for so long I would not have guessed anything was there.
Raven saw Trowa glaring at the couple and decided to examine them herself.
"Oh she's so pretty!" she stated enthusiastically, tucking her onyx black hair behind her ear to get a better look.
"Hn?" Trowa questioned her.
"The girl… she's really pretty."
"I agree." Sally said. She was sitting quietly beside Wufei and had not spoken to anyone until then, so when she did all heads turned to her and she blushed slightly, causing Wufei to glare angrily at the others.
The room filled with a light buzz again as Heero reached the table where his friends where located. He pulled out the chair for Lafeia to sit down and once she was seated, he pulled out a chair for himself and sat down beside her. Glancing around the table, he saw many puzzled faces directed his way.
"Hey man! What's up?" Duo welcomed his friend. Heero never answered his question, taking it as a mere greeting. They all sat awkwardly, no one daring to talk.
"So… you two… are a couple?" Quatre asked, breaking the silence.
"Hn." Heero nodded his head, feeling no need to speak. It is not as if I really owe them an explanation.
"Ah right. It makes sense."
"What does?" Duo asked curiously.
"These two," Quatre gestured towards Heero and Lafeia, "being together, it makes sense. You two seem to fit together. I don't know how, but you do."
Heero seemed somewhat surprised at this and he glanced at Quatre, bewilderment apparent in his eyes but his face remaining devoid of emotion. Trowa nodded his head subtlety in agreement of Quatre.
"Where are Noin and Zechs?" Duo asked glancing around having noticed they where missing from the table.
"Sitting at that table with My sister, her guest, and some other people they must be well acquainted with." Trowa said signalling to a large table in the corner of the room.
"Ah right." Duo said as he spotted them chatting with their friends.
-8-
Relena walked into the room glancing around at her guests, a bright smile placed upon her face. She glanced over to the table where she had placed the gundam pilots and their guests and sighed gently as her eyes fell upon a certain member of the group with dark brown, unruly hair. So he did come, a thought occurred in her mind and she glanced to his side realising what she had hoped she wouldn't see. Therefore, I was not imagining it! She glowered at the young girl who sat gracefully beside Heero. Yes, she had seen the same girl earlier. Jealousy raged through her veins, as she watched the young girl lean closer to Heero and rested her head on his shoulder.
A warm hand settled on her own shoulder and she spun around angrily ready to shout her disapprovals at the person who had startled her. However, as soon as she saw them the anger she held evaporated.
"Adam…" She smiled up at the taller man; he smiled at her, his dark blonde hair shining beneath the artificial lighting of the room, his steel blue eyes gazing down at her from between his long bangs. "I'm so glad you turned up."
"How could I not, Miss Relena." He took a step back to examine her, "My, don't you look radiant this evening, Princess. How long has it been since I last saw you? Two years?"
"Indeed." Relena responded blushing at his compliments. "Adam Roster… two years and you only contact me two months ago?"
"Yes. Sorry Relena, I was caught up with work. How about you, you too never contacted me either!"
"Hmm yes. I guess we are both to blame then." She sighed and looked up at the young man, "This vice foreign minister thing is a lot more than I expected. You wouldn't think it, but it's awfully hard to maintain the peace."
"Well you certainly are doing an excellent job at it, Relena."
"Oh Adam… It's so great to see you again!" she pulled him tightly against her wrapping her arms around him and embracing him.
"Err, you too Relena." Adam said gruffly having been taken back. "Shouldn't you be making a speech soon?"
"Oh yes!" Relena pulled away from him smiling. "I'll show you to your seat." She led him to his table and leaving him there she walked up to the stage at the top of the hall, climbing the stairs she took hold of the microphone and switched the flick switch at the side, turning it on.
"Ahem…" she spoke into the speakers trying to gain the attention of the audience below her. She knew she had it, as they all turned to face her in their chairs.
"Hello, my friends. Firstly I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight, I am so honoured to have you all here to celebrate this special night with me, also thank you for all the presents I have received, you are all too kind…" She told her guests the arrangements for the evening and informed them of the different types of entertainment she had planned for them. While talking she glanced down at the table where her brother and his wife sat, him, Noin and Sally all smiled up at her encouragingly. It is strange how when I speak everyone seems to be hanging onto my every word. I remember Quatre telling me that after one of the conferences. She glanced over to Quatre who also smiled back at her encouragingly. Dorothy sat beside him. Dorothy turned to glance at Quatre before she focused on Relena's speech; her eyes glittered amusedly whilst she spoke. Quatre sure is keen on her. He is head over heels in love with her for heavens sake. She smiled back at him and focused her attention on the man to the right of him. Trowa wasn't smiling, but he seemed to be happy in his own way, his guest Raven, she was lovely, and he too is madly in love with her, although, I wonder if she knows it. With Trowa, it is so hard to read his emotions. To the right of Raven was Wufei. Wufei had hooked up with Sally shortly after the mariemaia incident. They had decided after a few years that they both wanted to get married, and surprisingly enough, Wufei was the first pilot to propose. Relena smiled remembering how Wufei had stormed about the place, infuriated that he had been partnered with Sally. He had muttered, 'stupid women' all the time, and told everyone that would listen, that his life was going to be hell with this woman. He's so happy now, the happiest I have ever seen him actually. I am so glad for him. She glanced past Sally and her eyes rested on Duo, who was grinning up at her foolishly. Oh, how she loved that grin, anytime she was ever unhappy, that grin, you just could not help but laugh at it. Duo and Hilde make the perfect couple; I wonder when Duo is going to propose to her. I know he is definitely going to; he is so frantically in love with her. She looked to Hilde, And Hilde, my best friend, she's so happy with him, even if she's too downright stubborn to admit it. She smiled at her and looked to the next person … Heero…
Thoughts and memories came flooding through her mind as she watched him, memories that hurt so much. She halted in her speech causing a few puzzled and curious looks to be thrown at her from concerned members of the audience. She shook the thoughts out of her head, pushing them to the back of her mind for the moment; she had dwelled on these thoughts repeatedly but now was not the time to let them escape, maybe later…
Continuing her speech Relena thought it best to avoid looking in Heero's general direction.
He caught her gaze, she stared at him intensely, longingly, and he could see the suffering in her eyes and suddenly wished he had decided not to come to her party, not with Lafeia anyway. That is such a cowardly way to handle things, which would just be proving Sylvia Noventa's point, that I am a coward, always seeking the easiest way out.
She had paused in her speech, a wave of sadness spread across her face, and he knew it was his fault, and again like when he had escaped from her bedroom, from her, he felt that pang of guilt hit his stomach. He sighed deeply watching her and feeling very concerned. Sitting on the edge of his seat, he knew he would be prepared to rush up onto the stage and catch her if she were to faint. Her face had gone pale and she wavered slightly holding onto the microphone stand for support, but to his relief she sustained her speech, removing her glare from him and avoiding eye contact with him for the rest of the time.
As she finished her speech there was applause from the audience and she stepped down from the stage, heading over to the pilots table, I may as well meet the girl, and maybe I can withhold my anger towards her if we get along.
"Hello Heero. Glad you could join us tonight." Relena said politely holding back any bitterness and nodded her head towards him. She then focused on the girl next to him, her eyes growing a little colder.
"Hello. I don't believe we've met before." She told Lafeia.
"No we haven't. I'm Lafeia Gartner. It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Relena. This really is a beautiful old building." Relena smiled coldly towards her, unable to respond to her remarks. She seems so simple. How could Heero pick such a girl? There is no way that she is good enough for him. The hatred must have been evident in her eyes as a few of the people at the table shuffled uncomfortably, feeling the tension drawn between the two girls and Heero suddenly growled obviously aggravated at her wrath. Relena jumped slightly, turning her attention back to the Heero who was now glaring at her. Relena raised her glass in the air and the crowds became silent.
"My friends, I think it is time for us to dance." She walked off, still feeling Heero's cold penetrating stare upon her back. Maybe I overreacted, slightly.
One by one, the guests slowly rose off their seats and walked with their partners to the dance floor. Quatre and Dorothy where the first up out of their table, when Relena had motioned for them to dance Dorothy jumped up out of her chair enthusiastically, grabbing Quatre's hand and leading him onto the dance floor. Surprisingly Trowa was up next, pulling Raven slowly out of her chair, she smiled at him gently and leant closer whispering something in his ear, a trace of a smile could be found on Trowa's lips as he walked to the dance floor with Raven. Sally and Hilde both got up at the same time winking to each other. The two had become close over their short period together. They both grabbed their partners leading them to the dance floor, Hilde without a bother, as Duo was delighted to be out on the floor showing off his moves, but it was not as easy for Sally, as she had to drag the ever so reluctant Wufei onto the dance floor.
"No you crazy woman, I don't do dancing." Wufei complained.
"Well now that you're with, me you'll have to…," argued Sally placing his hands around her waist and kissing him briefly on the lips to get rid of his scowl. It worked; Wufei no longer frowned but danced gracefully across the dance floor, gazing into Sally's beautiful blue eyes. The couple looked remarkably attractive as they glided across the dance floor, Sally's long, light brown hair flowing gently in the opposite direction to the way they moved and her expensive diamond engagement ring sparkling glamorously for all to see.
So she said what's the problem, baby
What's the problem; I don't know well maybe I'm in love (love)
Think about it every time I think about it, can't stop thinking about it
How much longer will it take to cure this?
Just to cure it cause I can't ignore it if it's love (love)
Make's me want to turn around and face me, but I don't know nothing about love
Come on, come on
Turn a little faster
Come on, come on
The world will follow after
Come on, come on
Because everybody's after love
So I said I'm a snowball running
Running down into the spring that's coming all this love
Melting under blue skies
Belting out sunlight
Shimmering love
Well baby I surrender
To the strawberry ice cream
Never ever, end of all this love
Well I didn't mean to do it
But there's no escaping your love
These lines of lightning
Mean we're never alone,
Never alone, no, no
As Heero watched his friends dance, he saw Lafeia turn to look at him through the peripherals of his eyes. He turned towards her as she looked up at him hopefully and optimistically. He rolled his eyes, sighing deeply, but smiled at her as he got up of his chair and drawing Lafeia out of hers guided her onto the dance floor.
His hands hooked around her waist as hers fastened around his neck, his eyes met hers as they started to move in time to the rhythm of the music, and her gaze pierced his impregnable shell as his heart started beating rapidly in his chest. He was starting to get used to these symptoms, the symptoms of being in love that is, and was starting to enjoy the strangeness of them as warmth immediately flowed through his body and his heart seemed to melt and form one with hers. He knew she was experiencing the same effects, as it was obvious in the teal depths of her eyes… She too was in love.
As they glided across the floor, invisible strings bound his heart to her movements and locked her tight in his memory.
Come on, come on,
Move a little closer
Come on, come on
I want to hear you whisper
Come on, come on
Settle down inside my love
Come on come on
Jump a little higher
Come on, come on
If you feel a little lighter
Come on, come on
We were once upon a time in love
We're accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally…
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
Accidentally…
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
Accidentally…
Come on, come on
Spin a little tighter
Come on, come on
And the world's a little brighter
Come on, come on
Just get yourself inside her
Love… I'm in love
As the song ended, a new one started just as quickly and everyone continued dancing.
Relena acted as a spectator and watched the events from her seat at her table. She watched as Heero led his girlfriend onto the dance floor, having danced with him a few times before Relena knew what it was like to be moving to the steady rhythm of the music in Heero's arms and she could relate to the emotions exposed on the girls face as he led her threw each dance. She sighed sorrowfully, wishing she could be in Heero's arms, dancing with him, just one more time. She propped her chin upon her hand and leant on the table surveying her blissful guests, everyone was happy, except for you, a voice in the back of her mind called to her.
She watched Heero move, his eyes locked onto the girl's, and for once she saw the stoic mask on his face disappear to be replaced with the mask of a young man in love, he smiled gently as they moved simultaneously, becoming one in their dance, the way they moved together. Heero's eyes glistened passionately resembling the passion that sparkled in the girl's, he was in love with the girl, and there was nothing she could do about it, nothing at all could she do to demolish the fire that blazed for the girl in his heart and eyes.
"Relena…" A voice called her out of her musings and she turned around to face Adam who was smiling down at her, his hand gestured towards hers. She accepted his offer, taking his hand in hers and being lead onto the dance floor.
The lead singer of the band announced to the audience that they were going to take a five-minute break to freshen up and walked off the stage, closely followed by the other members of the band and mingled with the other guests. Other music was put on whilst the band was off, but most guests left the floor and patiently waited for the band to continue from their seats.
Lafeia leant closer to Heero; he could feel her breath tickling his neck as she stepped onto tiptoes to whisper into his ear, "I need a break." He nodded and led her over to their table.
"Where are the restrooms?" Lafeia asked Hilde politely. Hilde gave her directions, telling her which corridors to follow.
"And then to your left should be a door with a toiletry sign placed on it." Hilde told her.
"Thank you." Lafeia said courteously, giving Heero a quick peck on the cheek before she headed to exit the room.
-8-
He watched her dance with admiration, she's a good dancer, he thought as she walked back to her seat with a young man once the band had stopped. His eyes followed her to the door as he danced with Relena still in his arms. This is my chance…
"Excuse me Relena, thank you very much for dancing with me, but I must leave you now, your party has been the highlight of my week and I am truly sorry to have to leave it, but regretfully I must be somewhere else." He told her.
"But of course, Adam. Thank you very much for coming." Relena leant forward kissing him lightly on the lips and walked back to her table without glancing back at him. Adam was unaffected by the kiss, if only it had come from someone else, he watched the door longingly, before striding swiftly towards it.
Following Hilde's directions, Lafeia walked along the long, eerily quiet corridors, feeling a shiver run through her body she glanced warily around her. She had a strange feeling that she was being watched and her conscience was telling her that something dangerous was about to take place within the walls of this building. Sensing the tension in the atmosphere she whirled around glancing behind her, trying to locate the presence she could feel. What is up with this hall, it is so creepy. So quiet, yet not silent. Something is not right. She continued walking down the hall in order to find the restrooms still feeling the mysterious presence around her.
Hearing a light click come from behind her she halted in pure terror, was that the sound of someone cocking a gun?
He followed her down the corridor quietly, ducking behind every large object to hide him from her eyes, no use being caught now… She spun around quickly, dammit! He thought diving behind a large statue of a bird, or at least he thought it was a bird. Her eyes darted around wildly. She is onto me; I've got to do this soon. He trailed her shadows further along the hall until he got nearer to the specific point where he had planned for everything to happen. Now! He thought removing his gun from the back of his pants, he cocked the gun hastily and watched as she froze suddenly, her body becoming rigid as she swung around to confront him. Her pupils contracted as she took him in, her eyes widening with horror. For moments, she just stared at him, incapable of moving as the shock spread all the way through her body.
"Adam…" she choked, her voice breaking.
Lafeia glared at the boy she had once known so well, it had been seven years since she had seen him and here he was greeting her by pointing a gun towards her.
"So you do remember me." He laughed dangerously, his handsome steel eyes cold and hard as he glared at her callously. "I really thought you wouldn't, after all, it has been what… seven years since you ran out on me. You ran out of my life completely, not even sparing me a proper goodbye, I felt so betrayed by my best friend. You left me to deal with all that mess you made, you left me to deal with the consequences." He laughed again cruelly, not caring to hold back the bitterness in his voice. His eyes blazing with anger, and something else, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was. "So how's it feel Lafeia? How does it feel to be betrayed by someone you thought was a friend, an ally?"
"I, I don't understand what you're saying Adam." She stuttered glaring up at him in confusion.
"Liar!" he shouted, striking out at her with his fist. A burning pain shot across her mouth and her head jerked violently to one side. She staggered backwards hitting her head against the wall with all the force he had thrown at her. She gasped and clasped her hand over her face looking up at her old friend in disbelief. "Don't try to deny this Lafeia. You know only too well what I'm talking about."
"No Adam I don't." she said raising her voice trying to convince him. Once again, she felt the sharp pain across her face and the coppery taste of blood form in her mouth. She felt her body give way to the pain and slide down with her back to the wall, onto the ground. She looked at him hurt and perplexed from his irrational behaviour. This is not the Adam I know.
"I told you not to lie!" His voice was softer but still contained anger and bitter hatred, his eyes still blazing with wrath and the unknown emotion and if possible, they seemed to darken even more than they already were. She gazed into his eyes, which seemed to capture her in a way she could not have imagined, they contained so much darkness that it lured her in, she studied them closely and then gasped upon the realisation of the unknown… Love? No it couldn't be. Who would ever treat somebody they loved this way?
She saw the tears swell up in his eyes but he shook his head violently and they where gone, the love evident in his eyes, the tears, the wrath, anger, hatred, everything was gone. His face was emotionless, blank. He knelt down in front of her and she flinched nervously away from him as he touched her face softly.
"I'm sorry…," he said to her as he grabbed her constraining her movements. She retaliated frantically against him but the grip that held her was strong, and she couldn't move in this damned fitted dress of hers, nothing at all seemed to give, her body shrieked at her to continue to struggle, while her mind spoke more sensibly fighting would only drain her strength something she would definitely need for later. Suddenly she felt a wet cloth smother her breaths as she unwillingly breathed in the chloroform, she started struggling against him again, fighting to remove her face from the toxic substance, but she couldn't pull out of his vice-like grip and she was forced to draw in another raspy breath of the sickly scent of the chloroform. Her head started to spin as she struggled; fighting the drug with all her will power but eventually, she gave up the losing battle and slipped into darkness.
She was still in semi-consciousness as he carried her out one of the fire-escape doors and out into the Peacecraft grounds.
"Is she out?" she heard the voices, not clearly enough to identify their voices but enough so that she could make out what they where saying.
"Not completely, the chloroform only puts her in a semi-conscious state of mind."
"Okay good job Roster. Hartley finish the job please." Lafeia suddenly felt a stiff object hit the side of her, between the ribs. Her body screamed with the intensity of the pain as she crippled up, the pain doubling inside of her and causing her body to move into a small ball.
Heero… her mind screamed before the darkness drew completely into her mind swallowing her up into a dark void and releasing the pain that had such a firm grasp on her small body.
-8-
Heero suddenly sat upright at his table.
"Lafeia…" he whispered as he searched the area around him for her presence. Had she just called for him? He glanced back down at his watch for the hundredth time since she left the room. Where is she? What is taking her so long?
"Why's she taking so long?" Trowa asked him as if reading his mind; at times Heero felt his friend contained the psychic ability to do so.
"I don't know." Heero said honestly, his voice a little shaky and his tone containing anxiety he had hoped to withhold.
"I'll go to the bathrooms and see if she's okay." Dorothy told them then glancing down at Raven she asked, "Are you coming?"
Raven glanced at Trowa who nodded to her telling her to go, "Sure." She got up and walking alongside her friend and they left the room.
"How long has she been gone for?" asked Quatre, looking up at the band who had continued their performance a few minutes ago.
"Twenty two minutes." Heero replied glancing down at his watch. "Twenty-three now."
"How bout ya just keep your eyes glued to your watch?" joked Duo, "It'll save you the hassle of looking up." Heero glared daggers at him, silencing the braided man. Just trying to lighten the air around here, and look what I get, death looks from death himself. Hold on no! I am death, Heero's just I don't know, a zombie. Yeah as far as I know, zombies don't have emotions either. Duo thought as he glared back at Heero.
-8-
Raven and Dorothy walked back into the room unaccompanied, at this Heero's heart began to race rapidly.
"She's not there, are you sure you gave her the right directions." Raven asked Hilde.
"I'm positive." Hilde replied glancing nervously up to Heero who had already begun to rise out of his seat. "Heero…" she called after the Japanese man as he sprinted from the room.
"What's going on?" Relena asked as she approached their table.
"Lafeia…" Duo hesitated, gulping at the glares that where being directed at him from his friends, "…The girl Heero was with, well she's gone missing."
"Oh." Relena said a small frown falling upon her face as an awkward silence hung like a mist in the air.
'True love cannot be found where it truly does not exist, nor can it be hidden where it truly does.' -Anonymous
Do you see that little box down there with the 'submit review' text in it? Yeah? Great, now do you see the little 'go' button beside that? Yeah? Great, now press that and REVIEW PEOPLE! ahem Sorry, just please review, i need your reviews, ithrive of them lol.
I think i made Dorothy a little out of character, she's not her usual cheeky self lol, i'll fix that soon, don't worry.
Anyways... review and i'll love you forever!
Allura